Cartagena Vs Medellin: How To Decide?
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You’re planning a trip to Colombia and must decide between Cartagena and Medellín. I have lived in both cities, and I’m here to help.
I won’t pretend it’s easy to compare two places that are so distinct, but analyzing a few essential factors can guide your choice.
Let’s go for a friendly match Cartagena Vs Medellín!
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Cartagena Vs Medellín
To quickly choose between these two cities
Cartagena Vs Medellín: Nightlife
I prefer the nightlife in Medellín (more options)
Medellín’s nightlife has earned a reputation that crosses borders, offering something for everyone, no matter your taste or budget.
In the vibrant El Poblado, you’ll find the best rooftop bars where you can sip cocktails while gazing at the stunning city views. This trendy neighborhood is also packed with bars and restaurants, especially in the dazzling Provenza area, known for its chic dining options.
For a more authentic atmosphere, head to Setenta (Avenida 70) in Laureles, where friendly bars serve affordable drinks, all to the rhythm of Latin music. And, of course, you can’t miss the lively salsa clubs, an essential part of Colombian culture.
The city also offers a wide range of concerts, with nightly musical events in different venues around Medellín.
In short, Medellín comes alive when the sun goes down.
There are some cool spots to go out in Cartagena, but not many that I love. A lot of them are tourist traps and pricey.
That said, the walled city has some good cocktail bars playing great live music and nightclubs where Colombians head around 1 AM. I find them a bit too fancy and prefer the lively atmosphere of a salsa bar.
Lately, the nightlife has spread to Getsemaní, a bohemian neighborhood with affordable prices and a laid-back vibe. The streets are filled with musicians playing Caribbean rhythms.
What I love most about Cartagena is ending the day with a drink on a trendy rooftop in the historic center and watching the sunset. For a more popular experience, grab some beers and enjoy the scene from the city walls in the evening.
Cartagena Vs Medellín: Moving around
Cartagena is the winner because everything is nearby.
Medellín is so large that getting around on foot isn’t simple. However, taxis are easy to find, reliable, and have meters, so there are usually no scams. I prefer using apps like Uber or Didi, which work great in Medellín; they’re cheaper and just as reliable.
The city also has a spotless metro that works well and is a source of pride for locals, but there are only two lines (North-South and East-West).
For 20 years, a cable car has connected the hillside neighborhoods, like Comuna 13, to downtown. I recommend taking it for a fantastic view of the city.
As in any big city, traffic jams are common. During rush hour, it’s a nightmare. Keep that in mind if you need to get to the airport.
Cartagena is a great and easy place to visit on foot, the main attraction being the historic center. It’s small, and walking to Getsemaní takes 15 minutes.
If you stay in modern areas like Bocagrande, you’ll need a taxi to reach the city center. Ask for the fare before you set off, as taxis don’t have meters and often try to rip you off. Prices rise quickly when leaving the city. However, it’s hard to find an Uber.
The other common way to get around is by boat to the Rosario Islands. Boats depart from La Bodeguita pier, just 5 minutes on foot from the Torre del Reloj.
Traffic outside the city walls can get heavy during rush hours, so consider this if you must go to the airport or the bus terminal—which is 45 min away.
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Cartagena Vs Medellín: Safety
It’s a tie. Always be cautious in large cities.
Although Medellín is generally safe, especially in neighborhoods like El Poblado and Laureles, the rise in tourism inevitably leads to more petty crime, like pickpocketing.
Stay alert without being paranoid, and don’t flash your valuables. As the local saying goes, « No dar papaya » (basically, don’t tempt fate). Instead, blend in with the vibe.
At night, it’s easy to walk from bar to bar in lively areas like Poblado or La Setenta. However, I always grab an Uber after dark if the streets are empty, especially in residential areas.
In bars and nightclubs, keep an eye on your drink, be cautious of overly friendly people, and avoid dating apps like Tinder.
In Cartagena, tourist sites are close to one another, and with the constant crowds, there’s a general feeling of safety.
However, being a tourist destination, Cartagena naturally attracts pickpockets. Stay alert, dress simply, leave your valuables at the hotel, and watch your belongings on the beach.
You might encounter shady characters in certain streets who spot your tourist look and offer drugs. Always take a taxi if you’re heading back at night, especially on empty streets (Bocagrande, Getsemaní).
