Cartagena, Colombia is a city of total extremes and quite possibly the most beautiful and the most exasperating place you’ll visit in South America. On one hand, you’ll find breathtaking colonial alleys, balconies buckling under a flood of colorful bougainvillea, and a Caribbean atmosphere that instantly sweeps you up. But be prepared: none of this romance comes for free or without constant interruptions.

The moment you arrive, you’ll notice that the city is packed with street vendors offering everything from hats and “gift” bracelets to massages that are definitely not free. Anyone who knows this in advance and learns to say a firm no with a smile will take home the best possible memories of Cartagena. But if it catches you off guard, the endless haggling with meterless taxi drivers can wear you down pretty quickly, so it’s a good idea to mentally prepare for this reality beforehand.

Here we’ve put together 22 tips for you — from the old city walls to secret corners and trips out to the Caribbean islands. And yes, we’ve also included why you should be very careful with dating apps. 😅

TL;DR

• Tax break for foreigners: If your passport has the PIP-5 tourist stamp, you don’t pay the 19% VAT (IVA) at hotels. Always double-check this on your final bill, though — some hotels try to charge it anyway.
• Hidden island fees: Trips to the Islas del Rosario have a catch — the national park entrance and insurance (around 40,000 COP) are paid in cash at the dock and are not included in the tour price.
• Beauty that takes patience: Cartagena is a visual paradise, but brace yourself for persistent street vendors whom you’ll need to turn down politely but very firmly.
• Beaches with reservations: The city beach at Bocagrande has brown water, so you’ll have to head out to the islands for white sand — but watch out for the midday crowds at Playa Blanca.
• Safety first: Never use taxis without an agreed price in advance (or better yet, choose Uber or InDriver), and be extremely careful with nightlife and blind dates.
• Getting from the airport: Rafael Núñez Airport is just 10 to 15 minutes from the center, which is a huge advantage over other big cities.

When to Visit Cartagena, Colombia

Cartagena is a classic Caribbean destination with a steady temperature of 31 to 33 °C all year round, so you can safely leave your sweaters at home. The only difference in the weather is whether the air hangs heavy and still, or whether a pleasant cooling breeze blows in from the sea. When it comes to Cartagena, Colombia weather, the main and most popular season runs from December to April, when the city is dry, a refreshing trade wind blows, and the sun shines practically every day. During this period, though, the city bursts at the seams under the influx of international tourists and vacationing Colombians, which naturally pushes hotel prices to their annual peak.

If you don’t like heavy, muggy heat and high humidity, avoid the period from September to November, which is the main rainy season on the Caribbean coast. September in particular is statistically the wettest month of the year, when the historic alleys can turn into deep puddles within minutes. High humidity turns an ordinary stroll into a fairly demanding workout that has you sweating instantly. You can still visit the city then, of course, but expect to duck into air-conditioned cafés and museums far more often.

For the best possible balance of good weather and slightly more bearable prices, the turn of November and December is a great compromise, or the spring months right outside the Easter holidays (Semana Santa). Always keep in mind that the Caribbean sun here is truly harsh and unforgiving, so a wide-brimmed hat, liters of bottled water, and quality sunscreen are absolute must-haves in absolutely any month. Pack some light linen clothing too — you’ll feel most comfortable in it.

Where to Stay in Cartagena

Where you stay really matters — and in Cartagena more than anywhere else, because the difference between neighborhoods is brutal. The most enchanting option is to stay right in Centro Histórico, where all the famous sights and excellent restaurants are within arm’s reach, though prices here are naturally the highest in all of Colombia. For a more bohemian atmosphere full of street art and lively nightlife, choose the popular Getsemaní neighborhood, which is a huge hit these days. If, on the other hand, you’re mainly after modern high-rise hotels with pools and direct sea views, the Bocagrande peninsula is ideal for you.

A crucial piece of information for your travel budget is the fact that foreigners in Colombia don’t pay the 19% value-added tax (IVA) on accommodation. The main condition is that you enter the country on the standard tourist stamp, the so-called PIP-5, which you normally get in your passport right at the airport. To apply this discount, the hotel has to make a copy of your passport with this exact stamp, otherwise they’ll charge you the tax without mercy. Unfortunately, the practice across the city is that roughly half the hotels deduct the discount automatically, while the other half will quietly try to charge it. Always carefully check your final bill at checkout and don’t be afraid to speak up at reception.

Among the tried-and-tested, gorgeous hotels is, for example, Hotel Casa San Agustin, a luxury boutique hotel right in the heart of the old town that will charm you with its quiet inner courtyard and a pool built into the ancient walls. If you’re looking for something more modern with panoramic views, try GHL San Lazaro Art Hotel, which offers a breathtaking view straight onto the San Felipe fortress. For a completely peaceful colonial-style stay with first-class service, the absolute legend is Sofitel Legend Santa Clara, set in a carefully restored former convent.

💡 On this map you can compare what’s available right now — you’ll see straight away how much cheaper Getsemaní is than the walled city.

22 Things to Do in Cartagena, Colombia

Before you dive into the whirl of Colombian alleys, take a look at our pick of the most interesting things the city has to offer. These 22 tips will show you Cartagena with all the trimmings, from the polished landmarks to the most tucked-away corners, and help you avoid the pointless tourist traps.

We’ve combined the classic must-see spots with a few hidden gems so you can mix your own perfect cocktail of experiences.

1. Centro Histórico and Its Iconic City Walls

The main reason travelers from all over the world come here is the Centro Histórico de Cartagena, which boasts a fantastic rating of 4.8 from more than 4,000 reviews. Quite rightly, this architectural masterpiece has been on the UNESCO World Heritage list since 1984. The entire old town is enclosed by roughly 11 kilometers of massive stone walls, which once protected the city’s wealth from pirate raids and today serve as the best imaginable scenic walking route.

Do save the walls for early morning or late afternoon. Around noon the historic stones heat up under the Caribbean sun so much that you can barely breathe, and there’s no shade at all. Inside the walls themselves you’ll find the true Caribbean fairy tale — colorful colonial houses with wooden balconies draped in clusters of vivid bougainvillea in shades of pink, purple, and bright red.

As you wander these picturesque alleys, you’ll come across countless photogenic corners, but also a huge number of street vendors and smiling women in colorful dresses known as palenqueras. If you want to take the traditional photo with them, fruit balanced on their heads, expect to always pay a tip for it. 💡 Tip: Don’t get drawn into long conversations with street touts — just smile politely, say a firm “no, gracias,” and keep walking without stopping.

2. Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas

This is the absolute landmark of the whole city and, by number of reviews (nearly 68,000), the single most visited spot in all of Cartagena. Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas is the largest Spanish fortress on the American continent (and when you’re standing there, you really believe it looking at those massive stone walls). Its construction began back in 1657 on a strategic hill, and thanks to an ingenious system of defenses and underground tunnels, no enemy ever managed to capture it.

Exploring this enormous fortress can easily take two hours, and the biggest thrill is wandering through the dark, winding tunnels that the architects designed to deliberately amplify the sound of any attackers’ footsteps. The fortress is open to the public every day from 8:00 to 18:00, and the golden rule applies here too — don’t come at high noon, because there’s practically no shelter from the sun on the ramparts.

The basic ticket for foreigners costs 25,000 COP, while locals pay a bit less, roughly 20,000 COP. If you’re traveling with family, children under 6 and seniors over 62 get free entry to the entire complex. 💡 Tip for budget travelers: If the timing works out, definitely plan your visit for the last Sunday of the month, when entry is completely free for absolutely everyone (except during the busy months of January and December).

