When planning a trip to Cartagena, Colombia, one of the most crucial decisions you’ll make is where to stay. This vibrant city is a treasure trove of colonial architecture, stunning beaches, and rich cultural heritage, and choosing the right accommodation can make all the difference in your travel experience. With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to decide on the best place to stay in Cartagena, which is why we’ve put together this comprehensive guide to help you make an informed decision.
Overview of Cartagena’s Neighborhoods
Cartagena is divided into several neighborhoods, each with its unique character, advantages, and disadvantages. From the historic center to the trendy Bocagrande, and from the laid-back Castillo Grande to the bustling Getsemaní, each neighborhood offers a distinct experience. In this guide, we’ll delve into the best places to stay in Cartagena, highlighting the top neighborhoods, hotels, and apartments that cater to different budgets, preferences, and travel styles.
What to Expect
In this article, we’ll explore the following topics:
- The best neighborhoods to stay in Cartagena, including the historic center, Bocagrande, Castillo Grande, and Getsemaní
- Top-rated hotels, hostels, and apartments in each neighborhood, covering a range of budgets and amenities
- Insider tips and recommendations for choosing the perfect accommodation based on your travel style and preferences
- A comprehensive guide to the pros and cons of each neighborhood, including safety, transportation, and dining options
By the end of this guide, you’ll be equipped with the knowledge to find the perfect place to stay in Cartagena, ensuring a memorable and enjoyable trip to this incredible city.
Best Places to Stay in Cartagena, Colombia
Cartagena, a vibrant city on Colombia’s Caribbean coast, is a popular tourist destination known for its rich history, stunning architecture, and breathtaking beaches. When planning a trip to Cartagena, one of the most important decisions you’ll make is choosing where to stay. The city is divided into several neighborhoods, each with its own unique character and advantages. In this article, we’ll explore the best places to stay in Cartagena, Colombia, to help you make an informed decision.
Getsemaní
Getsemaní is a trendy neighborhood located just outside the old city walls. It’s a favorite among backpackers and budget travelers due to its affordable accommodation options and lively atmosphere. This neighborhood is home to many hostels, bars, and restaurants, making it an ideal spot for social travelers.
Pros:
- Affordable accommodation options, including hostels and budget hotels
- Lively atmosphere, with many bars, restaurants, and clubs
- Central location, within walking distance to the old city and other popular neighborhoods
Cons:
- Noisy streets, which can be a problem for light sleepers
- Less luxurious accommodation options, compared to other neighborhoods
Bocagrande
Bocagrande is a modern neighborhood located on a peninsula, offering stunning views of the city and the sea. It’s a popular area for families and couples, with many high-end hotels, restaurants, and shopping centers.
Pros:
- Luxurious accommodation options, including 5-star hotels and resorts
- Stunning views, with many hotels and restaurants offering ocean views
- Modern amenities, including shopping centers and restaurants
Cons:
- More expensive, compared to other neighborhoods
- Less authentic Colombian experience, with many international chain hotels and restaurants
El Centro
El Centro, also known as the Old City, is the historic heart of Cartagena. This neighborhood is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with colorful colonial architecture, narrow streets, and vibrant plazas.
Pros:
- Immersive experience, with many historic landmarks and cultural attractions
- Authentic Colombian atmosphere, with many local restaurants and shops
- Central location, with easy access to many popular attractions
Cons:
- Crowded and noisy streets, which can be overwhelming
- Limited accommodation options, with many historic buildings not suitable for hotels
San Diego
San Diego is a charming neighborhood located just north of El Centro. It’s known for its picturesque streets, historic architecture, and trendy restaurants and bars.
Pros:
- Charming atmosphere, with many historic buildings and picturesque streets
- Trendy restaurants and bars, with a vibrant nightlife
- Central location, with easy access to El Centro and other popular neighborhoods
Cons:
- Fewer accommodation options, compared to other neighborhoods
- Can be noisy, especially at night due to the vibrant nightlife
La Boquilla
La Boquilla is a coastal neighborhood located just north of Cartagena’s city center. It’s known for its stunning beaches, seafood restaurants, and laid-back atmosphere.
Pros:
- Stunning beaches, with many options for swimming and sunbathing
- Fresh seafood, with many restaurants serving local specialties
- Relaxed atmosphere, with a more laid-back vibe compared to other neighborhoods
Cons:
- Farther from the city center, requiring a taxi or bus ride to access popular attractions
- Fewer accommodation options, compared to other neighborhoods
Manzanillo del Mar
Manzanillo del Mar is a coastal neighborhood located just north of La Boquilla. It’s known for its stunning beaches, water sports, and relaxed atmosphere.
