Cartagena Nightlife Tips & Best Nightclubs in Cartagena, Colombia

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Looking to enjoy some fun Cartagena nightlife during your visit?

Like the rest of Colombia, and the rest of Latin America for that matter, the nightlife in Cartagena is a blast.

From salsa clubs to crossover to Cartagena born Champeta music, there are some seriously fun Cartagena nightclubs.

In this Cartagena nightlife guide, I’m going to share my tips for enjoying the Cartagena, Colombia nightlife, including what to wear and how to stay safe.

Then, I’ll give you some picks for the best nightclubs in Cartagena based on my experience living there for over a decade.

Some Practical Advice for Enjoying the Cartagena Nightlife

Ok, I’m going to get to a list of the best nightclubs in Cartagena below, but first I just want to give some practical advice about what to expect and how to stay safe while you enjoy all the best nightlife in Cartagena, Colombia.

Bars vs Clubs in Cartagena

This post is going to focus on the best nightclubs in Cartagena. These places are generally a bit more upscale and are mostly places to go out dancing.

There are plenty of other good bars to have relaxed drinks beyond these. In fact, if you don’t care much about dancing, I’d recommend not going to most places on the list below.

I should add here that I consider spending some time chilling at the Plaza de la Trinidad and the tables set up on the colorful streets nearby in Getsemaní to be essential to a Cartagena nightlife experience. It’s the perfect spot to do some pregaming before going dancing at one of the best Cartagena nightclubs below.

Dress to Impress

Look, Cartagena is a tourist town, and there are great beaches in Cartagena (pro tip: get out to the Rosario Islands for the best beach experience!).

Still, don’t show up to the clubs in your beach gear!

First, you don’t want to be that guy…or that gal.

Second, they probably won’t let you in.

You can get away with shorts and sandals and a laid back look at plenty of Cartagena restaurants and even a lot of the more casual bars.

However, to get into most Cartagena nightclubs, you’ll need dress a little nicer.

For the guys that means pants (jeans are usually ok), proper shoes (not sneakers or sandals), and usually a collared shirt, although nice plain tees might work at some places too.

A couple good linen shirts and shoes like these Rockports work well for both daytime exploring and hitting the clubs in Cartagena, by the way.

The ladies can get away with a bit more of a casual look if it’s put together. Don’t be shy about showing some skin, but again, don’t dress like you just came from the beach.

A cute dress like this one or a crop top and long skirt combo would work well for both more casual spots and the snazziest nightclubs in Cartagena.

You can get some ideas of good outfits in the photos throughout this post or by checking out my Cartagena packing list.

How to Enjoy the Cartagena, Colombia Nightlife Safely

Ok, let’s talk about some tips for enjoying the nightlife of Cartagena safely.

Stick to the Tourist Areas

There’s a few reasons for this (one of which I’ll discuss more below), but the main one is that within the main tourist zone of Centro (Walled City), Getsemaní, and Bocagrande, going out and partying in Cartagena is quite safe as long as you follow common sense precautions.

It’s where all the best nightlife in Cartagena is located, and plenty of locals, not just tourists, also go out here anyways.

Walking around the Walled City and Getsemaní, even at night, is also pretty safe if you try to keep your stumbling to a minimum, avoid dimly lit, empty streets, and, preferably, have a buddy or group with you.

See more Cartagena safety tips here, by the way.

Some Common Scams and Issues to Be Aware of

Ok, let’s get this out of the way.

There are a fair number of women working in the world’s oldest profession in Cartagena, including some that are less obvious and more part timers than full timers.

I’m not here to be anyone’s moral police, but it’s worth being aware of.

It’s also worth being aware that targeting of tourists for drugging with the drug scopolamine, aka “the devil’s breath,” does happen in Cartagena even if it’s much less prevalent than in Medellín.

This is most commonly women targeting men, but it can also happen to women.

I’d especially encourage caution about using dating apps like Tinder and recommend keeping an eye on your drink, especially if you’re out solo enjoying the Cartagena nightlife.

Now, just to be clear, you don’t need to sip on club soda out of a cup with a top and straw all alone in the corner.

Yea, please don’t do that!

Have fun meeting people.

Chat with that cute stranger in your best Spanish (social lubricant helps).

Dance with that cute stranger with your awrkard gringo rhythm (liquid courage helps).

