Where to stay in Cartagena?
The neighborhoods in Cartagena
Where to stay in Cartagena? In this guide, we’ve listed some handy info + our tips for the nicest accommodations in every price range. What we personally love about Cartagena is that each neighborhood has its own vibe. So you can taste different atmospheres in one day: old colonial, hip artsy and new modern. Also, the distances are not great, so you can easily walk between the historic center (El Centro and San Diego) and the colorful Getsemaní, our favorite neighborhood. Just because of these different vibes, it’s helpful to take a moment to consider what you like before booking a hotel or hostel in Cartagena.
El Centro
Neighborhood in the walled city with most of Cartagena’s tourist attractions. In the streets you will invariably see street vendors and the Palenqueras ladies, recognizable by their colorful dresses.
- Torre del Reloj (bell tower); where the historic center begins
- Plaza de los Coches
- Museo del Oro Zenú (gold museum).
- Palacio de la Inquisición (Palace of the Inquisition)
- Plaza de Bolívar
- Iglesia de San Pedro Claver
- Iglesia de Santo Domingo; the oldest church in Cartagena
San Diego
Quieter neighborhood in the walled city with atmospheric plazas, narrow streets and restaurants on the Plaza de San Diego.
- Plaza Fernandez de Madrid, with restaurants and live music
- Santo Toribio church
- Choco Museum
- Las Bovedas; souvenir shops in an old prison
- Santa Clara hotel; luxury hotel in an old monastery
Getsemaní
A neighborhood with an artists’ atmosphere, just outside the city walls. There are no famous tourist attractions here. The main attraction is Getsemaní itself with its narrow streets and beautiful murals. There is a mix of locals and tourists.
- Plaza de Trinidad; place to meet locals and tourists alike
- Callejon Augosto (umbrella alley)
- Calle San Andres, the little street with the flags
- Café Havana salsa club
- Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas (within walking distance)
Bocagrande
“Little Miami,” south of Getsemaní (cab ride 10 min.). Here, the sea breeze provides cooling if you want to escape the hot city center.
Bocagrande lacks the sights of the old town; but this is what you come for:
- Modern beachfront hotels
- Boulevard with trendy bars and restaurants
- Casinos
- Luxury shopping mall Bocagrande Plaza
Bocagrande is connected to two other neighborhoods; El Laguito and Castillogrande, with a small port.
Other neighborhoods
Manga
This green residential neighborhood is known for its marina and restaurants, such as the 50-year-old Club de Pesca, in the San Sebastián Fort. Manga is also home to Centro Comercial Caribe Plaza, Cartagena’s largest shopping center.
La Boquilla
A fishing village north of Cartagena with a long and wide sandy beach ideal for kiting and windsurfing. On weekends, it is a hot spot with locals, who come there to eat fish. On a canoe tour with a fisherman, you can learn more about the Ciénagas de La Virgen mangrove area.
Our favorite hotels
€ price range up to €25
€€ price range €25 – €100
€€€ price range above €100
El Centro
San Diego
Getsemani
€€€
ToColombia Tip:
Hotel Casa Lola Deluxe Gallery
Our recommendation in Getsemaní, for its perfect location, rooftop terrace, delicious food (especially breakfast) and great staff.
Bocagrande
