Cartagena is a vibrant city located on Colombia’s Caribbean coast. The coastal vibes here mean that there’s no shortage of bars, and you’ll find some of the best bars in Cartagena are just as vibrant as the city itself.
Looking to head out and enjoy everything that this historic city has to offer? There’s a bar here for everyone. Check out seven of the best bars in Cartagena here to find one that suits your style.
Best bars in Cartagena
How do these rankings work?
1. Alquimico
Alquimico is one of the best bars in Cartagena if you’re looking for the perfect mix of elegance and style.
The suave design of this bar looks like it was modelled after a scene in a Fitzgerald novel, and the food, drink, and dancing leaves nothing to be desired. However, it’s actually an old shoe store that they’ve converted into one of Cartagena’s hottest bars.
Make sure to go hungry so you can try something delicious off of their food menu.
2. Cuba 1940s
Sensual salsa beats ooze out of Cuba 1940s, Cartagena’s premier Cuban-themed salsa club. The atmosphere is quaint and romantic with a tiny swimming pool in the middle of the bar that adds a sense of tranquillity to the room.
Head to Cuba 1940s for drinks and dinner or reserve a spot at one of their special rum tastings to truly indulge in local Colombian culture. They’ll let you try out Cuban cigars with the rum, which is an experience you absolutely can’t miss.
3. Demente
Just mere steps from the famous Plaza Trinidad, Demente is one of the best bars in Cartagena for tapas and high-quality drinks. It’s also one of the trendiest places in the city.
From the retractable roof to the designer touches and even the cool rocking chairs, there’s a lot to love about Demente, and that’s not even touching on the delicious tapas they serve.
This is one of the most Instagrammable bars in Cartagena, so make sure you head there ready to snap some photos.
4. Cafe del Mar
If you’re looking for views with your cocktails, then look no further than Cafe del Mar. This bar sits atop the Baluarte Santo Domingo, which is the westernmost point of Cartagena’s 17th-century fortress.
The prime location means guests experience sweeping sea views with their drinks, which are just as tasty as the snacks the bar has to offer.
Head here a little early to ensure that you can grab a seat at one of the outdoor tables. You’ll also want to make sure you get there in time to watch the sunset as Cafe del Mar offers one of the most stunning vantage points for sunsets in all of Cartagena.
5. Donde Fidel
Looking to brush shoulders with some locals? Donde Fidel offers travellers one of the most authentic experiences in Cartagena.
If you’re a fan of beer and rum and aren’t looking for anything too fancy, then spend the evening here and prepare to have more than a few locals grab you by the hand and ask you to dance.
Make sure to leave some room for dessert. After a few beers, you can head next door to Portal de Los Dulces to indulge in local sweets.
6. Cafe Havana
If you came to Colombia for the salsa then Cafe Havana is where you’re going to want to spend an evening or two in Cartagena.
While the decor is Cuban-themed, the bar pumps salsa music through the speakers until the wee hours of the night.
You’ll find this local haunt in the ever-popular and trendy Getsemani. This means you’re close to other hot spots if you choose to venture out and explore.
7. Casa de la Cerveza
Interested in rooftop bar vibes with none of the pretention of a rooftop bar? Try Casa de la Cerveza in Cartagena. The al fresco lounge offers some of the best views in the city with a side of great beers and high-quality cocktails