Just don’t drop your guard entirely and maybe be a little weary of anyone that seems a little too interested, or well, at least use the head on your shoulders to think about why they might be interested.

Overcharging of tourists also happens, although I tend to think it gets overhyped on social media.

The 100 people that don’t get scammed don’t make tik toks about it, and they most certainly don’t go viral, like the 1 guy who got charged some crazy amount for a Jaeger bomb.

But it does happen.

So, try to make sure you review your tab carefully.

While it’s technically considered optional and they are meant to ask you, it’s pretty standard practice to include a 10% tip on bills at the nightclubs in Cartagena. Tipping anything more is totally up to you.

These issues are much more prevalent at less reputable establishments.

Places that haven’t been open long, that seem to cater to tourists but are outside the tourist areas, and places that have guys out on the street handing out cards and saying they know where to find the party and/or the girls are all signs of places where you should exercise some extra caution, or, better yet, avoid entirely.

Best Nightclubs in Cartagena

I’m going to go through my top 10 best nightclubs in Cartagena, then give a few more honorable mentions below.

Unfortunately, some long time favorites of ours, like Mr. Babilla, have closed since the last time I updated this list when we were a bit younger, still lived full time in Cartagena, and didn’t have a young child.

I have confirmed all of these places are open and well regarded in reviews as of the last update to this post in July 2025, and we’ve been to most of them ourselves.

Still, I’d encourage taking a look at recent reviews for any other place, especially keeping an eye out for the issues I reference above.

Bazurto Social Club – Most Unique Nightclub in Cartagena

Ah, an old favorite that had closed down for a while but then actually reopened!

Bazurto Social Club has long been one of our favorite Cartagena nightclubs.

It used to be located in a spot in Getsemaní and was a bit of a hidden gem. I remember having a really fun night here with my friends from home that come for our wedding.

It unfortunately didn’t survive 2020, like a number of other places we used to frequent.

We were really happy to see it had opened in a new location behind Casa Cruxada just off the Plaza Santo Domingo in the Walled City during our visit in the summer of 2024 though!

It’s a bit of a hole in the wall and remains a hidden gem, but it’s the Cartagena nightclub with the most local flavor, and where I’d recommend going out if you only go out dancing at one place in Cartagena.

There’s a lot of neat, Cartagena cultural references with art on the wall and funny drink names like Sex on the Beach with Doña Elvira.

They also play a heavy does of Champeta music, which was developed in Cartagena’s barrios and blends African rhythms with Spanish lyrics.

They also play salsa, reggaeton, and other Latin music.

I think my favorite thing about Bazurto though is that they do little mini Champeta and salsa lessons throughout the night. I’m not a great dancer, but at least I always get a little extra confidence having someone to follow for a few minutes!

They also often have live music.

There are more famous places and larger places and nicer places on this list, but this is where I most recommend people go to enjoy a fun and very Cartagena specific vibe.

They don’t seem to be great about keeping them updated recently, but you can check them out on Facebook and Instagram.

Seven 7 Times – Trendiest Cartagena Nightclub

Seven 7 Times, located on the Calle Media Luna in Getsemaní is one of the newer best nightclubs in Cartagena.

What I like about it is that it has distinct areas with different music and atmospheres, so there’s a vibe for everyone here.

These include a rooftop, a cantina room playing Colombian Vallenato and Ranchero, a Latin room playing salsa, bachata, and merengue, and a burlesque room where they have live dancers and special themed shows, like a Las Vegas show.

The different spaces often feature both DJs and live music.

It’s a bit of a one stop shop for where to party in Cartagena.

You can find out more information on their website, on their Facebook page, or their Instagram.

Café Havana – Most Famous Salsa Club in Cartagena

If you want to go out dancing salsa in Cartagena, the long running Café Havana has to be at or near the top of your list.

This spot on Calle Media Luna, diagonal from Seven 7 Times is practically a Cartagena institution. Hillary Clinton was even spotted here dancing once during the 2012 Summit of the Americas in Cartagena.

There’s always a live band at this Cartagena club and the decor is elegant but a throwback to an earlier era. You may very well feel like you’re in Havana of the 1950s.

They also have a newer restaurant and cigar lounge above the main club.

