On the northern coast of Colombia, you’ll find the spectacular colonial city of Cartagena. Full of colorful buildings, old churches, and flower-adorned balconies, the city has been named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the interest of preserving the architecture of this Colombian gem.
The Seattle Freeze describes the apparently cool reception that newcomers may receive when visiting or moving to the city. It portrays the difficulty making friends because people already have their own. It depicts the typical attitudes of locals as reserved, uninterested, noncommittal, asocial. Passive aggressive to a fault. Polite, but not welcoming.
Cartagena was our last stop on our six week Colombia itinerary, and it did not disappoint. We enjoyed the liveliness of the city, which was similar to other Colombian cities we had visited, but there’s something about the colorful colonial architecture that exudes energy. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, all the historic beauty remains while modern life continues around it. You will find trendy cafes and restaurants with everything from Mediterranean cuisine to locally-caught ceviche, all in gorgeous city streets lined with colorful buildings and open squares that seem like they were designed for people watching.
While this guide covers where to stay in Cartagena and will recommend top choices, an important area deserves special mention – one locale you definitely should avoid on your trip.
Many tourists choose to stay in Bocagrande for the beach, but in our opinion, that is a large mistake.
The beach is nothing exceptional and definitely not worth the constant harassment by beach vendors. Also, parts of Bocagrande can be questionable after dark. Most importantly, however, it is simply too far from the historic walled city and all the trendy bars and eateries of Getsemaní. If you want to incorporate the beach into your stay, then I would recommend heading to Bocagrande for an afternoon rather than remaining there.
Or, better yet, spend a day touring one of the pristine white sand beaches just outside of the city, such as Tierra Bomba Island – here’s a kayaking tour that we wish we had discovered while we were there.
We have not stayed at many of the hostels and hotels on this list – more will be mentioned shortly about where we resided. However, what we did undertake was spending days exploring the city on foot to figure out our favorite areas, then we conducted EXTENSIVE research on places to lodge in each neighborhood to curate a list of highly rated locations to reside in Cartagena.
With that caveat stated, let’s discuss the top places to lodge in Cartagena.
Planning a trip to Colombia? Be sure to browse our other guides on traveling in Colombia to assist in crafting the ideal itinerary.
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Where to Stay in Cartagena, Colombia: A Complete Guide for First Timers
Our primary suggestion for where to lodge in Cartagena is inside the fortified city. Below you will find our perspectives and robust judgements on what section of the old city offers the finest experience, but we firmly believe lodging within the barriers presents the most engaging involvement in Cartagena.
The only area we would potentially remain outside the Old City would be Getsemaní, which is becoming a more trendy neighborhood southeast of Old Town Cartagena. It has a hipster and Insta-friendly atmosphere, thanks to the colorfully decorated umbrellas hanging above the roads and incredible street art, and is usually more reasonably priced than the Walled City.
In Cartagena, visitors will find options that include intimate hotels, which may be quite expensive if located within the fortified city, places offered through home rental sites (which provide a good alternative), and hybrid hostels that blend private lodging like a hotel with the social aspect common to hostels.
We grew quite fond of boutique hostels during our time in Colombia and think they provide a nice middle ground for travelers who`ve outgrown dorm rooms and party hostels yet still want opportunities to connect with others.
We resided in an average Airbnb in Cartagena, which I won`t specify here, and wouldn`t stay there again. Instead, if we were organizing another trip to Cartagena, we`d opt for Maloka Boutique Hostel, which you can find a more comprehensive write up below, or an Airbnb like this stylish loft in Getsemaní, or this charming apartment within the Old City.
This section will explore the different options for where to stay in Cartagena that fit various budgets and styles.
Interested in staying in an Airbnb when visiting Cartagena? A savvy choice! Here is a curated selection of our top Airbnb options to find the ideal home base in Cartagena.
San Diego: Overall Best Place To Stay In Cartagena
San Diego is just a few blocks from the historic center of Cartagena but has a more relaxed pace. What makes this neighborhood the best region to stay in Cartagena is that it’s a little more low-profile and farther removed from the tourists consuming their way through the city – although there are undoubtedly numerous energetic squares and restaurants to be found.
As we wandered this area both during the day and at night, we found far fewer people than just a few blocks to the south in the heart of the Walled City. And we fell in love.
There was no public transportation connecting the different parts of the city, so everywhere needed to be reached by foot. That wasn’t much of an issue though, because the narrow streets lined with picturesque buildings and talented street performers made walking an enjoyable part of the experience.
