Nightlife in Cartagena, a gateway to Colombia’s Caribbean culture

Cartagena 101

The city of Cartagena de Indias was founded in 1533 by the Spanish conqueror Pedro de Heredia. During colonial times, it was a top trade port between Europe and the New World. As such, it was constantly ransacked by pirates.

To preserve its riches, the Spanish crown ordered the construction of a sophisticated system of walls, forts, and castles that turned Cartagena into the most protected port in South America.

Today, Cartagena is a thriving tourism and trade hub. It attracts travelers from all over the world with its warm climate, beaches, and tropical atmosphere. As you would expect, its festive spirit is imprinted in its nightlife.

Nightlife in Cartagena explodes with music

Cartagena is a music box of diverse rhythms. You can find anything you like: from local beats such as champeta, to more traditional Latin genres like salsa, to the modern sounds of electronic music.

The Holy Trinity of music venues in Cartagena is formed by these nightclubs located in the trendy neighborhood of Getsemaní:

• Bazurto Social Club offers a full experience of local partying with its young crowd and live champeta

• Café Havana is the place to salsa the night away in Cartagena. It is home to a killer band, as well as a beautiful bar

• Quiebra-Canto is a cult favorite for experienced salsa Even if you are not really an expert, it is a great spot for having cocktails and watching the pros do their thing.

Other renowned names of the nightlife in Cartagena include Mister Babilla, which is pretty much a clubbing institution in the city. It gathers both local and out-of-town patrons, and offers a more modern take.

Fragma Club is also a popular party location, considered Cartagena’s premiere venue for electronic music.

The best bars and restaurants to enjoy the nightlife in Cartagena

After an enjoyable day of relaxing on the beach or discovering the intriguing local history, travelers can be sure to find outstanding drinks and food in Cartagena. Here is a selection of bars and restaurants to visit during your stay.

• Café del Mar (Walled City): A top spot for admiring the Caribbean sunset while sipping cocktails.
• Celele (Getsemaní): This restaurant pays homage to the many flavors of Colombian Caribbean cuisine. Through its rotating seasonal menu, it showcases the African, Spanish, Syrian, Lebanese, and indigenous influences found in local food.
• Alquímico (Walled City): Located in a restored colonial mansion, it offers both a lounge and a rooftop terrace where you can enjoy cocktails and tapas.
• Tertulia de Getsemaní (Getsemaní): Fashioned as a classic Cuban cigar lounge, this bar features live salsa and Latin jazz bands.
• Caffé Lunático (Getsemaní): Stop by to enjoy its Spanish fusion food menu, including vegetarian alternatives to Caribbean classics such as ceviche.
• Mar y Zielo (Walled City): Discover Peruvian seafood dishes – and unique cocktail mixes – made with Colombian ingredients here.
• Restaurante Palenqueras (Getsemaní): A leading spot for signature cocktails, as well as for fresh fish specials.