Where To Stay In Cartagena ( BEST AREA & Hotels )

What is the best area to stay in Cartagena?

By Henry North. November 05, 2023

Cartagena de Indias, Colombia’s Caribbean jewel, is a fantastic location for families, couples and single travelers. Travel to Cartagena to be immersed in its culture, from historical colonial architecture to late night street parties, Cartagena is a city which caters for everyone. Founded in 1533, Cartagena has a host of fascinating historic buildings to explore. Spend a sunset overlooking the city on the Castle San Felipe de Barajas or enjoy 360° views of the city from the Convent of Santa Cruz de la Popa. If you’re not interested in history, there are idyllic beaches such as Playa Blanca, high-end shopping malls and exceptional hotels, bars and restaurants to enjoy.

Of all the areas to stay in Cartagena, El Centro is the heart of the city, and this is where you can experience the best of what Cartagena has to offer. Within the city’s ancient walls, El Centro is from another time and you can feel it. From swanky cocktail bars and gourmet restaurants, it’s possible to feel like you’re slipping into a Caribbean paradise. Here you can enjoy fresh fruit from street vendors and exhibit local art. El Centro has a perfect location as it is in the center of the city and is close to anything you may need during your visit.If you are interested in where to stay in Cartagena, you may also be interested in where to stay in Bogota and where to stay in Medellin.

El Centro (Walled City), the best area to stay in Cartagena

Best for First Time Visitors / Tourists / Nightlife

El Centro is without doubt the best-looking and most historic area of Cartagena and, to get the most out of your stay in the city, you have to stay here. Of all the culture rich opportunities Cartagena offers, couples can ride El Centro’s colourful streets in a horse and carriage and then enjoy a romantic bottle of wine on a veranda.

Families can unwind in one of the many hotels with swimming pools or easily access white sandy beaches where children can play, and adults relax. There’s also a selection of family-friendly restaurants with spectacular décors which people of every age can appreciate.

For solo travellers, El Centro is the place to be to experience Cartagena’s nightlife. If you want a classy evening, you can spend the night in one of Cartagena’s many rooftop bars or buy a ticket for the exclusive Alquimico Bar.

Hotels in El Centro

Other neighborhoods to stay in Cartagena

Bocagrande

Best for Beaches / Families and Nightlife

Bocagrande caters for all types of visitors such as families, couples and young adults. It is the neighborhood where most of Cartagena’s recent developments are, and there’s a focus on skyscrapers which give amazing views of Cartagena. In Bocagrande, you can walk barefoot on the beaches, soak in the sun and sea, and relax on sun loungers.

The area can provide for an array of needs with plenty of restaurants and activities for everyone to enjoy, it’s a safe bet for a holiday.Bocagrande also has a focus on nightlife, with late night bars, a casino and while only a short taxi journey from El Centro, young adults can be more than satisfied in this area.

For all your shopping needs, you can visit the Plaza Bocagrande Centro Comercial, and for food there’s several top rated restaurants such as Restaurante Kazabe and Tac Restaurante which serve traditional Colombian and Caribbean meals.

Hotels in Bocagrande

Getsemani

Best for

Nightlife / Young Crowd and Photo Oppourtunities

Gestemani is an absolute must go for anyone visiting Cartagena. With painted walls and decorated streets, Gestemani is soaked in character and ideal place for backpackers to stay.

Gestemani has a relaxed atmosphere during the day and has great photo opportunities for Instagram. Head to Municipal for sunset drinks and a variety of food trucks to cater for everyone’s tastes. However, Gestemani comes alive in the evening and especially at the weekend. Around the Plaza de la Trinidad there are multiple street food vendors and bars selling discount cocktails to tourist and locals alike. If you are in Gestemani at the weekend, expect to be involved in impromptu street parties where you won’t have any choice but to dance.

There are also several famous bars in Gestemani such as Café Havana and art galleries which showcase local artwork at a reasonable price.

Hotels in Getsemani

San Diego

Best for Shopping / Drinking and Dining

San Diego is a great area to stay in as it is a little quieter than El Centro but only a 5-minute walk away, the area is great for couples and families.

San Diego is characterised by the Plaza de San Diego, a pleasant and aesthetic town square with great restaurants and bars. Here street performers regularly pass through adding to the character of the area with some brilliant hotels. One of the star hotels being Sofitel Legend Santa Clara which has a fabulous courtyard area with a pool.

The Centro Comercial La Serrezuela is a massive draw in the San Diego area. The state-of-the-art shopping mall is a full of designer brands and has some great top floor restaurants which provide great views in a brilliant surrounding. San Diego also boasts one of the best restaurants in Cartagena, Restaurante Candé which serves Caribbean food and has a brilliant interior fitting of Cartagena.

Hotels in San Diego

Laguito

Best for

Families and Beaches

El Laguito is located on the south tip of the Bocagrande peninsular and is perfect for families, couples and individuals wanting to explore Cartagena’s beaches. Locals provide regular boat trips to Playa Blanca and if you are seeking to get away from the crowds of Bocagrande, this is certainly a good option. El Laguito has a great beach of its own and due to El Laguito’s geographical location, it is a prime location for a great sunset.

You can enjoy a small promenade to go for a late afternoon run or an evening stroll with your travel partners and stop for a refreshing drink at one of El Laguito’s many restaurants or bars.

Located just 10 kilometres away from the Rafael Nuñez airport and just a 15-minute taxi from El Centro, El Laguito is a great option for a relaxing beach holiday with a sprinkling of culture.

Hotels in Laguito

Manga

Best for Couples / Families / Dining and Drinking

Manga is a hidden gem for tourists wanting to experience an authentic Colombian experience, the island is ideal for couples and families wanting accommodation close to El Centro but somewhere residential. Manga is just a walk over a bridge from Gestemani and has cheaper prices while not compromising on quality. Manga has two main streets, Carrera 22 and Calle 29 which have a selection of traditional restaurants which are full of character. Di Angelo Restaurante does some great quality lunch deals and has a friendly owner.

Manga also has a great spot to watch sunsets, the Fuerte de San Sebastián del Pastelillo is an old fort where you can join the locals by climbing on the turrets to watch the sun go down over Bocagrande.

Near the fort, you can also find a promenade which is brilliant for restaurants boat spotting at the local marina.

Hotels in Manga

La Boquilla

Best for

Families / Water Sports and Relaxation

La Boquilla is a built along a massive stretch of beach and is perfect for families wanting a time out from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Away from the commercial side of El Centro, La Boquilla gives a feeling that you could be on an isolated island but still provides the opportunity to immerse yourself in culture if you decide to take the 20-minute taxi journey to El Centro.

If you are after a dose of adrenaline, you can capitalise on Cartagena’s famous kite boarding reputation by taking lessons or renting kit from one of the many outlets. There are also options for other activities such as snorkelling and fishing.

If you make the decision to stay in La Boquilla, you can dine at the beachfront restaurant, Restaurante Sara Fusión Caribe and enjoy a mix of Caribbean and South American seafood. Only a 20-minute taxi from the airport, La Boquilla is a convenient option for a stay in Cartagena.

Hotels in La Boquilla

Our recommended hotels in Cartagena

Use the interactive map to navigate through our recommended hotels in Cartagena Note: Hotel prices can change daily due to promotions, seasons, and demand. Our $ - $$$$ scale shows the overall cost range rather than exact prices.