Updated at: 27-10-2023 - By: John Lau

Cartagena is a vibrant and colorful city in Colombia that offers a lively nightlife scene. With so many bars to choose from, it can be overwhelming to decide where to go.

In this article, we will provide a guide to the best bars in Cartagena, including rooftop bars, pubs, nightclubs, and more.

We will cover everything from the location, the music, the crowd, and views to help you find the perfect spot to enjoy the Cartagena nightlife.

Whether you want to dance the night away to salsa, enjoy great views at a rooftop, or just chill and enjoy a few beers, there’s something for everyone among the best bars in Cartagena.

Top 15 Best Bars In Cartagena

Alquimico

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Alquimico is a cocktail bar located in the historic center of Cartagena de Indias, Colombia. The bar is set within a beautiful mansion that has been transformed into a stunning spectacle.

Alquimico offers three bars across three floors, each with its own identity.

The ground floor is the heart of the operation, a high-energy spot with loud music, dancing, and a great, progressive cocktail list, showcasing the country’s biological diversity and flavor potential.

One floor above, international classics are given a Colombian twist, and there is a great rooftop area with yet another unique drinks list.

The bar aims to show the best of Colombia to the world through a concept that transports us to an ancient practice based on alchemy.

Alquimico integrates fresh and organic ingredients from local communities, farmers, artisans, and producers into each dish and cocktail. The bar also values aesthetic appeal, and it reflects in their dress code.

Alquimico has been named The Best Bar in South America for the past three years and ranked No. 9 in The World’s 50 Best Bars 2023.

The bar has also ranked at No. 47 in The World’s 50 Best Bars 2020 and took home the Ketel One Sustainable Bar Award 2020.

Visitors have praised the exceptional drinks and spectacular ambiance of the place. Alquimico accepts reservations to secure a table.

El Baron

El Barón is a cafe and cocktail bar located in the Plaza de San Pedro Claver in Cartagena, Colombia. It has a menu of food and drinks, and reservations can be made.

The restaurant has received positive reviews on TripAdvisor, with a rating of 4.5 out of 5. El Barón has also been recognized by The World’s 50 Best Restaurants as an unpretentious drinking spot in the heart of Cartagena’s historic city center.

The restaurant has an Instagram account with over 20,000 followers, where photos and videos of the establishment can be viewed. Reservations can also be made through OpenTable.

El Barón is open from Tuesday to Saturday, from 12:00 noon to 2:00 am.

Movich Hotel Rooftop

Movich Hotel Rooftop is a stylish rooftop pool bar located on a quiet street in Cartagena’s lively and colorful Old Town.

Movich Hotel Cartagena de Indias is a highly rated hotel with a rating of 4.7 out of 5 on Google Maps. It is located in the shopping/restaurant area of the walled city.

The bar offers a local experience in one of the main cities of Colombia. You can enjoy drinks and snacks while taking in the stunning views of the city from the rooftop.

If you’re looking for a relaxing and stylish place to enjoy drinks and snacks while taking in the stunning views of Cartagena, Movich Hotel Rooftop is definitely worth checking out.

El Coro Lounge Bar

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El Coro Lounge Bar is a popular bar in Cartagena, Colombia, located in the San Diego neighborhood.

El Coro Lounge Bar is located at Carrera 8 39 36, Cartagena 130001 Colombia. It is situated in the Sofitel Legend Santa Clara hotel.

According to the Sofitel Legend Santa Clara website, El Coro Lounge Bar is an “exclusive bar lounge” that is “the best place in town to enjoy exclusive cocktails and listen to live music”.

The bar has a rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars on Google Maps, based on 210 reviews.

The Tripadvisor page for El Coro Lounge Bar includes a menu with prices. The bar serves cocktails, mojitos, and tapas.

El Coro Lounge Bar features live musical performances on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays.

La Jugada Clubhouse Gastrobar

La Jugada Clubhouse Gastrobar is a restaurant and bar located in Cartagena, Colombia. La Jugada Clubhouse Gastrobar is located on Calle del Colegio No. 34 – 25 in Cartagena, Bolívar, Colombia.

