Where to Stay in Cartagena: Best Areas for First-Time Visitors
If there’s a city that knows how to have a good time, it’s Cartagena.
Colourful and vibrant, it feels like everyone’s in a good mood. And that’s what I love most about Colombia… the energy just lifts you up, and before you know it, you’ve joined a random Zumba class on Sunday night in the streets of Getsemaní, and you’re trying to find your rhythm amongst a crowd of people who were clearly born with it.
I’d definitely recommend adding Cartagena to your Colombia itinerary for at least a couple of days and more if you can swing it. I stayed three times, and there was so much to explore on each occasion.
For first-time visitors, my top two neighbourhood picks would be the Walled City and Getsemaní, with Bocagrande being a good option if you’re looking for more of an upscale, resort-style stay.
From the famous Walled City of Cartagena to the colourful and historic streets of Getsemaní, here are the best neighbourhoods to stay in Cartagena.
Quick summary of where to stay in Cartagena
| Neighbourhood | Best for… |
|---|---|
| Walled City | Colonial architecture, historic plazas, sunsets, coffee shops, restaurants and nightlife |
| Getsemaní | Street art, colourful streets, nightlife, bars, restaurants and a lively atmosphere |
| Bocagrande | Upscale and resort-style stays, with high-rise hotels and beachfront |
Where to stay in Cartagena: Top picks
| Colonial charm in the Walled City | Hotel Bantu by Faranda Boutique |
| In the heart of El Centro | Casa Bugó Centro Histórico Hotel Boutique |
| Budget-friendly in Getsemaní | Life is good |
| Apartment style in Bocagrande | Bahari Cartagena Suites |
Gorgeous architecture
Where to stay in the Walled City of Cartagena
If you’re visiting Cartagena for a few days, you’ll definitely be spending time in the Walled City. Made up of the historic areas of El Centro and San Diego, this is where you'll find beautiful colonial buildings, historic plazas and plenty of places to eat, drink and explore.
It’s easy to spend a whole day pottering around. Some of my favourite places to grab a snack were the street food stalls, and I loved taking a guided food tour that introduced me to all the different smells and flavours of Cartagena. I stuffed myself with arepas almost every day!
The Walled City is pedestrian-friendly, so it’s easy to just wander around aimlessly for hours without much of a plan, stopping at coffee shops along the way. If you’ve got a spare hour or two or need a break from the heat, I’d recommend stopping by Ábaco Libros y Café, a stunning bookstore and café. Calm and cosy, it can be a much-needed break from the crowds of the old town.
In the evening, there are an array of restaurants, rooftop bars and salsa clubs to choose from as well as various street performers entertaining through the night. I also loved watching the sunsets, it was one of my favourite things to do in Cartagena.
El Centro is also a convenient option if you're interested in visiting the Rosario Islands, with tours departing from the port.
Here are some places in the Walled City worth checking out:
Boutique Hotels
Casa Bugó Centro Histórico Hotel Boutique
In a beautiful historical building and located in the heart of the historic centre. The property has a pool and air conditioning while maintaining a charming and authentic feel.
Hotel Bantu by Faranda Boutique
With beautiful 18th-century colonial architecture, the rooms have been decorated exquisitely. With a pool and a Turkish bath, it’s the perfect place to come back and relax after a long day exploring Cartagena.
Hotel Casa La Fe
In a charming colonial house with a traditional atmosphere, there’s a rooftop pool to enjoy on the days you’re looking to cool off from the heat. In the heart of the historic centre, it feels like a mini oasis away from the hustle and bustle outside.
Budget-friendly
Viajero Cartagena
If you’re looking to meet people, this is a great place to check out. Centrally located, you’re also within walking distance to a lot of the main attractions.
Before the hustle and bustle begins
Where to stay in Getsemaní
This is where I chose to base myself for each of my visits, and I loved the vibe in Getsemaní!
Fun, energetic and colourful, my favourite part was joining in with random street parties. I loved wandering around the colourful streets lined with umbrellas and discovering quaint corners and coffee shops.
And the location is hard to beat. Getsemaní is right next to the Walled City, so you can easily walk over whenever you fancy exploring the historic centre.
I also found Getsemaní more budget-friendly than staying in the historic centre. I could wander over for a gorgeous sunset, then return to Getsemaní for some amazing restaurants, street food and bars.
Here are some places in Getsemaní worth checking out:
Boutique hotels
Hotel Voilá Pedregal By Huespedia
Elegantly decorated and right by Plaza de la Trinidad, the hotel is in a quiet location yet close to the buzz of Getsemaní. Modern with traditional Caribbean touches, it’s a gorgeous place to base yourself for a few days.
Lunalá Hotel Boutique
A beautiful and stylish boutique hotel, the rooftop pool is a great place to relax after a long day of exploring.
Budget-friendly
Life is good
Cartagena gets insanely hot. So why wouldn’t it have a rooftop jacuzzi?! A great budget option in Getsemaní with a garden, bar, and a shared lounge.
Los Patios Hostel Cartagena
In a prime location in the heart of Getsemaní, this hostel is perfect for exploring the colourful neighbourhood. Rooms have air conditioning, and there are lots of opportunities to meet people.
Views of the skyline
Where to stay in Bocagrande
Urban and upscale, Bocagrande is the place to consider if you’re looking for more of a resort vibe.
With high-rise hotels, shops, restaurants and bars along the waterfront, this part of Cartagena has a very different feel from the Walled City and Getsemaní. However, the Walled City is within walking distance, or a short taxi ride away.
If you want beaches, modern hotels and plenty of amenities on your doorstep, Bocagrande could be a good fit.
Here are some places in Bocagrande worth checking out:
Apartment style
Bahari Cartagena Suites
With apartment-style rooms, you’re in a prime location near Bocagrande beach while also being within a short drive to the Walled City.
Boutique Hotel
OZ Hotel Collection
With modern rooms and a rooftop pool, this hotel has great facilities, including a spa and terrace. Elegantly designed, each of the rooms has been designed for comfort and ease.
Is Manga a good area to stay in Cartagena?
Manga is quieter and more residential. For a first-time visit, I wouldn't personally choose Manga unless it’s somewhere well located, just over the bridge, close to Getsemaní.
I did walk around the area during the day with people I'd met. I also visited a hostel here. However, I found it further from the main sights, and I wouldn't necessarily have felt comfortable walking home alone at night.
Is Cartagena safe?
As a solo traveller, I generally felt comfortable walking around Cartagena during the day and, in the busier areas, at night too. That said, as with anywhere, take precautions.
I found the Walled City, Getsemaní and Bocagrande to be the areas where I felt most comfortable staying and exploring. Cartagena stays lively late into the evening, particularly around the Walled City and Getsemaní, so there are usually plenty of people around.
Sunsets in Cartagena
Summary: Where to stay in Cartagena
If I were heading back to Cartagena, I'd choose Getsemaní again or the Walled City.
Getsemaní would probably be my first choice, simply because I loved staying there. The colourful streets, lively atmosphere, street parties and easy walk into the Walled City made it such a fun place to base myself.
The Walled City would be my choice if you want to be surrounded by Cartagena's historic architecture, restaurants and nightlife from the moment you step outside.
And if you're looking for something more modern and resort-like, Bocagrande is a great option.
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