NEW YEARS EVE FEASTS AND FIESTAS
Yeah! NYE in Cartagena! Flights have been booked, accommodation arranged. And now.. to plan the party! But this is where things can get confusing.
As a veteran of 6 New Years Eves in Cartagena, including hosting what was unanimously (** ahem, unverified) considered to be the best NYE party of 2015, I feel like I am in a good position to help you all navigate through the best options.
First of all, for the most part there seems to be 2 separate parties. The first, is a more intimate eating party that leads up to the midnight countdown (often featuring grapes) and can be more family friendly, the second starts after midnight and is more club and crazy. There are a few exceptions of places that are good as a 2-4-1 all night eat, drink and be merry caper.. but generally the real party doesn't start until midnight.
Second, things aren't cheap. At all. New Years happens but once a year and you can bet your bottom dollar Cartagena establishments have learned to make the most of it. So.. that said.. Here's our picks (be sure to use us or reference our booking code to make the bookings .. sometimes they give us commissions, price is the same to you, or even cheaper, promise):
NOTE INFORMATION BELOW IS FROM 2019
NYE 2020: HELP!
Without being overly redundant, 2020 has been a crazy year. We totally get that you are looking for the best way to commemorate it and kiss it goodbye.. thing is, the traditional Cartagena party has had to be modified considerably to comply with Covid restrictions .. so it's difficult to predict how things will go down. That's why this year we haven't focused on sharing our recommendations - basically, we don't really know.
Here's some thoughts on what may be good options:
ALQUIMICO - As officially the best bar in Colombia, their NY party is destined to be one of the best options. Tickets are selling fast. Enter here to get yours. www.tickettailor.com/events/alquimico/466985
TOWNHOUSE - More exclusive, but high quality. Open bar so you can enjoy without having to think about buying and lining up for drinks, delicious tapas so you don't have to eat a big 3 course meal and then want to just crawl into bed and sleep. Great music including live bands. Open bar. rooftop vibes. Stylish. 600,000 pesos pp or $175 You can use our code for a discount : CONNECT www.townhousecartagena.com/nye
FENIX - Located on the island, Tierra Bomba, Fenix is a great covid social distancing option due to its expansive beachfront open air location. NYE parties here are always super magical - everything lit up, beach bonfires, DJs all night, burningman/tulum-like vibes. 480,000 pesos includes return transport, 3 course dinner with beverage pairing, fire performers, champagne midnight toasts, fritos and caldos after midnight. contact us to book on whatsapp +573024336709 or +57 3002807237
CALLE ADENTRO - Fun, live music option in Getsemani with open air patio and more reasonable pricing - 250,000 pesos pp It's brand new so you won't find anything about it online, but you can message us for more info or to make the reservation. whatsapp +573024336709 or +57 3002807237
BUENA VIDA - This is another new option for this year and looks to be fun and tasty. Tropical rooftop and 2 level restaurant focusing on seafood. Live music, tropical DJs. Price 419,000 rooftop, or 349,000 inside. You can book directly to the restaurant.
MONTMARTE - For delicious french, caribbean food in a sweet, intimate setting. 230,000 pesos whatsapp directly to +57 3124442910
As a veteran of 6 New Years Eves in Cartagena, including hosting what was unanimously (** ahem, unverified) considered to be the best NYE party of 2015, I feel like I am in a good position to help you all navigate through the best options.
First of all, for the most part there seems to be 2 separate parties. The first, is a more intimate eating party that leads up to the midnight countdown (often featuring grapes) and can be more family friendly, the second starts after midnight and is more club and crazy. There are a few exceptions of places that are good as a 2-4-1 all night eat, drink and be merry caper.. but generally the real party doesn't start until midnight.
Second, things aren't cheap. At all. New Years happens but once a year and you can bet your bottom dollar Cartagena establishments have learned to make the most of it. So.. that said.. Here's our picks (be sure to use us or reference our booking code to make the bookings .. sometimes they give us commissions, price is the same to you, or even cheaper, promise):
NOTE INFORMATION BELOW IS FROM 2019
NYE 2020: HELP!
