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21 best things to do in barranquilla [colombia] in 2024.

Barranquilla is a much less popular destination in Colombia when compared with cities like Medellin and Santa Marta.

But nonetheless, it still has lots of charm and a sizzling nightlife scene!

Situated along the Caribbean coast, this city has a desirable climate along with many beautiful beaches to spend the day relaxing on. 

It also has an underrated, colourful history too. 

Which can be explored through its numerous museums, landmarks and even the local cuisine. 

And that’s all without mentioning that Barranquilla hosts the second largest carnival on earth annually!

In this comprehensive guide, I’ll cover everything you need to know about Barranquilla. 

Including not just what to do in Barranquilla, but also some added tips & tricks to help make planning your stay easier & more affordable.

Let’s get into it…

Travellerspoint

Getting to Know Barranquilla, Colombia

Why visit barranquilla.

So is Barranquilla worth visiting? 100% Yes! 

Those who love a more authentic and “off the beaten path” destination will love Barranquilla . 

Whilst other popular areas are heaving with tourists, here you can get to know the real Colombia. From exploring the fruit markets to conversing with locals in restaurants, you’ll see a much different side compared to the other touristy destinations. There's plenty of cultural experiences on offer too.

Barranquilla also surprises most travellers who visit with its range of contemporary and iconic museums, which are dotted throughout the city.

Museo Caribe is one of the very best, which was the first of its kind in Colombia. Here you can learn about the history of the coastal regions (from early civilisations up until more recent centuries). 

Those who love art will want to explore the Museo de Arte Moderno, which features works from famous artists such as Alejandro Obregón and Fernando Botero.

This city also offers many opportunities for kicking back and letting your hair down too. 

Barranquilla’s beaches are a hidden gem in themselves, with Sabanilla, Puerto Colombia and Palomino being the very best for lounging on expansive white sands. 

You’ll also find plenty of great nightlife here. Salsa venues are popular, which are great for dancing the night away as well as learning your first steps (we’ll explore this later on in this guide).

How to get to Barranquilla

Barranquilla is located in the very north of Colombia, within the state of Atlántico. 

It’s very easy to get here, given it has its own airport as well as being just a couple of hours from the hubs of both Cartagena and Santa Marta. You can also arrive here by bus too.

Although Barranquilla isn’t as visited as other coastal cities, it has an international airport which connects well domestically and with other countries. It’s definitely the most preferred way of getting to the city.

Within Colombia there are many cities that fly directly to Barranquilla daily. 

These include Cali, Bogotá and Medellin, with a one-way costing between $30-60 (without baggage included) . Those either on the island of San Andrés or in the city of Valledupar can fly direct too.

You’ll also find that certain countries have direct flights into Barranquilla too. Those who are already in Latin America can fly from either Panama or The Dominican Republic for $90-135 (which are both well-connected countries themselves).

If you're in the United States, you can also fly to Barranquilla directly. Miami and Fort Lauderdale both have direct flights departing several times a week, with a one-way costing between $120-170.

For anywhere else in the world, it’s best flying directly into Bogotá first and then connecting to Barranquilla on a second flight.

You can check out the different flight routes and prices here on SkyScanner . 

The other main method of getting to Barranquilla is by bus. This is definitely the best option for those who are already close-by, or don’t want to spend as much on flights.

If you're already in Santa Marta (which is the closest nearby city to Barranquilla), then you can easily take a bus from the main terminal. The ride takes around 2.5 hours, and departs every 1/2 hours. You can expect to pay around $7-10 for the trip.

The other nearby city that is suitable for taking the bus is Cartagena. The bus will take roughly 3 hours to arrive to Barranquilla, and departs every 2 hours from the main bus terminal. The cost is also similar to the bus from Santa Marta, costing between $8-10.

If you're currently elsewhere in Colombia, I’d highly recommend you to fly to Barranquilla instead of taking the bus. 

This is because the distances will be too big (sometimes over 15 hours, which can be made even longer by bad weather or social instability (which is common in the north of Colombia).