3. Plaza de Bolívar Square

The green heart of the entire old town is Plaza de Bolívar (a lovely 4.6 rating), which works as a perfect oasis of calm. Unlike the surrounding sun-baked stone alleys, here you’ll find plenty of benches safely tucked in the shade of mighty old trees, where locals and weary travelers from all over the world sit and rest. In the middle of the square, of course, stands the equestrian statue of Simón Bolívar himself, the famous liberator of South America.

This square isn’t just a great place to rest after a long walk, it’s also a strategic starting point for visiting the city’s best museums. On one side, the park is lined by the beautiful historic cathedral; on the other, ornate colonial palaces with massive wooden doors and huge metal knockers shaped like animals.

When you sit down here for a while, definitely buy some fresh Caribbean fruit from the local cart vendors or an ice-cold drink. Just pick the vendors who peel and cut the fruit right in front of you — at least you know what you’re getting. It’s hands down the best refreshment after hours of walking in the tropical heat.

4. Museo del Oro Zenú

Right on the edge of the popular Plaza de Bolívar sits the Museo del Oro Zenú, a fascinating branch of the famous Gold Museum from the capital, Bogotá. Although it’s somewhat smaller than its huge main version, the exhibition is absolutely stunning, and on top of that entry to this fantastic museum is completely free — a rare exception in expensive Cartagena that you should take advantage of.

Inside you’ll see a breathtaking and highly valuable collection of gold objects created by the indigenous Zenú culture long before the Spanish colonizers arrived. This culture was known for its absolutely masterful goldsmithing techniques as well as sophisticated systems of drainage canals that allowed them to survive in flood-prone areas. The exhibition explains their deep connection with nature brilliantly and clearly, especially with amphibians and the rich aquatic world.

The museum is also pleasantly air-conditioned, so if the sun is scorching outside and you’ve had enough, this free refuge from the afternoon heat is simply a gift from heaven. 💡 Tip: Don’t forget to take a close look at the renowned gold breastplates and the incredibly fine filigree jewelry, whose precision still fascinates even modern jewelers today.

5. Palacio de la Inquisición (Palace of the Inquisition)

Right across the same square you’ll find the Museum of Cartagena de Indias, better known to most people as the Palacio de la Inquisición (rated 4.2). This majestic historic building with a gorgeous Baroque portal from 1770 hides a very dark history beneath its beautiful facade. It was the main seat of the Spanish Inquisition, which for centuries tried and harshly punished those accused of heresy and witchcraft here.

Inside awaits a rather chilling but very informative exhibition where you can view original torture instruments and learn in detail about the ruthless methods of the church courts of the time. At the same time, the upper floors house a very extensive section devoted to the overall history of the city since its founding, so the museum works as a great comprehensive introduction to Cartagena’s complex history.

The ticket price for foreign tourists usually ranges between 21,000 and 25,000 COP, but definitely verify the current amount right there at the box office, since it occasionally changes without notice. The experience of the shady inner courtyard, where cruel sentences were once handed down and where lush tropical vegetation now ironically grows, is truly powerful and worth seeing.

6. Museo Naval del Caribe

If you have even the slightest interest in old ships, pirates, and naval battles, the Museo Naval del Caribe (an excellent 4.6 rating) will absolutely thrill you. You’ll find it just a short walk from the main city walls, and its extensive exhibition is dedicated to the fascinating history of Caribbean pirates, sunken Spanish galleons full of gold, and the endless naval battles for control over this strategic Caribbean port.

The museum is genuinely well done and modern, offering plenty of interesting interactive models of fortresses and giant ships, which not only adult history lovers but also families with children will appreciate. You’ll learn a lot of unexpected details about how the city heroically defended itself against the famous and devastating attack by the English admiral Vernon.

⚠️ Important map warning: When searching for information and directions online, be very careful not to confuse the cities. Don’t mix it up with the ‘Naval Museum Cartagena’ that Google sometimes slips in — that one is in Murcia, Spain, and your navigation will send you to a different continent. 😅 Always carefully check that the address on Google Maps says Bolívar, Colombia.

7. Plaza de los Coches and Torre del Reloj

Your very first steps into the old town will probably lead right through Torre del Reloj, the iconic yellow clock tower that serves as the main and most beautiful gateway through the walls. Just beyond this gate, Plaza de los Coches (rated 4.5), or the Square of Carriages, opens up wide before you. It has a very dark past, as it once served as the main slave market, but today it’s full of colorful houses with the typical balconies.

Right on this bustling square you’ll find the famous shady arcade Portal de los Dulces. Here, dozens of small wooden stalls are crammed together, selling traditional Caribbean sweets for generations. Everything gleams with bright colors, and the air constantly smells of fresh coconut, burnt cane sugar, and exotic tropical fruit.

It’s the absolutely ideal place to sample local coconut balls (the so-called cocadas) or sticky tamarind sweets. 💡 Tip: These local sweets are extremely sugary and dense, so one or two pieces with a strong afternoon coffee will be plenty — definitely don’t expect any light, fluffy desserts.

8. Camellón de los Mártires

Right in front of the main yellow clock gate, before you even enter the old town, stretches a wide promenade known as Camellón de los Mártires (rated 4.6). This very elegant, well-maintained promenade lined with statues is one of the very best spots for an evening stroll, when it’s beautifully lit and pulsing with incredible local life.

The name of this promenade directly refers to a bloody history — here you’ll find busts of nine martyrs, brave leaders of the Colombian independence movement who were mercilessly executed here in 1816 by Spanish royalists. It’s a very important place of national pride that provides an interesting historical contrast to the otherwise carefree Caribbean mood of the whole area.

During the day you’ll come across countless smiling vendors of fresh juices and handmade crafts. It’s also the most popular spot to board the tourist horse-drawn carriages, although out of consideration for the animals in the huge Caribbean heat, it’s definitely better to get around the city on your own two feet.

9. Getsemaní and the Street Art

While the polished Centro Histórico is smooth and aristocratic, the neighboring Getsemaní district has a real, wild, and spirited soul. Until recently it was a fairly dangerous working-class and poor neighborhood outside the walls, where tourists were told not to go at all — but today it’s easily the most interesting, colorful, and photographed part of all of Cartagena.

The alleys here are a bit narrower than in the center, and the peeling house facades serve as enormous painting canvases. You’ll find top-notch, thoughtful street art that reflects the city’s African roots, the palenquera culture, and the lush local flora. The most famous is the narrow Calle de la Sierpe, over which hundreds of colorful umbrellas hang, or the alley full of little flags where the very best vacation photos are taken.

During the day, Getsemaní is surprisingly calm (people sit in front of their houses on plastic chairs, passionately playing dominoes, and barely notice you — quite a relief after the constant hustling in the center). This is where you’ll still feel that genuine community atmosphere that has unfortunately faded a little from the shinier, pricier center.

10. Plaza de la Trinidad in the Evening

If you want to experience the real, genuine Caribbean revelry firsthand, you have to head to Plaza de la Trinidad after dark, right in the heart of the colorful Getsemaní district. During the day it’s a rather unremarkable little square in front of an old, peeling yellow church, but once the sun sets, the space transforms in the snap of a finger into the pulsing epicenter of the whole city.

Every evening, seemingly half the neighborhood gathers here — local families with children, backpackers from all over the world, and talented street performers. People sit right on the warm sidewalks, buy cheap chilled beer from the nearby shop, and sample excellent food from street carts. Around eight in the evening, thrilling improvised dance performances, fire juggling, or loud concerts by local bands regularly begin.

There’s no need to pay any expensive cover to get into fancy clubs, because the very best and most authentic party happens right out on the street. 💡 Tip: But be very careful with your personal belongings — pickpockets can move unnoticed through the dense crowd, so keep your backpack in front of you and leave valuables and your passport in the hotel safe.