Plaza San Diego is a prime starting point for excellent bars and restaurants, though don`t overlook the local eateries and coffee shops tucked into side streets.
A brief note here: we’re distinguishing between San Diego, which is at the northeastern corner of the Walled City, and the rest of the Walled City. San Diego feels unique enough to earn its own place on this list of the best locations to stay in Cartagena, Colombia.
What To Do In San Diego
- Partake in the coastal delight of Ceviche. This popular appetizer in San Diego originates from fresh diced fish thats marinated in citrus juices and added to a tangy salad. Highly recommended places to sample this specialty include La Cevicheria and El Boliche restaurants.
- Explore the diverse shopping center that once hosted bullfights. The Serrezuela Centro Comercial is a revitalized public space showcasing the resourcefulness of Cartagena. Originally constructed as an arena for bullfighting spectacles, it has been transformed into a performance venue and range of boutiques surrounded by a gourmet food court. Aside from the unique redevelopment concept, the shopping selections here are quite good across five floors.
- Traverse the eastern fortifications encircling the city. One of the foremost attractions in Cartagena is strolling along its storied defensive walls. Standing atop provides magnificent panoramic views of the entirety of the urban landscape. Head there later in the day for optimal sunset vantage.
- Browse the souvenir shops built within the archways. Las Bovedas souvenir emporiums are situated within the arcades of this former detention center. Even if not shopping, visiting this striking yellow structure provides insight into its dark history as a jail. Due to its coastal proximity, tidewaters were said to reach inmates knees at high tide. Now crowds of vendors eagerly promote their wares in the busy marketplace instead of prisoners wallowing in waters.
Best Places To Stay In San Diego
Here are some of our top selections for the best places to stay in San Diego.
Hotels and Hostels in San Diego
Highly Regarded Boutique Lodgings – Maloka Boutique Hostel: From previous excursions, this location ranks highly on our list to return to. They provide exclusively private rooms, all presented in a sophisticated and bright manner. Some include private bathing facilities while others share such amenities. Guests can select room configurations like twin beds arranged separately, a double bed, or a queen bed. A continental breakfast is offered and a delightful rooftop terrace provides memorable views. It essentially provides boutique hotel accommodations at relatively affordable pricing.
Top Hotel in San Diego – Bantu: It can truly be challenging to find lodgings that truly embody the spirit of the city, but Hotel Bantu accomplishes this well. The rooms feature traditional mosaic tiles, exposed brick walls, and an on-site eatery serves classic Colombian and Caribbean cuisine.
The Best Airbnb Options in San Diego
If you prefer residing in Airbnb accommodations, as is typically our practice, here are three options for you in the tranquil section of the city that is San Diego.
Casa Bijou, a Small Home in Old Cartagena: This historic home is ideally located in the heart of San Diego, making it a perfect option to truly experience life as a local resident. The house is characteristic of the colorful architecture lining Cartagena`s streets. The cool tiled floors help regulate indoor temperatures with assistance from air conditioning during warm summer months. It has a fully equipped kitchen and a tiny balcony where one can relax with a drink while people watching. (1 bedroom / 1 bathroom)
Beautiful Private Home in Centro Historico offering a Swimming Pool: Primarily, a private swimming area. Secondly, it has a rooftop terrace where you can watch the sunrise or sunset from your personal peaceful escape. The place has a fully equipped kitchen, a hammock, and a comfortable double bed. The stylish living room can transform into a second bedroom accommodation up to three more individuals (total of five) with two single beds and a sofa bed. Overall, this location is gorgeous, and one of our top recommendations for places to reside in Cartagena. It is somewhat more expensive than other picks on this list, but it has a private pool and rooftop terrace, so we think it`s worth spending for the experience. (1 bedroom + 2 single beds & a sofa bed, 1 bathroom)
The Exceptional Position & Comfort in the Fortified City: I imply, observe at this gorgeous condominium! This is positively a high-class condominium, nonetheless it’s incredibly stylish, roomy, and full of all-natural mild. It has a non-public patio, full with a hammock most fitted for lounging on a heat afternoon with a very good e book, and a shared rooftop pool. The kitchen is spacious, with a stove and an oven and new home equipment all spherical.
Hotel Mercier: Spectacular boutique hotel located in Jordaan, perfectly positioned in the center of everything needed during a stay in Amsterdam.
The Walled City: The Best Area To Stay In Cartagena For Sightseeing
The Walled City constitutes the historic old town of Cartagena, packed with charming cobbled narrow lanes and colorful residences. For initial visitors to Cartagena seeking proximity to premier attractions or those with limited time, it offers excellent accommodation. Additionally, the historic district holds the highest density of eateries, bars, and coffee shops in a compact area, furnishing tourist amenities. However, this can imply bothersome street merchants and absence of local atmosphere.
