Cartagena is the vibrant Colombian city that’s getting more and more popular with tourists each year. The charming old town, with its beautiful colourful streets packed full with colonial buildings, is definitely a sight to be seen.
But with a history of cartels, and some parts of the city still marked by a decidedly different atmosphere after dark, where can you stay in this city? And is it safe?
Don’t worry. We’ve selected the best hostels in Cartagena so that you can find somewhere in a safe area whilst experiencing the city’s rich history and its local culture.
So without further ado, let’s have a look and see what top hostels in Cartagena will suit you – and your budget!
Editor’s note – Ready to see beyond this Colombian city? Check out our 14 best day trips from Cartagena!
Quick Answers – The Coolest Hostels in Cartagena
#1 Best Overall Hostel in Cartagena – Hostel La Antigua
#2 Best Party Hostel in Cartagena – Media Luna Hostel
#3 Best Hostel for Solo Travellers in Cartagena – El Viajero Cartagena
#4 Best Hostel in Cartagena Old Town – Republica Hostel
#5 Best Hostel in Getsemani – Casa Del Poza Boutique Hostel
#6 Best Hostel near Rafael Núñez International Airport – Wonderland Party Hostel
#7 Best High-end Hostel in Cartagena – The Clock House
#8 Best Budget Hostel in Cartagena – Quintas By Maos
#9 Best Hostel with a Private Room in Cartagena – Be Lounge Hostel
#1 – Hostel La Antigua
Best Overall Hostel in Cartagena
Hostel La Antigua is the best overall hostel in Cartagena
Hostel La Antigua is the best overall hostel in Cartagena
Hostel La Antigua is the best overall hostel in Cartagena- Cost – $$
- Location – Calle Larga, calle 25, 10B-13, Barrio Getsemani
- Reviews → Check on Hostel World
Why we like Hostel La Antigua…
We love the quirky interior and the cool outside space of this top hostel in Cartagena. We also like that the beds are very comfy. Being the best hostel in Cartagena, La Antigua Capsula also features what makes this place: amazing, friendly and helpful staff who make everyone feel welcome.
Hostel La Antigua is perfect for…
If you want to make friends whilst you travel or if it’s your first time to Cartagena, then staying here will put your mind at ease. You’re made to feel at home as soon as you step through the door, which is a plus for solo travellers especially. And the big, free breakfast is a bonus that fills you up ready for a day of exploration!
Looking for the Party? We’ve got you covered with our guide to the best party hostels in Cartagena!
#2 – Media Luna Hostel
Best Party Hostel in Cartagena
Media Luna Hostel is the best party hostel in Cartagena
Media Luna Hostel is the best party hostel in Cartagena
Media Luna Hostel is the best party hostel in Cartagena- Cost – $$
- Location – Centro, cll Media Luna
- Reviews → Check on Hostel World
Why we like Media Luna Hostel…
Every Wednesday this Cartagena backpackers hostel puts on epic parties, which we love. There’s also a bar which is a great place to have fun with fellow travellers staying at the hostel. Most of all we like the straightforward atmosphere here where people are up for conversation and making friends.
Media Luna Hostel is perfect for…
If you’re looking to party then Media Luna Hostel is a great place for it. Not only is this the best party hostel in Cartagena because of its own legendary parties that it hosts, but there’s a great bar across the street if you want to venture out. And if the heat gets to you, you will love the strong air-conditioning at this top hostel in Cartagena.
Editor’s Recommendation! These are the staff pick for the top hostels in Colombia (for all budgets!)
#3 – El Viajero Cartagena
Best Hostel for Solo Travellers in Cartagena
El Viajero Cartagena is the best hostel for solo travellers in Cartagena
El Viajero Cartagena is the best hostel for solo travellers in Cartagena
El Viajero Cartagena is the best hostel for solo travellers in Cartagena- Cost – $$
- Location – Calle 7 Infantes
- Reviews → Check on Hostel World
Why we like El Viajero Cartagena…
With nightly activities, engaging staff, two outside patios and a bar complete with music, the sociable vibe at this youth hostel in Cartagena is great. We like the general atmosphere a lot, but what we like the most is the events and tours offered by this hostel, which are a great way to meet fellow travellers.
El Viajero Cartagena is perfect for…
If you’re looking for a great social hostel where there’s always something happening, then El Viajero Cartagena is the place for you. Especially if you’re someone who gets bored if things get too quiet or chilled, the atmosphere here means you’ll be having fun and meeting new people all the time!
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#4 – Republica Hostel
Best Hostel in Cartagena Old Town
- Cost – $$
- Location – Calle segunda de Badillo # 36 – 45
- Reviews → Check on Hostel World
Why we like Republica Hostel…
This is easily the best hostel in the Cartagena old town and that’s for a good reason. It’s an award-winning hostel and we like it not only because of that, but because it looks super stylish and the facilities are good. The setting in an old colonial building matches the surrounding area, which we love as well.
