Getsemaní

By Brenda Yun

First time visitors to Cartagena are often fooled by hotel propaganda that says its accommodations are “reasonably priced and conveniently located in the walled part of Cartagena de Indias.” Many of the city’s cheap hotels are found in Getsemaní, which is technically part of the “old city,” but is neither as quaint nor as enjoyable as El Centro, the real heart of Cartagena. In short, Getsemaní is the poor man’s Cartagena and, to be honest, a bit grungy and lackluster. There are, however, three advantages to staying in this neighborhood: it’s cheaper, close to the major sites, and has the best nightlife in town (along Avenida Arsenal).