Getsemani was once a dangerous, unstable neighborhood just beyond the walls of the always popular old town. Today it is a vibrant, lively, beautiful culture center which is increasingly popular with visitors.
The old town is beautiful but it is in Getsemani where visitors will find it easier to connect with and learn about local culture and daily life. Today Getsemani is cool and a great place to stay when exploring Cartagena.
I have lived in Colombia for 15 years and always enjoy visiting Cartagena. These are my favorite things to do and see in the bohemian, beautiful Getsemani neighborhood.
Learn about the history and culture neighborhood with a free walking tour
📍 Meet at Calle 34, Getsemani, Cartagena de Indias
The tour lasts 2 and a half hours with an English-speaking guide. You can book for free on the website and the tour starts just before 4pm Monday to Friday.
The energetic guides enthusiastically tell the stories of the art, the people and the important landmarks around Getsemani. Groups can range in size from around 10 up to about 30 if it is fully booked.
Price: Free but a tip is expected, I would give around 50,000 COP ($US 12.50) depending on how impressed I was with the tour.
Why I like it:
- A great way to learn about the culture and history of the neighborhood
- I would recommend doing the tour early during your time in Cartagena so you can get your bearings and find places you would like to return to
- You can hear about the neighborhood from a proud local keen to tell stories about where they are from
- During the tour you can meet other tourists from all around the world
- While a generous tip is expected, it is a very affordable way to spend a fun few hours
https://www.civitatis.com/en/cartagena-de-indias/free-walking-tour-getsemani/
Become a Coffee Roasting Master at Café del Mural
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📍 Cl. de San Juan # 25-60, Getsemaní, Cartagena de Indias
You can take a 2 hour coffee roasting master class led by leading expert David Arzayus. David is an enthusiastic, creative engineer turned coffee genius who will share his knowledge and enthusiasm surrounding the coffee roasting process.
During the tour you will explore the laboratory of Cafe del Mural and help produce some of their specialities including Nitro Cold Brew and spicy Turkish coffee. A 200 gram bag of coffee is included as well as snacks and of course a delicious cup of coffee (or tea).
Price: 300,000 COP (US$70)
Why I like it:
- The perfect way to feel, prepare and really understand the full coffee process
- David is a really passionate experts and enthusiast
- You can enjoy some of the amazing coffee produced produce in the lab
https://www.viator.com/tours/Cartagena/Cartagena-Coffee-Master/
Dance to some live salsa at Tertulia de Getsemani with a delicious cocktail
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📍 Cl. 30 #9 – 57 LC 3, Getsemaní, Cartagena de Indias
Tertulia is another famous local salsa bar packed full of culture and character.
The live band is amazing, the walls are covered by photos and classic vinyl with friendly staff who are passionate about music culture. The place has a great feel with lots of wonderful dancers and friendly locals.
Price: There is a cover charge to get in but it is always less than 40,000 COP (US$10)
Why I like it:
- Incredible live salsa performances in the evening and a relaxed feel in the afternoon
- Delicious cocktails prepared by friend staff
- An beautifully designed space full of character
https://www.instagram.com/tertuliadegetsemani/
Enjoy authentic local Colombian food at La Cocina De Pepina
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📍 Cl. 25 #9a-06 local 2, Getsemaní, Cartagena de Indias
La Cocina de Pepina is a great place for delicious food from the Caribbean coast and is very popular with locals. María Josefina Yances (Pepina) created the much-loved restaurant and it is today run by her nephew.
The Posta a la Cartagenera is one of the specialities, a cut of beef seared and then braised. You also have mote de queso which is a white cheese slowly stewed with vegetables, pepper, spices and bebo, a herb only found in this region.
Inside the restaurant it is quaint and charming with a classic feel.
Price: Main courses are priced around 25,000 COP to 35,000 (US$6 to US$8.50)
Why I like it:
- Amazing local food produced with classic traditional recipes
- A charming restaurant with a great feel
- Excellent service and reasonable prices
https://www.instagram.com/lacocinadepepina/
Learn to dance salsa, merengue, bachata and champeta on a secret rooftop
📍 29-07 Carrera 10c 130001, Cartagena de Indias
The 3 hour dance class is held at a secret location up on one of the rooftops overlooking Getsemani. You can learn some of the most popular dances in Colombia including salsa, merengue and bachata as well as local favorite champeta.
