Things to do on a trip to Barranquilla

Barranquilla is the third largest city in Colombia and one of the most important for its history and cultural exchange. The city is nicknamed La Arenosa or the Golden Gate, as it was the site of the country’s largest port and the main gateway for immigrants and foreign advances such as aviation, telephony, commercial radio and even some sports. Beyond its history, there is plenty to do in Barranquilla as we tell you in this post.

One of the most famous tourist attractions in the city are the carnivals, which take place every year in late February and early March. The city is full of life and colors with a show that shows the Caribbean foklore and the mix of cultures. In this post we tell you all about Barranquilla and give you other tips that will help you prepare your trip. We also tell you about the local gastronomy and explain the best way to get to the city.

What are the best places to see in Barranquilla?

1. The best beaches in Barranquilla

The best thing about Barranquilla is that the temperature is warm and constant all year round, so it is always a good time to go to the beach. The main beaches of Barranquilla are Puerto Colombia and Salgar Beaches, characterized by its fine white sand and warm, crystal clear waters. These beaches, a few minutes from the city, are perfectly equipped with umbrellas, sun loungers, restaurants and beach bars where you can cool off. Right there you can also hire surf courses and go out partying at night. When the lights go on the coast is transformed.

2. Caribbean Culture Park

It is a modernist architectural complex whose purpose is to promote the culture and heritage of the Caribbean. It was built in 2007 and since then has not stopped growing. The facilities include the Museum of the Caribbean, divided into sections of Nature, People, Word, Expression and Action, the Pilot Children’s Library of the Caribbean and the Macondo Media Library, specializing in Gabriel García Marquez. There is also an open-air theater, a Museum of Modern Art of Barranquilla and the Cinemateca del Caribe. Admission counts 12,000 pesos for adults and 800 pesos for children.

To organize your trip we recommend using the Passporter where you can get inspiration from the experiences of other travellers and choose the places that most interest you to add to your route map.

3. The neighborhood of El Prado

This is the most spectacular neighborhood to see in Barranquilla because its facades reflect the economic splendor of the city in the late nineteenth century. In this neighborhood were sent to build their mansions the great merchants who came from Europe, in addition, the neighborhood has large avenues and beautiful parks and gardens. What is most striking is the wide variety of styles of the facades: neoclassical, art nouveau, art deco, historicist, romantic and even neo-Mudejar, evidence of the cultural mix of the city.

4. Paseo Bolivar

The Paseo Bolivar is the most important avenue to see in Barranquilla. It is located in the heart of the old town and is home to several official buildings such as the Mayor’s Office, the church of San Nicolas and numerous commercial establishments. At the end of the promenade is the Plaza Bolivar, with a statue of Simon Bolivar. The avenue is a pleasant place to stroll along, where you will see the day-to-day life of the city and be able to eat some traditional dishes such as arepas or drink coconut water.

5. Carnival, a must-do in Barranquilla

The Carnival is the most important event of the year in Barranquilla and attracts thousands of tourists looking for a party. The streets are flooded with music and costumes that proudly represent the folklore of the Colombian Caribbean. The celebration takes place from late February to early March, but is being prepared throughout the year.

You should keep in mind that if you are going to travel to Barranquilla at this time it is better to organize it well in advance, as the city is full of tourists and it is more complicated to find accommodation. That small detail aside, we think it is a must-see show in Barranquilla.

Travel Tip: To organize your trip we recommend using Passporter totally free. You can be inspired by the experiences of other travelers, choose the places that interest you most, create the travel route with a geolocated map, upload all important documents such as reservations and invite your friends so that everyone can participate in the organization of the trip.

What to do around Barranquilla

1. Pink Sea of Galerazamba 

On the way to Cartagena we found the Pink Sea of Galerazamba, 1h and 15 from Barranquilla. This place is famous for the pink color of its waters, which is produced by halophilic microalgae that grow thanks to the specific conditions of luminosity and salinity produced by the salt flats that surround it. The best time to go is from December to April, when the water is at its pinkest.

You can go by private vehicle, bus (20,000 pesos) or cab (150,000 pesos). Whatever vehicle you go in, you’ll have to get off at a parking lot, from where you can take a motorcycle that will take you to the beach for 4,000 pesos. The entrance fee is 5,000 pesos and the opening hours are from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm.

2. Cartagena de Indias

Cartagena is 2 hours and 15 minutes from Barranquilla, from where you can get there by bus, which leave very often from the central station and cost no more than 15€. If you have the opportunity it is worth the trip because Cartagena is another of the main port cities of the country with great colonial influence and one of the most beautiful. It still preserves many period buildings and military monuments, but the most impressive is the historic center, which has the title of Patrimony of Humanity.

