Title: Historic Center Travel Guide: Best of Historic Center, Santa Marta Travel 2026 | Expedia.co.uk [Hotels in Historic Center](https://expedia.co.uk/Historic-Center-Santa-Marta-Hotels.0-n6272721-0.Travel-Guide-Filter-Hotels)[Flights to Santa Marta](https://expedia.co.uk/Cheap-Flights-To-Santa-Marta.d3221.Travel-Guide-Flights)[Things to do in Santa Marta](https://expedia.co.uk/Things-To-Do-In-Santa-Marta.d3221.Travel-Guide-Activities)[Historic Center Car Hire](https://expedia.co.uk/Compare-Cheap-Car-Hire-In-Historic-Center.d6272721.Car-Hire-Guide)[Historic Center Holidays](https://expedia.co.uk/Historic-Center.d6272721.Holidays-City-Breaks) # Historic Center Travel Guide ## Santa Marta ![Historic Center](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6272721/bb6c5bf7-9c1c-441b-851d-b837dc952173.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Historic Center](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6272721/34ac135c-eb77-4b89-b140-abe886af840d.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Historic Center](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6272721/11ef913a-ca83-4348-a5f4-46118154b15a.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Historic Center](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6272721/9d120acf-473d-4435-a52c-7d5da99976f7.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Historic Center](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6272721/cdf5f73f-0abe-470b-a182-d91091c56a76.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ## Visit Historic Center Things to do Hotels Where to stay [Santa Marta travel guide](https://expedia.co.uk/Santa-Marta.dx3221) #### Take a trip back in time as you explore the centre of Colombia’s oldest surviving city, complete with colonial buildings and collections of indigenous gold and pottery. Santa Marta’s Historic Centre offers hostels, cafés, restaurants and old churches near the beach. The area attracts families and backpackers who want to learn about the city’s rich past before enjoying the ocean. Look for many buildings of Spanish Colonial design in this area. Take a leisurely stroll through the city centre. Admire the old white buildings scattered around the area. Explore the collection of gold and pottery from the Tayrona civilisation at the Casa de la Aduana (Customs House). Take photos of the Santa Marta Cathedral on the San Francisco Plaza. Its white façade is typical of Spanish Colonial architecture. The church claims to be the oldest in the country. This is the spot where Simón Bolívar was buried in 1830\. He was a military leader who made great strides in the battle for independence from colonial powers. Santa Marta has very hot afternoons. Take a break on a bench in the Historic Centre’s main square as you watch the city pass you by. Share a picnic with your family on the grass. Browse the shops around the Historic Centre. Peruse the flea market for all types of products from sunglasses and watches to fresh food and Colombian soccer jerseys. Dine at one of the many restaurants in the centre and along the beach. Seafood is the specialty in this area. Relish local delicacies, such as arroz con coco (coconut rice) and lobster. Vendors sell cups of ceviche, raw fish seasoned with lemon and coriander. Enjoy a cool beer or a glass of wine on the rooftop of a bar in the central square. Listen to music ranging from reggae or salsa to U.S. pop. To reach the Historic Centre, take a small bus from the main bus terminal in Santa Marta. You will journey through the sprawling suburbs for around 45 minutes. Then relax and imagine what life was like in colonial days in the centre of old Santa Marta. --- ### Popular places to visit ![Parque de Los Novios featuring heritage elements, street scenes and a city](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6272867/025e6e6c-994c-4720-9329-1f831495e2d3.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Parque de los Novios Meet friends and share a few drinks at this plaza in the center of Santa Marta, where you’ll find restaurants, bars and vendors selling snacks. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Parque-De-Los-Novios-Historic-Center.d6272867.Attraction) ![Santa Marta Cathedral which includes heritage elements and a church or cathedral](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6100388/99386683-c768-4ed7-af40-467bc95b4717.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Santa Marta Cathedral Walk around the cathedral that holds the remains of the city’s founder and claims to be the oldest church in the country. