Cartagena Nightlife Guide: Rooftops, Plazas and Cocktail Temples You Need To Hit Now

51 Sky Bar - Sunset views and late-night energy

51 Sky Bar is one of Cartagena's most dramatic places to start the night, perched high above the city with a full sweep of the bay and skyline. It is trending because travelers keep sharing those golden-hour photos and short videos, which fuels steady review growth and keeps it on discovery lists.

Expect a sleek, modern rooftop with glass, neon accents and a mix of lounge sofas and high-top tables. The vibe starts relaxed at sunset, then shifts to a more club-like feel later with DJs, bottle service and a dressed-up crowd.

Best for:

• First-night wow factor and skyline photos
• Groups that want a lounge-to-club transition in one spot
• Travelers staying in Bocagrande or by the convention area

Tips for visiting:

• Aim to arrive 45 to 60 minutes before sunset for the best views and easier entry.
• Dress smart casual. Sneakers are usually fine if they look clean and intentional.
• Cocktails lean modern and Instagram-friendly, so factor that into your budget.

51 Sky Bar’s combination of height, views and social media buzz keeps it trending even though it is not brand new. It is a reliable anchor for any Cartagena nightlife route.

Plaza de la Trinidad - Street party heartbeat of Getsemaní

Plaza de la Trinidad is the open-air living room of Cartagena’s nightlife. With a huge volume of reviews and consistently high ratings, it is trending because it is the first place many travelers recommend when asked where to feel the “real” city at night.

By early evening, street food vendors, musicians, families and backpackers all mix in front of the church. As the night deepens, more performers arrive, local crews gather on the steps and the plaza turns into a spontaneous block party.

Best for:

• Budget-friendly nights out with street beers and snacks
• Meeting other travelers and friendly locals
• Pre-gaming before heading to bars and clubs in Getsemaní

Tips for visiting:

• Grab arepas, empanadas or patacones from the vendors circling the square.
• Buy your drinks from nearby tiendas or small bars and bring them back to the steps.
• Keep your valuables close. It is lively and generally friendly, but still a crowded plaza.

Plaza de la Trinidad is trending for its neighborhood energy rather than fancy decor. It is the raw, social core of Getsemaní and a must-stop on any Cartagena nightlife map.

Mirador Gastro Bar - Chill terrace with city and bay views

Mirador Gastro Bar blends a laid-back rooftop terrace with a strong cocktail and food program, which is why it keeps climbing in popularity. It pulls in both couples on date nights and small groups who want music and views without a full-on club scene.

The terrace overlooks the historic center and the water, with a relaxed but polished design. Expect Latin hits, some pop and reggaeton, but at a volume that still lets you talk. The kitchen leans on modern takes on Colombian and international bar food, which makes it an easy one-stop dinner-plus-drinks choice.

Best for:

• Date nights or small groups who value conversation
• Travelers who want good cocktails without a hyper-loud club vibe
• Pre-club warm-up near the walled city

Tips for visiting:

• Reserve a terrace table if you are going around sunset or on weekends.
• Try one of the house signature cocktails that highlight local fruits.
• Use this as a midpoint: start here, then walk to Getsemaní or deeper into the walled city.

Mirador Gastro Bar is trending because it hits a sweet spot between tourist-friendly and local-approved, with strong review momentum and repeat visitors recommending it for a balanced night out.

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

Townhouse Cartagena | Boutique Art Hotel • Rooftop • Bar is a boutique hotel rooftop that has turned into a nightlife favorite thanks to its playful design, art-forward vibe and creative drinks. It is trending because it feels like a hidden gem that is now getting wider attention in guides and social feeds.

The rooftop is colorful and casual, with murals, poolside seating and a mix of lounge chairs and communal tables. Daytime has a pool-party feel, while evenings shift into a social rooftop bar with DJs, themed nights and a fun crowd that skews young and creative.

Best for:

• Rooftop day-to-night hangs with a small pool and sun
• Cocktail lovers who enjoy inventive, photo-ready drinks
• Travelers who like boutique hotel style more than big-club energy

Tips for visiting:

• Check their social channels for special events or themed nights.
• Some hours may prioritize hotel guests for the pool, so plan around that if you want to swim.
• Arrive early for sunset, then stay as the music and energy build.

Townhouse Cartagena’s rooftop is trending because it offers a more intimate, design-driven alternative to larger rooftop bars, while still delivering a lively scene and strong drink program.

Alquimico - Three-level cocktail institution

Alquimico is Cartagena’s most famous cocktail bar and a must-visit for serious nightlife fans. With thousands of reviews and a strong growth score, it is trending because it keeps reinventing itself with new menus and events while staying a staple in global bar rankings.

The space is spread across three distinct levels inside a restored mansion, plus a rooftop. Each floor has its own bar program and vibe, from darker, speakeasy-style interiors to a more open rooftop with DJs and dancing.

Best for:

• Cocktail enthusiasts who care about technique and ingredients
• Travelers who want to experience Cartagena’s most talked-about bar
• Groups looking to dance without committing to a giant club

Tips for visiting:

• Go earlier in the evening if you want to focus on cocktails and the concept behind them.
• Expect a line on weekends. Arriving closer to opening helps.
• Explore all levels. The experience changes as you move through the building.

Alquimico is trending not because it is new, but because it keeps earning global recognition, which brings in curious visitors while still attracting locals who appreciate its evolving, farm-to-glass approach.

How to link these spots into one Cartagena nightlife route

Use these trending places to build an easy, walkable night:

1. Sunset start - Begin at 51 Sky Bar or Mirador Gastro Bar for golden-hour views and first cocktails.
2. Street energy - Head to Plaza de la Trinidad to feel the neighborhood buzz, grab street food and cheap beers.
3. Rooftop socializing - Move to Townhouse Cartagena | Boutique Art Hotel • Rooftop • Bar for artsy rooftop vibes.
4. Late-night finish - End at Alquimico for high-level cocktails and dancing across multiple floors.

With this route you get a mix of polished rooftops, local plazas and world-class cocktail culture in a single night.

Wrap-up: Stay ahead of the curve with MapsBuddy

Cartagena’s nightlife is evolving fast, with rooftops, plazas and cocktail bars gaining momentum week by week. MapsBuddy tracks ratings, review growth and real traveler behavior so you can find the spots that are trending now instead of yesterday’s favorites. Use this guide as your base, then keep exploring nearby pins in the app to stay one step ahead of the mainstream.