So you’ve made it to Cartagena, ready to explore. I’ve been twice and made sure to find the best cafés in town.
You’re in one of the countries that produce most coffee in the world, after all. In terms of coffee, these cafes won’t leave you asking for anything more. Apart from possibly another one.
Café San Alberto
Branded as Colombia’s most award-winning coffée, San Alberto takes pride in serving amazing specialty coffee through an unforgettable sensory experience. The place is small and charming, well-equipped with every coffee machine a cafeteria could possibly have. If you’re not familiar, the staff will be happy to walk you through the different processes.
The coffee comes from their hacienda with the same name located in Buenavista close by my favorite city in Colombia, Cali. The great geographic conditions are one of their secrets behind the excellent taste. Others are their passion and company culture. San Alberto emphasizes own character and making those special moments even better with coffee made to perfection. What not to like?
They have 2 cafeterias in Cartagena. Take a break here while you’re exploring the old town, or pass by for a delicious little something to go.
Address:
Calle de Los Santos de Piedra
Cra. 4 #34-1 a 34-91, Cartagena, Bolívar, Colombia
Boundless Mezcal Café
Located right on the square of the iconic Torre Reloj in Cartagena, you’ll find this air-conditioned heaven. The temperature in Cartagena can reach 40 degrees, so if you ever feel like a refreshing escape Boundless is a great option. While that isn’t a differentiator as such, their coffee drinks are. The menu features several delicious coffee drinks, which you can enjoy with local picadas or cheese platters.
Boundless stays open late and even if it looks like a chic bar, it’s not one of those that just happens to have coffee on the menu. The coffee is rather a reason for coming here. So is their great service and its strategic location. Several of Cartagena’s rooftop bars are located next door. Why not start the night with a tasty coffee drink before trying them out? Alquimico and El Mirador are two of my favorites.
Address:
Calle 34 N° 7-33, Plaza de los Coches
Ed. Ave Maria, Torre del Reloj, Cartagena, Bolivar, Colombia
Cafe Stepping Stone
In the heart of Cartagena’s colorful neighborhood Getsemani, Cafe Stepping Stone is one of those places with an ambiance that invites you to stay. It features a little green patio and lounge music. I brought my laptop here to finish some work and it thicks the main boxes for a nomad cafe (wifi, cozy ambiance, a varied menu).
The menu presents a fresh mix of natural juices, organic food, and coffee variations perfect for a bohemian neighborhood (you know, with almond milk etc). Cafe Stepping Stone is also a social project, that employs, trains and teaches English through paid internships to people from disadvantaged communities of Cartagena to increase their future employability.
Address:
#30-40 a, Carrera 10 #30102
Cartagena, Bolívar, Colombia
Epoca Espresso Bar
On one (or actually two now) of the charming streets of Cartagena’s old town, the chic Epoca awaits. With the perfect balance of modern and cute, you can easily spend some time here. The coffee is rico, and always lovely presented. Epoca has become so popular that they recently opened a second venue in the old town.
I had an almond coffee and one espresso. Both were great, and as far as rumors go, so is the food. Next time…
Once you’ve had a coffee here, stroll down to the picturesque Plaza Fernández de Madrid, one of my favorites squares in Cartagena.
Address:
Calle de la Artilleria #33-24
Cartagena, Bolívar, Colombia
Calle de Arzopispado
Carrera 5 #34-52, Centro Historico, Cartagena
Cafe De Mural
The beautiful decor is what will make you remember Cafe de Mural. If you’re lucky to get one of the few outdoor seats you could spend hours here sipping on delicious coffee while admiring the street art on the walls next door. Cafe Mural is located in the most arty part of Getsemani, so once you’re ready to move on, you’re in a great position to explore the colorful streets creatively decorated by the local talent.
The inside area is not a bad option, either. Full of quirky details, it will easily become a favorite for every Instagram and alternative interior lover. And yes, the coffee is great, no matter where you decide to sit. Cafe de Mural is the perfect stop during one of those afternoons when you don’t really have any specific time to catch but just feel like enjoying life, while watching the world go by.
Address:
#29- a, Cl. de San Juan #29100
Cartagena, Bolívar, Colombia
La Cafeteria 35-21
La Cafeteria isn’t the prettiest place. It looks like one of those typical coffee shops that you can find in any mall. Even if it isn’t located in a mall, but you get it. Not bad, just not that special. What it lacks in a charming interior, it makes up for with great service and an inviting outdoor seating area.
I was working from here one afternoon. The coffee is very good, and it’s a great place to get stuff done and stay productive. They have a mixed menu with lots of Italian food, which as far as reviews go, is great too. If you’re in the area and just feel like a good coffee, La Cafeteria will satisfy your cravings, even if it won’t leave you blown away.
Address:
Cra. 10 #21, Cartagena, Bolívar, Colombia
Extra tips
Beiyu: I’ve heard that this place is great but did not get the chance to visit this time around.
Address:
Cra. 10 #29186
Juan Valdes: You’ll find this chain all over Colombia. The coffee is good though, and I like their venue next to the university in Cartagena. If you’re in the area it definitely works, even if it isn’t the most original option. It’s like the Colombian version of Starbucks. Their other venue at Plaza Reloj isn’t charming but great for takeaways.
Address:
Cl. 36, Cartagena, Bolívar, Colombia (This is the venue located at the University square. There are many more).
Have you been to Cartagena and have other tips? Then I’d love to hear about them. You might also want to check out some of my favorite restaurants where you can have great Colombian food in Cartagena.
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