TOP BARS IN CARTAGENA
Want to know where to schmooze and booze in Cartagena?
During high-season (Nov-Feb) EVERYWHERE is good.. but the rest of the time Cartagena's diminutive population means it can be a bit difficult to find a place that's pumping. And if it's Monday or Tuesday, pretty much impossible.
If you want to get your drink on.. these are the most reliable picks. Also check out Top 10 Clubs for when you want to get a bit more rambunctious/dancey/party. Full(er) descriptions in the BAR drop-down section or click on the links.
ALQUIMICO
Super cool space that's a feast for the senses. Colombia's best ranked bar -- coming in at number 9 on the World 50 Best rankings in 2023 (and 1 in South America) and also winning Most Sustainable Bar in 2020. (As of 2026 they are currently sitting at 11 in the world). Amazing square bar as the focal feature. Great vibe when it's busy, easy-going hang-out when it's not. 3 levels with different cocktail menu on each. Entirely vegetarian/vegan food menu which was created by the team from Celele (it's really good!). Really fun DJs. Friday and Saturdays can mean big lines to get in.. to avoid, book an early table for dinner for guaranteed entry and stay as things warm up. It's worth it! Rooftop bar gets rowdy on weekends. Cool barkeep, great music, buzzing atmosphere. For me, the best overall bar in Cartagena. Monday industry nights often end up being the biggest party of the week.
BEST FOR: MOST POPULAR BAR EVEN WEEKNIGHTS
EL BARÓN
Another of the best cocktail bars in Cartagena. This is peak New York standards, real-deal, attention-to-detail, world-class, drink-snob satisfying goodness with a side of tasty eats. You'll be impressed. Soak up the magical atmosphere of the San Pedro Plaza or sit inside at the bar and geek out with the barkeep. Mezcal lovers shouldn't miss The Press Box cocktail. You're welcome.
BEST FOR: CONSISTENTLY AMAZING AT EVERYTHING THEY DO
MIENTRAS
Absolutely one of my favourite small bars in Cartagena. During the week, Mientras functions more as a cafe, with really great Maria Julio coffee and simple but tasty snacks, often with family friends playing cards while gossiping or restaurant owners meeting for a pre-service catchup and chill. Weeknights they are normally closed by 5pm. Come weekends and the space is likely to fill with the Cartagena cool kids as they gather to sip spicy margaritas and listen to vinyl records until midnight-ish. Enjoy the fun and diverse art that packs the walls, the beloved plants, and the feeling that you are supporting an adorable local couple (Andres + as they make their dream come true. Half a block from Plaza Santo Domingo.
BEST FOR: NON TOURISTY ART CAFE/BAR
MONDO
Another winner in the small but exceedingly satisfying category, is the local favourite Mondo. Ideally located a few doors down from Alquimico, you'll feel right at home almost immediately thanks to the warm energy of lead bartenders Joe (aka Chatty Joe) and Juan Camilo. The space is intimate and inviting, perfect mood lighting and candles and the type of bar vibe where you end up making friends with all your drinking neighbours. But wait, there's more! A secret upstairs bar that goes by the evocative name of Slow Death (perfect if you want a private space for you and your group too!). Definitely worse ways to go.
BEST FOR: BAR FRIENDS
TOWNHOUSE ROOFTOP/MEMBERS ONLY BASEMENT
Turning heads since its epic opening party early 2018, Townhouse is a tropical delight, perfect for poolside chilling, sunset toasts, tapas and cocktails. Currently no cost or minimum spend to plonk yourself poolside all day long and weekend boozy brunches are just what your hangover asked for.
Sun has set and you're ready for a change of scene? Make your way downstairs to the new basement bar, Members Only. The name isn't descriptive, you don't actually have to be a member. On weekends, book a table for the seriously impressive house band and their seriously impressive jazz/soul interpretations of classic and contemporary hits. The cocktail menu is just as killer. Start with their espresso martini and you'll be primed for your night on the tiles.