11. Sloths in Centenario Park

Right on the border between Getsemaní and the old town lies the seemingly ordinary Centenario Park (rated 4.4), which hides a huge and unexpected natural surprise. Most hurried tourists just pass quickly through it on their way to the walls, with no idea of the amazing thing hidden right above their heads in the dense crowns of the mighty trees.

Right in the center of the busy, noisy city, slow sloths, adorable little monkeys (tamarins), and huge prehistoric iguanas live here in the wild. All you have to do is stop for a moment, stand completely still, and carefully scan the tangled branches above you. You’ll often see iguanas lazily basking in the sun right by the path, while the sloths are usually fast asleep, hidden high up in the leaves.

If you can’t spot the animals in the dense greenery yourself, the local nut vendors or the park’s regular guards will often gladly point them out — they always know exactly which tree the whole sloth family is resting on. It’s an absolutely fascinating piece of wild jungle in the middle of busy concrete traffic.

12. The View from Convento de la Popa

The best view over all of Cartagena? It’s on the highest hill in the city, where the old Convento de la Popa monastery stands. This gorgeous monastery dates all the way back to 1607 and rises roughly 150 meters above sea level, so from up here you can see the historic old town, the modern skyscrapers of Bocagrande, and the maze of waterways and poorer suburban neighborhoods all laid out before you.

The monastery itself has a beautiful, peaceful inner courtyard full of blooming flowers and a small but very richly decorated chapel. Entry to the whole complex ranges around 11,000 to 25,000 COP depending on the source and season, so definitely verify the current price on the spot. The experience of that enormous height is absolutely worth the money, though.

⚠️ Essential safety warning: The road up to the monastery leads through very poor and problematic neighborhoods, and walking up is strongly discouraged for foreigners for safety reasons. You go up exclusively on an organized tour or by yellow taxi — agree with the driver upfront that they’ll wait for you roughly 30 minutes at the top and safely bring you back down to the center.

Lukáš and Lucie recommend

Where to stay in Cartagena

4 accommodations — wellness hotels, hotels and other accommodation options

⭐ TOP CHOICE ⭐ Luxury

Hotel Casa San Agustin

Luxury boutique hotel in the heart of the old town with a peaceful inner courtyard and pool integrated into the old walls.

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GHL San Lazaro Art Hotel

Modern hotel with breathtaking panoramic views directly of San Felipe castle.

★★★★ Check prices

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Sofitel Legend Santa Clara

An absolute legend in a meticulously restored former monastery with first-class service and colonial style.

★★★★ Check prices

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Explore all available accommodation options in Cartagena and find the best one according to your preferences and budget.

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13. Rooftop Bars and Luxury Views

Cartagena is famous the world over for its well-developed rooftop bar culture, where the view of the illuminated night city is absolutely breathtaking. The best-rated viewpoint inside the old walls is Mirador Gastro Bar (a great 4.6 rating), where you can enjoy excellent signature drinks with a direct, unobstructed view of the Torre del Reloj tower and the never-ending buzz of the square right below you.

If you prefer the more relaxed, bohemian atmosphere of the Getsemaní district, definitely head to Baroca Sabor Ancestral (rated 4.8) or the stylish Casa Pura Rooftop (rated 4.6). Here, hot Caribbean rhythms mix completely naturally with modern mixology, and the evening sunsets are absolutely unforgettable.

For true lovers of extreme heights, there’s the exclusive 51 Sky Bar in the modern Bocagrande district (rated 4.2), which is easily the tallest bar in the entire city. The view from the 51st floor over the glowing old town and the dark, endless ocean is incredible, but be aware that the drink prices here fully match the luxury and exclusivity of this location.

14. Sunset on the City Walls (Café del Mar)

There’s perhaps no more famous and iconic ritual in all of Cartagena than watching the early-evening sunset right from the massive historic city walls. The traditional centerpiece of this daily event is the famous Café del Mar, which occupies a huge, strategic tip of the fortifications with the absolute best view of the open ocean and the setting sun.

But let’s be honest — the drinks and food at this place are heavily overpriced, and there are often really long lines for a free table an hour before sunset. Fortunately, though, the view itself isn’t overpriced, and anyone can enjoy it. 💡 Tip: You don’t have to pay for an expensive restaurant table at all. Just comfortably sit on the wide stone parapet of the walls right next to the café, buy an ice-cold beer from a street vendor for a fraction of the price, and enjoy an absolutely identical — if not better and more authentic — experience alongside the locals.

Whether you choose a comfortable table at the venue or the romantic wall, always be there at least an hour before the actual sunset, because the spots with the best view fill up at incredible speed.

15. Bocagrande and Castillogrande Beaches (an Honest Review)

Guidebooks often write some pretty unrealistic romantic nonsense about the beaches right in the city, so here’s the plain, unvarnished truth. The city beach at Playa de Bocagrande may have a 4.3 rating online, but the water here is usually murky and brown. It’s an extremely practical spot if you just want a quick cool-off a short walk from your high-rise hotel, but visually it’s definitely no Caribbean paradise — and the beach is constantly besieged by dozens of massage sellers and pricey umbrellas.

Things are noticeably better and more bearable a little further along at Playa Castillogrande (rated 4.5). This particular part of the peninsula is much calmer — mostly local families come here to spend time, and the water tends to be a bit cleaner and calmer, though still don’t expect that true turquoise color. It’s an ideal spot for a peaceful morning walk along the sea, though.

If you want to spend a whole day on a beautiful beach with a book in hand, it really isn’t worth it right in the city. For those true Caribbean postcard beaches, you have to head a bit further out of town — either by boat to the coral islands, or by car to the popular Barú peninsula.

16. Islas del Rosario and the Money Trap

The gorgeous Islas del Rosario archipelago lies in a protected national park just under an hour’s speedboat ride from Cartagena, and it’s finally the real Caribbean dream with coral reefs and white sand. But there’s a huge tourist catch that most unprepared travelers fall for (unexpected hidden fees). No matter what price you pay for a tour in the city, the mandatory port fees are almost never included.

Entry to the national park itself will cost you roughly 25,000 to 31,500 COP per person, plus mandatory marine insurance of about 8,800 COP. Together that’s around 40,000 COP, which you must pay exclusively in cash right at the dock before boarding the boat. If you don’t happen to have the banknotes on you, they simply won’t let you on the boat and the trip falls through. 💡 Tip: Withdraw your money from ATMs (Bancolombia or Davivienda are reliable) calmly the day before, because in the morning the ATMs by the port are often completely empty.

The islands themselves are gorgeous and absolutely ideal for a full day of snorkeling. But you’ll spoil the whole experience quite a bit if you end up in an argument first thing in the morning at the noisy port over fees the agency told you nothing about beforehand.

17. Island Beach Clubs (Instead of Public Beaches)

Instead of heading to the ordinary public and often extremely crowded island beaches, I warmly recommend booking a so-called day pass to one of the many private beach clubs. It’s pricier, but you’ll have your own lounger, clean water, and above all peace from the vendors who otherwise egg you on to buy souvenirs every two minutes.

An absolutely great choice is Capri Beach Club (a fantastic 4.9 rating) on Isla Grande, where you’ll find perfect calm, excellent service, and crystal-clear turquoise water. If you’re looking for more of a modern, stylish party atmosphere with excellent food and great drinks, definitely head to Blue Apple Beach (rated 4.7) on the closer Isla Tierra Bomba.

If you really don’t feel like traveling far by boat but still want to enjoy maximum beach comfort and drinks by the water, right in the city in the quieter Manga district there’s the urban club Bendita Beach (rated 4.7) with a beautiful pool, where they’ll pamper you all day long.

