Carnival in Barranquilla

Travel Guide Barranquilla

carnival in barranquilla

Partying with the locals at Colombia’s biggest party

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The carnival in Barranquilla is the second largest carnival in the world. Rio de Janeiro may host the largest carnival, but in Barranquilla it is also a mega event. The streets are transformed into a huge street party for locals and tourists, with live bands, parades and traditional Colombian music and dance (Cumbia, Merengue, Mapalé, Salsa, among others). The city revolves around carnival for 4 days and many businesses are closed . With the pre-carnival events included, the carnival lasts an entire month. In 2003, the carnival of Barranquilla became recognized by UNESCO as a World Cultural Heritage Site.

“Quien lo vive, es quien lo goza“; is the slogan of the Carnival of Barranquilla or: Live it and enjoy it……and enjoy it the Barranquilleros can enjoy it like the best!

Here you will read everything you need to know about carnival in Barranquilla, what are the most beautiful parades and what are the best parties before and after carnival. You will also find tips and tricks and useful information for planning your trip to Barranquilla carnival.

The program

This is the program of the main events in 2026. (updated in July 2025)

Saturday, Feb. 14:
Batalla de Flores (flower parade) 1 p.m. / Via 40
The opening parade with floats, folklore and dance groups and many beautiful costumes. Radiant centerpiece is the queen of the carnival. There is a theme/parody during the parade every year; politicians and celebrities are popular subjects of ridicule among the groups.

Sunday, Feb. 15:
Gran Parada de Tradición y Folklore (grand parade): 1 p.m. / Via 40.
A parade with dance groups and the most beautiful folklore groups, without floats. More than 300 groups participate in this parade every year.

Monday, Feb. 16:
Gran Parada de Comparsas (big parade for groups) : 1 p.m. / Via 40.
Also called the “big fantasy parade.” This is a more international version of the great
parade featuring traditional, local and international music, such as the Cumbia, Salsa, Samba and Reggaetón.

Tuesday, Feb. 17: Joselito se va con las Cenizas (Joselito leaves in ashes): Calle 84
On the last day of Carnival, the death and burial of “Joselito” takes center stage. Joselito symbolizes the joy of carnival. Thousands of people go through the streets carrying Joselitos, transported on stretchers or in coffins. If you want to experience Carnival in Barranquilla from A-Z, this is an absolute must!

Prior to the carnival parades, there are many events, such as the popular evening parade La Guacherna, on the Friday before Carnival. There is also the Carnaval de Los Niños (children’s parade) and the coronation of the Reina del Carnaval (Queen of Carnival). As of Jan. 17 already begins the pre-carnival program. Read on below for the best pre-carnival events.

Pre carnival events-the highlights

Dates/prices to be confirmed
Guacherna, 8 p.m. Cathedral Metropolitana, Cra 45
Evening party with lots of dancing, cumbias, groups and lights.
You can buy a ticket to the Palco Guacherna from COP90,300 /$23

Dates/prices to be confirmed:
Noche del Río, 6 p.m., Carrera 50
An evening with lots of music and dancing on the Río Magdalena
You can buy a ticket for the Noche del Río from COP17,000/$4

Dates/prices to be confirmed:
Coronation of the kings and queens of the carnival, 20.00u.
Grand event that takes place at the Estadio Romelio Martinez, featuring famous artists such as Carlos Vives. Tickets can be purchased from COP 109,500/$27

Dates/prices to be confirmed:
Baila la Calle, 8 p.m., Carrera 50 con Calle Murillo. Dancing on the largest dance floor in the world.
Buy a ticket for any of the evenings from COP27,000/$7

Here you buy the tickets online, using an international credit card. For more details, including ticket information and updated event schedules, you can visit the official Carnival website.

ColombiaMyWay Tips

How do you plan your trip to Barranquilla’s carnival?

Read our 5 tips here!

