Cartagena, is not only a feast for the eyes during the day but also transforms into a lively hub of entertainment as the sun sets. The city’s nightlife is a mix of sultry salsa beats, lively bars, and chic nightclubs, ensuring there’s something for everyone. Here’s your ultimate guide to the best bars, clubs, and entertainment spots in Cartagena for an unforgettable night out.
3 Recommended Bars in Cartagena
1. Jazz Bar Members Only: An Exclusive Nightlife Experience in Cartagena:
Located in a restored colonial mansion, Alquimico is a multi-level bar that offers a unique experience on each floor. Renowned for its creative cocktails and rooftop terrace with stunning views of the city, it’s a must-visit for cocktail enthusiasts.
Nestled within the charming Old Town of Cartagena, the Jazz Bar Members Only offers a unique and exclusive nightlife experience. This speakeasy-style piano bar is part of the Townhouse Boutique Hotel, renowned for its intimate atmosphere and exceptional live jazz performances.
Ambiance and Experience
Jazz Bar Members Only combines the elegance of a 1920s speakeasy with a modern twist. The bar’s interior features sophisticated decor, creating an inviting and cozy environment perfect for an evening of relaxation and enjoyment. The venue is known for its strict entry policy, ensuring an exclusive experience for its guests. Live jazz music fills the air every night, enhancing the bar’s chic and refined ambiance.
Entertainment
The bar hosts live music performances nightly, featuring a range of jazz styles performed by talented musicians. Additionally, the bar occasionally offers unique entertainment such as burlesque shows, adding a touch of glamour and sophistication to the experience.
Drinks and Cocktails
Jazz Bar Members Only is celebrated for its expertly crafted cocktails and martinis. The bar offers a diverse menu of classic and innovative drinks, ensuring that every guest finds something to their taste. The bartenders are true artisans, known for their creative flair and commitment to quality.
Location and Accessibility
Located right in the heart of Cartagena’s Old Town, the bar is easily accessible and just minutes away from the vibrant Getsemaní neighborhood. The central location makes it an ideal spot for those looking to experience the best of Cartagena’s nightlife
2. Alquímico: A Multi-Level Cocktail Experience in Cartagena
Located in the heart of Cartagena’s Old Town, Alquímico is a renowned cocktail bar that offers a unique and immersive experience. Housed in a beautifully restored colonial mansion, this bar has gained international acclaim, including being ranked 9th in The World’s 50 Best Bars 2023.
Unique Ambiance and Concept
Alquímico is spread across three distinct floors, each offering a different vibe and cocktail concept:
- Ground Floor (“La Mansión”): Focuses on classic cocktails with a sophisticated touch.
- First Floor (“El Balcón”): Features cocktails inspired by the vibrant colors and flavors of Colombia.
- Rooftop (“Terraza”): A tropical tiki-bar setting with drinks inspired by Colombia’s diverse wildlife.
Innovative Mixology
Alquímico takes a scientific approach to mixology, crafting unique and inventive cocktails. The bar emphasizes using fresh, local ingredients, many of which are sourced from their own farm established during the pandemic. This commitment to sustainability and local sourcing has earned them the Ketel One Sustainable Bar Award in 2020.
Atmosphere
Each floor of Alquímico offers a distinct atmosphere, from the elegant ground floor to the lively rooftop terrace. The rooftop, in particular, is known for its vibrant ambiance with live DJs and a tropical setting, making it a popular spot for both locals and tourists.
Culinary Offerings
In addition to its outstanding cocktails, Alquímico serves a variety of dishes inspired by Colombian cuisine, including ceviche, seafood, and skewers, all crafted with fresh, local ingredients.
Visiting Information
Alquímico is open every evening from 6:00 PM to 2:00 AM, providing an ideal spot for a sophisticated night out in Cartagena. The bar is located at Calle del Colegio No. 34-24 in the Centro neighborhood of Cartagena.