BEST FOR: THINGS YOU CAN'T NORMALLY GET IN CARTAGENA
BARRA 7
Tiny bar that packs a punch.. Stopping for a quick drink here can frequently turn into the most fun ever.. with free popcorn and an energetic playlist. We always order mezcal but the cocktails are also awesome. Head bartender Leidy does a mean twist on a Negroni that has won international approval and a few marriage proposals.
BEST FOR: SPONTANEOUS FUN
LA MOVIDA
Like Alquímico, La Movida is the only other bar/club in town that will be reliably full on almost any night of the week. On Friday and Saturday nights everyone invariably ends up at La Movida from midnight onwards. It's playground for Colombia's rich and beautiful but without too much pretension. Open 7 days. The two main zones are electronica (outdoor patio) and crossover (inside aircon). Groups (especially bachelor) will need to book a table. Contact us and we can go through the options. Expect covercharge, long lines and expensive drink prices, but you will probably find that you keep coming back because you have the best time.
BEST FOR: TRUE NIGHTCLUB VIBES
CASA BOHÊME
If you like house and electronica including a semi-regular rotation of invited european DJs, moodily lit lounge vibes with loads of plush sofas and furnishings, and very beautiful people who all seem like they know each other, you will want to head upstairs at Casa Bohême on weekend nights. But Casa Boheme is a huge space. Downstairs you will also find a lush Moroccan themed bar complete with shisha pipes (open from 5pm). And a bistro patio perfect for day drinks that end up extending.
EL PASQUIN DE JOACO
Another 3 level, large-scale space which can sometimes be the most fun ever.. like if you go on a Monday night and try your hand at singing Mariachi karaoke whilst enjoying discounted Margaritas. Or Ladies night on Thursdays which includes lots of free drinks for the lasses 9-11pm. El Pasquin is also often where lots of energetic folk end-up after Alquimico closes earlier. El Pasquin also organises one of the most fun and best valued brunches on Sundays.
BEST FOR: THEMED NIGHTS AND DAY DRINKING BRUNCHES
SEVEN7 TIMES
Wow. Talk about ambitious. The biggest club on the Colombian coast, and featuring up to 5 different live music zones, Seven7 Times is all about entertainment. The main stage is dedicated to Cabaret performances (starting from 11pm), the front downstairs zone is for Vallenato and Ballads with a saloon-like ambience. Middle level you will find Salon Tropical with live salsa and also Urban with reggaeton and Champeta. Upstairs on the rooftop is electronica. Entry price is 60,000 pesos and if you want a dedicated table, you will also need to commit to a minimum spend. Bookings are recommended and can be made through us.
BEST FOR: DIVERSE ENTERTAINMENT
TROPICAL WAFFLES
Best name. This bar came to existence as a neighbourhood speakeasy during pandemic lockdowns and omg how much did we love them for it. From the outside, unassuming to say the least. On the inside it's like the whole of Bourbon street New Orleans crammed inside a tiny retail box. The bartenders are soooo talented and creative. The vibe is manic. It's open after hours and after lockdowns (and honestly past 2am is when it gets good). Send a message to their instagram to get the entry code. You'll have to taxi out of the city center all the way (10 min) to Marbella. You'll think you're in the wrong spot. You're not.
BEST FOR: AFTERHOURS
LA TAPERIA
Atmospheric and authentic Spanish tapas bar housed in the historic Las Bovedas. Very fair prices, good lighting, tasty tapas, and very drinkable sangria. Open from 5pm. Makes a nice stop after walking the walls at sunset.
BEST FOR: WINE + TAPAS
CAPONERA
I describe this as my favourite dive bar - colourful (sometimes decidedly shady) characters and cheap drinks in an accidentally awesomely decorated space. It's also pretty consistently buzzy even on school-nights.
Nearby is the salsa temple: Quiebracanto.
