Cartagena, Colombia Travel Guide: Tips, Nightlife & Where to Eat
In recent years, Colombia has become a major hotspot for digital nomads. The culture, affordability, and beauty of the country have travelers from all over packing their laptops and moving down here. So, I decided to experience it for myself to see what all the hype was about.
I started my journey in Cartagena, a city full of rich history, colorful streets, and Caribbean vibes. And let me tell you—I get it now. Cartagena is the perfect balance of work and play, and after spending time here, I’m even more excited to explore other cities in Colombia.
But before you go, here are a few things I learned that might help you plan your trip.
5 Things to Know Before Visiting Cartagena
You don’t have to stay in the walled city. The historic walled city is beautiful and worth exploring, but staying inside isn’t your only option. I stayed in a beachside condo just 10 minutes away from all the action. Not only was it more affordable, but waking up to ocean views every morning was unbeatable.
Uber works just fine. I’d read that Uber wasn’t reliable here and that you’d need a personal driver, but that wasn’t
my experience at all. Uber worked perfectly for us, and rides were super cheap—anywhere from $3 to $10. It made exploring way easier and hassle-free.
Plan your nightlife around the weekend. Cartagena is great for a long weekend trip, but if you’re coming during the week, don’t expect wild nightlife. Things really pick up Thursday through Sunday, so if dancing until sunrise is on your list, plan accordingly.
They eat late. Dinner at 9 PM or even 10 PM is totally normal here. Since nightlife doesn’t really start until after midnight, it makes sense. I recommend a late dinner, cocktails on a rooftop, and then heading to a club. It’s a whole vibe.
Payment is easy, but bring pesos. Most places take credit cards (except AMEX), but it’s good to have cash for tips or small
purchases. For a 4-day trip, I’d suggest starting with about $200 USD in pesos and then using
a travel-friendly credit card with no foreign transaction fees for bigger purchases.
Where to Eat in Cartagena
If there’s one thing Cartagena gets right, it’s the food. Here are a few spots I loved:
Candè – Upscale Caribbean flavors with a beautiful atmosphere.
Mexcal Taqueria de Barrio – A casual Mexican spot with delicious tacos.
San Nicolas Restaurante and Bar – A great mix of traditional and international dishes.
Taco Beach – Chill, beachfront spot for laid-back eats.
💡 Travel Hack: Many tours include food pairings, which is perfect if you’re traveling on a budget or short on time. My favorite was the stuffed yucca balls at El Arsenal and the fresh fish that came with my Palenque tour. Both were delicious and such a great way to experience local flavors.
Final Thoughts
Cartagena is colorful, affordable, and full of life. Whether you’re here for a quick weekend getaway, working remotely for a week, or starting your digital nomad journey like me, it’s a city that gives you history, culture, and fun all in one. Just be ready to adjust to the late-night dinners and even later parties!
I’m so glad I started my Colombia journey here, and now I can’t wait to see what Bogotá, Medellín, and Cali have in store.