Tip #1
Book your hotel well in advance!
Carnival in Barranquilla is very popular, also among Colombian tourists. Hotel prices go up tremendously with Carnival and rooms are quickly booked. Check here for our tips for hotels near the carnival route and more tips for booking the nicest hotels in Barranquilla.

Tip #2
Buy a ticket for the covered grandstand (palco)

  • At the palcos you can sit -for the most part- in the shade. Other services at the palcos are: food and beverage sales, restrooms and music. There are large palcos like this one:

And small -mini- palcos like this one:

 

  • Tickets are usually sold in a 3-day package. Prices range from COP 99,000/25$) for the minipalcos up to COP 400,000/100$ for the most expensive package at the palcos. The large palcos offer more comfort, better views and more shade than the small palcos. You can book tickets online with tuboleta where you can pay with an international credit card.
  • When purchasing your ticket, check what exactly is included with your ticket. Seats are not reserved, so you should arrive early anyway for a good spot. You are not allowed to bring your own food to the palcos.
  • If you prefer not to buy tickets online, you can also buy tickets locally, but keep in mind that last minute prices are higher. Beware of fake tickets offered on the street. Hotels sometimes also have some tickets available at the last minute
  • If you are only in Barranquilla for 1 day for carnival, go to the Batalla de Flores

Tip#3
Practical tips for the parades

  • Be open to interacting with the locals; they are friendly and want to have fun just like you. It helps if you speak a word of Spanish. You’ll probably have to get used to the Costeños’ pronunciation, which is different than in cities like Bogotá and Medellín.
  • Bring a hat/cap and sunscreen
  • Hats and colorful accessories can be purchased at stalls along the parade route
  • The weather is hot and humid, so drink plenty of water
  • Bring an extra shirt and prepare to be sprayed with foam and powder, the “weapons” of carnival. Tourists are sought-after objects!
  • Bring tissues and hand sanitizer
  • After the parades, you can continue partying at the street parties on Calle 70 and Calle 84. The parties start around sunset and continue until early morning. la Troja, is a popular place to continue partying after carnival.
  • The carnival parades, unfortunately also attract thieves, who sometimes use the sprays to distract tourists while they steal their belongings. Be careful with your valuables, take as little as possible and store your money in a thin belt under your pants.

Tip #4
What to do after carnival?
It’s worth spending a few more days in Barranquilla after Carnival. There is plenty to do and the Costeños (locals) are hospitable and proud of their culture. They are only too happy to tell you about it. Check out our travel guide Barranquilla for tips on what to do in Barranquilla, where you can enjoy good food, transportation and much more. The carnival museum is worth a visit if you want to stay a little longer in the carnival atmosphere. Also nice to visit before carnival so you already know e.g. about the history of carnival in Barranquilla and the origin of the costumes. In short: be surprised by one of Colombia’s less touristy cities!

Tip #5
Check out this round trip from Barranquilla to Santa Marta
Are you traveling further along the North Coast after your stay in Barranquilla? Then check out our tips for a round trip from Barranquilla to Santa Marta.

Travel Guide Barranquilla

Travel Guide Barranquilla

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Barranquilla

In this travel guide Barranquilla you will find everything you need to know for your trip to Barranquilla: what are the best neighborhoods to stay in, what to do, where to celebrate carnival, what about safety and other practical information: you can read it here.

The golden gate of Colombia
Barranquilla, with 1.2 million inhabitants, is the 4th largest city in Colombia. The city on the Caribbean coast is located on the Magdalena River and has the largest port in Colombia. Due to its strategic location, Barranquilla is also known as the Puerta de Oro (Golden Gate).

2nd Largest Carnival in the World
Most people know Barranquilla for its carnival, the largest carnival in the world after Rio de Janeiro. Barranquilla does not have the tourist attractions of Cartagena, or the beaches of Santa Marta, yet the city has enough to do to keep you entertained for a few days, even if you don’t come for the carnival. For example, there are excellent restaurants and lively bars and interesting museums. In 2020, Barranquilla won the World Travel Award for best new cultural destination in South America. If you are not in Barranquilla during carnival, at least visit the carnival museum to get into the carnival atmosphere!

