Cartagena
Cartagena
Cartagena is a port city founded in the 16th century located on Colombia’s Caribbean coast. It's known for its walled Old Town with cobblestone streets and colorful colonial buildings.
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Things to do in Cartagena
Top things to do in Cartagena by www.planetware.com
Where to stay in Cartagena
Best hotels in Cartagena:
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Hotel Oceania Cartagena (budget hotel)
Hotel Oceania Cartagena is an excellent choice for a beach getaway, located right across from Laguito Beach, making it easy to enjoy the sun and sand. The rooms are spacious and well-kept, with options from standard twins to superior kings that offer beautiful ocean views.
The hotel features a pleasant outdoor pool area, perfect for cooling off after a day of sightseeing. For breakfast, guests can enjoy a hearty American-style spread to get the day started. The friendly staff is always ready to provide helpful tips and recommendations for local activities.
The location is ideal, with plenty of nearby restaurants, shops, and other beaches like Bocagrande. It’s also just a short taxi ride from Cartagena’s historic walled city, where you can explore colonial architecture and vibrant plazas. Hotel Oceania offers great value in a prime beachfront location.
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Balcones de Venecia (homestay)
Balcones de Venecia is a cozy hotel located in Cartagena's vibrant Getsemani neighborhood. The colorful colonial building, complete with traditional balconies, blends perfectly with the lively surroundings. Inside, the rooms are simple yet comfortable, offering air conditioning to help beat the Caribbean heat.
The location is definitely a highlight, placing you right in the center of Getsemani, surrounded by fantastic restaurants, bars, and street art. It’s an easy walk to the main sights in the walled city as well. The friendly staff are always ready to provide helpful recommendations on local attractions and things to do. Balcones de Venecia offers good value for money in a prime location. If you want to experience authentic Cartagena and don’t mind a bit of street noise, this is an excellent budget-friendly choice.
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Bastión Luxury Hotel (luxury hotel)
Bastión Luxury Hotel is a stunning colonial-style property located in the center of Cartagena's historic old town. The rooms combine modern decor with classic colonial details, offering comfortable beds, air conditioning, and rainfall showers. Some rooms also feature private patios, providing a peaceful space to relax.
One of the standout features is the rooftop pool, where guests can take a refreshing swim while enjoying panoramic views of the city. The hotel also offers a spa, fitness center, and a top-notch restaurant serving delicious Colombian dishes. Guests particularly enjoy the breakfast buffet, which is known for its variety and quality.
The hotel’s location is perfect, just steps away from Cartagena’s main attractions, vibrant streets, and lively plazas. The staff is dedicated to providing excellent service, ensuring that guests feel well taken care of. While it’s not the most budget-friendly option, Bastión Luxury Hotel offers a luxurious experience with exceptional Colombian hospitality in a prime location.
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Hotel Almirante Cartagena Colombia (medium range hotel)
Hotel Almirante Cartagena Colombia is ideally located right on the beach in Bocagrande, one of Cartagena's main tourist areas. The location is unbeatable, just steps away from the sand and close to shops and restaurants. The rooms are spacious, with many offering stunning views of the Caribbean Sea.
The hotel offers plenty of amenities to keep guests entertained, including a rooftop pool with ocean views, a casino, and multiple on-site restaurants. The pool area is a great place to relax, enjoy cocktails, and take in the panoramic views. The breakfast buffet is diverse and provides a satisfying start to the day.
While some areas of the hotel could benefit from a refresh, the friendly staff and prime beachfront location more than make up for these minor imperfections. It’s a great choice for anyone looking for a comfortable stay with easy access to the beach in Cartagena.
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Best hostels in Cartagena:
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Casa Movida Hostel (boutique hostel)
CASA MOVIDA HOSTEL is a great spot located in the center of Cartagena's historic old town, making it easy to walk to major sights, restaurants, and nearby beaches. Its location is ideal for exploring the city. The hostel has a relaxed atmosphere with a small pool, perfect for cooling off after a day in the Caribbean heat. The rooms are comfortable, offering both dorms and private rooms with balconies, giving guests different options for their stay.
With an on-site restaurant and bar, CASA MOVIDA provides a space to meet other travelers and enjoy a meal or drink. The staff is friendly and always ready to assist with tour bookings or offer advice on local attractions. It's an excellent choice for budget travelers wanting to experience the charm of Cartagena.
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Santuario Getsemani Hostel (hostel)
Santuario Getsemani Hostel is a vibrant spot located in the lively Getsemani neighborhood of Cartagena. Housed in a colorful colonial building, it features an outdoor area with a small pool, ideal for relaxing after a day of exploring. Inside, there's a shared kitchen and lounge where guests can socialize, and the dorms are equipped with comfy beds and privacy curtains. Private rooms are also available for those seeking more space.
The location is excellent, just steps from Trinidad Square and the street art, bars, and restaurants that define Getsemani. The staff are friendly and organize fun activities like salsa classes and walking tours. The included breakfast is highly praised by guests for being tasty and satisfying. This hostel is a lively, social place to stay without breaking the budget. However, due to its central location, it can get a bit noisy at night, so keep that in mind when booking your stay.
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The Clock Hostel & Suites (party hostel)
The Clock Hostel & Suites in Cartagena is a great spot located in the center of the historic old town, just steps away from major attractions like the iconic clock tower and vibrant colonial buildings. Its location is perfect for exploring the city's top sights.
Inside, the hostel has a lively, modern atmosphere with plenty of social spaces to relax and connect with other travelers. The dorm rooms feature beds with privacy curtains, offering a sense of personal space, and the A/C provides relief from Cartagena's hot weather.
One of the highlights is the rooftop terrace, where guests can enjoy a refreshing drink while taking in the views of the city. The staff is friendly and always happy to offer tips on local attractions. It’s a great base for discovering the charm of Cartagena at an affordable price.