Without being overly redundant, 2020 has been a crazy year. We totally get that you are looking for the best way to commemorate it and kiss it goodbye.. thing is, the traditional Cartagena party has had to be modified considerably to comply with Covid restrictions .. so it's difficult to predict how things will go down. That's why this year we haven't focused on sharing our recommendations - basically, we don't really know.
Here's some thoughts on what may be good options:
ALQUIMICO - As officially the best bar in Colombia, their NY party is destined to be one of the best options. Tickets are selling fast. Enter here to get yours. www.tickettailor.com/events/alquimico/466985
TOWNHOUSE - More exclusive, but high quality. Open bar so you can enjoy without having to think about buying and lining up for drinks, delicious tapas so you don't have to eat a big 3 course meal and then want to just crawl into bed and sleep. Great music including live bands. Open bar. rooftop vibes. Stylish. 600,000 pesos pp or $175 You can use our code for a discount : CONNECT www.townhousecartagena.com/nye
FENIX - Located on the island, Tierra Bomba, Fenix is a great covid social distancing option due to its expansive beachfront open air location. NYE parties here are always super magical - everything lit up, beach bonfires, DJs all night, burningman/tulum-like vibes. 480,000 pesos includes return transport, 3 course dinner with beverage pairing, fire performers, champagne midnight toasts, fritos and caldos after midnight. contact us to book on whatsapp +573024336709 or +57 3002807237
CALLE ADENTRO - Fun, live music option in Getsemani with open air patio and more reasonable pricing - 250,000 pesos pp It's brand new so you won't find anything about it online, but you can message us for more info or to make the reservation. whatsapp +573024336709 or +57 3002807237
BUENA VIDA - This is another new option for this year and looks to be fun and tasty. Tropical rooftop and 2 level restaurant focusing on seafood. Live music, tropical DJs. Price 419,000 rooftop, or 349,000 inside. You can book directly to the restaurant.
MONTMARTE - For delicious french, caribbean food in a sweet, intimate setting. 230,000 pesos whatsapp directly to +57 3124442910
ALQUIMICO
PRICE FOR DINNER & PARTY: 490,000 COP // $150USD
8PM --- SOLD OUT (1 DEC)
Dinner and Party includes:
Gourmet dinner with paired wine and cocktails selected by Sommelier.
Exclusive rooftop access for fireworks.
PRICE FOR JUST THE PARTY: 200,000 COP // $60USD
10.30PM
Just the Party includes,
1 welcome drink
Surprises
Access to the party, rooftop access subject to availability (the guests who opt for dinner option will take priority, any extra spaces are filled on a first come, first served basis)
Why we like this option?
Alquimico is one of our most favourite bars. The space is amazing. The drinks and atmosphere will be amazing. There's 3 levels so you can change things up. The music tropical and fun. The guests will also be a good mix of locals and foreigners. It's definitely one of the best all-in-one options.
TO BOOK: Contact Miguel on +57 302 433 6709 or email stay@cartagenaconnections.com and let us know how many people, and whether you want the dinner and party package or just the party.
8PM --- SOLD OUT (1 DEC)
Dinner and Party includes:
Gourmet dinner with paired wine and cocktails selected by Sommelier.
Exclusive rooftop access for fireworks.
PRICE FOR JUST THE PARTY: 200,000 COP // $60USD
10.30PM
Just the Party includes,
1 welcome drink
Surprises
Access to the party, rooftop access subject to availability (the guests who opt for dinner option will take priority, any extra spaces are filled on a first come, first served basis)
Why we like this option?
Alquimico is one of our most favourite bars. The space is amazing. The drinks and atmosphere will be amazing. There's 3 levels so you can change things up. The music tropical and fun. The guests will also be a good mix of locals and foreigners. It's definitely one of the best all-in-one options.
TO BOOK: Contact Miguel on +57 302 433 6709 or email stay@cartagenaconnections.com and let us know how many people, and whether you want the dinner and party package or just the party.
Opening just over a year ago and quickly winning all the acclaim for being one of Cartagena's best gastronomic offerings, Celele will host a special all-in-one dinner and party for a limited number of guests. This is another party that sold out early last year. The above event flyer states that the menu is a celebration of the abundant and diverse "pantry" on offer in the Colombian Caribbean.
