Wondering where to stay in Cartagena first time?
This extremely popular tourist destination in northern Colombia attracts many domestic and foreign tourists for a variety of reasons.
The historic center, known as the Walled City, is a treasure trove of colonial architecture where you’ll find a wide variety of shops, restaurants, bars, and all sorts of other leisure activities.
For many, this is the ideal base. But, there are quite some surprising alternatives!
A short drive from El Centro will take you to numerous beaches and even to the modern part of the city.
So, with all these options come decisions, which is why we’ve written this article to help you choose the best area to stay in Cartagena for first-time visitors.
The goal of this article is to provide you with solid and straightforward advice.
At the end of this article, you’ll find a map with all the recommended areas in Cartagena for first-time visitors, including the city’s highlights.
That being said, let’s get straight to the recommendations.
The best areas for a first visit to Cartagena are the historic walled city (El Centro, San Diego), Getsemaní, El Carbrero & Marbella, Bocagrande, Laguito and Castillogrande, Manga, and the Rosario Islands.
Each of these recommended areas has its own unique characteristics.
Some are more suited to budget-conscious travelers, while others are better suited to those planning a longer stay in Cartagena.
In most cases, you want to stay at either the Walled City or Getsemaní. These are the most tourist-friendly and central areas where most tourists tend to stay during their trip.
However, as Centro is quite a pricy area, people seek alternatives nearby.
Below, we’ll detail each of these recommended areas to help you decide which one is best for you.
⚠️ Tip: Tap the section name to jump directly to the corresponding section of the article for more information!
The Walled City – The heart of Cartagena, the walled city features impressive colonial architecture, lively plazas, and some of the city’s best restaurants, boutique hotels, and nightlife. Staying here means being surrounded by history and within walking distance of top attractions like San Felipe Castle and the Clock Tower. However, prices are higher and crowds can be overwhelming, especially during peak season.
Getsemaní – Once a working-class neighborhood, Getsemaní is now Cartagena’s liveliest and most bohemian neighborhood, boasting street art, live music, and an authentic atmosphere. It’s a great, affordable alternative to the walled city, while still remaining within walking distance of major attractions. Expect lively streets, affordable boutique hotels, and an unbeatable cultural vibe.
El Cabrero & Marbella – These quieter beachfront neighborhoods are located just outside the walled city and offer a blend of local life and easy access to historic sites. Marbella offers affordable accommodation with sea views, while El Cabrero is a residential area known for its colonial charm. They are ideal for travelers looking for a more relaxing stay while still being close to Cartagena’s main attractions.
Bocagrande, Laguito & Castillogrande – These modern beach neighborhoods are Cartagena’s answer to Miami and offer high-rise hotels, shopping malls, and a relaxed beach atmosphere. Bocagrande is the most developed, while Laguito and Castillogrande offer a quieter, more upscale experience. This neighborhood is ideal for travelers who prefer beach hotels with modern amenities while still being a short taxi ride from the historic center.
Manga – A hidden gem, Manga is a quiet residential neighborhood with beautiful water views and charming colonial houses. It’s a great option for budget-conscious travelers looking for a peaceful stay away from the tourist crowds, yet still just a short taxi ride from the walled city. The area has a local feel, with picturesque walks along the bay and excellent seafood restaurants.
Rosario Islands : For those seeking a tropical getaway, the Rosario Islands offer crystal-clear waters, white-sand beaches, and a tranquil, secluded experience. Staying here means enjoying private island resorts, snorkeling, and escaping city life. Although Cartagena is only accessible by boat, it’s the perfect option for a luxurious and peaceful Caribbean vacation.
Cartagena’s historic center is the main reason people visit the city in the first place, and staying in what’s known as El Centro is the best neighborhood for tourists in Cartagena.
The closer you are to the historic center, the easier it is to reach the city’s highlights.
There are entertainment options for every traveler, meaning you can easily indulge in luxury, but also enjoy a good night’s sleep and delicious food at a reasonable price.