If you’re going out at night, be cautious of smooth talkers and never leave your drink unattended in bars or clubs. Cartagena also attracts prostitution networks, and bad encounters through apps like Tinder are not rare.
Watch out for price scams if they’re not listed—it’s a fairly common practice here. Always ask before buying.
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Cartagena Vs Medellin: Things to do
It depends.
I love taking a free walking tour downtown to explore this chaotic neighborhood and learn about Colombian history.
Comuna 13 is another must-see. It offers insight into this once-troubled area, now a tourist hotspot famous for its fantastic street art. Take the cable car for great views of the city. You can also take it to Parque Arví—the park itself isn’t that exciting, but the ride offers lovely views.
Medellín is home to sculptor Botero, known for his generously shaped figures. I love strolling through Plaza Botero, where 23 of his sculptures are on display.
The city also boasts excellent museums, such as the Museo de la Memoria, Museo de Antioquia, and Parque Explora, a fantastic science museum with interactive activities—one of my favorites.
Having a pause in a cozy café in Laureles or El Poblado is another city activity I truly appreciate.
Two days are enough to get a good feel for Medellín.
The main tourist attraction in Cartagena is its beautiful historic center, which you can easily explore without a guide. Getsemaní is also a nice neighborhood with stunning graffiti and art galleries.
If you’re interested in Cartagena’s history, visit the Naval Museum and the Gold Museum. Fortress fans will love Castillo San Felipe de Barajas, just 10 minutes away by taxi.
For swimming, the beaches of Bocagrande and Laguito are easily accessible but lack charm. For a paradise-like setting, rent a boat to the Rosario Islands—A great plan for groups of friends or family.
Foodies can enjoy a street food tour, coffee tasting, or cooking classes.
To escape the city’s hustle, go crab fishing with locals in the mangroves of La Boquilla, only 20 minutes away.
Two days are enough to get an excellent feel for Cartagena.
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Cartagena Vs Medellín: Food & Restaurants
Medellín wins, with better dining options at a lower price.
As a growing cosmopolitan city, Medellín offers a diverse culinary scene to satisfy all tastes.
In El Poblado, plenty of international restaurants and gourmet spots remain affordable, thanks to Colombia’s generally lower prices. You can also enjoy high-quality Colombian cuisine, sometimes even creative, skillfully blending local flavors with international influences. The city is filled with cozy cafés, perfect for a sweet break with a good coffee or chocolate.
You can also grab an empanada in the street to satisfy your hunger.
Of course, you can’t leave Medellín without trying the famous Bandeja Paisa, a hearty traditional dish bursting with delicious Colombian flavors.
The exciting area of Cartagena isn’t big, so the culinary offer is more limited. Plus, being a central tourist spot, the value for money isn’t the best.
To avoid blowing your meal budget, go for the menu del día offered at many restaurants. These meals are usually good, hearty, and very affordable.
As a coastal city, Cartagena excels in seafood, with restaurants serving excellent fish and shellfish dishes.
The street food is also excellent, with highlights like patacones con queso, arepas con huevos, ceviche, and a strong Lebanese influence. It’s fried cuisine, so it’s not the lightest, but it’s an effective way to keep your budget in check.
Don’t miss out on freshly pressed fruit juice from a street vendor!
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Cartagena Vs Medellin: Weather
Medellín comes out on top, Nicknamed the City of Eternal Spring.
With an average annual temperature of 22°C, Medellín, located at 1,500 meters above sea level, truly earns its nickname of “the city of eternal spring.” The weather is mild year-round, with the sunniest days between December and March and June and August.
However, it often rains, and while the showers can be intense, they’re usually short and not too bothersome. It’s pleasant to stroll around Medellín no matter the time of year.
I find the temperature perfect for going out in the evening.
Located on the Caribbean coast, Cartagena has a tropical climate, meaning it’s hot and humid year-round, with an average annual temperature of 28°C. The air can feel oppressive during the hottest parts of the day.
There is a rainy season from September to November, but the showers are brief and intense.
For me, the best time of day in Cartagena is in the evening, when a sea breeze picks up. This is more noticeable during the dry season, from December to April.
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Cartagena Vs Medellin: Atmosphere
Medellin wins because it’s less influenced by tourism.
Medellín has the advantage of being a place to live before being a tourist destination, giving it a more authentic vibe. It’s a green, tree-filled city where it’s easy to meet welcoming locals.