Shopping city for every budget
The modern shopping malls in Barranquilla, are generally a lot cheaper than the more touristy cities like Cartagena, Medellín and Bogotá.

Do you want to visit this lively city? Than check out our Barranquilla travel guide with handy tips & tricks for your trip to Barranquilla!

All about Barranquilla

How to get to Barranquilla?
What to do in Barranquilla?
Hotels and hostels in Barranquilla
Restaurants in Barranquilla
Transportation in Barranquilla
Cheap Flight Tickets
Practical info about Barranquilla
Shopping in Barranquilla
Carnival in Barranquilla

What to do in Barranquilla? How to book excursions safely + bonus tips

Travel Guide Barranquilla

What to do
in Barranquilla

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What to do in Barranquilla? Barranquilla lacks the many tourist attractions of Cartagena, but there are still many fun things to do. We give you tips for the best (free) things to do, the best places to celebrate carnival, the best city tours and the best excursions from Barranquilla. This way you will get the most out of your trip!

ColombiaMyWay

Fun things to do

10 tips + bonus tips

1. Dive into the carnival

The second largest carnival in the world is famous in Colombia and far beyond. In 2003, the carnival of Barranquilla was recognized by Unesco as a World Cultural Heritage Site. During Carnival, most of the rest of life in Barranquilla shuts down. Many businesses are closed and life revolves around carnival for 4 days. The streets are transformed into 1 big street party for locals and tourists, with live bands, parades and traditional Colombian music and dance (including Cumbia, Merengue, Mapalé, Salsa) “Quien lo vive, es quien lo goza“; is the slogan of the Carnival of Barranquilla or: Live it and enjoy it……and enjoy it the Barranquilleros can enjoy it like the best! Look here for more information about carnival in Barranquilla and hotels near the carnival route.

2. Have a drink at La Troja

La Troja has been around for 50 years and has been named Barranquilla’s cultural and musical heritage and it is the #1 nightlife hotspot for locals and tourists alike…. Salsa is the order of the day here and it is a fun place to “mingle” with the locals and have a dance…in short “the ultimate local experience in Barranquilla”. It is particularly lively on Friday nights and Sunday afternoons. Also a fun place to be when matches of the Colombian soccer team are broadcasted. During carnival,  la Troja is a hot spot where you can dance until the early hours!

 

3. See colonial architecture at El Prado

El Prado (Viejo Prado) is the cultural heart of Barranquilla and one of the city’s oldest neighborhoods. It is a centrally located, green district with parks, such as Parque Santander. There are still many colonial buildings, which were inhabited by Jewish, Arab, German and Italian immigrants in the beginning of the 20th century. The atmosphere of earlier days is still noticeable in the wide streets with tall trees and interesting architecture, which are perfect for a walk or a guided tour. In the old quarter you can find several universities and beautiful white houses with large gardens. Hotel El Prado is an iconic hotel that was built in the 1930s. The hotel is located on spacious fenced-off grounds on the busy 54th avenue road and is recognizable by its many palm trees. El Prado is also home to the white church Iglesia de la Inmaculada Concepción. While in El Prado, be sure to make a lunch stop at Pescayé, one of the city’s best (and affordable) seafood restaurants.

 

4. Stroll down the Malecón during sunset

Barranquilla has a beautiful modern promenade, which makes a great stoll. You can walk along the boulevard, where locals recreate and children play in the playground. Meanwhile, you can look out over Parque Isla Salamanca and pick a nice restaurant to eat. The most famous restaurant is Caimán del Río, at the beginning of the Malecón. At the beginning you will find the most expensive restaurants. If you walk further, you will get to the cheaper establishments. When we were there in September 2023, locals told us that boat tours on the Magdalena River will soon be offered by RioBús. There was no further information about it at the time. There was already a RioBús kiosk, but we could not get tickets or information. When checking this information in July 2025, no information can be found about boat tours, but you can always check when you’re in Barranquilla. Safety: There is a lot of police presence at Avenido del Río and we felt very safe here.