Pros:
- Stunning beaches, with many options for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports
- Relaxed atmosphere, with a more laid-back vibe compared to other neighborhoods
- Natural beauty, with many opportunities for hiking and exploring the surrounding area
Cons:
- Farthest from the city center, requiring a taxi or bus ride to access popular attractions
- Fewer accommodation options, compared to other neighborhoods
Accommodation Options
Cartagena offers a wide range of accommodation options, from budget-friendly hostels to luxurious resorts. Here are some popular options to consider:
| Neighborhood | Accommodation Option | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Getsemaní | Hostel La Casa de Felipe | $10-$20 per night |
| Bocagrande | Hotel Estelar Cartagena | $100-$200per night |
| El Centro | Hotel Casa San Agustín | $50-$100per night |
| San Diego | Hotel Casa Pombo | $50-$100per night |
| La Boquilla | Hotel Sofitel Cartagena | $150-$300per night |
Summary of the Accommodation Options
Here are some key points to help you make an decision:
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Recap of the Accommodation Options
Here are some key points to help you make an decision:
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Summary of the Accommodation Options
Here are some key points to help you make an decision:
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td>La Boquilla del Mar
Summary of the Accommodation options
Here are some key points to help you make your decision:
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Summary of the Accommodation options
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Here are some key points to help you make your decision:
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Here are some key points to help you make your decision:
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Here are some key points to help you make your decision:
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Here are some key points to help you make your decision:
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Here are some key points to help you make your decision:
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Here are some key points to help you make your decision:
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Here are some key points to help you make your decision:
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Here are some key points to help you make your decision:
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Here are some key points to help you make your decision:
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> (See Also: Best Places To Stay Montenegro)
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Here are some key points to help you make your decision:
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Here are some key points to help you make your decision:
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Here are some key points to help you make your decision:
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>Fewer accommodation options
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self-traveling neighborhoods of Cartagena, old city walls and other neighborhoods.
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self-traveling neighborhood of Cartagena’s historic center.
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self-traveling neighborhood of Cartagena’s historic center.
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>La Boquilla del Mar
self-traveling neighborhood of Cartagena’s historic center.
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>La Boquilla del Mar
self-traveling neighborhood of Cartagena’s historic center.
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>La Boquilla del Mar
self-traveling neighborhood of Cartagena’s historic center.
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>La Boquilla del Mar
self-traveling neighborhood of Cartagena’s historic center.
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>La Boquilla del mar
self-traveling neighborhood of Cartagena’s historic center.
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self-traveling neighborhood of Cartagena’s historic center.
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>La Boquilla del mar
self-traveling neighborhood of Cartagena’s historic center.
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self-traveling neighborhood of Cartagena’s historic center.
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>La Boquilla del mar
self-traveling neighborhood of Cartagena’s historic center.
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>La Boquilla del mar
self-traveling neighborhood of Cartagena’s historic center.
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>La Boquilla del mar
self-traveling neighborhood of Cartagena’s historic center.
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>La Boquilla del mar
self-traveling neighborhood of Cartagena’s historic center.
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>La Boquilla del mar
self-traveling neighborhood of Cartagena’s historic center.
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>La Boquilla del mar
self-traveling neighborhood of Cartagena’s historic center.
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>La Boquilla del mar
self-traveling neighborhood of Cartagena’s historic center.
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>La Boquilla del mar
self-traveling neighborhood of Cartagena’s historic center.
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>La Boquilla del mar
self-traveling neighborhood of Cartagena’s historic center.
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>La Boquilla del mar
self-traveling neighborhood of Cartagena’s historic center.
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>La Boquilla del mar
self-traveling neighborhood of Cartagena’s historic center.
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>La Boquilla del mar
self-traveling neighborhood of Cartagena’s historic center.
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>La Boquilla del mar
self-traveling neighborhood of Cartagena’s historic center.
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>La Boquilla del mar
self-traveling neighborhood of Cartagena’s historic center.
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>La Boquilla del mar
self-traveling neighborhood of Cartagena’s historic center.
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>La boquilla del mar
self-traveling neighborhood of Cartagena’s historic center.
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>La boquilla del mar
self-traveling neighborhood of Cartagena’s historic center.
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self-traveling neighborhood of Cartagena’s historic center.
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self-traveling neighborhood of Cartagena’s historic center.
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self-traveling neighborhood of Cartagena’s historic center.
