Cartagena Nightlife 2024 Guide: Best spots + tips to party it up!

Cartagena may not be as famous as Medellin or Bogotá, but you will find plenty of youth and a fantastic night scene! Cartagena is the perfect city to get to know authentic Colombian culture during the day and party in the evening. Here you will find the perfect mix between tradition and modernity. This city features ancient picturesque neighbors and modern skyscrapers facing the ocean. 

With plenty of cafés and clubs to choose from, Cartagena's nightlife won't disappoint you! 

What are the best cafés in Cartagena?

Café Havana

We are not exaggerating when we say that this is among the best salsa clubs in the world! You will pay 10$ to get in and spend all your night dancing salsa with friendly locals showing you all the moves.

Café Havana frequently hosts live music and is decorated like an old Cuban café with tons of posters on the wall and shelves packed with bottles! 

Alquímico

If you're a cocktail connoisseur, you cannot miss this place! Alquímico is popular in Cartagena for its top-notch drinks. This bar features two floors and a marvelous rooftop. Late at night, the ground floor turns into a dance area with DJs playing the latest hits. But if you're not in the mood to dance, don't worry. You can either chill on the second floor or go on the rooftop to get fresh air. 

Café del Mar

Café del Mar has the best view of Cartagena. The tables in this café face the ocean, making this the perfect location for a romantic cocktail before heading to the club! Here you will find a vast selection of drinks and some food options. Prices are expensive if compared to Colombian standards. So, if you're on a budget, this may not be the ideal place for you. 

The Sugar Cocktails Cartagena

Are you looking for a chill location to get a few drinks before starting an endless night of dancing? Then Sugar Cocktails Cartagena is the place for you! 

This café offers a variety of drinks at reasonable prices. The space inside is pretty small, but you can take your drink outside, in the nearby park where most clients relax. 

El Callejon Cocktails Ceviche & Pizza

If you're hungry and thirsty and don't want to spend a small fortune, El Callejon Cocktails Ceviche & Pizza is your place. Here you can order a large pizza and a cocktail to recharge your energy for the long night ahead of you! The atmosphere is very cheerful, and you will meet plenty of locals and international people. 

What are the best clubs in Cartagena?

If you're in the mood for partying after some cocktails, head toward one of the best clubs in Cartagena! Most of the clubs in Cartagena are on Calle 24. If you haven't decided yet where to go, have a stroll in the area and see which one inspires you the most. 

The City Club Cartagena

Located in the heart of the old city center, this is the only gay club in the city. Trust me when I say you'll have a blast regardless of your sexual orientation! You will immediately recognize this building from the rainbow flag waving on its facade. 

The City Club Cartagena is open from Thursday to Sunday, with music playing till early morning. In the beginning, the location may seem tiny, but you will be impressed by the number of people that can fit here! 

Taboo Disco Club

Are you in the mood to go dancing but all the clubs are closed? Don't despair! Taboo Disco Club is open seven days a week! This club is very spacious and features a big dance floor with a seating area on the upper level. Taboo Disco Club is decorated with graffiti art and hosts several events. 

La Jugada Clubhouse

Even though this club is a bit more expensive than the other ones on the list, it is still worth visiting. Here you will find the best Latin beats and a rooftop terrace to get some fresh air. La Jugada Clubhouse is decorated with a lovely retro style, and cocktails are made from delicious exotic fruit!

The club farra Cartagena

The club Farra Cartagena is one of the most popular clubs in the city. This is the palace for you if you're not a big fan of electronic music and loud noises. This club frequently plays rumba music, making this the perfect location for those who want to shake their hips to some slow tunes. 

Other Traveler's FAQs about Cartagena nightlife

If you're looking to go to Cartagena and experience their nightlife for the first time, you likely have many questions. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions answered!

What time do people go out in Cartagena? 

Cafés open late, around 6 or 7 pm, and you won't find anyone at the club before 11.00 pm. People in Colombia start going out around midnight, but if you want to be 100% sure to find a crowded club, 1 am would do! 

Is Cartagena expensive?

Cartagena is one of the most touristy destinations in Colombia. For this reason, prices are high compared to the rest of the country. Bars and cafés also tend to overcharge foreigners, so keep an eye open. A beer will cost you anywhere from 1$ to 6$, while cocktails range from 3$ to 12$. 

Do clubs have a dress code?

Often yes. You won't be able to get into a club wearing flip-flops. But don't stress too much. A shirt coupled with dark trousers will do!

Is prostitution legal in Colombia?

Yes! Prostitution is legal inside brothels. However, you should know that it's common for many sex workers to approach and talk to you in clubs and cafés. They may not tell you about their profession until you've already invested a lot of time and money for drinks.

Is Cartagena safe?

Even though Colombia has a reputation for being a dangerous country, Cartagena is relatively safe. Policemen patrol the most touristy at night, so you should feel generally safe. But make sure to beware of scams and people overcharging you! 

Are you ready to party? 

Are you ready to enjoy Cartagena's nightlife? Then plan your trip and book your ticket to have a memorable night in Cartagena, Colombia's party capital!

Speaking of planning your trip, have you heard of Pilot?