Cartagena is Colombia's 5th most populous city, and the most visited after Bogota and Medellin.
Well-known for its UNESCO-listed fortress, it also boasts sunny beaches, delicious food, and a wild nightlife.
Partying in Cartagena has a distinctive tropical holiday vibe. Think vibrant colors, fruity cocktails, lively Latin music, and clubs filled with friendly people from all over the world.
Continue reading for a complete review of the best venues to party in Cartagena, along with plenty of tips to help you make the most of your night out.
What to Expect at Night in Cartagena
Here are a few things to know when partying in Cartagena:
Party Streets
There are two main party streets in Cartagena:
- Carrera 6 in the old center (near its crossing with Calle 34) = The main one and most touristy
- Calle 30 in Getsemani (near the Parque Centenario) = More local, with many salsa bars and cheaper prices
Both streets are only a 10-minute walk apart, so there you can easily visit both of them in one night.
Weather
This is a Caribbean beach city. Don’t bring your suits or even a blazer here. Cartagena is hot, humid and you’ll be walking between venues. Choose light clothes, including shorts, knowing that few places have a strict dress code.
Budget
As you can expect from a touristic city, prices are often inflated, especially if you are used to drinking in Bogota or Medellin. The average price for drinks in bars is 8-11$, and there is often a cover charge to pay to get into clubs (between 5$ and 10$).
When to Party
When to Party
Sunday, Monday, Tuesday are usually dead. Things get better on Wednesday and Thursday. Friday and Saturday are the busiest. Don't visit clubs before 1AM, unless you want to get in for free (usually before midnight).
Crowd
You’re guaranteed to see many foreigners out in the bars and clubs in Cartagena, especially in the neighborhoods of Bocagrande, Getsemani, and the old city. Many Americans, but also latinos from nearby countries as well, such as Brazil or Mexico.
Safety
You shouldn’t have many safety issues when going out at night in Cartagena as long as you stick to the 3 main touristic areas: The Old Town, Getsemani and Bocagrande.
They are generally safe to walk around - even when stumbling drunk late at night.
I would advise you not to visit other neighborhoods at night, especially if you are alone (and planning to get drunk).
Dating
Colombian Cupid
Seeking.com
This famous luxury dating website works very well in Colombia. I personally didn't try it, but my friends swear by it. According to them, you won't find prettier girls anywhere else online.
Tinder, Bumble, Hinge
The more traditional dating apps are another option. But based on my experience, they only work if you are young, handsome and/or living in Cartagena.
Cartagena Nightlife Areas + Hotels
You can click on the map above to enlarge.
If you want to be walking distance from 90% of the best clubs and bars in Cartagena, I recommend you to stay near the Torre Del Reloj (Clock Tower) in the historical center. As it turns out, this is also the best location for exploring the city's colonial district.
Since this is a rather expensive neighborhood, you could also choose a hotel in the nearby Getsemani area, for instance near the Trinidad Square or the Parque Centenario. It is a less polished part of town, more authentic, but still very safe and you'll have access to many cool bars and clubs there (Café Havana, Club 7). To go to the bar street in the historic center, you'll need to walk about 10 minutes.
Bocagrande is another safe location. It's a more modern neighborhood where rich Colombians live in apartment buildings. It has a beach, a mall, many restaurants and fast-food chains, but it's not really charming and the nightlife is limited.
These are the best hotels to stay in Cartagena if you want to be able to walk to nightclubs and bars. They have a 24-hour reception, they have high ratings, and they offer excellent value-for-money:
- ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 200$ per night: Hotel Boutique Casona del Colegio (historic center)
- ⭐⭐⭐⭐ under 100$ per night: Hotel Boutique Las Carretas (historic center)
- ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 200$ per night: Hotel Boutique Casona del Colegio (historic center)
- ⭐⭐⭐⭐ under 100$ per night: Hotel Boutique Las Carretas (historic center)
- ⭐⭐⭐ under 50$ per night: Hotel La Magdalena (Getsemani)
- ⭐⭐ under 20$ per night: Hostal La Española (Getsemani)
Best Bars and Clubs in Cartagena
Trendy bar on 3 levels (bar, restaurant, rooftop) in the heart of Cartagena's party district. It serves some of the best cocktails in town, mostly Rum-based (around 8-10$ each). Fun atmosphere, it is easily the most popular nightlife spot in Cartagena. It was also ranked among the Top 10 bars in the world.
It gets crowded with mostly foreigners from Thursday to Saturday starting at 11PM. Music can be Latin or house/electronic.
