The Best Cafes In Cartagena Colombia

The amazing quality of Colombian coffee is praised relentlessly across the globe. Colombia has the third highest coffee production rate in the world, and for good reason. Naturally, expect to experience more than just an amazing cup of coffee when visiting Cartagena de Indias in the Bolívar region of this large country. Check out our list of where to find the best cafes in the region.

1. Abaco Libros y Café

Cafe, South American

This beautiful bookshop is a not-so-hidden gem in the center of the old walled city of Cartagena de Indias. When perusing the various shops in the area, you may accidentally stumble upon this modern cafe and bookshop housed in an old colorful building. Abaco Libros y Café is covered wall-to-wall with books in both Spanish and English, and is the perfect oasis in which to relax and regroup after walking through the busy shopping streets that surround it. The beautiful brick walls create an ideal ambiance to enjoy some of the best coffee Cartagena has to offer.
Opening hours: Mon-Sat 9am-9pm, Sun 3pm-9pm

2. Café de Las Novias

Cafe, Cafe

Café de Las Novias

Café de Las Novias is a coffee shop built upon the reputation of Ely Gourmet, and is one of the best cafes in Cartagena de Indias. Serving some of the most delectable cakes and sweet treats you will find in the capital of Colombia’s Bolívar region, this cafe is particularly famous for its creamy mocha-chinos and its tasty wedding cakes made to order. Located near the sea off the beaten track of the regular tourist route, stop by this haunt for a taste of Colombia.
Opening hours: Mon-Sat 8am-5pm
Cl. 25, Cartagena, Bolívar, Colombia, +57 5 664 5707

Cartagena de Indias | © Nina Volare/Flickr

3. Juan Valdez Café

Cafe, Coffee, Tea , Vegetarian, Pastries, Dessert

Juan Valdez coffee has become an international symbol for Colombian coffee, and is a household name in many countries. The Juan Valdez Cafe in the old walled city of Cartagena de Indias is one of the most frequented branches of the series of coffeehouses, located near the beautiful old university buildings and often buzzing with students. The Juan Valdez character is a symbol of pure top-quality Colombian coffee as opposed to coffee blended with beans from other countries. He typically appears with his mule, Conchita, carrying sacks of harvested Colombian coffee beans and has become a symbol of the pride Colombia has in this industry.
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 6:30am-10pm, Sat 7am-9pm, Sun 9am-8pm

4. Ceiba Juice Bar

Bar, Cafe, Juice Bar

Ceiba Juice Bar

Located in the Getsemani neighborhood, Ceiba Juice Bar is an award-winning cafe serving smoothies made from fresh Colombian fruit as well as a must-try Colombian-sized cup of coffee. The strong but sweet espresso coffee will have you cozying up with a good book in the dimly lit haunt with wooden seating and many facilities. A local favorite with bargain basement prices, Ceiba Juice Bar is a must-try as far as Colombian coffee tasting goes.
Opening hours: daily 5:30pm-11pm
Entre Calle 29 y Media Luna 9, Cra. 10, Cartagena, Bolívar, Colombia, +57 312 287 8694

Getsemani street | © Frank am Main/Flickr

5. Café San Alberto

Cafe, South American

At Café San Alberto coffee is a science. From their odd and intricate apparatus to their knowledgable baristas, this cafe does a cup of coffee like you have never experienced before. Their ‘Coffee Baptism’ takes customers on a journey through their bean selection process, exclusively from the Buenavista, Quindío region of Colombia down to the complex machinery that is used to brew the perfect shot of espresso. A dose of Colombian culture right in your cup will complete your experience of Cartagena de Indias.
Opening hours: daily 10am-9pm

Culture Trips launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes places and communities so special.

Our immersive trips, led by Local Insiders, are once-in-a-lifetime experiences and an invitation to travel the world with like-minded explorers. Our Travel Experts are on hand to help you make perfect memories. All our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.?>

All our travel guides are curated by the Culture Trip team working in tandem with local experts. From unique experiences to essential tips on how to make the most of your future travels, we’ve got you covered.

Culture Trip Spring Sale

Save up to $1,656 on our unique small-group trips! Limited spots.

View Offers

The Best Cafes In Cartagena, Colombia