We actually had a dinner here on our summer 2024 visit. I thought the food was on the pricier side and just good, not great, but the rooftop is nice, and having the cigar lounge is a nice touch for a Cuba inspired salsa club.

You can get more info on Café Havana on their Instagram and their Facebook page.

La Movida – The Glitziest Cartagena Club

La Movida is the most upscale Cartagena nightclub.

There are 4 areas here: the main dance lounge, a patio, a rooftop, and a more low key basement bar. Complete with 4 resident DJs and frequent special guest DJs or performing artists, it’s very well regarded.

It’s definitely on the pricier side and maybe on the more pretentious, or pupi in Colombian lingo, side, attracting more young, well to do locals than tourists, but it’s definitely the place to go for a fancy Cartagena nightlife experience.

You’ll find La Movida in a large building inside the Walled City near the San Pedro Claver Church and the Charleston Santa Teresa Hotel.

Learn more about La Movida at their website, their Facebook page, and their Instagram page.

La Jugada Club House – 2nd Most Upscale Club in Cartagena

La Jugada Club House is run by the same group that manages La Movida.

Like its sister Cartagena nightclub, it is among the city’s most exclusive venues and draws as many, if not more, locals as tourists.

There are 4 rooms here, including a rooftop and the throwback speakeasy style “Gatsby” room.

I think it’s a good spot to go if you want something that blends class and sophistication with a dance club experience.

You’ll find La Jugada on the Calle del Colegio in the heart of the Walled City just a couple blocks from the Clocktower.

Learn more about La Jugada on their Instagram and their Facebook page.

Al Quimico – Between Cartagena Nightclub and Cocktail Bar

Al Quimico has long been regarded as one of Cartagena’s best cocktail bars. It was even named the #8 best bar in the world in 2024!

I remember when they first opened up in a much more humble locale in Getsemaní and made a name for themselves as one of the first places to do unique cocktails, complete with house infused liquors and funny displays of jars like you were in a mad scientists workshop befitting of their name.

They’ve come a long way since then and are in a big, multi-story space in the Walled City on the Calle del Colegio, directly across from La Jugada, in fact.

Al Quimico is the most relaxed place on this list. In the early evening or on slower nights, it feels more like a bar than a Cartagena dance club.

However, later at night, there’s usually a fair bit of dancing and more lively atmosphere going on here too.

So, this is where I’d go if you’re more interested in having drinks with a slice of dancing than dancing the night away. I’ve always enjoyed their cocktails and their food is pretty decent too.

The rooftop here has a fun atmosphere as well, and I’d say the whole place comes off as classy but not so pupi.

Learn more about Al Quimico at their website, their Facebook, and their Instagram page.

Bourbon Street – If You Want a Cartagena Nightclub that Feels like the US

I debated whether to include this place on the list or not.

I remember when Bourbon Street first opened. They had solid American style bar food and had a good atmosphere to watch a soccer game as well as a fun nighttime vibe.

That was perfect for me, an expat living in Cartagena who missed a good sandwich or burger and fries every now and then.

I thought their food quality and service kind of declined over time, especially as the main focus of their business seemed to be more as a nightclub than a grill and bar. I hadn’t been there for a while when they closed that location.

They have a new location right by the Clocktower where we have not been that seems to have mostly positive recent reviews, so I decided to include it on this list.

It also offers something a bit different than just about any other nightclub in Cartagena. They play a heavy dose of rock music, both American rock in English and Latin rock.

They often even have live cover bands.

Look, before you come for me in the comments about how this isn’t authenticaly Cartagenero or Colombian, yes, get out to other places on this list for something different than what you get from home first.

However, because there aren’t many places that play rock music or have this kind of vibe, it attracts more locals than you might expect.

So, if you need a break from Colombian food and/or Latin music, head here. For more of a bar/pub atmosphere, Clock Pub downstairs is also decent.

Find out more info about Bourbon Street at its website, its Instagram page, or its Facebook page.

Casa Palenque

This historic building on a corner next to the Plaza de la Trinidad has been rebranded several times over the years.

It first opened as a restaurant named Casa Palqenquera and had some gorgeous murals painted. I believe that closed and it was something else for a while, but now it is Casa Palenque.

I have not been here since it rebranded, but recent reviews online look pretty good. It seems to be doubling as a restaurant in the day and early evening before becoming a nightclub at night.

