Sitting pretty on the historic walls, Café del Mar, has been a landmark of Cartagena's nightlife scene for two decades.
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This Is What We Love
- Ending a beautiful day in Cartagena with a spectacular Caribbean sunset on the historic walls with a cocktail on the go
- All-year-round sea breezes that help cool you off
- Chilled Ibiza-style lounge music that will help you warm up
- Lounging around with friends on Café del Mar's day beds
- Romantic trysts with your better half with an irresistible backdrop
- Starting the evening off here before going to cut the rug at a more local favourite La Movida
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What You Need To Know
- Drinks aren't cheap but you won't mind paying for the view
- Café del Mar is a child friendly venue
- During the high season the bar charges an entry fee after 20:00
- The toilets are downstairs and you need a ticket to go free-of-charge
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The Details
Hours and Days: Mon-Sun: 17:00-02:00 ?Address: Baluarte Santo Domingo, Cartagena, Colombia
Rating: TIC User Rating
Rating: Trip Advisor
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THE LOWDOWN
Our Full Review
It's privileged position atop the Baluarte Santo Domingo, the westernmost point of Cartagena's 17th century fortifications, underpin the bar's enduring appeal.
The unbroken sea views and refreshing breeze make Café del Mar the undisputed king of Cartagena sundowners and attract an international crowd that don't mind paying New York prices for the chance to knock back a Mojito and watch the sun sink into the sea.
Get there for around 17:30 to watch the Caribbean sun consumed by the Caribbean horizon, without question one of the ultimate highlights of any trip to Cartagena.
The popular bar's top tables hug the walls providing a romantic spot for couples to canoodle their way into another evening in the most seductive city in the Caribbean.
Open into the early hours, the old school Ibiza soundtrack adds to the comfort levels of Cartagena's most chilled drinking experience.
We recommend kickstarting your evening here with our Cocktail Tour and hitting some more off-the-beaten track cocktail hotspots afterwards.
LOCATION & MAP
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Centro
Cartagena's nerve centre serves up breathtaking colonial architecture, the city's top attractions, finest hotels, eateries and drinking dens as well as being the administrative and cultural heart of the city.
Constructed on one of three islands that are now connected to the Colombian mainland, the historic walled city was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987.
Ever since UNESCO made the announcement the money has poured into restoring the incredible architecture contained inside its historic walls. Wandering aimlessly through Cartagena's historic center is without question it's one of the highlights of any trip to Colombia.
Centro has lost none of its importance over the last three centuries, thanks to the universal allure of its colonial pomp and the concentration of government buildings, hotels, tourist attractions, bars and restaurants in the area.
While the riches of the region no longer flow through Cartagena on their way from Colombia, Peru and Ecuador to Spain, the city has maintained its position as the colonial gem in Colombia's Caribbean crown.
Cartagena's best hotels and restaurants have taken over the uber-casas built by slave traders and Spanish plunderers in the 17th century.
The richest residents knocked up stunning two and three-storey mansions by the westernmost tip of the walled city, where they bagged the sea breeze, added security, papal pardons and the chance to get an early first whiff of pirates.
While it was home to the slave traders of yesteryear, today not much has changed with only those at the very top of Colombia's rich list able to afford to maintain these opulent houses in their original residential state.
As well as hosting the most opulent churches and principal tourist landmarks, Centro is home to the best bars and restaurants in Cartagena.
Standout foodie destinations include restaurants Don Juan, La Vitrola and Maria and bars and nightclubs like Alquimico, Cafe del Mar, La Movida and La Jugada.
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