Overlooking the Caribbean Sea, it’s no surprise Cartagena has some stunning sunsets. Watching the Cartagena sunset is a must during your visit, and doing it with a refreshing drink is even better, especially after a day exploring in the sun. Read on for a list of the top 10 best places to see the sunset Cartagena with a cold drink.
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Where to Watch the Cartagena Sunset with Drinks
You really can’t go wrong anywhere where there is a view of the sunset in Cartagena. However, we’ve done some hard work scouting for some of the best places to enjoy sunset drinks in Cartagena. All are great options.
So in no particular order, here are the best places to watch the sunset in Cartagena with a drink.
*One note of warning: so close to the equator, the sun does go down quickly, so make sure you don’t miss it! Try to be where you plan to be around 5.
1. Cafe del Mar
Cafe del Mar, is one of the most famous bars in Cartagena, sitting atop the city’s iconic wall and sporting a terrific and charming view of the ocean. Really a visit to Cartagena isn’t complete without a visit to Cafe del Mar, and the best time to do it is at sunset.
Cafe del Mar has an extensive drink menu. I recommend their extra creamy Piña Colada and refreshing Gin and Tonic. If you’re looking for a non-alcoholic drink, they also have one of the best Limonada de Cocos in the city.
If you’re looking for a snack while you enjoy seeing the sunset in Cartagena, the Fantasía del Mar and their normal picada are both great!
Do be aware that it is an extremely popular spot to see the sunset in Cartagena, and the best seats along the wall are prime real estate, often even reserved on weekend nights.
Try to get there early or consider making a reservation yourself by calling ahead or doing so via their website or page on Tripadvisor.
If you’re on budget, you can also check out “Café de al Lado,” the section of the wall just beside Cafe del Mar. Although they’ve cracked down on this a bit recently, you can still find street beers and enjoy the view sitting atop the wall or cannons while enjoying the music just outside the bar.
2. Rooftop Bar at Hotel Movich
The rooftop bar at Hotel Movich also easily makes the list of best places to enjoy the Cartagena sunset with dirnks. Located a block away from Plaza Bolívar, it is centrally located and not only gives a great view of the sunset but also of the bay and the Walled City.
Movich’s rooftop bar is open to the public, although it is occasionally closed for events like weddings at the hotel and seating is limited, so do get there a bit early.
They have a solid drink menu with a few original concoctions and all the classics. Although pricey, the awesome view more than makes up for the premium. They also have a food menu and the appetizers are great.
It’s worth treating yourself here as one of the best places to enjoy the Cartagena sunset with drinks. Learn more at their website.
*Hotel Movich is also one of the best luxury hotels in Cartagena. If you are interested in staying there, check them out on Booking.com.
3. 51 Sky Bar
I had to add 51 Sky Bar to the list of where to see the sunset in Cartagena after we went there recently when my mom was visiting.
Located atop the Hotel Estelar, 51 Sky Bar has a huge open air bar on the, you guessed it, 51st floor. Because it’s so high, it is somewhat enclosed with columns and tall glass to protect from the wind. Still, the views are amazing.
You can see the sun set out over the Caribbean, and also get some killer views of the bay on the other side. The drinks aren’t shabby either! My picture above really doesn’t do the view justice with the glass, it really is a great place for Cartagena sunset drinks.
Do check with the bar before heading there as it is sometimes closed for events, You can see their website here.
*Hotel Estelar is also one of the best luxury hotels in the city. Check them out on Booking.com.
4. Sibarita Express Sunset Cruise
If you’re looking for a great experience seeing the sunset in Cartagena, look no further than the Sibarita Express Sunset Cruise. Approximately a 90 minute cruise, the boat takes you out on Cartagena’s bay to the edge of the Caribbean, where you’ll watch the sun set before heading back in to port.
Oh yea, and it’s an open bar on rum and cokes and rum punch throughout the cruise. It’s a neat experience, and completely worth it for the views. You can read my full review of the experience here or book via Viator or via GetYourGuide. You can also book their larger Master boat’s sunset cruise via Viator.
*Sibarita also offers an Express Dinner Cruise (see on Viator) as well as a Master Dinner Cruise (see on Viator or GetYourGuide).
*You might also be interested in the following other sunset cruise options:
- Private Sunset Tour (up to 12 people, via Viator)
- Sunset Cruise on a Sailing Catamaran (via GetYourGuide)
5. El Muelle
Located right on the beach in Laguito, the sun sets directly in front of El Muelle. That lands it next on our list of best places for Cartagena sunset drinks.
While you can see the sunset from most places along the beach, vendors and/or paying for chairs can be a pain.
However, El Muelle has tables and lounge chairs both on the beach and on the upstairs deck. That way you can enjoy the sunset in peace without being hustled.
It also has a cool, chill, and traditional Cartagena atmosphere. The seafood is also excellent if you are looking to get dinner after your sunset drinks. I recommend the Siete Mares seafood soup, the fish filet served in lobster and crab sauce, or the filet served smothered in shellfish (filete a la marinera).
