Where to Stay in Cartagena de Indias: Best Areas & Hotels

Nicknamed the “Magic City” and “Jewel of the Caribbean Coast,” Cartagena de Indias, known locally simply as Cartagena, is truly an unmissable destination in Colombia. Considered one of South America’s most beautiful and well-preserved colonial cities, this impressive town, port, and fortifications are all part of the UNESCO World Heritage List. If you are looking for the best areas to stay in Cartagena de Indias, you have come to the right place.

Located on a bay in the Caribbean Sea in the north of the country, Cartagena de Indias was founded by the Spanish in 1533 and, over time, became one of the most important urban centers and trading ports in the New World. The city has the most extensive fortifications in South America and is famous for its Andalusian and baroque-style palaces and churches, cobblestone streets, and colonial charm. In 1811, Cartagena became one of the first cities to declare independence from Spanish rule. Today, Cartagena is a colorful and vibrant town, the capital of the department of Bolívar, and the epicenter of Afro-Colombian culture in Colombia. Cartagena is known for its many beaches, the beautiful Catedral de Santa Catalina de Alejandría, the Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas and its walled Old City. The city is Colombia’s most visited tourist destination, with new boutique hotels and funky hostels constantly being opened all over town.

It doesn’t matter whether it’s your first time visiting Colombia or if you’re an expert in all things South America, keep reading to find out more about our selection of the best areas to stay in Cartagena de Indias for every type of traveler.

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Accommodation Options in Cartagena de Indias

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What’s the Best Area to Stay in Cartagena, Colombia?

The best area to stay in Cartagena de Indias is its Historic City Center, especially if you are a first-time visitor to the city. Cartagena’s Centro Histórico is home to most of the city’s UNESCO-listed sites, tourist attractions, and some of the best-rated boutique and luxury hotels in town.

Find available accommodation in Cartagena’s Centro Histórico.

Best Hotels in the Historic City Center of Cartagena de Indias

• Best five-star hotel: Hotel Boutique Casona del Colegio
• Best four-star hotel: Casa Claver Loft Boutique Hotel
• Best three-star hotel: Casa India Catalina
• Best budget hotel: Ayenda El Viajero #2
• Best tourist apartments: Casa Pombo
• Best hostel: El Barrio Hostal

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Where to Stay in Cartagena de Indias for Sightseeing

As mentioned above, the Centro district is the best location in Cartagena de Indias. That said, the historic city center is divided into different barrios, each with a different flavor and attractions. Furthermore, some attractions, as well as the most popular beaches, are located in other areas. These are some of the most exciting districts for tourists in Cartagena:

• Located within the city walls and home to the Cathedral, the Santuario de San Pedro Claver, and the Museo Naval, the Barrio de San Pedro is the historic heart of Cartagena de Indias. This ancient quarter also hosts some of the most fabulous boutique properties in the city, many of which are located in colonial palaces and mansions. Our favorite hotels here include the Hotel Boutique Casona del Colegio, Casa Pombo, and Amarla Boutique Hotel Cartagena.
• North of San Pedro, still within the fortifications, lies San Diego. This lovely area was home to the middle classes and rich merchants during colonial times. Today, the area offers a quiet alternative to the city center and boasts top-notch hotels, including the Sofitel Legend Santa Clara Cartagena and the Townhouse Boutique Hotel.
• Barrio de Getsemaní, located just outside the city walls to the east, is a popular quarter considered one of the cradles of salsa music in Colombia and is home to lively nightlife and all kinds of accommodations, including boutique properties like Posada La Fe and cool hostels like Life is Good Cartagena.
• Spanning across a thin peninsula south of the city center, Bocagrande is an upscale district home to some of the most popular beaches in Cartagena de Indias. This modern area is also home to several well-known hotels, including the Hyatt Regency Cartagena and Estelar Cartagena de Indias.

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The Best Areas for Tourists in Cartagena: District by District

1. Centro Histórico: Best Location in Cartagena de Indias for Sightseeing & Culture

Considered one of the most beautiful historic quarters in the Americas, Cartagena’s Centro district is packed with attractions and colonial charm.