The places are priced at 495,000 pesos pp and include:
Welcome cocktail
7 course menu with accompanying alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks with each course
Glass of Prosecco to taste the new year at midnight
Grapes (traditional celebratory custom) and celebration toys such as hats, leis, noisemakers etc
Live music and DJ
Typical fried snacks
We like this option because it features truly amazing gourmet food followed by an in-house party vibe that will continue long into the night.
To make a reservation or find out more, contact Miguel via WHATSAPP +57 3024336709 or email info@cartagenaconnections.com
The places are priced at 495,000 pesos pp and include:
Welcome cocktail
7 course menu with accompanying alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks with each course
Glass of Prosecco to taste the new year at midnight
Grapes (traditional celebratory custom) and celebration toys such as hats, leis, noisemakers etc
Live music and DJ
Typical fried snacks
We like this option because it features truly amazing gourmet food followed by an in-house party vibe that will continue long into the night.
To make a reservation or find out more, contact Miguel via WHATSAPP +57 3024336709 or email info@cartagenaconnections.com
TOWNHOUSE
In a city as beautiful and with weather so damn temperate as Cartagena, rooftop NYE options come out pretty far on top when deciding where to bring in 2020, and the Rooftop Party at Townhouse is set to be a cracker. As you can tell from their flyer, they are definitely not pretending that 2020 will also herald 20/20 hindsight which magically produces better behaviour.. but they do claim expertise in where is best to misbehave!
You can enter from 10pm, there will be really delicious tapas and open bar so you pretty much don't have to think about anything except having a good time, you can see the fireworks in all their glory at midnight, you can take photos in front of their "Bitch, where's my champagne?" neon, you can dance to awesome music, you can make whatever good or bad decisions take your fancy. Party goes through until 3am.
Local legends The Faces will be the live act (think electrified sax and violin played over dance music with pumped up vocals.. but actually, better than that sounds lol) and the rest of the lineup of DJs are certified awesome and tropical.
Tickets costs $200 USD (675,000 pesos) you can purchase online by visiting this website https://www.townhousecartagena.com/nye/
When it asks for your DISCOUNT code put in CONNECT and you will receive $5 discount. If you then want to send us a text or whatsapp message to Miguel via WhatsApp on +57 3024336709 with your names, we can confirm your booking has been received.
You can enter from 10pm, there will be really delicious tapas and open bar so you pretty much don't have to think about anything except having a good time, you can see the fireworks in all their glory at midnight, you can take photos in front of their "Bitch, where's my champagne?" neon, you can dance to awesome music, you can make whatever good or bad decisions take your fancy. Party goes through until 3am.
Local legends The Faces will be the live act (think electrified sax and violin played over dance music with pumped up vocals.. but actually, better than that sounds lol) and the rest of the lineup of DJs are certified awesome and tropical.
Tickets costs $200 USD (675,000 pesos) you can purchase online by visiting this website https://www.townhousecartagena.com/nye/
When it asks for your DISCOUNT code put in CONNECT and you will receive $5 discount. If you then want to send us a text or whatsapp message to Miguel via WhatsApp on +57 3024336709 with your names, we can confirm your booking has been received.
BARBAROSA
So I never do this but the team from Barbarosa wrote such a perfect description of their destined-to-be-epic NYE bash, I am just going to copy-paste it below. By way of endorsement though, I will say these guys are serial pop-up party throwers, and have successfully pulled off some of the most talked about private parties in previous years not to mention the legendary Wild Brunch parties. This will be a VIP type experience especially for people who really love their house music. And the venue is kind of amazing.. it's like a tropical disco jungle inside a ruined mansion right inside the walled city. Ok.. I'm pasting now::
The hottest NYE party in town is exactly the kind of party you are looking for! Organized by the party animals responsible for last years amazing NYE party with Dj Seth Troxler + the famous Wild Brunch parties … Barbarosa will be THE fiesta to kick up your heels and celebrate into the wee hours where revelry knows no bounds!
With a sick DJ headliner lineup of M.A.N.D.Y, Soul Clap & Rockin Moroccin from Ibiza… Barbarosa will to be the party for those who appreciate the very best of house music and want to dance until the sun comes up! The organizers are pimping out a huge open-air colonial mansion with all the magical ingredients to make a killer party—premium alcohol and Moet champagne served across multiple bars, 3 of the best DJs in the world, and plenty of disco decorations spread across the venue. Indeed, it's party central for those looking for an indulgent, nonstop good time!!