It’s notably busier and louder than San Diego, which is the northeast corner of old town Cartagena. Still, the central location is pretty much unbeatable.
Click here to find the perfect place to stay in the Walled City for your style and budget
What To Do While Residing In The Walled City
- Sip a beverage at Alquimico. This multi-level cocktail bar gives you the chance to find the perfect atmosphere for their evening – from speakeasy vibes to tropical open-air rooftop. They dismiss classic cocktails, and have instead organized a cocktail list full of imaginative original cocktails.
- Learn about the city’s history at some of the museums. The Naval Museum takes you back to the conquest of Cartagena and how it was colonized. It also discusses Cartagena’s many run-ins with pirates, like Sir Francis Drake’s famous attack. See a list of the other museums here.
Best Places To Stay The Walled City
Generally, staying in the Walled City of Cartagena is expensive. But the central location and atmosphere is worth it, we think.
The Best Hotels & Hostels inside the Walled City
The Center of Cartagena contains elegant hotels and a few really strong hostels.
If you’re looking for a hostel, consider the Clock Hostel, which provides two tastefully furnished private rooms (with private bathrooms) alongside multiple dorm options with private sleeping areas (choose from single or double beds) and shared bathrooms. There’s also a bar on site, and a fully equipped shared kitchen for guests to utilize during their stay.
The El Barrio Hostal is another suitable option, consisting exclusively of small, simple, affordable private rooms. If all that is needed is a place to rest one`s head at the end of the day, this is a good choice.
In this area of the city, boutique hotels are quite common.
We appreciate the ambiance featured at the Sophia Hotel, which has likely been highlighted on Instagram with splendid perspectives of the church from the rooftop swimming area. The 15 rooms are adequately sized and furnished, with spacious bathing facilities and relaxed sleeping quarters, and access is provided to the rooftop terrace featuring memorable views. It does carry a relatively steep cost, however.
A relatively low-priced choice would be Casa BuGo, which also incorporates a swimming pool, although the perspective is of the inner courtyard rather than the most spectacular view in Cartagena. Still, the rooms are quite roomy and comfortable, and some include balconies.
We also quite like the Casa Clever Loft, which certainly requires more monetary resources but could serve as a perfect secluded retreat for married couples in Cartagena. The standard quarters encircle the lush interior courtyard in a leafy environment, and possess very stylish designs. And naturally, there’s a swimming pool too.
The Best Airbnb Options in the Walled City
If you’re searching for an Airbnb, here are three that caught our attention.
Charming 1 Bedroom Apartment in Historic District: This apartment is highly recommended, and tops our list for another visit to Cartagena. A hanging chair across the living area provides a relaxing spot to unwind. It is undeniably one of the best lodging choices in all of Cartagena, with bright and airy interior, fully equipped kitchen, and private balcony. It also sits adjacent to the city walls on the western edge of the city, meaning scenic sunsets are right on the doorstep.
Hidden Gem in the Heart of the Lively City: A roomy three floor apartment amidst the hustle and bustle of Cartagena. The apartment is bright and spacious, with two bedrooms. There is a private rooftop patio with a small seating area and swimming pool, perfect for warm evenings taking in the city views with a chilled drink. Plenty of light throughout the apartment, and a huge (and beautiful) kitchen fully equipped for cooking meals during your stay.
Apt. Inside the Walled City with AC and Sea View: Studio apartment containing essentials like a kitchenette equipped with mini-fridge and microwave, suitable for your stay. Compact size but extremely affordable price that could be the best value in the historic Walled City.
Click here to find the perfect Airbnb accommodation inside the Walled City
Getsemaní: Where to Stay in Cartagena on a Budget
Like many developing neighborhoods, Getsemaní is one of those areas where you can feel the gentrification emanating from the streets as you walk through them. Looking up at the colorful canopies on strings above the narrow streets, I thought to myself “I wonder if there’s any other utilization for those other than they look good in pictures?”
It used to be a poor section of the city, mostly as a result of Cartagena’s past as a major port for the African slave trade, which is something you should certainly take the time to learn about while you’re in the city. Getsemaní has recently experienced a revival, particularly among young backpackers seeking affordable lodging.
Getsemaní is a neighborhood in Cartagena worthwhile for those interested in street artwork or lively impromptu performances. It used to have a rougher reputation but now features trendy bars, indie cafes, and quirky hostels. The best way to experience Getsemaní is simply wandering its streets while taking in the eclectic mix of locals and visitors. Whether seated outside at a café or bar, or strolling through the area, people watching makes this district an engaging place.
