Cartagena is a city that’s enchanting during the day but it’s also a party-town at night. Luckily, there’s plenty of options to satisfy all types of budgets.
One of the best and most popular is the Cholon Island Party. This takes place every weekend and is only about 45 minutes boat ride from Cartagena.
Location
When people think of Cartagena, they envision a tropical paradise. Palm trees, bright blue sea and sandy beaches. That’s all true, but that’s not everything. The city is also a party hub.
One of the most popular parties in town is at Cholon. It’s a little speck of an island, close to the Rosario Islands and around 40 minutes boat ride from Cartagena. It’s the kind of place where the air smells of suntan oil and booze, and where locals and tourists dance until their legs give out.
There are several ways to get there – take a private speedboat or hire a yacht, or go on a shared tour with your group. It’s important to make arrangements in advance. Doing so can save you money and hassle, especially if you don’t speak Spanish. Plus, you can ensure your boat is a good fit for your group. You’ll need to pay for drinks and food on the island but that can work out cheaper if you go on a shared tour.
Music
Cartagena is teeming with live music and entertainment, especially at night. Check out places like Café Havana, which features salsa bands, Bazurto Social Club, and Quiebra Canto for a lively atmosphere and some great music.
Another fun option is to spend some time in the old city’s plazas, where you’ll likely be serenaded by street performers and mochila-lined street vendors. You can also learn about the region’s Afro-Colombian roots at the Museo del Oro, which showcases gold artifacts and pottery from the ingenious Zenu people who inhabited the area before Spanish colonists arrived.
You could also take in the rhythms of a drum circle, where you’ll learn how to play some Colombian rhythms and dance the afternoon away with locals. Alternatively, head to Eivissa Rooftop Lounge for drinks and a view of the city at night. The rooftop bar is a popular spot with travelers and locals alike.
Food
Whether you’re looking for a gourmet meal in the historic center of Cartagena or something more casual, there is a restaurant to meet your needs. Head chefs Carmen Angel and her husband studied at Le Cordon Bleu, which means the dishes here are a mix of classics from around the world with some local flavors that are unique to Colombia.
Join a street food tour to get a taste of the delicious fruits, fried foods and drinks that are specific to Cartagena. This is a great way to learn about culture in Cartagena while sampling delicacies like the lulo, guanabana and arequipe.
Located in the hip neighborhood of Getsemani, La Cevicheria is a seafood restaurant that is renowned in Cartagena. The menu is fresh and Mediterranean-inspired with a Caribbean twist. La Cevicheria is a must-visit for all Cartagena cuisine lovers.
Drinks
Cartagena is a city that really comes to life at night. With gorgeous streets, lively culture, incredible food and stunning beaches, this charming city truly shines.
Spend NYE dancing to international DJs with tropical vibes at one of Cartagena’s top clubs. This is the perfect event to celebrate New Year’s Eve in style with a group of friends!
Learn to dance salsa or put your dancing skills to the test with a fun Colombian dance class. These classes are offered multiple times a day and cater to all levels of experience.
Relax with a cold drink and spectacular views at one of Cartagena’s many rooftop bars. Try the ‘Members Only’ bar, which has a cool barkeep and great music (usually salsa). Or head downstairs to Baruco to watch a talented house band while sipping a cocktail!Island Private Party in Cartagena Colombia