You can see all routes and prices here on BusBud .

Getting around Barranquilla

Within Barranquilla you can either use local taxis or buses to get between different neighbourhoods. 

Those who are feeling adventurous can also use the local busetas , which are like mini-vans and are more frequent and cheap (however they also get heavily packed - hence the adventurous part!).

You can see various schedules here for the Busetas.

If arriving from the airport, it’s best to use an Uber over a traditional taxi to get to your apartment. Not only are they safer (all drivers are registered), however fees are agreed in advance so you won’t be overcharged.

From Barranquilla there are also many worthwhile day trips to head on, such as to the nearby cities of Cartagena and Santa Marta. You can easily take a bus from the main bus terminal which depart hourly , or go for the most cost-effective colectivo option.

Where to Stay in Barranquilla

Similar to other Colombian cities, Barranquilla has a few areas which are safe for tourists to stay in. These are in the north of the city, such as in Alto Prado and neighbourhoods like San Vicente and Villa Country .  

Anything in the centre and South should be avoided given they’re quite dangerous.

• Top budget pick - Those on a budget will want to stay at Hotel Yivinaca . Despite the cheap price, the quality of the private rooms are very good, as well as the high-speed WiFi and overall security of the hotel. You’ll also have your own en-suite bathroom too. 
• Top mid-range pick - When it comes to finding a mid-budget hotel in Barranquilla, we highly recommend staying at the Country International Hotel . Here you’ll have a deluxe private room, along with an on-site swimming pool and coffee shop. You’ll also be located right in the heart of Alto Prado too which is the safest district in the city. ‍
• Top luxury pick - If you’re looking for a luxurious stay , then you’ll want to stay at the Estelar Alto Prado . You’ll be sleeping in their luxurious king-sized rooms, which offer some incredible panoramic views over Barranquilla. As well as the beautiful on-site pool, they also have incredible breakfast buffets on offer daily too.

Here are some top tips if you're wondering how to find cheap hotels ...

Best Things to do in Barranquilla 

Now we’ll explore the very best things you can see and do when in Barranquilla.

1. Wander around the Plaza de San Nicolás

Whilst many jump straight into the most exciting activity or landmark when arriving somewhere new, we think that heading to the main square is a much better idea. 

Not only will you get a real feel for your destination quicker, you’ll also be able to orientate yourself better too (given the main plaza is a good landmark to look out for when out exploring). 

In Barranquilla, the main square is the Plaza de San Nicolás , which sits within the historic centre of the city. 

This bustling plaza is a great place to experience typical daily Colombian life, where you’ll also find many pop-up markets selling fresh food and other goods. 

On the west of the plaza you’ll find the Parroquia de San Nicolás de Tolentino - a stunning church with a bright orange and white facade. 

We recommend going for a stroll inside where you’ll see t he multi-coloured columns and altar , as well as to get out of the harsh sun for a while. 

2. Spot Wildlife at the Zoológico de Barranquilla

Within this area of South America , you’ll find many rare species that are not found anywhere else in the world. 

Whilst it’s possible to head out on treks into the more remote regions and see them in the wild, those who prefer a more relaxing day will love this option. 

Here at the Zoológico de Barranquilla , we can see over 140 different species which range from rare mammals such as the endangered manatee as well as the Jaguar, to reptiles and various amphibians. 

There’s also quite the collection of birds too - where you can see everything from Pink Flamingos to Toucans and Eagles. 

You’ll also find that there are various live shows held on a daily basis, where you can either watch animal feedings or even get up and close with some of the species! 

The Zoológico de Barranquilla is located roughly 5 km north of the Plaza de San Nicolás , with the drive taking around 10 minutes. 

It’s open from 9:00am until 5:00pm all days of the week.

3. Party during the Barranquilla Carnival

By far the biggest thing you can experience in this coastal city, Carnival is an annual event which draws over a million tourists. 

As a result, it’s known as the second largest carnival on earth! (after that of Rio). 

