Cartagena as a dating destination
Cartagena is a tourist town, and prices reflect that. About 1 million people live here. The Old Town is UNESCO-protected, with colonial buildings and cobblestone streets that photograph well. Beaches are nearby. The whole setup is romantic in an obvious way.
Costeñas (coastal women) have a different energy from women in the interior. More Caribbean, more expressive, less reserved. They warm up fast if they like you. The vacation atmosphere helps. Everyone's more relaxed.
The downsides: it's more expensive than Medellin or Cali, sometimes by 50%. Tourists everywhere. Some women are jaded from dealing with them. But the Old Town at sunset, rooftop drinks overlooking the walls, boat trips to the islands. It all works for dating. You just pay more for it.
Your Passport Bros Travel Plan
Follow these steps to maximize your dating success in Cartagena:
1. Book your flight
Direct flights available from major US cities. Rafael Nunez International Airport (CTG) is 15 minutes from the Old Town.
Airport Transportation Warning
Don't take random taxis at the airport - prices can be inflated and safety varies.
Instead, order an Uber or DiDi from your phone, or use the official airport taxi counters with fixed rates (around $10-15 USD to Old Town).
2. Arrange accommodation
Stay in the Walled City for romance and walkability, Getsemani for nightlife and budget, or Bocagrande for beaches.
Find Hotels in Cartagena
Compare prices and book your perfect stay on Booking.com
3. Set up dating apps
Download Tinder, Bumble, and ColombianCupid before arrival. Start swiping 1-2 weeks early. Write your bio in Spanish.
4. Learn Spanish
Essential for Cartagena. "Hola", "Cómo estás?", "Mucho gusto", "Eres muy linda" will get you started. Take lessons or use apps before you arrive.
5. Plan your wardrobe
Cartagena is hot and humid. Pack light, stylish clothes - linen shirts, shorts, sandals for day. Upscale casual for evenings and rooftop bars.
6. Get Colombian Pesos
ATMs offer good rates. Cards widely accepted in tourist areas. Carry cash for street food, taxis, and smaller venues.
7. Get an eSIM
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8. Download ride apps
Uber and DiDi both work in Cartagena. Essential for safe, affordable transportation.
Uber
Download the app for affordable rides in Cartagena
9. Research venues
Use this guide to identify bars, clubs, and date spots that match your style.
Where to meet women in Cartagena
The Old Town has rooftop bars with views. Getsemani is trendier and cheaper. Bocagrande has beach bars and a more local crowd.
Hoodmaps
View neighborhood map to understand Cartagena's districts
Places to Meet
Cafe del Mar · Baluarte de Santo Domingo, Old Town
Iconic rooftop bar on the old city walls. Stunning sunset views over the Caribbean. Perfect for romantic dates. Attracts locals and upscale tourists. Dress well.
Best time: Daily 5pm-11pm, arrive for sunset
Plaza Trinidad · Getsemani
Heart of Getsemani nightlife. Local bars surround the plaza. Great for people-watching and meeting locals. Authentic Colombian atmosphere. Live music common.
Best time: Thu-Sun 9pm-2am
Alquimico · Calle del Colegio, Old Town
Three-floor cocktail bar ranked among world's best. Rooftop with city views. Sophisticated crowd. Excellent for impressing dates. Reservations recommended.
Best time: Daily 6pm-2am
Playa Blanca · Baru Island (45min from city)
Beautiful white sand beach near Cartagena. Great for day trips with dates. Crystal clear Caribbean water. Beach bars and restaurants. Boat trips available.
Best time: Daily 9am-4pm
Places to Avoid
Safety Warning for Certain Areas
Avoid walking alone late at night in areas outside the Walled City and Getsemani. Be cautious on beaches after dark. Don't flash expensive items. Always use Uber/DiDi, never random street taxis.
