{"id":41888,"date":"2020-01-24T07:00:51","date_gmt":"2020-01-24T15:00:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wearetravelgirls.com\/?p=41888"},"modified":"2025-08-20T18:23:14","modified_gmt":"2025-08-21T01:23:14","slug":"where-to-stay-cartagena-colombia","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wearetravelgirls.com\/where-to-stay-cartagena-colombia\/","title":{"rendered":"WHERE TO STAY IN CARTAGENA, COLOMBIA"},"content":{"rendered":"

Cartagena, or Cartagena de Indias, is a large city located on the Caribbean coastline of Colombia. With so many different neighborhoods and types of accommodation in the city, this guide will help you decide where to stay when visiting Cartagena!<\/p>\n

In this guide we cover everything you need to know to plan your trip to Cartagena, including background on the city, the best things to do, top neighborhoods to stay in, and recommended hotels in each area by budget. <\/p>\n

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Introduction To Cartagena City <\/h2>\n

Cartagena has been a popular tourist hot spot with Colombians for a long time, with many Colombians choosing to take a weekend break in the city or purchase an apartment to rent out or holiday in. The city is a popular getaway with Colombians from all over the country with direct flights from the Bogot\u00e1, Cali, and Medellin.<\/p>\n

In the past 5 years, Cartagena has become more popular for international tourists, with direct flights to Cartagena from Miami, New York, Lima, Amsterdam, Atlanta, Fort Lauderdale, and Mexico City. The short flying time and value for money have made Cartagena a popular destination for American travellers.<\/p>\n

Insider Tip: <\/strong>Book an AirBnB in Cartagena<\/a> for a unique place to stay at a cheaper price!<\/div>\n

Founded in 1533, Cartagena was a major port and part of the defence of the country, throughout history. The Spanish founded the city and named it after Cartagena, Spain. They used the city to defend off the country from pirates, invasions from the British and played a key role in the Spanish empire. <\/p>\n

Today you can still see the Spanish influence all over the city with colonial colourful buildings, and the Old City is still protected by a wall which stands as it once did. There is also a castle and convent located close to the city which has been turned into museums to explain the history of the city. <\/p>\n

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Cartagena is made up of the Old Walled City, Getseman\u00ed, Castillogrande, Bocoagrande, San Diego, Manga, and the Rosario Islands. Throughout Colombia Cartagena is well known for its world-class restaurants, lively plazas, boutique luxury hotels, beautiful beaches, colourful buildings, and it’s collection of 28 islands called the Rosario islands located off the coastline. <\/p>\n

With so many different neighbourhoods and hotels to choose from, finding the right place to stay in Cartagena can be an overwhelming task. Having visited Cartegena a large number of times, I am very familiar with Cartagena\u2019s best and safest areas to stay in and rounded up my favourites for every budget below!<\/span><\/p>\n

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Top 10 Things To Do In Cartagena<\/h2>\n

Cartegena is a large city and offers lots of things for visitors to see and do when they visit the city. These are my top 10 things to see and do during your stay in Cartegena.<\/p>\n

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  1. Visit Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas<\/a>, a castle in the middle of the city which you can walk around and learn all about the history of the city, as well as seeing great views of the city. <\/li>\n
  2. Walk around Mercado de Bazurto<\/a>, a great textile and souvenir market. <\/li>\n
  3. Buy fruit or fresh juice from a street vendor.<\/li>\n
  4. Eat ceviche at La Cevicheria<\/a>.<\/li>\n
  5. Dance salsa at Cafe Havana or Quiebracanto.<\/li>\n
  6. Visit the Santo Domingo Square<\/a>, a lively square with street vendors, live music, and dancing. <\/li>\n
  7. Walk around the walled city<\/a> and on the wall, which surrounds the city. <\/li>\n
  8. Take a boat trip<\/a> to the Rosario Islands.<\/li>\n
  9. Watch the sunset at Cafe del Mar<\/a>, a bar and restaurant located on a section of the wall. They have live music and cocktails, It is one of the best places in the city to watch the sunset. <\/li>\n
  10. Visit the Convent of Santa Cruz de la Popa and admire the view of the city.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
    Related Post: <\/strong>Ultimate Guide To The Lost City, Colombia<\/a><\/div>\n

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    Pay Less, Travel More eBook<\/h2>

    Subscribe to get our FREE eBook with tips on saving money when you travel!<\/p>\n\t\t\t

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    Overview Of Cartagena Neighbourhoods<\/h2>\n

    Cartegena has a popular of just over 1 million and is the fifth-largest city in Colombia, but is mostly popular for tourists. Cartagena is a popular destination for tourists year-round thanks to its average temperature of 28c (83f).<\/p>\n

    Depending on your preferred location and budget, you can find something in Cartagena to suit your requirements, from boutique hotels to luxury chain brands. <\/span><\/p>\n

    A little bit of research (or this guide!) will help you in finding quality accommodation for your perfect trip!<\/span><\/p>\n

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    The Historic Center Of Cartegena: The Walled City<\/h3>\n

    The Walled City or Centro is the historic centre of Cartagena. This neighbourhood is the most popular neighbourhood in the city with a large number of restaurants, lively plazas, and museums.<\/p>\n

    The Walled City<\/a> is well known for its cobbled streets, colourful houses, and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site<\/a>.<\/p>\n

    The center is where most people stay when visiting. There are art galleries, a naval museum, and other museums to explore.<\/p>\n

    Some of the best restaurants in Colombia can be found within this area, in addition to boutique hotels, and cocktail bars. This area is well preserved and safe to walk around throughout the day and into the evening.<\/p>\n

    View our map of AirBnBs in The Walled City here!<\/a><\/div>\n

    Pros & Cons Of Staying In The Walled City<\/h4>\n

    PROS<\/span><\/p>\n