10 Unmissable Things to Do in Cartagena, Spain (2025 Travel Guide)
Planning a trip to Cartagena, Spain? This coastal gem in the Murcia region is packed with ancient history, scenic views, and charming streets. Whether you’re exploring Roman ruins, enjoying fresh seafood by the marina, or just relaxing on the beach, Cartagena is one of the best day trips from Alicante or Murcia.
We’ve visited the city of Cartagena a couple of times and it’s a really interesting place to visit with a lot of history to learn about and plenty of fun and educational things to do.
In this Cartagena Spain travel guide, discover the top 10 unmissable things to do in Cartagena, Spain – perfect for families, solo travelers, and history lovers alike.
Quick Answer: What are the best things to do in Cartagena, Spain?
Visit the Roman Theater, explore ARQUA Maritime Museum, walk to Castillo de la Concepción for stunning views, relax at Cala Cortina beach, and take a scenic boat tour around the harbor. Cartagena is full of history, architecture, and coastal charm – perfect for a day trip.
Where is Cartagena?
The city of Cartagena is the second-most important city in the region of Murcia and one of the oldest cities in Spain. Located on the Costa Calida, Cartagena is only 30 minutes away from the city of Murcia, and around 1h 20 minutes from the city of Alicante.
Interesting facts about Cartagena
- Cartagena has been continuously inhabited since 227 BC, making it one of the oldest cities in Spain with over 2,000 years of rich history.
- The city is home to one of the largest natural harbours in the Mediterranean, which has made it a key strategic naval port throughout history.
- Cartagena is a major base for the Spanish Navy, housing its primary military arsenal and submarine fleet.
- You can still see bullet holes from the Spanish Civil War in the walls of Cartagena’s grand Palacio Consistorial (Town Hall).
🌍 Planning Your Visit to Cartagena?
If you’re ready to starting booking your Cartagena holiday, these links may help…
- ✈️ Book cheap flights and hotels on Expedia
- 🚖 Prebook airport transfers with HolidayTaxis
- 🏨 Check Cartagena hotel reviews on TripAdvisor
- 🎟️ Reserve Cartagena tours on GetYourGuide
Cartagena is the perfect destination for a day trip so if you are thinking of visiting the city, here are some of the best things to do in Cartagena…
Some of the links below include affiliate links, meaning that if you make a purchase via these links we will earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Explore the Roman Theater – Top Historical Site in Cartagena
Let’s start our list with a must-do in Cartagena. The one thing you have to make sure you do on a day trip to Cartagena is visit the Roman Theater. This 2,000 year old theater was only discovered in 1988, underneath the ruins of the Old Cathedral, which was destroyed during the Spanish Civil War. It’s mind-blowing to think that no one knew it was here before that!
From the top of the theater you can take in the fantastic view of the stage – it’s amazing how clearly you can hear people on the stage from all the way at the back. You’re also allowed to walk across the stage to get a feel for how many people would have been watching the shows from their seats.
Most of the theater has been restored, with more excavation still going on to see what else there could be under the neighbouring buildings.
In the adjoining museum you can find out all about the history of the theater, how it was discovered, and also look at lots of artifacts found at the site.
Tickets are only €6 per person and you can buy them here.
Visit ARQUA – Spain’s National Museum of Underwater Archaeology
There’s a lot of maritime history to learn about in Cartagena as this area of Spain used to be a trade route into Africa and the Middle East. Cartagena’s underwater archaeology museum, ARQUA, has a large collection of artifacts recovered from shipwrecks in the area over the last 500 hundred years.
You can learn about the processes of marine archaeology, how to locate and excavate an underwater site, and how to restore the remains that are recovered.
There are interactive displays for the kids to enjoy, a laboratory area, models of how the port would have looked over 2,000 years ago, as well as lots of display cases full of treasure found from shipwrecks.
Entry to the museum is free on Saturday afternoons and Sundays so it’s a good idea to plan a visit at the weekend.
Walk to Castillo de la Concepción for the Best City Views
For amazing views of the city, head to the Castillo de la Concepción at the highest point of Cartagena, one of the top things to see in Cartagena. The castle is a Roman temple turned into a Moorish fortification, eventually turned into a fortress by the Christians.
You can get to the top via the glass lift or you can walk the road way, taking in the great views over the city as you go. Once at the top you can wander around the gardens, visit the museum and look out towers, and stop to rest in plenty of picturesque areas.
This location should definitely be added to your Cartagena itinerary.
Admire the Palacio Consistorial – A Modernist Masterpiece
If you like Spanish buildings, you’ll really enjoy the Modernist architecture in Cartagena. The 100 year old town hall, Palacio Consistorial, in the centre of Plaza del Ayuntamiento is one building you must see and somewhere that should be at the top of your list of places to visit in Cartagena. You’re allowed to go inside to admire the sweeping marble staircase, plus there are also English speaking tours for only €1 where you’ll be shown around the building, including a visit to the Mayor’s office.
