A Morning Walk in Getsemani, Cartagena – one of the hippest neighborhoods in the world

Getsemani is an up and coming neighborhood in Cartagena, Colombia. On it’s way to gentrification, this neighborhood offers up a view of what local life in Cartagena is actually like – a rare glimpse not possible if you only stay in the historic center.

We walked around the pretty Getsemani neighborhood in the morning, taking in the sights and sounds of people going about their daily routines, before the tourists had time to stir and overrun them.

Walk through Parque Centenario to Getsemani and then walk on Calle de la Sierpe to see the murals.

After that, just get lost in the side streets. The doors are gorgeous, the houses colorful. It’s similar to the historic center, and yet so different. It’s definitely grittier, and feels like you stepped out of a fairy tale into real life. But, a real life tinged with romance nonetheless. Not a bad compromise!

Cafe de Mural only opens at 3 pm, but definitely check it out if you get the chance! They also offer coffee brewing classes which I wish I could have tried! Fun fact : The street outside Cafe de Mural is very pretty, perfect for Instagram pictures. Try taking them during golden hour after your belly is full of delicious coffee!

Grab tapas and drinks at Demente before dancing the night away in Trinidad Square.

If you aren’t staying in Getsemani – go there at least twice during your Cartagena visit. Once in the early morning to glimpse the pretty streets and the local life, and once in the evening to eat all the good food and party it up with the Cartagenians.

Forbes named Getsemani one of the twelve coolest neighborhoods in the world in 2018. What do you think? Is this on your list for 2019? For more help planning your trip, read my detailed travel guide to Cartagena, and my suggestions on where to find the prettiest streets in the historic center.

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