Cartagena de Indias is so lively! It’s incredible, right after the sun sets the streets are filled with people, music, street artists. You can’t get bored here. It’s a great party place with a Caribbean twist. And here are my recommendations.
I have spent four days in Cartagena before heading on a long, but eventful trip to Sapzurro. My recommendation, as always is: go local. I used the Hangouts from Couchsurfing App in order to meet some local people as well as those that have been in Cartagena for a while (Brisa, Tom, Pedro, Mafe, Celeste – you were the best!). And so we went out.
Plaza de la Trinidad
In front of the Holy Trinity Church, you will find a small plaza. It doesn’t look like anything special during the day (although the Church is worth visiting) but at NIGHT..! This is the center of the nightlife in Cartagena. Everybody is meeting here in order to make plans for the night. People are talking, laughing, drinking. People from the nearby clubs come to offer you free entrance, you will see a fat Shakira show and you definitely should try Mojito the lulo sold from the stand on the right if facing the church.
Address: 174, Esquina con Calle 29., Cra. 10 #25. Map
Eivissa Cartagena
Great club with two floors, a rooftop, and a great mix of music for everybody. DJ’s are playing the Caribbean rhythms with some old-school electro. It’s definitely worth checking out! We had some of the best nights in here, especially on the rooftop.
Address: Calle Portocarrero 7- 33 Piso 4. Map
Townhouse
A fantastic rooftop that offers a panoramic view of the walled city. It has a swimming pool, great cocktails, cava on the menu and a pink neon sign saying “Bitch, where is my Champagne?”. We loved it and had a glass of Champagne there with Mafe and Tom after a full day of sightseeing.
Address: Cra. 7 ##36-88. Map
Salsa at Donde Fidel
Feeling like dancing some Salsa? Head to Donde Fidel. Salsa night is every Wednesday and Saturday over here! Great Mojitos! And there is always someone that will teach you some basic moves.
Address: Portal de los Dulces, Cra. 4. Map
La Jugada Club House
Great inside decor as well as an amazing rooftop! Thanks Tom for showing us the spot!
Address: Cra. 6 #3425. Map
Alquimico Bar
What a great place! Very elegant decor, very good cocktails, and that rooftop! Definitely recommended.
Address: Cl. del Colegio ###34-24. Map
Cafe del Mar
It’s just the best place to watch the sunset. The Cartagena walking tour ends here as well, right aroung the time of the sunset. Perfect.
Address: Baluarte de Santo Domingo, Cartagena. Map
Bar Tu Candela
Very nice for a drink and people-watching on the big plaza. Late at night filled with prostitutes (from the main plaza). With my new friends, we met some tourists and we danced the night away. Although at some point the presence of prostitutes broke the charm of the night and we decided to go home.
Address: Centro Portal de los Dulces Plaza de los Coches Carrera 7 #32-25, piso 2. Map
All in all, Cartagena has so many parting spots that it can make your head spin. This place is amazing! You will not be bored. I would have stayed for much longer if I didn’t have to head west to catch my boat to San Blas.