You should absolutely check out El Muelle if you’re looking for where to have sunset drinks in Cartagena. Learn more at their website.
6. Club de Pesca
This one is maybe cheating since the sun’s final descent is blocked by buildings. However, the view over the bay and the colors you’ll see in the water and clouds during sunset are as beautiful as any of the best places to see the sunset in Cartagena.
Club de Pesca is located next to the marina in Manga. The restaurant is built on a corner of the colonial fort San Sebastián de Pastellito which only adds to its charming atmosphere. It is also on my list of best places for a romantic dinner in Cartagena.
Although pricey, the food is top notch, so you could opt to stick around after sunset for dinner. The cocktail prices are actually pretty reasonable.
You might want to make a reservation, especially if it’s the weekend. If you’re going as a couple, try to get one of the two tables that are in the old cannon placements. They are super exclusive and make you feel like you are having a private dinner as well as being right on the water. (The picture at the top of the post is from one of these tables).
Learn more about Club de Pesca at their website.
7. El Baluarte
Less well known, and usually much less crowded, than Cafe del Mar, El Baluarte also sits atop the wall and makes a great place to see the sunset in Cartagena.
It also has slightly more reasonable prices, especially for food if you’re planning to have dinner after sunset. There is also occasionally live music in the evening.
Located on the corner of the wall across from Hotel Charleston Santa Teresa and near the Naval Museum, El Baluarte is another great option for where to enjoy sunset drinks in Cartagena.
Learn more at their website.
8. Santa Isabel Food Trucks
The Santa Isabel Food Trucks have become one of our new favorite spots in Cartagena. Located on Calle Arsenal just down from the Convention Center, they are located right on the bay and have a spectacular view.
There’s a perfect view of the sunset over the bay. Seeing the bay and Old Town lit up in orange and pink makes this one of the best places to see the sunset in Cartagena.
For drinks, there’s a truck serving up beers and cocktails. However, I’d recommend going for the sangria at the sandwich and wine truck next to it. Enjoying the refreshing sangria is a great combo with the sunset!
For food, there are burger, pizza, seafood, Mexican, sushi, and sandwiches on offer. Everything we’ve tried there has been good and fairly reasonably priced.
Santa Isabel is a great place to catch the sunset, have dinner, and do some pre-gaming before hitting one of the nightclubs along Calle Arsenal or elsewhere in Getsemaní.
Note that the food trucks are closed on Mondays but open at 5 pm the rest of the week. You can learn more about the Santa Isabel Food Trucks at their facebook page.
9. Townhouse
The rooftop bar at Townhouse Hotel is in a brilliant central location inside the walled city.
Since it’s not the tallest building, you will unfortunately miss the final descent of the sun behind other buildings, but it’s still a great spot to see its early descent and enjoy the cool dusk breeze and colors in the clouds.
The bar is very cool and has some very cool cocktail concoctions. In addition to the creative mixes and great names, each one has a funny little graphic on the menu. I like the Power Couple blend of bourbon and rum, but the Bananarama also looks great.
There’s also good tapas and appetizers here, and they have a daily party DJ for sunset time. To go with the very cool atmosphere, you can even use the small pool if you spend 50,000 pesos.
Even though it’s not the best view in the world, it’s great atmosphere still makes Townhouse a must include on this list of where to view the sunset in Cartagena.
Learn more about Townhouse’s rooftop bar at their website and their facebook page. They also do a great all you can drink brunch on Saturdays and Sundays, you can see my review of it here.
*Townhouse is one of the coolest new hotels in Cartagena and a top recommendation for where to stay. Check them out on Booking.com.
10. Casa de la Cerveza
Atop the colonial fortifications that overlooked the entrance to Getsemaní, Casa de la Cerveza (Beer House) has a brilliant location.
It overlooks the city’s main bay on one side (the side where the sun sets) and the inlet leading up to the Castillo San Felipe Fortress on the other.
However, the prices here a bit exaggerated.. A standard Aguila or Club Colombia will set you back nearly double where you can find them elsewhere (and more like 3 times what you’ll pay in a tienda or on the street).
There are a few Colombian craft beers available, but again the prices are higher than elsewhere. (If you’re really looking to sample good beers, check out our post on places to get craft beer in Cartagena).
That being said, if you want to watch the sunset in Cartagena with an overpriced beer but a very nice view and neat colonial atmosphere, Casa de la Cerveza might still be worth the visit.
Enjoy the view, have one beer, get your beautiful picture or selfie, then head elsewhere, like the aforementioned Santa Isabel Food Trucks for more reasonably priced drinks and grub.
You can learn more about Casa de la Cerveza at their website.
Honorable Mentions: A few other good places to get sunset drinks in Cartagena
Terraza Mirador La Heroica
Located on the rooftop of the Hotel Monterrey, straight across the promenade from the Clocktower in Getsemaní, the La Heroica Terraza offers an incredible panoramic view of the Walled City and the plaza in front of the Convention Center.