During these four days, the city of Barranquilla descends into a beautiful chaos where main roads and streets are closed to allow various parades and street events to take place. 

The carnival celebrates the ethnic diversity of the region, which includes roots from Africa, European and Native influences. 

Here you’ll be able to enjoy many dances, music and also crazy local antics (watch out for the flying paint!). 

Whilst it’s still not known exactly when it was first held, it’s commonly agreed that it’s as many as seven or eight centuries old.

Carnival is held every year, four days before Ash Wednesday (which means it usually falls around late March or early April).

It’s highly worth planning your trip to the city or even Colombia around this, given it’s one of those “once in a lifetime” experiences.

4. Join a local Street Food Tour

As we’ve already seen with the Carnival, Barranquilla is an extremely diverse city with roots from all over the world. 

This has resulted in a melting hotpot of cuisines that have now become regular staples for locals and incoming tourists throughout. 

Some of these include the infamous Arepa, as well as Kibbes, which has its origins from the Middle East. 

Whilst you could go it alone trying foods in various markets, we highly suggest heading with this all-inclusive food tour . 

Here you’ll have a knowledgeable local show you the very best food stands, where you’ll also stick to the safer spots too. 

You’ll have the opportunity to try various dishes such as Butifarra, Pescado Frito as well as Carimañola . 

Walking through the market you’ll also meet locals who can teach you how some of these ancient dishes are made , as well as try out some exotic fruits that are popular here and also throughout mainland Colombia. 

Included in the tour is insurance, as well as transport to and from your accommodation. 

5. Go for a Stroll down Paseo de Bolívar

By far the most important street in Barranquilla, the Paseo de Bolívar is a must-visit during your time here. 

It was first built in 1886 to pay homage to Simon Bolivar, who liberated Colombia from Spanish rule, as well as the indigenous people that also used to live in huts along here too.

Reminiscent of something you would find in Paris, the Paseo de Bolívar is lined with trees, important landmarks and buildings as well as a much cleaner and upbeat setting. 

Some of the best things to see here include the statue of Simon Bolívar himself, the Parroquia de San Nicolás de Tolentino, the Alcaldía de Barranquilla as well as the Public Market. 

The start of the Paseo de Bolivar is just a few blocks north of the Plaza de San Nicolás , along Carrera 45. From here it then stretches down to Carrera 37, which is around a 10 minute walk.

6. Learn in the Museo del Caribe

The first regional museum of its kind in Colombia, the Museo del Caribe is a fantastic place to come and learn all about this region and its colourful past. 

This begins with the Kamash Indians that occupied the region prior to the 16th Century , before the settlement of the Spaniards and their colonial rule. 

Walking through the various exhibit rooms, you’ll learn how the city’s identity has radically changed, which is clear by the changes in customs and architecture (although you’ll still find native ways throughout modern-day Barranquilla). 

You’ll also learn how traditions such as the Carnival play an important role in preserving the past history and heritage of the city. 

The Museo de Caribe is located around a 5 minute drive north of the Plaza de San Nicolás. 

It’s important to know that the museum is temporarily closed as it’s undergoing renovation, so it’s worth checking local sources about opening times when you're visiting.

7. Head up to Mirador de los Nogales

One of the best ways to appreciate a new city (or to take in some awesome views) is to head up to the mirador, which is an elevated point usually on a nearby hill or mountain. 

In Barranquilla, the very best place to ascend to is the Mirador de los Nogales , which is a picturesque viewpoint in the east of the city. 

As well as numerous benches and the romantic walkway along the top, you’ll also find many public chess tables too for those who are up for challenging a local! 

We recommend coming up in the evening (around 5:00pm) for the most scenic views. 

The Mirador De Los Nogales is located close to the neighbourhood of Campo Alegre, which is around 6 km east of the Plaza de San Nicolás (the driving distance is around 25 minutes).

8. Go on a Boat Tour along the Rio Magdalena

One of the longest rivers in the country, the Rio Magdalena is massive - spanning over 1520 km through Colombia!

