Cartagena

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Top 10 attractions in Cartagena

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City of Arts and Sciences
2026 Global 100 - Family-friendly Attractions

City of Arts and Sciences

6.9
4.7/5
257 reviews
• Have three unique sub-attractions, a must-see architectural complex full of artistic beauty in Valencia • Cover an area of ​​more than 350,000 square meters with unique architectural style, a paradise for photography and art lovers • The white buildings complement the blue sky and lake. Every frame can become a beautiful scene captured by the camera △ Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias consists of three main attractions, namely Museu de les Ciencies, Hemisferic, and Oceanographic △ The Hemisfèric is the largest projection hall in Spain, measuring more than 900 m² and having three different projection systems. △ The Oceanogràfic is the largest aquarium in Europe and home to more than 500 species. Come and meet Kylu, the only young beluga whale that can be found in Europe.Spain · Valencia
Mirador de San Nicolás
No. 2 of Night Attractions in Granada

Mirador de San Nicolás

6.1
4.7/5
51 reviews
San Nicolas Viewpoint is an ideal spot to enjoy panoramic views of the Alhambra. This viewpoint is famous for its magnificent sunset views and attracts many tourists and photography enthusiasts. The Albaicin district where the viewpoint is located is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with narrow streets and traditional Andalusian architecture, which makes for a unique experience. San Nicolas Viewpoint can be reached on foot from the city center or by local bus, and you can enjoy the unique style of Granada during the walk. There are many cafes and restaurants near the viewpoint, where tourists can enjoy local food and experience authentic Spanish culture. Tourists are advised to arrive in the evening to occupy a good position to watch the sunset. Due to the popularity of the viewpoint, it is recommended to plan your trip in advance, especially during the peak tourist season. The viewpoint has a large open space, but you still need to pay attention to the safety of your personal belongings.Spain · Granada
Castle of Santa Barbara
No. 1 of Best Things to Do in Alicante

Castle of Santa Barbara

5.5
4.8/5
31 reviews
Santa Barbara Castle was established in the 16th century, and the history of this area goes back even further. Items from the Iberian and Roman periods of the Bronze Age have been found on the mountain. Now, the castle has become a landmark of Alicante. There is an elevator on the side near the sea, but there is a charge for taking the elevator in the mountains, and it is free when you get down. There are many paths behind the castle to climb to the castle, and the top can overlook the whole city and the seaside. After coming down you can stroll around the beach, interestingly, you can see the face of a Moor when you stand at the entrance of the beach and look at the castle.Alicante · 92.4 km from Cartagena
Queen's square
No. 5 of Best Things to Do in Valencia

Queen's square

5.1
4.4/5
53 reviews
Queen's square is located in the heart of the old town. It is a fully pedestrianized historic square, situated exactly on the site of the forum of the ancient Roman city of Valencia from over 2,000 years ago. The Turia Fountain in the square is cast in bronze. The reclining river god symbolizes the Turia River that nourishes the Valencia plain, and the surrounding female statues represent the ancient irrigation canals fed by the river. During the Las Fallas festival every March, a giant statue of the Virgin Mary is erected in the square, and the Offering of Flowers to the Virgin Mary also takes place here. Flowers are inserted one by one to form the Virgin's cloak, and within a few days, the square transforms into a sea of flowers. On ordinary days, the open-air cafes by the square are a great place to take a break while exploring the old town.Spain · Valencia
Playa de la Zenia

Playa de la Zenia

3.3
Orihuela · 41 km from Cartagena
Plaza del Ayuntamiento
No. 11 of Best Things to Do in Valencia

Plaza del Ayuntamiento

4.5
4.0/5
36 reviews
In the city center of Valencia, Spain, the City Hall Square occupies an important position. It is a concentrated embodiment of the city's vitality and heritage.​The square was built in the 19th century and is surrounded by iconic buildings of various styles, showing traces of the past. Among them, the City Hall building adopts the neoclassical style, with white marble as the main material. The exterior walls are carved with exquisite reliefs and sculptures, interpreting historical stories and myths and legends, solemn and elegant. The towering bell tower on the top of the building reaches the sky and becomes the eye-catching visual focus of the square. The post office, on the other hand, presents a neo-baroque style, showing a unique artistic charm. In the center of the square, a large fountain is eye-catching. In the clear pool, the fountain is elegantly shaped, and the water splashes crystal clear under the sunlight. The changing light and shadow add a lively atmosphere to the square, attracting many citizens and tourists to stop here.​Spain · Valencia
Playa Castellar

