The best nightclubs in Cartagena blend salsa, rooftop EDM, and Caribbean chaos into nights you won’t forget. If you’re heading to Colombia’s coast in 2025, get ready — because this city’s nightlife scene isn’t just good, it’s a genre-bending, mojito-fueled rollercoaster that kicks off late and ends with sweaty hugs in Getsemaní.

From rooftop DJ sets overlooking the Old Town to raw champeta dance floors packed with locals, Cartagena has something for every vibe. We’ve combed TripAdvisor, stalked hashtags, and scanned local blogs to bring you the top 7 places that truly deliver.

Let’s get into it. No fluff — just fuego.

1. Café Havana – Iconic Salsa & Caribbean Heat

📍 Location: Getsemaní
💃 Vibe: Classic salsa, sweaty dance floor, mojitos by the bucket
💰 Cover: $10–20 USD
🕒 Best time: Arrive before 11 PM on weekends

If you come to Cartagena and don’t hit up Café Havana… did you even Cartagena?

This place is a living legend. Old-school Cuban son, live bands almost every night, windows wide open to the street — and a dancefloor packed with sweaty, twirling salsa-lovers from all over the world.

“Unforgettable shows and a vibe that hits you in the chest.” — TripAdvisor review

Even locals still show up here, which says a lot. The mojitos are strong, the staff are pros, and every night feels like a scene from a movie. Just don’t roll in looking for reggaeton — this is salsa central.

📸 Alt Text: Café Havana Cartagena salsa club with live band and dancers
🔗 Internal link idea: Link “salsa” to a future post like “Best Salsa Clubs in Colombia”

2. La Movida – Upscale Reggaeton & VIP Lounges

📍 Location: Barrio San Diego
👠 Vibe: Speakeasy meets Latino luxury lounge
💰 Cover: $15–25 USD
🕒 Best time: 11:30 PM – 2:00 AM

La Movida is for the crew that’s dressed to kill. No dusty sandals or backpacker vibes here. Think polished dress codes, leather couches, reggaeton-heavy DJ sets, and cocktails that actually taste like something.

You’ll need to either dress sharp or know someone to skip the line. Some travelers book VIP tables in advance via the club’s Instagram DMs — which we highly recommend for Fridays and Saturdays.

“Exclusive vibe without being snobby. You will dance.” — Reddit user, March 2025

This is where locals celebrate birthdays and tourists drop pesos like they’re in Miami. If that’s your energy — you’ll love it.

📸 Alt Text: Elegant crowd at La Movida Cartagena in stylish nightclub interior

3. Alquímico – Rooftop Cocktails & Multi-Floor Madness

📍 Location: Centro Histórico
🍸 Vibe: Experimental cocktails + four levels of chaos
💰 Cover: $10–15 USD
🕒 Best time: Rooftop hits peak at midnight

If Cartagena nightlife had a flagship, it’d be Alquímico. This multi-level monster goes from intimate speakeasy downstairs to full-on rooftop banger up top — with some of the city’s best cocktails in between.

Every floor has its own music and mood. One’s moody jazz, another is deep house, and the rooftop? Absolute party.

“Rooftop DJ set with passionfruit mojito in hand? Yes please.” — Travel blog, 2025

Expect long lines after 11 PM — smart folks book rooftop tables 48 hours ahead via WhatsApp.

📸 Alt Text: Rooftop view at Alquímico Cartagena with party crowd and city skyline
📲 Tip: Link “rooftop party” to your main Beach & Rooftop pillar post.

📍 Location: Getsemaní
🎶 Vibe: Street festival energy, no-frills, all rhythm
💰 Cover: $8–12 USD
🕒 Best time: Midnight ‘til sunrise

Welcome to the heart of Cartagena’s musical soul.

Bazurto isn’t fancy — and that’s exactly the point. You don’t go here for cocktails in coupe glasses. You go to sweat, stomp, and swing to live champeta and cumbia like you’re in a Caribbean block party. The air is humid, the speakers are loud, and the smiles are contagious.

“Unfiltered, electric, and proudly local.” — TripAdvisor review

Locals say it’s the one club where visitors finally get what Cartagena’s about. No reservations, no VIP. Just show up and join the rhythm.

📸 Alt Text: Locals and tourists dancing at Bazurto Social Club in Cartagena

5. Mister Babilla – Massive Energy & Reggaeton Mayhem

📍 Location: Near Bocagrande Beach
🎧 Vibe: Loud, wild, multi-level chaos
💰 Cover: $10 before midnight, $20 after
🕒 Best time: 11 PM–3 AM on weekends

Mister Babilla is Cartagena’s wild card. Big venue, booming speakers, and a playlist that jumps between reggaeton, Latin pop, and party anthems — all in a crowd that includes everyone from college backpackers to tanned locals in linen shirts.