However, as this is the most popular area in Cartagena, you’ll pay a premium, and hotels are often fully booked during peak season.
The beauty of the city center is that you can find all sorts of unique shops and bars here, and exploring the city in the evening, when the temperatures are much more pleasant, is one of the things most visitors do.
The historic center is lively, and in the evenings, you can enjoy live performances by street artists and dance bands. Those looking for a night out can enjoy a few drinks and panoramic views from the many rooftops of these iconic colonial buildings.
The historic walled city is perfect for those staying in Cartagena for only a few days.
The hotels are smaller than the accommodations located outside El Centro, and the lack of direct beach access makes it less ideal for those planning a longer stay.
However, the historic center is by far the safest area in Cartagena, with police patrols on every corner.
Personal experience: during our last trip to Cartagena in June 2025, we stayed in the Walled City.
As Cartagena has a tropical climate, it’s either very warm or humidity is very high.
Having your hotel just around the corner is a game changer in terms of comfortability.
Heading back to your hotel to put on a new shirt, lie down for ten minutes in a air-conditioned room, or a proper toilet break, is a very pleasant comfort that you won’t have when staying in one of the other parts of the city.
Who it’s for: Tourists planning to stay in Cartagena for a few days and want to stay right where the action takes place
Pros: Cartagena’s liveliest neighborhood, with most of the city’s highlights nearby.
Cons: More expensive, crowded, no beach access.
On our first visit to Cartagena, we stayed in Getsemaní, a thriving neighborhood that offers more affordable hotels while still maintaining a good central location.
From there, you can reach the old town in ten minutes. Strolling through these colorful, graffiti-covered streets really makes you feel like you’re somewhere special, as the graffiti is even more impressive than that of Comuna 13 (Medellin).
Similar to the historic city walls, Getsemaní offers a good selection of restaurants and cafes, ranging from typical Colombian coastal dishes to upscale, trendy eateries.
This former working-class neighborhood has been completely renovated and revitalized.
Although most tourists explore El Centro, a stroll through the Getsemaní neighborhood of Cartagena is highly recommended.
In the evening, you can experience the truly relaxed atmosphere of the locals, who often organize small street parties with cheap drinks and local music.
The parties take place on the streets, but there are also local bars to discover.
Similar to El Centro, Getsemaní is a safe neighborhood, but you won’t see as many police patrols as in the historic center.
In June 2025, we visited Cartagena once again and were surprised how much Getsemaní developed compared to a few years ago.
The street in front the hotel where we stayed at in 2023 turned into a complete party street.
The atmosphere is amazing, and younger travelers (backpackers, flashpackers, young couples, adventurous travelers) who are into a party will fell in love with this part of Cartagena.
But if you want to have a peaceful sleep, perhaps it’s a better idea to not pick an accommodations at the following two streets: around Calle de San Juan and Calle 10.
If you stay one or streets away from these party zones, you won’t be bothered that much with loud music, though.
Who it’s for: Budget travelers, couples, and younger travelers who love nightlife.
Pros: Colorful and up-and-coming neighborhood, safe, more affordable hotels.
Cons: The city’s highlights are located in a different area, with no beach access.
Can’t decide between The Walled City vs Getsemaní?
Read our article comparing these two popular neighborhoods!
If you’re looking for a beach view but still want to stay in the city center, you can choose El Cabrero, located northeast of the old town.
Unlike Getsemaní, previously recommended, El Cabrero is anything but colorful, but the hotels here are more spacious than the previously recommended areas.
For a refreshing dip in the sea, this isn’t exactly the prettiest beach Cartagena and its surroundings have to offer, but the hotels here often have large pools, which is convenient as temperatures easily soar above 30 degrees Celsius.
Those who want to visit Santa Marta or other nearby destinations after visiting Cartagena can take the bus from El Cabrero to their next destination, provided by Transportes Marsol.
If you continue along the coast towards the airport, you’ll enter Marbella.
