Cartagena is already gorgeous at street level — but it becomes truly magical when you head up to the rooftops. Terracotta tiles, church domes, pastel façades, the Caribbean Sea, and the modern skyline of Bocagrande all melt together under warm golden light. Add a good cocktail, some music, and a gentle breeze, and you’ve got one of the best sunset experiences in Colombia.

This guide covers the best rooftop bars and sunset spots in Cartagena — from chic hotel terraces and trendy cocktail bars to public spots on the ancient city walls.

Quick List: Best Rooftops & Sunset Spots in Cartagena

Best Rooftop Bars:

• Alquímico Rooftop Bar

• Townhouse Rooftop

• Movich Hotel Rooftop

• Hotel Charleston Santa Teresa Rooftop

• Mirador Gastro Bar

• Café del Mar (on the walls)

• Sophia Hotel Rooftop

• Hotel Capellán Rooftop (Getsemaní)

Best Non-Bar Sunset Spots:

• City Walls (Murallas) near Café del Mar

• Baluarte de Santo Domingo

• Bocagrande & Castillogrande waterfront

• Tierra Bomba island viewpoints

• Sunset catamaran cruises in Cartagena Bay

🌅 1. Alquímico Rooftop — Iconic Cocktails & Jungle Vibes

Location: Centro Histórico
Best for: Craft cocktails, trendy crowd, nightlife

Alquímico is one of Cartagena’s most famous bars, often ranked among the Top 50 Bars in the World. It has three levels, each with its own vibe — and the rooftop is pure tropical magic.

Why it’s great for sunset

• Open-air rooftop with plants and vintage décor

• View over the rooftops of the Walled City

• Fantastic cocktail menu focusing on local ingredients

What to expect

• It gets busy (and loud) at night

• Best for couples, groups, and solo travelers who like social energy

• Dress smart casual — locals dress up here

Tip: Arrive early (around 5–6 pm) to catch a table before the night crowd arrives.

🌇 2. Movich Cartagena Rooftop — Classic Postcard View

Location: Centro Histórico
Best for: Epic skyline & cathedral dome shots

The rooftop at Hotel Movich might have the most iconic view in Cartagena: the Cathedral dome, church towers, the old city rooftops, and the Bocagrande skyline glimmering in the distance.

Why it’s great

• Unbeatable panoramic view

• Infinity-style plunge pool (for guests)

• Great spot for sunset photography

What to expect

• More chill than Alquímico

• Cocktails and small bites

• On the pricier side

Tip: Perfect for romantic sunset drinks or special-occasion photos.

🌴 3. Townhouse Rooftop — Fun, Casual, Social

Location: Centro Histórico
Best for: Rooftop brunches, fun drinks, laid-back party vibes

Townhouse is colorful, playful, and doesn’t take itself too seriously. It feels like a tropical rooftop playground — great for meeting other travelers.

Why it’s great

• Rooftop pool, daybeds, and funky décor

• Fun cocktail menu + good food

• Occasional events (drag brunch, DJ sets, etc.)

Tip: Come for sunset drinks, then stay after dark when the music and atmosphere pick up.

🍹 4. Mirador Gastro Bar — Clock Tower & Getsemaní Views

Location: Near Torre del Reloj (Clock Tower)
Best for: Views over Plaza de los Coches & Getsemaní

Mirador Gastro Bar sits above the old city gate, with views of:

• The Clock Tower

• Plaza de los Coches

• The bridge toward Getsemaní

Why it’s great

• Prime location for people-watching from above

• Excellent view at blue hour (just after sunset)

• Good for pre-dinner drinks

Tip: Bring a wide-angle lens — the composition opportunities are fantastic.

🌞 5. Café del Mar — The Classic Sunset on the Walls

Location: On top of the city walls, west side of Centro
Best for: Unobstructed sea views

Café del Mar is iconic — yes, touristy, but for good reason. It sits directly on top of the historic walls, facing the open Caribbean Sea.

Why it’s great

• Huge open-air terrace

• Front-row seat to the sunset

• Relaxed lounge vibes with music

What to expect

• Prices are higher than average

• More about the view than the cocktails

• It fills up — get there early for a front-row table

Tip: Even if you don’t sit at a table, you can stand along the city walls nearby and enjoy almost the same view for free.

