Looking for a beautiful destination not far from the States that won’t break the bank? Its historically walled ‘Old Town’ offers so much history, its colorful neighborhoods are like ones I’ve never seen elsewhere, and this city also has a delicious upscale dining scene not to be missed. What I also love about Cartagena is how many old mansions have been turned into hotel properties, and staying in one is such a unique experience. I’ve traveled to Cartagena a few times, and have fallen in love with this city. In 2024 Travel and Leisure named it as one of the top places to visit, and it’s now South America’s worst-kept secret. I’ve stayed in a few areas in Cartagena including some incredible properties, here is what I recommend as the best places to stay in Cartagena!

Best Places to Stay in Cartagena: A Comprehensive Guide for the Best Hotels

What is the best part of Cartagena to stay in: Walled City vs Bocagrande

The only areas you should consider staying in Cartagena are the Walled City or Old Town and Bocagrande. These two areas are closest to all the best things to do in Cartagena and its historical landmarks. You can easily walk or use a taxi to get around these areas and you won’t have to rely on other transportation. Keep reading for more information about the two areas.

Cartagena’s Walled City

The best part of Cartagena to stay in is Cartagena’s walled city. The historical walled city, also referred to as the ‘Old Town’, is one of the best and most beautiful areas of Cartagena. This area is very picturesque, has wonderful hotels with beautiful views of the city, and plenty of restaurants and shops. Cartagena’s Old Town is also the safest place to stay in Cartagena.

Bocagrande

Another wonderful place to stay in Cartagena is Bocagrande. This area is sometimes nicknamed a ‘mini Miami’ with more of a city feel and a fairly high skyline. Bocagrande is a more affordable area to stay than Old Town, especially if you’re planning a beach day as it’s closer to the public beach. Bocagrande and the walled city are not far from each other, only a ten-minute ride by cab. As Bocagrande is less touristy, if you’re looking for the safest place to stay in Cartagena it would be within Old Town.

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What are the safest areas of Cartagena?

The safest areas of Cartagena are the Old Town and Bocagrande. As I mentioned before the walled city or Old Town is the most beautiful area of Cartagena and popular for tourists, and Bocagrande is where you’ll find more locals. My sisters and I visited Cartagena and never felt unsafe, but I would exercise caution at night and always be aware of my surroundings.

The best hotels within Cartagena’s Walled City

My Favorite Cartagena Hotel with a Rooftop View

If you’re traveling to Cartagena, you have to book a stay at The Movich Hotel. This hotel is the best places to stay in Cartagena and is located in Old Town. It has stunning views of the city from its rooftop pool and restaurant. In my opinion, the nightly price is worth the views. If I haven’t convinced you, the hotel has a beautiful indoor/outdoor cafe, and the rooms are spacious with generously sized showers. This hotel is frequently booked so make sure to book your stay now!

A Garden Oasis within the Walled City

Hotel Boutique Casona is one of the best places to stay in Cartagena. This hotel also has a rooftop pool and lounge area, but not as extensive as the Movich Hotel. This hotel is in a great location within the walled city. I loved the natural decor with a main space with vines climbing the rustic walls, making it the perfect garden oasis within the walled city.

Luxury within the Walled City

If you’re looking for luxury in this incredible city, look no further than Casa San Augustin. On one of my trips to Cartagena when my sisters and I visited, we spent a day getting pampered at the spa and having a delicious lunch in the garden courtyard. This property has a beautiful, open-air pool within its historical walls, and I highly recommend the spa and restaurant. Make sure to book in advance!

One of the most Beautiful Hotels in Cartagena

This boutique hotel is one of the most beautiful and best places to stay in Cartagena. I love the rustic charm and the miniature swimming pool. On another trip to Cartagena my husband, friends and I stayed in this 17th-century colonial-style hotel. It was just heavenly having breakfast in this open-air courtyard in the morning.