5. Visit the city's colorful modern monuments

A visit to the Malecón is great to combine with a photo shoot at Aleta del Tiburón and/or Ventana al Mundo. At Ventana al Mundo, you can read the history of Barranquilla on the inside of the monument. The Aleta del Tiburon is a tribute to the soccer club Junior de Barranquilla. Insider’s Tip: At the monuments there are guys who offer to  take pictures of you with your phone (for a small fee). They are very good at it and take beautiful pictures. I didn’t feel comfortable handing over my phone, but a Colombian travel companion of mine did. The (unofficial) photographer did not charge a flat fee for this. My travel companion gave him COP10,000.

6. Take a trip to Bocas de Cenizas, where the river meets the sea

The phrase “it’s not about the final destination but the journey to it,” certainly applies to a trip to Bocas de Ceniza. First you catch a taxi to Las Flores, then you take a motorcycle with driver. He will take you for a bumpy ride over the old railroad tracks to the point where the bike can’t go any further. Then you hike over rocks, driftwood and other debris to the lookout point. Once we reached the lookout point, we were able to take a break and enjoy the nice breeze. Years ago, you could see the separation between the river and the sea very well (and close up). Now you can only see the meeting point of the river and sea in the distance. Nevertheless, it was a nice walk past huts of friendly fishermen working, mending their nets, or preparing a meal on the fire. Afterwards, you can have a cold coke at the restaurant and eat fresh fish if you like. On weekends, the trip combines well with the Cienaga de Mallorquín, a mangrove park with a beach, which is open on weekends. Note: the little train that normally travels the route is under maintenance (2025). The trip by mototaxi costs around COP25,000/$6 per person. The drivers will wait for you until you are ready.

7.Taste the carnival atmosphere at the Museo del Carnaval

If you’re not in Barranquilla during carnival, you can still soak up the carnival atmosphere at the Museo del Carnaval. The exhibition is a journey through the history of the different carnival celebrations, the costumes and lots of music of course, including videos of the carnival parade, the Mapale dance and much more. Furthermore, you can see the beautiful clothes worn by the carnival queens over the years. 

Entrance fees (July 2025)
Adults: COP 15,000/$3.75
Children under 12 and seniors over 60: COP 10,000/$2.50

You can enter on the whole hour, from 9am to 4pm. The museum closes at 5 p.m. They are strict about this and you will not be admitted at a quarter past, you will have to wait until the next hour. The museum is closed on Mondays. The Museo del Carnaval is located in the Barrio Abajo neighborhood, a cultural heritage. A visit to the Carnival Museum can be combined very well with a guided walk through the neighborhood. Barrio Abajo is a traditional neighborhood with colorful houses and murals. The guide will introduce you to artists and performers behind Barranquilla’s carnival.

8. Shop till you drop!

Barranquilla is a very good city for shopping. There are large, modern malls and prices are generally lower than in cities like Bogotá, Medellín and Cartagena. The large malls are in the newer Riomar district, but you’ll also find malls in El Prado, Alto Prado and Norte Centro Histórico. Each large mall has a food court, supermarket, playground, stores and American and European brands. The largest malls also have a department store / supermarket such as Exito or Jumbo. The smaller malls like Country and Unico have a supermarket like Carulla, Ara or D1. Which shopping mall is best for your visit to Barranquilla depends mainly on which location is most convenient for you. Check here for our tips for the best shopping in Barranquilla.

 

9. Visit the historic heart of Barranquilla

Iglesia de San Nicolas de Tolentino -built in the 17th century- is the focal point of Paseo Bolivar, Barranquilla’s main road. Here you will also find several official buildings such as de Alcaldía (town hall). In El Centro you can see the daily life of the city. There are many street food vendors and restaurants for a traditional meal and there is a lot of commerce. You can really buy anything in the historic center of Barranquilla. Centro is also crowded and chaotic and there is a lot of poverty. We therefore recommend avoiding the center at night and watching your belongings carefully. If you want to see the center with a guide, you can book a city tour, which combines a visit to the center with other highlights of Barranquilla.