You will learn basic steps as well as turns from each of the musical genres with patient, enthusiastic teachers. By the end of the class you should have learnt enough to, if not impress, at least amuse the locals. They send everyone a video of the steps you have learned after the class to keep practicing.
Any nerves are eased with plenty of wine, beer and local rum on offer and by the end of the evening the teachers aim to have you attempting to sing along to favorite local songs.
Price: 145,000 COP ($US35)
Why I like it:
- You get to learn 4 types of music which are popular in bars and clubs across the country so you will be well prepared
- Dancing is a big part of Colombian culture and will really help you to build a connection with locals
- Learning to dance is a lot of fun and it feels great when you go from looking a bit ridiculous to actually not too bad
- It is a great way to make new friends and the atmosphere is very upbeat and fun
https://www.expedia.com/things-to-do/dance-class-in-a-secret-rooftop-of-the-old-city
Visit the Santísima Trinidad church and the statue of Pedro Romer
📍 Cra. 10 #25, Getsemaní, Cartagena de Indias
Iglesia de la Santísima Trinidad (Church of the Most Holy Trinity) is a yellow building with white trim and green shutters. The church has become an important local meeting place for the community.
The church also has a statue of Pedro Romero, a local blacksmith who became a key figure in Colombia’s independence movement. He worked his way up to become the first non-white military officer in Cartagena. In 1811 he led the militia group called “Lancers of Getsemaní” which pushed for full independence from Spanish rule.
Cartagena became Colombia’s first free independent state and in 1819 nationwide independence was declared under the command of Simon Bolivar.
Price: Free
Why I like it:
- The church is an attractive building that stands above surrounding houses with it’s bright yellow color
- It is a site of important community importance and a meeting place for local events
- There is a lot of fascinating history commemorated by the church and statues outside
Listen to some top Colombian rock music while eating German sausage and drinking German beer at León de Baviera
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📍 Cl. 24 #10B-65, Getsemaní, Cartagena de Indias
León de Baviera was opened by a German immigrant who wanted to celebrate what he loves from Colombia while sharing some of the best things from his home country.
Expect bratwurst, mixed meats, choripan, spätzle and schaschlik all enjoyed with an ice cold Paulener beer. They have regular live performances of classic and contemporary rock from some of the best local artists.
You can also watch live European and Bundesliga football on the screens around the bar.
Price: Prices vary but are generally below average for high quality imported food and drink
Why I like it:
- It is a great place to enjoy excellent live rock music in Cartagena
- The delicious sausages and German dishes offer a refreshing break from the seafood that dominates in Cartagena
- There is a great atmosphere and a good selection of high quality imported beers
Take amazing photos in some of Getsemani’s most iconic streets
📍 Calle 29, Getsemaní, Cartagena de Indias
Getsemani has some excellent spots for the perfect holiday snaps.
Calle Paco has brightly colored houses and has dozens of flags hanging above the street while Callejón Ancho is also beautiful with lots of flowers on the overhanging balconies and with frequently updated decoration.
Calle 31 is also known for the umbrellas hanging between the houses that provide shade and a perfect photo backdrop.
You could also take a photo with a “palenquera” who are the women dressed in bright Caribbean colors often with a bowl of fruit on their head. They represent traditional style and dress but they charge for photos, often asking for between 20,000 and 40,000 COP (US$5-US$10).
Price: Free unless you want to pay to take a photo with a local
Why I like it:
- Getsemani is full of charm with some beautiful streets
- It is a great place to take professional shots or just something to share on social media
- With graffiti, balconies, narrow streets and a range of decorations, there is a lot of variety
Experience Cafe Havana, the world class live salsa spot which put Getsemani on the map
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📍 Media Luna, Esquina, Cartagena de Indias
The world famous salsa hotspot Cafe Havana was one of the first must-visit destinations in Getsemani at a time when the neighborhood was largely a no-go zone.
The venue has gone from strength to strength in the following years, with its beautiful aesthetic and world-class live musicians. The bar has a 1950s style with black and weight photos of salsa greats, Cuban flags hanging from the ceiling and warm amber lighting.
The music ranges from Cuban greats such as Buena Vista Social Club to Colombian legends like Joe Arroyo. The crowd is a mix of Colombians and foreigners, with the venue attracting visitors from all over the country.
The doors open at 9 but the band may not start until later but it fills up quickly so don’t be too late if you want a table.