Why is this the best area to stay in Cartagena, Colombia:
• Heart of the city
• Beautiful colonial architecture
• Best boutique and luxury hotels
• Exciting food scene
• Cathedral, churches & museums
• Easy to explore on foot

Established by Spanish conquistador Pedro de Heredia in the 16th century, the Old Town of Cartagena de Indias is one of the oldest and most beautiful colonial quarters in the Americas.

The area is bound by a complex of defensive walls and fortresses, listed as a World Heritage Site in 1984 as “an eminent example of the military architecture of the 16th, 17th, and 18th centuries, the most extensive of the New World and one of the most complete”.

As it’s customary for most cities in northern South America, Cartagena’s Old Town is centered around Parque de Bolívar, an ample open space with a central statue of “El Libertador” and surrounded by many monuments, including the Catedral de Santa Catalina de Alejandría, the Palacio de la Inquisición, a local history museum, and the Zenú Gold Museum, which focuses on pre-Columbian gold and silver art. 

A few blocks southeast lies the Torre del Reloj, a 19th-century clock tower and the main gate to the walled city from the south. The arched Plaza de los Coches is surrounded by ornate buildings and offers confectioners’ stalls and horse carriage rides. 

The nearby Plaza San Pedro Claver is one of the most scenic in central Cartagena and is home to the 16th-century Church of San Pedro Claver, the Naval Museum, and the Baluarte de San Ignacio.

The north end of the district, known as Barrio de San Diego, was home to the city’s merchants during colonial times. Today it is a quieter alternative to the bustling Old Town and offers many interesting attractions, including Las Bóvedas, an 18th-century dungeon turned souvenir market, and Centro Comercial La Serrezuela, an upscale shopping center built on an old theater.

Colombia’s most visited tourist destination, the Old City of Cartagena is where most of the best-rated hotels are located. In recent years, the area has seen a surge in boutique properties and small inns, many of which are housed in historic buildings such as colonial mansions and palaces.

Best Hotels in Cartagena’s Centro Histórico

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2. Getsemaní: Best Location in Cartagena for Nightlife

Located just outside the walls of the Centro Histórico, Getsemaní offers a great mix of nightlife, urban art & colorful architecture.

Why is this the best area to stay in Cartagena, Colombia:
• Very central
• Colorful architecture
• Salsa bars & exciting nightlife
• Great restaurants
• Murals & street art
• Boutique hostels & cheap accommodation

Getsemaní is a neighborhood located southeast of Cartagena de India’s historic center, just outside the city walls.

The city’s poorest neighborhood during colonial times was, until very recently, a no-go for tourists, and even the most experienced locals avoided it. That has all changed in recent years, and today, Getsemaní is one of the city’s most interesting and vibrant neighborhoods.

Considered one of the cradles of salsa music in Colombia, Getsemaní still has a strong musical tradition and is home to several famous salsa clubs and bars. The neighborhood is also known as one of the most diverse and colorful in Cartagena, with many restaurants, backpacker hostels, and design hotels.

Some of the most popular attractions in Getsemaní include Centenario Park, the Church of La Trinidad, Calle del Espíritu Santo and Plazuela del Pozo.

Besides its salsa bars and relaxed atmosphere, Getsemaní is also known for its thriving street art scene. The neighborhood is home to many talented street artists, and its everchanging murals are a testament to its diverse cultural heritage.

This Cartagena neighborhood has become the most popular spot in town for young travelers looking for a cheap, fun and exciting place to stay.

Best Hotels in Getsemaní

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3. Bocagrande: Best Location in Cartagena to Go to the Beach

Upscale and very safe, Bocagrande is a great beachside option packed with luxury hotels.

Why is this the best area to stay in Cartagena, Colombia:
• Relatively central
• Safe area to stay in Cartagena
• Cartagena’s modern area
• Most popular beaches in the city
• Luxury hotels & resorts
• Great food scene
• Shopping centers

Bocagrande is a Cartagena neighborhood located south of the city center, on a thin, L-shaped peninsula that stretches out into the Caribbean sea and the Bay of Cartagena.

The area is centered around Avenida de San Martín (Carrera 2) and is home to numerous restaurants, nightclubs, casinos, and hotels.