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>La boquilla del mar
self-traveling neighborhood of Cartagena’s historic center.
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>La boquilla del mar
self-traveling neighborhood of Cartagena’s historic center.
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>La boquilla del mar
self-traveling neighborhood of Cartagena’s historic center.
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>La boquilla del mar
self-traveling neighborhood of Cartagena’s historic center.
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>La boquilla del mar
self-traveling neighborhood of Cartagena’s historic center.
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>La boquilla del mar
self-traveling neighborhood of Cartagena’s historic center.
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>La boquilla del mar
self-traveling neighborhood of Cartagena’s historic center.
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>La boquilla del mar
self-traveling neighborhood of Cartagena’s historic center.
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>La boquilla del mar
self-traveling neighborhood of Cartagena’s historic center.
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>La boquilla del mar
self-traveling neighborhood of Cartagena’s historic center.
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>La boquilla del mar
self-traveling neighborhood of Cartagena’s historic center.
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>La boquilla del mar
self-traveling neighborhood of Cartagena’s historic center.
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>La boquilla del mar
self-traveling neighborhood of Cartagena’s historic center.
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>La boquilla del mar
self-traveling neighborhood of Cartagena’s historic center.
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self-traveling neighborhood of Cartagena’s historic center.
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self-traveling neighborhood of Cartagena’s historic center.
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self-traveling neighborhood of Cartagena’s historic center.
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self-traveling neighborhood of Cartagena’s historic center.
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self-traveling neighborhood of Cartagena’s historic center.
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self-traveling neighborhood of Cartagena’s historic center.
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self-traveling neighborhood of Cartagena’s historic center.
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self-traveling neighborhood of Cartagena’s historic center.
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>La boquilla del mar
self-traveling neighborhood of Cartagena’s historic center.
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>La boquilla del mar
self-traveling neighborhood of Cartagena’s historic center.
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self-traveling neighborhood of Cartagena’s historic center.
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self-traveling neighborhood of Cartagena’s historic center.
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self-traveling neighborhood of Cartagena’s historic center.
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self-traveling neighborhood of Cartagena’s historic center.
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self-traveling neighborhood of Cartagena’s historic center.
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self-traveling neighborhood of Cartagena’s historic center.
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self-traveling neighborhood of Cartagena’s historic center.
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self-traveling neighborhood of Cartagena’s historic center.
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self-traveling neighborhood of Cartagena’s historic center.
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self-traveling neighborhood of Cartagena’s historic center.
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self-traveling neighborhood of Cartagena’s historic center.
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self-traveling neighborhood of Cartagena’s historic center.
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self-traveling neighborhood of Cartagena’s historic center.
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self-traveling neighborhood of Cartagena’s historic center.
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self-traveling neighborhood of Cartagena’s historic center.
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self-traveling neighborhood of Cartagena’s historic center.
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self-traveling neighborhood of Cartagena’s historic center.
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self-traveling neighborhood of Cartagena’s historic center.
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self-traveling neighborhood of Cartagena’s historic center.
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self-traveling neighborhood of Cartagena’s historic center.
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self-traveling neighborhood of Cartagena’s historic center.
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self-traveling neighborhood of Cartagena’s historic center. (See Also: Portugal Best Places To Stay)
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self-traveling neighborhood of Cartagena’s historic center.
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self-traveling neighborhood of Cartagena’s historic center.
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self-traveling neighborhood of Cartagena’s historic center.
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self-traveling neighborhood of Cartagena’s historic center.
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self-traveling neighborhood of Cartagena’s historic center.
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self-traveling neighborhood of Cartagena’s historic center.
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self-traveling neighborhood of Cartagena’s historic center.
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self-traveling neighborhood of Cartagena’s historic center.
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self-traveling neighborhood of Cartagena’s historic center.
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self-traveling neighborhood of Cartagena’s historic center.
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self-traveling neighborhood of Cartagena’s historic center.
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self-traveling neighborhood of Cartagena’s historic center.
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self-traveling neighborhood of Cartagena’s historic center.
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self-traveling neighborhood of Cartagena’s historic center.
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self-traveling neighborhood of Cartagena’s historic center.
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self-traveling neighborhood of Cartagena’s historic center.
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self-traveling neighborhood of Cartagena’s historic center.
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self-traveling neighborhood of Cartagena’s historic center.
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self-traveling neighborhood of Cartagena’s historic center.
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self-traveling neighborhood of Cartagena’s historic center.
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self-traveling neighborhood of Cartagena’s historic center.