La Jugada Clubhouse Gastrobar is a three-level bar with a tropical rooftop area and a secret VIP room. It is described as a new and hot bar that brings elegance and class to the local bar scene in Cartagena.

La Jugada Clubhouse Gastrobar serves food and drinks. The menu is available on their website.

La Jugada Clubhouse Gastrobar has mixed reviews on TripAdvisor, with some customers praising the atmosphere and drinks, while others criticize the service and food.

Cafe Havana

Café Havana is a popular bar in Cartagena, Colombia, known for its live salsa music and great atmosphere.

Café Havana is located on the bustling corner of main drag Media Luna in the Getsemani neighborhood of Cartagena.

Café Havana is open Wednesday to Saturday from 9 PM to 3 AM, and on Sundays during public holidays.

There is an $8 US cover charge to enter Café Havana, but it is worth it for the live salsa music and cool atmosphere.

Café Havana has a rating of 4.5 stars out of 5 on Google Maps, with a total of 2767 ratings. On TripAdvisor, it has a rating of 4.5 stars out of 5, with over 2000 reviews.

Donde Fidel Salsa Club

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Donde Fidel Salsa Club is located in Cartagena, Colombia.

– The club is located in the Portal de los Dulces, near the entrance through the Torre del Reloj.

– It has a unique outdoor space, perfect for people who want a groovy place to enjoy cold, tasty beer and great salsa beats.

– Donde Fidel Salsa Club has been open since 1985 and is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike.

– The club is open on Sundays from 4 pm to 12 am, and from Monday to Thursday from 4 pm to 12 pm (next day) .

To find the exact location of Donde Fidel Salsa Club, you can use the map provided in.

Buena Vida’s Rooftop Bar

Buena Vida Marisqueria y Rooftop is a modern brand that offers a Caribbean and innovative experience in its three environments: Caribbean Chic Brunch, Restaurant, and Rooftop.

The rooftop bar is located in the old city of Cartagena and has a lush and natural setting with fantastic 360° views over Cartagena.

The rooftop bar has a great atmosphere, according to reviews on TripAdvisor.

The food at Buena Vida Marisqueria y Rooftop is highly rated by TripAdvisor travelers. The service at Buena Vida Marisqueria y Rooftop is also highly rated by TripAdvisor travelers.

The value for money at Buena Vida Marisqueria y Rooftop is rated highly by TripAdvisor travelers.

Buena Vida Marisqueria y Rooftop has an Instagram account with over 33K followers.

According to Cartagena Colombia Rentals, a reservation is a must for the rooftop bar.

Prohibition

Prohibition is a unique bar in Cartagena with a 1920s, Great Gatsby vibe. It is located at Carrera 4 opposite the Santuario de San Pedro Claver, which is a safe, central part of old town Cartagena.

The bar has its own great drinks and often features a jazz cover band and even does a burlesque show. They also offer an all-you-can-eat-and-drink Boozy Brunch on the weekends.

Tu Candela gastro bar

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Tu Candela gastro bar is a popular bar located in Cartagena, Colombia.

Tu Candela gastro bar is located in Portal de los Dulces Plaza de los Coches Carrera 7 #32-25, piso 2. You can find it on Google Maps.

Tu Candela gastro bar is a two-story bar with beautiful arches and stunning interior. It is famous for its after-hours sensation and becomes the place to be around 1 am when most of the other establishments close their doors.

The bar is jam-packed with foreigners and beautiful women, and it pumps out the latest in Latin music, including reggaetone, salsa, and merengue.

Tu Candela has a great atmosphere where you can really enjoy yourself. There is a 7000 peso cover per person, but it includes the cost of a beer, and drinks are fairly priced.

Tu Candela gastro bar has a rating of 4.3 out of 5 on Google Maps based on 893 total ratings. On TripAdvisor, it has a rating of 4 out of 5 based on 1,249 reviews.

Tu Candela gastro bar has an Instagram account where you can find photos and videos of the bar.

Pink Dolphin Gastrobar

Pink Dolphin Gastrobar is a trendy and modern bar and restaurant located in the historic center of Cartagena, Colombia. It has a minimalist and elegant decor with pink accents and dolphin motifs.

The bar serves cocktails and international cuisine, with a focus on seafood and fusion dishes. It is open every day from 12 p.m. to 2 a.m. .