Please click here to find the perfect lodging for your style and budget in Getsemaní
What To Do in Getsemaní
- Have brunch at Cafe Stepping Stone. If your hotel doesn`t provide breakfast or even if it does, be sure to eat here. It`s an Aussie-run cafe with an amazing brunch menu, killer coffee, a great selection of fresh juices, and even games to play. Aussies are known for great brunch, so you can rely on this.
- Dance into the early morning hours at Plaza de la Santisima Trinidad. During the day this square is bustling with restaurants, street performers and church visitors. At night though, it transforms into an open-air party where people meet to dance and socialize over cheap drinks and delicious snacks from stalls.
- Get lost exploring the alleyways. This neighborhood offers an aesthetic mix of old and new, so nothing beats wandering alleys and discovering charming buildings and political street art. Nowhere in Cartagena reveals more colorful buildings and hanging umbrellas worth filling your Instagram with. Callejon Angosto provides a good starting point, though you need no destination in mind.
- Soak up the atmosphere at Bazurto Social Club. Cartagena`s unique music blends African and Creole influences into Champeta. Live music and dance lessons occur nightly, so join the fun.
- Walk to Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas. Just outside the historic center`s walls looms this fortress dominating Cartagena`s skyline. Much invites exploration, considered a must-see. Beautiful views of the city and eerie, endless tunnels await discovery.
- Keep an eye out for sloths in Parque del Centenario. This green space connects Getsemaní and the historical center. Lovely to wander and consider plans, wildlife like monkeys, squirrels and sloths inhabit surrounding trees, making the city feel remote despite bustling nearby.
Best Places To Stay In Getsemaní
This area provides significantly more affordable lodging in Cartagena than the other two locations listed above. Good value accommodations can be found throughout, though few offer stays under $200 USD.
Hotels and Hostels in Getsemaní
Accommodations will be more basic than in other parts of Cartagena, but we certainly don’t believe that’s a disadvantage if you’re watching your budget.
Top-rated Hostel: Life is Good
This hostel is located just a few minutes away from Plaza de Trinidad. It is a prime location for dining and socializing, though it has an on-site Colombian eatery if you are weary after a busy day of exploring. Life is Good offers four-bed or ten-bed dormitories with shared washrooms or private rooms. It has a gorgeous rooftop terrace and a shared kitchen too.
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Casa Pizarro is a hotel containing 15 rooms, all equipped with air conditioning, an on-site eatery, and a terrace including a hot tub and pool. The accommodations are relatively simple but elegantly furnished, with one room even showcasing an outdoor bathtub. For those seeking a tranquil, centrally located lodging in Getsemaní, this is an excellent choice. The deluxe double rooms are the ones with the outdoor bathtub/jacuzzi area. Just saying.
Airbnb in Getsemaní
There are many great Airbnb lodging choices in this part of the city, and most are relatively affordable (although there are some more luxurious stays here too).
Here are three choices that we liked, and think you will too.
Lovely studio Apartment with Balcony | Walk Everywhere: This accommodation that is near the top of our list of places to remain in Cartagena when we pay another visit. It`s a highly luminous unit in the core of the locale with a small balcony, air conditioning, and a mini kitchen including a cooktop, small refrigerator, and toaster oven. It`s gorgeous AND affordable, and we believe we`ve fallen for it.
Casa Tucan: This charming two bedroom home has everything needed for a perfect stay in Cartagena. High ceilings and abundance of natural light make this a very pleasant place to stay. It’s precisely located in the best possible area in the town, right on Carrera 10 (where Stepping Stone is) across from Plaza de Trinidad, which means you’re equidistant from the best street art, food, entertainment, and nightlife. You’ll have plenty of space to spread out and relax, a full kitchen, a washing machine, and filtered water. Oh yes, and it has a private rooftop pool.
Spacious Townhouse in Historic Getsemaní:This beautiful residence is an excellent choice if you seek accommodation for a family or group of friends exploring Cartagena. The multi-bedroom house offers ample space, including a sizable dining area and fully-equipped kitchen. Decor blends modern style with nods to the vibrant, artistic streets nearby. A favorite element is the colorful mosaic sink. Sleeping six across two bedrooms and a living room sofa bed, it guarantees a comfortable stay.
Click here to find the ideal Airbnb in Getsemaní
Here are the best places to stay in Cartagena, Colombia catering to all styles and budgets.
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