The Palacio Consistorial has been restored well, but if you take a closer look you can still see bullet holes on the outside from the Civil War.
Relax at Cala Cortina – Cartagena’s Hidden Beach Gem
Cartagena isn’t known for it’s beaches but does have one hidden beach Cala Cortina, which is 4km from the city centre. This small sandy bay has several bars, restaurants, play areas, and a picnic area, and is definitely one of Cartagena’s top tourist attractions. If you want a relaxing day without sightseeing this is a good place to go. The beach does get quite busy in the summer but not as much as some of the more touristy beaches nearby.
Take a Cartagena Walking Tour to Learn Local History
If you want to get to know Cartagena better, a great way to see some of the most interesting places in the city is by booking a walking tour.
You will get the chance to stroll through the streets and see some of the best attractions in Cartagena.
The best part? You can book a Guided Private Walking Tour of Cartagena to make sure you get to see everything you want to see!
Hop on the Tourist Bus for Easy Cartagena Sightseeing
A great way to see the city without having to walk for miles is to hop on the Bus Turistico – a double decker tourist bus with panoramic views of Cartagena. We really enjoyed our trip on this tourist bus and it made sightseeing in hot weather (and with a child!) much more manageable.
For just €7 per person you will take a 45 minute trip around the city to do some Cartagena sightseeing with commentary in several languages. You’ll hear lots of historical information and interesting facts about Cartagena, as well as passing by some of the top Cartagena attractions.
You can stay on the bus for the whole trip or jump off at Cala Cortina beach for 45 minutes before jumping back on to finish the tour.
Buy your tickets for the Cartagena Bus Turistico here.
Take a Scenic Boat Trip Around Cartagena’s Historic Harbour
A boat trip is a brilliant way to see Cartagena from the sea. There are lots of boat trips from the marina every day, one of the more popular ones is the Barco Turistico (Tourist Boat). The Tourist Boat is one of the most ways to see Cartagena, you’ll get to sail past castles, fortresses, lighthouses, and docks. The guide is given in various languages so is suitable for everyone.
On this boat trip you can stop off at Fuerta de Navidad (Christmas Fort) where you’ll learn more about the military history of Cartagena. Afterwards you can finish your trip around the harbour.
The boat trip costs €6 and lasts for about 45 minutes but you can stay at the Fort for as long as you like.
Where to Eat in Cartagena – Tapas, Local Food & Nightlife
Something you have to do in every Spanish city you visit is sample the local delicacies. Cartagena’s narrow streets are full of amazing tapas bars and restaurants, as well as lots more restaurants and cafes in the Plaza del Ayuntamiento .
There’s even a great Tapas Tour around the city if you want to be shown the best food on offer by a local guide – this is a great activity for groups or special occasions.
If you’re after ideas of what to do in Cartagena at night, a wander through the city centre’s streets will take to past lots of great bars and restaurants.
Best Places to Shop in Cartagena Spain
The main shopping street in Cartagena is Calle Mayor, running from the port up into the town. The narrow streets around the city centre are full of unique clothes and gift shops, and there’s also a shopping mall if you want to visit some more well known stores. Espacio Mediterraneo Centro Comercial has all the popular high street shops like H&M, Zara, Primark, and more.
If you fancy picking up some local delicacies you can also visit the indoor market where you can have a tour and taste some of the produce.
Where to stay in Cartagena
For anyone looking for accommodation in Cartagena, take a look at these latest deals on hotels, apartments, villas, and Airbnb’s:
Booking.comIf you’re looking for a city with plenty of history, Cartagena is definitely worth a visit. We hope some of these suggestions will give you some good ideas of what to do in Cartagena on your next family road trip!
For more ideas, and to book tickets, tours, experiences and activities in Cartagena, visit Get Your Guide.
FAQs about Cartagena, Spain
Yes! Cartagena is rich in Roman history, coastal views, museums, and tapas culture. It’s a must-see in the Murcia region.
Absolutely. Cartagena is 30 minutes from Murcia and about 1 hour 20 minutes from Alicante, making it ideal for a day trip.
Don’t miss the Roman Theater, ARQUA Museum, Castillo de la Concepción, and Cala Cortina beach.
Yes! With interactive museums, beaches, and walking tours, it’s a very family-friendly destination.
Cartagena is a safe city for travelers, including solo visitors and families. Just follow normal safety practices, especially at night.
The best time to visit Cartagena is spring (April–June) and autumn (September–October) when temperatures are warm but not too hot. Summer can be very warm and crowded.
