This isn’t going to be an article where we blabber on incoherently for 700 words only to end up saying, “it depends”. Instead, we’re going to answer the Is Cartagena better than Medellin question now.
It depends.
Now, we want to take it one step further and explain why both cities have their allure and why choosing one isn’t as simple as beach vs. city.
Is Cartagena better than Medellin?
Cartagena is Colombia’s heroic city and full of history for not only Colombia but also South America.
In the 16th century, the city was walled off to prevent pirate attacks and intruders. These walls currently stand and make up what is known as Cartagena’s historic city center.
It is a UNESCO world heritage site and its villas are colorful and artistic.
But the city has more to it than history. Its eclectic mix of old and new, amazing restaurants, and beach vibe make it a great vacation destination. For any type of group, couple, or even single traveler.
Is Medellin better than Cartagena?
Medellin was marginalized back in the 80s and 90s in large part because of the infamous Pablo Escobar. This stigma persists with many people and are scared to visit.
We’re here to tell you that the city has cleaned up since the early 2000s. Today it’s one of the most popular tourist destinations in South America.
Medellin is green, swarming with culture, nightlife and beautiful women. It’s no wonder it’s such a popular destination.
The city has also had an up-and-coming culinary scene that makes it a fan favorite for foodies from all over the world.
Cartagena Colombia Nightlife
The great thing about Cartagena’s nightlife is all these old villas in the city center that were made into bumping clubs and bars.
Take a bar called Alquimico for instance. It’s a 4-floor property with a different concept on each floor. You also have a rooftop nightclub that’s modern and chic in an otherwise historical villa.
Everywhere you walk you’ll see horse carriages, couples, children, and groups of friends looking for a good time. Street food, fancy food, and salsa bars left and right.
One might argue the city has become too globalized and touristy but who doesn’t enjoy culture with spectacular restaurants?
Medellin’s Nightlife
Medellin is less touristy and much bigger than Cartagena. It’s home to 3 million people and every woman is more beautiful than the next. But we’re here to talk about nightlife.
There’s a sector in Medellin known as Parque Lleras that you can’t avoid. If you want to enjoy nightlife, culture, people and music, you can’t miss Parque Lleras.
Located in the heart of Medellin’s best neighborhood, El Poblado, Parque Lleras and it’s surrounding streets have it all.
From restaurants like Carmen, Oci, and El Cielo. To clubs like La Chula, Gusto, and La Ruana de Juana, there’s something for everyone in Parque Lleras.
Which City is Better for Couples
If you’re looking for a honeymoon destination, you can’t go wrong with Cartagena. Great food, horse carriages, culture, street food, amazing hotels, and fantastic islands.
Which City is Better for Guys Trips?
We live in Medellin so we’re biased. Medellin’s regular crowd of non-working women are second to none. You’d have to go somewhere like the Ukraine or Sweden to find better girls. Even then if you only like the Latina look, no woman embodies it more than the Paisa woman in Medellin.
If your bachelor party is about nightlife, immersing yourselves in a new culture, Medellin is the best. But if you need the beach and can’t do without a yacht, Cartagena is the place to be.
Which City is Better for Solo Travelers?
Here Medellin is light years ahead of Cartagena. The two previous options could have gone either way. Medellin is good for couples that want to explore a real city with real people so couples enjoy Medellin too. Bachelor parties enjoy Cartagena too due to the island hopping excursions and private villas.
But for solo travelers, Medellin is green, has amazing surrounding towns, delicious coffee and much more.
So, is Cartagena better than Medellin?
In our eyes, they’re tied for first place.