🕍 6. Charleston Santa Teresa Rooftop — Elegant & Romantic

Location: Centro Histórico, near the walls
Best for: Upscale, romantic sunset

The rooftop at Hotel Charleston Santa Teresa has a classy, refined atmosphere with views of:

• The city walls

• The Caribbean Sea

• The San Pedro Claver dome

Why it’s great

• Chic ambiance

• Perfect for couples and special occasions

• Sometimes includes live music or soft background tunes

Tip: Great alternative if you want a more elegant, less crowded vibe than Café del Mar.

☀️ 7. Sophia Hotel Rooftop — Charming Old Town Views

Location: Plaza de la Aduana area
Best for: Intimate, stylish cocktails

Sophia Hotel’s rooftop is smaller but beautifully designed, with a pool and inviting lounge corners overlooking the rooftops and towers of the old town.

Why it’s great

• Relaxed, intimate mood

• Great golden-hour light

• Solid drinks and service

🌆 8. Getsemaní Rooftops — Laid-back Views & Local Flavor

Getsemaní doesn’t have as many high rooftops, but a few smaller terraces offer charming views and cozy sunsets.

Good options

• Selina Getsemaní Rooftop

• Casa Lola Rooftop

• Capellán Hotel Rooftop

These rooftops offer:

• Views over local rooftops

• Street art peeking through

• More relaxed, less polished atmosphere than Centro

Tip: Ideal if you’re staying in Getsemaní and want a nearby evening drink.

🌊 9. City Walls (Murallas) — Free Sunset Spot

Don’t feel like paying bar prices? You don’t have to.

The city walls themselves are open to the public in many sections, and you can sit or stand anywhere along them (where permitted) to watch the sunset.

Best areas on the walls:

• Near Café del Mar

• Baluarte de Santo Domingo

• Around Las Bóvedas for sunrise & early morning light

Tip: Bring your own drink (discreetly), sit on the wall, and enjoy one of the best free sunsets in the Caribbean.

🌃 10. Bocagrande & Castillogrande Waterfront — Skyline Views

If you love cityscape photos, sunset at the Castillogrande and Bocagrande waterfront is unbeatable.

Why it’s great

• Miami-like skyline of high-rises

• Golden light reflecting off glass and water

• Locals walking, jogging, and fishing

Best spots:

• The path around Castillogrande peninsula

• Small piers jutting into the water

⛵ 11. Sunset Cruises in Cartagena Bay

Not technically a “rooftop,” but absolutely a top sunset experience.

Take a:

• Catamaran cruise

• Sailing boat

• Open-bar sunset tour

You’ll get:

• View of the Walled City from the water

• Bocagrande skyline

• Stunning colors over the bay

Tip: Great for photography, couples, and groups of friends.

🍸 What to Drink at Cartagena Rooftop Bars

Local-style favorites:

• Limonada de coco (coconut limeade, with or without rum)

• Piña colada

• Aguardiente-based cocktails

• Gin & tonics (very popular in upscale bars)

Always check if service (10% tip) is included in the bill.

👗 Dress Code for Rooftop Bars in Cartagena

Cartagena is hot, but people dress well at night — especially at rooftop bars.

For women:

• Light dresses, skirts, or smart shorts

• Sandals or light heels

• Breathable fabrics

For men:

• Linen shirt or polo

• Chinos or nice shorts (depending on venue)

• Closed shoes or clean sneakers (avoid flip-flops in upscale spots)

Alquímico, Movich, and Charleston lean toward smart casual.

🕒 Best Time to Arrive for Sunset

• Golden hour: ~5:00–6:00 pm (varies slightly by season)

• Sunset: around 5:45–6:15 pm

• Blue hour: 15–30 mins after sunset (great for photos)

Arrive 30–45 minutes before sunset to:

• Get a good table

• Order drinks & settle in

• Watch the light transition

📷 Photography Tips for Rooftop & Sunset Shots

• Use a wide-angle lens for rooftops and domes

• Bring a phone tripod or mini-tripod for low-light shots

• For silhouettes: expose for the sky, not the buildings

• Clean your lens — humidity can fog glass quickly

• Be gentle with camera gear around salty sea air

⚠️ Practical & Safety Tips

• Keep your phone and bag close — especially on the walls

• Don’t walk back alone late through empty side streets

• Use Uber / InDriver / taxis after dark

• Drink water between cocktails — humidity + alcohol hits harder

• Confirm whether there’s a minimum spend on some rooftops (rare, but possible on peak nights)

Final Thoughts

Cartagena’s rooftops and sunset spots are a huge part of what makes the city feel so magical. Whether you’re lounging with a cocktail at Alquímico, watching the sky burn orange from Café del Mar, or photographing the cathedral dome from a hotel terrace, the city from above feels like a painting.