It exits into the Caribbean Sea from Barranquilla, which is the perfect place to explore its banks which contain numerous wildlife as well as indigenous populations too. 

We recommend heading with this awesome day tour , where you’ll spend the day on a private boat navigating these waters. 

Keep an eye out, since you’ll be able to spot animals such as Caiman, Tortoise and colourful birds along the way. 

As well as learning more about the history of Barranquilla and its native tribes, you’ll also make stops at important landmarks along the river such as the Pumajero Bridge as well as the Salamanca Island Park . 

9. Catedral Metropolitana María Reina de Barranquilla

Bizarre yet satisfyingly beautiful at the same time , this metropolitan cathedral is a must-visit for anyone in Barranquilla. 

The Catedral Metropolitana María Reina de Barranquilla was built in 1955, and has an odd (yet beautiful) high exterior wall that looks similar to that of a classic theatre. 

On the front we can see seven large, kite-shaped windows that show various murals when lit-up from the inside.  These beautiful stained glass windows sure are a sight to see! 

It’s unlike many of the other churches in the region given it has more of an Italian modernist architectural style, as well as a giant hanging cross structure from the wall (near the altar). 

The Catedral Metropolitana María Reina de Barranquilla is located within the historic centre of Barranquilla , around 2 km west of the Plaza de San Nicolás (around a 10 minute drive). 

It’s open from 8:00am until 12:00pm as well as 2:00 until 4:00, Monday to Friday.

10. Explore the Museo Mapuka

One of the most interesting things you can visit in Barranquilla, the Museo Mapuka is where you can learn all things about the city’s deep anthropological past and development since. 

There’s various exhibition rooms that highlight each stage of development, beginning with the first civilisations to live here (which are some of the oldest on the continent!). 

Afterwards we can find a detailed room about the pre-Hispanic communities such as the Tairona and Malibues, who served different roles and helped to develop what is now known as modern-day Barranquilla. 

Following this was the Spanish conquest, which again had a major impact on the city’s development and culture. 

The collection of artefacts is also quite impressive, with everything from jewellery and weapons to pottery and mosaics. 

The Mapuka Museum is located in the district of Villa Campestre , in the far north of Barranquilla. It’s roughly 11 km north of the Plaza de San Nicolás, which is a 30 minute drive. 

It’s open from 9:00am until 5:30pm, Monday until Friday.

11. Walk along the Pumarejo Bridge

This famous bridge connects Barranquilla with the adjacent green lands, which are otherwise separated by the Magdalena River. 

At a total length of 3,237 metres, it’s the longest bridge in Colombia , and offers some great views of this giant river which then flows out into the Caribbean Sea. 

Whilst you can easily walk along the bridge anytime of the day (just be careful with the traffic), you can also join this boat tour for more impressive views, as well as getting close-up with some of the local animal residents. 

The Pumarejo Bridge is located within the eastern portion of Barranquilla , roughly 6 km south of the Plaza de San Nicolás (a 15 minute drive). 

12. Make a quick-stop at the Plaza de la Aduana

Located within the Aduana Nacional , this small, private plaza is a worthy stop when in the historic centre. 

Originally built in 1849, this beautiful yellow building and plaza now houses a gallery, and is a great visit for those who love colonial architecture.

Near the courtyard of the plaza you’ll find an old railway train as well as the perfectly-trimmed gardens which are great for a photo. 

The Plaza de la Aduana is located just a 15 minute walk north of the Plaza de San Nicolás, although it’s best to use Uber or a taxi to get to and from since it’s not the safest area to walk around. 

It’s open from 8:35am until 6:30pm, Monday until Saturday.

13. Enjoy the Local Cervezas on a Beer Tour

Although Barranquilla is not renowned for its beer scene, it hasn’t at all stopped locals from enjoying a variety of cool brews to escape the hot temperatures.

As you can imagine the scenes during Carnival are something to be witnessed, however any other time of the year you can also enjoy your time by heading out with this fun beer tour . 