18. The La Boquilla Fishing Village and Its Mangroves

If you want to experience something completely different in the city from the polished colonial center, and at the same time want your money to directly support the local community, head north of the city to the authentic La Boquilla fishing village. Here you’ll finally get to know the rawer, far more traditional Afro-Colombian face of the whole Caribbean region, which has already vanished from the center.

The main draw here is a fascinating ride in a traditional wooden canoe through very dense mangrove forests. Experienced local fishermen take you into the tangle of quiet waterways, where you can watch elegant herons up close, crabs hiding in the roots, and listen to absolute silence broken only by the gentle splash of wooden paddles.

This low-key ecological trip is one of the few experiences in Cartagena where your money stays directly in the hands of the local community, which is doing everything it can to keep its traditional fishing livelihood alive in the face of the aggressively expanding modern hotels nearby.

19. Bazurto Market (For the Strong-Willed Only)

Bazurto Market is huge, noisy, chaotic, and in places honestly quite dirty, and its average rating of 3.7 from more than 12,000 reviews says it all. It’s not a tourist attraction, it’s the everyday reality of Colombian life. They sell absolutely everything imaginable here, from raw meat hanging on hooks in the sweltering heat to enormous piles of exotic fruit and counterfeit brand-name clothing and electronics.

Heading here on your own is strongly discouraged for foreigners for safety reasons — the maze of stalls is incredibly confusing, and organized pickpockets often operate unnoticed in the crowd. If you want to see this authentic market, go only very early in the morning and exclusively with a licensed local guide who knows exactly how to navigate safely.

With a good guide, though, it can be an absolutely fascinating experience — you’ll taste strange exotic fruits you’ve never seen in your life and see the real, non-touristy face of the city without the gloss. But definitely don’t come here for ordinary shopping for nice souvenirs — for that, the markets in the center are better.

20. Museo del Chocolate and Colombian Cacao

Colombia doesn’t just produce its famous, excellent coffee for the world — it also makes absolutely first-rate, high-quality cacao. If you’re looking for a great experience (not only) for families with children, definitely visit the Museo del Chocolate (an excellent 4.8 rating) right in the historic city center. It’s a smaller but beautifully interactive museum that engagingly guides you through the entire complex process, from growing the cacao beans to making a bar of delicious chocolate.

During the fragrant tour, you’ll learn plenty of surprising facts about the history of chocolate in pre-Columbian cultures, and at the end there’s of course a rich and very generous tasting of various kinds. Ideal for a hot afternoon, and neither vegetarians nor chocolate lovers will regret it.

At the little shop by the exit, you can also buy the very best edible souvenirs to take home for the family, from classic dark chocolates with a high cacao percentage to delicate pralines filled with exotic Caribbean fruit.

21. Street Food and Caribbean Flavors

Caribbean cuisine on the coast leans heavily on fish (sea bass, ceviche) and seafood, but even die-hard plant-based food lovers will easily find their fix here on the street. The absolute cheap sure thing you’ll find on every corner and that will save you from hunger is the arepa de queso (a thick corn flatbread grilled over fire until crispy and stuffed with lots of melted cheese).

Another absolutely perfect side dish or quick savory snack is patacones — twice-fried pieces of green plantain that are often served with garlic sauce or excellent tomato hogao. They’re incredibly filling, greasy, and very cheap.

The essential hydration in this crushing heat is best solved with jugos naturales (fresh fruit juices). I warmly recommend trying lulo (a peculiar sour taste similar to kiwi and citrus), fresh passion fruit, or the very sweet guanábana. If you’re after something thicker and creamier, limonada de coco (coconut lemonade with fresh lime) is the best and most refreshing Caribbean invention in the world. And of course, don’t forget the ever-present agua de panela (water with cane sugar and lemon).

22. Where to Eat Meat-Free (Vegetarian Tips)

While most ordinary tourist restaurants in the center mainly serve pricey lobster and fried pork, the city has several fantastic and modern establishments with a purely plant-based focus. I warmly recommend trying Restaurante Sambal (an amazing 4.9 rating) in Getsemaní, an innovative Caribbean bistro that brilliantly and creatively reinvents traditional local flavors into purely plant-based dishes.

For a quick, colorful, and very healthy lunch, El Bololó | Bowls del Caribe (rated 4.8) is perfect, where they make huge, hearty bowls full of rice, beans, plantains, and fresh vegetables. Another absolute gem for vegetarians who want a break from fried street food is the bistro SANATOco (rated 4.9) in the quieter Manga district.

If you fancy something much more modern in the evening, the acclaimed Pezetarian (rated 4.8) is a great choice — it offers Asian-Caribbean cuisine with fish but also has a huge selection of fantastic, flavorful plant-based bowls. For a beautiful romantic atmosphere right in the center, visit Casa Bohême (rated 4.7) or the very stylish Restaurante Nami (rated 4.9).

Where to Go Next from Cartagena (Trips Nearby)

When you tire of the constant honking of taxis and the souvenir touts, the area around Cartagena offers a day or two of a completely different world.

• San Basilio de Palenque: This is an absolute historic gem protected by UNESCO. It’s the very first free settlement of escaped African slaves in all of the Americas, proudly founded back in 1691. Locals have preserved their own unique language (palenquero) and centuries-old African traditions to this day. It’s roughly an hour and a half from the city, and it’s absolutely essential to come here with respect and ideally with a guide from this local community.
• Volcán del Totumo: About an hour’s bus ride to the north you’ll find this utterly bizarre mud “volcano.” You climb up rickety wooden steps onto a small hill and plunge into a crater full of thick, warm mud in which you can’t sink thanks to its density. It’s a very mass-tourism affair, but the photos from here are incredibly fun.
• The Barú Peninsula and Playa Blanca: For that true fine white sand and turquoise water, you have to head roughly an hour out of the city. Playa Blanca is genuinely gorgeous, but at midday it suffers a huge influx of people from buses and boats, so you won’t get any rest there. You’ll have the best experience if you pay for simple accommodation here and enjoy the beach in peace early in the morning or at sunset, when all the crowds head back to the city.
• Santa Marta and Tayrona National Park: If you have more time in Colombia and aren’t just planning a quick stop, head about 4 hours east on a comfortable bus. It’s not a day-trip destination from Cartagena, but an amazing and essential next stop on your journey. There you’ll get access to the wild, untamed nature of the Sierra Nevada mountains and to the very most beautiful beaches of Tayrona National Park.

When planning your stay, definitely also check out our detailed article Where to Stay in Cartagena, where we break down the individual neighborhoods down to the last detail and advise you on the best hotels. Also take a look at our guide What to See in Colombia so you have your whole trip nicely planned, or read our tips on how to stay safe in South America.

Frequently Asked Questions

Planning a trip to Colombia always comes with plenty of question marks. Here are the answers to the most common questions that are bound to run through your head before you set off.

When you start planning a trip and sorting out accommodation in Cartagena, Colombia, you’ll probably be instantly captivated by photos of colorful colonial streets and balconies draped in bougainvillea. But choosing the right place to stay in this Caribbean city is a bit of a science, and it pays to know a few crucial local rules so you’re not disappointed on arrival or needlessly out of pocket. The single most important secret is the Colombian tax system, which exempts foreign tourists from paying the 19% value added tax (IVA) on hotel nights.

Sounds great, but there’s one significant catch, because in practice you have to keep a close eye on this exemption yourself. To avoid the tax, your passport must carry a tourist entry stamp marked PIP-5, which you receive automatically on arrival. The hotel then has to make a copy of your passport with that stamp. Roughly half of the properties will deduct the tax automatically, but the other half will try to charge it to you. So at check-in, ask to be safe whether your stay is tax-free, and at checkout carefully double-check the final bill.