10. Taste the local -Costeño food

Barranquilleros love food and there is a restaurant on almost every street corner! Taking into account that Barranquilla is the place where the first immigrants set foot in Colombia, you won’t be surprised that the different cultures have influenced the food immensely. In addition to traditional north coast food, you’ll find food for every taste and budget in Barranquilla. For more information on local specialties and the best restaurants of Barranquilla.

Bonus tips

1. Take a side trip to Puerto Colombia

Puerto Colombia is located 20km from Barranquilla, a drive of about 30 minutes. The city is famous for its long pier, which was once the longest pier in the world. It also has a beautiful square, which was completely renovated after the Corona epidemic. The square is a meeting place where families gather, stroll the pier and enjoy the sunset. In the history of Colombia, Puerto Colombia has an important significance because it is here that the first immigrants set foot in Colombia. Eye-catchers of the square are the statues depicting former immigrants. In the old train station you can find information boards about the history of Puerto Colombia and also listed here are some of the names of the families who emigrated to Colombia from America, Syria, Curaçao and Germany, among others. Along the way, you can also visit the Salgar Castle.

2. Check out the murals in the village of Usiacurí

Usiacurí is a village about 50 km. (1h drive) from Barranquilla. The village is (still) unknown to tourists, but among Colombians, the colorful village is known for its many murals and the longest “roof mural” of Colombia. The village is also known for its many craftsmen who make bags and other products of very good quality. The famous poet Julio Flórez once moved to this part of Colombia for its medicinal baths (which have since dried up). You can catch a bus to the village for approx. COP6000/$1.50. By cab it costs COP200,000/$50 for 4 people. If you have the time, you can also stay overnight at one of the relaxing ecolodges in the area. Do you prefer to go to Usiacurí with an organized trip? Then you can take this tour .

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Transportation in Barranquilla

Travel Guide Barranquilla

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Transportation in Barranquilla

For transportation in the city, you can use the Transmetro, among others. Personally, we find it more efficient (and safer) to use cabs and cab apps, such as InDriver. For the prices of the taxis you don’t have to miss out! Continue reading here for more information on transportation in Barranquilla.

Metro, cab, cab apps

Transmetro

The Transmetro is a modern system, with 29 bus routes and nearly 600 stops. There are connector buses to transport travelers to the Transmetro stations. More information can be found on the website Transmetro and in the Moovitapp

    Cab

    Traveling by taxi is efficient and cheap. The larger hotels usually have a “concierge” who arranges taxis for the hotel’s guests. We found this service very efficient: due to the concierge’s many contacts, we never had to wait long for a taxi. These taxis are more expensive than if you use a taxi app, but due to the comfort and safety, we didn’t mind to pay a bit extra. We also used the InDriver taxi app.  For such an app you do need a Colombian phone number. In short: do not stop taxis on the street, but let your hotel order one for you, or use the taxi apps, such as Uber and InDriver.

    Prices (2025)
    For a 1 km ride, you pay about COP8000/$2. For a 5 km ride, about COP40,000/$/10. Waiting time is COP25.000/$6 per hour.

    Tip: Although taximeters are standard, some drivers might propose a fixed fare. It’s recommended to agree on the fare before starting your journey.

    Payment
    While some taxis may accept card payments, it’s recommended to carry cash in Colombian pesos, as cash is the most commonly accepted form of payment.

    Apps

    In addition to the Uber app, there are other taxi apps in Colombia, such as InDriver, Didi and Easy Tappsi These apps work like Uber, where you can track the driver. This makes it a safe, alternative way of ordering a taxi.

    Uber is known among locals as the more expensive app. We ourselves have had good experiences with InDriver. The app is easy to use and both during the day and at night, we never had to wait longer than 5 minutes for a cab.