In sharp contrast to the central historic quarters, Bocagrande is a modern, developed part of the city home to some of the tallest highrise buildings in the country north of Bogotá; these include the Torre Estelar (202 m / 663 ft.) and the Hyatt Regency Cartagena (195 m / 640 ft.).

Attracting millions of local and foreign visitors each year, Playa de Bocagrande is perhaps the most popular beach in all of the Colombian Caribbean. The main urban beach in Cartagena is a fully-serviced beach with golden sands and a wide range of activities.

While the area may be lacking in the character and charm found in the historic center of Cartagena, it does make it up in the quantity and quality of its top-notch hotels and restaurants. It is a highly recommended neighborhood for business travelers. 

The district is also considered one of the safest areas to stay in Cartagena the Indias, and police presence is very high, particularly at night and on weekends.

Best Hotels in Bocagrande

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4. El Laguito & Castillogrande: Safest Area for Tourists in Cartagena, Colombia

Located on the tip of the L-shaped Bocagrande Peninsula, El Laguito & Castillogrande are the most exclusive areas to find accommodation in Cartagena.

Why is this the best area to stay in Cartagena de Indias:
• Safest area to stay in Cartagena, Colombia
• Luxury hotels & resorts
• Upscale urban developments
• Best beaches for water sports
• Exclusive restaurants & bars
• Lovely views of the sea
• Fuerte de Santa Cruz

Occupying the southern end of the Bocagrande peninsula, El Laguito is the most exclusive residential area of Cartagena de Indias. This modern development is packed with luxury condos and experiences, chic boutiques, and some of the best-rated international hotels in the city. 

El Laguito is also where some of the most popular beaches in town, like La Veleta and Laguito, are located. Both these beaches are known for their golden sands, crystal clear waters, and water sports.

The area gets its name from a lagoon, redundantly called Lago del Laguito, located in the center of the neighborhood. The lagoon is a popular spot for locals and tourists, and it’s also the location of some of the most exclusive properties and businesses in Cartagena de Indias.

Further east lies Castillogrande, a mainly residential area home to the ruins of the Fuerte Santa Cruz, a colonial-era fort built in the 17th century to protect the city from pirate attacks.

Best Hotels in Laguito & Castillogrande

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5. Marbella Beach: Quiet & Budget-Oriented Location Close to the Beach and the Center

Located north of the old town, Marbella is home to one of the most popular beaches in Cartagena de Indias.

Why is this the best area to stay in Cartagena, Colombia:
• Relatively central
• Marbella Beach
• Modern area
• Close to the airport
• Budget hotels with views

Marbella is a popular beach destination in Cartagena de Indias, located a couple of kilometers north of the historic city center, on a thin stretch of land between the Caribbean Sea and the Juan Angola stream.

Playa de Marbella is an extensive golden sand beach stretching over 2 kilometers. It is far more popular among the locals and, as such, tends to be far less crowded than the one in Bocagrande, both in terms of people and street vendors.

While Marbella beach is lined with a few upmarket apartment condominiums, hotels, and restaurants, the area has a far more relaxed and down-to-earth feel than the upscale districts in the city’s south.
Thanks to its location near the airport, this neighborhood is a convenient option for travelers on a short trip to Cartagena. Hotels in this area are also noticeably cheaper than those in other beachside districts, making it a good option for budget travelers.

Best Hotels in Marbella, Cartagena de Indias

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6. La Boquilla: Best Location for a Quiet Seaside Vacation in Cartagena

Set in North Cartagena, La Boquilla is a great and quiet seaside neighborhood to stay closer to nature in Cartagena de Indias.

Why is this the best area to stay in Cartagena, Colombia:
• Best area for nature lovers
• Mangrove tours
• Up-and-coming district
• Less touristy than the southern beach areas
• La Boquilla Beach
• Upscale hotels & tourist apartments

Located about 6 km (3.7 mi.) north of Cartagena’s Old Town, on a narrow peninsula bordered by the sea on one side and the Tesca lagoon on the other and on the Cartagena – Barranquilla Highway, La Boquilla is an increasingly popular seaside tourist destination in the Bolívar capital.

Its main beach, Playa de La Boquilla, is a wide stretch of golden sand especially popular among the locals. A promenade with restaurants and hotels backs the beach.