Another Cartagena quirk is that here you pay for location by the meter. The historic walled center is fairly small and you can walk across it in twenty minutes. But room prices drop steeply with every block you move away from the main squares. On top of that, factor in the ever-present heat between 31 and 33 degrees Celsius and enormous humidity. Air conditioning and at least a small pool aren’t a needless luxury here but absolutely essential survival equipment, because in the afternoon you simply can’t walk the sun-baked streets.

TL;DR

• Best hotel overall: Hands down the Casa Carolina Hotel, with the very best rating in our entire selection across a huge number of reviews.
• Best for luxury and history: The legendary Casa San Agustín in the heart of the old town, with a breathtaking aqueduct right above the pool.
• Best value for money (and peace and quiet): The smaller boutique Maloka Boutique Centro Histórico in the calm San Diego neighborhood.
• Best for nightlife lovers: The design-led Casa Lola Luxury Collection in the buzzing, colorful Getsemaní district.
• Best for backpackers and solo travelers: The highly rated Los Patios Hostel with a rooftop terrace and pool.
• Best modern high-rise hotel: The huge ESTELAR Cartagena de Indias in Bocagrande, with a popular bar on the 51st floor.
• Best island escape: The gorgeous Hotel Carey Beach Barú for those who want to swap the city for white-sand beaches.
• Important payment warning: If you pay for accommodation in advance through booking portals, the 19% IVA is often charged automatically and the hotel won’t refund it on site. It often pays to choose the pay-on-arrival option.

💡 On this map you can compare what’s currently available — you’ll also see how much cheaper accommodation is just a few stops from the center.

Which area to choose for your stay in Cartagena

Choosing the right neighborhood in Cartagena is absolutely key to your overall experience. Each part of the city offers a completely different atmosphere, different price levels and, above all, a different amount of nighttime noise. If you don’t pick a location based on your real needs, your stay can end up costing more than it should, or you may not get any rest at all.

El Centro (inside the walls) is the most beautiful, most expensive and most photographed part of the city. Here you’ll find the most luxurious boutique hotels in former colonial palaces and monasteries. But bear in mind that around Plaza Santo Domingo things close very late and the noise from the bars carries down the narrow streets deep into the night. It’s the heart of the city, where you pay a premium to have all the sights right on your doorstep — but the price for that is livelier evenings.

San Diego lies in the northern part of the walled town and is clearly the best compromise for a peaceful stay. San Diego is Cartagena’s secret weapon: just as beautiful pastel houses, the same flower-covered balconies, but without the pounding bass from the bars. You’ll walk it all, sit for a while on Plaza San Diego, and actually sleep at night.

Getsemaní is about a ten-minute walk from the main walls and is the liveliest, most colorful and most authentic neighborhood. Accommodation prices here are a class cheaper than in El Centro, so it’s a great choice for a mid-range budget. You’ll find wonderful street art, excellent cafés and plenty of boutique hotels and hostels. The main hub of the action is Plaza de la Trinidad, where the salsa and street buzz don’t die down until deep into the night, so it’s not the ideal spot for very light sleepers.

Bocagrande and Castillogrande form a modern peninsula that at first glance resembles Miami. Here you’ll find tall glass hotels, large air-conditioned shopping centers and wide promenades, popular mostly with Colombian families on holiday. But there’s one huge catch for international visitors: the city beaches here are lapped by murky brown water, which is usually a big disappointment for travelers expecting the turquoise Caribbean. Because of this, people end up swimming only in the hotel pools.

Manga is a tip most guidebooks skip. It’s a quiet island between El Centro and Bocagrande, home mostly to locals, and a taxi to the walls costs next to nothing. Instead of tourist bars you’ll come across pretty republican-era villas, shady streets and restaurants where you eat for a fraction of the El Centro price.

Barú and the Rosario Islands are archipelagos and peninsulas about an hour by boat from the mainland. Here you finally find the real Caribbean with white sand and clear water. Staying overnight here only makes sense if you plan to stay at least two nights or more. Otherwise people come for day trips, which involve paying extra port and ecological fees that needlessly complicate the visit.

Cartagena, Colombia weather: when to go and when to book

Hotel pricing in Cartagena changes dramatically depending on the season, so it’s worth thinking carefully about your travel dates. The most expensive and busiest months are from December to April, when the largest numbers of international tourists and Colombians themselves head to the city to escape the winter. During Christmas, New Year and Easter, prices jump to double or more, and you won’t get a room in popular boutique hotels even half a year in advance.

On the other hand, from September to November you should expect heavy rain, which puts off a lot of summer holidaymakers. The upside of this off-season is that hotels are noticeably cheaper and the city isn’t nearly as crowded with cruise-ship crowds. On top of that, in the tropics the rain usually comes as sharp afternoon showers, after which the sky quickly clears again. Even in these months, though, definitely avoid rooms without air conditioning, because the humidity is absolutely extreme and without cooling you wouldn’t sleep a wink.

Logistically, a huge advantage is that Rafael Núñez International Airport lies just 10 to 15 minutes’ drive from the historic center. Fortunately, there’s no risk of a lengthy transfer after a long flight. But we strongly recommend agreeing the fare for a standard yellow taxi (which has no meter) upfront, or using modern apps like Uber, InDriver or DiDi. These services show you the price right on your phone screen, so you avoid any haggling with local drivers.

Where to stay in Cartagena, Colombia: the 18 best hotels

The following selection is organized by neighborhood and covers everything from historic palaces through modern high-rises to the Caribbean islands.

I’ve carefully worked through hundreds of reviews and picked places that really have something to offer. Whether you’re after absolute luxury in a colonial house or a more affordable, quieter boutique hotel, you’ll surely find yours here.

1. Casa San Agustín

This iconic hotel (more on the official website) is the most famous luxury address in the whole city, confirmed by an absolutely fantastic rating of ★4.8 from more than 612 independent reviews. It was created by carefully connecting three beautiful 18th-century colonial houses and offers an enchanting old-world atmosphere combined with modern five-star service. The whole place breathes history, and at every step you’ll find a detail that makes you want to stop and reach for your camera.

The biggest draw and visual centerpiece is the ancient aqueduct that arches directly over the gorgeous interior pool, so when you swim you feel like you’re in a colonial-era telenovela, just with better wellness. The rooms come with luxurious, silent air conditioning, premium natural toiletries and preserved wooden ceilings. Even though you’re right in the heart of noisy El Centro, the meter-thick walls of the historic houses act as perfect soundproofing.

For discerning travelers there’s a flawless concierge service that will help you secure tables at the best restaurants or a private boat to the islands. The hotel restaurant also offers a thoughtful vegetarian menu that guests praise for its originality and the freshness of the local ingredients.

💡 Tip: The hotel is an absolutely ideal choice for romantic stays, honeymoons and demanding couples looking for total privacy. Don’t forget to present your passport with the PIP-5 stamp at check-in, because with premium prices like these, saving that 19% tax makes an enormous difference to the overall budget. check prices and availability

2. Casa Carolina Hotel

This boutique gem on Calle del Arzobispado (more on the official website) boasts the best average rating in our entire selection, holding an incredible ★4.9 from a solid 807 reviews. That’s a huge achievement, especially with such a high number of reviewing guests, who tend to be very critical. The building’s architecture beautifully blends traditional colonial elements with a very clean, airy modern design, so the space doesn’t feel cramped at all.

Guests here can enjoy not just one but several smaller pools and hot tubs, which in hot and muggy Cartagena is a truly invaluable perk for afternoon relaxation. The rooms are unusually spacious, the beds extremely comfortable, and the air conditioning works flawlessly and quietly. The staff apparently remember guests’ names, and the reviews confirm it again and again, so it’s probably not just an empty phrase.

