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Cartagena splits into two worlds: the colonial Walled City and the beach high-rises of Bocagrande, with bohemian Getsemaní in between. Each neighborhood suits a different type of traveler and price point. Here is how they break down, with average hotel rates so you can budget before you book. Bookmark the full Cartagena guide for the complete overview.
Cartagena Neighborhoods: Inside the Walled City
Centro (the Walled City)
Centro is the historic core inside the walls, centered on Plaza de Bolívar, Plaza Santo Domingo and the cathedral. It holds most of the museums, restaurants and the priciest hotels, with colonial boutique stays averaging COP 600,000 to COP 1.5 million (US$150 to US$375) a night. It suits first-time visitors who want to walk to everything, and it is safe to explore on foot by day. Sort the logistics with the travel tips and FAQ guide.
San Diego
San Diego is the quieter, leafier northeastern quarter inside the walls, named for its bastion and centered on Plaza San Diego and the Sofitel. It has fewer crowds than Centro but the same convenience, with boutique hotels averaging COP 500,000 to COP 1.2 million (US$125 to US$300) a night. It suits couples and travelers who want calm inside the old town. Match your dates to the annual events and festivals calendar.
Cartagena Neighborhoods: Just Outside the Walls
Getsemaní
Getsemaní, the old slave quarter south of the walls, is the city’s arts and nightlife district, with murals on every corner and a nightly crowd on Plaza de la Trinidad. Hostels and guesthouses dominate, averaging COP 60,000 to COP 300,000 (US$15 to US$75) a night, with a few boutique hotels at the top end. It suits backpackers, solo travelers and anyone who wants street food and live music within a 10-minute walk of the walls. Plan your days with the full things to do list, which covers hours and entry costs.
Manga
Manga is a residential neighborhood on the island across the Puente Román bridge, known for its Republican-era mansions, the marina and local, non-touristy restaurants. It is cheaper and quieter than the center, with guesthouses from COP 100,000 (US$25) a night, but you will taxi in and out since it is not walkable to the sights. It suits long-stay visitors and anyone after a local feel. To weigh weather against price, check the best time to visit guide.
Cartagena Neighborhoods: The Beach Districts
Bocagrande
Bocagrande is the modern beach strip south of the old town, a grid of high-rise hotels and apartment towers facing a gray-sand beach. Chain and mid-range hotels average COP 300,000 to COP 800,000 (US$75 to US$200) a night, generally cheaper than the Walled City. It suits families and beach-focused travelers who want pools and the sea on their doorstep, a 10-minute taxi from the historic center. See where to stay in Bocagrande for specific hotels.
El Laguito and Castillogrande
South of Bocagrande, El Laguito wraps a small lagoon and Castillogrande is an upscale residential peninsula with wide streets and private towers. The area is quieter than Bocagrande, with fewer restaurants but calmer water on the bay side, and apartment rentals run COP 350,000 to COP 900,000 (US$90 to US$225) a night. It suits families and longer stays who prefer space over proximity to the old town. For exact monthly rainfall and sea temperatures, see the weather by month data table.