Here your group will head to four different local bars, trying many different artisan and regional beers along the way. 

These include the locals favourite of Hafen , although there’s also many Colombian classics like Aguila and Costeña. 

You’ll have all drinks provided, as well as hotel pick-up and drop-off which will come in handy too (especially in the latter stages).

This tour is also a good option since it’s fully customisable , meaning you can head to more or less venues depending on your parties preference. 

14. Take the Train to Bocas de Cenizas

The most northern tip of Barranquilla, Bocas de Cenizas is known for being the meeting point between the Magdalena River and the Caribbean Sea. 

Although many travellers tend not to head here, we highly recommend coming for both the views as well as the adventure in getting here! 

Bocas de Cenizas translates from Spanish into “Mouths of Ash”, which describes well the grey and murky colours created from the meeting of the two waters. 

To get here you’ll need to ride in a small cart along the railway tracks, which only have a thin strip of land (a dozen or so metres) which protects the passage between the waters. 

Once in Barranquilla, you can speak with your accommodation or a local tour agency to book your spot on a tour. 

Bocas de Cenizas is located roughly 8 km north of Barranquilla , however you can only get here by train. 

15. Visit the Castillo de Salgar Fort

One of the most stunning forts located along Colombia’s Caribbean coast, you’d be forgiven for thinking that this is a palace rather than a defensive structure! 

The Castillo de Salgar Fort was built in 1848, and is known for its bright yellow facade as well as the classic colonial arches and windows that run along the complex. 

Not only does it boast some awesome views of the coast, but the castle has had a pretty varied history too. 

Since its military days, it has also been used as a prison and a university, as well as for other purposes. 

Today it hosts an art gallery inside, and once you’ve explored it you can also enjoy a dinner within the fort too.  As such, it's one of the best places to visit in Barranquilla, Colombia.

The Castillo de Salgar Fort is located roughly 21 km west of Barranquilla , which is around a 40 minute drive. 

It’s open from 8:00am until 6:00pm all days of the week.

16. Day Trip to Santa Marta

If you’re heading to Barranquilla (or already are here), then you’ll know that there are many fantastic destinations to visit close-by. 

Whilst it would be ideal to spend various days in each, sometimes a day trip works better for those short on time. 

If this is you, then you’ll want to take an early bus to Santa Marta along the coast. 

This incredible city is arguably the most varied in all of Colombia, and whilst here you can walk along the Malecón as well as seeing the picturesque white cathedral too.

You’ll also want to visit Tayrona National Park which is close-by, which is home to one of South America’s beautiful beaches - Cabo San Juan.

Whilst here you can explore the more hidden beaches, as well as walking through the thick jungle whilst spotting monkeys and iguanas along the way. 

Santa Marta is located roughly 100 km from Barranquilla , and you can easily take one of the many daily buses that head here (the trip takes around 2 hours from the main bus terminal).

It's one of the best day trips from Barranquilla, so we'd certainly recommend heading here if you have a spare day! 

17. Enjoy the Nightlife of Barranquilla 

Those on the lookout for some after-sun fun will love Barranquilla. 

The hometown of the legendary singer Shakira, there’s a reason why many come to party here - it’s a really heated scene. 

When looking for the very best Barranquilla nightlife, you’ll want to head to the Zona Rosa which has pretty much everything. 

If you’re looking for Salsa or Rumba, then Frogg Club and La Troja are some of the very best options. 

Those who want a fancier and more contemporary scene will want to head to Bourbon St . Here you can enjoy a more relaxed atmosphere along with Cajun-Creole food, a large variety of drinks as well as live music daily. 

As you can see, there are plenty of awesome bars and night clubs in Barranquilla.

However, whenever you head out for the night, be sure to take extra caution where possible . 

Areas such as the Zona Rosa aren’t particularly safe, so it’s best to use Ubers to get to and from your destination, as well as to leave valuables locked up in your apartment.

18. Chill out on Sabanilla Beach

Although Barranquilla doesn’t get the same kind of reception as Santa Marta does when it comes to beaches, it still has plenty of great options nearby. 