Cartagena is a city to walk around, and these are the main stops you’ll have to make: the Plaza de Coches, the Barrio de Getsemaní, the city walls, the Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas and the Parque Bolivar. You are sure to love the city.

Discover what else to see in Cartagena: Things to do in Cartagena Colombia

What to do in 1 day in  Barranquilla?

There is not much to do in Barranquilla if we think of museums or monuments. You have to walk around the city, get lost in its neighborhoods and discover each area: the old town, the neighborhood of El Prado, the beach… Therefore, seeing the city will not take you more than one or two days. However, the surroundings have a lot to offer, such as the Pink Sea of Galerazamba or the Bocas de Ceniza, the mouth of the Magdalena River in the Caribbean. Therefore, it is recommended to spend an extra day between Baranquilla and Cartagena, a nearby city with a lot to offer. And if you want to know what else to see in Colombia, don’t miss this post: Requirements to travel to Colombia.

Where and what to eat in  Barranquilla?

In Barranquilla we find a wide gastronomic offer for all tastes. The most typical dish is the arroz lisa, a rice dish with fish that is usually accompanied with yucca bun. Other typical dishes are Sancocho de guandú with salted meat (a stew), Bocachico en cabrito (grilled fish), butifarras, arepas de huevo (egg arepas) and other cassava-based dishes. These are some of the restaurants where you can try the local specialties.

• Cucayo: is one of the best restaurants to try the local food. It is also a very nice place and the service is wonderful. The price of the meal per person does not exceed 15€.
• Pepe Anca: is a restaurant specializing in meat. They only cook with top quality ingredients and all their dishes are delicious.
• Narcobollo: is the perfect place to try all the local specialties. They prepare homemade food at a very good price, and although it is not the nicest restaurant in town, it is definitely worth a visit.

Where to stay in Barranquilla

Barranquilla is the largest city in Colombia and one of the most touristic. Because of this, there are quite a few options when it comes to lodging. It is generally recommended to stay in the north, where the city is safer. The best neighborhoods are Alto Prado, well located and lively, El Prado, Riomar and the Historic Center. Here is a selection of some of our favorite lodgings in the city;

• Mosaic Studios: are modern and nice studios perfectly equipped. They have wifi, TV, air conditioning and kitchen. There are apartments for 2 and 3 people and the price starts at 55€ per night.
• Hilton Garden Inn Barranquilla: is a luxurious 4-star hotel with incredible views of the city. It has an outdoor pool, gym, restaurant and offers breakfast for 7€. The room rate starts at 55€.
• Hotel Torre del Prado: is a more economical hotel than the previous one. You can spend the night there from 28€. The hotel is simple but very nice. It also has a fitness room, 24h room service and offers breakfast for 4€.

How to get to Barranquilla

Barranquilla is very well connected with other Colombian cities and American airports, however, if we fly from Spain, we will most likely have to make a stopover in the United States. Once at Ernesto Cortissoz International Airport there are different ways to get to the city center, located 11km away.

• Bus: is the most common option. There are numerous companies operating, and they will take you to different parts of the city. The journey takes no more than 30 minutes.
• Taxi: This is the most comfortable option. The base fare is 5000 pesos, and you will distinguish them because they are yellow.
• Renting a car: this option is only worthwhile if we are going to make a route around the country. And even then, keep in mind that the roads are not in very good condition and traffic is different from Europe. Therefore, it is recommended to go with great caution.

What should I consider before travelling to Barranquilla?

• The climate in Barranquilla is tropical, which means that temperatures are mild all year round.
• The rainiest months are September and October.
• Carnivals are the best time to travel to Barranquilla, between February and March.
• The city is safe, but it is recommended to stay and move around in the north.
• The official currency in Colombia is the Colombian peso.
• The official language is Spanish.
• It is recommended to carry cash for small businesses.
• Tap water is drinkable in Barranquilla, but our stomach may not be accustomed to its levels of minerality. That’s why it’s better to drink bottled water.
• Brace yourself against possible medical emergencies: travel insured.

How to prepare what to do on your trip to Barranquilla

Register or download the Passporter App and discover all its possibilities.

• Get inspired by the experiences of other travelers.
• Create your own itinerary and add to it the suggestions of the app.
• Add the stops that interest you most, as well as the restaurants and bars where you want to eat (you can use the points of interest that we indicate in this post as a reference).
• Organize your itinerary by days of route according to its location on the map (you can get inspired by the routes that we present in the post).
• Check the travel budget that the app calculates according to your travel stops, restaurants, and leisure activities.
• Make the modifications you need and everything will be ready for your trip.
• Share your experience. Upload photos of the places you have visited on your trip to the app and recommend other travelers what to do in Barranquilla.

If you have doubts about how to organize your trip, you can check our post:How to create a travel itinerary in Passporter?

Frequently asked questions about a trip to Barranquilla