Where to Stay in Cartagena: A Neighborhood Guide

Choosing the right neighborhood in Cartagena can transform your trip from good to unforgettable. Each area has its own personality, price range, and set of advantages. Whether you are a solo backpacker, a couple on a romantic escape, or a family with young kids, there is a perfect base waiting for you.

This guide walks you through Cartagena's key neighborhoods so you can book with confidence.

Neighborhood Overview

1. Old Town (Centro) — colonial plazas, churches, and boutique hotels

Best for: First-time visitors, easy access to top sights

This is the most popular area for tourists, and for good reason. You are walking distance from Walled City (Ciudad Amurallada) and Getsemaní neighborhood, with plenty of restaurants, shops, and transport links nearby.

• Vibe: Bustling, convenient, tourist-friendly
• Budget: $25–$88 per night
• Drawback: Can feel crowded during December to January holiday season and Easter week

2. Bocagrande — modern high-rise beach strip with hotels

Best for: Culture lovers, foodies, budget travelers

A more authentic feel with local eateries serving dishes like Arepas de Huevo — fried corn patties stuffed with egg at genuinely local prices. This area rewards wandering — every side street holds a surprise.

• Vibe: Authentic, walkable, slightly gritty in the best way
• Budget: $9–$25 per night
• Drawback: Fewer high-end accommodation options

3. Manga — island neighborhood with Republican-era mansions

Best for: Couples, nightlife seekers, luxury travelers

The upscale side of Cartagena. Expect sleek hotels, rooftop bars, and proximity to Getsemaní — Café Havana salsa bar and surrounding street parties. If you want Horse-drawn carriage ride through the walled city at dusk within walking distance, this is your spot.

• Vibe: Modern, polished, lively after dark
• Budget: $28–$110 per night
• Drawback: Higher prices across the board

4. San Diego — quiet residential corner of the walled city

Best for: Families, long-stay travelers, peace and quiet

Spacious accommodation, parks, and a slower pace of life. Castillo San Felipe fortress exploration with tunnel systems are easily accessible, and you will find vacation rentals with kitchens — a game-changer for families.

• Vibe: Residential, relaxed, spacious
• Budget: $8–$21 per night
• Drawback: Requires transport to reach the center

5. Getsemaní — street art-covered bohemian quarter with nightlife

Best for: Repeat visitors, off-the-beaten-path seekers

A neighborhood most tourists never discover. Staying here puts you closer to Castillo San Felipe de Barajas and gives you bragging rights among well-traveled friends.

• Vibe: Local, undiscovered, rewarding
• Budget: $8–$21 per night
• Drawback: Limited English signage and fewer tourist amenities

Best Area by Traveler Type

Traveler Type	Recommended Area	Why
Solo traveler	Bocagrande — modern high-rise beach strip with hotels	Social hostels, walkable, affordable eats
Couple	Manga — island neighborhood with Republican-era mansions	Sunset on a private boat to the Rosario Islands, great dining
Family	San Diego — quiet residential corner of the walled city	Oceanario aquarium on Isla de San Martín de Pajarales
Budget	Bocagrande — modern high-rise beach strip with hotels	Lowest accommodation prices, local food deals
Luxury	Manga — island neighborhood with Republican-era mansions	Premium hotels, fine dining, nightlife

Accommodation Tips

1. Book early for peak season (December to January holiday season and Easter week) — the best places fill up 2–3 months ahead.
2. Read recent reviews — a hotel from 2023 might be under new management now.
3. Check the walk score — staying near a transit stop saves you taxi money every day.
4. Consider vacation rentals for stays of 4+ nights, especially for families or groups.

Pro Tips

• Currency: The local currency is Colombian Peso (COP). Many places accept cards, but carry some cash for small purchases.
• Safety: The walled city and Getsemaní are safe during the day and evening
• Transport: Walking is the best way to explore the walled city and Getsemaní

Our Recommendation

For most first-time visitors, Old Town (Centro) — colonial plazas, churches, and boutique hotels offers the best balance of convenience, value, and atmosphere. If you are on a tight budget, look at Bocagrande — modern high-rise beach strip with hotels instead — you will save on accommodation without sacrificing the experience.

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