Historic Center

Santa Marta
Historic Center which includes heritage elements, street scenes and a city
Take a trip back in time as you explore the center of Colombia’s oldest surviving city, complete with colonial buildings and collections of indigenous gold and pottery.

Santa Marta’s Historic Center 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 center. Admire the old white buildings scattered around the area. Explore the collection of gold and pottery from the Tayrona civilization 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 Center’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 Center. 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 center 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 Center, 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 center of old Santa Marta.


Popular places to visit

Things to do


Historic Center Hotel Deals

AC Hotel by Marriott Santa Marta
AC Hotel by Marriott Santa Marta
3.5 out of 5
CALLE 23 NO. 1C - 79, Santa Marta
The price is $67 per night from Dec 1 to Dec 2
$67
includes taxes & fees
$67 per night
Dec 1 - Dec 2
Stay at this 3.5-star beach hotel in Santa Marta. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (344 reviews)
"This was due to street issues and sewage drain flooding and smell"

Reviewed on Oct 23, 2024

AC Hotel by Marriott Santa Marta
Best Western Plus Santa Marta Hotel
Best Western Plus Santa Marta Hotel
3.5 out of 5
Calle 24 No 3-65, Santa Marta
The price is $60 per night from Nov 24 to Nov 25
$60
includes taxes & fees
$60 per night
Nov 24 - Nov 25
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in Santa Marta. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (493 reviews)
"Greta location Greta staff"

Reviewed on Oct 21, 2024

Best Western Plus Santa Marta Hotel
Bonita Bay Concept Hotel by Xarm Hotels
Bonita Bay Concept Hotel by Xarm Hotels
4 out of 5
Cr 1c # 15 - 07, Edificio Tesoro del Mar, Santa Marta, Magdalena
The price is $47 per night from Nov 5 to Nov 6
$47
includes taxes & fees
$47 per night
Nov 5 - Nov 6
Stay at this 4-star beach hotel in Santa Marta. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and onsite spa services. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (91 reviews)
"The stay was excellent and acomadating"

Reviewed on Aug 18, 2024

Bonita Bay Concept Hotel by Xarm Hotels
Hotel Boutique Don Pepe
Hotel Boutique Don Pepe
4 out of 5
Calle 16 No 1c - 92, Barrio Centro, Santa Marta, Magdalena
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is $146 per night from Nov 13 to Nov 14
$146
includes taxes & fees
$146 per night
Nov 13 - Nov 14
Stay at this 4-star boutique hotel in Santa Marta. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Popular attractions Tayrona National Natural Park and Rodadero ...
9/10 Wonderful! (102 reviews)
"This was by far the best hotel I have stayed in,in Colombia and many other countries by a long shot. The place is absolutely stunning. The room was large and very comfortable. One of my favorites was the rainfall shower! The breakfast, included in the price, was delicious. From the freshly squeezed ..."

Reviewed on Oct 15, 2024

Hotel Boutique Don Pepe
Grand Marina Santa Marta
Grand Marina Santa Marta
3 out of 5
carrera 1 22- 79, Santa Marta
The price is $115 per night from Nov 1 to Nov 2
$115
includes taxes & fees
$115 per night
Nov 1 - Nov 2
Stay at this 3-star aparthotel in Santa Marta. Enjoy free WiFi, a sauna, and onsite spa services. Popular attractions Tayrona National Natural Park and Rodadero ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (113 reviews)
"It is in from of the marina and 4 blocks to novios plaza"

Reviewed on Oct 13, 2024

Grand Marina Santa Marta
Hotel Catedral Plaza
Hotel Catedral Plaza
3 out of 5
Calle 16 N 5-17, Santa Marta
The price is $59 per night from Nov 19 to Nov 20
$59
includes taxes & fees
$59 per night
Nov 19 - Nov 20
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Santa Marta. Enjoy free breakfast, a rooftop terrace, and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the helpful ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (205 reviews)
"Very nice people and very comfortable"

Reviewed on Aug 20, 2024

Hotel Catedral Plaza
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.

Other neighborhoods around Historic Center

Historic Center showing street scenes and a city

Barrio Centro

If you're spending some time in Barrio Centro, Parque de Los Novios and Santa Marta Cathedral are top sights worth seeing.

Barrio Centro
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Pueblito

While Pueblito isn't home to many top sights, Parque de Los Novios and Santa Marta Beach are some notable places to visit nearby.

Pueblito
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Norte

While Norte isn't home to many top sights, Parque de Los Novios and Santa Marta Beach are some notable places to visit nearby.

Norte
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Barrio Alambique

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Barrio Alambique and surrounding area, you can visit Parque de Los Novios and Bahia de Santa Marta.

Barrio Alambique
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Barrio Miraflores

When in Barrio Miraflores, you can plan a visit to Parque de Los Novios and Santa Marta Cathedral, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Barrio Miraflores
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San Martín

While San Martín might 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.

San Martín


Historic Center

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