Best Bars in Cartagena You Need To Hit Before Sunset Turns To Salsa

51 Sky Bar - High-rise views and golden hour buzz

Perched on one of Cartagena's taller towers, 51 Sky Bar is where locals and visitors chase the sunset before heading into the night. It is trending thanks to a steady wave of social posts of its panoramic skyline and bay views, plus a noticeable uptick in reviews from travelers who want a more modern, glass-and-neon vibe than the historic center.

• Vibe: Chic lounge in the sky with a dressy but relaxed crowd.
• Why it is trending: Instagram-heavy sunsets, DJ nights, and its reputation as a pre-party spot before clubs in Bocagrande or Getsemani.
• What to order: Signature gin and tonics, tropical rum cocktails, and anything sparkling for sunset toasts.
• Best for: Date nights, small groups, and anyone who wants city views instead of just colonial streets.

Tip: Aim to arrive 45 to 60 minutes before sunset. Lines can build quickly when the sky turns pink over the bay.

Mirador Gastro Bar - Balcony beats over Plaza Santo Domingo

Mirador Gastro Bar overlooks one of the most iconic plazas inside the walled city. It is riding a long-term trend as the go-to balcony bar where you can watch street performers below while a DJ or live band keeps the energy up above.

• Vibe: Open-air terrace with colonial balconies, candlelit tables, and a constant low-key party.
• Why it is trending: Massive review volume, consistent word-of-mouth from walking tours, and its perfect angle over Plaza Santo Domingo for people watching.
• What to order: Frozen cocktails, mojitos, and shareable bar bites that pair well with long nights of music.
• Best for: First-timers to Cartagena who want that classic "balcony over the plaza" moment.

Tip: Reserve a balcony table if possible. Walk-ins are often pushed to interior tables that do not have the same magic.

Townhouse Cartagena | Boutique Art Hotel • Rooftop • Bar - Artsy rooftop with poolside cocktails

On top of a playful boutique hotel, the rooftop at Townhouse Cartagena | Boutique Art Hotel • Rooftop • Bar has become a favorite for travelers who want a stylish yet unpretentious scene. It is trending because of its poolside day-to-night parties, colorful art direction, and frequent appearances in travel influencers' reels.

• Vibe: Creative rooftop with murals, loungers, and a casual social crowd.
• Why it is trending: Strong growth in recent reviews driven by travelers who stay elsewhere but come here for rooftop brunches, sunset sessions, and themed nights.
• What to order: Craft cocktails with local fruit, good spritzes, and brunch friendly drinks earlier in the day.
• Best for: Day drinking, small groups, and solo travelers looking for an easy place to meet people.

Tip: Check their social channels for pool events or themed nights. These often fill up fast and explain the spikes in online buzz.

Alquimico - Multi-level cocktail temple

Alquimico is the bar that put Cartagena on the global cocktail map. Housed in a historic mansion, it spreads across three distinct levels, each with its own music and mood. It stays trending thanks to its high review count, constant mentions in international lists, and its farm-to-bar approach using Colombian ingredients.

• Vibe: High-energy, packed, and theatrical, especially on weekends.
• Why it is trending: Consistent growth in recent reviews from visitors who seek it out after seeing it in "best bars" rankings, plus locals who still use it as a go-to night out.
• What to order: Signature cocktails organized by floor, often featuring local botanicals, cacao, and regional rums.
• Best for: Cocktail lovers, groups of friends, and anyone who wants one big night out in Cartagena.

Tip: Go early in the evening if you want to focus on the cocktail program. Arrive late and it turns into a full-on party with long waits at the door.

Bar Tu Candela - Classic plaza-side party starter

Facing the waterfront near the Clock Tower, Bar Tu Candela is one of the most reliable high-energy bars in the historic center. It is trending because it bridges old-school Cartagena nightlife with the new wave of visitors who want salsa, reggaeton, and a lively crowd without a club cover.

• Vibe: Compact, loud, and social, with people spilling toward the street between songs.
• Why it is trending: Strong rating with steady new reviews from bar-hoppers who discover it while exploring the Clock Tower area at night.
• What to order: Simple rum and coke, shots with friends, and easy mixed drinks to keep you moving.
• Best for: Pre-club drinks, dancing in a smaller space, and budget friendly nights where the atmosphere matters more than fancy glassware.

Tip: Step outside between sets to catch the breeze from the bay and reset your ears before heading back into the crowd.

How to bar-hop Cartagena like a local

• Start early with a view: Begin around sunset at 51 Sky Bar or Townhouse Cartagena for cocktails and city views.
• Move inside the walls: Head to Mirador Gastro Bar for balcony vibes and people watching.
• Turn up the energy: Drop into Bar Tu Candela near the Clock Tower for dancing.
• Finish strong: End at Alquimico for late-night cocktails and a multi-floor party.

Dress is generally smart casual. Humidity is real, so light fabrics and comfortable shoes are your best friends.

Why use MapsBuddy for Cartagena bars

Cartagena's nightlife shifts fast as new rooftops and cocktail spots pop up around the historic center and Bocagrande. MapsBuddy tracks ratings, review momentum, and local buzz so you can find the bars that are trending now, not last season. Use this guide as your starting lineup, then keep exploring before the next wave of visitors catches on.