Plaza de San Diego is a small, intimate square in the quieter northern part of the walled city — named for the now-demolished Convento de San Diego and dominated at one end by the restored 17th-century Santa Clara convent (now the luxury Sofitel Santa Clara hotel). The square has one of Cartagena's most concentrated collections of restaurants — Santísimo, Juan del Mar, La Vitrola (Cartagena's legendary Cuban-style restaurant founded in 1994 with live bolero and son music) — making it the old town's gastronomic heart after dark.
The square is less touristy than Plaza Santo Domingo but just as picturesque, and the quieter atmosphere allows conversation without competing with street musicians. La Vitrola in particular is worth the premium price — the Cuban band plays from 7:30 PM nightly, and the food is seafood-focused Caribbean cuisine at a high level.
Verified Facts
The square is named after the demolished Convento de San Diego
La Vitrola restaurant was founded in 1994
The Santa Clara convent is now the Sofitel hotel
La Vitrola's Cuban band plays from 7:30 PM nightly
Get walking directions
8-15 Calle 39, San Diego, Cartagena, 130001, Colombia
