The 5 Best Hostels in Cartagena: 2026 Edition

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If it’s your first time in Cartagena, a little research on where to stay can go a long way when booking your digs. Trust me, you don’t want to find yourself miles from the action.

1. Viajero Cartagena Hostel – Best Overall Hostel

• Price: $$
• Best for: Social travellers and digital nomads.
• Highlights: Pool, daily activities, co-working spaces, restaurant
• Dorms from: $17
• Private rooms from: $85
• Location: Getsemani neighbourhood

Viajero Cartagena Hostel has got that mix of history and chill vibes you’d expect from a colonial city on the Caribbean coast. The hostel sits in a colourful, colonial-era building that oozes old-world charm whilst having all the modern backpacker comforts that you’d expect.

Why you’ll love this hostel:

• Pool & Social Spaces: The large pool and multiple common areas makes it easy to hang out and meet people.
• Coworking Setup: Work areas with Wifi for remote workers
• On Site Everything: Bar, restaurant, and activities mean you rarely need to leave

Viajero hosts daily events like salsa nights and parties up on the rooftop terrace so you’re sure to leave with more pals backpacking Cartagena than what you came in with. The on-site bar on the rooftop makes some killer cocktails that go down a treat during sunset too.

You’ve got options here – mixed and female-only dorms for when your social battery is full, or private rooms if you just need a break from the whole backpacker life. All rooms come with that sweet, sweet aircon to save you from the tropical heat.

The hostel is right in the thick of Cartagena’s historical action – just minutes from the Walled City, bustling plazas, and plenty of bars and restaurants. Whether you’re here for the history or the nightlife, Viajero Cartagena Hostel gives you the best of both worlds.

2. Los Patios Hostel – Best Hostel for Solo Travellers

• Price: $$
• Best for: Travellers ok with splashing a bit of cash.
• Highlights: Bike Hire, location, bar and restaurant
• Dorms from: $23
• Private rooms from: $100
• Location: Getsemani, Cartagena

Los Patios Hostel is an absolute winner in Poblado, Cartagena’s safest and most gentrified neighbourhood. The vibe here is perfect for solo travellers, with endless ways to meet new mates and have a laugh.

Why you’ll love this hostel:

• Co working Space: Get out your laptop, you can work here.
• Swimming pool: Epic out door swimming pool.
• Facilities : An awesome set of facilities for cooking, tea making and laundry.

They’ve nailed the facilities, with a rooftop terrace and pool that’s basically your new best friend after a sweaty day out. The air con in the rooms is solid too – no more melting at 2 a.m. Warm showers hit the spot, and those dorm beds are like little cocoons with privacy curtains, outlets for all your tech, and fans to keep you cool.

The staff are legends and make sure everyone’s in on the fun. The hostel runs a WhatsApp group chat to keep the banter going long after happy hour’s over. The rooftop bar is in the heart of it all, with salsa lessons on Saturdays and an always-on social buzz. Don’t skip the free welcome cocktails either – they’re too good to miss. And if you want to get to know Cartagena, Elis hosts a killer walking tour that covers all the basics and more.

Basically, Los Patios has everything a solo traveller could want: good vibes, cool people, and all the amenities you need to keep things easy and fun.

3. The Clock Hostel And Suites – Best Cheap Hostel

• Price: $
• Best for: Budget travellers wanting a central dorm location (private rooms are not particularly cheap.)
• Highlights: Rooftop, location, 24/7 groceries near by
• Dorms from: $16
• Private rooms from: $100
• Location: Old Town, Cartagena

The Clock Hostel And Suites hits the spot for anyone looking to party in Cartagena. In the heart of the Old City, this place is prime for making friends with fellow backpackers trekking through South America. The hot tub is the social heartbeat of the hostel, where you’ll swap travel stories and make plans with your new mates. There’s a quirky clock theme running throughout, which is pretty cool too.

Why you’ll love this hostel:

• Top Location: Right in the heart of the Old Town, steps from Cartagena’s main sights.
• Hot tub: Outdoors patio with a hot tub , great for relaxing.
• Facilities : Full self-catering and laundry facilities to help keep costs low.

