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Colombia

Cartagena

Cartagena is moderately safe for solo female travelers. Most of the tourist areas are well-policed and are generally safe during the day. However, like any city, care should be taken especially at night. There can be cases of petty crime and scams targeted at tourists. It's always recommended to stay in populated areas, be aware of your surroundings, and avoid displaying expensive jewelleries or gadgets. Taking city-approved taxis or rideshares, rather than hailing one off the street, is also advised for added safety.

Cartagena is currently ranked #40 safest place for solo female travellers. Check the full ranking.

4.6 /5

Based on 15 experiences

3.5 /5

Based on research and crime data

Safety at night:Moderate

Cartagena is generally safe, especially in touristic areas like the Old City and Bocagrande. However, solo female travelers should exercise caution particularly at night. As public transportation is not reliable, using Uber or a taxi ordered from a reliable source is recommended. Additionally, it's always important to stay in well-lit, busy streets and avoid deserted areas. Keep in mind that local assistance is available should you feel unsafe.

Public transportation: Moderate

Public transportation in Cartagena has its pros and cons. Buses and taxis are generally safe during daylight hours but caution must be exercised especially at night. Things can be chaotic due to the city's congested traffic. Always make sure to use licensed taxis, preferably ones booked through your hotel or a reliable app. For a more secure experience, using a trusted ride-hailing service like Uber is advisable.

Street harassment: Low

Cartagena is generally a safe city with friendly locals. However, while street harassment isn't rampant, it does happen occasionally, mainly in the form of catcalling or persistent vendors. Always stay vigilant, especially in crowded and touristy areas.

Petty crimes:Moderate

Cartagena, like any other major city, has its share of petty crimes. Common ones include pickpocketing and bag snatching, especially in crowded areas and tourist spots. It is generally safe, however, reasonable precaution like keeping your belongings close and avoiding deserted areas, especially at night, will help keeping such incidences at bay.

Tap water:Unsafe

Tap water in Cartagena is generally not recommended for tourists to drink. While it's treated, locals are accustomed to the bacteria it may contain but tourists are usually not. While the risk isn't extremely high, bottled or purified water is the safer choice to avoid stomach issues.

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4.2 /5

based on 15 experiences

Things to do

4.5/5

Safety

4.6/5

Food

4.6/5

Budget-friendly

3.7/5

Solo travel experience

I went to Cartagena on my own and had a lovely time and there were no problems at all. I used common sense and walked in well-lit areas, main streets, etc. but really I didn't feel unsafe. Lots of tourists and the locals were very nice. I stayed in a great Airbnb in Getsemani area, and the owners were very helpful. I ate out alone every night and no one bothered me. The only thing I didn't feel comfortable doing alone was going out dancing at night, I kind of missed that, but thought I would probably attract lots of attention.

Posted: October 13, 2023

Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 5/5Safety: 5/5

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Solo travel experience

Everyone was super nice, everything was cheap, and the food was amazing. The only downsides were that no one spoke English and it was humid. I never felt unsafe.

Posted: October 11, 2023

Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 5/5Safety: 5/5

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Solo travel experience

I recently traveled alone to Cartagena and I recommend staying in the Getsemaní neighborhood. It's quite lively, with good nightlife, and food options, and very close to the Historic Center. Also, before ordering a service or making a purchase, ask for the price beforehand, as sometimes they can overcharge you.

Posted: September 4, 2023

Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 5/5Safety: 5/5

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Solo travel experience

I felt very safe the entire time I was in Cartagena and its surrounding areas. However, I got pestered by local vendors to buy things but I just ignored them and moved on.

Posted: August 13, 2023

Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 4/5Safety: 5/5

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Solo travel experience

I went on my first solo trip to Cartagena for my birthday. I had an amazing time from horseback riding, getting a mud bath in a volcano, going to Palenque, exploring the city, and partying. I had an amazing time and felt safe.

Posted: August 8, 2023

Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 4/5Safety: 5/5

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Solo travel experience

Cartagena was beautiful but I couldn’t stand the scammers and people constantly trying to sell you shit. You can’t even have lunch outside because they come to your table the entire lunch. Beautiful city but not going back.

Posted: July 26, 2023

Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 5/5Safety: 5/5

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Solo travel experience

The food was excellent, and the locals were very friendly. I had many chances to practice and improve my Spanish skills and even had some great conversations. However, the place was loaded with vendors, and it was tough to enjoy the beach or walk around the tourist street without being constantly pestered by them. I also got ripped off a few times, such as when I was charged an exorbitant amount for drinks and shrimp, or when I had to pay a hefty fee for the waiter's service at a beach table.

Posted: April 30, 2023

Things to do: 4/5Food: 4/5Budget-friendly: 4/5Safety: 4/5

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Solo travel experience

Cartagena was pretty and interesting but still probably one of my least favorite places in Colombia. It was definitely the most stressful place I went to in Colombia. The beach was insane but also crowded and full of pushy vendors so I didn’t hang out there much. Gethsemani was cool, but walking around the tourist sites in other parts of the city I was constantly hit up to buy trinkets.

Posted: April 30, 2023

Things to do: 3/5Food: 4/5Budget-friendly: 4/5Safety: 4/5

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Solo travel experience

Cartagena was beautiful but I found it really expensive and not as exciting after I had done all the other destinations in Colombia.

Posted: April 29, 2023

Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 2/5Safety: 5/5

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Solo travel experience

I went to Cartagena with my best friend and we had a blast. We used taxis, and they were super easy. We did a day pass Bora Bora beach club, did a cooking class, went to the mud volcano, did a sunset cruise with an open bar, and I also did a photoshoot. We had an amazing time.

Posted: April 10, 2023

Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 5/5Safety: 5/5

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Celia

About Me

Hi, I'm Celia. I'm 24 years old. I'm new to traveling solo. I have lived in a foreign country for a month. I like adventures, vintage fashion, art, and food from different cultures.

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