If you want to experience a more authentic, colorful, and lively side of Cartagena, there's one neighborhood that deserves a spot on your itinerary: Getsemaní, Cartagena. Here, you can stroll past murals and through bustling streets, sample local cuisine, discover lively plazas, and end the day on terraces surrounded by music and bars.
In this guide, you'll find things to do in Getsemaní, its top tourist attractions, and plenty of activities to enjoy during your visit to Colombia.
Getsemaní, Cartagena, is a traditional neighborhood surrounded by streets lined with restaurants, cafés, and lodging options. Places like Plaza de la Trinidad are the heart of the action, while streets such as Media Luna, Calle Larga, and Calle de la Sierpe invite you to keep walking and discover building facades, shops, and examples of urban art.
You'll also notice some recent changes, as the renovation of Calle de la Media Luna was completed in May of that year—a 290-meter project that restored this historic street and incorporated it into the tourist circuit connecting Getsemaní with other areas of the Historic Center.
It's one of those places where it's worth sitting down for a few minutes and simply watching what's going on around you. In front of the Church of the Holy Trinity, locals, travelers, musicians, and vendors gather, especially as evening falls.
The plaza also holds special significance for the community. In July 2026, the so-called "Getsemaní Neighborhood Life" was included on the National Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage.
If you enjoy taking photos while traveling, set aside a few minutes to stop by here. Its decorated walls and the objects hanging over the street create one of Getsemaní's most recognizable spots.
It doesn't take long to visit, so you can stop by while walking to other spots in the neighborhood.
This is a quieter spot compared to Plaza de la Trinidad, as you'll find restaurants and outdoor seating areas nearby where you can take a break, grab a bite to eat, or have a drink.
If you want to sit back and relax while watching the neighborhood come to life without being in the middle of the busiest area, this small plaza is a great option.
This street is deeply intertwined with the history of Getsemaní and has regained prominence following its renovation. The Cartagena City Government describes it as one of the neighborhood's most iconic streets and notes that for centuries it was the only land entrance to the walled city.
Its location is also convenient because it's home to a concentration of restaurants, bars, and venues where you can continue your night out.
A night out in Cartagena doesn't necessarily mean spending the entire night at a nightclub. You can start with dinner, have a beer or a cocktail, and then look for a spot with live music or a dance floor.
Among the well-known spots in the area are places like Café Havana, while Media Luna Street is home to several bars and clubs. Some venues change their lineups and hours, so it's a good idea to check their social media before heading out.
One of the advantages of staying or spending a few hours in Getsemaní is its proximity to the Walled City. You can cross over to the Historic Center and continue walking through plazas, churches, colonial streets, and along the city walls.
The Clock Tower is an easy landmark to use for orientation, and from there, you can decide whether to continue on to other parts of the city center or head back to Getsemaní.
If you'd like to add a historic attraction to your itinerary, San Felipe Castle is nearby and well worth spending a few hours exploring.
The general admission fee is 38,000 Colombian pesos, while Colombian citizens pay 33,000 pesos upon presenting their ID. For children ages 6 to 13, students, and teachers, the cost is 16,000 pesos.
Hours are from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., every day. Remember that you can purchase tickets online through the official Fortifications of Cartagena system.
If you're interested in learning about the region's pre-Hispanic past, you can also include this museum in your tour of the Historic Center. The museum was renovated and reopened in 2023 with an exhibition dedicated to the pre-Hispanic societies that inhabited the Colombian Caribbean.
The museum's cultural program includes free activities, although hours may vary depending on the event, so it's a good idea to check the official schedule before you go.
If you plan to visit different places, staying near the Historic Center or Getsemaní will make getting around much easier. At Wynwood House, you'll find fully furnished apartments with equipped kitchens, separate living rooms, and a strategic location for exploring Cartagena on foot or with short trips.
Book your stay with Wynwood House and make the most of everything Cartagena has to offer.
There is no admission fee to enter the neighborhood. You can walk through its streets, visit its plazas, and admire the murals without paying. Your expenses will increase if you book tours, eat at restaurants, or visit nearby attractions.
You can have dinner, listen to live music, sit on a terrace, visit bars, or head to Plaza de la Trinidad. The area is one of the best-known spots for Cartagena's nightlife, especially on weekends.
The Walled City, the Clock Tower, and Centenario Park are all very close by. You can also reach San Felipe Castle on a short walk and combine the atmosphere of Getsemaní with a visit to one of Cartagena's most important landmarks.