Where to Stay In Cartagena: Safest Areas & Best Hotels (2024)

Home to colorful colonial architecture, friendly locals, and warm weather all year round, Cartagena is one of Colombia's most popular destinations – and for good reason. Known for its historic city center, this gorgeous city boasts some of the oldest buildings in Colombia, and unlike Medellin and Bogota, it swaps modern edge for traditional charm.

While it might not be Colombia's most authentic city and it's not somewhere to escape tourists, Cartagena is probably one of the most beautiful cities I've ever visited, with brightly colored buildings and plenty of attractive outdoor spaces. It's a city of two tales, with the historic center promising traditional architecture and local eateries and the beach area offering a more modern, resort-like feel.

On the whole, Cartagena is one of Colombia's safest cities, and most neighborhoods in the city are suitable for tourists. After staying in the city, I've assembled a list of the best neighborhoods in this Colombian gem, from the colonial-style walled city to the Miami Beach-like Bocagrande. I've included hotels, too, with something for everyone from luxury lovers to budget travelers.

The Best Neighborhoods to Stay in Cartagena

Historic Walled City – Cartagena's Old Town is the city's most famous neighborhood. Full of colorful colonial buildings and a lively spirit, this spot is where to stay if you want to be in the heart of it all.

Getsemani – This hipster neighborhood is a backpacker's haven and the best spot to check out Cartagena's street art. Full of quirky bars and craft beer places, it's the coolest part of this colonial city.

Bocagrande – The skyscraper-filled, ultra-modern, beach area of Cartagena is Bocagrande – home to luxury hotels, nightclubs, and bars that let you party into the early hours of the morning.

San Diego – Located in the historic part of the city, San Diego is arguably Cartagena's prettiest neighborhood. A little more relaxed than the center, a stroll around this part of town is the best way to spend an afternoon.

El Cabrero – Situated on the beach with gorgeous coastal views, this laid-back residential spot will let you live like a local, while enjoying proximity to the historic center.

Manga – Manga is a traditional family-friendly neighborhood in Cartagena. It's mostly residential, making it perfect for those wanting to escape the crowds.

1. Where to Stay in Cartagena for First-Time Visitors: The Historic Walled City

Cartagena's historic walled city is so impressive, it's actually a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Put simply, it's absolutely stunning. Home to colonial architecture, colorful buildings, and friendly local eateries serving Colombian delicacies, this neighborhood is the city's beating heart. Here, you'll find all types of accommodation, from boutique hotels with a rooftop pool to charming hostels.

Inside the city walls is the safest part of Cartagena de Indias, so you don't have to worry too much about using your phone in public here (although avoiding being flashy is still a good idea). You'll be just a short walk from the majority of Cartagena's best-known sights, whether that's churches or the views out over the coast.

There are plenty of places to eat and drink here, too. From cute cafes where you can stop for a sip of Colombian coffee and slick wine bars open until the early hours of the morning, the historic center is home to plenty of tourist-friendly businesses selling both authentic Colombian and worldwide cuisine. Believe it or not, I had one of the best falafel sandwiches and bowls of pasta I ever had in the heart of this historic city.

One thing worth noting about the historic center is that it's not the place to go to escape the crowds. As well as being home to tourists year-round, the locals will often try and make money from visitors, whether it's by making up a rap about you on the spot (yes, really!) or selling souvenirs. It's not the best neighborhood for getting off the beaten path, but it's certainly where all the action happens.

I felt like a walking ATM at times, but if you want to be where the sights and most beautiful spots are, it's worth it.

Things to Do in the Historic Walled City of Cartagena

The best way to spend a day in the walled city is to stroll around and take in the incredible architecture. There are plenty of green spaces and plazas to cool off from the hot sun, too.

Visit the Monumento Torre del Reloj and Santa Catalina de Alejandría then finish the day with dinner at Trattoria donde Wippy, Cartagena's best spot for Italian food.

Wash it done with a drink in the beautiful Plaza de Santo Domingo or watch the sunset at Cafe del Mar.

Pros of Staying in the Walled City of Cartagena

• Easy access to Cartagena's biggest sights

• Great culinary scene

• Super safe

• Area best suited to tourists

• Beautiful colonial buildings

Cons of Staying in the Walled City

• Crowds, especially in the busy months

• You may get hassled by street performers and sellers

• Prices can be higher than the rest of Cartagena

Best Hotels to Stay in the Walled City

($$$) Alfiz Hotel

($$) Hotel Santa Catalina

($) Hotel Boutique Las Carretas

2. Where to Stay in Cartagena for Street Art and Hipster Vibes: Getsemani

On the surface, Cartagena might not seem like the most hipster of cities. But it has a secret. Getsemani.

