Urban Experiences in Colombia: Which Ones Are Actually Worth It?

Illustration of an urban Colombian scene where young people are performing freestyle rap in front of a wall painted with the word "COLOMBIA" in the national flag colors. In the background, neighborhood houses, motorcyclists, and everyday street life.

Not all city tours are created equal. Some show you landmarks. Others show you life. If you're traveling through Colombia and want to connect with its cities beyond the typical routes, these urban experiences in Colombia are worth every step — and every story.

Photo of a cobblestone street in Bogotá's historic La Candelaria neighborhood, featuring colorful colonial-style houses on both sides and Monserrate hill in the background. People walk down the street while a man sits on the sidewalk.

Bogotá: Urban Art Walk Through La Candelaria

📍 Bogotá’s oldest neighborhood, La Candelaria, is more than colonial buildings — it’s a living mural of color and commentary.

Rather than focus on dates and buildings, this urban experience centers on street art. The walls speak about peace, protest, history, and everyday Colombian life.

🎨 What makes it worthwhile?

You’ll find internationally recognized graffiti artists, spontaneous performances, and messages that reflect the

real Bogotá — not just the one in the guidebooks.

Cartagena: Between the Walled City and Getsemaní

📍 Cartagena’s historic center is famous, but it’s in Getsemaní where the city breathes.

Once a working-class neighborhood, Getsemaní has become a hotspot for art, music, and local food — without losing its identity. Walking here is like watching a cultural blend in motion: colonial history on one side, modern voices on the other.

🍹 When to go?

Late afternoon into the evening. That’s when the streets come alive with music and stories.

Santa Marta: Strolling Through One of Latin America’s Oldest Cities

📍 Santa Marta’s historic center is compact, walkable, and full of character.

Here you’ll find colonial churches, peaceful plazas, Afro-Caribbean flavors, and locals relaxing in the shade. It’s less polished than Cartagena — and that’s the charm.

🌴 Why go?

Because not everything worth seeing is shiny. Sometimes, it’s about the feel of the street, the smell of lunch being cooked, and the rhythm of local life.

How to Make the Most of Urban Experiences in Colombia

Follow local-led experiences:
Look for initiatives run by residents — they give context, authenticity, and a human face to the city.
Pick your time wisely:
Some neighborhoods are best explored in the morning, others in the afternoon or evening.
Listen more than you talk:
These experiences are not about consuming — they’re about connecting.

Cali: Local Life and Legacy in Comuna 20 – Siloé

Photo of a steep street in Comuna 20 of Cali, known as Siloé, during sunset. Families walk among colorful houses with murals, including one that says "I ❤️ Cali" and features a toucan. The scene captures daily life and urban art in the community.

📍 Forget tourist brochures — Siloé, in Cali’s Comuna 20, is where the real stories are told.

Located in the city’s western hills, this neighborhood offers views over the valley and a deep dive into Cali's social identity. Community-led experiences highlight the neighborhood's history, struggles, and hopes, expressed through murals, local music, and everyday conversation.

🚌 How to reach it?

Via cable car or by bus. A guide is recommended for context and safety, but this isn’t about tourism — it’s about cultural exchange.

Medellín: Transformation Through Art in Comuna 13

📍 Medellín’s most iconic urban transformation is found in Comuna 13.

This hillside neighborhood, once impacted by violence, is now a global example of resilience and creativity. Escalators connect steep streets filled with murals, breakdancers, music, and local cafés.

🚀 What makes it a must-see?

You don’t just learn history here — you feel it, through voices, movement, and community.

Final Word

If you're visiting Colombian cities and want more than Instagrammable spots, these walking tours and local experiences offer something deeper. Each one reveals a layer of urban life — its challenges, art, humor, and identity.

They’re not just routes. They’re real places, with real people.

And they’re absolutely worth your time.