Ábaco Libros y Café
A bookshop and café on the corner of Calle de la Iglesia and Calle de la Mantilla, in Cartagena's historic center. It's open every day until 9:00 p.m.
- Hours
- Monday to Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.; Sundays and public holidays from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. (checked 2026-10-12).
- Price
- Check the menu and book prices at the shop.
- Price level
- $$$$$
- Duration
- 0 to 2 hours
- Address
- Calle 36 #3-86, corner of Calle de la Iglesia and Calle de la Mantilla, Centro, Cartagena
Ábaco opened in May 2002. It was founded by María Elsa Gutiérrez, an industrial engineer who wanted a cultural space inside the historic center.
It's a bookshop with floor-to-ceiling shelves and a café at the same time: you order a coffee or a glass of wine, something to eat, and pick out a book. There's Colombian and Latin American literature, plus books in English.
It has been a secondary venue for the Hay Festival, the Festival Internacional de Música and the Cartagena Film Festival. It hosts book launches, talks and a weekly book club.
What to see
- The floor-to-ceiling bookshelves.
- The Colombian literature section.
- The corner of Calle de la Iglesia, one block from the Cathedral.
Getting there
- On foot from La Matuna, a few blocks past the Torre del Reloj toward the Cathedral.
- Taxi to Calle de la Iglesia, in the old town.
Tips
- A good break in the middle of a walk around the old town.
- Check the events calendar and the book club.
FAQ
What are Ábaco's opening hours?
Monday to Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., and Sundays and public holidays from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Do they sell books in English?
Yes, there's a section of books in English.
Can I get something to eat?
Yes, there's coffee, wine and light food.
On the map
Photos: Ábaco Libros y Café, CC0 · Ábaco Libros y Café, CC0 · Wikimedia Commons
What’s on nearby
21OctConventionCentro de Convenciones Cartagena de IndiasColombian Construction Congress 2026
28OctConferenciaCentro de Convenciones Cartagena de Indias+CTG 2026, Latin American creative economy summit
1NovFestivalCentro Histórico and Avenida SantanderCartagena Independence Festivities 2026
4NovConventionCentro de Convenciones Cartagena de Indias9th Oil, Gas and Energy Summit
25NovConventionCentro de Convenciones Cartagena de Indias23rd National Infrastructure Congress
29NovSportCentro Histórico: finish in front of the Torre del Reloj, transition at Parque de la MarinaIRONMAN 70.3 Cartagena 2026