Thanks to its great location right in the historic center, all the key sights are just around the corner, yet the hotel itself remains a quiet oasis. Breakfast comes with plenty of fresh exotic fruit and excellent Colombian coffee that’s guaranteed to wake you up for another day of exploring.

💡 Tip: Casa Carolina is perfect for travelers who want top-tier luxury and a personal touch, but without the excessive formality and stiffness. If you plan to pay through a booking portal in advance, carefully check whether the system is charging you the Colombian IVA straight away. It often pays to choose the option to pay directly at reception.

3. Amarla Boutique Hotel

If you’re after something truly intimate and hidden from the tourist crowds, this beautifully restored 19th-century house on Calle Ayos (check out the official website) will completely charm you (rating ★4.9 from 408 reviews). The hotel has only seven rooms, which guarantees an incredibly personal, family-like and quiet atmosphere in an otherwise very busy old town. Each room looks different, antiques mingle with works by local artists, and you’ll want to photograph the whole room before you even unpack your suitcase.

The crowning glory of this luxury boutique stay is the lovely rooftop plunge pool surrounded by mature tropical plants, with a wonderful view over the surroundings. It’s exactly the spot you’ll want to retreat to in the afternoon to escape the scorching Caribbean sun with a good book and a chilled drink. The rooms have perfectly sorted cooling, so you’ll rest wonderfully at night.

Given the small capacity, the staff can devote themselves to each guest to the maximum, which shows in the enthusiastic reviews. They’re happy to recommend the best cafés nearby or book a city tour tailored precisely to your interests, and all without the usual hotel markup.

💡 Tip: Given the exclusive capacity of just seven rooms, you have to book really well in advance, especially if you’re planning a trip in high season from December to April. It’s an absolutely ideal retreat for couples seeking undisturbed peace and romance. check prices and availability

4. Hotel Charleston Santa Teresa

This huge, historically significant complex (explore their website) on the picturesque Plaza Santa Teresa sits in a carefully restored monastery from 1609. It’s the hotel with the most reviews of all the five-star properties inside the walls (a lovely rating of ★4.7 from 1,709 reviews). The atmosphere of the old monastery corridors and massive stone walls is absolutely unforgettable and breathes centuries of history.

The biggest draw for guests is the sprawling rooftop pool with a breathtaking view straight onto the historic walls and the endless Caribbean Sea. An afternoon swim overlooking the walls and the sunset is exactly the photo you flew to Cartagena for. The rooms are exceptionally elegant and tastefully blend historic features with the most modern technology and strong air conditioning.

The hotel is also right next to great dining options, so you won’t have to walk far. Inside the building there’s a luxurious wellness center where, after a long flight, you can be pampered with professional massages using local herbs.

💡 Tip: The hotel sits on a fairly lively square, but the rooms themselves, thanks to the thick walls, insulate the surrounding buzz well. We recommend asking for rooms facing the quieter inner courtyard if you’re a very light sleeper. The ground-floor restaurant is beautiful, but vegetarians are better off visiting the nearby Casa Bohème restaurant, which has excellent meat-free dishes.

5. Bastión Luxury Hotel

You’ll find this gorgeous colonial hotel (more detail on the official website) on Calle del Sargento Mayor, one of the quieter, calmer streets right in the heart of the old town (excellent rating ★4.7 from 954 reviews). The building itself is a classic example of colonial architecture with a huge, beautiful inner patio that provides wonderfully cool shade during the sultriest Caribbean afternoons.

On the hotel roof there’s a very popular pool with a terrace and a fully stocked bar, with a beautiful view over the terracotta roofs of the surrounding houses and the church towers. The air conditioning in the rooms is famously quiet and powerful (after a full day pounding the hot cobbles you’ll really appreciate it), while the staff move discreetly in the background and help whenever needed.

The room interiors lean on natural materials, plenty of dark wood and muted colors that create a feeling of total relaxation. In the morning you’ll be treated to lavish breakfasts with a huge selection of exotic fruit and fresh pastries, served in an elegant glass-walled dining room.

💡 Tip: Bastión is an absolutely great choice for travelers who want to be right in the thick of the action, yet still sleep undisturbed at night. When paying by card at reception, don’t forget to carefully check the final amount so it doesn’t accidentally include the 19% Colombian tax meant for local residents.

6. Casa Claver Loft Boutique Hotel

This unique boutique hotel (holding a rating of ★4.9 from 204 reviews) offers a slightly different concept from the vast majority of its old-town competition. Instead of the usual cramped hotel rooms, here you’ll find incredibly spacious lofts set in a beautifully restored colonial house. Thanks to this approach it has quickly earned a reputation as one of the best-rated boutiques in all of El Centro.

The lofts here are absolutely ideal for travelers who prefer more personal space and a modern, minimalist design wrapped in a historic setting. Top-notch air conditioning, a quality kitchenette and unlimited access to a gorgeous rooftop pool with comfortable seating are a given. The building’s massive walls also perfectly insulate any street noise, so the city’s morning bustle won’t wake you at all.

The rooms are full of natural light, and thanks to clever ventilation there isn’t the same sense of humidity you get in older buildings. The owners really care about the personal touch and are happy to help organize any trips in the area without needless commissions.

💡 Tip: Casa Claver is an absolutely perfect choice for longer stays or for smaller families and groups of friends who like the concept of spacious, well-equipped lofts. On arrival, don’t forget to actively request tax-free accommodation on the basis of your passport and the PIP-5 tourist entry stamp.

7. Hotel Boutique Bóvedas de Santa Clara

We move to the much calmer, quieter San Diego neighborhood, specifically to popular Carrera 8. This boutique hotel (rating ★4.7 from 498 reviews) stands right next to the famous Santa Clara monastery and offers an incredibly romantic and intimate atmosphere. It’s a true oasis of calm, sheltered from the biggest bustle of the central squares, where the bars don’t close until the early hours.

In the gorgeous inner courtyard you’ll find a beautiful pool surrounded by lush tropical greenery that practically begs you to take a long afternoon siesta. The rooms have charming little balconies overlooking the sea or the quiet historic streets of San Diego. All the indoor spaces are perfectly cooled and the premium bedding meets the most exacting international standards.

The whole hotel concept is built around an intimate experience, so you’ll never be squeezed in with crowds of other tourists at breakfast. There are also several excellent cafés and restaurants nearby that aren’t as packed as those in the very heart of the city.

💡 Tip: The San Diego neighborhood is quite simply the best compromise between the visual beauty of the historic center and the peace and quiet you need at night. If you want to enjoy the romance of colonial Cartagena without the pounding bass from the nightclubs, Bóvedas de Santa Clara definitely won’t disappoint.

8. Casa Lola Luxury Collection

This fascinating hotel (a steady rating of ★4.6 from 774 reviews) is by far the best-known, most photographed and most stylish address in the buzzing Getsemaní district. Interestingly, it’s made up of two connected buildings: one is classic colonial architecture and the other a slightly newer, republican style. The interiors are a feast for the eyes and boldly mix antiques with modern eclectic art.

The hotel has a beautiful pool and several rooftop terraces, which are very typical of the whole Getsemaní area and offer great views. The rooms are deliberately darker, beautifully cooled by powerful air conditioning and offer the perfect escape from the brutal afternoon heat. You’re just a few dozen steps from the absolute best cafés and fantastic street art in Cartagena.

In the evening the whole hotel bar turns into a hub of social life, drawing people who aren’t even staying there for a drink. The cocktails here are renowned and the music plays late into the night, which perfectly rounds out the laid-back local atmosphere.

