Cartagena ATV

Where to Stay in Cartagena

Where to Stay in Cartagena Colombia

Where to Stay in Cartagena Colombia

Where to Stay in Cartagena Colombia

Cartagena Travel Advice

As an American living and working in Cartagena Colombia I am constantly being asked questions about traveling in Colombia. This blog is designed to provide valuable information on a variety of topics related to Colombia travel. I hope you find it helpful. Please consider booking an ATV tour with us. Call: 1-800-707-4163

Where to Stay in Cartagena Colombia

Where to Stay in Cartagena Colombia

You’ve decided to travel to Cartagena Colombia but you have no idea where to stay. I’m going to describe the main areas of the city where tourists stay to help you decide which place will best suit your needs. Starting from the bottom of the map marked in red is the area of Bocagrande and El Laguito marked in red. This area is filled with high rise apartments and looks very much like Miami beach.  When you start searching for a place to stay in Cartagena you will see many pictures of apartments and hotels with great ocean views. Most of these are located here. This is a safe area with the best access to the beaches in Cartagena. Most of the time the beach is located just across the street. This area is quiet at night so you can count on getting good sleep and hot water in the shower. The downside is most of the nightlife and restaurants are in the old city so you will need to take a 10 minute taxi ride to and from each night. 

The area marked in green is the walled city or as the locals call it, the old city. This is where the colonial houses are and most of the nightlife in Cartagena. This area is popular with bachelor party groups and people who want to be in the center of the action. You can walk to everything within the city safely. The downside is the noise at night is loud so sleeping before 1am is difficult. Hot water is rare and there are a lot of street hustlers that will try to sell you things each time you walk around. After 11pm working girls enter the city which may not be comfortable for some. Most people choose to stay in the walled city but it’s more expensive here. 

Next to the walled city marked in blue is Getsemani. This is an artsy part of town with really cool murals and markets. It’s close to the walled city and farely safe but not as safe as the walled city since the police presence is not as strong there. This is where many locals will go out and enjoy themselves away from the touristy places.

Further up the coast marked in orange is the Crespo area. It’s similar to Bocagrande but not as nice. There are some good deals to be had there and great ocean views as well. However the beach is a little futher away but still very close. 

Lastly, marked in yellow is the area of Morros. This is a very clean and upscale spot with nice hotels like the Radisson and Las Americas. I think this has the best beach in town. Taxis are everywhere so getting to the old city is easy. This is a great spot for those who want to relax on the beach during the day as there are less vendors here than in Bocagrande. 

For your information the more affluent locals live in these areas however most locals live east of the tourist areas. No matter which area you choose you’re sure to have a great time visiting Cartagena. If you found this helpful please consider booking an ATV tour with Cartagena ATV.