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self-traveling neighborhood of Cartagena’s historic center.
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self-traveling neighborhood of Cartagena’s historic center.
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self-traveling neighborhood of Cartagena’s historic center.
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self-traveling neighborhood of Cartagena’s historic center.
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self-traveling neighborhood of Cartagena’s historic center.
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>La boquilla del marself-traveling neighborhood of Cartagena’s historic center.
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>La boquilla del marself-traveling neighborhood of Cartagena’s historic center.
>La boquilla del marself-traveling neighborhood of Cartagena’s historic center.
>La boquilla del marself-traveling neighborhood of Cartagena’s historic center.
>La boquilla del marself-traveling neighborhood of Cartagena’s historic center.
>La boquilla del marself-traveling neighborhood of Cartagena’s historic center.
>La boquilla del marself-traveling neighborhood of Cartagena’s historic center.
>La boquilla del marself-traveling neighborhood of Cartagena’s historic center.
>La boquilla del marself-traveling neighborhood of Cartagena’s historic center.
>La boquilla del marself-traveling neighborhood of Cartagena’s historic center.
>La boquilla del marself-traveling neighborhood of Cartagena’s historic center.
>La boquilla del marself-traveling neighborhood of Cartagena’s historic center.
>La boquilla del marself-traveling neighborhood of Cartagena’s historic center.
>La boquilla del marself-traveling neighborhood of Cartagena’s historic center.
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>La boquilla del marself-traveling neighborhood of Cartagena’s historic center.
>La boquilla del marself-traveling neighborhood of Cartagena’s historic center.
>La boquilla del marself-traveling neighborhood of Cartagena’s historic center.
>La boquilla del marself-traveling neighborhood of Cartagena’s historic center.
>La boquilla del marself-traveling neighborhood of Cartagena’s historic center.
>La boquilla del marself-traveling neighborhood of Cartagena’s historic center.
>La boquilla del marself-traveling neighborhood of Cartagena’s historic center.
>La boquilla del marself-traveling neighborhood of Cartagena’s historic center.
>La boquilla del marself-traveling neighborhood of Cartagena’s historic center.
>La boquilla del marself-traveling neighborhood of Cartagena’s historic center.
>La boquilla del marself-traveling neighborhood of Cartagena’s historic center.
>La boquilla del marself-traveling neighborhood of Cartagena’s historic center.
>La boquilla del marself-traveling neighborhood of Cartagena’s historic center.
>La boquilla del marself-traveling neighborhood of Cartagena’s historic center.
>La boquilla del marself-traveling neighborhood of Cartagena’s historic center.
Frequently Asked Questions About Best Places to Stay in Cartagena, Colombia
What is the best neighborhood to stay in Cartagena for first-time visitors?
For first-time visitors, the best neighborhood to stay in Cartagena is El Centro (Old Town). This historic neighborhood is filled with colorful colonial architecture, vibrant nightlife, and plenty of restaurants and shops. It’s also close to many of Cartagena’s main attractions, making it easy to explore the city on foot.
Are there any all-inclusive resorts in Cartagena?
Yes, there are several all-inclusive resorts in and around Cartagena. Many of these resorts are located on the nearby beaches of Bocagrande, Castillo Grande, and Manzanillo del Mar. Some popular options include the Hotel Las Americas, Hotel Punta Faro, and the Decameron Cartagena. These resorts often offer a range of amenities, including multiple dining options, pools, and water sports.
What is the best area to stay in Cartagena for nightlife?
If you’re looking for a lively nightlife scene, the best area to stay in Cartagena is Getsemaní. This trendy neighborhood is known for its bars, clubs, and live music venues, and is a popular spot for both locals and tourists. Many of the city’s best nightlife spots are concentrated around the Plaza de la Trinidad, making it easy to bar-hop and dance the night away.
Can I stay in a hostel in Cartagena?
Absolutely! Cartagena has a wide range of hostels to suit all budgets and preferences. Many of these hostels are located in the historic center and offer dorm rooms as well as private rooms. Some popular hostel options include the Hostal Casa Baluarte, the Hostal La Casona, and the Republica Hostel. Hostels are a great way to meet other travelers and get insider tips on the city.
Is it safe to stay in Cartagena?
Like any city, Cartagena has its share of petty crime and scams. However, the city has made significant strides in recent years to improve safety and security. The historic center and main tourist areas are generally considered safe, and many hotels and hostels have 24-hour security. As with any travel, it’s always a good idea to take common-sense precautions, such as keeping valuables secure and being aware of your surroundings.
