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Things to Do in Cartagena
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Neighbourhoods • Historic Walking Areas
Points of Interest & Landmarks • Military Bases & Facilities
Points of Interest & Landmarks • Monuments & Statues
Ancient Ruins • Points of Interest & Landmarks
Points of Interest & Landmarks
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Points of Interest & Landmarks • Architectural Buildings
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Tours, activities and experiences bookable on Tripadvisor, ranked using exclusive Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, popularity, user preferences, price, and bookings made through Tripadvisor.
What travellers are saying
- tutupointeAntequera, Spain73 contributionsYou had to park a long way away so be prepared to walk and take water. However, once there the views are breath taking and it is amazing that it is still preserved. A shame they have closed certain parts.Written 27 February 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- BenZedRotterdam12 contributionsThese are the best beaches we have visited in a long time. Outside the high season, you can drive into the park. In the busiest months there is a shuttle bus, so you need to plan your trip better.Written 4 May 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- francien2015Rotterdam, The Netherlands1,008 contributionsThe theater of the romans is very restored in a delicate and appreciable manner. The acoustics of the theatre are amazing. Try whispering something on stage without anyone hearing it in the public seats...Written 9 May 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- Brenda B6 contributionsI love the whole city with its beautiful buildings and variety of shops and restaurants. We were only there for a few hours so we missed the Roman ruins and the lookout as the lift wasn't working, but plan to go again to this lively, lovely city next time we are in Spain. Nice walk along the harbour too.Written 9 May 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- MarcusHurleyBristol, UK8,282 contributionsThis part of the city is beautiful to walk around. There are some lovely turn of the century buildings, in various states of repair! Some are just a facade now and others are gorgeously intact and there is also some fabulous street art. Plenty of cafes give the opportunity to pause and absorb the area before moving on.Written 25 March 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- David BEl Barco de Avila, Spain511 contributionsThis was a very enjoyable visit. You go in through a modern museum which protects key finds from the site such as wall paintings, but also shows the remarkably well preserved remains of the Curia, complete with floor tiles. You then go outside and wander through the forum and the adjoining buildings. It is a very complete visit and leaves you wondering what might be hidden under the surrounding buildings. After all the Molinete hill (which was the centre of the original Carthaginian settlement) is now an archaeological site, but was previously covered by a shanty town and red light district.Written 15 March 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- Jan LouisTessenderlo, Belgium187 contributionsInteresting woods (with an ancient history from the African continent) and a 45min walk. Rather interesting place to visit. Lovely views on the bay area, Portman village and lagoon. During this period the yellow flowered bushes smell subtle but delicious.Written 23 February 2020This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- Ronald LDenver, CO2,338 contributionsWalked to the Naval Museum. Models of sailing ships, uniforms, clothing, weapons, armament, navigation, torpedoes, and mines. Also a timeline, from early 1500’s to 2015, detailing participation of the Spanish navy in world events. Information in Spanish and English.
Walked next door to second Naval Museum, this one specializing in Submarine service in Spain, starting with Peral’s electric sub from 1888. They also have a collection of approximately 40 model sailing ships collected by Julio Castelo Matran. The Peral sub was the first military vessel to be built in a Spanish Naval shipyard using a steel hull. In 1890 it was the first sub to fire a torpedo underwater. On June 7, 1890, it sailed 1 hr. at 10 meters depth and emerged at pre-established coordinates.Written 8 March 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC. - francien2015Rotterdam, The Netherlands1,008 contributionsThe Museum of subaquatic archeology is the only one in its kind. It offers inspiring insights on the way marine archeology functions and what it can learn us. Next to that is has some amazing finds...Written 9 May 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- floristflolondon20 contributionsWe visited on 9/11.. This piece is dedicated to all those that have lost their lives around the world to terrorism.
Huge thoughtful man.. Deep in sorrow.Written 8 July 2021This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC. - David BEl Barco de Avila, Spain511 contributionsThe museum protects a small stretch of Carthaginian wall as well as the crypt of a mediaeval church. The visit commences with an informative video covering the role of the Carthaginians in founding Cartagena and the subsequent conquest by the Romans. It also describes building techniques . This was all very interesting and although this is quite a short visit we thought it was worthwhile.Written 15 March 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- SteveKLos Angeles, CA179 contributionsWow, what a gem. Well worth the visit if you’re interested in this history. I could’ve spent way more than the 1.5 hours I spent before they closed.
They have an awful lot of stuff. Half is presented with Spanish-only minimalistic captions. These are the “Here’s a bunch of stuff” sections. Cool if you can navigate in some meaningful way on your own.
Then there are sections with big, new, easy to read placards with well-written, concise English that includes technical specifications. They’ve done a brilliant job with these placards. Kudos. These placards generally cover the big ticket artifacts.
Museum lacks broader narrative on how things fit into operational or strategic considerations. Some placards for specific artifacts do discuss tactical relevance.
Refreshing to see Spanish Civil War discussed (a bit) and not omitted like other museums.
As of the day I visited, 9 December 2020, this museum is open 10am-2pm. Another military museum nearby, the Naval Museum of Cartagena, is also open the same hours. I suspect most people interested in this history would combine both in the same day as I did. Not enough time. I wish these museums found a way to make that work.
As such, I was rushed on the second floor which contains a really wonderful history of the harbor defenses. The historical writing was informative in the English translations. Really easy to follow especially with superb, large defensive fortification models. Just leave time!
Also upstairs are lots of uniforms. Then you turn a corner into a models section. I didn’t appreciate what this meant. Lots of models. As in, literally, the Guinness Book of World Records holder for largest collection of military models (as of 2012). It’s not just quantity, this is a qualitative collection and I wish I’d had more time with it.
I don’t understand why this museum doesn't appear on every list of “Things to do” for not just the city but the whole region. Whoever added all those new placards that are so informative and easy to read (and well-translated) kicked this museum from a collection of stuff to a truly educational experience. Thank you for having me.Written 9 December 2020This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC. - Ronald BThe Hague, The Netherlands2,262 contributionsA beautiful building that only can be admired at the outside. The tourist board has to provide possibilities for visits inside.Written 14 January 2020This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- francien2015Rotterdam, The Netherlands1,008 contributionsThe roman remains of this house on one of the Roman streets really provides an insight in the life of the Romans in this city. Beautiful wall paintings..Written 9 May 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- JohnlobsterMorpeth, UK2,521 contributionsDid not have a swim here but had a lovely stroll along the beach. It is a very attractive spot and we enjoyed our time there.Written 31 October 2019This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cartagena
- The top attractions to visit in Cartagena are: See all attractions in Cartagena on Tripadvisor
- The best outdoor activities in Cartagena according to Tripadvisor travellers are: See all outdoor activities in Cartagena on Tripadvisor
- The best day trips from Cartagena according to Tripadvisor travellers are:
- Private Shore Excursion Cartagena and La Manga Tour
- Murcia Full Day Private Tour from Cartegena
- Special Murcia and Cartagena Shore Excursion Private Tour
- Full Day Gastronomic and Cultural Tour in Cartagena
- La Manga and Cartagena private tour with Cabo de Palos Lighthouse visit
- The most popular things to do in Cartagena with children according to Tripadvisor travellers are:
- Playa de Calblanque
- Museo Foro Romano Molinete
- Bateria de Castillitos
- Museo Del Teatro Romano
- Calle Mayor