If you like this kind of place, you may also want to check out the restaurant-bar El Baron, which is just a few minutes away, walking distance. It is a smaller venue, perfect for a few drinks before starting your night out.
If you like this kind of place, you may also want to check out the restaurant-bar El Baron, which is just a few minutes away, walking distance. It is a smaller venue, perfect for a few drinks before starting your night out.
Located in the Getsemani neighborhood, it is a famous and touristy salsa club with a typically Latin atmosphere. Bill and Hillary Clinton went there a few years ago on a trip to Cartagena. 10$ cover charge to get in. Crowded inside so book a table ahead if possible. Cuban music (mostly covers) from a live band starts after 11PM. Rather upmarket, so try to dress up a bit. Small dance floor, usually packed.
On the same street as Havana, there are two more authentic salsa bars that you can try: Vueltabajero and Casa Quiebracanto. A bit further away, Donde Fidel, next to the Hard Rock Café, and Crazy Salsa are also recommended.
On the same street as Havana, there are two more authentic salsa bars that you can try: Vueltabajero and Casa Quiebracanto. A bit further away, Donde Fidel, next to the Hard Rock Café, and Crazy Salsa are also recommended.
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This is a down-to-earth nightclub with two floors in Getsemani targeting middle-class Colombians. It is more affordable than its competitors, and you'll see less tourists (though there are still many). The music is crossover, so you'll hear a bit of everything in one night (reggaeton, EDM, hip-hop). Entrance fee is less than USD3. Beer is USD5.
Nearby, La Farra is a similar venue.
One of the hippest bars/clubs/restaurants in Cartagena, it is normally packed on weekends with a beautiful crowd. Dress up if you want to visit as it is not rare to be refused entry. Good for meeting people. No prostitutes. Open from Wednesday to Saturday from 9PM. Latin house music. Serves Tapas.
A high-end club owned by the same guy behind La Movida. The concept is similar: It is a multi-storied club with a rooftop and a central bar on the first floor. Different music on every level, from reggaeton to EDM.
Chic crowd, mostly Colombian. Do not come wearing sandals or shorts. Prices are expensive (10-12$ for cocktails) and you may have to book a table to get in as a group.
This multi-storied rooftop bar is a large venue, filled with mostly tourists, both locals and foreigners. Nice views on the Torre del Reloj from there. You have to pay an entrance fee of 7$ to get in, and then the drinks are pretty expensive inside. On weekend nights, it can get annoyingly packed. Service was unfriendly. The music is different on both floors (Reggaeton in one, EDM in the other).
This is the best club to hear Champeta music, a style specific to the area around Cartagena. They also play reggae and afro-beat music. Come after 11PM and you'll see a sweaty dance floor with a mixed crowd of Colombians and tourists. The setting is not too sophisticated, but it looks authentic and colorful.
Nearby, with the same view as Eivissa, you can find the Gastro Pub Mirador. It is more upmarket, perfect for having a few drinks before partying:
A unique nightlife venue with 7 rooms, including a rooftop. They feature a burlesque show that starts before midnight. A bit touristy and expensive, but fun. The entrance fee is almost USD20 unfortunately.
Amazing views and Caribbean views in the Old Town. This is a great spot to have a few drinks to start the night off right. The food is decent, too. Not for partying, but more of a pregame place.
Hey dude. Thanks for the informative analysis. I’ll be in Cartagena for three days and three nights at the beginning of March. I don’t have a ton of cash these days due to the pandemic but I was able to get an amazing flight and a great deal on accommodations. I’m staying in the walled city at a cute, smaller sized hotel for a bargain. That being said, I am booked for a Sunday, Monday and Tuesday. Plus it’s pandemic time. I’m open to paying if necessary. Of course I would prefer to meet and date a “normal” girl but my time is limited. How should I strategize? Is there any fun partying going on in the city these days?
ReplyDeleteMy husband and i are thinking of planning a trip out there and interested in the "nightlife". We love to party and go to bars. Is the prostitution legal there? Is there a specific bar or club you would recommend to meet such lovely ladies?
ReplyDeletePlan to visit cartagena in February with my lovely wife
ReplyDeleteYour summary of the place Very informative. I know that you info was more targeted to single or lonely guys skiing some unique experiences.
ReplyDeleteI will be visiting Cartagena next week with my wife and would love to take her dancing as much as possible.
We love dancing. We like mostly lay back atmosphere to have few drinks and dancing.
Any pointers on where to take the the wife and not having to worry about overcrowded high energy environment?
Thank you