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Santa-Marta-Cathedral-Historic-Center.d6100388.Attraction) #### Customs House Find out about the history of Comuna 2 when you spend time at Customs House. While you're in the area, stroll along the beautiful beaches. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Customs-House-Historic-Center.d6100390.Attraction) #### Simón Bolivar Park Explore the great outdoors at Simón Bolivar Park, a lovely green space in Comuna 2\. While you're in the area, stroll along the beautiful beaches. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Simon-Bolivar-Park-Historic-Center.d6272865.Attraction) #### Santa Marta Theater You can make plans for a show at Santa Marta Theater during your stay in Comuna 2\. Wander the area's beautiful beaches or simply enjoy one of its top-notch restaurants. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Santa-Marta-Theater-Santa-Marta.d553248635947679001.Attraction) #### Tairona Gold Museum You can spend an afternoon browsing the exhibits at Tairona Gold Museum during your travels in Comuna 2\. While you're in the area, stroll along the beautiful beaches. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Tairona-Gold-Museum-Historic-Center.d6272862.Attraction) ### Things to do ![Artivela, The # 1 Tayrona Sailing Experience.](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/2941420/04d554db-9e8a-4903-9c5f-321546dc8b2b.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Sailing to Tayrona with Luis and his team: Unique! £52 per adult **90%** of travellers recommend [](https://expedia.co.uk/things-to-do/sailing-to-tayrona-with-luis-and-his-team-unique.a2941420.activity-details) ![Descubre los secretos del Cafe, Cacao y Cascada en Minca](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/48010404/ff66b9be-7cab-48fe-9b9a-03456f22d2e7.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Santa Marta: Minca Coffee, Cocoa, & Waterfall Full-Day Trip £67 per adult **100%** of travellers recommend [](https://expedia.co.uk/things-to-do/santa-marta-minca-coffee.a48010404.activity-details) ![Minca - Coffee And Cocoa Tour ](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/2387673/6b02202c-5c0a-4f2a-bb76-418475e65f50.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### MINCA TOUR - Explore waterfalls and discover the origin of coffee and cocoa £59 per adult [](https://expedia.co.uk/things-to-do/minca-tour-explore-waterfalls-and-discover-the-origin-of-coffee-and-cocoa.a2387673.activity-details) ![Tayrona Bay Sailboat trip](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/749482/1972d5d5-af8d-48bd-bbb2-7391f55be8d4.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Tayrona Bay Sailboat trip £44 per adult **100%** of travellers recommend [](https://expedia.co.uk/things-to-do/tayrona-bay-sailboat-trip.a749482.activity-details) ![Joe te enseña sobre el chocolate](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/4291854/a659af90-4996-42a1-aad0-c5d814030fc9.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### 2 Day Minca Tour with Bird Watching £70 per adult [](https://expedia.co.uk/things-to-do/2-day-minca-tour-with-bird-watching.a4291854.activity-details) ![Tayrona Park - Cabo San Juan](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/4075242/fa5fc6c7-06f3-4b0b-8f80-c5dfae04a555.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Tayrona Park - Cabo San Juan £48 per adult [](https://expedia.co.uk/things-to-do/tayrona-park-cabo-san-juan.a4075242.activity-details) [See all activities in Santa Marta](https://expedia.co.uk/Things-To-Do-In-Santa-Marta.d3221.Travel-Guide-Activities) --- ## Top hotels in Historic Center ![Bonita Bay Concept Hotel by Xarm Hotels](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/12000000/11810000/11809800/11809765/f29afd50_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Bonita Bay Concept Hotel by Xarm Hotels Cr 1c # 15 - 07, Edificio Tesoro del Mar Santa Marta Magdalena £45 28 Mar - 29 Mar additional charges may apply Stay at this beach hotel in Santa Marta. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and on-site spa services. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular ... 8.6/10 Excellent! (142 reviews) Clean room; excellent location right in front of the Santa Marta Bay; lots of restaurant at walking distance; few walks to the cathedral; rooms with balcony is a perk. Reviewed on 28 Feb 2026 [](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?startDate=28%2F03%2F2026&endDate=29%2F03%2F2026&selected=11809765&PinnedHotelID=11809765&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=6272721) ![Hotel Boutique Casa Carolina Santa Marta](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/10000000/9600000/9599100/9599011/c3ec7c5f_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Hotel Boutique Casa Carolina Santa Marta Calle 12 # 3-40, Centro Histórico Santa Marta Magdalena £51 28 Mar - 29 Mar additional charges may apply Stay at this spa hotel in Santa Marta. