Cartagena is one of the most vibrant nightlife destinations in Colombia and the Caribbean. Among the city’s top clubs are La Movida, La Jugada, Café Havana Club, Bar Alquímico, and many more, offering unique experiences for party lovers, with the best local and international DJs and exquisite cocktails to enjoy all night long. Definitely the Best Nightlife in Cartagena

For me, the magic of Cartagena’s nightlife lies in its ability to mix the traditional with the modern, creating a unique atmosphere where Caribbean rhythms blend seamlessly with international music trends — a feeling you can only truly experience while exploring the historic center.

From the historic walls of the colonial downtown to the bohemian streets of Getsemaní, every corner of the city offers a different nightlife experience.

In this guide, I’ll take you on a tour of the best clubs in La Heroica, organized by categories so you can find exactly what you’re looking for — whether it’s a passionate salsa night, vallenato, authentic champeta, urban music, or an eclectic mix of all genres.

The Best Clubs in Cartagena to Dance Salsa

Salsa is the beating heart of Cartagena’s nightlife, and the city boasts exceptional venues where this genre comes to life spectacularly. These establishments not only offer high-quality music but also spacious dance floors and atmospheres that breathe the authentic salsa culture of the Caribbean.

Café Havana

For me, Café Havana is the undisputed temple of salsa in Cartagena. This legendary spot in Getsemaní is where the soul of salsa lives. With live Cuban music and an atmosphere reminiscent of the golden age of Caribbean nightlife, it is a must-visit for music lovers.

This iconic venue transports visitors to 1950s Cuba, with vintage décor, perfectly crafted mojitos, and, most importantly, the best live salsa orchestras performing regularly.

The experience at Café Havana goes beyond simply listening to music; it’s a place where experienced dancers can showcase their skills while beginners learn by observing the grace and rhythm of the locals — creating a truly special connection.

The walls are adorned with historical photographs and Cuban memorabilia, creating a nostalgic atmosphere that perfectly complements the fiery salsa rhythms — a place truly worthy of a memorable photo.

• Address: Cra. 10 #ESQUINA, Getsemaní

• Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 8:00 p.m. – 3:00 a.m.

• Instagram: Café Havana

• Price range: Entry around ~$10 USD, drinks from ~$12.50 USD onward

Vueltabajero – Centro

Located in the heart of Cartagena’s historic district, specifically on the emblematic Calle de la Media Luna in Getsemaní, the Centro branch of Vueltabajero is an authentic sanctuary of Cartagena salsa.

This cultural space has become the epicenter where members of the city’s salsa family converge every weekend, along with national and international visitors seeking the most genuine Caribbean flavor experience.

Its privileged location in the historic center allows both locals and tourists to immerse themselves in an environment where Afro-Caribbean music comes alive naturally and spontaneously.

• Address: Calle la Media Luna, Getsemaní

• Hours: 8:00 p.m. – 3:00 a.m.

• Instagram: Vueltabajero

• Price range: Free entry before 10:00 p.m., afterwards around ~$5 USD

Here, Cartagena’s salsa dancers not only listen and dance but celebrate their cultural identity in a space that exudes authenticity. The magic of Vueltabajero lies in its ability to transport visitors to the very essence of Cartagena salsa, where each musical note tells a story, and every dance step connects to the Afro-descendant roots that define the city’s musical soul.

Quiebracanto

Quiebracanto deserves special mention as one of the most authentic spaces for traditional salsa enthusiasts. This venue is known for keeping the Caribbean musical tradition alive, regularly featuring local bands that perform genre classics as well as original compositions reflecting the rich musical heritage of Colombia’s coast.

The Best Clubs in Cartagena for Champeta and Urban Music

Champeta is Cartagena’s most representative musical genre — a unique fusion of African, Caribbean, and Colombian influences. Venues specializing in champeta and urban music offer an authentically Cartagena experience that cannot be found anywhere else in the world.

Bazurto Social Club

Leading this category, Bazurto Social Club is the epicenter of champeta in the city. The highlight of the club is undoubtedly Bazurto All Star, a powerful band that performs before midnight, blending African champeta with reggae and ska.

This venue has created a space where champeta is not only danced to but lived and felt in every fiber of the body. Located in Getsemaní, Bazurto Social Club is perfect for dinner before continuing the night enjoying Cartagena’s vibrant party scene. It starts as a traditional restaurant and later transforms into a nightclub.

• Address: Getsemaní, Av. del Centenario, Cra 9 #30-42

• Hours: 9:00 p.m. – 3:00 a.m.

• Instagram: Bazurto Social Club

• Price range: Entry around ~$3.75 USD

At Bazurto Social Club, champeta is not just background music; it is a full cultural experience. Local DJs skillfully mix classic champeta with modern versions and contemporary fusions, preserving the essence of the genre while adapting it to current tastes.

