Where to stay · Cartagena, Colombia
Where to stay in Cartagena
6 areas worth booking in Cartagena, sorted by the budget each one actually suits — what the neighborhood feels like, and what a night there costs.
Budget — best areas
≈ $22 / nightThe former working-class barrio just outside the walls, now the city's coolest quarter: street art, Plaza de la Trinidad nightlife and hostels.
A fishing village north of the city with mangrove tours, beach shacks and Afro-Caribbean culture.
Budget picks to book
Mid-range — best areas
≈ $80 / nightThe calmer northern corner of the walled city: smaller plazas, local life and good-value guesthouses.
The Miami-style strip of beach hotels and condos on the peninsula; convenient sands, less colonial charm.
Mid-range picks to book
Luxury — best areas
≈ $280 / nightThe walled colonial city: balconied mansions in candy colours, plazas, the cathedral and boutique hotels. The postcard Cartagena, and the priciest.
White-sand islands an hour by boat: turquoise water, beach clubs and overwater stays.
Luxury picks to book
Now pick the hotel
The Cartagena guide carries the full shortlist for each tier, with why each hotel is on it.