Where to Stay in Cartagena, Colombia (2026 Guide)
Where to Stay in Cartagena, Colombia (2026 Guide)
Cartagena isn’t just another beach city. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site where colonial architecture meets Caribbean energy, and choosing where to stay in Cartagena makes or breaks your trip.
Stay in the wrong area and you’ll spend your vacation in taxis. Pick the right place to stay and you’ll walk to dinner, nightlife, and centuries-old plazas without breaking a sweat.
What to Expect in This Post
This guide to where to stay is built for quick scanning and real-world decisions. Here’s what you’ll get:
- Quick neighborhood overview of Cartagena’s main tourist areas
- Detailed breakdowns of each area to stay in Cartagena (safety, vibe, who it’s for)
- Best area to stay for first-timers, families, nightlife, and food
- Hotel vs apartment comparison with pros and cons
- Areas to skip (and why)
- Practical FAQs based on real visitor questions
Where to Stay in Cartagena: Quick Overview
- Centro (Walled City) – Historic heart, boutique hotels, walkable to everything
- San Diego – Quieter corner of the old town, slightly less touristy
- Getsemaní – Bohemian vibe, street art, backpacker energy, lively nightlife
- Bocagrande – Modern beach strip, high-rise hotels, family-friendly
- Zona Norte – Upscale beach resorts, farther from downtown attractions
Centro (Historic Walled City)
Centro is where most first-time visitors stay—and for good reason.
This is the historic center of Cartagena de Indias. Narrow cobblestone streets. Bougainvillea-draped balconies. Colonial architecture preserved since the 1500s.
Everything you came to see is here: Plaza Santo Domingo, the Palace of Inquisition, Café del Mar for sunset drinks on the city walls.
Who it’s best for: First-time travelers, couples, anyone prioritizing location over budget.
Safety is excellent within the walled city. Heavy police presence. Crowds of tourists and locals at all hours. You can walk around until midnight without concern.
The downside? Noise. Street performers, restaurants, and wandering tourists create a constant hum. Light sleepers should request interior-facing rooms.
Hotels here skew boutique and upscale. Think colonial mansions converted into 10-room properties with courtyards and rooftop pools. Budget accommodation options exist but book fast.
Casa San Agustín is one example of the boutique hotel style you’ll find—restored colonial buildings with modern luxury inside.
Within walking distance of everything: the Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas, shops, and the best restaurants in Colombia.
San Diego
San Diego sits just north of Centro, still within the historic walled city but noticeably calmer.
The colonial architecture is identical—colorful buildings, flower-covered balconies—but with fewer tour groups and street vendors.
You’re still a 5-minute walk from Plaza Bolívar. But the restaurants feel more local. The streets empty out earlier. You get the historic experience without the constant activity.
Who it’s best for: Travelers who want the old town vibe but value peace and quiet.
Safety matches Centro. Well-lit streets. Regular foot traffic until about 10 PM. After that, it’s residential quiet.
Hotel options include boutique properties and smaller guesthouses. Prices run slightly lower than Centro but not dramatically.
Centro and San Diego together form the prime location for discovering Cartagena’s UNESCO heritage without leaving the city walls.
Getsemaní (Outside the Walled City)
Getsemaní was Cartagena’s working-class neighborhood until tourists discovered it about a decade ago.
Now it’s hands down the best area for backpackers and budget travelers. Street art covers entire buildings. Plaza de la Trinidad fills with locals drinking beer and dancing every night. Hostels, cocktail bars, and cheap restaurants line every block.
It sits just outside the city walls—a 5-minute walk to Centro through the iconic Clock Tower gate.
Who it’s best for: Solo travelers, backpackers, anyone chasing nightlife and local culture.
Safety is good but requires more awareness than the historic walled city. The neighborhood is safe during the day and evening when crowds are out. Side streets get quieter after midnight. Stick to main drags late at night.
Plaza de la Trinidad is the nerve center. Go there for people-watching, street food, and spontaneous salsa dancing. Café Havana and Quiebra Canto are legendary for live music.
Hotels range from party hostels to mid-range boutique properties. You’ll find the best value in Cartagena here—comfortable rooms at half the price of staying in the old city.
This is one of the best areas if you want to stay in Cartagena’s most authentic neighborhood while remaining close to major attractions.
Bocagrande Beach
Bocagrande looks like Miami Beach dropped into Colombia.
This peninsula south of the historic walled city is lined with high-rise hotels, apartment buildings, and a long stretch of beach. It’s where wealthy Colombians vacation.
The vibe is modern, not colonial. International chains. Beach clubs. Shopping centers. None of the historic charm of the old town.
Who it’s best for: Families, beach lovers, travelers prioritizing convenience over culture.
The main draw is beach access. The sand isn’t pristine—vendors work the beach aggressively—but it’s walkable from your hotel. And the area feels safe. Well-patrolled. Gated communities. Families everywhere.
Getting to the old city takes 15 minutes by taxi or 30 minutes walking. You won’t stroll back after dinner. You’ll ride.
