Cartagena Cruise Port Guide (Spain): 7 Best Things to Do

LAST UPDATED July 25, 2025 BY Katarina Komazec

🚶‍♀️ Explore Calle Mayor – Cartagena’s Pedestrian Heart

Calle Mayor is the city’s main pedestrian street and the first place you’ll see after walking from the port. It’s lined with shops, restaurants, cafés, and bars — perfect for strolling, shopping, or grabbing a bite.

In this area, you’ll also find practical essentials like banks, pharmacies, ATMs, exchange offices, supermarkets, and a few hotels.

It’s also a great starting point to visit some of Cartagena’s most iconic landmarks, including:

• Parque Arqueológico Cerro del Molinete
• Roman Theatre & Museum
• Old Cathedral of Cartagena (Catedral de Santa María la Mayor)
• Iglesia Castrense de Santo Domingo
• Foro Romano

If you keep walking straight from Calle Mayor, you’ll come across several charming squares surrounded by shops and local tapas bars, perfect for a relaxed coffee, lunch, or a drink at very affordable prices.

Some of my favorites include:

• Plaza de San Sebastián
• Plaza Icue
• Plaza de España – a larger square with a beautiful park and playground located in the middle of a roundabout

One thing I love about Cartagena is that everything is within walking distance from the dock — most of the main attractions are easy to reach on foot.

That said, a few spots are located uphill, so keep that in mind when booking a shore excursion or heading out on your own.

🛒 Shopping tip: Cartagena is one of my favorite ports for shopping. The selection is excellent, and the prices are even better. Check out local Spanish brands and fashion boutiques in Calle Mayor and the nearby streets — you might find some great deals!

👉 Explore Cartagena walking tours

🏛️ Palacio Consistorial (Cartagena City Hall)

Built in the early 20th century in an eclectic architectural style, the Palacio Consistorial de Cartagena houses the City Hall and dominates Plaza del Ayuntamiento, one of the city’s central squares.

While it’s the official seat of the Council of Cartagena, most administrative offices are located in a different building.

The structure itself is triangular (as seen in the photo above) and features ornate details and extravagant decoration, both outside and inside. The interior includes two beautifully decorated exhibition halls used for official events, concerts, and public functions.

✅ Guided tours are available if you’d like to visit the building and explore its stunning interior.

🎭 Roman Theater of Cartagena (Teatro Romano)

The Roman Theater of Cartagena (Teatro Romano) is one of the city’s most iconic landmarks, dating back to the 1st century BC. It was built under Emperor Augustus and dedicated to his grandsons, Gaius and Lucius Caesar.

Tucked at the foot of the hill crowned by Concepción Castle, the theater is best viewed from above — but it’s well worth visiting up close too.

It once held 7,000 spectators and has been beautifully restored, complete with a modern museum showcasing archaeological finds and the site’s history.

An interesting fact: the Old Cathedral of Cartagena was built over the upper seating section (cavea) in the 13th century, and the ruins of both structures now form a truly unique architectural site.

• Entrance is at Plaza Ayuntamiento, right by the start of Calle Mayor
• The museum and theater are partially wheelchair accessible
• Expect lines at the entrance, especially on busy cruise days

👉 Check out Roman Theater tours and tickets

🏰 Concepción Castle (Castillo de la Concepción)

Perched on a hill overlooking the port, Concepción Castle is one of Cartagena’s most recognizable landmarks. It’s located in the heart of Parque Torres and offers one of the best panoramic views of the city — a perfect spot to soak in Cartagena’s 3,000-year-old history.

The castle was built in the 13th century on the site of a former Alcazaba, a Muslim palace fortress, after the city was reconquered by King Alfonso X of Castile. It served as a defensive structure until the late 18th century, when it lost its strategic role.

In the early 20th century, the area was transformed into a public park. Today, the castle houses a small museum that tells the story of Cartagena’s past — and it can be visited for a small entrance fee.

🗺️ Tip: The view from the top also gives you a stunning look at the Roman Theater below.

The Concepción Castle is small but worth visiting for its history, museum, and views — and you can easily explore it in about an hour.

There’s a well-maintained road leading up the hill, but vehicles can only go so far — the final stretch to the entrance must be done on foot (around a 10-minute walk).

If you’re walking from the port, expect an uphill walk of around 15 minutes.

A panoramic elevator may be available on Calle Gisbert, which is the most convenient option for wheelchair users — check availability with the tourist info booth on the pier. The castle entrance is wheelchair-accessible.

👉 Check out Concepción Castle tours and tickets

🧱 Punic Wall Interpretation Center

Cartagena was founded back in the 3rd century BC by the Carthaginian general Hasdrubal the Fair, right on the site of its natural harbor. For centuries, it remained one of Spain’s most important naval ports.

To dive deeper into Cartagena’s ancient past, I recommend visiting the Punic Wall Interpretation Center, a modern, multimedia space built around the remains of the city’s 2,200-year-old defensive wall.

This wall was part of Cartagena’s fortification during the Second Punic War, but it ultimately couldn’t hold off the Roman conquest.

The site gives you a fascinating look into the city’s early history and offers an immersive experience through videos, exhibits, and preserved ruins of the Muralla Púnica de Cartagena.

• It’s located about 1.2 km (0.75 miles) from the port — around a 15-minute walk or 5-minute taxi ride.
• The center is wheelchair-accessible, and accessible restrooms are available.

👉 Explore Punic Wall tours and tickets

🌊 National Museum of Underwater Archaeology (ARQVA)

Located right at the Yacht Port Cartagena, this impressive museum is just a 5-minute walk from the cruise dock.

When you exit the ship, turn right and you’ll spot two modern buildings with sleek architecture designed to evoke an underwater feel.

This is the first museum in Spain dedicated to underwater archaeology, and it’s one of the most unique attractions in the city.

Inside, you’ll find fascinating exhibits on ancient shipwrecks, fossils, and artifacts from the Mediterranean’s rich maritime history — including tools, trade goods, and remains of historic vessels.

After exploring, head to the top-floor restaurant or café for a drink or lunch with great views of the harbor.

The museum is fully wheelchair-accessible and easy to navigate.

🏙️ Day Trip to Murcia

A visit to Murcia, the capital of the region, is one of the most popular shore excursions from the port of Cartagena — and it’s easy to see why.

Nestled along the Segura River, Murcia was founded in the 9th century and is known today as a lively university town with a laid-back vibe and a rich mix of culture, history, and great food.

The city’s highlight is the Cathedral of Murcia, a stunning 14th-century landmark that blends Gothic, Renaissance, and Spanish Baroque styles.

It overlooks the elegant Plaza del Cardenal Belluga, also home to the colorful Episcopal Palace of Murcia, built in the 18th century.

You can spend a few relaxed hours wandering through Murcia’s historic old streets, enjoying local landmarks, and stopping for tapas and sangria at one of the many local bars scattered across the center.

• Murcia is located about 56 km (35 miles) or a 45-minute drive from Cartagena cruise port.
• There are also regular trains from Cartagena station to Murcia del Carmen station, with a journey time of around 50 minutes.
• Check train schedules here

FAQ – Cartagena Cruise Port, Spain

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