Don’t know where to go dancing salsa in Cartagena? Don’t worry, here we bring you the top 5 best salsa spots in the city that we, Discover Cartagena By Locals, recommend!
In the first place, we have La Tertulia de Getsemaní, located in the Getsemani neighborhood, a place that was born after the pandemic and that offers a journey through time to its visitors to learn about and experience the culture, history, music, and drinks of the Cartagena ancestors, inspired by the Puerto Rican salsa bars tradition that brings to life the Cartagena taste for salsa.
You can enjoy a delicious and refreshing cocktail while immersing yourself in a traditional colonial ambiance. Locals and foreigners come here to enjoy the party until 3 am on Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays (Sundays when Mondays are holidays).
To enter, you must pay a non-consumable cover of 30,000 Colombian pesos, which you can pay with a card or cash. After 10 pm, the magic of La Tertulia de Getsemaní arrives, with its live music, group after group, playing up to three bands per night, delighting attendees with salsa, Cuban son, African music, among others.
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In second place, we have La Havana, located on Calle Media Luna and Calle del Guerrero, offering a taste of Cuban culture for people in Cartagena and operating for over a decade.
You can dance, have a few drinks, and listen to live music at the “Esquina del Movimiento” (Corner of Movement), as this place is known in Cartagena. This place invites you to enjoy vibrant, fun nights filled with the warmth of Cartagena.
This bar marked the history of Cartagena because it changed the image of the Getsemaní neighborhood, which was not considered a good neighborhood before the existence of La Havana. After the creation of La Havana, hostels joined this neighborhood, and travelers began arriving in Getsemaní.
La Havana has live music and dance shows as well and is frequented by foreigners. They now also have a rooftop called Calle Dragones in honor of a real street in Havana, Cuba.
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In third place, we have “Donde Fidel,” located in the Portal de los Dulceros in the historic center, which brings life to an emblematic corner of the city. They open at 2 pm and close at 1 am during the week and at 2 am on weekends.
This place used to be a neighborhood store where workers would come for a beer after work, as the historic center was once the location of offices. “Donde Fidel” didn’t start off with that name; it was simply called “Fidel.” Over time, it changed from “Fidel” to “Donde Fidel” because locals have the habit of saying “where” before indicating where they are going. Therefore, people started changing its name:
“Where are you going?”
“To Donde Fidel.”
Due to its popularity, it became more than just a small store and was able to get permits for public space.
It is one of the most visited places to listen to salsa and have some drinks, with a large outdoor terrace. “Donde Fidel” has photographs of the owner, Fidel, with well-known people who have visited the place, as it is widely known among salsa singers. It is even invited to concerts and visited by recognized singers.
Both locals and foreigners go to “Donde Fidel,” but you should know that you won’t find cocktails here, only good drinks. You also need to bring cash as it is the only payment method.
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In fourth place, we have “Vueltabajeros,” located at Calle de la Media Luna # 9-118, the salsa house in Cartagena. This place is frequented by locals, keeping the original salsa party atmosphere that Cartageneros love. Therefore, they don’t sell cocktails, and their menu revolves around traditional drinks such as whisky, rum, and beer.
On Fridays and Saturdays, they have live music, and although you have to pay a cover of 20,000 Colombian pesos, it is consumable within the establishment.
At “Vueltabajeros,” you will find a picturesque and cultural space, ideal for partying with your group of friends when visiting the beautiful city of Cartagena.
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Finally, in fifth place, we have “Quiebracanto,” located at Camellón de Los Mártires on Cra. 8b # 25-110 2nd floor, a place that offers one of the best salsa parties in the city. This place was initially intended for locals, but today it is also frequented by Colombians from other parts of the country, and it was created in the last century.
They offer basic cocktails such as mojitos and margaritas. “Quiebracanto” opens from Wednesdays, from 7 pm until 3 am.
As it is located in front of the Convention Center, “Quiebracanto” is frequented by people who leave events held in that place.
At “Quiebracanto,” you can meet Reinelda del Carmen, an elderly woman who sells peanuts and gum inside the establishment. While you dance, she may approach you to offer peanuts or gum and end up dancing with you.
Decorated with Cuban decor, “Quiebracanto” offers its visitors a night full of good salsa.
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