Is it safe to walk at night?

Yes, stick to the well-lit areas inside the Walled City and the main streets of Getsemaní. Avoid walking toward the outskirts of the city center after dark.

Should I tip in restaurants?

A 10% 'propina voluntaria' is often added to the bill. It's expected to pay it, but you have the legal right to decline it if the service was poor.

Navegar Cartagena como un local

Skip the horse-drawn carriages and stick to walking the Walled City early in the morning before the heat hits. Use the 'InDrive' app for fair-priced taxis and always negotiate your 'tinto' price before you buy from street vendors.

Master the transport. Avoid taxis hailed on the street, as they often overcharge tourists. Download InDrive or Cabify; you'll get a set price before you get in. If you must use a street taxi, ask for the price ('¿Cuánto cuesta?') before stepping inside.
Eat on the local schedule. Lunch is the main event. Look for 'menú del día' signs in Getsemaní to get a soup, main, and juice for about 15,000 COP. Don't eat in the Plaza de los Coches; head three blocks inward for half the price.
Navigate the heat. Do your sightseeing between 7:00 AM and 11:00 AM. Duck into a local cafe for a 'café con leche' during the midday peak, then head back out after 4:00 PM when the sea breeze picks up.
Handle street vendors. A simple 'No, gracias, muy amable' with a smile is all you need. Do not engage in conversation if you aren't planning to buy; it makes it harder to walk away.

Is it safe to walk at night?: Yes, stick to the well-lit areas inside the Walled City and the main streets of Getsemaní. Avoid walking toward the outskirts of the city center after dark.
Should I tip in restaurants?: A 10% 'propina voluntaria' is often added to the bill. It's expected to pay it, but you have the legal right to decline it if the service was poor.