Price: Entry can be around 40,000 – 50,000 COP (US$10 – US$12) depending on the night
Why I like it:
- The music is incredible with world class performers
- It has a great, classic feel and style inside
- The cocktails are delicious and the service is great
https://www.instagram.com/cafehavana_cartagena/
Take a street food tour and explore flavors of the neighborhood
📍 Plaza Fernández Madrid, Cra. 8 #37-14, San Diego, Cartagena de Indias
Getsemani and across Cartagena you will find delicious local street food. You can try local favorites like patacon con queso (fried green plantain with cheese), deditos de queso (cheese sticks), mango biche (unripe strips of mango with salt and lime) and arepa choclo (sweet arepa corn cakes).
Either you can wander around the neighborhood giving everything frying along the street (I didn’t say it was healthy!) a go or you can allow a local expert to guide you through the options.
The tour lasts over 2 hours and as well as offering local street food you will also learn a lot about music, history, architecture, art, culture, politics and daily lives. Along the way they will introduce you to local vendors who will be delighted to give you your first taste of popular local snacks.
Price: 120,000 COP (US$30)
Why I like it:
- The tour includes a lot of the most popular and important local snacks – you will decide what you like best to order during your stay
- There organizers ensure there is a lot of flexibility in terms of trying to cater to dietary requirements and preferences
- As well as enjoying some tasty treats, you also have the chance to learn a lot along the way around the neighborhood
https://www.cartagenaconnections.com/street-food-tour.html
Be inspired by a performance from Warriors en La Calle
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📍 Plaza de la Trinidad, Cl. 29 #174, Getsemaní, Cartagena de Indias
There are many street performers across Getsemani in the evening including rappers, singers, dancers and comedians.
One of the most impactful groups is Warriors en La Calle, a dance collective from Venezuela. They speak of how they escaped from violence and instability to come to try to build new lives with dance and their passionate performance.
Their 5 minute performance is full of energy and intensity. It is really impactful and definitely a highlight, if you enjoy then please have a bit of cash ready for a tip.
Price: Free but it is always nice to support the performers with tips
Why I like it:
- Street performers in Cartagena can be annoying at times but some of the dancers are incredibly impressive
- Warriors en La Calle is a group that puts everything into their performances and they really leave an impact
- It is a great way to experience the music and culture as you head out in the evening
Learn Spanish at Nueva Lengua language school
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📍 Calle 28 #10b 52, Getsemaní, Cartagena de Indias
Nueva Lengua offers a range of Spanish classes alongside a full schedule of touristic and cultural experiences in Cartagena.
Programs can include 20 hours of Spanish classes across the week alongside 5 hours of dance classes, cooking classes, sports, visits to museums and other excursions. There are a range of options available depending on your level, if you want private or group classes and if you want to mix Spanish with other activities, such as volunteering in local charities.
Price: Private classes between US$18 and US$25 per hour, depending on number of hours, while a week’s worth of group classes is between US$150 and US$250, depending on level and additional activities.
Why I like it:
- While it is possible to have fun in Cartagena with no Spanish, learning the language will really help you to connect with the locals and make the most of your experience.
- Classes are a great way to bring structure to your week and make new friends
- The school organizes a full schedule of fun and educational activities alongside your classes, which can mean a stress free way to fill out your schedule
https://nuevalengua.com/en/school-cartagena-colombia/
Cycle around the neighborhood on a Graffiti and Art Bike Tour
📍 10-46 Media Luna 10, Getsemaní, Cartagena de Indias
The tour is available in English and Spanish with the company offering either a historic tour around Cartagena’s old town and an art and graffiti tour around Getsemini.
The tour includes a bicycle, helmet, English speaking host, bottle of water, accident insurance and they can pick you up from your hotel. Hotel pick up is from Central Cartagena, Manzanillo, Manga, Getsemaní, El Laguito, Castillogrande and Barrio de Crespo. It is also possible to arrange a Portuguese or French speaking guide for an additional charge.
Price: 230,000 COP (US$55)
Why I like it:
- You can cover more of the main sites and it is more fun to zip around on a bike
- The guide is very knowledgeable and clearly enjoys sharing insights into their town with visitors
- The bikes are well maintained and you are provided with everything you need
- It is a nice way to get a bit of exercise during your trip to burn off all the sea food you will be enjoying
https://www.facebook.com/artgetsemani/