If you're looking for a place to party, Cartagena's nightlife, Colombia, is the perfect choice. This beautiful city on the Caribbean coast offers something for everyone: from lively bars and clubs to cultural events. In this guide, you'll discover the best venues and exciting activities to fully experience Cartagena's nightlife.
Cartagena Nightlife
Warm temperatures, cold beer, and energetic dance music are the hallmarks of the city's best nightclubs. You've come to Cartagena to immerse yourself in the rhythm, and choosing the right club can transform your evening into a memorable experience, whether alone or with friends.
After a day of sightseeing, traditional cuisine, and shopping, it's the perfect time to end the evening with a drink and a breathtaking view. But where to go to best experience Cartagena's nightlife?
The city offers a wide selection of bars, nightclubs, strip clubs, and restaurants, perfect for those who want to discover the party spirit of Colombia and Latin America.
Cartagena's nightclubs are unique, offering a wide variety of music genres and an atmosphere that ranges from intimate and welcoming to explosive and wild until the early hours. And it's not just tourists who frequent them: locals also love these places and help make every night special.
The Best Areas to Party in Cartagena
Cartagena offers a vibrant nightlife, with neighborhoods ranging from bohemian corners to charming historic streets. Here's a selection of the best areas to party after dark!
1. The Center
El Centro is the historic heart of Cartagena, located in the northwestern part of the city, overlooking the sea.
This is where the most exclusive venues are located, including fine dining restaurants and upscale bars. If you're looking for a sophisticated cocktail or dinner at an elite restaurant, this is the place to be. However, the area around the Clock Tower can be less welcoming due to the presence of many prostitutes.
2. San Diego
San Diego is another historic downtown area, featuring colorful buildings, quaint cafes, and a quieter atmosphere than El Centro.
Perfect for a relaxed evening, San Diego offers elegant bars where you can sip craft cocktails. However, if you're looking for a nightclub to dance the night away, you'll have to look elsewhere.
3. Gethsemane
Getsemaní is a lively and trendy neighborhood, famous for its historic square, street art, and food scene.
Here you'll find bars and clubs at more affordable prices than in the historic center. It's the perfect place to start the evening, with a welcoming atmosphere and always buzzing with a mix of tourists and locals.
4. Bocagrande
Bocagrande is the most modern area of Cartagena, with wide beaches, skyscrapers, luxury hotels, and casinos.
For nightlife, you can visit the famous 51 Sky Bar on Carrera 2, which offers incredible views of the city. However, it's advisable to get around by taxi, as the area is less walkable than other neighborhoods. Avoid the beaches at night: they are not lit or equipped for entertainment, and may not be safe.
The best nightclubs in Cartagena
If you're looking for a nightclub where you can party until dawn, here are the best options in town!
Café Havana
One of Cartagena's most famous salsa clubs, Café Havana is located in Getsemaní, near the waterfront. This Cuban tavern-style venue offers live music and an old-world atmosphere.
It's open every day except Sunday and Monday. The music starts around midnight, but arriving early is a good idea to secure a table.
Entrance costs between 40,000 and 50,000 COP , and the mojitos are a must, if a little pricey. The place can fill up quickly, so finding space to dance can be difficult.
The Jugada
Located in the El Centro , La Jugada is an upscale club and gastro bar, open Wednesday through Saturday from 6:00 PM to 3:00 AM . Here you can enjoy tacos, sliders, and handcrafted cocktails.
This trendy spot has a smart dress code , so no flip-flops! The cocktails are excellent, but you'll need to buy a bottle to get a table.
It gets very crowded on weekends, so advance reservations . You can reserve a seat in one of the rooms or on the two panoramic terraces. Admission costs COP$50,000 .
Vueltabajero
If you love salsa and a lively atmosphere, Vueltabajero in Getsemaní is the place to be. With live music and a great vibe, it's perfect for a night out with friends.
Prices are affordable and there's no entrance fee . The only downside? It's only open on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evenings .
Seven 7 Times
An elegant nightclub located near Calle Media Luna in Getsemaní, Seven 7 Times is the ideal place for those looking for a lively evening with nightly shows and music for all tastes.
The club is divided into five sections , each featuring a different musical genre. The main bar, the largest, plays reggaeton hits.
Entrance costs around 50,000 COP , and it is open Wednesday to Saturday from 6pm to 2am .
Taboo
If you're looking for an authentic clubbing experience, Taboo in Getsemaní is a must-see. Perfect for a night out with friends, it's very popular with tourists and locals alike.