According to reviews on TripAdvisor, Pink Dolphin Gastrobar is known for its signature cocktail made with gin, cucumber, and guava.

The cocktail is described as glamorous as a cosmopolitan but so irreverent. The bar also serves a refreshing drink called Hibiscus in Love.

Pink Dolphin Gastrobar is a popular spot for tourists and locals alike. It has a spacious interior and a cozy atmosphere.

The bar also features live music and DJ sets on some nights, creating a relaxed and upbeat atmosphere.

51 Sky Bar

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51 Sky Bar is a rooftop bar located on the 51st floor of the Estelar Cartagena de Indias Hotel & Centro de Convenciones in the Bocagrande district of Cartagena.

It is the highest bar in Colombia and offers a 360-degree view of the city, the bay, and the ocean.

The bar serves a menu of crafted signature cocktails and classic drinks, as well as bites from around the world, including sushi, Peruvian ceviche, and Italian sandwiches.

The bar also features live DJs playing international crossover music.

According to reviews on TripAdvisor, the bar has a nice decor, friendly staff, and amazing views of the city. The bar has a rating of 4.3 out of 5 based on 1081 reviews on Google Maps.

On Instagram, 51 Sky Bar has 82k followers and shares photos and videos of the bar.

The bar is open most nights of the week, except for Mondays, and closes at 2:00 am on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays, and at 3:00 am on Fridays and Saturdays.

Visitors can also enjoy panoramic swims in the amazing infinity pool by booking a stay at the 5-star Estelar Cartagena de Indias Hotel & Centro de Convenciones.

El Mirador

El Mirador in Cartagena is a multi-level venue that offers gastronomy, drinks, and views over Cartagena.

It is located at the Hotel Torre Del Reloj, right by the famous Monumento Torre del Reloj in the heart of Old Town Cartagena.

The venue includes Mirador Lobby Bar and the Salón Mirador restaurant, but the ‘cherry-on-top’ space is the lovely and sprawling Mirador Rooftop.

The open-air terrace comes surrounded with fantastic 360° views over Cartagena, including close-ups of the majestic clock tower.

Mirador Gastro Bar is always a great option to enjoy the best of Cartagena. It offers a fun, friendly, and vibrant lounge atmosphere, and it is a great place for dinner and drinks with a view.

The food and drinks are delicious and very reasonably priced. It is also a great place to relax and enjoy a coffee or a sunny brunch, or come for afternoons and evenings with amazing sunsets, complemented with live music and DJs.

Proyecto Gourmet

Proyecto Gourmet is a term that does not refer to a specific restaurant or food experience in Cartagena.

However, there are several restaurants and food experiences in Cartagena that offer gourmet cuisine and are worth exploring.

This is a catering service that offers the best of Cartagena and Colombian Caribbean cuisine for private in-house events.

This is an award-winning experimental cuisine restaurant located in the Getsemani neighborhood of Cartagena.

This is a premier dining experience located inside the San Agustin Hotel. The restaurant offers a bright and airy ambiance, friendly and attentive staff, and a menu that includes ceviche, tuna tartare, octopus carpaccio, and oxtail.

This is a cozy restaurant that offers a menu of Gallic classics as well as local fusion dishes, with a good selection of wine.

Its cozy environs give the impression of dining at a friend’s house.

La Movida

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La Movida is a bar/nightclub located in Cartagena, Colombia. It is known for its retro-vintage style and mixture of European exquisiteness and Caribbean allurement.

The club has two floors with different music playing on each floor, connected by a staircase that runs along, and an amazing rooftop terrace with a perfect view of the San Pedro Church Dome.

La Movida is a popular destination for locals and tourists who want to party and mingle with beautiful people. The club has a dress code, and it is known to turn away party-goers who are not dressed appropriately.

La Movida is not cheap, but it is a swanky spot where you can see and be seen in the illustrious VIP hangout.

The club offers tapas menu executed by Chef Rodrigo Diaz, of Barranquilla’s best restaurant, El Celler, offering Spanish inspired small plates.

La Movida is open from Tuesday to Sunday from 5 pm to 3 am. If you want to reserve a VIP table, you can contact the city concierge.