Rebublica Hostel is perfect for…
If you’re looking for the most perfectly placed hostel to explore the Walled City of Cartagena then this is it. Republica Hostel might be a little bit pricey compared to some other Cartagena backpacker hostels, but it is well located and suits anyone with an eye for heritage buildings. And it’s got a pool!
Traveling as a family? Check out our best hostels for family in Cartagena.
#5 – Casa Del Poza Boutique Hostel
Best Hostel in Getsemani
- Cost – $$
- Location – Carrera 10 #25-95, Calle del Pozo, Getsemani, Cart
- Reviews → Check on Hostel World
Why we like Casa Del Poza Boutique Hostel …
The bright colours, murals, artwork and decorative tiled floors mean that this place has our vote when it comes to being (possibly) the coolest hostel in Cartagena. We like the bar, of course, and the pool, which are great places to hang out. It’s the best hostel in Getsemani, which it reflects perfectly in its cool and edgy bohemian surroundings.
Casa Del Poza Boutique Hostel is perfect for…
If you’re looking for a cool hostel in Cartagena that’s not just a boutique hostel, but still has that ‘traditional’ hostel social side and fun factor, then Casa Del Pozo is a great choice. Also fans of a big, tasty breakfast will love staying here – this exact thing is included in the price! It’s a great all-round hostel, really.
#6 – Wonderland Party Hostel
Best Hostel near Rafael Núñez International Airport
- Cost – $$
- Location – Cra 8A, N. 67-10, Crespo
- Reviews → Check on Hostel World
Why we like Wonderland Party Hostel…
We love the friendly staff at this recommended hostel in Cartagena. We also love the great pool area and the Netflix room is a major plus for when you just want to chill, too. But what we like most of all is its location: you can practically walk to the airport from this place!
Wonderland Party Hostel is perfect for…
If you’re looking for the best hostel near Rafael Núñez International Airport, you’ve found it! Although it says it’s a party hostel, this place is actually very chilled so is perfect for a bit of an airlock between the madness of Cartagena and flying to your next destination.
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#7 – City Hostel Central Station
Best Hostel near Cartagena Train Station
- Cost – $$
- Location – Fleminggatan 19
- Reviews → Check on Hostel World
Why we like City Hostel Central Station…
Recently renovated with top notch features, the City Hostel is all about clever design, functional design. It super cool glass roof lets loads of light in and makes the spaces feel big and airy. What really makes it the best hostel near central station is that it feels very safe and the staff look after all of their guests, making sure that everyone that passes through leaves happy.
City Hostel Central Station is perfect for…
The perfect hostel for travellers that arrive in the city by train, this is also the coolest hostel near Stockholm station. Clean and well maintained, there’s a brillan social area to meet people and cable tv in every room for when you want to have some time chilling out on your bed.
Need more specifics? Here are the best neighborhoods in Cartagena to stay!
#8 – The Clock House
Best High-end Hostel in Cartagena
- Cost – $$
- Location – Centro Calle Roman 5 – 30
- Reviews → Check on Hostel World
Why we like The Clock House…
We love The Clock House because it is one of the coolest hostels in Cartagena. Simple! The decor here is amazing and extremely tasteful. Although it’s not a party hostel or very sociable either, it is a luxury place to stay and chill in the bustling centre of historic Cartagena, which we love.
The Clock House is perfect for..
Flashpackers! Yes, those not interested in a ‘traditional’ hostel experience will love this place. It’s not all about partying and making friends, but treating yourself to boutique surroundings in what is a luxury hostel. It’s the best high-end hostel in Cartagena and the price does reflect that, so it isn’t for those on a tight budget!
#9 – Quintas By Maos
Best Budget Hostel in Cartagena
- Cost – $
- Location – Cra 18 # 25-15, Barrio manga esquina
- Reviews → Check on Hostel World
Why we like Quintas By Maos…
A tasty free breakfast and a good location in the district of Manga, a short walk from the old town, aren’t the only things we like about this youth hostel in Cartagena. We also like the quiet vibe, making it a nice place to retreat to once you’ve done enough city exploration for one day.
Quintas By Maos is perfect for…
If value for the money is your thing then Quintas by Maos is a good option for you. It’s an affordable choice in an affordable, non-touristed area of the city with a friendly staff and a yummy free breakfast – all adding up to the best budget hostel in Cartagena, we think!
MUST READ – Take a look at our guide Where to stay in Bogotá.
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#10 – Be Lounge Hostel
Best Hostel with a Private Room in Cartagena
- Cost – $$
- Location – Centro Calle de la Mantilla no 3-49, Calle 36 no 3-49, Centro Historico
- Reviews → Check on Hostel World
Why we like Be Lounge Hostel…
We adore the private rooms at this top hostel in Cartagena! They’re picture perfect pieces of design that make you feel as if you’re staying somewhere that should be much more expensive than it is. It’s the best way to see the Walled City, staying somewhere that feels very much in the heart of it all (and it is).