Edgier than both the historic center and the beach neighborhoods, this barrio is home to street art, quirky hostels, and funky street performers. It's the perfect spot for backpackers and tourists looking to get off the beaten path and while it's tourist-friendly, it doesn't attract crowds as big as those in the historic center.

Getsemani is like a walking art gallery – home to incredible street art and graffiti that you can fill a whole afternoon checking out. If you're looking for a spot to take Insta-worthy snaps, head to Getsemani. The general vibe in Getsemani is laid-back, not as busy as the center, and full of artistic residents and backpackers.

At night, though, it comes alive, when locals and visitors alike pile out of the quirky bars into the streets of the neighborhood. The vibe keeps going until the early hours of the morning, so it's not the most family-friendly place, but it's perfect for nightlife lovers. It's probably the best spot in Cartagena to observe how the city changes when the sun goes down.

Craft beer is pretty big in Colombia, and you'll find Cartagena's best craft beer pubs here, including Irish pubs and my personal favorite, Beer Lovers Cartagena.

Things to do in Getsemani

Strolling around and taking in the street art is the best way to get to know this vibrant neighborhood. The barrio centers around Plaza de la Trinidad, where you can scope out colorful buildings and buy street food from the local stallholders.

Finish the day with a stroll along the Sibarita del Mar and a pint of craft beer in Beer Lovers Cartagena.

Pros of Staying in Getsemani

• Great backpacker atmosphere

• Lots of quirky bars and places for a drink

• Innovative street performers

• Exceptional street art

Cons of Staying in Getsemani

• Can be a little less safe than the center

• Limited access to the beach

• More suited to backpackers than luxury travelers

Best Hotels to Stay in Getsemani

($$$) Casa Jaguar Hotel Boutique

($$) Casa Pizarro Hotel Boutique

($) Hotel Casa Cytia

3. Where to Stay in Cartagena for Luxury Hotels and the Beach: Bocagrande

Bocagrande feels almost like it should belong to a different city from the historic center. While the streets of the old town are awash with brightly-colored old-style buildings, Bocagrande is home to modern skyscrapers and apartment buildings with floor-to-ceiling windows. Although lacking the authentic Colombian flavor you'll find in the center, Bocagrande more than makes up for it with its abundance of nightlife, swanky shopping spaces, and beach access.

Rather than the hip hostels you'll find in Getsemani, accommodation in Bocagrande mostly centers on high-rise luxury hotels with rooftop pools and on-site bars. If you want to vacation like a movie star, Bocagrande is the place to do so.

Party buses are popular in this area, as well as the many upmarket bars that line the streets offering nightly deals. It's a great spot for nightlife and there are plenty of eateries to choose from, too. You'll also enjoy beach access in Bocagrande, so head here if you plan on spending days soaking up the sun.

As with the historic center, Bocagrande is tourist-heavy, so expect not only to encounter tourists but also street performers and vendors eager for a sale. This can get a little annoying (especially on the beach itself if you're just trying to sunbathe) but it's worth putting up with if you want beach access or to stay in some of Cartagena's most luxurious accommodation.

Things to do in Bocagrande

While Cartagena doesn't have the nicest beaches in Colombia, they're certainly adequate for a day of sunbathing and sipping cocktails. If you're staying in Bocagrande, have at least one beach day under that gorgeous Cartagena sunshine.

If you're in the mood for retail therapy, pay a visit to Plaza Bocagrande, a large shopping mall home to brands for all budgets. Bocagrande's nightlife is great, too, so plan a night for a nightclub outing or bar crawl. Party buses are popular in Bocagrande and are well worth trying if you want to sample the local nightlife or make some new friends.

Hungry? Grab Cartagena's best burgers at Bocagrande's Home Burgers branch. For the best mezze and Middle Eastern food, visit M Cocina Arabe.

Pros of Staying in Bocagrande

• Access to some of Cartagena's most luxurious hotels

• Proximity to the beach

• Cartagena's best nightclubs and bars

• A modern contrast to the city's historic center

Cons of Staying in Bocagrande

• Not as picturesque as the historic center

• Can feel sketchy at nights

• Street sellers sometimes hassle tourists

• Can be noisy

Best Hotels to Stay in the Bocagrande

($$$) Estelar Cartagena de Indias Hotel y Centro de Convenciones

($$) Hotel Inn Express Cartagena Bocagrande

($) Hotel Oz Luxury

4. Where to Stay in Cartagena for Families and a Slower Pace of Life: San Diego

The tranquil, upmarket neighborhood of San Diego is located just outside the centro, and it's home to some of Cartagena's most stunning streets. Home to affluent residents with plenty of accommodation for tourists, too, San Diego is family-friendly, moderately busy with tourists during the day, and relatively laid-back at night, with a few vibrant squares playing host to the majority of the neighborhood's bars and eateries.