The neighborhoods in Medellín offer a wide range of atmospheres, some far removed from the slightly “Gringolandia” (land of gringos) feel of the famous El Poblado area.
For example, La Floresta is a quiet residential neighborhood, and Envigado is a traditional area perfect for experiencing local life. Belen is another authentic and budget-friendly option, though it’s less safe. Las Lomas is a peaceful residential area, and Primer and Segundo Parque in Laureles are popular with expats and digital nomads.
I love the vacation vibe and chic, romantic atmosphere in Cartagena. However, the crowded streets full of tourists and the constant attention from street vendors can dampen the experience for some travelers.
You can feel the joyful Caribbean spirit, but with its flashy side, Cartagena has lost some of its authenticity, and the locals seem less spontaneous.
That said, if you’ve got the budget, it’s an ideal destination for celebrating events like weddings or bachelor parties. You can rent a yacht or even a private island in the Rosario Archipelago, complete with a luxury villa and your private chef.
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Cartagena Vs Medellin: SURROUNDINGS
I choose Medellín for its colonial towns, crystal-clear rivers, and mountains.
Medellín is the capital of Antioquia, a pleasant, green, and mountainous region.
Day trips from Medellín allow you to visit charming colonial towns like Jericó, Santa Fe, or Concepción. Guatapé and its iconic Piedra del Peñol are also must-see picturesque spots.
Antioquia is home to stunning rivers, such as those in San Rafael, with emerald waters accessible via hiking trails. You can enjoy extreme sports like rafting and canyoning amidst lush vegetation, and there are also great spots for paragliding.
Hiking trails lead to breathtaking waterfalls, and treks take you through Páramos, a fascinating ecosystem unique to the world, such as the Páramo de Belmira, the most accessible from Medellín.
You can also enjoy informative and excellent coffee or chocolate tours, as Antioquia is a major producer of both.
The stunning landscapes make the region perfect for glamping, with unique and comfortable accommodation options.
The surroundings of Cartagena offer less appeal in terms of diversity.
The key highlight is the Rosario Islands, a group of idyllic coral islands, including the beautiful Isla Barú and Isla Grande, located an hour by boat from Cartagena.
The main activities are lounging on the beach, snorkeling, or partying in the crystal-clear waters of Isla Cholon, sipping cocktails, and listening to Reggaeton music. As the Islands are very touristy, it’s best to stay one or two nights to enjoy the atmosphere once the day-trippers leave.
Beyond the Rosario Islands, there isn’t much to do around Cartagena except for nature lovers who can explore the tropical dry forest to spot wildlife, such as monkeys. Another option is visiting San Basilio de Palenque to learn about their fascinating history and culture.
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Cartagena Vs Medellin: Prices
Medellín is more affordable if you choose the right area.
As Medellín’s tourism grows, prices in trendy neighborhoods like El Poblado and Laureles tend to rise. However, you can still find great deals if you know where to go in Medellín.
In El Poblado, for instance, bars and restaurants are generally cheaper in Manila than in Provenza, though it’s still expensive by Colombian standards.
You can also opt for apart-hotels and youth hostels for accommodation, and in Envigado, you can find reasonably priced Airbnb.
When it comes to eating, look for restaurants offering the menu del día; you’ll find many at La Setenta in Laureles. If you have a kitchenette, buying fresh produce at a local market and cooking at home is another very budget-friendly option.
Transportation in Medellín is affordable, whether it’s taxis, Uber, or the metro.
Similarly, activities and excursions are reasonably priced.
In Cartagena, it’s much harder to score good deals or value for money because it’s the most expensive city in Colombia. It’s expensive no matter where you go, and prices rise even more during high season.
Besides, bars, restaurants, and clubs are more expensive than elsewhere.
Activities and excursions are expensive, and many are poorly organized and unreliable. This is especially true for the tours sold on the streets of Cartagena to visit the Rosario Islands. My tip: make sure to do thorough research first.
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Cartagena Vs Medellin: Tourists
Medellín takes the edge as it’s easy to avoid tourist
In December, Medellín sees an influx of tourists for the famous Christmas illuminations, in August for the popular Feria de las Flores with its impressive flower parades, and during Holy Week, though to a lesser extent.
The number of tourists is reasonable for the rest of the year except in El Poblado.
