Watch the sunset over the Caribbean from a terrace in height is one of the experiences that are most often repeated in the recommendations of those who visit Cartagena. The city has a growing supply of rooftop bars, mainly concentrated in the historic centre, Gethsemane and Bocagrande, each with a distinct atmosphere, depending on the zone in which it is located. This guide brings together what you can expect from each area for you to choose the environment that best suits your travel style.
What makes it special to a rooftop bar in Cartagena
Beyond the view, what distinguishes a good rooftop bar in the city is the combination between architecture, height and location. Many of these spaces are installed on colonial buildings restored in the historic center, which allows you to see the domes of churches, city walls and the sea at the same time from the same point. In Bocagrande, in contrast, the height of the modern buildings offers a wider view and direct to the line of the beach and the ocean horizon.
In terms of the gastronomic proposal, the majority of these spaces combines a cocktail menu with options light to chop, designed more to accompany a conversation extended to a full dinner. It is common to find cocktail bar with local tropical fruits, such as passion fruit, lulo, or handle, adapted to the relaxed atmosphere of a terrace facing the sea.
Rooftop bars in the historic centre
The historic center has the largest density of terraces with a view, many of them located on the antique boutique hotels or houses restored colonial. The combination of cobbled streets of the background and the sea as a backdrop visual makes this area the most sought after by those who visit the city for the first time and want that postcard-classic Cartagena at sunset.
Rooftop bars in Gethsemane
Gethsemane offers an alternative to more casual and with a younger audience, with terraces that often combine good live music or DJ’s with a view to the roofs of the neighborhood, and, in some cases, to the historic centre neighbor. It is a different option if you are looking for an environment that is less formal than that of the terraces of the historic center, not far too much of that area. The contrast between street art that characterized the streets of Gethsemane during the day and night views from its terraces, is part of what makes this neighborhood a mandatory stop on any tour of rooftop bars.
The night life beyond the terraces
The rooftop bars are just a part of the nightlife of the city. If you want to explore other options beyond the terraces in height, this guide to bars and nightlife in Cartagena meets other alternatives, from bars with live music to spaces to quieter for a drink after dinner. Combine a rooftop bar at sunset with a bar, live music later in the night is a common way to take advantage of two different environments within the same output.
How to plan your night of rooftop bars from Bocagrande
If you are staying in Bocagrande, moving into the historic centre or the garden of Gethsemane for a night of rooftop bars involves a short trip in the car, which makes it easy to combine multiple stops on the same output without losing too much time in commuting. Although Hotel Regatta Cartagena does not have a bar on the roof, it does have two pools, located on floors 11 and 18, and a terrace exclusive on the 18th floor, ideal to relax before heading out to explore the rooftop bars of the city, or enjoy the views in height without leaving the hotel.
Go back to your rooms with a view of the bay after a night of bars is also comfortable, as the area is well connected with the rest of the city and the trip back is often short compared to the other areas.
Tips to enjoy the rooftop bars in Cartagena
- Arrives before sunset if you want to secure a good table with a view, as the terraces most popular fill up fast in that time slot.
- Combines a terrace in the historic center of another in the garden of Gethsemane on the same night, as both areas are close to each other.
- Please note that some decks require prior reservation, especially on the weekends or in high season.
- If you prefer a more relaxing experience before you leave, take advantage of the swimming pools and the terrace of your hotel during the afternoon.
- Wearing a light coat if you plan to stay up late, as the ocean breeze can cool the atmosphere on the terraces higher.
Do you need to book in advance to go to a rooftop bar?
In many cases yes, especially in the terraces most popular of the historical centre during weekends or peak season, when the demand for tables with a view increases significantly.
What is the best time to go to a rooftop bar in Cartagena?
The time of the evening, usually between 5:30 and 6:30 in the afternoon depending on the time of year is usually the time most requested, as it offers the best combination of light and views of the sea or the city.
Does the hotel have a terrace or height space?
Hotel Regatta Cartagena has two swimming pools, on floors 11 and 18, in addition to a terrace exclusive on the 18th floor, ideal for enjoying a height space before or after a night exploring the spectacular rooftop bars in the city.
Plan your night of rooftop bars from Bocagrande
If you want to explore the best rooftop bars in Cartagena drop of a hat with long distances, stay in Bocagrande is a practical option, as it allows you to return quickly to the hotel after a night of terraces without relying on long-haul transport. Contact us to know availability in Hotel Regatta Cartagena and plan your stay close to the main nightlife areas of the city.
