The 7 best hostels in Cartagena

How to find the best hostels in Cartagena for your trip

The Caribbean city of Cartagena is the colourful paradise you need: a perfect mix of culture, history, beautiful architecture and stunning beaches (with many palm trees, of course!). It is definitely A MUST in your Colombia backpacking trip. And if you want to find a beautiful place to sleep in paradise which isn’t too pricey… You are in the right place!

Most of the best hostels in Cartagena are close to the main attractions, which include lovely cobbled streets with colourful houses, the Castle of San Felipe, the Palace of Inquisition and the amazing Clock Tower in the door to the historic centre. Discover the colonial architecture while enjoying a nice sea breeze.

There are plenty of beautiful beaches in Cartagena, which will make your stay even more pleasant. However, if you travel a bit further, you will enjoy of incredible, breath-taking, golden shores with turquoise shiny water. After a great day of adventures and falling in love with this amazing country, what could be better than heading somewhere you feel 100% at home?

We have selected YOUR favourite hostels in Cartagena* and categorised so that you can find exactly what you are looking for. Say good bye to uncomfortable times when you are the only one who wants to party hard (or the opposite) and start to REALLY enjoy your hostel. Here’s the ultimate guide to find the best hostels in Cartagena!

*According to our users’ reviews.

Best hostels in Cartagena for couples

KIM Hostel

In the words of one guest, “this charming hostel feels more like a boutique than a hostel”. It is the perfect place to enjoy your partner’s company in a lovely bright-coloured room. There’s also a pool on the rooftop, which helps fight the Colombian heat (they say it’s especially strong in this hostel’s private rooms! 🔥).

Address: Calle Larga N0. 8b-148, Getsemani, Cartagena, Colombia

The best of the hostel:

☕️ Amazing Colombian coffee

🌴 Swimming pool

🚲 Bicycle hire

🎲 Board games and pool table

📍 Getsemani Neighbourhood

Book your stay at KIM now

Best party hostels in Cartagena

El Viajero Cartagena

The hostel is located inside the walled city, one of areas with the wildest nightlife in Cartagena. With free salsa and bachata lessons every night and a bar open till late, we know where this is going! Don’t worry, the free buffet breakfast with fresh Caribbean fruit will help you cure that hangover 😉.

Adress: Calle 7 Infantes, Cartagena, Colombia

The best of the hostel:

🥑 Free breakfast with fresh Caribbean fruit and Colombian coffee

📚 Book exchange

🍹 Bar

💃 Dancing lessons

🍔 BBQ

📍 San Diego Neighbourhood

Book your stay at El Viajero Cartagena now

Best hostels in Cartagena with private rooms

The Clock Hostel and Suites

If you’re looking for privacy, this is THE place to stay in Cartagena. Absolutely all the beds are double and have curtains and wooden walls for privacy. According to the guests’ reviews, this is a unique place, with a very interesting and different concept. Oh! And there’s a jacuzzi and free breakfast.

Address: Centro Calle Roman 5-30, Cartagena, Colombia

The best of the hostel:

🥑 Free breakfast with fresh Caribbean fruit and Colombian coffee

😍 The whole hostel concept and decoration

🍹 Bar

🛁 Jacuzzi

🎲 Board games

📍 Crespo Neighbourhood

Book your stay at The Clock Hostel and Suites now

Best of the rest hostels in Cartagena

Republica Hostel Cartagena

Fun and relaxing would be the perfect description for this amazing hostel. The rooms are facing the courtyard, which has a gorgeous blue swimming pool. The interior design of this hostel is simple but on point: white walls with blue details and tile floors, featuring beautiful green plants in every other corner. There is a bar and a lounge area on the ground floor, but it’s on the rooftop where they play the coolest hits at night!

Address: Calle segunda de Badillo #36 – 45, Cartagena, Colombia

The best of the hostel:

😍 The colonial building and the interior design

🌴 Courtyard with swimming pool

🍹 TWO bars

🎉 Rooftop terrace

📍 Historical Centre

Book your stay at Republica Hostel Cartagena now

🎉 Conclusion

Cartagena is one of those places that feels almost too colourful to be real. Between the pastel streets, the music drifting out of open windows, and the Caribbean heat wrapping around everything, it’s a city that pulls you in fast.

Where you stay plays a big part in that experience.

Whether you’re looking for a social hostel where nights turn into dance floors, a quiet boutique stay to unwind, or something in between, Cartagena has options that genuinely shape your trip, not just where you sleep.

Pick the vibe that matches your energy, book somewhere with a good fan or air con (you’ll thank yourself later), and lean into it.

Because in a city like this, the best moments usually start right at your hostel.

We hope with this list you can find a hostel in Cartagena that meets all of your expectations. Have you been to any of them? What did you think? Write it on the comments!

Did you like this post? Keep reading!

👉 Best hostels in Colombia

👉 Colour, coffee and culture: the ultimate backpacker guide to Colombia

👉 Top tips for staying safe in Colombia

👉 8 crazy things you didn’t know about Colombia

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