BEST FOR: DIVE BAR
CAFE HAVANA
There's no denying the awesome salsa ambiance and amazing live music of this chunk of Cuba in Cartagena. The entry price (currently 50,000 pesos) may seem pretty hefty, but when you consider the quality and quantity of the live musicians performing, it will seem fair. Try and grab a table or bar spot with a good view of both the stage and the dancefloor in front.
If you like this, you'll also like Tertulia and Quiebracanto
BEST: FOR SALSA
DONDE PACHO
For afternoon beers or a cheeky vino, I love Donde Pacho's relaxed space. It's also one of my favourite spots to watch the futbol. Donde Pacho is actually an imported food, wine, liquor store with an outside paved terrace. You can buy wine, american candies (baby ruth? butterfingers?) and imported asian sauces etc. but the insider tip is to get a plate of Jamon Serrano or great valued ceviche. Super local, zero fancy but that's the point, right?
If you like this you'll also like Esquina del Orchidea, Tienda de las Tablitas, Donde el Che, Donde Fidel
MOVICH HOTEL ROOFTOP
Not the best drinks, not the best service, but goddamn what a view! Having at least one sunset drink here and taking your next profile photo with the Cartagena Bay as your backdrop is practically obligatory. See also El Mirador, el Baluarte and 51 Sky Bar for views
CARMEN
Maker of the best Negroni I've had in my life (big call- i order this everywhere), Carmen bar is a tiny 10 person space, tucked in an airconditioned cube, apart from the popular restaurant spaces. Head barkeep Lilieth is a gosh-darn National treasure and Lukas is pure distilled good-times.
CLOCK PUB
For those that prefer guitars and drums, this is your bar. It's also the best option for viewing an array of televised sporting events. Thursday night Karaoke with live band is always a hit with locals and visitors alike.
If you like this, you'll also like Hard Rock Cafe
CALLEJÓN ANCHO - Club de Carpinteros + Donde La Niña
Probably should have moved this to the top of the list because my actual favourite bar in Cartagena is actually the entire street of Callejón Ancho in Getsemaní. And it's not just me. The vibrant street-drinking has even been featured in the recent New York Times 36 Hours in Cartagena article (ahem, so were we #plug). It's truly the most authentically local and enjoyable vibe with the cheapest drink prices imaginable. I recommend the passionfruit mojitos (normally priced at 2 for 20,000 pesos) or stick to the refreshing local beer costeñitas. I'll normally choose to drink at Donde La Niña (the coolest matriarchy in Cartagena) or Club de Carpinteros.. but wherever you can score a table will be good.
PLAZA TRINIDAD
So it's another one that's not exactly a bar, but in a town that encourages public drinking, Plaza Trinidad may as well be one. Buy your booze (rum, aguardiente, beers etc) in the corner store or from a roaming vendor, find a spot on the concrete benches or stone steps of the church and people-watch to your heart's content. There's often live musical performances and fire-twirling from travelling hippies, public zumba, kids playing futbol and men playing chess to keep you amused. There's also the largest array of food-carts selling food to soak up all the imbibing: hamburgers and hotdogs that will redefine your concepts of fast food, patacones, burritos, juices, arepas etc etc
LA JUGADA
We love that their tropical, flamingo-flocked rooftop bar is named Daisy, we love the little nooks and secret drinking spaces, we love the excellent cocktails. Busiest whenever Barranquilla has a public holiday.. otherwise can sometimes feel empty.
ALSO CHECK OUT...
Baruco - live music, open air bar, quality cocktails
Bonche - friendly bar with a great outdoor space in Plaza Pozo in Getsemani
LaZotea - We'll include this in the party bars list, but this backpacker/nomadic traveller space is funky and fun (even if the drinks won't win any awards).. often you can find live bands organising last-minute jams here.
El Beso- one of a favourite restaurants (we eat there like once a week) but also amazing place for drinks. The spicy, sorrel cocktail is so very good. Also somehow the best priced wine by the glass in the city. Usually have a pop-up party about once every 2 months.