    How does InDriver work?
    Unlike the other apps, you, the customer, offer a price for the ride. The drivers can accept your price or make a counter-offer. There are often more than one driver willing to do a ride, so you can make your choice and even view reviews about the driver if you want.

    The minimum fare for Uber is COP5000/$2.50, per km: COP 625 and the cancellation fare is COP5000.

    Update January 2026

    During our  trip to Barranquilla in January, we decided to use Uber instead of Indriver and this turned out to be very efficient.

    Why did we like Uber so much?
    – you don’t need a local phone number. The app is linked to your email address. While traveling, we use an E-sim card and that worked perfectly with the Uber app.
    –No need to pay by cash or card for every trip. You can choose to link your credit card to the Uber app and the ride is paid automatically. Super efficient!

    During peak hours or high-demand periods, Uber may charge extra, increasing fares up to twice the standard rate.

     

    Is a car rental recommended in Barranquilla?

    Because of the hectic traffic, we do not recommend a rental car in the city, unless you are a very good driver and have nerves of steel (!), or are staying in a hotel further from the city. If you are staying in a more quiet area such as  Riomar and you want to explore attractions outsite the city, it could be an option to rent a car. However, as taxis are cheap, we personally prefer that over renting a car.

    Bus Transportation

    Bus transportation to/from Barranquilla
    How to get to Barranquilla by bus? Barranquilla has good bus connections to other destinations on the Caribbean coast, such as Cartagena and Santa Marta, and major cities in Colombia. The bus terminal, Terminal de Transportes Metropolitano, is located in Soledad, a suburb of Barranquilla in the south of the city. Soledad is not one of the safest areas in Barranquilla and should you be at the terminal, it is better to stay there and not “go on an adventure” in Soledad.

    Prices bustickets

    Prices vary by company and level of comfort. These are average prices in 2025:

    • Cartagena: 2.30h, COP30,000/€$.50.
    • St Marta: 2h, COP COP30,000 /$50
    • Bogotá 17h, COP175,000 / $44
    • Medellín 14h, COP 190,000 / $47.50

    Minibus transportation Santa Marta and Cartagena
    If you are traveling from Barranquilla to Cartagena or St. Marta, we find it convenient to use the minibuses of MarSol travel. Instead of taking a taxi to the (chaotic) bus terminal in Soledad, you can catch the minibus at one of MarSol’s offices in El Prado, or at the 93 (Riomar). In Cartagena or Santa Marta (Centro or Rodadero), you’ll be dropped off at their office. There are set times, including several buses per day on weekends. .

    Price estimate:
    Barranquilla- Santa Marta: COP45,000/$11 (one way), 2h.
    Barranquilla- Cartagena: COP45,000/$11 (one way) 2.5h.  Berlinas also offers this service.

    Practical information about Barranquilla

    Travel Guide Barranquilla

    Practical information about Barranquilla

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    Here you will find practical information about Barranquilla: useful information about the climate and the best time to travel, how many days do we recommend to stay in Barranquilla, where can you withdraw money, how are the  supermarkets and what about the safety in Barranquilla.

    Climate

    Climate

    It is warm year-round in Barranquilla, with an average temperature of over 27 degrees and a maximum temperature of 31-33 degrees. There is high humidity and little wind. You can visit Barranquilla all year round. In the period from November to April there is the most wind. The warmest month is August. Most rain falls between August and December and the least rain falls in January and February. A hotel with air conditioning is highly recommended. We were in Barranquilla in mid-September and the humidity was not too bad. We stayed in Riomar and noticed that -because of its location close to the sea- there was a very pleasant, refreshing breeze.

    Best time to travel

    Carnival is the event of the year in Barranquilla and the coastal region. In 2026, Barranquilla carnival is scheduled to take place from Saturday, February 14 to Tuesday, February 17. Leading up to the main event, the city hosts several pre-carnival activities. Check our article about Carnival in Barranquilla if you want to know what to expect during the biggest party of the year. Keep in mind that prices go up and you have to book your hotel far in advance for the carnival period.