Traditionally an Afro-Colombian fishing community, it is still possible to see the area’s fishermen and women getting their daily catch with their nets early in the mornings.

Contrary to the beachside developments in the city’s south, La Boquilla is a quiet place. It is not nearly as developed as the Bocagrande neighborhoods, and its natural beauty is still relatively unspoiled.
Not far from the beach, the Ciénaga de Tesca offers many eco-tourism activities, such as kayaking and mangrove tours on artisanal boats. These tours provide a great way to experience the area’s natural wonders and showcase the local culture and traditions.

Best Hotels in La Boquilla, Cartagena

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7. Crespo: Closest Area to Cartagena International Airport

Located next to Aeropuerto Internacional Rafael Núñez, Crespo is a convenient area to stay in Cartagena near the airport.

Why is this the best area to stay in Cartagena, Colombia:
• Relatively central
• Near the airport
• Crespo beaches
• Cheap accommodation

Located between Marbella and La Boquilla, Crespo is a popular Cartagena district.

This popular district is home to the Rafael Nuñez International Airport (CTG), the busiest airport in the Caribbean region and the fourth-busiest airport in Colombia after Bogotá, Medellín, and Cali.

As an important tourist destination, this important air hub provides frequent connections to most cities in Colombia via carriers such as Avianca and LATAM Airlines, as well as many international services to cities in the rest of Latin America, the USA, and Europe.

But Crespo is more than just an airport. This Cartagena district is also home to several beaches and parks, including the Parque Lineal de Crespo and Parque Lineal Caño Juan Angola.

Its airport and beachside location make Crespo a convenient area to stay in Cartagena. The whole district is packed with budget and mid-range accommodation options and a few restaurants and bars.

Needless to say, Crespo is the best district to look for accommodation in Cartagena for budget-conscious travelers or those who need to take an early flight.

Best Hotels near Cartagena Airport (CTG)

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8. Manga: Quiet Location Near the Cruise Ship Terminal

Not far from Getsemaní, the Old Town & Bocagrande, Manga is a convenient district to stay in Cartagena, Colombia.

Why is this the best area to stay in Cartagena, Colombia:
• Relatively central
• Near the cruise ship terminal
• Best area to stay in Cartagena if you arrive on a cruise
• All kinds of accommodation

Located southeast of Getsemaní and the Old Town, on an island, lies the Cartagena district of Manga.

Dating back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries, this area is one of the oldest in the city and is characterized by its wealth of Republican and Modernist architecture and many contemporary highrise condo buildings.

Manga is connected to Calle del Arsenal in Getsemaní by Puente Román and some of its main attractions include Fuerte de San Sebastián del Pastelillo, an 18th-century fortress, the Avenida de Miramar promenade and the colonial-era Santa Cruz de Manga Cemetery.

Manga’s western shore is home to many of the city’s marinas and nautical clubs, while the southern portion of the island is dominated by the Port of Cartagena. 

Puerto de Cartagena is the most important in the Colombian Caribbean and one of the busiest in South America. It is also one of the main cruise ship ports in the region, serving over 30 different cruise lines. 

Thanks to its great location near the cruise port and the city center, Manga is a great option when considering where to stay in Cartagena de Indias.

Best Hotels near the Cartagena Cruise Terminal

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Where to Look for Accommodation in Cartagena de Indias: Useful Info

Cartagena de Indias, also known simply as Cartagena by Colombians, is one of South America’s most spectacular coastal cities.

Bathed by the Caribbean Sea and with an incredibly rich cultural and architectural heritage, the product of its intense and eventful history and its importance in the development of the Spanish colonies in Latin America, Cartagena de Indias is a place that exudes elegance and culture.

Its fantastic white sand beaches and its proximity to paradisiac Caribbean islands make Cartagena an all-time favorite destination for sun-seeking travelers.

But Cartagena is much more than history and beaches. The Caribbean city is also considered one of the cradles of salsa music, and in no neighborhood is this fact more evident than in Getsemaní.

One of the best things that Cartagena has in terms of accommodation is that you can find all types of hotels, hostels, or apartments of all categories and at very reasonable prices.

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