It’s the kind of place where you lose track of time, your group, and maybe a shoe. Theme nights are big here (especially Halloween), and bottle service is affordable if you roll in with a crew.

“The most fun I’ve had in Colombia — messy in the best way.” — Google review

Tip: Book via local promoters or risk waiting in line behind 50 people.

📸 Alt Text: Partygoers dancing inside Mister Babilla Cartagena with live band lights

6. Fragma Club – Something for Every Taste

📍 Location: Centro, near Café del Mar
💡 Vibe: Three rooms, three moods — vallenato, house, reggaeton
💰 Cover: $8–15 USD
🕒 Best time: 12 AM–2 AM

Fragma feels like three clubs in one. Salsa and vallenato fans hit one room, house heads go deep in another, and the central lounge becomes a low-lit mingle zone. It’s a popular after-spot for people coming straight from rooftop bars or the historic walls.

Mid-week locals’ nights are great if you want fewer tourists and cheaper drinks. The venue often shares promo codes on Instagram, so keep an eye out before you go.

“Sound system is nuts. Felt like a mini-festival inside.” — Reddit thread, 2024

📸 Alt Text: Fragma Cartagena nightclub interior with DJ lights and dancing crowd

7. Eivissa – Ibiza Vibes on a Caribbean Rooftop

📍 Location: Historic Center (Centro)
🎵 Vibe: Open-air rooftop, EDM and cocktails, stylish crowd
💰 Cover: $12–25 USD
🕒 Best time: 12 AM–4 AM

Eivissa is where the party goes up — literally. Set on a fourth-floor terrace, this Ibiza-inspired hotspot delivers LED-lit dancefloors, a soundtrack of electro and Latin house, and wide-open views of Cartagena’s famous clocktower.

You’re here for the vibe and the photos. Expect neon outfits, DJs flown in from Bogotá or abroad, and drinks with dramatic garnishes. Yes, it’s more curated than raw — but sometimes you want the pretty, polished version of Cartagena nightlife. And Eivissa delivers.

“Instagram gold and actually a good party — rare combo.” — Travel blog 2025

Reservations are recommended for weekends. Best seats are near the edge — ocean breeze + skyline.

📸 Alt Text: Eivissa Cartagena rooftop club with dance floor and skyline view

Tips for Nightlife in Cartagena (2025 Edition)

Before you throw on your linen shirt or heels, here’s what you should know to party like a local (without looking lost):

Weekends Start Late

The real party doesn’t kick in until 11:30 PM or midnight. Pre-game with rooftop drinks or grab street food in Getsemaní before diving into the clubs.

Dress Code? Depends Where

La Movida and Eivissa = smart casual at minimum. Sneakers and tank tops will likely get you turned away. Bazurto or Mister Babilla? Come as you are.

Book Tables Smart

Many top clubs (especially Alquímico, La Movida) prefer WhatsApp or Instagram DMs for VIP/table reservations. Local event promoters also offer bundles for entry + bottles.

Be Aware of Tourist Pricing

Some clubs upcharge heavily on cocktails or entry for tourists. Always ask or check the menu first — or go where locals go (Bazurto, Fragma).

Final Thoughts – Cartagena After Dark

Cartagena’s nightlife in 2025 is more than just beats and booze — it’s a wild blend of culture, chaos, elegance, and rhythm. Whether you’re twirling to salsa in Getsemaní, sipping cocktails above colonial rooftops, or losing yourself to reggaeton in a neon-lit dancehall, this city knows how to throw a party.

Each of these seven clubs brings something different:
– Café Havana for salsa roots
– La Movida for fashion and fire
– Alquímico for rooftops and mixology
– Bazurto for pure Afro-Caribbean soul
– Mister Babilla for full-volume energy
– Fragma for musical variety
– Eivissa for sleek, starlit dance nights

And with venues constantly evolving, staying current with reviews, socials, and local buzz is the key to a next-level night out.

📍 Explore More Latin Party Hotspots

Planning a bigger Latin party trip? After Cartagena, check out our guide to the best beach clubs in Tulum for 2025 — cocktails, DJs, and barefoot beach vibes await.

Or dive into our full Nightclubs Guide to discover the hottest dancefloors across Latin America and beyond.