💡 Tip: Casa Lola sits on lively Calle del Guerrero and is ideal accommodation for lovers of bold design and Cartagena, Colombia nightlife. The surroundings are very noisy in the evening, though, so it’s definitely not the best choice for families with small children or travelers seeking absolute silence to rest.

9. Arsenal Hotel

This more modern hotel on the well-known Calle 24 can boast the most reviews in the whole colorful Getsemaní district (a solid rating of ★4.5 from a respectable 1,049 reviews). Unlike the old colonial houses, it offers a bit more conventional hotel comfort and functionality, something many travelers quickly appreciate after exhausting days in the tropics.

Its absolute biggest and most photographed trump card is the spacious rooftop pool with a fantastic panoramic view of the walls and the entire bay. The rooms are above-average in size, with modern silent air conditioning and very comfortable beds you’ll sink straight into in the evening. In the morning they serve incredibly generous breakfasts that will reliably fuel you for a long day of exploring the city.

The staff are very professional and at reception will gladly arrange anything from boat tickets to a reliable airport transfer. The hotel also has its own excellent restaurant, in case you don’t feel like heading out into the city in the evening.

💡 Tip: The Arsenal street is widely known for its loud bars and nightclubs, so it can get quite noisy at night. If you’re heading to Cartagena mainly for fun, dancing and parties, this is a strategically perfect and safe location.

Lukáš and Lucie recommend

Where to stay in Cartagena

6 accommodations — wellness hotels, hotels and other lodging options

⭐ TOP CHOICE ⭐ Luxury

Casa San Agustín

The most famous luxury address in the Center with a breathtaking aqueduct above the pool. Three 18th-century colonial houses with modern five-star service.

★★★★★ check prices

Check availability 🏨 Hotel

Casa Carolina Hotel

Best rated in the entire selection (★4.9 out of 807 reviews). Multiple pools and hot tubs, exceptionally spacious rooms, excellent personal service.

★★★★★ check prices

Check availability 🏨 Hotel

Amarla Boutique Hotel

Intimate 19th-century house with just seven rooms. Beautiful rooftop pool surrounded by tropical plants with views of the surroundings.

★★★★★ check prices

Check availability 🏨 Hotel

Hotel Charleston Santa Teresa

Restored monastery from 1609. Spacious rooftop pool overlooking the city walls and the Caribbean Sea, luxury wellness center.

★★★★★ check prices

Check availability 🏨 Hotel

Bastión Luxury Hotel

Beautiful colonial hotel on a quiet street with rooftop pool and bar. Lovely interior patio providing shade during sultry afternoons.

★★★★★ check prices

Check availability 🏨 Hotel

Casa Claver Loft Boutique Hotel

Unique concept of spacious lofts instead of standard rooms. Modern minimalist design in a historic building with kitchenette and rooftop pool.

★★★★★ check prices

Check availability

10. LUNALA Hotel Boutique

LUNALA on the quieter Calle 25 is fairly small but all the more charming for it (it boasts a rating of ★4.8 from 104 reviews). It currently has the highest average rating in the otherwise busy Getsemaní district, which clearly speaks to the incredible care the owners put into every single guest. The atmosphere here is more like staying with a friend who has a really nicely furnished home than a classic hotel operation with a receptionist in a suit.

All the interiors are wonderfully bright, airy and completely full of beautiful living plants that give the space energy. There’s also a small but all the more refreshing plunge pool that reliably saves the day during tropical, humid afternoons. The air conditioning in the rooms works flawlessly and the rooms are surprisingly well insulated from the ever-present street bustle.

Breakfasts here are served very intimately and you can choose from several freshly prepared options, from sweet pancakes to savory local specialties. The staff always find time for a short chat and will happily recommend the best hidden cafés nearby, frequented mostly by locals.

💡 Tip: This hotel is an absolutely hidden gem for travelers who want to stay in the cheaper and more authentic Getsemaní district but demand a highly personal approach and top-quality service. It’s definitely worth booking your stay directly through their site with payment on site, so you’re guaranteed to save the 19% IVA for foreigners.

11. Los Patios Hostel

This huge accommodation phenomenon on Calle 30 steadily holds the title of the best-rated hostel in all of Cartagena (a fantastic rating of ★4.7 from 254 reviews in the new building, with thousands of enthusiastic reviews overall). It’s far from just a noisy backpacker spot, though — it also offers beautiful, spacious private rooms that easily rival much pricier boutique hotels in El Centro.

The whole hostel concept is strongly built around community life and constantly meeting new people. You’ll find a great well-kept pool, a huge rooftop terrace and even perfectly equipped coworking spaces for working digital nomads. Air conditioning runs at full blast everywhere, and something is happening every day: salsa classes, Spanish lessons or evening rooftop barbecues.

The premises are very modern and clean, with a strong focus on a high standard of security, so you don’t have to worry about your valuables. Access to the elevators and floors is also handled via key cards, which is definitely not standard for hostels.

💡 Tip: Los Patios is an absolute must for solo travelers and people who want to actively socialize during their trip. Even if you stay in an expensive private room, you have unlimited access to all the social events. For vegetarians there’s also the huge advantage of the excellent nearby bistro El Bololó or the renowned Sambal, where you’ll eat wonderfully well and meat-free.

12. ESTELAR Cartagena de Indias Hotel & Centro de Convenciones

Now we move to the modern high-rise district of Bocagrande on luxurious Carrera 1. This glass skyscraper has the most reviews of any hotel in the city and at the same time holds the highest rating among the large resorts (a rating of ★4.8 from a staggering 10,269 reviews). It’s a huge modern giant that offers a high international standard of luxury with everything that entails.

The absolute biggest attraction of the whole building is the renowned 51 Sky Bar on the top floor, which by itself gathers thousands of great reviews online (rating ★4.2). It offers stunning, unobstructed panoramic views of the whole city and bay. The hotel has several huge pools, a top-notch fitness center and rooms with gigantic floor-to-ceiling glass walls.

The rooms are unusually large and, thanks to the building’s height, absolutely no street noise reaches them. Breakfast is served as gigantic buffets that will satisfy absolutely everyone, including plenty of gluten-free or vegetarian options.

💡 Tip: ESTELAR is a perfect choice for travelers who love modern architecture and a carefree resort holiday style. Just beware: even though the hotel is close to the beach, the water in Bocagrande is murky and brown, so you’ll probably spend the whole time swimming mostly in the hotel pools.

13. InterContinental Cartagena de Indias

Right next door on busy Carrera 1 stands this huge five-star colossus (rating ★4.7 from 8,200 reviews). The InterContinental brand guarantees an absolute international standard and the certainty that everything will work exactly as it should, without any Caribbean chaos. It’s a huge, very well-managed building right by the main beach promenade.

Guests above all love the sprawling pool terrace with a fantastic ocean view, where attentive staff continuously bring chilled drinks straight to your sun lounger. The rooms have uncompromisingly strong air conditioning, huge marble bathrooms and extremely comfortable king-size beds. The buffet breakfast is apparently taken seriously here, judging by how many guests mention it in reviews as one of the reasons they’ll return.

The hotel is also well set up for business trips and has a large business center. Nearby you’ll also find large modern air-conditioned shopping centers where you can take cover when the midday heat on the beach gets too intense.

💡 Tip: This hotel is often and very gladly chosen by families with children and travelers used to a consistently high international standard. At the final checkout, though, study the multi-page bill carefully, because with big global chains it sometimes happens that the booking system doesn’t automatically remove the Colombian IVA for tourists and you have to actively claim it.