The real gem here is the double dorm beds though. After months of cramped single bunks, getting to stretch out is absolute heaven. The beds come with privacy curtains too – a must-have for me, no compromises there. Free breakfast is always a plus and this one is basic but a pretty solid one – eggs, toast and coffee.

For those hanging around Cartagena for a bit, the hostel’s got your back with laundry facilities and a fully equipped kitchen. There’s also a chill room loaded with games and a TV with Netflix, perfect for decompressing after a long day of exploring or mapping out your Colombia itinerary.

Heads up: the dorms are massive, with 20 beds each, so pack those earplugs. Somehow, you always end up in the same room as the snorers, but hey, that’s hostel life for you! If you’re keen on stretching your budget, The Clock Hostel And Suites is one of the best cheap hostels in the city. It’s affordable without skimping on the good vibes.

4. Republica Hostel Cartagena– Best Social Hostel

• Price: $
• Best for: Travellers looking for an all round solid stay.
• Highlights: Pool parties, large internal court yard , hostel is housed in a historic building
• Dorms from: $14
• Private rooms from: $40
• Location: Getsemani neighbourhood

Republica Hostel Cartagena is right in the heart of Old Town, and it’s the kind of place that sucks you in with its cool vibes and keeps you extending your stay. Its a good place to meet other travellers backpacking Colombia, and the beautiful building only adds to the charm of your stay.

Why you’ll love this hostel:

• Swimming pool: the pool and large court doubles as the main hangout area
• The bar : On site bar and music
• Spacious Layout: Big communal areas that are well designed

The staff are super friendly and always ready to help out. Dorms are pod-style and made from concrete, which means they don’t carry sound which is always appreciated. Each bed comes with a fan, outlet, and light, so it’s pretty cosy for catching some zzzs. Republica Hostel’s got all the right stuff if you’re after a place with great facilities and a bit of buzz.

5. Casa Movida Hostel – Best Hostel for Digital Nomads

• Price: $$
• Best for: Solo travellers looking for a quiet but central place to stay.
• Highlights: Rooftop, great views, bar and restaurant on site. 
• Dorms from: $20
• Private rooms from: $90
• Location: Getsemani neighbourhood

Casa Movida Hostel sits right in Cartagena’s San Diego district, blending into the colonial charm of the city with its stunning 19th-century building. Nestled in the historic centre of the Old Town, it’s surrounded by bars, restaurants, and endless things to do, all at a price that’s surprisingly fair for such an expensive part of town.

Why you’ll love this hostel:

• Loads of facilities : Guest kitchen, laundry facilities and co-working room.
• Top location: within the Walled City
• Swimming pool: Outdoor swimming pool for cooling off.

It’s a prime pick for digital nomads, offering a great coworking space where you can crank out some hours before heading out to explore. While the social vibe isn’t the liveliest, sometimes a quieter setting is exactly what you need to stay productive. The fast, free WiFi is a godsend for remote workers who rely on a solid connection.

The dorms are spotless, and the pod-style beds make it feel like you’ve got your own little nook. Some rooms even come with balconies that offer killer views of the city. The kitchen is small but clean and functional, with a free breakfast to kickstart your day. And let’s be honest, a free brekkie always seals the deal.

There’s also a rooftop terrace and bar that really comes alive during DJ nights, giving the place an extra layer of cool. With its chic design and great location, Casa Movida Hostel is easily one of the best value stays near the historic Walled City. I’d even go as far as to say that it’s one of my favourite hostels in Colombia.

Getting Insured BEFORE stepping into this postcard perfect place:

Unfortunately, things can go wrong when you least expect it. This is why good travel insurance is essential before you head on your trip to Cartagena.

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

Cartagena will stick with you long after you’ve left. Its vibrant streets, lively nightlife, and that unbeatable Caribbean flair make it a blast. As someone who’s soaked up this city’s amazing vibes more than a few times, trust me, you’re in for a treat.

There are plenty of cool hostels in town, but if I had to pick a favourite, it’s got to be Viajero Cartagena Hostel. You’ll get the full Colombian experience in its charming colonial-era building. It’s the perfect base for your Cartagena adventures.

And if you stumble upon any hidden gems or must-try spots, let us know in the comments – we are always on the lookout for the next great hostel find. Adios amigos!