Be Lounge Hostel is perfect for…
Couples, or digital nomads. Or anyone looking for a boutique-style experience in a hostel. Being the best hostel with a private room in Cartagena, you can expect high quality in the retro fittings of Be Lounge’s private rooms. The colonial house setting is so cool and anyone who loves architecture will love staying in it.
More Best Hostels in Cartagena
#11 – Stamp Hostel
Why we like Stamp Hostel…
This super stylish Cartagena backpackers hostel might just be the coolest hostel in Cartagena, too. Although it’s located about a 30-minute drive from the old town, the small town of Manzanillo del Mar (where it’s located) means quiet beachside chill-out time, which we love. The restaurant downstairs serves great quality food, too.
Stamp Hostel is perfect for…
If being in the centre of town isn’t that interesting to you, or if you would prefer to be staying in a hostel on a beach rather than a city, then Stamp Hostel is for you. Though the location is somewhat far from Cartagena, the relaxing beach atmosphere, great food and nice staff make this a great choice for an alternative stay in Cartagena.
#12 – Mystic House Hostal
- Cost – $$
- Location – Calle de la Media Luna ·#10C – 36, Getsemani
- Reviews → Check on Hostel World
Why we like Mystic House Hostal…
We like this budget hostel in Cartagena not only for its great location right near the heart of the old town, but also for the great staff, the very good security, and of course for the amazing breakfast – for something so tasty to be included in the price of a room is almost unbelievable!
Mystic House Hostal is perfect for…
Mystic House Hostal is a great option for anybody looking to have a great time in the city of Cartagena. It’s located on a street where you’ll find many bars, including the famous Cafe Havana, meaning that you can party nearby without having to worry about taxis. The staff here are also friendly and helpful, which is a plus.
#13 – Volunteer Hostel
Why we like Volunteer Hostel…
We like the concept of this hostel the most. It’s all about responsible tourism, meaning part of the money you pay to stay here goes to Fundación por la Educación Multidimensional, a charity that helps the African and indigenous communities of Catagena. The location of this place also means that most sights are walkable.
Volunteer Hostel is perfect for…
If responsible tourism interests you then putting your budget into this hostel would suit you. But besides the charitable credentials of this recommended hostel in Cartagena, it’s clean, quiet and has an amazing location in the old town, making it perfect for those not interested in partying.
FAQ’s
How Much are Hostels in Cartagena?
Typically a dorm room will be from $15 to $30 a night. It's a bit more expensive than other cities in Colombia, but generally better amenities. Private rooms start around $30, but can go above $100 for a night.
What are Hostels in Cartagena Like?
Expect history and beaches! These are the things Cartagena is most famous for, and the hostels definitely follow the theme. Most are located in or near the historic area and many can help arrange trips to the nearby islands to maximize your beach time.
How Safe are Hostels in Cartagena?
As long as you're in the city center, Cartagena is okay. The city gets dodgy quickly though, so make sure you ask about where it is safe to go. Hostels will typically have good security measures and are located in better areas.
How to Find Hostels in Cartagena?
Look on HostelWorld to compare price and facilities to pick the right spot for you. If you're traveling to other places in Colombia like Bogota or Medellin, you can ask at your current hostel or hotel for a recommendation in Cartagena!
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Best Overall Hostel in Cartagena
Hostel La Antigua
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Best Party Hostel in Cartagena
Media Luna Hostel
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Best Hostel for Solo Travellers in Cartagena
El Viajero Cartagena
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Best Hostel in Cartagena Old Town
Republica Hostel
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Best Hostel in Getsemani
Casa Del Poza Boutique Hostel
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Best Hostel near Rafael Núñez International
Airport Wonderland Party Hostel
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Best Hostel near Cartagena Train Station
City Hostel Central Station
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Best High-end Hostel in Cartagena
The Clock House
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Best Budget Hostel in Cartagena
Quintas By Maos
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Best Hostel with a Private Room in Cartagena
Be Lounge Hostel
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Conclusion to the Top Hostels in Cartagena, Colombia
Editor’s Note – Traveling around Colombia? Check out the best hostels in Medellin, and the top hostels in Bogota.
So there you have it. The best hostels in Cartagena. So many of them are set in old colonial buildings, which makes staying in them like a boutique time machine.
And thankfully safety is a big priority, so there is good security at many of them, too.
Now all you need to do is decide which of these recommended hostels in Cartagena to stay at. Will you stay in the old town? Or maybe in the bohemian neighbourhood of Getsemani?
But if you can’t decide, because let’s face it – these hostels are awesome, go for our top choice, Hostel La Antigua, the best overall hostel in Cartagena.
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