Hotels here offer better value than Centro if you’re comparing star ratings. Four- and five-star properties at mid-range prices. Many include rooftop pools, gyms, and on-site restaurants.
Bocagrande is the best bet for families who want close to the beach access without staying too far away from the city.
If you like to stay near the water and plan your Cartagena itinerary around beach time, this area delivers.
Zona Norte Beach Resorts
Zona Norte is where Cartagena’s newest luxury hotels sit.
Located north of the city along the coast, this area targets travelers who want a beach escape with easy access to things to do in Cartagena.
The beach is cleaner and less crowded than Bocagrande. Water is clear. Sand is white. The tradeoff is isolation—restaurants and nightlife exist mainly inside hotels.
Who it’s best for: Travelers who want a resort vacation with occasional city visits.
Safety is excellent. These are secured resort properties with private beach access. Families and couples dominate.
Expect a 20-minute taxi ride to the historic center. Budget for daily transportation if you plan to explore. Some resorts offer shuttles.
Hotels here are exclusively upscale. Full-service properties with spas, rooftop bars, multiple restaurants, and activities. It’s a different experience than staying downtown.
This is also your jumping-off point to take a boat to the Rosario Islands for day trips.
El Cabrero
El Cabrero sits between Getsemaní and Bocagrande—a quieter residential area that’s often overlooked.
This Cartagena neighborhood offers local life without the tourist crowds. Small hotels. Apartment rentals. Local restaurants where you’ll hear more Spanish than English.
You’re within walking distance of both the historic walled city and the beach. A 15-minute walk gets you to Centro. Ten minutes south puts you on Bocagrande’s sand.
Who it’s best for: Travelers who want to stay in Cartagena based in a real neighborhood, not a tourist zone.
Safety is solid during daylight hours. Less foot traffic at night than Centro or Getsemaní, so take taxis after dark.
Accommodation here leans toward apartments and small hotels. You won’t find luxury properties, but you’ll get authentic Colombian residential life.
El Cabrero is the perfect place to stay if you’re spending a week in Cartagena and want to feel less like a tourist.
Best Places to Stay for First-Time Visitors
Centro and Getsemaní are the best neighborhoods for first-timers.
Centro puts you in the middle of everything. Walk out your door and you’re exploring the UNESCO site. No taxis needed for restaurants, bars, or museums.
Getsemaní offers a similar location advantage—5-minute walk to Centro—but with better prices and a more local vibe. You’re still within walking distance of everything that matters.
Both neighborhoods are safe, walkable, and packed with dining options. The choice comes down to budget and noise tolerance.
If you’re trying to choose where to stay on your first visit to Cartagena, these two areas deliver the best experience.
Skip Zona Norte unless you’re planning a resort-focused trip. You’ll miss the energy that makes discovering Cartagena special.
Best Area to Stay for Nightlife
Getsemaní wins for nightlife, no contest.
Plaza de la Trinidad is ground zero. Every night feels like a street festival. Locals, backpackers, and tourists mix freely. Beer vendors work the plaza. Speakers blast salsa. Dancing happens spontaneously.
Walk two blocks and you’ll find Café Havana, the most famous live music venue in Cartagena. Or Quiebra Canto for dancing until 3 AM.
Centro has nightlife—rooftop bars, upscale clubs—but it’s more expensive and less spontaneous. You’ll spend $15 on a cocktail instead of $2 on a plaza beer.
Bocagrande has some bars and clubs but caters to a different crowd. More resort vibe, less street energy.
If you want to stay where the nightlife never stops, Getsemaní is your area.
Best Area for Food and the Best Restaurants
Centro and Getsemaní both deliver, but in different ways.
Centro offers upscale dining. Restaurants occupy restored colonial buildings with courtyard seating. Expect fusion cuisine, craft cocktails, and prices to match. This is where you’ll find Cartagena’s best restaurants and Michelin-level experiences.
Getsemaní does street food and local restaurants. Arepas de huevo from corner vendors. Empanadas at outdoor stalls. Casual spots where locals actually eat. Quality is high, prices are low, atmosphere is authentic.
For the full experience, split your meals between both. Fancy dinner in Centro one night, street food crawl through Getsemaní the next.
Bocagrande leans international—chain restaurants, beach clubs, hotel dining. It’s fine but forgettable compared to the old town options.
Best Area to Stay for Families
Bocagrande makes the most sense for families.
Hotels here cater specifically to families. Pools. Kids’ clubs. Buffet breakfasts. Beach access without leaving the property.
The modern infrastructure means easier logistics. Supermarkets nearby. Pharmacies. None of the cobblestone streets that make stroller navigation difficult in Centro.
Safety feels more controlled. Gated communities. Security guards. Less street hustle compared to the bustling city center where vendors approach constantly.
That said, families do stay in Centro. It’s walkable, museums are kid-friendly, and children are welcomed everywhere in Colombian culture. Just expect less personal space and more sensory overload.
Bocagrande is the best area if you want to stay close to the beach and need family-friendly infrastructure.
Hotel vs Apartment: Pros and Cons
Hotels win in Centro and Getsemaní. Most properties are small boutique spots with unique character. Apartments exist but tend to be overpriced for what you get.