Thanks to its affordable prices and convenient location, it's one of the best choices for a fun night out. Taboo is also a popular stop for party buses , so expect a lively atmosphere and plenty of action.
The Best Bars in Cartagena
Wherever you decide to stay, you'll find a perfect bar! Here are some of the best spots for a memorable night out.
Tertulia De Gethsemaní
A trendy bar located in the northern part of Getsemaní, Tertulia De Getsemaní is famous for its salsa music, daily live entertainment, and bold cocktails.
Admission costs around 30,000 COP , but the atmosphere is worth it. The venue is lively but still spacious enough for dancing. Perfect for a night out with friends!
Where Fidel
Cartagena's oldest salsa bar, Donde Fidel , is located in Plaza del Reloj and is always crowded. The atmosphere is electric, but the dancing space is limited and the music is very loud.
Despite this, Donde Fidel is perfect for relaxing outdoors and people-watching while enjoying a drink.
Leon De Baviera
If you're looking for a slice of Germany in Cartagena, León De Baviera in Getsemaní is the place to be. Here you can sip affordable German beers and savor traditional dishes like Bavarian sausages and sauerkraut.
It's also the best rock pub in town and shows German Bundesliga .
Municipal Terrace
Located in Getsemaní , this terrace with outdoor seating is ideal for enjoying dinner with a beer while watching the sunset over Cartagena.
The prices are affordable and the atmosphere is relaxed. Here you can order street food from local food trucks. Service can be slow, but the location makes up for it.
Clock Pub
A popular pub among tourists, perfect for watching American NFL . The atmosphere is casual and welcoming, with music ranging from rock to reggaeton.
Open daily, the Clock Pub is a great choice for a drink accompanied by a local burger.
51 Sky Bar
Located on the Bocagrande Peninsula , this luxury bar offers the best views of the city . It sits on the 51st floor of a skyscraper, guaranteeing breathtaking views.
Prices are high, and reservations are required. The music is pleasant, and the cocktails and sushi are decent, but nothing exceptional.
Movich Rooftop
The rooftop of the Movich is the perfect spot to enjoy the view of the old city at sunset. It's an exclusive venue, so booking in advance is essential.
During the day, you can also enjoy the infinity pool. The cocktails are excellent, and the menu also offers small snacks.
El Arsenal: The Rum Box
This bar and grill in Getsemaní is perfect for rum lovers. It offers affordable prices and a great selection of food and drinks.
You can book a private rum tasting or simply stop by for a relaxing evening. The staff is always ready to serve rum shots with chocolate .
Townhouse
One of Cartagena's trendiest San Diego , Townhouse is famous for its tapas, cocktails, and nachos.
The atmosphere is relaxed, with a live DJ and a stunning view of the city. Open daily, it also offers brunch on weekends with unlimited food and drinks .
Beer Lovers
If you love craft beer, Beer Lovers in Getsemaní is the place to be. The selection is the best in the city, though the prices are a bit high.
It's the perfect refuge from the Colombian heat thanks to the air conditioning. The atmosphere is casual, but the music can be quite loud .
Alchemical
A trendy cocktail bar with a panoramic terrace and a unique concept. Each floor has a different menu, and the drinks are among the best in the city.
Alquímico has even been voted one of the best bars in the world ! The cocktails feature local and unusual ingredients, so prepare to experience out-of-the-ordinary flavors.
If you prefer a quieter atmosphere, go between 7 and 9 p.m .; later, the place fills up and becomes very lively, with lots of reggaeton music.
The Viewpoint
A café-bar in the El Centro , located directly across from the Clock Tower. It has an outdoor terrace with spectacular views of the city.
Open from 8:00 to 3:00 , it often features live DJs . Cocktails are expensive but high-quality. It's advisable to book in advance , as the place is very popular.
Is Cartagena safe at night?
Enjoying the nightlife is great, but it's important to take some precautions to stay safe.
- Beware of scopolamine : a substance that can be used to drug people. Never leave your drink unattended.
- Check your bill : make sure you aren't charged for extra drinks.
- Avoid walking alone at night : especially in the later hours, it's better to travel by taxi or Uber.
- Don't bring your passport : a photocopy is sufficient for any checks.
- Set a spending limit on your credit card : to avoid unpleasant surprises in case of loss.
By following these tips, you can fully enjoy Cartagena's magical nightlife while staying safe!