Playa Castellar

2.4
Murcia · 27.1 km from Cartagena
Balcon de Europa
No. 2 of Best Things to Do in Axarquia

Balcon de Europa

4.5
5.0/5
3 reviews
Balcon de Europais a renowned viewing platform located in Nerja, in the Andalusia region of Spain, attracting countless visitors who come to admire the magnificent views of the Mediterranean Sea.Balcon de Europais said to have been named after a visit by King Alfonso XII of Spain, who was so moved by the beauty of the place that he called it the "balcony of Europe." Today, it has become one of the symbols of Nerja, where visitors can stroll along the platform, enjoy the gentle sea breeze, and take in unparalleled sunrise or sunset views. The surrounding area is also full of life, with cafes, restaurants, and shops lining the streets, offering a variety of authentic Spanish cuisine and souvenirs. After enjoying a delicious seafood meal, visitors can wander through the cobblestone alleys to experience the unique charm of Nerja.Balcon de Europais not only a scenic spot but also the center of cultural activities in Nerja, often hosting concerts and festivals that provide visitors with a rich cultural experience.Spain · Nerja
Malvarrosa Beach (Valencia)
No. 14 of Best Things to Do in Valencia

Malvarrosa Beach (Valencia)

4.3
4.5/5
36 reviews
Malvarrosa beach (Valencia) is located in the east of Valencia and is a well-known local resort beach, where you can sunbathe, play beach volleyball, surf and more on the soft white sand. The annual Spanish Aircraft Show is also held here, where you can enjoy the aerobatics of the Spanish Air Force above the beach.Spain · Valencia
Casas Colgadas de Cuenca
No. 2 of Family-friendly Attractions in Castilla-La Mancha

Casas Colgadas de Cuenca

4.3
4.6/5
68 reviews
The ancient city of Cuenca was selected as a World Heritage Site for its well-preserved fortified medieval city and wonderful vertical layout. Surrounded by rivers on both sides of the ancient city, deep valleys are formed under the erosion of the river, and the city is magically built on the slope. The old quarter of Cuenca is considered to be the most magnificent old town in Spain.Spain · Cuenca

Experiences you can't miss in Cartagena

Featured Cultural experiences in Cartagena

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Cartagena self-guided audio walking tour (10 stops, approx. 2 hrs)
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Duration: 2 hrs
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Top Alicante: Private guided tour with your mobile
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Duration: 1.5 hrs
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Orihuela Audio Tour: A Harmonious Journey Through History and Culture
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Duration: 1 hr
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Murcia Highlights Audio Tour: Baroque Splendor and Historical Treasures
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Duration: 3 hrs
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Elche Audio Tour: Elche's Cultural Pathway
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Cartagena : Roman Theatre Museum Entry Ticket
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4.7/5
· 110 reviews
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Alicante Highlights Audio Tour: Historic Heart and Coastal Charm
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Mojácar: Casa de la Canana Museum Tour
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4.4/5
· 7 reviews
Duration: 30 mins
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Featured Food & drink in Cartagena

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Savor Alicante: Premium Wine Tasting and Tapas for Foodies
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5.0/5
· 36 reviews
Duration: 3 hrs
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36 consecutive positive reviews
From£116.67
Alicante Historic Small Group Tour with Tapas Tasting
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4.8/5
· 459 reviews
Duration: 150 mins
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22 consecutive positive reviews
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Alicante: Craft Beer Tasting at Santa Barbara Castle
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4.7/5
· 27 reviews
Duration: 1 hr
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Alicante: Food Walking Tour with Wine Tasting and Tapas
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4.6/5
· 5 reviews
Duration: 3 hrs
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Alicante: Chocolate and Nougat Tasting
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Alicante City, Beach & Central Market with Sampling
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4.9/5
· 8 reviews
Duration: 2.5 hrs
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Alicante: Tapas & Bike tour (small groups)
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5.0/5
· 8 reviews
Duration: 3–4 hrs
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Alicante: Santa Bárbara Castle Wine Tasting & Tapas
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4.4/5
· 33 reviews
Duration: 45 mins
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Featured Outdoor experiences in Cartagena