You can choose to upgrade your fiesta experience to the next level with a VIP table which grants you special access to an exclusive section of the party and bottle service around the clock.
Party details: Date: 31 Dec, 2019 // Time: 10pm - 7am // Price : USD$300 // Address: Centro, Calle del Tejadillo, Cartagena
What’s Included: Open bar all party long, Top DJs, Surprise performances, Champagne rooftop bar where you can see the fireworks!
Who will attend?: A thirsty, good-looking mixed crowd of Colombians and foreigners that like their house music and know how to make the most of an open bar and a killer dance floor.
DJ Lineup: M.A.N.D.Y, Soul Clap & Rockin Moroccin
For tickets Miguel is your man, hit him up on WhatsApp on +57 3024336709 there's a website link for credit card payments, and for US party-goers there's also Venmo and Zelle available.
The hottest NYE party in town is exactly the kind of party you are looking for! Organized by the party animals responsible for last years amazing NYE party with Dj Seth Troxler + the famous Wild Brunch parties … Barbarosa will be THE fiesta to kick up your heels and celebrate into the wee hours where revelry knows no bounds!
With a sick DJ headliner lineup of M.A.N.D.Y, Soul Clap & Rockin Moroccin from Ibiza… Barbarosa will to be the party for those who appreciate the very best of house music and want to dance until the sun comes up! The organizers are pimping out a huge open-air colonial mansion with all the magical ingredients to make a killer party—premium alcohol and Moet champagne served across multiple bars, 3 of the best DJs in the world, and plenty of disco decorations spread across the venue. Indeed, it's party central for those looking for an indulgent, nonstop good time!!
You can choose to upgrade your fiesta experience to the next level with a VIP table which grants you special access to an exclusive section of the party and bottle service around the clock.
Party details: Date: 31 Dec, 2019 // Time: 10pm - 7am // Price : USD$300 // Address: Centro, Calle del Tejadillo, Cartagena
What’s Included: Open bar all party long, Top DJs, Surprise performances, Champagne rooftop bar where you can see the fireworks!
Who will attend?: A thirsty, good-looking mixed crowd of Colombians and foreigners that like their house music and know how to make the most of an open bar and a killer dance floor.
DJ Lineup: M.A.N.D.Y, Soul Clap & Rockin Moroccin
For tickets Miguel is your man, hit him up on WhatsApp on +57 3024336709 there's a website link for credit card payments, and for US party-goers there's also Venmo and Zelle available.
BAUM
Well they took their sweet time confirming their party for this year, so apologies if you were holding out and ended up buying tickets to somewhere else.. but BAUM 2019 is 100% happening.. this time at a new EDM club located in Calle Arsenal in Getsemani. Just like the good ol' days of Cartagena clubbing.
If you like electronic music, and you like it on the heavy side, the Baum parties always go off. Nick Warren headlining, and the super popular Hernan Cayetano will ensure a dance-til-daybreak event that will keep you moving. Bookings are through Resident Advisor on this link . Contact Miguel for VIP table options on WhatsApp on +57 3024336709
If you like electronic music, and you like it on the heavy side, the Baum parties always go off. Nick Warren headlining, and the super popular Hernan Cayetano will ensure a dance-til-daybreak event that will keep you moving. Bookings are through Resident Advisor on this link . Contact Miguel for VIP table options on WhatsApp on +57 3024336709
CELELE
The event for foodies, Celele features a 7 course degustation with drinks pairing, a glass of sparkling prosseco to toast the new year, the traditional grapes for wish-making, live music and DJ and late night fried snacks to avoid hangovers. Celele is the winner of this year's Miele One to Watch award and top of everyone's must-try in Cartagena lists. This evening will be a complete experience with food, service and ambience that will surprise, delight and impress. The price is 495,000 pesos and the evening starts at 8.30pm
For reservations or more information send Miguel a message on WhatsApp +57 3024336709
For reservations or more information send Miguel a message on WhatsApp +57 3024336709
CAFE LUNATICO
Well.. the flyer kind of says it all.. a delicious 5 course feast with matching drinks (which also caters to vegetarians), live music, a NYE party pack with novelty fun, all put on by our friends at Caffe Lunatico (producers of tasty food always). What the flyer doesn't say, is that this party has permission to close off their street in Getsemani for the more local style of party that Cartagena does better than anywhere. This will be a super good option that will combine delicious food with a local celebration.