Seems like both the food and the atmosphere are well regarded.

I always encourage people to spend some time hanging out at the Plaza de la Trinidad, so if you wanted to do something easy and close to get your dance on for a bit, this would make the perfect spot to do it.

Learn more about Casa Palenque at their website and their Instagram.

By the way, if you want to visit the town of Palenque, check out my review of this Palenque tour from Cartagena.

Tu Candela – A Long Running Cartagena Nightlife Staple

Ah, Tu Candela.

This Cartagena nightclub has seemingly been here forever.

Located just across from the Clocktower, it used to be strictly a dance club, mostly playing salsa but mixing in other kinds of music.

I remember going here pretty frequently back in my first year or two living in Cartagena. It had kind of fallen off over the years, and for a while, it had a reputation for being heavily frequented by the working girls who hung out by the Clocktower.

It seems to have rebranded as a “Gastrobar” with food more recently. I don’t know, maybe it always had food. I never ate there before nor heard of it being recommended.

With so many recent great reviews though, it seems to have also regained some luster as a good spot for nightlife in Cartagena.

Recent reviews do seem to suggest it’s a bit more of a bar and restaurant atmosphere now, but it looks like there’s still plenty of dancing going on later too, and it’s in a pretty privileged location.

Learn more about Tu Candela at their Instagram page.

Crazy Salsa – If You Need Some Lessons to Properly Enjoy the Clubs in Cartagena

For the last pick on this list of the best clubs in Cartagena, I’m going to include Crazy Salsa.

Crazy Salsa is really more of a dance lesson studio, and they have well regarded group and private salsa lessons.

However, Thursday through the weekend, it doubles as a bar and dance club.

I haven’t done their lessons, but I’ve been out here dancing (or trying to anyways) a few times. For a spot inside the Walled City just a stone’s throw from the Clocktower, it’s remarkably unpretentious.

I always enjoyed the atmosphere and the live band here and remember their beer and drink prices being pretty reasonable, at least compared to most of the more popular Cartagena nightlife spots.

So, if you wanted to take some lessons, or even if you don’t, and just want to dance in a bit of a hidden gem, consider heading here on the weekend.

You can learn more about Crazy Salsa at their website and their Instagram page.

Honorable Mentions

Those were my top 10 places for where to go out dancing in Cartagena

If you’re looking for some more good places to party in Cartagena, I’ll share a few honorable mentions I considered for the list here.

For more salsa dancing options, consider Quiebracanto, which attracts a mostly local crowd and is located directty across from the Clocktower in Getsemaní. Same for Vueltabajero, which has a location nearby on the Calle Media Luna in Getsemaní in addition to their main location outside the tourist area. You’ll also find Tertulia de Getsemaní on the Calle Media Luna, which has good reviews of both its food and atmosphere.

Just inside the Clocktower’s gates, you’ll find Donde Fidel, practically a landmark in Cartagena. The outside tables are great for a relaxed beer, but if you go inside on a typical weekend night, it’ll be packed with blaring salsa music. I never had the courage to try to dance in here, but there’s always a few people tearing it up.

Eivissa is located nearby and plays more of a crossover playlist. Their little patio has a gorgeous view of the Clocktower at night, and while it’s on the pricier side, it seems to usually attract a good crowd. Mirador nearby has a bit more of a bar/lounge atmosphere than dance club feel but also has a gorgeous view of the Clocktower.

51 Skybar offers a similar vibe, more cocktail lounge than dance club, but does have DJs and at least a few people up dancing later in the night.

Finally, Taboo, often has a big crowd. Located at the end of the Calle Arsenal, where there used to be more Cartagena nightclubs, like Mr. Babilla, it is often the final stop for people going on Chiva party buses. There’s nothing special about it, and I feel it’s often overcrowded, but it’s fine spot to go out and dance to Latin pop music, and you can get away with going dressed a bit more casually here.

What Clubs in Cartagena Will Your Visit?

Now you’ve got my picks for the best nightclubs in Cartagena, Colombia along with some additional honorable mentions and some practical tips for how to best enjoy the Cartagena nightlife and stay safe while doing so.

I hope you found this post useful in planning your own night out to party in Cartagena. I’d love to know where you went and what you thought in the comments!

Most importantly, I hope you have a great time and dance better than me!

Cheers and Happy Partying!