14. Hotel Caribe by Faranda Grand

This visually iconic hotel in the Bocagrande district is something of a beautiful exception among the surrounding glass skyscrapers (rating ★4.6 from 6,725 reviews). Locals commonly call it “the old lady of Cartagena,” because it was built back in 1945 and has kept the huge, inimitable charm of historic Caribbean resorts you know from old films.

Instead of fast elevators to the fiftieth floor, here you’ll find gorgeous sprawling tropical gardens where colorful parrots fly freely, and the oldest swimming pool in all of Cartagena. Fortunately, all the rooms are now renovated, fitted with modern silent air conditioning, yet they still carefully retain their old-world, very romantic charm.

The grounds are so huge that guests spread out beautifully and you never feel overcrowded. The resort also includes several restaurants where you can taste traditional Colombian dishes in a more upscale form, including excellent vegetarian options with rice and beans.

💡 Tip: Hotel Caribe is absolutely gorgeous visually and is ideal for travelers who want to stay in practical Bocagrande but don’t like sterile modern high-rises. From here it’s roughly ten minutes by ordinary taxi to the historic center full of sights, which is a great compromise.

15. Hyatt Regency Cartagena

This architecturally exceptional hotel sits at the very strategic boundary between the historic Getsemaní district and modern Bocagrande (excellent rating ★4.7 from 4,659 reviews). Thanks to this unique location, on your holiday you get the best of both worlds: you’re just a short walk from the historic walls, while at the same time enjoying all the luxury of a huge modern resort.

The biggest pride and draw of the whole hotel are its gorgeous cascading infinity pools that overlook both the old town and the bay at once. They’re probably the most beautiful modern pools in all of Cartagena, and guests spend whole days by them. The rooms are bathed in light from morning to evening and have flawlessly working air-conditioning systems that won’t disturb you at night.

Besides the pools, the hotel also has a huge, top-equipped fitness center with a sea view and a luxurious spa where you’ll rest beautifully after a day spent in the hot streets. The staff speak perfect English, which isn’t always a given in Colombia.

💡 Tip: The Hyatt is absolutely great for travelers who want to spend their days comfortably by the pool with an ice-cold cocktail in hand, then walk to a good dinner in lively Getsemaní in the evening. On arrival, don’t forget to thoroughly check that the receptionist copied your PIP-5 entry stamp for the hotel tax exemption.

16. Hotel Capilla del Mar

This very traditional and long-popular hotel sits in the very heart of the Bocagrande district (rating ★4.5 from 6,055 reviews). It belongs among the older but all the better maintained large mid- to upper-range hotels with excellent service. It offers absolutely solid value for money for guests who want full hotel service near the coast but don’t need to pay for five-star luxury.

On the roof of this tall building you’ll find a beautiful, spacious pool surrounded by loungers, with a fantastic view of the evening sunset over the ocean. The air conditioning in all the rooms runs at full tilt, which is essential in the local climate, and the staff are incredibly kind and helpful. In the immediate vicinity of the hotel you’ll find plenty of air-conditioned shopping centers, pharmacies and excellent restaurants.

The breakfasts are very generous and lean heavily on local flavors, so you can easily treat yourself to excellent Colombian arepas or fresh exotic juices. Rooms on the higher floors also offer a great view over the whole bay.

💡 Tip: Capilla del Mar is a very popular choice among Colombian families themselves on holiday. If you want to experience an authentic local Caribbean atmosphere in a modern district, it’s an excellent option. Bear in mind, though, that to swim in truly crystal-clear sea you’ll have to head out by boat from Bocagrande to the islands.

17. Hotel Carey Beach Barú

If you’ve had enough of the city and want to swap the murky brown water in Bocagrande for a real Caribbean paradise straight out of a catalog, you have to head to the Barú peninsula, to the quiet Punta Blanca area. This gorgeous, isolated resort has the best rating of all the island hotels in the wider Cartagena area (a phenomenal rating of ★4.9 from 460 reviews).

Finally, here you’ll find fine white sand, crystal-clear turquoise water and the longed-for shade of coconut palms. The accommodation consists of beautiful private villas and smaller rooms that blend absolutely perfectly with the surrounding nature and don’t feel intrusive. Even though you’re essentially cut off on an island, there’s reliable air conditioning, excellent all-day food and first-rate beach service from smiling staff.

The resort places great importance on an eco-friendly approach, so you won’t find any noisy jet skis or loud music on the beach. It’s pure relaxation combined with snorkeling and swimming in the warm sea.

💡 Tip: The lengthy journey to the Barú peninsula only makes sense if you plan to spend at least two nights or more here. Coming just for a single afternoon means spending a lot of time on the boat or in the car on rough roads. You’ll also pay completely needless tourist fees for entry to the area. check prices and availability

18. Hotel Las Islas

This absolutely unique eco-resort lies in the remote area of Ciénaga de Cholón (rating ★4.4 from 887 reviews) and represents the absolute most luxurious island option money can buy in the wider Cartagena area. It’s exactly the kind of place people head to for opulent honeymoons, big anniversaries and special celebrations in total privacy.

Instead of classic hotel rooms, here you stay in luxurious large bungalows built either high in the canopies of mature trees or directly on wooden stilts over a sea lagoon. Every tiny detail in the interior is thought through, a huge number of bungalows have their own small plunge pool, and you’re guaranteed total privacy from the rest of the world.

The service is top-notch and reviewers agree that before you even lift a finger, someone comes to ask whether you need anything. The local spa offers treatments right under the open sky with a view of the sea, which is an absolutely unforgettable experience.

💡 Tip: Hotel Las Islas is deliberately isolated from the surrounding civilized world, so prepare in advance for all your meals to take place exclusively in the hotel restaurants. Given the very high prices for this premium accommodation, keeping an eye on getting that 19% IVA deducted from your final hotel bill is an absolutely crucial task here.

How to choose the right hotel

When making your final decision, answer honestly what your biggest priority on holiday is. If you’re traveling as a couple and want to soak up the true romance of history, definitely go for the luxury boutique hotels in quiet San Diego or right in El Centro. For backpackers and lovers of street art and food, lively Getsemaní is the obvious choice, while families with children who need huge pools and a European standard of service will surely be happiest in the tall glass buildings in Bocagrande. If your budget is tight and you’re looking for absolute peace from tourists, consider the residential Manga neighborhood, from where a taxi to the center costs next to nothing.

We also have to mention the practical side of safety, which should definitely influence your choice of location. The historic center, San Diego and Getsemaní are very safe by day and in the evening, but it’s not advisable to walk anywhere outside these lit tourist zones at night. Extra caution applies to solo travelers. And one important warning: be very careful with dating apps. Foreign embassies have warned against them in Cartagena because of the risk of being drugged with scopolamine. This isn’t scaremongering — it’s genuinely worth knowing in advance. Always lock your money and your passport with that important PIP-5 stamp in the hotel safe, and for evening walks take only as much cash as you absolutely need.

Where to eat

Cartagena is famous for fish and seafood, but there’s something for absolutely everyone here, even those who aren’t big fans of meat. I recommend exploring mainly the smaller bistros and cafés in the Getsemaní and Manga districts, where you’ll eat noticeably cheaper than right by the main walls.

Reliable meat-free spots in Cartagena

If you’re after truly proven places, I warmly recommend the bistros El Bololó and Sambal in Getsemaní, which serve great, fresh food. In the Manga district, definitely don’t miss SANATOco.

If you’re right in El Centro and want to enjoy a bit more elegance, try the beautiful restaurant Casa Bohème. And for a sweet finish or an afternoon coffee, stop without hesitation at the Museo del Chocolate.

Where to next

• Cartagena: what to see and do
• Colombia: complete guide and itinerary
• When to go to Colombia: weather and seasons

Frequently asked questions