Price is 260,000 pp which includes all of the above. Extra drinks available for purchase to keep the party going.
Book your tickets by contacting Miguel on +57 3024336709
Price is 260,000 pp which includes all of the above. Extra drinks available for purchase to keep the party going.
Book your tickets by contacting Miguel on +57 3024336709
CUBA 1940s
The party at Cuba 1940s has a lot going for it. Firstly, it's an all-in-one option. You can eat here, drink here, dance to live music here, even swim here (!) and also soak up all the awesome vibe from the Plaza Party that happens just outside in Plaza San Diego. Restaurants and bars located on the plaza (of which Cuba 1940s is one) get included access to the party. We'll include a photo of said plaza party below.. it's definitely one of the more traditional and fun ways to celebrate the coming of the new year.
The ticket prices are 475,000 pesos. You need to pay 50% on booking and the rest before the 31st. If you need to pay online you can pay into a paypal account which we can provide for you upon request.
The food will be a veritable feast of Caribbean flavours (check out slideshow below for some of the dishes you can expect). You will also receive a mojito cocktail upon arrival and then a glass of champagne to toast midnight. There will ofcourse be the good luck grapes to make wishes upon, and plenty of party favours like masks and paper hats and tooters, so you can put them on and look silly. Because that's important.
The live musicians are very good and create a really special ambiance that you won't find just anywhere.
This will be a very memorable way to spend NYE. As a guide, my guess is that the crowd will be a little more older and a little more local than some of the more dance/DJ focused parties.
If you'd like to book or find out more info , just text or whatsapp Miguel on +57 302 433 6709
The ticket prices are 475,000 pesos. You need to pay 50% on booking and the rest before the 31st. If you need to pay online you can pay into a paypal account which we can provide for you upon request.
The food will be a veritable feast of Caribbean flavours (check out slideshow below for some of the dishes you can expect). You will also receive a mojito cocktail upon arrival and then a glass of champagne to toast midnight. There will ofcourse be the good luck grapes to make wishes upon, and plenty of party favours like masks and paper hats and tooters, so you can put them on and look silly. Because that's important.
The live musicians are very good and create a really special ambiance that you won't find just anywhere.
This will be a very memorable way to spend NYE. As a guide, my guess is that the crowd will be a little more older and a little more local than some of the more dance/DJ focused parties.
If you'd like to book or find out more info , just text or whatsapp Miguel on +57 302 433 6709
1968 SALSA SHOW
In a similar vein to Cuba 1940s we have the 1968 Salsa Show (not sure what it is with salsa bars and years but I digress). However instead of a focus on Cuban salsa, 1968 showcases all the best music and o.m.g dancers from Cali, Colombia. And seriously, they are very, very omg. This will be an experience you can only really get in Colombia; world best dancers, food and drink and ingredients typical of Colombia's Pacific coast, famous Caleño hospitality, incredible full-10 piece band, endless dance shows, the famous Colombian crazy hour, and ofcourse that NYE kit so you can deck yourself out in all the fun and silly stuff of the season. Oh you also all get a 3 am cup of caldo to help you ensure a hangover -free start to 2019 (it's another tradition at Colombian parties, and it is extremely welcome)
Above in the flyer we have the available options, which are:
350,000 pesos buys you a 3 course meal PLUS open bar
100,000 pesos buys you entry, a welcome cocktail and then pay for what you eat/drink separately.
I think this will be a super fun option and something you won't find anywhere else other than Colombia. It is also one of the very best value options for an all-in-one eating and drinking party.
If you want to arrange your entry just text or whatsapp MIGUEL VIA WHATSAPP +57 3024336709
Above in the flyer we have the available options, which are:
350,000 pesos buys you a 3 course meal PLUS open bar
100,000 pesos buys you entry, a welcome cocktail and then pay for what you eat/drink separately.