During high-season (Nov-Feb) EVERYWHERE is good.. but the rest of the time Cartagena's diminutive population means it can be a bit difficult to find a place that's pumping. And if it's Monday or Tuesday, pretty much impossible.
If you want to get your drink on.. these are the most reliable picks. Also check out Top 10 Clubs for when you want to get a bit more rambunctious/dancey/party. Full(er) descriptions in the BAR drop-down section or click on the links.
ALQUIMICO
Super cool space that's a feast for the senses. Colombia's best ranked bar -- coming in at number 9 on the World 50 Best rankings in 2023 (and 1 in South America) and also winning Most Sustainable Bar in 2020. (As of 2026 they are currently sitting at 11 in the world). Amazing square bar as the focal feature. Great vibe when it's busy, easy-going hang-out when it's not. 3 levels with different cocktail menu on each. Entirely vegetarian/vegan food menu which was created by the team from Celele (it's really good!). Really fun DJs. Friday and Saturdays can mean big lines to get in.. to avoid, book an early table for dinner for guaranteed entry and stay as things warm up. It's worth it! Rooftop bar gets rowdy on weekends. Cool barkeep, great music, buzzing atmosphere. For me, the best overall bar in Cartagena. Monday industry nights often end up being the biggest party of the week.
BEST FOR: MOST POPULAR BAR EVEN WEEKNIGHTS
EL BARÓN
Another of the best cocktail bars in Cartagena. This is peak New York standards, real-deal, attention-to-detail, world-class, drink-snob satisfying goodness with a side of tasty eats. You'll be impressed. Soak up the magical atmosphere of the San Pedro Plaza or sit inside at the bar and geek out with the barkeep. Mezcal lovers shouldn't miss The Press Box cocktail. You're welcome.
BEST FOR: CONSISTENTLY AMAZING AT EVERYTHING THEY DO
MIENTRAS
Absolutely one of my favourite small bars in Cartagena. During the week, Mientras functions more as a cafe, with really great Maria Julio coffee and simple but tasty snacks, often with family friends playing cards while gossiping or restaurant owners meeting for a pre-service catchup and chill. Weeknights they are normally closed by 5pm. Come weekends and the space is likely to fill with the Cartagena cool kids as they gather to sip spicy margaritas and listen to vinyl records until midnight-ish. Enjoy the fun and diverse art that packs the walls, the beloved plants, and the feeling that you are supporting an adorable local couple (Andres + as they make their dream come true. Half a block from Plaza Santo Domingo.
BEST FOR: NON TOURISTY ART CAFE/BAR
MONDO
Another winner in the small but exceedingly satisfying category, is the local favourite Mondo. Ideally located a few doors down from Alquimico, you'll feel right at home almost immediately thanks to the warm energy of lead bartenders Joe (aka Chatty Joe) and Juan Camilo. The space is intimate and inviting, perfect mood lighting and candles and the type of bar vibe where you end up making friends with all your drinking neighbours. But wait, there's more! A secret upstairs bar that goes by the evocative name of Slow Death (perfect if you want a private space for you and your group too!). Definitely worse ways to go.
BEST FOR: BAR FRIENDS
TOWNHOUSE ROOFTOP/MEMBERS ONLY BASEMENT
Turning heads since its epic opening party early 2018, Townhouse is a tropical delight, perfect for poolside chilling, sunset toasts, tapas and cocktails. Currently no cost or minimum spend to plonk yourself poolside all day long and weekend boozy brunches are just what your hangover asked for.
Sun has set and you're ready for a change of scene? Make your way downstairs to the new basement bar, Members Only. The name isn't descriptive, you don't actually have to be a member. On weekends, book a table for the seriously impressive house band and their seriously impressive jazz/soul interpretations of classic and contemporary hits. The cocktail menu is just as killer. Start with their espresso martini and you'll be primed for your night on the tiles.