     

    Safety

    Safety

    In general, Barranquilla is safe, if you stay in the recommended neighborhoods. Places with lots of people like the Malecón del Rio have lots of police and we felt very safe there at night. Also at the #1 nightlife hotspot La Troja, there is always a big police presence.

    If you are going to Barranquilla, stay in a safe neighborhood such as Riomar, El Prado or Alto Prado. Avoid Centro at night and if you go during the day, preferably don’t go alone and watch your belongings. Avoid the very poor neighborhood of Barranquillito.

    Even then, it is important to be careful with phones, apple watches etc and leave your expensive jewelry at home.

    Theft from a motorcycle is one of the most common forms of theft in Barranquilla. Because of this, the police strictly monitor 2 men on motorcycles.

    Read more about safety in Colombia.

    How many days do you need?

    3 days

    On day 1 you can  get used to the high temperatures of this Caribbean city, in the pool of your hotel. Toward the evening, you can check out the monuments Ventana al Mundo (see photo) and/or Aleta del Tiburón and then grab a bite to eat at the promenade Malecón del río. On day 2, you can catch a cab for a city tour of El Prado and visit the Carnival Museum. Afterwards, peek into the iconic hotel El Prado, for a bite to eat and a drink. On day 3, shop at one of the many malls or take a taxi+ mototaxi to Bocas de Ceniza, where you can walk to the point where the sea meets the river. If you still have energy left after that, visit one of the salsa clubs, for an evening of partying with the Costeños, e.g. at la Troja.

    1 week or longer

    During 1 week in Barranquilla, you can take a multi-day trip to Tayrona National Park. There is a wide choice of hotels in and (just) outside the park. This way you can enjoy some nature during your city trip to Barranquilla. Another possibility is to extend your city trip with a visit to Cartagena. (2.30h by bus)

    Practical info A-Z

    What to bring
    • Light clothes and shoes
    • Set of nice clothes for dining out
    • Sunscreen
    • Anti-mosquito/insect spray
    • Umbrella or rain jacket if traveling in rainy season
    ATM machines

    You will find ATMs in malls and in larger drugstores where you can safely withdraw cash. Make sure the transaction is complete before you leave the ATM.

    Tip: We experienced one time that it did not work to withdraw money. When we changed the language from English to Spanish it worked!

    Vaccinations

    No yellow fever or other vaccinations are required for Barranquilla. Check the link for more information about vaccinations and medical care in Colombia.

    Wifi

    The wifi is generally good. The larger malls also have “we work” zones for digital nomads.

    Supermarkets

    The supermarkets we encountered everywhere were Ara and D1. You can also find Jumbo and Carulla. At the latter you will find more imported, more expensive products. At the department store Exito, there is a large food and beverage department.

    Drinking water

    The water from the tap is not drinkable unless the hotel or hostel has a filtration system.

    Beaches

    Barranquilla itself has no beaches; the nearest is in Puerto Colombia, just under 20km away. Puerto Colombia used to be an important port city. It is also the city where the first immigrants used to set foot ashore in Colombia. At sunset, it is a hot spot with the locals, who stroll on the long pier and enjoy the renovated central square, filled with statues depicting the former immigrants. Hotel Pradomar is a favorite hangout for a beach day. Puerto Colombia can be combined with a visit to Salgar, whose most famous attraction is El Castillo de Salgar.

    The best restaurants in Barranquilla-eating and drinking

    Travel Guide Barranquilla

    Home 9 Category: Travel Guide Barranquilla

    There are good restaurants in Barranquilla for every taste and budget, from traditional Caribbean food (Costeño food) to international food. When you consider that Barranquilla is the place where the first immigrants set foot in Colombia, you won’t be surprised that the different cultures have influenced the food immensely.