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and 3 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular attractions ... 9.2/10 Wonderful! (371 reviews) I like the really relaxed home from home feel of this hotel. Room is clean and staff are friendly. Food (ceviche de Cameron) is great and the cocktails are too. Happy with my choice and happy to recommend. Reviewed on 21 Feb 2026 [](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?startDate=28%2F03%2F2026&endDate=29%2F03%2F2026&selected=9599011&PinnedHotelID=9599011&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=6272721) ![SGH SAN AGUSTIN HOTEL](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/124000000/123170000/123169200/123169176/a6c86633_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### SGH SAN AGUSTIN HOTEL \# 1C-43 Cl. 12 Santa Marta Magdalena £17 8 Apr - 9 Apr additional charges may apply Stay at this hotel in Santa Marta. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 5 beach bars and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions Taganga Beach and Rodadero Beach are located ... 9.6/10 Exceptional! (4 reviews) Excelente lugar! Limpio, bonito y muy bien ubicado. Reviewed on 26 Feb 2026 [](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?startDate=08%2F04%2F2026&endDate=09%2F04%2F2026&selected=123169176&PinnedHotelID=123169176&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=6272721) ![Hotel Boutique Maree](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/37000000/36710000/36701000/36700956/3e6a78e2_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Hotel Boutique Maree carrera 2 No. 20-63 Santa Marta Magdalena £63 20 Apr - 21 Apr additional charges may apply Stay at this hotel in Santa Marta. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and a rooftop terrace. Popular attractions Taganga Beach and Rodadero Beach are located ... 9.2/10 Wonderful! (65 reviews) Wr had a great stay and loved the location. However, it upset me that I left a shirt in the bathroom drying and when I called 5 hkurs later they said they didnt see it or found it. Together with a vharging cube too. Very upsetting and frustraiting. Reviewed on 17 Mar 2026 [](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?startDate=20%2F04%2F2026&endDate=21%2F04%2F2026&selected=36700956&PinnedHotelID=36700956&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=6272721) ![Placita Vieja Hotel Boutique Spa](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/13000000/12420000/12412400/12412335/a47abb53_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Placita Vieja Hotel Boutique Spa Calle 19 No. 2 A 09 Santa Marta Magdalena £58 25 Apr - 26 Apr additional charges may apply Stay at this spa hotel in Santa Marta. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a full-service spa and 24-hour room service. Popular attractions Taganga Beach and Rodadero Beach are ... 9.8/10 Exceptional! (99 reviews) Absolute gem. Hope to stay here again! Reviewed on 24 Mar 2026 [](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?startDate=25%2F04%2F2026&endDate=26%2F04%2F2026&selected=12412335&PinnedHotelID=12412335&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=6272721) ![Hotel Boutique Don Pepe](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/7000000/6070000/6063300/6063263/574ddbf6_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Hotel Boutique Don Pepe Calle 16 No 1c - 92 Santa Marta Magdalena £153 27 Mar - 28 Mar additional charges may apply Stay at this boutique hotel in Santa Marta. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and 2 outdoor pools. Popular attractions Taganga Beach and Rodadero Beach are located ... 