Here, you'll find charming churches, friendly local cafes, and small but lively bars, as well as a selection of independent shops selling everything from souvenirs to clothing. It's a foodie's paradise, with a selection of restaurants serving everything from Colombian cuisine to pizza and steak. There are plenty of hidden gems and surprises in this neighborhood too, from Gabriel Garcia Marquez's home to former dungeons that now house souvenir stores!

While not as edgy as Getsemani, the vibe in San Diego is undeniably bohemian, with plenty of quirky bars and artistic residents ensuring this neighborhood is distinct from the centro.

Things to do in San Diego

Walking the streets of San Diego will allow you to see some of Cartagena's most picturesque architecture and homes without the crowds you'll find in the historic center or Getsemani.

If retail therapy with history mixed in is your thing, shop at Las Bovedas, former 18th-century dungeons that are now home to shops selling souvenirs! While you're in San Diego, see Santo Toribo Church and the Monumento India Catalina for some history, then make a stop at Gabriel Garcia Marquez's former home.

Pros of Staying in San Diego

• Escape the hustle and bustle of the main center

• Home to some of Cartagena's most picturesque streets and colorful buildings

• Close proximity to the main sights

• Plenty of cultural activities to do

Cons of Staying in San Diego

• Not as many luxury hotels

• Can be crowded with tourists (though not as many as the historic center)

• Not as suitable for a beach holiday

Best Hotels to Stay in the San Diego

($$$) Sofitel Legend Santa Clara Cartagena

($$) Hotel Boutique Bovedas de Santa Clara By Accor

($) Hotel Kartaxa

5. Where to Stay in Cartagena on the Seafront: El Cabrero

El Cabrero, located not far from Cartagena's airport, is a mainly residential neighborhood, home to Colombian families and locals with some affordable and luxury hotels dotted about, too. The best thing about staying in El Cabrero is the views of the coast and beach access (and spotting the big homes of affluent locals!).

Its availability of prestigious real estate makes El Cabrero a popular spot for ex-pats to buy property, but on the whole, it's much quieter than other neighborhoods. The beaches here tend to be empty or full of local families, so you've got a better chance of nabbing a sunbathing spot than you have on the beaches of Bocagrande, for example.

While you're not in the heart of all the action, you're not far from attractions, either, with El Cabrero offering the happy medium of escape from crowds with the option to see sights easily when it's convenient. You won't find attractions on every corner here, but it's great for families or anybody seeking a more relaxing stay.

Thanks to its proximity to the airport, El Cabrero is a great place to stay if you're visiting the city just for one night or on a stopover. It's not the best location to see the historic center, but if you're seeking hidden gems and a lifestyle as close as possible to that of the locals, head to El Cabrero.

Things to do in El Cabrero

El Cabrero is on the seafront, so the best way to spend an afternoon is strolling the Walls of Cartagena and taking in the views of the sea. You can also reach the beach from El Cabrero, so it's the perfect spot to spend the day sunbathing.

The Iglesia Nuestra Señora De Las Mercedes church is worth checking out for architecture lovers, and the Parque Cabrero provides the ideal spot for an afternoon stroll. Casa Museo Rafael Núñez, home of the previous Colombian president is a must-visit for political fans, while those who prefer the high life should walk to the nearby Playa Marbella.

Pros of Staying in El Cabrero

• Beach access

• Escape the crowds of the center

• Experience life like a local

• Proximity to the airport

Cons of Staying in El Cabrero

• Further away from Cartagena's main sights

• Not as much to do in terms of sights and activities

Best Hotels to Stay in El Cabrero

($$$) Hotel Boutique Castillo Ines Maria

($$) Hotel Cabreromar

($) Hotel Isla Capri

6. Where to Stay in Cartagena Like a Local: Manga

Situated a little further from the historic center, Manga (meaning sleeve in Spanish) is another affluent residential neighborhood, with palm-lined streets and plenty of breathtaking buildings. It's actually its own small island connected to the main city by four bridges.

Not the best place to stay for sights, it's great for escaping the hustle and bustle of the walled city, and you're much less likely to encounter pushy street vendors or taxi drivers. Put simply, stay here if you want to live like the locals do. Restaurants are likely to be more authentic and less crowded (more affordable, too!) and you won't be competing with other tourists for a seat at the local bar. Bear in mind that English might not be as widely spoken here, but it's certainly still tourist-friendly.