Best Hotel in Bocagrande

This hotel is the best places to stay in Cartagena in the Bocagrande neighborhood. It offers the most beautiful views of the Cartagena skyline, and a beautiful pool overlooking the beach and ocean beyond.

Best Things to Do in Cartagena Colombia

Get your Guide tour Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas

This incredible fortress is over four hundred years old and has incredible views of the Cartagena skyline. It’s a great place to learn about the history of Cartagena and one of the best things to see in Cartagena. This tour will also include a visit to Convento de la Popa, which also offers spectacular views of the city.

Beach day to the Rosario Islands

The Rosario Islands are one of the best day trips from Cartagena. You can even stay for a night or two on the islands and have a chance to explore their incredible beaches.

Explore the Walled City of Cartagena

One of the best things to do in Cartagena is to enjoy the beauty of the walled city. If you’re interested, you can take a walking tour and learn about the beautiful architecture and history of this city.

Enjoy the artsy Getsamani

This artistic, trendy area of Cartagena is a short walk from the Old Town. Here you’ll find plenty of street art, hidden alleyways, and musicians. We even spotted school kids performing synchronized dances to upbeat, cultural music.

Have a Spa day at Arum Spa

Let me start by saying I don’t think I’ve ever had a more incredible spa experience than the one I had at Casa San Agustin. When I visited the spa I went during a girl’s trip with my sisters, and we opted to be completely pampered with the Hamamm treatment. Keep reading for our experience.

Once you enter the spa room for your treatment, you instantly feel like you’re walking into a sea of clouds. You can barely see the person in front of you, and the air also has an earthy scent that fills your nose and warms your face. The staff begins washing and scrubbing you for the first half of the treatment, and the other half involves a massage. You can choose the areas for them to focus on during their massage, and choose the strength and scent of the treatments they use. After your full body massage, they’ll bathe you in oil and start moving and stretching your joints, putting your body in a completely relaxed state.

Best Restaurants in Cartagena

There are so many great restaurants to choose from, you really can’t go wrong. Here are some of my favorite restaurants in Cartagena, Colombia!

One of the best restaurants in Cartagena has to be Restaurant Cande. This place has a vintage, supper club feel and usually has live music! It’s a popular spot, so secure reservations in advance.

Eat on the cobblestone streets at Juan Del Mar, and pop over for a nightcap at Cafe Havana next door. This is another busy spot. The benefits of sitting outside are to enjoy the street performers and horse-drawn carriages rolling by.

When you visit Getsemani eat at Dona Lola. The food is delicious. Wander around the area and stop for drinks at Cafe Lunatico or Cafe Del Mural.

Enjoy the rooftop bar at El Mirador. After starting your night there, head to Alquimico to try their octopus, it’s fantastic. Stay later in the evening while it transforms into one of Cartagena’s best nightclubs.

Have breakfast at Epoca Espresso, and enjoy their delicious coffee concoctions.

You can’t visit Cartagena without seeing a sunset from Cafe Del Mar. Get there early as it’s first come, first serve.

Cartagena Shopping: Best Places to Shop

The US dollar goes a long way in Colombia, and you can find some very high-quality pieces in Cartagena for a fraction of the price. You’ll find plenty of beautiful boutiques in the walled city and some of the most unique jewelers. A few of my favorite stores are Agua by Agua Bendita, Touche, and OndadeMar.

Visiting Medellin from Cartagena?

Medellin is another popular city to visit in Colombia. The Charlee Hotel is meant to be quite stunning, and you can stay in Medellin for even more reasonably than in Cartagena.

Is 3 days in Cartagena enough?

3 days in Cartagena is enough to see and experience the walled city or Old Town and wander into Bocagrande. You will need more time in Cartagena if you plan to visit the Rosario Islands on a day trip. If you want to extend your trip in Colombia you can also plan to visit Tayrona National Park for a few nights and Medellin as well, both are an easy trip from Cartagena.

Here’s one of the best places to stay in the Rosario Islands if you want to visit!

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