Cartagena is a tourist city, so it’s busy all year round. The crowds get even larger during the high season: mid-December to mid-January, Holy Week, school vacations, and generally on weekends and holidays (which are plentiful in Colombia).
I’d instead go to Cartagena during the rainy season (May-June and September to mid-December)
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Cartagena Vs Medellin: Long stay
Living in Medellín is more enjoyable.
Medellín meets most criteria for a long-term stay, which is why expats, retirees, and digital nomads love moving there.
The weather is mild year-round, and unlike Cartagena, there’s no need for air conditioning, so utility bills stay low.
You can easily find a comfortable apartment with good internet, and rent prices are significantly lower than in Cartagena.
Plenty of cafés are perfect for remote work, and some host language exchanges, a great way to practice your Spanish and meet locals.
The city frequently schedules events for fun, and the surrounding areas are packed with beautiful destinations and activities.
Healthcare-wise, Medellín is home to several top-tier hospitals, among the best in South America.
Because Cartagena is so tourism-driven, its cost of living and infrastructure are not ideal for longer stays.
You’ll soon run through the main attractions, and the constant hustle of people and street vendors will become annoying.
I think a week in Cartagena is a maximum, and then head off to explore another destination.
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Medellin Or Cartagena: Overview
I’ve been staying in Cartagena and Medellín frequently since 2015, so I know both cities.
Let me give you a more personal look at how I like to experience these two distinct places and share them with my friends and family when they visit me in Colombia.
TOM’S TIP
There are other cities in Colombia that you can discover. Do you know them?
Overview of Medellin (based on my experience)
I feel at home in Medellín and stay there often.
I enjoy the mild weather, which never stops me from doing what I want, the amiable people, and the diverse neighborhoods I visit depending on my mood. El Poblado is for a stylish night out, the more authentic Setenta (70th street) is for a drink with locals to the sounds of Latin rhythms, and Laureles is for a good and hearty menu del día.
There are great deals for affordable and excellent lodging, dining, and nightlife, cool cafés, year-round artistic events, and a wide range of nearby destinations and activities.
When friends or family come to Medellín, I create an itinerary to show them the city’s real face, far from the clichés.
The first day is cultural, starting with a free walking tour to understand Colombia’s history while visiting. After enjoying a Bandeja Paisa, the ultimate local dish, we stroll around Plaza Botero and visit the Museo de Antioquia. In the evening, I take them to Segundo Parque in Laureles for a casual bite.
Day two is immersive, beginning with a trip to a typical market and a fruit tasting that introduces them to flavors they never knew existed. In the afternoon, we visit the Museo de la Memoria, a great way to understand the armed conflict. The day ends with salsa at one of my favorite spots.
On day three, I like to show them how Medellín has transformed. The best illustration is a visit to Comuna 13, with its powerful graffiti. In the afternoon, we explore the chic El Poblado neighborhood, finish with a drink on a trendy rooftop, and enjoy the city views.
I think three days are enough to see Medellín without rushing. If my guests have more time, I take them paragliding or rafting. I suggest a trip to Guatapé or a chocolate tour in San Rafael for a slower day.
ADRIEN’S TIP
Read our travel guide about Medellin to learn more about this great city.
Overview of Cartagena (based on my experience)
I love Cartagena for its streets’ lively, colorful energy and the incredibly romantic vibe of its beautiful historic center, filled with charming boutique hotels and lovely shops. It’s my go-to for a couple’s escape.
I also enjoy bringing friends and family here because Cartagena is a brilliant example of Colombia’s colonial grandeur.
In my opinion, the best way to experience it is by wandering through the historic center early in the morning before the heat and crowds set in, stopping in the more authentic San Diego neighborhood, and, of course, grabbing a coffee and pastry. After some rest in the afternoon, I suggest visiting the Museo Naval for some historical insight.
To close out the day, I recommend watching the sunset from a rooftop or along the crowded city walls at dusk. I also enjoy taking them to Getsemaní for a more authentic, laid-back atmosphere.
A visit to Cartagena wouldn’t be complete without a trip to the iconic Rosario Islands. I love renting a private boat for the day with my family and friends, choosing our peaceful spots away from the tourists. And if I want to embrace the island atmosphere fully, I’ll spend two nights there.
TOM’S TIP
Read our travel guide about Cartagena to learn more about this great city.
Enjoy Cartagena & Medellin
Directly contact the best local agencies for these tours
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