Cartagena neighbourhoods at a glance
Distances are measured from the city centre. Typical prices are the median nightly rate of hotels nearby.
| Area | Best for | From centre | Typical hotel |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ciudad Amurallada (The Walled City) | History buffs, Couples & romantics, Luxury travelers | – | – |
| Getsemaní | Backpackers & solo travelers, Nightlife seekers, Street art lovers | 7.6 km | €138 |
| Bocagrande | Families, Beach lovers who prefer convenience, Travelers who enjoy modern amenities | 7.8 km | €76 |
| Manga | Travelers seeking tranquility, Architecture enthusiasts, Long-term stays | 6 km | €42 |
Ciudad Amurallada (The Walled City)
The historic heart and soul of Cartagena, enclosed by massive stone walls. This area is a dazzling display of Spanish colonial and republican architecture, with grand churches, luxurious hotels, fine dining, and elegant plazas. The vibe is romantic, upscale, and steeped in history.
Around Ciudad Amurallada
- Plaza Santo Domingo & Botero's 'Gertrudis'
- The Cathedral of Cartagena
- Palace of the Inquisition Museum
- Las Bóvedas (The Vaults) shopping arcade
Getsemaní
Once a rough neighborhood, now the city's hip, artistic, and most energetic quarter. Located just outside the walls, its streets are an open-air gallery of stunning murals, filled with hostels, trendy cafes, and buzzing bars. The vibe is creative, youthful, and authentically local.
Around Getsemaní
- Plaza de la Trinidad (nightlife hub)
- Calle de la Sierpe & mural tours
- Centro de Convenciones (Convention Center)
- Local food stalls and markets
Hotels in or near Getsemaní
Petit budget
Milieu de gamme
Haut de gammeBocagrande
Cartagena's modern oceanfront district, reminiscent of Miami Beach. This peninsula is lined with high-rise hotels, condominiums, shopping malls, and a long, bustling beach. The vibe is contemporary, resort-like, and convenient, offering a different perspective from the historic center.
Around Bocagrande
- Bocagrande Beach & Malecon
- Mall Plaza Bocagrande
- Modern skyline views
- Casinos and chain restaurants
Hotels in or near Bocagrande
Petit budget
Milieu de gamme
Haut de gammeManga
A quiet, mostly residential island connected by bridges, offering a glimpse into local life and Cartagena's republican-era architecture. It's home to beautiful, often crumbling, mansions and a more relaxed pace. The vibe is local, tranquil, and slightly off-the-beaten-path.
Around Manga
- Republican-style architecture
- Parque del Centenario
- Quiet waterfront walks
- Local cafes and bakeries
Hotels in or near Manga
Petit budget
Milieu de gamme
Haut de gammeHotel prices come from Traveloka, last checked on February 4, 2026, and change with your dates. We may earn a commission if you book through our links, at no extra cost to you.
Plan the rest of your Cartagena trip
Where to stay in Cartagena: FAQ
What is the best area to stay in Cartagena?+
For a first visit, Manga is the most central of the areas we cover (6 km from the centre). A quiet, mostly residential island connected by bridges, offering a glimpse into local life and Cartagena's republican-era architecture.
Where to stay in Cartagena on a budget?+
Manga has the lowest typical hotel price of the areas we compared, around €42 a night. A quiet, mostly residential island connected by bridges, offering a glimpse into local life and Cartagena's republican-era architecture.
How much does a hotel in Cartagena cost per night?+
Typical nightly prices near the areas in this guide range from €42 to €138, based on hotel prices checked on February 4, 2026. Prices change with your dates.
Which Cartagena neighbourhood suits which traveller?+
Ciudad Amurallada: History buffs, Couples & romantics, Luxury travelers. Getsemaní: Backpackers & solo travelers, Nightlife seekers, Street art lovers. Bocagrande: Families, Beach lovers who prefer convenience, Travelers who enjoy modern amenities. Manga: Travelers seeking tranquility, Architecture enthusiasts, Long-term stays.