Cartagena nightlife is epic. From its beach vibes, warm weather, and incredible nightclubs, this city has it all.
If you're planning a trip out to La Heroica, there are a few things you need to know. It doesn't matter if you're here for a bachelor party, a family trip, or a couples vacation.
Here at Cartagena Crew, we'd like to give you a few pointers on where to find the best clubs.
So without further ado, here is our Cartagena nightlife guide.
Best time of the year for Cartagena Nightlife
Cartagena is such a popular destination that it always seems high season. But don't get it twisted, and there are months to avoid.
January - March is trendy for Cartagena bachelor parties, so it's one of our favorite times.
April features easter, which is a week-long event here in Colombia. Students and businesses get a few days off. Travel gets a bit more hectic, and Colombian tourists hit the coastal cities with Cartagena being one of them.
May has Memorial Day weekend, which although not a Colombian holiday, has many groups of Americans looking for the beach. This is also the start of Cartagena's rainy season, which lasts until November. It shouldn't strain your Cartagena nightlife plans but something to consider.
June - August or summer time is also trendy. With August being (along with December) the busiest month of the year, we recommend you book your vacation rental early. This way, you won't pay a 20% markup for being August.
September-November tends to be a bit slower, and December is the height of tourism in Cartagena. Families and couples (locals and international tourists) head to Cartagena to spend Xmas and New Year.
Best Nightclubs in Cartagena
Cartagena has some of Colombia's best nightclubs. All of which are located in the walled city or centro historico.
The walled city features the very best of Cartagena's nightlife. Restaurants, rooftop bars, and clubs with cool beach vibes, great music, and a guaranteed good time. Here are some of our favorites.
Al Quimico
Recently voted into the coveted top 10 of the world's 50 best bars, Al Quimico is spectacular. Each one of its four floors features a different ambiance and award-winning cocktails.
The rooftop bar is a full-on Reggaeton club with epic views of Cartagena's walled city. We recommend you arrive right after dinner (9-930pm) as these guys don't hold reservations for anyone.
Each floor has a different setting, so drink on each floor and see for yourself.
La Jugada
Right across the street from Alquimico, you'll find La Jugada. In a similar setup, there are various ambiances on three separate floors, with Pink Flamingo and Daisy Rooftop being their most popular rooms.
La Jugada is a must for Cartagena nightlife. Where groups looking for an upscale local nightclub can enjoy Caribbean vibes and top 40 tracks.
Delirium
The following two Cartagena nightclubs will appeal to the Cartagena bachelor party crowd.
Also located in the walled city, Delirium is a club specializing in hip-hop and reggaeton. It's the place to be for groups of guys to pick up VIP hostesses or even to have an epic few hours.
We recommend the help of a VIP host or security guard if you want to feel more comfortable with your surroundings. You will also keep annoying street vendors away and someone checking your tab.
Dolce Vitta
Delirium and Dolce Vitta are similar to Cartagena Nightclubs in that they are great for picking up hostesses.
Both are in the walled city and a dope spot to buy a hookah and chill in a traditional US club setting. These guys play a blend of reggaeton and hip-hop, and there is a plethora of girls on any given night.
We recommend you make a reservation and at both Delirium and Dolce, be sure to bring a local with you. Someone to keep an eye on your tab and ensure your credit cards aren't being charged incorrectly.
La Movida
La Movida is a restaurant/nightclub where they dim the lights once 10 pm rolls around, and the crowd changes up a bit. They specialize in Gin & tonics but their eclectic cocktails list and tapas are exquisite.
We recommend this place for groups looking to enjoy a traditional Cartagena-style nightclub. Their lounge area features crossover beats meaning more Latin music. At the same time, their patio focuses on EDM.
Private Events for your Cartagena Nightlife Experience
Part of every Cartagena vacation is finding the perfect venue. Somewhere in the walled city where everything is within walking distance and the rental party friendly.
Cartagena nightlife stops at about 3 am, but we don't recommend lurking the streets past 3 am. Instead, we recommend a get-together at your vacation rental. You'll have your booze, a butler, and hopefully a pool.
For these types of events and finding the right vacation rental, be sure to contact us today. We've covered you, from party pads to security to private events.