9.4/10 Exceptional! (122 reviews) Rooms was clean nice!!, staff was great and attentive respectful, breakfast was great loved the Cayeye. like the jacuzzi on the roof, roof deck was great. The views from the 3 floor were great. Location next to all the good restaurants, attractions and everything you want to see walking distance. ... Reviewed on 11 Mar 2026 [](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?startDate=27%2F03%2F2026&endDate=28%2F03%2F2026&selected=6063263&PinnedHotelID=6063263&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=6272721) [See all 1,778 properties in Historic Center](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.Hotels.DestinationExperience&startDate=27%2F03%2F2026&endDate=28%2F03%2F2026®ionId=6272721) Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply. ## Check Historic Center hotel availability [Tonight ](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6272721&startDate=2026-03-26&endDate=2026-03-27)[26 Mar - 27 Mar](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6272721&startDate=2026-03-26&endDate=2026-03-27) [Tomorrow night ](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6272721&startDate=2026-03-27&endDate=2026-03-28)[27 Mar - 28 Mar](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6272721&startDate=2026-03-27&endDate=2026-03-28) [This weekend ](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6272721&startDate=27%2F03%2F2026&endDate=29%2F03%2F2026)[27 Mar - 29 Mar](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6272721&startDate=27%2F03%2F2026&endDate=29%2F03%2F2026) [Next weekend ](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6272721&startDate=03%2F04%2F2026&endDate=05%2F04%2F2026)[3 Apr - 5 Apr](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6272721&startDate=03%2F04%2F2026&endDate=05%2F04%2F2026) --- ### Other neighbourhoods around Historic Center ![Default Image](https://images.trvl-media.com/media/content/expus/graphics/deals/TE_Clouds_card_r1.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=350&h=192&q=medium) ### Pueblito Though Pueblito may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Parque de los Novios and Santa Marta Beach. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Santa-Marta-Pueblito.dx553248635976397662) ![La Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta es un sistema montañoso litoral; ubicado al norte de Colombia que constituye por sí mismo un sistema aislado de Los Andes, sobre la costa Caribe de Colombia](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/553248635976398747/cee816ea-ba71-497a-a4e1-6aaa272fe8f8.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=350&h=192&q=medium) ### Norte If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Norte and surrounding area, you can visit Parque de los Novios and Santa Marta Beach. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Santa-Marta-Norte.dx553248635976398747) ![Default Image](https://images.trvl-media.com/media/content/expus/graphics/deals/TE_Clouds_card_r1.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=350&h=192&q=medium) ### Los Cocos While there might not be top attractions in Los Cocos, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Parque de los Novios and Santa Marta Beach. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Santa-Marta-Los-Cocos.dx944350333017133056) ![Default Image](https://images.trvl-media.com/media/content/expus/graphics/deals/TE_Clouds_card_r1.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=350&h=192&q=medium) ### Barrio Alambique While there might not be top attractions in Barrio Alambique, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Parque de los Novios and Santa Marta Beach. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Santa-Marta-Barrio-Alambique.dx553248635976398380) ![Default Image](https://images.trvl-media.com/media/content/expus/graphics/deals/TE_Clouds_card_r1.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=350&h=192&q=medium) ### Barrio Miraflores While Barrio Miraflores may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Parque de los Novios and Santa Marta Theater. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Santa-Marta-Barrio-Miraflores.dx553248635976396873) ![Default Image](https://images.trvl-media.com/media/content/expus/graphics/deals/TE_Clouds_card_r1.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=350&h=192&q=medium) ### San Martín While San Martín may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Parque de los Novios and Santa Marta Beach. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Santa-Marta-San-Martin.dx553248635976396953) --- --- - [Stays](?pwaLob=wizard-hotel-pwa-v2) - [Packages](?pwaLob=wizard-package-pwa) - [Flights](?pwaLob=wizard-flight-pwa) - [Things to do](?pwaLob=wizard-lx-pwa) - [Cruises](?pwaLob=wizard-cruise-pwa) - [Cars](?pwaLob=wizard-car-pwa) # Historic Center Travel Guide ![](https://a.travel-assets.com/mad-service/footer/bnaBanners/BEX_Footer.jpg) ## Go further with the Expedia app Save on select hotels when you book in the app. Our app deals help you to save on trips so you can travel more and manage it all on the go. Scan the QR code with your device camera and download our app