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Cartagena

Getsemaní vs. Bocagrande

Where should you stay in Cartagena? Two neighborhoods, two completely different rhythms.

Cartagena is a city of dualities — colonial charm wrapped in Caribbean heat, modern skylines rising beside centuries-old walls, and neighborhoods that each tell a different story. Two of the most popular areas for travelers, Getsemaní and Bocagrande, sit just minutes apart yet offer completely different rhythms, aesthetics, and experiences.

Getsemaní

Bohemian, colorful, and culturally immersive — Cartagena’s creative soul, a neighborhood of murals, music, plazas, and local life. Once working-class, now filled with boutique hotels, indie cafés, and the city’s best nightlife.

Best For

Culture lovers, walkers, foodies, and travelers who want Cartagena’s “real” energy.

Worth Knowing

Can be noisy at night near Plaza de la Trinidad; not beachfront — you’ll need a taxi or boat for the sand.

Bocagrande

Cartagena’s sleek, Miami-esque district — a peninsula of high-rise hotels, shopping malls, and long beaches. Polished, convenient, and ideal for travelers who want comfort, ocean views, and modern amenities.

Best For

Beachfront-hotel travelers who want comfort and easy access to everything.

Worth Knowing

More resort than romance — less of the Walled City’s historic texture.

If you’re deciding where to base yourself: Getsemaní delivers authenticity, walkability, and Cartagena’s artistic pulse. Bocagrande delivers the beach at your door and hotel-tower comfort. Either is a five-to-ten-minute ride from the Walled City itself.

Once you have chosen your neighborhood, compare our Cartagena boutique hotel guide and map out the days with our seven-day Cartagena itinerary.