Where to Stay in Cartagena 2026 | Best Areas + Hotel Map

Cartagena is Colombia's Caribbean jewel - a UNESCO-listed colonial city with colorful streets, impressive fortifications, and romantic atmosphere. Most visitors stay within the walled Old Town or adjacent Getsemaní for atmosphere, though Bocagrande offers beach access. The tropical heat (30°C+ year-round) makes AC and pools valuable amenities.

Editor's Pick for First-Timers

Old Town (Centro Histórico)

Wake up in a colonial dream with cobblestone streets and colorful balconies outside your door. Walk to all major attractions, best restaurants, and rooftop bars. The extra cost over Getsemaní is worth it for first-time visitors wanting the quintessential Cartagena experience.

First-Timers & Romance

Old Town

Nightlife & Budget

Getsemaní

Beach & Families

Bocagrande

Quiet Colonial

San Diego

Caribbean Escape

Islas del Rosario

Quick Guide: Best Areas

Old Town (Centro Histórico): Colonial architecture, boutique hotels, romantic dining, city walls
Getsemaní: Street art, local bars, budget stays, authentic neighborhood vibe
Bocagrande: Beach access, high-rise hotels, modern amenities, Colombian families
San Diego: Quiet colonial streets, boutique hotels, local restaurants, residential feel
Castillogrande / El Laguito: Quiet beach, upscale residential, sunset views, local seafood
Islas del Rosario: Caribbean islands, crystal water, day trips or overnight escape

Things to Know

  • • La Matuna area between Old Town and Getsemaní can feel unsafe at night
  • • Very cheap hostels in Getsemaní may be in rougher blocks - check exact location
  • • Beach hotels in Bocagrande deliver average beaches - manage expectations
  • • Some 'Old Town' listings are actually outside walls - verify address

Understanding Cartagena Geography

Cartagena clusters around its walled Old Town on a peninsula. Getsemaní sits just outside the walls to the south. Bocagrande extends south as a modern beach strip. The port and cruise terminal are north. Islas del Rosario are 1-2 hours by boat southwest.

Main Districts Old Town/Centro (walled colonial), San Diego (quiet colonial), Getsemaní (hip/artsy), Bocagrande (beach high-rises), Castillogrande/El Laguito (quiet beach), Manga (residential island).

Accommodation Map

Check availability and prices across Booking.com, Vrbo, and more.

Best Neighborhoods in Cartagena

Old Town (Centro Histórico)

Best for: Colonial architecture, boutique hotels, romantic dining, city walls

$54+ $162+ $432+
Luxury
First-timers History Romance Photography

"UNESCO colonial gem with cobblestone streets and bougainvillea-draped balconies"

Walk to all historic attractions
Nearest Stations
Walking city Taxi stand at Clock Tower
Attractions
City walls Plaza Santo Domingo Cathedral Palace of the Inquisition
9
Transit
Moderate noise
Safe within walls. Be aware of surroundings when walking at night.

Pros

  • Most beautiful area
  • Walk to everything
  • Best restaurants

Cons

  • Expensive
  • Tourist touts
  • Hot with limited AC options

Getsemaní

Best for: Street art, local bars, budget stays, authentic neighborhood vibe

$27+ $86+ $216+
Mid-range
Hipsters Budget Nightlife Art lovers

"Once-gritty neighborhood transformed into Cartagena's coolest barrio"

5 min walk to Old Town
Nearest Stations
Walk to Old Town
Attractions
Plaza Trinidad Street art Local bars Café Havana
8.5
Transit
High noise
Mostly safe but stick to main streets at night. Avoid dark corners.

Pros

  • Best nightlife
  • Street art
  • Authentic vibe
  • Cheaper than Old Town

Cons

  • Gentrifying fast
  • Some rougher edges
  • Can be loud

Bocagrande

Best for: Beach access, high-rise hotels, modern amenities, Colombian families

$43+ $108+ $302+
Mid-range
Beach Families Modern hotels Business

"Miami-style beach strip popular with Colombian tourists"

15 min taxi to Old Town
Nearest Stations
Taxi/bus to Old Town
Attractions
Bocagrande Beach Shopping malls Casinos El Laguito
7
Transit
Moderate noise
Safe beach area. Standard beach precautions.

Pros

  • Beach access
  • Modern hotels
  • Good restaurants

Cons

  • Not historic charm
  • Beach not Caribbean-quality
  • Far from Old Town

San Diego

Best for: Quiet colonial streets, boutique hotels, local restaurants, residential feel

$49+ $140+ $378+
Luxury
Couples Quiet Local dining Charm

"Quieter colonial neighborhood within the walls with local character"

5 min walk to main Old Town plazas
Nearest Stations
Walk to Plaza Santo Domingo
Attractions
Parque Fernández Madrid Santo Toribio Church Local plazas
8
Transit
Low noise
Very safe within the walls.

Pros

  • Less touristy
  • Beautiful architecture
  • Peace within walls

Cons

  • Fewer restaurants
  • Can feel residential
  • Less nightlife

Castillogrande / El Laguito

Best for: Quiet beach, upscale residential, sunset views, local seafood

$54+ $130+ $324+
Mid-range
Quiet Beach Upscale Sunsets

"Quieter end of the peninsula with local upscale character"

20 min taxi to Old Town
Nearest Stations
Taxi to Old Town
Attractions
El Laguito beach Seafood restaurants Sunset point
5
Transit
Low noise
Safe residential/beach area.