I think this will be a super fun option and something you won't find anywhere else other than Colombia. It is also one of the very best value options for an all-in-one eating and drinking party.
If you want to arrange your entry just text or whatsapp MIGUEL VIA WHATSAPP +57 3024336709
BOURBON ST.
It's pretty impossible to leave Bourbon St. (Cartagena) without having a good time and their NYE party takes that reputation and then amps it up to 11. Just like the New Orleans namesake, the party vibes here are contagious and this is always one of our most favourite NYE options. It's usually mostly a local crowd plus a few clued up travelers who are looking for an unpretentious party, and the live rock bands and crossover DJs keeps the rumba going until sunrise which also makes it one of the best value choices.
It's also in an amazing location, so you can head to the plaza and/or the wall to watch the fireworks and/or sunrise before during and after the party.
This year has a spooky halloween theme, so expect all the ghouls and fake blood to go along with your bash.
Your options are
200,000 pesos all you can eat buffet dinner (served from 9pm to 1am), welcome cocktail, glass of champagne for toasting
100,000 pesos Entry and welcome cocktail and midnight champagne.
To reserve your spot and/or ask us questions text or whatsapp Miguel on +57 3024336709
NOTE:: Reports on this party last year said things were absolutely dead until midnight.. so maybe time your arrival for later, or arrive with lots of friends.
It's also in an amazing location, so you can head to the plaza and/or the wall to watch the fireworks and/or sunrise before during and after the party.
This year has a spooky halloween theme, so expect all the ghouls and fake blood to go along with your bash.
Your options are
200,000 pesos all you can eat buffet dinner (served from 9pm to 1am), welcome cocktail, glass of champagne for toasting
100,000 pesos Entry and welcome cocktail and midnight champagne.
To reserve your spot and/or ask us questions text or whatsapp Miguel on +57 3024336709
NOTE:: Reports on this party last year said things were absolutely dead until midnight.. so maybe time your arrival for later, or arrive with lots of friends.
EL BALCÓN
El Balcon has a prime location overlooking the buzziest place to be on NYE, Plaza San Diego. Just look at that party in the photo above. So you get to be part of the action, but still have your private space with great food and drink
The public price is $390.000 COP pp
Which includes:
3 course dinner (which starts from 9pm)
Starter (ceviche, hummus or ropa vieja)
Main (Posta Cartagenera)
Grapes
Drinks
Sparkling for toasts
Then open bar until 2am.
Since we have a long time relationship with El Balcon, we have permission to offer a special price if you book through us ( big groups). Just message or whatsapp Miguel on +57 302 433 6709
The public price is $390.000 COP pp
Which includes:
3 course dinner (which starts from 9pm)
Starter (ceviche, hummus or ropa vieja)
Main (Posta Cartagenera)
Grapes
Drinks
Sparkling for toasts
Then open bar until 2am.
Since we have a long time relationship with El Balcon, we have permission to offer a special price if you book through us ( big groups). Just message or whatsapp Miguel on +57 302 433 6709
LA MOVIDA
Cartagena's most popular club, La Movida's New Years party is always a lot of fun with a great turn out of well-heeled locals. This year's theme is Madrileña for all things Spanish Capital, 80s punk and prohibition. Expect this party to be very packed but with a great energy. Entry is 200,000 pesos, You'll need to reserve. Message or whatsapp Miguel on +57 302 433 6709
LA JUGADA
Great Gatsby is a perfect theme for this art deco styled bar and it's also an awesome theme to bring in 2019 with a bit of class. La Jugada is another of the popular clubs in town, it's narrow and high so there's plenty of cute alcoves and tucked away corners, plus a fairly stunning rooftop lookout just made for moonlight smooching come 12.
The options are, admission for 150,000 pesos (includes that glass of sparking for toasting).
The second option is for 4 or more people. Guaranteed table, then pay 300,000 pesos pp (and you can spend 150,000 pesos of that however you want from the menu).
To book your spots message or whatsapp Miguel on +57 302 433 6709
The options are, admission for 150,000 pesos (includes that glass of sparking for toasting).
The second option is for 4 or more people. Guaranteed table, then pay 300,000 pesos pp (and you can spend 150,000 pesos of that however you want from the menu).
To book your spots message or whatsapp Miguel on +57 302 433 6709