Alquímico
Alquímico is a cocktail bar ranked in The World's 50 Best Bars (No. 8 in 2024), and it genuinely earns the recognition. Located inside a colonial mansion in Cartagena's walled city, the venue spreads across three floors, each with a different concept. The ground floor focuses on ingredients from local agricultural communities. The first floor reimagines classic cocktails with Colombian twists. The rooftop terrace transforms into a tropical tiki bar by night, complete with DJs spinning reggaeton when the moon rises. Cocktails use house-infused spirits, locally sourced Colombian fruits, herbs, and sugarcane. Proceeds from the menu support local farming communities and a bartender academy. This isn't just a bar; it's a project.
What to Expect
One of the best bar experiences in South America. The cocktails are exceptional, the colonial building is beautiful, and the three-floor journey keeps the night interesting. The rooftop transforms from cocktail terrace to dance party as the night deepens. Quality is consistent because the bartenders are trained in-house.
World-class cocktails in a colonial mansion. Each floor tells a different story.
Ground floor: subtle background. Rooftop: DJs playing reggaeton, tropical, and electronic after 10 PM
Smart casual. You're visiting a world-class bar.
Cocktail lovers, couples, and anyone who appreciates bars with genuine purpose and craft.
Cards and cash accepted
Price Range
Cocktails COP 30,000-55,000, bar snacks COP 20,000-40,000
≈ €4–12 / $5–13
Hours
Mon-Sat from 6 PM to 2 AM
Insider Tip
Start on the ground floor, work your way up, finish on the rooftop. Each floor is genuinely different. Tell your bartender what flavors you like and let them guide you. The sustainability story behind the drinks adds meaning to every sip.
Other Venues in Centro Historico
Café del Mar
Iconic sunset spot perched on the old city walls near Baluarte de Santo Domingo. DJ sets start at dusk. Drinks are overpriced, but you're paying for the Caribbean panorama.
Tu Candela
Main dance club in the walled city playing reggaeton, salsa, and champeta. Packs out after 1 AM on weekends with a mostly local and Latin tourist crowd.
Bazurto Social Club
Live champeta, salsa, and Afro-Caribbean music most nights. Small, sweaty dance floor with authentic local energy. One of the best spots to hear real Cartagena street music.
El Barón
Refined cocktail bar on Plaza de San Pedro Claver. Colombian-inspired craft cocktails, knowledgeable bartenders, and a polished atmosphere that stands apart from most walled city bars.