    Barranquilleros love to eat and there is a restaurant on almost every street corner! Fish is an important part of the food in Barranquilla. With its location on both the Magdalena River and the Caribbean Sea, there is both freshwater and saltwater fish. Local seafood include Mojarra, Bocachico, Cabrito (grilled fish). Patacones (green banana cookies) and arroz de coco (coconut rice) like to be served as side dishes.

    Other local specialties:

    • Patacones con suero (sour cream)
    • Sancocho de guandú (soup with salted meat)
    • Arroz lisa, a rice dish with freshwater fish
    • Arepa de huevo (arepa stuffed with egg)
    • Butifarra, sausage made from beef and pork
    • Cayeye, a dish made from green bananas

    To learn more about traditional food on Colombia’s north coast, check our article food Caribbean coast.

    A fun way to try the local specialties is with a street food tour.

    Here are our tips for the best restaurants in Barranquilla. Buen provecho!

    Our tips

    PESCAYÉ

    El Prado and Barrio Abajo

    Fish restaurant serving authentic, traditional Costeño food in a tropical setting. There are establishments in el Prado and Barrio Abajo and in Caimán del Río on the Malecón del Río. The establishment in Barrio Abajo is a good lunch spot before or after a visit to the Carnival Museum.

    PALO DE MANGO

    El Prado

    Chef Alex Quessep’s restaurant, where traditional Colombian dishes are given a modern twist. There is regular live music.

    VARADERO

    Alto Prado

    Popular Cuban restaurant that has been around for 25 years. Cuban live music completes the atmosphere.

    STORIA D'AMORE

    Parque Washington-Alto Prado

    Italian restaurant/wine bar, where the food and cocktails are beautifully presented. Highly recommended if you have something special to celebrate.

    STEAK HOUSE CHEZ ERNEST

    El Prado

    French family restaurant that has been in business for nearly 65 years. Specialty is the pepper steak.

    SARAB

    Riomar

    Traditional Arabic food in a personal atmosphere.

    CUCAYO

    One of the restaurants to try local food (fast food style) such as arepas, butifarras, chicharrones and seafood. The main location is on Calle 85#53 and you can find smaller branches in Caiman del Rio and Mall Plaza.

    CREPES Y WAFFLES

    In various locations around the city, including in the Buenavista 2 shopping mall, Viva Mall, Portal del Prado and Alto Prado. Crepes, sundaes, waffles, soups and more… Crêpes y Waffles never disappoints!

    PIZZERIA THE MEETING POINT

    Barrio Bellavista (El Prado)

    In addition to regular pizzas, you can also order sweet pizzas there, such as the pizza with strawberries and chocolate sauce

    GRAN MALECÓN

    Avenida del Río

    On the Malecón, there are lots of different restaurants, some of which are in food court Gran Caimán and range from pizza to traditional Costeño food. Near Manglares del Río you will find even more restaurants including Bistro del Rio and a cocktail bar. If you walk further up the Malecón, you will find several more simple restaurants and food trucks, where we ate delicious Cuban sandwiches. The Malecón is also entertaining when matches of the Colombian soccer team are broadcasted.

    RESTAURANTE EL GIRATORIO

    Riomar

    Want to “do something different? Then go “upscale” for lunch or dinner at Restaurante El Giratorio, on the 13th floor of the Dann Carlton hotel (across from Buenavista shopping mall). The restaurant rotates, for an extra special experience AND a 360-degree view over Barranquilla. Closed on Sundays, Mondays and holidays.

    BONUS TIP: LA TROJA

    The best place for drinks and dancing in Barranquilla is La Troja. This #1 nightlife hotspot for locals and tourists has been around for 50 years and has been named Barranquilla’s cultural and musical heritage. Salsa is the order of the day here and it’s a fun place to “mingle” with the locals and have a dance…in short, “the ultimate local experience in Barranquilla.” It is particularly fun on Friday nights and Sunday afternoons. Also a fun place to be when matches of the Colombian soccer team are broadcast. During Carnival,la Troja is a hot spot and you can dance until the early hours.