🎒Backpackers

Where to Stay in Cartagena

Cheapest areas, hostel districts, and budget tips

⚠️ Moderate💰 Budget: COP 250000/day🚶 Very Walkable☀️ Best: Jan, Feb, Mar

Our pick for backpackers

Stay in Getsemani

Abundant affordable hostels, street food, and a lively, social atmosphere.

Best Neighborhoods for Backpackers

Ranked by relevance for backpackers visiting Cartagena

Getsemani

Mid-range

Bohemian and artistic hub known for its vibrant street art, lively plazas, and authentic local atmosphere.

solo travelersnightlifefoodiesbudgetculture

+Authentic local experience
+Excellent street food and affordable dining
+Vibrant nightlife and social scene

-Can be noisy at night
-Some areas feel less polished than the Walled City

🏨 Hotel Charleston Santa Teresa Cartagena 🏨 Hyatt Regency Cartagena 🏨 Selina Cartagena

Castillogrande

Mid-range

A more residential and tranquil stretch of beach south of Bocagrande, offering a relaxed atmosphere.

familiescouplesbeach loversbudget

+Quieter beach experience
+More local feel than Bocagrande
+Affordable dining options

-Fewer tourist amenities
-Limited nightlife options

🏨 Hotel Caribe 🏨 Hotel Almirante Cartagena 🏨 Apartamento Vista al Mar

Walled City

Luxury

Historic colonial charm meets vibrant Caribbean energy, packed with colonial architecture, boutique shops, and lively plazas.

first-timerscouplesculturefoodiesluxury

+Immersive historical experience
+Abundant dining and shopping
+Iconic architecture and atmosphere

-Can be very crowded and touristy
-Hotels can be expensive

🏨 Sofitel Legend Santa Clara Cartagena 🏨 Hotel Charleston Santa Teresa Cartagena 🏨 Casa San Agustin

Bocagrande

Mid-range

Cartagena's modern beach resort district, featuring high-rise hotels, shopping malls, and a long sandy beach.

familiesbeach loversluxurycouples

+Direct beach access
+Modern amenities and infrastructure
+Wide range of dining and shopping options

-Less historical charm than other areas
-Can feel very commercial and less authentic

🏨 InterContinental Cartagena 🏨 Hyatt Regency Cartagena 🏨 Hotel Las¿ Americas Torre del Reloj

Daily Budget (Budget)

COP 250000/day

Dorm bed at El Viajero Hostel CartagenaCOP 50000

Arepas from a street vendor in GetsemaniCOP 15000

Lunch at La Cevicheria (specializing in ceviche)COP 50000

Local bus rides within the cityCOP 10000

Explore the Walled City on foot, visit Castillo San Felipe de BarajasCOP 25000

Relax at Bocagrande BeachCOP 0

Dinner at a local eatery in Getsemani for Bandeja PaisaCOP 50000

Sunset drinks at Cafe del Mar (budget for one drink)COP 50000

See all budget tiers

Hidden Gems in Cartagena

Lesser-known spots the locals love

🛍️

Mercado de Bazurto

FREE

Experience the vibrant chaos of one of Colombia's most authentic and lively markets. It's a sensory overload of fresh produce, exotic fruits, local delicacies, and a true glimpse into daily Cartagenero life.

marketBazurto

🚶

Getsemani Street Art

FREE

Wander through the colorful streets of Getsemani and discover incredible murals and graffiti art created by local artists. This neighborhood pulses with a bohemian energy, making it a joy to explore on foot.

streetGetsemani

🍜

Restaurante Celele

This restaurant offers an innovative take on traditional Caribbean cuisine, using local ingredients to create extraordinary dishes. It's a culinary journey that celebrates the flavors of the region with a modern twist.

foodGetsemani

⚠️

1 area to be cautious about

Read our full safety guide for Cartagena

More Cartagena Guides

Full Cartagena guide Areas to avoid 👩 Solo Female Travellers 💑 Couples 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Families 💻 Digital Nomads ✨ Luxury Travellers 🎉 Nightlife Seekers