BEST FOR: THINGS YOU CAN'T NORMALLY GET IN CARTAGENA
BARRA 7
Tiny bar that packs a punch.. Stopping for a quick drink here can frequently turn into the most fun ever.. with free popcorn and an energetic playlist. We always order mezcal but the cocktails are also awesome. Head bartender Leidy does a mean twist on a Negroni that has won international approval and a few marriage proposals.
BEST FOR: SPONTANEOUS FUN
LA MOVIDA
Like Alquímico, La Movida is the only other bar/club in town that will be reliably full on almost any night of the week. On Friday and Saturday nights everyone invariably ends up at La Movida from midnight onwards. It's playground for Colombia's rich and beautiful but without too much pretension. Open 7 days. The two main zones are electronica (outdoor patio) and crossover (inside aircon). Groups (especially bachelor) will need to book a table. Contact us and we can go through the options. Expect covercharge, long lines and expensive drink prices, but you will probably find that you keep coming back because you have the best time.
BEST FOR: TRUE NIGHTCLUB VIBES
CASA BOHÊME
If you like house and electronica including a semi-regular rotation of invited european DJs, moodily lit lounge vibes with loads of plush sofas and furnishings, and very beautiful people who all seem like they know each other, you will want to head upstairs at Casa Bohême on weekend nights. But Casa Boheme is a huge space. Downstairs you will also find a lush Moroccan themed bar complete with shisha pipes (open from 5pm). And a bistro patio perfect for day drinks that end up extending.
EL PASQUIN DE JOACO
Another 3 level, large-scale space which can sometimes be the most fun ever.. like if you go on a Monday night and try your hand at singing Mariachi karaoke whilst enjoying discounted Margaritas. Or Ladies night on Thursdays which includes lots of free drinks for the lasses 9-11pm. El Pasquin is also often where lots of energetic folk end-up after Alquimico closes earlier. El Pasquin also organises one of the most fun and best valued brunches on Sundays.
BEST FOR: THEMED NIGHTS AND DAY DRINKING BRUNCHES
SEVEN7 TIMES
Wow. Talk about ambitious. The biggest club on the Colombian coast, and featuring up to 5 different live music zones, Seven7 Times is all about entertainment. The main stage is dedicated to Cabaret performances (starting from 11pm), the front downstairs zone is for Vallenato and Ballads with a saloon-like ambience. Middle level you will find Salon Tropical with live salsa and also Urban with reggaeton and Champeta. Upstairs on the rooftop is electronica. Entry price is 60,000 pesos and if you want a dedicated table, you will also need to commit to a minimum spend. Bookings are recommended and can be made through us.
BEST FOR: DIVERSE ENTERTAINMENT
TROPICAL WAFFLES
Best name. This bar came to existence as a neighbourhood speakeasy during pandemic lockdowns and omg how much did we love them for it. From the outside, unassuming to say the least. On the inside it's like the whole of Bourbon street New Orleans crammed inside a tiny retail box. The bartenders are soooo talented and creative. The vibe is manic. It's open after hours and after lockdowns (and honestly past 2am is when it gets good). Send a message to their instagram to get the entry code. You'll have to taxi out of the city center all the way (10 min) to Marbella. You'll think you're in the wrong spot. You're not.
BEST FOR: AFTERHOURS
LA TAPERIA
Atmospheric and authentic Spanish tapas bar housed in the historic Las Bovedas. Very fair prices, good lighting, tasty tapas, and very drinkable sangria. Open from 5pm. Makes a nice stop after walking the walls at sunset.
BEST FOR: WINE + TAPAS
CAPONERA
I describe this as my favourite dive bar - colourful (sometimes decidedly shady) characters and cheap drinks in an accidentally awesomely decorated space. It's also pretty consistently buzzy even on school-nights.
Nearby is the salsa temple: Quiebracanto.