Therefore it’s no surprise it also offers a nice view of the sunset behind the Convention Center landing it on our list of best places to see the sunset in Cartagena with drinks. Learn more at their website.
*See also: Check out Hotel Monterrey on Booking.com.
Selina
The terrace bar at Hotel and Hostel Selina is also a nice spot.
On Calle Larga in Getsemaní, it is another option for where to have sunset drinks in Cartagena. A popular hostel and coworking spot, it would be a good place to mingle. In addition to drinks, there is also food available.
*Check out Selina on Booking.com.
Hyatt Regency Rooftop Bar
Next door to the Estelar and 51 Sky Bar is the Hyatt Regency. The rooftop bar there is also nice, although the pools face the ocean.
There is however a small little sitting area where you can watch the sun go down directly over the Caribbean. Afterwards, the larger sitting area on the back side has some great views of the bay and the city below.
*Check out the Hyatt Regency on Booking.com.
There you have it, our choices for the top 10 places to have sunset drinks in Cartagena, along with a few honorable mentions. If you have a favorite, or feel like I’ve left a place off, I’d love for you to let me know in the comments below!
Cheers and Happy Exploring!
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You may also be interested in the following posts:
Sibarita Sunset Cruise Review – Great Cartagena Sunset Harbor Tour
Saturday Morning at a Rooftop Bar – A Review Townhouse’s Boozy Brunch
Where to Have a Romantic Dinner in Cartagena?
Planning your trip to explore Cartagena?
Check out the following posts to help plan:
Insider’s Guide to the Best Areas to Stay in Cartagena
Complete Packing List for Cartagena
Top Things to Do in Cartagena
Hey Andrew! We are returning to Cartagena for a boys trip. Thank you updating us on the curfew and covid situation. It’s very helpful. I’m also enjoying your website. It’s one of a kind! If you were to plan an ultimate boys trip for one of your good buddies, where (eg clubs, bars, strip clubs) would you take them?
Hi Paul. It’s a bit tricky right now given Covid as most nightclubs are either still closed or operating more like bars. I would definitely recommend doing the private boat rental out in the islands. Good spots where you can get sort of a hybrid bar/club experience are Al Quimico, Townhouse’s Rooftop Bar (their downstairs 1920s style bar is kind of neat too but not sure if they’ve reopened). Having cigars at Ron y Tabaco is a good boys trip stop. They usually have live music in the evening too. Beer Lovers if you want to try some Colombian craft beers. Demente has good pizzas and a cool little beer garden right off the Plaza Trinidad.
Al Quimico was the ultimate place to go before the pandemic. I haven’t heard anything about it in a long time, so I was worried it had closed. Good to know they are making it through.
Yea, cool place. I remember watching several of the last World Cup matches there. Haven’t been since things reopened, and I think they got a fine or something a few weeks back but I’m pretty sure they are still operating.
We will coming in Sept so hopefully the vaccine rollout will pick up. We were there in April it wasn’t that bad with everything closing at midnight. Glad I saw your website. We will def check out townhouse and maybe hotel movich. We enjoyed eivissa and alquimico.
Nice. I am hoping the same! Hopefully over the next couple months they get through all of the older population and people at higher risk, then by August, September start to get everyone vaccinated.
What we should be careful of with consuming food and water and getting sick (ie traveler’s diarrhea or vomiting)? I got sick when I traveled to Asia. It was believed it was from the fruit due to the water content.
Hey Lynn. So if you’re being completely cautious, avoid fruit, but you may also be fine. If you do want to get any, maybe just try to avoid any that looks like it has been cut up and sitting for a while. I would also probably avoid any seafood on the street, or shrimp cocktails from vendors on the beach just to be on the safe side. Most restaurants should have pretty good cleaning standards. Still a good anti-diarrhea or stomach remedy is good to have just in case. The tap water is also safe to drink here but I have heard of people getting upset stomachs off it before getting used to it, so I would also recommend sticking to bottled water, it’s easy to find and cheap and you can even buy big 5 gallon bags and refill bottles.
Hi Adam,
Great site. I visited Cartagena 3 times. I find myself returning every year now. I have not tried half of the suggestions you listed. My next trip will be like the first time. Thank you.
Funny, I ate cervechie on the beach everyday. I will agree it is risky for eating on the beach. You really have to watch the preparation.
Is there a site or social platform for emergencies for expats?
Hey Robyn! That’s great. Honestly, I eat ceviche on the beach and don’t mind it, but I guess it can be a bit risky. Hmm, for emergencies, honestly I’m not sure. Apollo Medical Travel is a business run by an expat here but I think they are more focused on things like dental work and cosmetic surgery, not sure if they do emergency or not, they may be worth contacting to find out. Probably, the best hospital to go to is the Bocagrande one. Although, knock on wood, we never have to!
Excellent site for Cartagena!!! Well done.
Many thanks Robyn! Hope you keep coming back to Cartagena again and again!