Home to luxury apartment blocks and picturesque marinas, the advantage of Manga's island status is 360 views over the sea and Cartagena. While the police presence isn't as high as in the walled city, it's still relatively safe as long as you take the usual precautions.

Plus, you're probably safer from scams here since it attracts fewer tourists. While not for everyone, Manga is ideal if you want to enjoy the beauty of this historic city but don't want to spend your stay surrounded by other visitors. Digital nomads will find this the perfect spot, too – well-connected but quiet enough to do a solid day's work.

Things to do in Manga

There's not a ton to do in Manga in terms of sights, but it's a beautiful neighborhood to go for a walk and the nearby Port of Cartagena is well worth a visit.

The seafront promenade is arguably the most gorgeous part of Manga to visit, while the military fort Fuerte de San Sebastián del Pastelillo provides the perfect spot to visit on a quiet afternoon.

Pros of Staying in Manga

• Escape the crowds of the center

• Stay in an upmarket area

• Access to the seafront

Cons of Staying in Manga

• Not as many sights or things to do

• Far from the airport

• Fewer bars and restaurants

Best Hotels to Stay in Manga

($$$) Holiday Inn Express Cartagena Manga, an IHG Hotel

($$) Bahia 79 Apartasuites Cerca al Centro

($) Hotel El Faro

Where to Stay in Cartagena – Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Is Cartagena safe for tourists?

Cartagena is one of Colombia's safest cities, and it's tourist-friendly and family-friendly. I visited Cartagena, Medellin, and Bogota in Colombia, and Cartagena felt by far the safest. It's still important to keep your wits about you, so be careful not to flaunt your phone or expensive belongings to avoid pickpocketing or theft. Since Cartagena attracts many tourists, there is a risk of scams, so only work with established businesses or brands and always get a receipt for transactions.

📍 Is it better to stay in the Historic Old Town or the newer neighborhoods?

Whether you stay in the Old Town or the newer neighborhoods near the beach completely depends on the vibe you're looking for! In Getsemani, San Diego, and the Walled City, the architecture is much more traditional and there's a family-friendly, touristic vibe. The Walled City is probably the most expensive neighborhood in Cartagena, but the city is expensive on the whole (by Colombian standards). If budgeting is your number one priority, visiting Bogota is much cheaper.

If you're looking to party, want to visit the beach, or prefer to stay at a modern luxury hotel, you'll prefer areas like Bocagrande. When I visited with my partner, we actually stayed in both – the walled city for a few days then Bocagrande, too. They each have their own appeal, so consider your preferences before choosing.

📅 How many days should I stay in Cartagena?

There aren't a ton of sights to see in Cartagena, so you won't need more than a few days here to get everything done. But I'd recommend staying for at least 4 so that you can enjoy the different areas of the city, spend some time chilling at the beach, and soak up the city's unparalleled beauty. If you want a laid-back beach holiday, staying for a week or more might be the best idea.

☀️ When is the best time of year to visit Cartagena?

One of the best things about Cartagena de Indias is that the city stays warm all year round, so you don't have to worry too much about planning. Having said that, it rains more from September to November (although there are still blue skies), so you might want to avoid those months for the best chance of having a dry vacation. December to April is generally considered the best time to visit for weather, but it's also the most popular, so visit outside of those months if you want to avoid the crowds.

🚶 Is Cartagena a walkable city?

Cartagena is definitely a walkable city. In fact, the best way to get to know this historic city is by taking a stroll around the streets and stopping to look at the fabulous colonial architecture and sip on some famous Colombian coffee. However, Cartagena as a city is big so it would be difficult to walk from the historic center to Bocagrande, for example, but luckily there are plenty of taxis and Uber is available (and affordable) to help you get around when distances are too far to walk.

Note that public transport isn't great in Cartagena – there's no metro so it's best to walk where possible and get Ubers during the night or for longer distances.

Where to Stay in Cartagena – Final Words

Cartagena is a beautiful city (arguably, the most stunning in Colombia) and it's well worth visiting if you're keen to explore more of the country's history in a sun-drenched beach town. With plenty of old-style architecture to check out as well as gorgeous beaches and a year-round warm climate, Cartagena is popular with all kinds of travelers.

Those seeking a laid-back beach holiday should head to Bocagrande or El Cabrero, while colonial architecture can be found in San Diego and the historic walled center. Getsemani is a backpacker's paradise and Manga is the perfect residential spot for those seeking to escape the hustle and bustle of the ever-busy center.

Whether you decide to stay in the coastal El Cabrero or the hipster Getsemani, you'll have an incredible time in Cartagena, Colombia's most traditional city. Establish your needs before booking your Cartagena getaway and use them to choose where to stay.