3. La Tertulia de Getsemaní: A Cultural and Musical Haven in Cartagena
Located in the heart of Getsemaní, Cartagena, La Tertulia de Getsemaní offers a rich cultural and musical experience. Established post-pandemic, this bar transports visitors through time, immersing them in the traditions of Cartagena’s ancestors. The ambiance combines historical charm with a vibrant nightlife, making it a popular spot for both locals and tourists.
Music and Entertainment
The bar is renowned for its live music, featuring a variety of genres including salsa, Cuban son, and African music. Live bands perform nightly, creating an energetic and engaging atmosphere. The music starts around 10 PM and continues into the early hours, with up to three bands performing each night. This setup provides a dynamic and ever-changing musical experience, ensuring that each visit offers something new.
Drinks and Ambiance
La Tertulia de Getsemaní is not just about music; it also offers a wide range of refreshing cocktails. The bar’s colonial decor adds to its charm, providing a cozy yet lively setting. The mix of traditional and contemporary elements makes it a perfect place to enjoy a night out in Cartagena.
Events and Entry
The bar operates from Wednesday to Saturday, staying open until 3 AM. A non-consumable cover charge of 30,000 Colombian pesos applies, payable by card or cash. This cover charge grants access to a night filled with music and entertainment, making it well worth the price.
Location
Situated in the vibrant neighborhood of Getsemaní, La Tertulia de Getsemaní is easily accessible and surrounded by the lively streets of Cartagena. The area is known for its artistic vibe and historical significance, making the bar a perfect addition to any visit to the city.
3 Recommended Clubs in Cartagena
1. 7Seven Times: A Premier Nightclub Experience in Cartagena
Located in the bustling neighborhood of Getsemaní, 7Seven Times stands out as one of the premier nightlife destinations in Cartagena. This expansive disco club offers a unique blend of entertainment and ambiance, making it a must-visit for anyone looking to experience the vibrant nightlife of Cartagena.
Multi-Environment Experience
7Seven Times is renowned for its multiple themed environments, each offering a distinct experience:
- Rooftop Bar: Opens at 7:00 PM, providing stunning views and a relaxed atmosphere perfect for starting the night.
- Cantina and Latin Room: Open from 8:00 PM, these areas feature live Latin music and dance performances, immersing guests in the local culture.
- Burlesque Hall: Opens at 9:00 PM, this hall offers burlesque shows and other live performances, adding a touch of glamour and excitement to the night.
Entertainment and Performances
The club is known for its high-quality entertainment, including DJs, dancers, live music, and various performance shows. Guests can enjoy a variety of musical genres and artistic performances, ensuring a dynamic and engaging nightlife experience.
Special Events and Offers
The club frequently hosts special events, making each visit unique. Guests can check the club’s schedule for upcoming shows and performances, which often include themed nights and special guest artists.
Information
- Location: Media Luna St. #9-79, Cartagena, Colombia.
- Operating Hours: Open daily from 7:00 PM to 4:00 AM.
- Entry Fees: Special offers and entry tickets are available for purchase on their website.
3. La Movida: Cartagena’s Elite Nightclub
La Movida is one of Cartagena’s premier nightclubs, located at Calle de San Juan de Dios #3-37 in the Centro District. Known for its blend of European sophistication and Caribbean allure, this retro-vintage styled club has established itself as a hotspot for the city’s elite and A-list visitors.
Ambiance and Atmosphere
La Movida features two floors with different music and ambiance on each. The main area often plays a mix of crossover rhythms, while the patio area is dedicated to electronic music. This setup allows guests to choose the vibe that suits them best. Additionally, there’s a unique spot known as “La Ratonera,” a quieter area perfect for conversation and mingling.
Dress Code and Entry
To maintain its exclusive atmosphere, La Movida enforces a strict dress code. Guests are advised to dress their best to ensure entry. The club is known for turning away those who do not meet the dress standards, so it’s essential to dress to impress.
Specialty Drinks
The bar’s signature drink is the gin and tonic, available in unique variations such as Hendrick’s gin with cucumber and rose petals. Another popular option is the tea tonic, which blends gin and tonic with tea leaves, offering flavors like Chamomile or Fresh Citrus.