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Cabo de Palos: Kayak Sightseeing Tour with Snorkeling
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4.8/5
· 5 reviews
Duration: 2 hrs
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Mar Menor: Boat Tour of the 5 Volcanic Islands
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4.9/5
· 35 reviews
Duration: 2.5 hrs
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97.1% of travelers recommend
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Cartagena: Guided boat route to Isla de las Palomas
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4.9/5
· 13 reviews
Duration: 1.5 hrs
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Astronomy Night in Finca Astronomica, Cartagena, Murcia
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5.0/5
· 1 review
Duration: 5 hrs
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Sunset Sailing + Paddle Surf + Dip in the Sea
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5.0/5
· 2 reviews
Duration: 2 hrs
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Calasparra: Almadenes Canyon Rafting with Caves and Rock Art
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4.7/5
· 6 reviews
Duration: 3 hrs
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La Manga: Route across two seas to Isla Grosa and Farallón
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4.7/5
· 3 reviews
Duration: 165 mins
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Mar Menor 5 Islands Route
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4.8/5
· 13 reviews
Duration: 1.5 hrs
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Free things to do in Cartagena

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What travelers say about Cartagena

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罗罗和宝宝June 8, 2025
5.0
This is my favorite science museum. The exterior is stunning, and the interior exhibits and interactions are very good. It was the first time I learned that Leonardo da Vinci was a genius who could do everything, including architecture, painting, sculpture, anatomy, and bridge building. It was the first time I learned about the moon and Mars. It was the first time I learned about genes. There were too many interactions. The children were especially hi

City of Arts and Sciences

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MaryJoy Dela Cruz GonzalesJanuary 6, 2023
4.0
San Nicolas Square (Plaza de San Nicolas) is a lively place any time of day, with craftsmen, flamenco dancers, and street musicians setting up along the paving stones to entertain visitors. At dusk, crowds of locals and tourists turn out to watch the sunset over the palace grounds before adjourning to restaurants and tea shops on nearby Elvira Street. 

Mirador de San Nicolás

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_TX***auApril 19, 2024
5.0
great hike, absolute spectacular views as you can see 1000% worth the experience, approx take 30-1 hour to get up there. museums as well but didn’t go in them.

Castle of Santa Barbara

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小思文August 11, 2020
4.0
A large square facility in Valencia, Plaza de la Virgen is also quite attractive to tourists. The square has very ancient architectural customs. Here you can also experience a lot of strong Spanish-style food and some small souvenir shops. I like the restaurants here very much☁️

Queen's square

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乖小咪April 28, 2020
5.0
The Plaza Mayor in Valencia is a huge square in front of the town hall. Surrounding it are some ancient buildings. The most famous one is the Valencia Town Hall. This is the absolute center of the city. It is very lively and an important tourist attraction. It is worth a visit.

Plaza del Ayuntamiento

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dinamamaFebruary 2, 2022
5.0
It is so beautiful here. The weather in Northern Europe is very cold, but here the sun is shining brightly with no clouds in the sky. The temperature is 22 degrees. The sea and sky are as clean as if they were washed. From the balcony of Europe, you can see Africa.

Balcon de Europa

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M15***77October 29, 2019
5.0
This is the most famous beach in Malaysia. The coastline here is very long and the sea water is very clear. It is a very good choice to sunbathe on the beach. The beach is also very soft. There are also many good restaurants around.

Malvarrosa Beach (Valencia)

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翱翔的大鲨鱼May 6, 2020
4.0
Such a fine city only operated for a few decades. After the Spanish arrived, they destroyed and abandoned it. The stones of the buildings in the city were taken away to build churches and houses. In the 1970s, the Ecuadorian authorities began to carry out conservation and archaeological work in the ancient city of Cuenca. Some people also returned the stones and piled them in the city. But many of the ones I saw had holes in them because they were used as foundations for building houses.

Casas Colgadas de Cuenca

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Frequently asked questions

What are the must-do things in Cartagena?

Don't miss these attractions in Cartagena: City of Arts and Sciences, Mirador de San Nicolás, and Castle of Santa Barbara. If you like Cultural experiences, try Cartagena self-guided audio walking tour (10 stops, approx. 2 hrs). If you enjoy Food & drink, try Savor Alicante: Premium Wine Tasting and Tapas for Foodies.

You can give Savor Alicante: Premium Wine Tasting and Tapas for Foodies and Alicante Historic Small Group Tour with Tapas Tasting a try. Before you go, please check their opening hours and menus online. Reservations are recommended, especially during peak hours.

When choosing a tour, start with how much time you have and the kind of experience you're looking for. Trending options right now include 3 Tapas Cartagena (Spain) walking tour, Cabo de Palos: Kayak Sightseeing Tour with Snorkeling, and Cartagena : Roman Theatre Museum Entry Ticket. Check the real-time availability and itinerary before you book.

As of October 16, 2026, the reference price for day tours and activities in Cartagena is around GBP 4.82 – GBP 48.31. Rates vary by duration, group size, transportation, tickets, meals, and any special admission requirements. Before you book, please confirm the billing currency and whether the price is quoted per person or per group.

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