You’ll find a much wider selection of hotels here than in El Cabrero.
You also have larger beaches here, but since you’re further away from the city’s main attractions, you’ll have to drive a bit to get to the city center.
It’s no longer accessible on foot, and the area is anything but lively.
Who it’s for: Sightseeing tourists looking for a more spacious hotel.
Pros: Larger hotels with pools, cheaper than the city center, beach access.
Cons: The area isn’t lively; for that, you’ll have to go to either El Centro or Getsemaní.
If you arrive by plane, you’ll fly over Cartagena and immediately notice the skyscrapers.
This area, known as Mini Miami, is home to major brands such as Hilton and InterContinental.
This entire area can be divided into three different neighborhoods: Bocagrande, Laguito, and Castillogrande, but they aren’t particularly different from each other.
This modern neighborhood of Cartagena offers all the amenities for a longer stay in Cartagena.
From good restaurants to local eateries and from small bars to nightclubs, you’ll find plenty of entertainment here.
It also has good access to the beach, which is better than the previously recommended El Cabrero beach, but far from beautiful.
The downside, of course, is that Cartagena’s main attractions, most of which are located in El Centro, are far away.
However, if you’re planning a longer stay in Cartagena, El Centro will lose its appeal after a few days.
That’s why we believe it’s best to stay in one of these three neighborhoods and, whenever you want to visit the older neighborhoods, simply call a taxi.
For who is it: Tourists planning a longer stay in Cartagena (e.g., a week).
Pros: Lively, modern neighborhood with all the amenities for a longer stay in Cartagena, beach access, major hotel brands with every imaginable facility.
Cons: Located far from the city’s main attractions.
Across from Bocagrande, Laguito, Castillogrande, and Getsemaní lies Manga, which is more of a residential area than a tourist area.
However, as these areas become overcrowded and real estate prices rise, this area is becoming increasingly popular for budget accommodations.
Especially if you want to stay in a hostel, you have a few options that can help you save a few dollars.
On the other hand, there aren’t many activities nearby for tourists, and there’s no tourist-oriented nightlife in this area.
For that, you have to travel.
But simply crossing the bridge called Puente Román will take you to Getsemaní.
This wouldn’t be our first recommended area for first-timers in Cartagena, but it’s worth checking hotel prices here if you’re traveling on a tighter budget.
For who is it: Travelers on a tighter budget.
Pros: Affordable hotels and hostels near Getsemaní.
Cons: A residential area with no nearby city highlights, no nightlife, or other tourist entertainment.
White sand beaches and crystal clear waters are some of the most popular reasons why people love to visit the Rosario Islands.
These islands are located far from Cartagena, but the two destinations are often combined by first-time visitors to Cartagena.
If you plan accordingly, you can first visit parts of Cartagena and then take a boat to the Rosario Islands for a few days of ultimate relaxation and cocktails.
You can also visit the Rosario Islands on a day trip.
The only way to visit these islands is by boat from Cartagena. You can buy tickets at the agencies in the old town.
The boat departs in the morning and takes about 45 minutes to arrive.
If you’re interested in visiting the Rosario Islands, see the next section where we briefly discuss the so-called Pasadía.
Tours are available in Cartagena, which can often be booked through your hotel and take you to the Rosario Islands as a day trip.
These tours are called Pasadías and are a fully organized trip to these beautiful islands.
Since Cartagena’s beaches are anything but beautiful, many people choose to visit the Rosario Islands because they are simply incredible.
The unique thing about these tours is that you have access to all the facilities of the partner hotel, meaning you can use their bathrooms, pools, and other amenities.
Lunch is also included in the price.
Beware of scams: Whenever vendors approach you, especially on the beach, always make sure to agree on a price in advance.
Cartagena is notorious for a scam where you end up paying a ridiculous amount of money for this tour.
The following image is a map of the best neighborhoods in Cartagena for the first time, including the city’s highlights.
The image is high-resolution, so you can easily zoom in to see all the details.
