Getsemaní: Cartagena's Hippest SPOT!
about Getsemaní
On my recent girls' trip to Cartagena, we discovered the charming and artistic neighborhood of Getsemaní! While Cartagena’s Old City charms visitors with its classic Spanish Colonial vibes, Getsemaní is where the real local flavor shines. Tucked just beyond the historic walls, this neighborhood is buzzing with culture, artsy vibes, and awesome nightlife – hello, mojitos galore!
Getsemaní’s journey from a quiet 'hood for the rich folks' helpers to a global hotspot is like a cool comeback story. Think New York City vibes in the '70s but with a Caribbean twist! Nowadays, it’s the place to be, earning props as Cartagena’s coolest hangout.
From groovy jazz joints to salsa spots that’ll get your hips moving, Getsemaní is alive day and night. Plus, don’t miss the growing food scene – it’s Caribbean cuisine at its finest.
Getsemaní isn’t just about preserving history; it’s all about living it up in the now. If you want to feel Cartagena’s pulse, this is a must-visit.
Getsemaní is often described as an "up and coming" neighborhood, contrasting with the sometimes sterile feel of upscale areas in Cartagena. What sets Getsemaní apart is its vibrant local atmosphere combined with its appeal to tourists.
One of the charms of Getsemaní is its mix of tourists and local residents. While it attracts visitors, it remains a lively residential area where locals open their colorful doors in the evenings to let in the breeze. Art is everywhere here, from murals and street art to locally crafted pieces for sale.
You'll find people socializing outdoors, playing cards and dominoes, accompanied by competing sound systems playing lively vallenato or champeta music. Locals are generally friendly and open to mingling with tourists and anyone else who visits.
This blend creates a "best-of-both-worlds" vibe in Getsemaní—it's not a touristy facade but a genuine neighborhood that also welcomes visitors warmly. In fact, Forbes magazine recognized Getsemaní among the world’s top-10 "coolest" neighborhoods, highlighting its unique and inclusive atmosphere.
color bonanza
Colorful street art radiates from Plaza de la Trinidad, named after the dominant Iglesia Trinidad (Holy Trinity) that graces it. This bustling square is not only a hub for delicious restaurants, lively food carts, and friendly locals offering bike rentals and haircuts but also an inviting spot to unwind and soak in the local vibe for an hour or even longer. As a gathering place for locals, the square comes alive at night with dancers and musicians entertaining the crowds, while nearby vendors whip up delectable Colombian dishes for takeaway. It also serves as an ideal starting point for exploring the vibrant street art scene in Getsemaní.
Venture in any direction from Plaza Trinidad, and you'll find yourself enveloped in a kaleidoscope of colorful decorations and captivating street art.
Getsemaní isn't just a hub of street art; it's a neighborhood adorned with decorated streets. Every corner reveals streets adorned with flags, umbrellas, lanterns, or unique decor that beckons visitors for photo opportunities, drinks, and souvenir shopping. The vibrant decorations add to the neighborhood's allure, creating a lively and inviting atmosphere that charms all who wander through its streets.
Getsemaní is teeming with artistic energy, evident from the plethora of artwork adorning its walls. On any given day, you might stroll past artists at work, adding vibrant murals to the neighborhood, or encounter talented individuals selling their paintings along the streets of Getsemaní.
The walls of Getsemani are full of beautiful and colorful portraits of people. To soak in the vibrant street art of Getsemaní, take a leisurely stroll through the neighborhood. While you're not required to begin or conclude your walk at Plaza de la Trinidad, it's a recommended stop to experience the lively ambiance.
THE FOOD & DRINK SCENE
Getsemaní offers a delectable array of food options that reflect the diverse flavors of Colombia and the Caribbean. We wandered through the streets of Getsemaní, and encountered an array of street food vendors offering mouthwatering treats. From traditional arepas (cornmeal patties) stuffed with savory fillings to empanadas (deep-fried pastries) filled with meat, cheese, or vegetables, there's something to satisfy every craving. The neighborhood is dotted with charming restaurants serving up authentic Colombian and Caribbean cuisine.
Sample dishes like bandeja paisa, a hearty platter featuring rice, beans, plantains, meat, and avocado, or try sancocho, a comforting stew made with meat, vegetables, and herbs.
We beat the heat with refreshing fruit juices available at juice bars and street vendors. Sipping on tropical delights like mango, guava, passionfruit, and more, often blended with ice for a cooling treat! The fruit juices tend to be quite sweet due to added sugar, so I recommend asking for less or no sugar when ordering them.
Overall, Getsemaní is a food lover's paradise, offering a mix of traditional flavors, fresh seafood, international cuisine, and vibrant street food experiences that add to the neighborhood's lively and welcoming vibe.
