CityBuddy
Plaza de los Coches
Best time to visit
Late afternoon (4-6 PM) when the heat softens and golden light washes over the colonial facades. Early mornings are quieter if you prefer photos without crowds.
Budget tips
The plaza is free to enter and explore anytime. Bring a few thousand Colombian pesos for a fresh coconut water or limonada de coco from the vendors under the porticoes.
Recommended for
History lovers, Photography enthusiasts, Solo travelers, Couples
Plan your visit
30-45 minutes
About
Quick facts: Horse-drawn carriages once lined this plaza, giving it its name meaning "Square of the Carriages." At its center stands a statue of Pedro de Heredia, the Spanish conquistador who founded Cartagena in 1533.
Highlights: Look up at the buildings surrounding the plaza and you will spot wooden balconies painted in vibrant yellows and blues, each with a different carved design. Those balconies tell the story of Cartagena's colonial merchant class, who built their homes and shops here to be close to the port's trading action.
Insider tips
- Arrive at sunrise to photograph the empty plaza when the cobblestones are still wet from the morning cleaning.
- Grab a table at Café San Pedro on the northwest corner for the best people-watching position under the arches.
- Skip midday visits between 11 AM and 2 PM when the tropical sun bakes the open square with no shade.
- Watch for the horse-drawn carriages that still circle the plaza and offer 30-minute tours of the old city walls.
Where to Stay in Cartagena
Selected by City Buddy based on guest reviews and proximity to top attractions
Search all hotels in CartagenaPowered by agoda
Have you heard of free walking tours?
After traveling to 30+ countries, there's one thing I wish someone had told me from day one, and it completely changed how I experience new cities.
Free walking tours. Yes, actually free. No credit card needed. No catch.
Local guide, 2-3 hours
Major sights, hidden gems, local stories
100% tip-based
Guides earn only tips, so they give their absolute best
You tip what feels right
At the end, just tip whatever you feel is right
I've done these in dozens of cities and they've been the highlight of almost every trip. If you're visiting Cartagena, Colombia, do this on your first day. You'll thank me later.
