Lia is 28, half Colombian and half German. She loves travel, fitness and festivals, and she writes with German practicality and Colombian warmth. She checks Cartagena Pointer against official sources, recent traveller reviews and booking listings, and she says when a price or an hour could not be verified.
1 min read
Last checked: October 2026
Last checked: 25 October 2026 by Lia. Sources: Cartagena tourism information; US State Department Colombia advisory (March 2026). Hero photo: Juan Diego Ramírez, public domain, via Wikimedia Commons.
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Getsemaní is where the night actually is. Start with sunset on the walls or a rooftop in the old town, then walk over. Watch your drink, and take a registered taxi home.
Area
Vibe
Plaza de la Trinidad, Getsemaní
Street food, performers, crowds
Getsemaní bars
Salsa, live music, cocktails
Walled City
Rooftop bars and upscale lounges
Chiva buses
Party buses with music, sold as tours
Staying safe
The US State Department warns that criminals in Colombia have drugged victims using dating apps and in bars. Don’t leave drinks unattended, don’t go home with strangers, use registered taxis and don’t buy drugs.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the nightlife in Cartagena?
Mostly in Getsemaní and the Walled City.
What is champeta?
An Afro-Colombian dance music born on the Caribbean coast.
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