La Jugada

Established as a stronghold of urban music in Cartagena, La Jugada specializes in reggaetón, hip hop, and Latin urban music, attracting locals and tourists alike who want to experience the hottest rhythms of the Colombian music scene.

With a state-of-the-art sound system and dynamic lighting, La Jugada creates the perfect environment for an urban music night. The resident DJs carefully curate each set to keep the energy at its peak all night.

The premium atmosphere, strategically located near the Clock Tower, transforms an ordinary evening into an extraordinary one. The beautiful spaces are perfect for photos, and the sunset lighting provides your best shots.

• Address: Calle del Colegio, Cra. 6 #34-25

• Hours: Daily, 7:00 p.m. – 3:00 a.m.

• Instagram: La Jugada

• Price range: Entry around ~$7.50 USD, liquor bottles from ~$37 – $75 USD

Here, urban music is not just heard — it is intensely lived, turning every weekend into a celebration where the beats of perreo and dembow merge with Cartagena’s nightlife magic, creating unforgettable memories for the Caribbean urban community.

Prestige Club

Emerging as Cartagena’s largest nightclub, Prestige Club offers multiple musical areas, including spacious sections dedicated to champeta and urban music. Its capacity to host large crowds makes it ideal for special events and performances by well-known urban artists.

Champeta and urban music venues in Cartagena are defined by their contagious energy and their ability to make even the shyest attendees get on the dance floor. Champeta, with its characteristic moves and hypnotic rhythm, creates a unique connection between music and dancers, turning every night into a celebration of Afro-Colombian culture.

The Best Clubs in Cartagena to Dance to Everything

For those seeking musical variety in a single night, Cartagena offers exceptional venues that combine multiple genres, creating eclectic experiences that satisfy every taste and musical preference.

Seven Times

One of the city’s most versatile nightclubs, Seven Times is an elegant club located on Calle Media Luna in Getsemaní. There is music for everyone, numerous nightly performances, and it’s certain to please all members of your group.

The club features four different areas, each dedicated to a musical genre. This multi-zone setup allows visitors to explore different styles without leaving the venue.

Each section has its own musical and decorative identity: one area may focus on electronic music with international DJs, another moves to salsa and bachata, a third features reggaetón and urban music, and the fourth plays rock and alternative music. This diversity makes Seven Times perfect for groups with varied musical tastes.

• Address: Calle Media Luna #9-79

• Hours: Daily, 7:00 p.m. – 4:00 a.m.

• Instagram: Seven 7 Times

• Price range:  ~$12 – $75 USD depending on drinks and VIP areas

La Movida

Another cornerstone of Cartagena’s salsa scene, La Movida is recognized for its dedication to preserving and promoting traditional Latin rhythms, offering themed nights devoted exclusively to salsa, Cuban son, and related genres.

Its dance floor is designed specifically for partner dancing, allowing attendees to fully enjoy the salsa experience. Beyond simply playing music, La Movida even offers pre-party salsa lessons, helping visitors improve their skills and immerse themselves in the local culture.

This educational aspect turns these venues into true cultural hubs where Caribbean musical traditions are preserved and transmitted.

• Address: Cl. 31 #3-37, El Centro

• Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 7:00 p.m. – 3:00 a.m.

• Instagram: La Movida Cartagena

• Price range: Varies by event. Cocktails and liquor ~$12 – $62 USD

La Verbena in Getsemaní

This two-story nightclub brings the flavor of Cartagena and the Caribbean to the dance floor, offering distinct spaces on each level with a variety of musical genres. Its two-floor architectural design naturally separates different musical environments, allowing guests to move between genres depending on their mood.

Eclectic clubs like La Verbena are defined by their adaptability to the audience’s preferences. The resident DJs expertly read the crowd and adjust the music accordingly, creating smooth transitions between genres that keep everyone dancing.

From Colombian cumbia to international electronic music, reggaetón, salsa, bachata, and pop, these venues offer a complete musical journey in a single night.

The advantage of these multi-genre clubs is that they allow guests to discover new rhythms and styles. A visitor may arrive seeking reggaetón and end up falling in love with champeta, or start the night dancing salsa and finish with high-energy electronic music.

The Best Nightclubs in Getsemaní and Centro

Getsemaní has emerged as Cartagena’s most bohemian and alternative neighborhood, concentrating a wide variety of nightlife venues, from intimate bars to vibrant nightclubs. This area is characterized by a more relaxed and authentic atmosphere, moving away from mass tourism to offer genuine experiences of Cartagena’s culture.

Taboo Disco Club

Taboo Disco Club has established itself as the most traditional party in Cartagena, becoming a true icon of the city’s nightlife with over 12 years of experience in nighttime entertainment.

