Planning a trip to Cartagena? This city blends colonial beauty, Caribbean energy, world-class dining, and a nightlife scene that goes well past sunrise. Below is TGW’s updated Cartagena Colombia travel guide — everything you need to choose the right hotel, where to eat, where to party, and the top things to do while you’re here.
If you want a trip where every reservation, activity, and VIP detail is handled for you, TGW Travel Group builds seamless Cartagena experiences from start to finish.
Why Travel to Cartagena Colombia With TGW?
Cartagena has become one of Latin America’s most desired destinations. This Cartagena Colombia Travel Guide helps you skip the guesswork by giving you the exact hotels, restaurants, tours, and nightlife that consistently deliver the best experience.
What you get:
• Trusted hotels in the best neighborhoods
• Pre-planned tours and curated activities
• VIP nightlife access and reservations
• Local hosts available throughout your stay
You arrive ready to enjoy, not scramble.
Top Events in Cartagena
- Cartagena Independence Week (November): This is Cartagena at its liveliest. Think parades, concerts, street parties, cultural celebrations, and a full week of high-energy festivities that take over the entire city. It’s one of the best times of the year to visit if you want Cartagena at full volume. See our Cartagena Independence Week Package
Best Hotels in Cartagena
- Sofitel Legend Santa Clara (5 Stars): Cartagena’s top luxury hotel. Located inside a restored 17th-century convent, it blends history, elegance, and exceptional service in the perfect Old City location. See Sofitel Legend Santa Clara
- Bastion Luxury Hotel (5 Stars): A boutique-style luxury property in the Old City with a stunning rooftop pool, stylish rooms, and one of the best atmospheres in Cartagena. See Bastion Luxury Hotel
- Hotel Estelar Cartagena de Indias (4–5 Stars): A modern, ocean-view tower in Bocagrande with a beautiful pool deck and large contemporary rooms. Perfect for travelers who prefer a resort-style vibe without leaving the city. See Estelar Cartagena de Indias Hotel
Best Restaurants in Cartagena
- Celele: A must-visit for food lovers. Known for innovative Caribbean-Colombian cuisine using local ingredients, it’s considered one of the best restaurants in Colombia.
- Candé: A classy, immersive experience featuring authentic Cartagena flavors, live music, and beautifully plated dishes inside a charming colonial home. See Cande Restaurant Website.
- La Vitrola: A legendary Cartagena dining institution. Expect Cuban jazz, exceptional service, and timeless Caribbean dishes. Reservations required well in advance.
Best Nightclubs in Cartagena
- La Movida: The city’s most upscale and stylish nightclub — packed with top DJs, an energetic crowd, and a polished atmosphere that fits TGW’s VIP experience. This is the go-to spot for nightlife in Cartagena.
Best Rooftop Bar / Sunset Spot
- Alquímico: A three-level cocktail institution ranked among the world’s best bars. Creative craft drinks on the rooftop, a lively crowd, and vibrant music make it the perfect sunset and warm-up spot before a night out.
Top Drinks to Try in Cartagena
- Aguardiente: Colombia’s signature spirit — an anise-flavored liquor made from sugarcane. You’ll see it at clubs, parties, and almost every celebration.
- Club Colombia Beer: Smooth, refreshing, and Colombia’s most popular premium beer. Comes in Red, Black, and Dorada.
Best Street Food in Cartagena
- Arepa con Huevo: A Cartagena classic: crisp fried corn cakes with an egg cooked inside. Perfect as a morning bite or mid-day energy booster.
- Colombian Hot Dogs (Perros Calientes): A post-party staple. Loaded with toppings like crushed chips, pineapple sauce, pink sauce, and quail eggs. You’ll find stands outside every club.
Top Tourist Attraction
- Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas: The most impressive fortress built by the Spanish in the Americas. Explore the tunnels, climb the ramparts, and enjoy panoramic views of Cartagena.
Top Excursion
- Rosario Islands: Turquoise water, white sand, beach clubs, snorkeling, and boutique island hotels — all just an hour away by boat. A must-do while in Cartagena.