Cartagena – a city where history isn’t just etched into its walls, but also whispered by the very winds that sweep its streets. Once the epicenter of the Spanish empire’s gold rush and a haven for pirates (yes, swashbuckling ones), today, this coastal gem is luring a new breed of explorers: the digital nomads.
Nightlife
When the sun dips below the horizon in Cartagena, the city dons a different kind of gold. The streets of Getsemani burst alive, not with the echoes of pirate shanties, but with the rhythms of salsa, cumbia, and champeta. From hip rooftop bars where the elite mingle with wandering souls, to intimate taverns where locals demonstrate dance moves that defy gravity, Cartagena after dark is a sultry, spirited affair.
For those seeking specific coordinates for nocturnal escapades, a few stand out:
Café Havana: If salsa pumps in your veins, then this is your mecca. With live bands and an ambiance that transports you straight to mid-century Cuba, it’s no wonder why this place is often packed elbow-to-elbow with dancers losing themselves to the beat.
Alquímico: Spanning three floors, each with its own unique vibe, this bar is an alchemical blend of history and modernity. Housed in a colonial building, Alquímico offers everything from innovative cocktails (they distill their own spirits) to a rooftop setting that lets you dance beneath the stars.
La Movida: A more intimate setting for those looking to escape the larger crowds. Here, it’s all about the experience – eclectic music, sophisticated cocktails, and an audience that’s as cosmopolitan as the city itself.
Cafe Del Mar: For those who crave a dose of elegance with their evening escapades, Café del Mar beckons. Perched atop the city walls, this iconic spot offers more than just drinks; it offers an experience. As the sun dips below the Caribbean horizon, painting the sky in shades of tangerine and rose, there’s no better place to be. With the waves crashing beneath and the city lights beginning to twinkle, you’ll find a mix of tourists and locals alike, all drawn by the unbeatable combination of panoramic views, ambient beats, and expertly crafted cocktails.
So, whether you’re a dancer, a drinker, or a dreamer, Cartagena’s nightlife has a corner, a beat, and a drink waiting just for you.
Nomad Community
While Cartagena’s history is its heartbeat, its modernity is the lifeblood for digital nomads. The city has seen a surge in co-working spaces. Places like WorkBox and Selina Cowork offer not just high-speed internet, but also a sense of community, where ideas cross-pollinate over cups of rich Colombian coffee.
As for the internet speeds, while the old town’s thick walls might whisper tales of yore, they also sometimes mess with your WiFi signal. Speeds were generally good, with some AirBNB units reaching over 100mbps on fiber connections.
Beaches & day trips
Cartagena isn’t just a city; it’s a gateway. From pristine beaches to natural wonders, the surroundings of this coastal gem offer numerous escapes. Here are three that come highly recommended:
Islas del Rosario: A cluster of coral islands in the Caribbean, about an hour away by boat. Think crystalline waters, vibrant coral reefs, and the kind of tranquility you can’t put a price on. Popular for snorkeling and diving, these islands offer an underwater world just waiting to be explored.
Playa Blanca: Located on Isla Barú, this is the epitome of a Caribbean paradise. White sandy beaches, turquoise waters, and palm trees that sway with the breeze. You can indulge in local seafood dishes or just bask under the sun with a cocktail in hand.
Volcán del Totumo: While not a beach, this mud volcano offers a unique experience. Climb up its wooden staircase and immerse yourself in therapeutic mud. It’s said to have healing properties, and whether or not that’s true, it’s an adventure to remember.
While Cartagena itself is a treasure trove of history and culture, its surroundings offer nature’s own artwork, waiting to be explored and appreciated.
sights to see
The Walled City isn’t just a historic center; it’s a time capsule. As you stroll through, here are three spots that deserve more than a passing glance:
Castillo San Felipe de Barajas: Dominating the landscape, this fortress stands as a testament to Cartagena’s strategic importance during colonial times. It’s not just a structure; it’s a labyrinth of tunnels, ramparts, and stories. As you walk its corridors, you can almost hear the echoes of battles long past, feel the weight of history in its stones.
Palacio de la Inquisición: A striking contrast of beauty and grim history. Beneath its elegant colonial facade lies tales of the Spanish Inquisition, where suspected witches and heretics faced dire fates. Today, it serves as a museum, offering a haunting, yet fascinating look into one of history’s darker chapters.
Convento de la Popa: Perched atop the highest hill in Cartagena, this 400-year-old convent offers panoramic views of the city. But it’s not just about the vista. With its serene courtyards and rich history intertwined with local legends, it’s a place of both spirituality and stories.
But the true charm of Cartagena? It’s in the details. It’s in the street musician playing a soulful cumbia, the colorful balconies dripping with bougainvillea, and the local vendor selling arepas con huevo. It’s a city where every corner has a tale, every stone a story.
Transport
Cartagena’s charm isn’t just in its destinations, but also in its journeys. The city’s compact nature makes it a walker’s delight. But for longer jaunts, taxis are aplenty. Remember, haggling is an art form here.
And then, for those moments of whimsy, there are the horse-drawn carriages. They aren’t just transport; they’re time machines, allowing you to experience the city the way its older souls once did.
Safety
For a city that once lured pirates, modern-day Cartagena is relatively safe. However, this is still Colombia, and at night, be weary of your surroundings, and stay within busy areas. Common sense is your compass here. Avoid deserted alleys at night, keep your treasures (read: gadgets) close, and always trust your gut.
See our lodging in Cartagena guide, which includes an overview of the safest areas.
The locals? They’re Cartagena’s true treasure. Warm, welcoming, and always up for a tale or two, they remind you that this city’s magic isn’t just in its past, but in its present.
In essence, Cartagena is a dance – a delicate balance of the old and the new, the digital and the tangible. To live and work here is to immerse oneself in a narrative that’s as vibrant as the city’s streets, as intoxicating as its nights, and as enduring as its tales.
If you enjoyed this article, check out our other guides covering the food, cost of living and lodging, in our Colombia collection.