The venue has evolved alongside the musical tastes of its visitors, maintaining a cutting-edge status as “the evolution of the party.” Its prime location in Getsemaní allows both locals and tourists easy access to this temple of fun, where tradition and modernity merge to create memorable experiences.

• Address: Cl. 24 #10-55, Getsemaní

• Hours: Daily, 8:00 p.m. – 3:00 a.m.

• Instagram: Taboo Disco Club

• Price range: Entry depends on the event; many cocktail promotions are available

The atmosphere at Taboo Disco Club is vibrant, featuring energetic music and lively dances that define the heart of Cartagena nightlife. This nightclub has positioned itself as the perfect place to sway and move to your favorite Latin sounds, offering an authentic experience that combines tropical rhythms with the contagious energy of the Colombian Caribbean.

Townhouse

I already mentioned how much I love this place; it represents the most sophisticated side of Getsemaní. This rooftop bar offers panoramic views of the neighborhood and Cartagena Bay while providing an elegant setting to start the night with artisanal cocktails before the space transforms into a dance floor with electronic and house music.

• Address: Cra. 7 #36-88, San Diego

• Hours: 8:00 a.m. – 2:00 a.m. (breakfast and brunch included)

• Instagram: Townhouse Cartagena

• Price range: Brunch ~$50 USD, cocktails ~$11 USD

Demente Tap Station

Adding an alternative touch to the neighborhood, Demente Tap Station focuses on craft beer and rock music. During the day, it functions as a brewery, while at night it transforms into a dance space featuring alternative, rock, and electronic music.

A night tour through Getsemaní offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in authentic Cartagena culture. Experience the vibrant nightlife with a Pub Crawl in Getsemaní, including free shots, drinking games, salsa and champeta classes, and live music. The short distances between venues make bar hopping easy, allowing visitors to experience multiple atmospheres in one night.

The magic of Getsemaní lies in its authenticity. Unlike more touristy areas, nightlife here is infused with local culture. Prices are more affordable, the environment is more relaxed, and interactions with locals are more genuine. Street musicians performing champeta, urban artists painting live murals, and vendors selling delicious arepas and fresh cocktails are common sights.

Cartagena de Indias has established itself as one of the Caribbean’s most exceptional nightlife destinations, offering a diversity and quality of nighttime experiences to satisfy all tastes and expectations. The city has maintained its cultural authenticity while evolving to meet the demands of increasingly sophisticated international tourism.

The city’s rich musical landscape is reflected in its nightclubs, where traditional rhythms such as champeta, salsa, and vallenato harmoniously coexist with the latest international trends. This musical diversity is the result of centuries of cultural exchange, making Cartagena a melting pot of African, European, and Indigenous influences.

Different neighborhoods provide distinctive nighttime experiences: the historic center offers elegance and sophistication within unique architectural frameworks, while Getsemaní offers authenticity and bohemian charm in a more relaxed, accessible environment. This geographic segmentation allows every visitor to find their ideal vibe based on preferences and budget.

Top 3 Must-Visit Nightclubs

After thoroughly analyzing Cartagena’s nightlife offerings, my top three recommendations reflect the essence of Cartagena’s nightlife in all its diversity:

1. Café Havana – The Soul of Caribbean Salsa
   Café Havana earns first place for its unique ability to transport visitors to the golden era of Caribbean music. Its authenticity is unmatched, featuring live Cuban music that makes the colonial walls of Getsemaní vibrate. The experience goes beyond entertainment, offering a deep cultural immersion into the Caribbean’s musical roots.

2. Bazurto Social Club – Authentic Champeta
   Second place goes to Bazurto Social Club for its fundamental role in preserving and promoting champeta, Cartagena’s most representative musical genre. The Bazurto All Star and their fusion of African champeta with reggae and ska create a musical experience unlike any other in the world. Its dual function as a restaurant and nightclub provides a complete gastronomic and cultural experience.

3. Seven Times – Musical Versatility
   Seven Times takes third place for its innovative concept of multiple musical areas under one roof. Its ability to satisfy all musical tastes in a single night makes it perfect for diverse groups. Its strategic location in Getsemaní, elegant yet accessible atmosphere, represents the contemporary evolution of Cartagena nightlife.

Cartagena’s nightlife is so rich and diverse that a single guide can barely scratch the surface of everything this magical city has to offer. On the LA CARTA blog, you’ll find specialized and updated content about the best destinations, gastronomic experiences, cultural activities, and hidden gems in Cartagena de Indias.

Our team of local experts constantly discovers and shares the city’s hidden treasures, from authentic restaurants to exclusive experiences. Join our community of urban explorers and discover why Cartagena continues to enchant visitors from around the world. At LA CARTA, every recommendation is a gateway to a new adventure in this endlessly surprising city.

LA CARTA: The Best Nightlife in Cartagena, Colombia – A Guide to the City’s Top Nightclubs