Apartments shine in Bocagrande. Rental platforms offer entire condos with kitchens, multiple bedrooms, and ocean views—often cheaper than comparable hotels. Makes sense for families or groups staying a week.
One practical note: apartments in Cartagena rarely include daily cleaning or front desk services. Fine if you’re self-sufficient, less ideal if you want resort-style amenities.
For short stays (3-4 nights), hotels provide better value and convenience. For longer time staying in Cartagena in Bocagrande specifically, apartments deliver space and savings.
Pros of hotels: Daily cleaning, concierge services, rooftop pools, central locations, authentic Colombian hospitality.
Cons of the best hotels: Higher nightly rates in Centro and San Diego, street noise in the historic walled city, limited availability during peak season.
Where NOT to Stay in Cartagena
Avoid neighborhoods south of San Felipe and east of the castle. These are local residential areas with higher crime rates and zero tourist infrastructure.
Specific areas to skip: Olaya, El Pozón, La María, and El Paraíso. According to local safety experts, these neighborhoods account for a significant portion of petty crime in Cartagena Colombia and offer nothing of interest to travelers.
You also don’t need to stay near Rafael Núñez Airport. It’s a 15-minute taxi ride from the old town. Staying nearby saves nothing and puts you in a generic commercial zone away from the city.
Finally, unless you’re on a specific beach resort vacation, staying too far north (past Zona Norte) disconnects you from what makes your visit to Cartagena worth the trip. The city’s energy is downtown. Don’t isolate yourself to save $20 per night.
If you plan to stay outside the city entirely—say, on Barú or near Cartagena—understand that you’re choosing beach seclusion over cultural immersion.
Best Time to Visit Cartagena
The dry season (December-March) is peak tourist season. Hotels fill up fast. Prices spike. The weather is perfect—sunny, low humidity, minimal rain.
April-November brings occasional rain but fewer crowds and better hotel deals. The area around the historic center stays lively year-round. Beach conditions remain good except during heavy rain.
If you’re on a tight budget, time your visit for shoulder season (April-May or November). You’ll find the best places to stay at 30-40% off peak rates.
This guide to the best places works year-round, but booking 4-6 weeks ahead is essential if you want to stay during peak season.
Key Takeaways
- Best for first-timers: Centro or Getsemaní—walkable to everything, safe, great food
- Best for budget: Getsemaní offers the best value without sacrificing location
- Best for families: Bocagrande provides modern amenities and beach access
- Best for nightlife: Getsemaní’s Plaza de la Trinidad and live music venues
- Best for quiet luxury: San Diego within the walls or Zona Norte beach resorts
- Avoid: Neighborhoods south and east of downtown (Olaya, El Pozón, La María)
- Transportation: Stick to official taxis or ride apps; avoid unlicensed motorcycle taxis
FAQ
Is it safe to stay in Getsemaní?
Yes. Getsemaní is safe for tourists, especially in the main areas of Cartagena around Plaza de la Trinidad. Heavy foot traffic until late. Police presence is visible. Avoid quiet side streets after midnight. During the day and evening, the area at night is as safe as Centro.
How far is Bocagrande from the old town?
About 15 minutes by taxi or 30 minutes walking. Walkable but uncomfortable in Cartagena’s heat and humidity. Budget for daily taxi rides (around $3-5 USD) if you stay there but want to explore downtown regularly.
Should I stay inside the walled city?
If budget allows, yes. The walled city provides the best access to Cartagena’s attractions, dining, and nightlife. You’ll walk everywhere and maximize your time. The tradeoff is noise and higher prices. Getsemaní offers a similar location advantage at lower cost outside the walled city.
Can I walk around Cartagena at night?
Yes, in main tourist areas. Centro, San Diego, Getsemaní (main streets), and Bocagrande are safe for walking until midnight. Streets remain busy with locals and tourists. Use taxis for longer distances after dark and avoid empty side streets.
What's the best area for solo travelers?
Getsemaní. The hostel scene creates instant social opportunities. Plaza de la Trinidad fills with solo travelers every night. Prices are backpacker-friendly. And you’re still 5 minutes from everything in Centro. Solo travelers consistently rate it as their top pick for meeting people and staying centrally. If you’re looking for community while you visit Cartagena, this is where you’ll find it.
Is the beach better in Bocagrande or Zona Norte?
Zona Norte has cleaner, less crowded beaches along the beach. Bocagrande’s beach is functional but busy with vendors and tourists. If beach quality matters, stay north. If convenient beach access matters more—where you can walk from lunch to the sand—Bocagrande works fine.
Do I need to book hotels in advance?
Yes, especially for Centro and San Diego. The best boutique hotels have limited rooms and fill quickly during peak season (December-March). Getsemaní and Bocagrande offer more places to stay in Cartagena, but booking ahead (4-6 weeks minimum) gets better rates and availability. If you want to find the best hotel deals, book early or consider shoulder season.
Note: This guide contains no affiliate links. All recommendations are based on location, safety, and traveler feedback.