BEST FOR: DIVE BAR
CAFE HAVANA
There's no denying the awesome salsa ambiance and amazing live music of this chunk of Cuba in Cartagena. The entry price (currently 50,000 pesos) may seem pretty hefty, but when you consider the quality and quantity of the live musicians performing, it will seem fair. Try and grab a table or bar spot with a good view of both the stage and the dancefloor in front.
If you like this, you'll also like Tertulia and Quiebracanto
BEST: FOR SALSA
DONDE PACHO
For afternoon beers or a cheeky vino, I love Donde Pacho's relaxed space. It's also one of my favourite spots to watch the futbol. Donde Pacho is actually an imported food, wine, liquor store with an outside paved terrace. You can buy wine, american candies (baby ruth? butterfingers?) and imported asian sauces etc. but the insider tip is to get a plate of Jamon Serrano or great valued ceviche. Super local, zero fancy but that's the point, right?
If you like this you'll also like Esquina del Orchidea, Tienda de las Tablitas, Donde el Che, Donde Fidel
MOVICH HOTEL ROOFTOP
Not the best drinks, not the best service, but goddamn what a view! Having at least one sunset drink here and taking your next profile photo with the Cartagena Bay as your backdrop is practically obligatory. See also El Mirador, el Baluarte and 51 Sky Bar for views
CARMEN
Maker of the best Negroni I've had in my life (big call- i order this everywhere), Carmen bar is a tiny 10 person space, tucked in an airconditioned cube, apart from the popular restaurant spaces. Head barkeep Lilieth is a gosh-darn National treasure and Lukas is pure distilled good-times.
CLOCK PUB
For those that prefer guitars and drums, this is your bar. It's also the best option for viewing an array of televised sporting events. Thursday night Karaoke with live band is always a hit with locals and visitors alike.
If you like this, you'll also like Hard Rock Cafe
CALLEJÓN ANCHO - Club de Carpinteros + Donde La Niña
Probably should have moved this to the top of the list because my actual favourite bar in Cartagena is actually the entire street of Callejón Ancho in Getsemaní. And it's not just me. The vibrant street-drinking has even been featured in the recent New York Times 36 Hours in Cartagena article (ahem, so were we #plug). It's truly the most authentically local and enjoyable vibe with the cheapest drink prices imaginable. I recommend the passionfruit mojitos (normally priced at 2 for 20,000 pesos) or stick to the refreshing local beer costeñitas. I'll normally choose to drink at Donde La Niña (the coolest matriarchy in Cartagena) or Club de Carpinteros.. but wherever you can score a table will be good.
PLAZA TRINIDAD
So it's another one that's not exactly a bar, but in a town that encourages public drinking, Plaza Trinidad may as well be one. Buy your booze (rum, aguardiente, beers etc) in the corner store or from a roaming vendor, find a spot on the concrete benches or stone steps of the church and people-watch to your heart's content. There's often live musical performances and fire-twirling from travelling hippies, public zumba, kids playing futbol and men playing chess to keep you amused. There's also the largest array of food-carts selling food to soak up all the imbibing: hamburgers and hotdogs that will redefine your concepts of fast food, patacones, burritos, juices, arepas etc etc
LA JUGADA
We love that their tropical, flamingo-flocked rooftop bar is named Daisy, we love the little nooks and secret drinking spaces, we love the excellent cocktails. Busiest whenever Barranquilla has a public holiday.. otherwise can sometimes feel empty.
ALSO CHECK OUT...
Baruco - live music, open air bar, quality cocktails
Bonche - friendly bar with a great outdoor space in Plaza Pozo in Getsemani
LaZotea - We'll include this in the party bars list, but this backpacker/nomadic traveller space is funky and fun (even if the drinks won't win any awards).. often you can find live bands organising last-minute jams here.
El Beso- one of a favourite restaurants (we eat there like once a week) but also amazing place for drinks. The spicy, sorrel cocktail is so very good. Also somehow the best priced wine by the glass in the city. Usually have a pop-up party about once every 2 months.