In a nutshell
- Planning a trip to Cartagena but not sure which part of the city to base yourself in? We’ll walk you through the best neighborhoods with personal hotel picks across all price ranges!
- For first-time visitors, we almost always recommend the central neighborhood of Getsemaní — it has a huge selection of hotels, restaurants, and bars, and you’re a short walk from all the major sights. Our top pick: Voilá Signature Casa Isabel.
- If sightseeing is your main focus and you prefer quiet evenings, the Old Town is a great fit. Our top pick: Casa Lorenza Hotel.
- Want to stay by the ocean without being too far from the center? Head to Bocagrande. Our top pick: Oz Hotel Cartagena.
- If you’re visiting the Islas Rosario, spend at least one night on Isla Grande — it’s totally worth it. Our top pick: El Hamaquero Hostal EcoNativo.
The Best Neighborhoods to Stay in Cartagena with Map
The hotel selection in Cartagena is huge — but not every neighborhood is equally well suited for every type of traveler. It really depends on what you’re looking for in your vacation in Colombia.
We’ll walk you through three neighborhoods and one island that we personally recommend for where to stay in Cartagena, Colombia. Below, we’ll introduce each one in more detail along with a handpicked selection of great hotels.
Our neighborhood picks for staying in Cartagena
- Getsemaní: Perfect for first-time visitors who want to go sightseeing and enjoy Cartagena’s nightlife.
- Cartagena Old Town: Ideal if you want to stay in historic buildings right next to the most important attractions.
- Bocagrande: Great if you want to be by the ocean in a modern, more polished environment.
- Islas Rosario: If you’re planning a trip to the island archipelago, it’s worth spending one or two nights on Isla Grande.
Where to Stay in Getsemaní
Getsemaní is the top pick for first-time visitors who want to explore the city’s highlights by day and enjoy a lively night out in the evenings.
You really can’t go wrong choosing Getsemaní as your base on a first trip to Colombia. It sits right next to the city walls, so you can walk to the historic center and Cartagena’s famous fortress without any hassle.
Getsemaní is also a safe neighborhood — there’s plenty going on both during the day and into the evenings, though you’ll also find quieter side streets if you want a break from the action.
The selection of bars, restaurants, and shops is seriously impressive; something is always open. And when it comes to hostels, small hotels, and apartments, Getsemaní has one of the widest ranges in the city.
Advantages of staying in Getsemaní
- Beautiful, characterful neighborhood
- Lots of nightlife options
- Short walk to the most important attractions
- Wide selection of hotels at all price points
Disadvantages of staying in Getsemaní
- Popular with tourists, so it can feel busy
- It’s always lively here and can get noisy at night
Our hotel recommendations for Getsemaní
Good and affordable
Better
Luxurious
Where to Stay in Cartagena's Old Town
Staying in Cartagena’s Old Town is the best choice if you want the city’s top sights right on your doorstep.
The historic center is ideal if your focus is on sightseeing in Cartagena — you’ll be staying right in the middle of everything, with easy access to all the major points of interest.
If you’d rather wind down in the evenings and aren’t looking for a buzzing nightlife scene, the Old Town fits well too. Just keep in mind that you shouldn’t be walking the streets on foot after dark.
Beautiful restaurants and cafés are around every corner, along with boutiques and small shops. That said, the overall price level in the Old Town is noticeably higher than in other parts of the city.
Advantages of staying in the Old Town
- Beautiful historic district packed with things to see
- Quiets down in the evenings — great if you prefer a relaxed pace
- Some truly excellent hotels
Disadvantages of staying in the Old Town
- Not much going on at night, and the streets can be unsafe after dark
- Very touristy atmosphere
- Prices are significantly higher than elsewhere in the city
Our hotel recommendations for the Old Town
Good and affordable
Better
Luxurious
Where to Stay in Bocagrande
Bocagrande is the right choice if you want to stay on the beach in a modern, more polished setting.
This is really the opposite of the Old Town experience. Bocagrande is an upscale neighborhood on a peninsula just next to the city center, dominated by high-rise buildings and a sleeker, more contemporary vibe.
Everything here feels more orderly and more modern — which is a genuine plus if you want a break from the tourist hustle of the historic center.
Many hotel rooms have ocean views, and you’re never far from the nearest beach. And while Bocagrande skews upscale overall, you can still find some solid budget-friendly places to stay here too.
Advantages of staying in Bocagrande
- Right by the ocean
- Modern, well-organized neighborhood
- Great hotels with stunning water views
Disadvantages of staying in Bocagrande
- The main attractions aren’t within walking distance
- Less authentic feel than the historic neighborhoods
Our hotel recommendations for Bocagrande
Where to Stay on the Islas Rosario
Staying on the Islas Rosario is perfect if you want to wake up steps from some of the most beautiful Caribbean beaches near Cartagena.
If you’re making a day trip out to the Islas Rosario, we’d really recommend spending at least one night and turning it into a proper beach getaway rather than rushing back.
In our opinion, these islands have the most beautiful beaches in the area — and the Caribbean feel here is absolutely real.
Just be aware that accommodations on the Islas Rosario are all pretty basic. If you want more comfort, you’ll pay significantly more than you would for a comparable place to stay in Cartagena itself.
Advantages of staying on Isla Grande
- Right on the beach, surrounded by nature
- Peaceful, unhurried island setting
Disadvantages of staying on Isla Grande
- Accommodations are mostly very basic
- You can only get there by boat