Pros

  • Quieter beach
  • Great sunsets
  • Less crowded

Cons

  • Far from Old Town
  • Limited nightlife
  • Need transport

Islas del Rosario

Best for: Caribbean islands, crystal water, day trips or overnight escape

$86+ $216+ $648+
Luxury
Beach lovers Snorkeling Escape Romance

"Caribbean island paradise a boat ride from Cartagena"

1-2 hour boat to Cartagena
Nearest Stations
Boat from Cartagena (1-2 hours)
Attractions
Coral reefs White sand beaches Oceanarium Island hopping
2
Transit
Low noise
Safe resort islands. Book reputable boat operators.

Pros

  • Crystal clear water
  • True Caribbean beach
  • Escape city heat

Cons

  • Expensive transfers
  • Day trip logistics
  • Limited accommodation

Accommodation Budget in Cartagena

Budget

$54 /night
Typical Range: $49 – $59

Hostels, budget hotels, shared facilities

Most Popular

Mid-Range

$119 /night
Typical Range: $103 – $135

3-star hotels, boutique stays, great locations

Luxury

$194 /night
Typical Range: $167 – $221

5-star hotels, suites, premium amenities

💡 Prices vary by season. Book 2-3 months ahead for best rates.

Our Top Hotel Picks

€ Best Budget Hotels

Media Luna Hostel

Getsemaní

★ 8.4

Legendary party hostel in restored colonial building with rooftop bar, pool, and unbeatable Getsemaní location.

Solo travelersParty atmosphereBudget travelers
Check Availability

Casa Lola

Getsemaní

★ 8.7

Charming boutique guesthouse with colorful rooms, rooftop terrace, and authentic Getsemaní vibe. Boutique feel at budget prices.

CouplesBudget-consciousAtmosphere seekers
Check Availability

€€ Best Mid-Range Hotels

Hotel Quadrifolio

Old Town

★ 9

Beautifully restored colonial house with just 8 rooms, lovely pool, and excellent value for boutique Old Town stay.

CouplesValue seekersBoutique experience
Check Availability

Casa del Arzobispado

Old Town

★ 8.8

Elegant mansion hotel with rooftop pool, central location, and colonial charm at accessible prices.

Central locationRooftop poolCouples
Check Availability

Hotel Almirante Cartagena

Bocagrande

★ 8.3

Reliable beach hotel with pool, good restaurant, and Bocagrande beach access. Best for combining beach and history.

Beach seekersFamiliesPractical stays
Check Availability

€€€ Best Luxury Hotels

Hotel Casa San Agustín

Old Town

★ 9.5

Three restored 17th-century houses with beautiful pool, acclaimed restaurant, and colonial luxury. Cartagena's most celebrated hotel.

Special occasionsLuxury seekersHistory buffs
Check Availability

Sofitel Legend Santa Clara

Old Town

★ 9.3

Former 17th-century convent transformed into elegant hotel with cloisters, pool, and stunning architecture.

History loversClassic luxuryUnique architecture
Check Availability

Casa Pestagua

Old Town

★ 9.4

Intimate boutique in 17th-century mansion with gorgeous courtyard pool and personalized service. Colonial elegance perfected.

Romantic getawaysBoutique loversCouples
Check Availability

✦ Unique & Boutique Stays

Hotel Isla del Encanto

Islas del Rosario

★ 9.1

Private island boutique with overwater bungalows, crystal waters, and Caribbean escape from Cartagena's heat.

Beach loversRomanceIsland escape
Check Availability

Smart Booking Tips for Cartagena

  • 1 December-March is high season - book 2-3 months ahead
  • 2 Carnaval season (before Lent) and Semana Santa are very busy
  • 3 July-August brings Colombian families - busy but festive
  • 4 AC is essential - don't book rooms without it
  • 5 Rooftop pools are worth premium - escape the heat
  • 6 Many boutique hotels in colonial buildings lack elevators - check if mobility matters

Why you can trust this guide

We built this guide using recent climate data, hotel price trends, and our own trips, so you can pick the right month without guesswork.

Curated locations based on walkability & safety
Real-time availability via live partner maps
Jan Krenek

Ready to Visit Cartagena?

Book your flights, accommodation, and activities

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best area to stay in Cartagena?
Old Town (Centro Histórico). Wake up in a colonial dream with cobblestone streets and colorful balconies outside your door. Walk to all major attractions, best restaurants, and rooftop bars. The extra cost over Getsemaní is worth it for first-time visitors wanting the quintessential Cartagena experience.
How much does a hotel cost in Cartagena?
Hotels in Cartagena range from $54 per night for budget accommodation to $119 for mid-range and $194 for luxury hotels. Prices vary by season and neighborhood.
What are the main neighborhoods to stay in Cartagena?
Old Town (Centro Histórico) (Colonial architecture, boutique hotels, romantic dining, city walls); Getsemaní (Street art, local bars, budget stays, authentic neighborhood vibe); Bocagrande (Beach access, high-rise hotels, modern amenities, Colombian families); San Diego (Quiet colonial streets, boutique hotels, local restaurants, residential feel)
Are there areas to avoid in Cartagena?
La Matuna area between Old Town and Getsemaní can feel unsafe at night Very cheap hostels in Getsemaní may be in rougher blocks - check exact location
When should I book a hotel in Cartagena?
December-March is high season - book 2-3 months ahead

More Cartagena Guides

Weather

Historical climate averages to help you pick the best time to visit

View Forecast →

Best Time to Visit

Month-by-month weather and seasonal tips

Read Guide →

Things to Do

Top attractions and hidden gems

Explore →

Itineraries

Coming soon

Overview

Complete travel guide for Cartagena: top things to do, itineraries, and typical costs.

Read Full Guide →