Tips for Visiting: It’s recommended to arrive early to secure a good table, especially as the club fills up quickly once the party gets going around 10 PM. Reservations for VIP tables are available but not held all night, so showing up early is the best strategy.
Events and Shows: La Movida frequently hosts special events and shows, making it a dynamic and engaging venue for nightlife in Cartagena. It’s the place to be for those looking to experience the city’s vibrant party scene.
3. Havana Club: Step into Havana Club and be transported to 1950s Cuba. This iconic salsa club features live bands playing infectious Latin rhythms, ensuring the dance floor is always packed with people showing off their best salsa moves.
3. Casa Cruxada: A Unique Dining and Nightlife Experience in Cartagena
Casa Cruxada, located at Calle 35 No 3-30 in Plaza Santo Domingo, is a versatile venue that combines an exceptional dining experience with vibrant nightlife. It features a downstairs restaurant and an upstairs bar and dance club, making it a perfect spot for an evening out in Cartagena.
Dining Experience
The restaurant at Casa Cruxada offers a delightful culinary journey with a focus on high-quality, creatively presented dishes. The menu includes a variety of international and contemporary options, with a notable mention of their pizza, which is highly recommended by visitors. The ambiance is enhanced by a charming white patio, ideal for enjoying a leisurely dinner.
Nightlife and Entertainment
As the evening progresses, Casa Cruxada transforms into a lively nightclub. The upstairs area features a bar and dance floor where guests can enjoy a mix of deep house, retro house from the 80s and 90s, and minimal techno music. The club is known for its great layout and unique design, providing a perfect setting for dancing to live sets by Colombian DJs.
Atmosphere
Casa Cruxada is celebrated for its welcoming and warm environment. The crowd is a vibrant mix of locals and tourists, ensuring a dynamic and enjoyable atmosphere without the sleazy vibe found in some other venues. The owners and staff are known for their hospitality, making guests feel right at home.
Dress Code and Entry
The club has a cover charge of 30,000 to 50,000 COP after 10 PM. It’s advisable to dress smartly to fit in with the stylish crowd and ensure entry.
Special Features:
- Three Ambiances: Guests can choose from different ambiances within the club, each offering a distinct vibe and music style.
- Signature Cocktails: Casa Cruxada is known for its creative cocktails, which perfectly complement the lively music and atmosphere.
3 Entertainment Spots
1. Plaza de la Trinidad: For a more relaxed evening, head to Plaza de la Trinidad in Getsemaní. The square comes alive at night with street performers, local musicians, and vendors. Grab a drink from a nearby bar and soak in the lively atmosphere.
2. Teatro Heredia Adolfo Mejía: For a cultural night out, catch a performance at Teatro Heredia. This beautifully restored theater hosts a variety of shows, including classical music, ballet, and theater productions.
3. Chiva Rumbera: For a unique and fun experience, hop on a Chiva Rumbera party bus. These colorful, open-air buses tour the city while blasting music, offering drinks, and encouraging dancing on board. It’s a fantastic way to see Cartagena’s nightlife in a different light.
Tips for Enjoying Cartagena’s Nightlife
- Dress Code: Many upscale bars and clubs have a dress code, so opt for smart casual attire to ensure entry.
- Safety: Stick to well-lit, populated areas, and avoid walking alone late at night. Use registered taxis or rideshare apps for transportation.
- Reservations: Popular spots like Alquimico and Cafe del Mar can get crowded, especially on weekends. Making a reservation can save you time and ensure you get a good spot.
Cartagena’s nightlife offers a diverse array of experiences, from elegant rooftop bars to energetic salsa clubs. No matter your preference, the city’s vibrant night scene promises an unforgettable experience. So put on your dancing shoes, grab a drink, and get ready to enjoy the best of Cartagena after dark!
Last, but not least, feel free to check out Top 10 recommended restaurants in Cartagena.
