A leafy, residential island neighbourhood just south of Getsemaní — grand old republican-era mansions, local life, marinas and a relaxed, authentic feel away from the tourist crush. Quiet, green and good value, a short walk or ride from the old town and Getsemaní; the base for travellers who want a calmer, more local stay with charm and better prices, accepting a short trip to the main sights. A pleasant, low-key alternative near the action.
€50–110
typical per night in Colombia
The sensible middle
Typical prices for Cartagena — neither steal nor splurge.
Where it sits
The circle is Manga and roughly a 10-minute walk around it.
How far is everything?
From the middle of this area to the city's headline sights — pick your own on the city page and these become your list.
- A sunset harbour cruise14 min walk1.1 km
- Getsemaní & its street art17 min walk1.4 km
- Salsa, rumba & rooftop bars19 min walk1.6 km
- Torre del Reloj & Plaza de los Coches23 min walk1.9 km
- Bocagrande (beach)24 min walk2.0 km
- The Walled City24 min walk2.0 km
- Plaza Santo Domingo & the plazas26 min walk2.2 km
- The city walls at sunset7 min taxi2.4 km
- The Rosario Islands103 min taxi34.3 km
On your doorstep
What you’re living next to if you stay here.
- 3.Castillo San Felipe de Barajas — The greatest fortress the Spanish ever built in the Americas — a colossal hilltop castle of ramparts, tunnels and cannon that defended Cartagena's treasure against pirates and mighty naval sieges. Explore the labyrinth of dark passages and climb the battlements for a commanding view over the old town and the sea. A superb, atmospheric plunge into the city's dramatic pirate-and-conquest history, and a fine viewpoint; go early or late to beat the heat. A must-see monument and one of Cartagena's great sights.
- 6.Caribbean-Colombian food — Cartagena's food is a delicious Caribbean-Colombian fusion — fresh ceviche and grilled fish, coconut rice (arroz con coco), fried plantain, the beloved arepa de huevo, and stews rich with coastal flavours, plus a world-class fine-dining scene in the old town. Graze the palenquera fruit-sellers and street carts, feast on seafood in a colonial courtyard, and cool off with a fresh tropical juice or a limonada de coco. Vibrant, tropical and superb; a real highlight of the city. Come hungry.
When are you staying?
Booking.com & Airbnb open searched to Manga; flights via Google Flights.