Getsemaní lies just outside the inner walls of the old town, across from the Clock Tower, and it is where Cartagena feels most local and most alive. It began as the suburb of artisans, sailors and freed and enslaved Africans who served the colonial city, and it had its own walls and a role in the independence movement of 1811. For decades it was rough around the edges; today it is the city’s favourite place to wander, eat and dance. Its lanes are painted with murals and strung with flags, paper birds and umbrellas, and residents still sit outside their doors in the evening. Plaza de la Trinidad, in front of its old church, is the heart of it all: by night it fills with street-food stalls, buskers and families, and the bars and salsa clubs nearby keep going late. Colombia’s tourism board singles it out for graffiti tours and nightlife, and both Tiqets walking tours on this site pass through it. It is free, it is fun, and it is the best place to feel Cartagena’s Afro-Caribbean soul.
How it works: Getsemaní is an open neighbourhood with no ticket. Walk in from the Clock Tower across the Camellón de los Mártires, or simply step out of your hotel if you stay here. The core streets around Plaza de la Trinidad, Calle de la Sierpe and Calle de las Sombrillas are compact and easy to explore on foot in an hour or two.
What to expect: by day it is a gallery of street art, small cafes, juice stands and hostels, quieter and more residential than the walled city. By night the plaza becomes an open-air party, with arepas, fried snacks and fresh juices sold from carts and music spilling out of bars. In November the neighbourhood hosts the Cabildo de Getsemaní, a traditional part of Cartagena’s Independence festivities; in 2026 the official agenda puts it on 15 November.
Making the most of it: come once in daylight to see the murals properly, then again after dark for the plaza and a salsa bar. Ask before photographing residents and their homes. Keep valuables close in crowds, and use registered taxis late at night.
What to expect
The experience
A free, self-guided wander through a lively historic barrio of murals, small plazas, street food and salsa bars.
Best time
Late afternoon to see the murals in good light, then after dark when Plaza de la Trinidad fills with food stalls and music.
How long
Two to three hours, longer if you settle into a salsa bar for the night.
Tips
Ask before photographing residents, carry small cash for street food, and use registered taxis late at night.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Street art, street food and an evening of music in Cartagena’s most local-feeling neighbourhood.
- Families
- Lovely by day and early evening for murals and juices; later it becomes a nightlife district.
- Couples
- Share arepas in Plaza de la Trinidad, then dance salsa in a nearby bar.
- Pair with
- Castillo San Felipe, a short walk away, then sunset on the city walls.
- Time needed
- An afternoon and an evening.
Good questions
Is Getsemaní part of the walled city?+
It is part of the historic centre but sits just outside the inner walls, across from the Clock Tower. It once had its own fortifications, and it is an easy walk from the old town.
Is Getsemaní safe at night?+
The main streets and Plaza de la Trinidad are busy and popular with visitors in the evening. As anywhere in a big city, keep valuables close and take registered taxis late at night.
Where is the best street art?+
The lanes around Plaza de la Trinidad, Calle de la Sierpe and Calle de las Sombrillas are the most decorated. A guided graffiti or walking tour helps you find the best pieces.
What is the Cabildo de Getsemaní?+
It is a traditional parade and celebration held as part of Cartagena’s Independence festivities in November. The 2026 official agenda lists it for 15 November.
Do I need to book anything to visit Getsemaní?+
No, the neighbourhood is free and open. Book only if you want a guided walk, such as the Tiqets castle or walled city tours that pass through it.