Red flags to watch for:
- Women who approach you very aggressively
- Being led to unfamiliar locations late at night
- Accepting drinks from strangers
- Going to private apartments too quickly with someone you just met
- Anyone who seems overly interested in your financial situation
Dating Strategy & Practical Tips
Understanding Costeña Women
Coastal Colombian women are warm, expressive, and sensual. They love to dance, enjoy life, and value men who can match their energy. They are direct about attraction and physical touch is common early on. Don't be surprised by quick escalation if there's mutual chemistry.
Dating Apps Success
Tinder dominates in Cartagena. Bumble and ColombianCupid also work well. Write your bio in Spanish - even basic Spanish shows effort. Use quality photos that show your lifestyle. Response rates are high for well-presented foreign men with genuine profiles.
Building Connection
Learn Spanish - it's essential in Cartagena. Show genuine interest in Colombian culture, music (salsa, champeta), and food. Be confident and lead. Pay for dates - this is expected. Plan romantic activities like sunset walks on the walls, boat trips, or beach dates.
Best Neighborhoods to Stay
- Old Town (Walled City) - Most romantic, walkable, upscale restaurants and bars. More expensive.
- Getsemani - Trendy, great nightlife, affordable, artsy vibe. Best value.
- Bocagrande - Beach access, modern hotels, ocean views. Good for beach dates.
- Avoid: Outlying areas at night, unlicensed taxis, deserted beaches after dark
Budget: $50-100/night Airbnb in Old Town. $30-60/night in Getsemani. $1000-1800/month for long-term comfortable living.
What things cost
Cartagena costs more than other Colombian cities because of tourism. Still affordable by American or European standards.
Dating Cost Breakdown
| Date Type | Budget | Mid-Range | Upscale |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coffee date | $3-6 | $6-10 | $10-18 |
| Drinks date | $12-25 | $25-50 | $50-100 |
| Casual dinner | $15-30 | $30-60 | $60-100 |
| Nice restaurant | $40-70 | $70-120 | $120-200 |
| Beach day trip | $30-50 | $50-100 | $100-200 |
| Boat trip (islands) | $50-80 | $80-150 | $150-300 |
Monthly dating budget: $500-900 for active dating (3-4 dates/week)
Pro tips:
- Sunset drinks at Cafe del Mar is a perfect first date for $20-30 total
- Beach day trips to Playa Blanca are romantic and memorable
- Walking the Old Town walls at sunset costs nothing and is incredibly romantic
Transportation
Cartagena is compact and much of the dating scene is walkable.
- Walking - Old Town and Getsemani very walkable, essential for romance
- Uber/DiDi - Both work great, affordable, use for Bocagrande and longer distances
- Taxis - Use only yellow taxis or app-based services, negotiate prices first
- Boats - For island trips, book through reputable companies or hotels
Safety
Cartagena is generally safe for tourists but standard precautions apply.
- Old Town and Getsemani are safe for walking
- Use Uber/DiDi exclusively, especially at night
- Don't walk on beaches after dark
- Watch your belongings in crowded areas
- Stay hydrated - the heat is intense
- Emergency number: 123 (police)
- Tourist police available in Old Town
Didn't Go Well?
Sometimes dating doesn't work out as planned. We've got you covered with additional resources and a supportive community.
Frequently Asked Questions
Spanish is highly recommended. While some women in tourist areas speak basic English, most locals speak only Spanish. Learning Spanish dramatically improves your dating success and shows genuine effort and respect for the culture.
Tinder is the most popular, followed by Bumble and ColombianCupid. Women are very active on these platforms. Quality photos and a Spanish bio significantly improve response rates. Be genuine and avoid looking like a typical tourist.
The Walled City (Old Town) is the most romantic and walkable area. Getsemani is trendy and affordable with great nightlife. Bocagrande is the beach district with modern hotels. Each offers different dating vibes.
Yes, Cartagena is more expensive due to tourism. Expect to pay 30-50% more than Medellin or Bogota for restaurants, accommodation, and nightlife. However, it's still very affordable compared to Western countries.
Budget $50-80 USD per day for comfortable dating. A nice dinner is $30-60 for two. Drinks are $5-12 each. Cartagena is pricier than other Colombian cities but still affordable for quality romantic experiences.