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Bars & Nightlife

Cartagena is a blast to explore after dark: rhythms that were made for dancing sound from nearly every open door in Getsemani, setting the mood for a party that lasts into the early hours. If dancing is your thing, there is no shortage of salsa bars to explore (some even offer salsa dancing courses to those who are serious enough about the art), as well as places where champeta is the dance of choice (Bazurto Social Club is the place to be for the latter). For a low-key evening, kick back and enjoy a drink or two in an outdoor terrace of one of Cratagena's many inviting plazas.

Café del Mar

Café del Mar's open-air terrace, set right on top of the city's old ramparts, is one of Cartagena's prime locations for evening drinks. Unobstructed views of the water make for an excellent spectacle of nature at sundown, when the sun slowly disappears into the horizon to the sounds of live music. The cafe serves …

Salsa Dancing

Although salsa isn't nearly as much part of the everyday in Cartagena as it is in, say, Cali, there are still a few great spots to head to if mastering the iconic Latin American dance is in your plans. Apart from Cafe Havana mentioned in this guide, Donde Fidel and Quiebra Canto are two …

Alquímico

Alquímico is a hip bar with a rooftop terrace. Since the bar has been featured on the list of 100 best cocktails in the world, its popularity has skyrocketed. There is a line out the door beginning around 9 pm on any night of the week, so get there early if you want a …

Chiva Party Buses

Chiva Party Buses

Although this won't exactly be everyone's idea of a good time, younger and solo travellers looking to explore local nightlife and make new acquaintances while in Cartagena might enjoy an organised tour on board a vibrantly coloured Chiva Party Bus. While specifics will vary by tour operator, most include an open bar, a selection …

El Barón

El Barón offers plenty of outdoor seating, but you'll be drawn inside the bar — the decor is too nice to want to stay outdoors. This craft cocktail bar has many options, try the mezcal-based cocktail. Try a Puro — rum cocktail with caramelised onion and tobacco leaf. For something fresh, order a gin …

Demente

A buzzing Getsemani nightlife hotspot, Demente continues to be ever-popular with both locals and visitors. With a convivial outdoor terrace in a busy little town square and scrumptious tapas-style dishes, Demente is an easy pick for a night out in …

Cafe Havana

"World famous Cafe Havana" — reads the signboard, a message recycled all throughout the establishment. Even the coasters sport it. What brought such publicity to an originally one-of-many Cartagena bars is a memorable visit from none other than Hilary Clinton, the then-U.S. Secretary of State, who can be seen hitting the dance floor with …