With centuries-old cobblestone streets and bougainvillea spilling from colorful balconies, Cartagena is the best place to stay for an authentic Colombian experience. This is where the author Gabriel García Márquez found inspiration. Choose from hotels within the historic walled city or resorts on the Caribbean Sea. Everywhere you turn, there's an appealing juxtaposition of 16th-century ruins and gleaming 21st-century architecture. Find neighborhoods for every taste, whether you seek colonial history, a raucous nightlife, or an artsy vibe. Cast aside tourist to-do lists and simply wander the city and soak up its mesmerizing, carefree ambience.
Where to stay
in Cartagena
Where to Stay for First Time Visitors
For immersion into the historic center, beautifully preserved architecture, and Caribbean charm of Cartagena, stay in the Cartagena Walled City, comprised of Centro and San Diego. Hotels within this UNESCO World Heritage Site place you close to the San Pedro Claver Church, the Palace of the Inquisition, the Gold Museum, and the Castillo San Felipe Fortress. Wander the romantic cobblestone streets for hours. Then look for a hearty meal of fine dining or sumptuous street food, before enjoying the area's lively nightclubs and cocktail bars. To be close to both Centro and hip Getsemani, stay in the business center of La Matuna.
Cartagena Walled City
Cartagena Walled City is known for its ample dining options, and you can make a stop by Clock Tower and Cartagena Cathedral while in the area.
Recommended hotels in Cartagena Walled City
Cartagena Centro
Unique features of Cartagena Centro include the museums and historic sites. Make a stop by Cartagena Cathedral or Plaza Santo Domingo while you're exploring the area.
Recommended hotels in Cartagena Centro
San Diego
San Diego is known for its ample dining options, and you can make a stop by House of Gabriel Garcia Marquez and Las Bovedas while in the area.
Recommended hotels in San Diego
Getsemani
Travelers come to Getsemani for its abundant dining options, and you can see top attractions like Plaza de la Trinidad and Santisima Trinidad Church while you're in town.
Recommended hotels in Getsemani
La Matuna
La Matuna is popular for its ample dining options, and you might make a stop by India Catalina Monument, a top place to visit in the area.
Recommended hotels in La Matuna
Best Areas to Stay Near the Beach
If you'd like to sprinkle sightseeing amid your long-awaited beach days, consider accommodations in Bocagrande, Cartagena's version of Miami Beach. High-rise hotels lined along Avenida San Martin are still just a 10-minute taxi ride from Centro's historic attractions. Farther along is Laguito, surrounding a large lake, and another choice spot for beachgoers. Resorts are popular in La Boquilla, far enough removed from the city to feel peaceful, yet still convenient for sightseeing. Also consider Marbella, Cabrero, and Playa Manzanillo for beachside accommodations.
Bocagrande
Bocagrande is known for its stunning beaches, and with sights like Rio Cartagena Casino and Bocagrande Beach, you won't get bored spending a day wandering around this part of Cartagena.
Recommended hotels in Bocagrande
El Laguito
The beaches and abundant dining options are top of the list for many visitors to El Laguito. A stop by El Laguito Beach or Bocagrande Beach might round out your trip.
Recommended hotels in El Laguito
Marbella
Seaside views, historic sites, and restaurants highlight some of the noteworthy features of Marbella. Make a stop by Marbella Beach or Crespo Linear Park while you're exploring the neighborhood.
Recommended hotels in Marbella
La Boquilla
The beaches and abundant dining options are top of the list for many visitors to La Boquilla. A stop by La Boquilla Beach or Las Americas International Convention Center might round out your trip.
Recommended hotels in La Boquilla
Top Neighborhoods for Nightlife
Get ready to stay up late in Cartagena. The clubs here are generally open until the pre-dawn hours. Stay in hipster Getsemani for its lively evening scene, excellent street art, and array of dining options. Look for a room around Plaza Trinidad, the heart of the neighborhood. Centro is just as well known for its club vibe. You'll find something to do no matter which way you turn from your hotel's front door. And, if you're staying in San Diego, check out its high-style nightclubs, which tend to be more expensive as well.
Getsemani
Travelers come to Getsemani for its abundant dining options, and you can see top attractions like Plaza de la Trinidad and Santisima Trinidad Church while you're in town.
Recommended hotels in Getsemani
Cartagena Centro
Unique features of Cartagena Centro include the museums and historic sites. Make a stop by Cartagena Cathedral or Plaza Santo Domingo while you're exploring the area.
Recommended hotels in Cartagena Centro
San Diego
San Diego is known for its ample dining options, and you can make a stop by House of Gabriel Garcia Marquez and Las Bovedas while in the area.
Recommended hotels in San Diego
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- Visit Cartagena Walled City
- Clock Tower
- Plaza de los Coches
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- Visit Cartagena Centro
- Catedral
- Casa del Marques de Premio Real
- Cartagena Cathedral
- Los Pegasos Dock
- Aduana Square
- Palace of the Inquisition Cartagena Historical Museum
- Plaza de San Pedro Claver
- Cartagena Museum of Modern Art
- San Pedro Claver Church and Convent
- University of Cartagena
- Botero's Mujer Reclinada
- Fernandez Madrid Park
- Museum of the Colombian Emerald
- Santo Domingo Church and Monastery
- Santo Toribio Church
- Visit La Matuna
- Iglesia de Santo Toribio de Mangrovejo
- La Matuna Vacations
- Plaza Santo Domingo
- Teatro Heredia
- Parque de La Marina
- La Marina Park
- Bastion of Santiago