One of the very best is Sabanilla Beach , which is a long stretch of (relatively) underdeveloped coastline. 

You'll find many palapas and beach services here, however it’s much quieter compared to those in nearby Cartagena with the high skyrisers and constant sales pitches from the locals. 

There are many great food spots here such as Las Velas which serves some pretty tasty seafood. 

Those with extra time can also spend a night or two in the cheap cabinas here too. 

Sabanilla Beach is located roughly 17 km west of Barranquilla, with the drive taking 30 minutes. 

Given it’s located close to the Castillo de Salgar Fort, it’s worth combining these in a same-day trip from the city.

You can see more great beach options from Barranquilla here .

19. Head on a Walking Tour

Barranquilla is a pretty big city when looking at a map, and sometimes this can intimidate first-time travellers heading here. 

However many of the best city highlights are actually quite close together, so you can easily walk between them without passing too much time. 

Those who prefer to have an itinerary scheduled out for them will love this walking tour , where your knowledgeable guide will teach you everything there is to know about the historic centre of Barranquilla.

This includes the famous Paseo Bolivar as well as the Plaza de San Nicolás, where you’ll also make stops at the Carnival Museum as well as getting some awesome views of the Magdalena River.

As well as pick-up and drop-off from your accommodation, with this tour you’ll also have some food tastings included too!

20. Visit nearby Cartagena

Another fantastic day trip to take from Barranquilla is to the city of Cartagena . 

Known as the walled city , here we can explore the famous historic centre which is protected by fortified walls that are lined with cannons.

There’s also the nearby Fort of San Felipe, with both of these structures known to be the largest and most formidable constructions of the entire Spanish Empire! 

The architecture in this city is quite incredible too - where you’ll see many red, white and yellow arched buildings as well as some truly awesome street murals in nearby Getsemani. 

Be sure to head to the Totumo Volcano too - where you can climb into the crater and enjoy a good ol’ fashioned mud bath! 

There are so many awesome things to do in Cartagena, so don't miss out on a visit.

Although it’s best to spend multiple days here, those short on time can easily make it a day trip given the bus ride is only two hours. 

The distance from Barranquilla and Cartagena is roughly 134 km . 

21. Go Souvenir Shopping

Living your trip to the fullest is the most important thing when heading somewhere new, however it’s also nice to grab a quality souvenir too (either for the memories or for friends and family back home). 

In Barranquilla it’s not so straightforward, given the city doesn’t really have touristy streets filled with gift shops like those in Santa Marta or Bogotá . 

However those who are looking for some awesome memorabilia still have good options, such as that of Paraíso del Artesano .

This souvenir shop is quite a decent size, and is packed with literally everything you could possibly want. 

Among the potential ideas here include colourful, hand-woven bags and jewellery to painted, wooden handicrafts. 

Paraíso del Artesano is located within the district of Ciudad Jardín (which is close to the safe neighbourhood of Villa Country). 

It’s open from 8:00am until 6:00pm, Monday through to Saturday.

Barranquilla Travel Tips & FAQ

When is a good time to visit barranquilla.

The climate in Barranquilla can be best described as tropical, which has both a dry and wet season.

The dry season runs from December until April , and is the overall most popular time for a visit. Average daily temperatures range from 80-82°F, with highs of up to 89°F and lows down to 76°F. 

Rainfall is really low this time of year, with as little as 0-0.5 inches falling each month. This is the best time to come for heading to the beach, and for exploring without worrying that the weather will alter your plans.

The wet season is longer, which begins in May and lasts through until November. Temperatures are higher this time of year, with average of 82-83°F, with highs of up to 90°F and lows of down to 78°F.

Levels of precipitation are much higher, and you can expect anywhere from 3-5 inches falling throughout each month. Although the rains put many travellers off, it is a cheaper time to visit Barranquilla as a result.

You can check the weather for Barranquilla here on WeatherSpark .

How long should you spend in Barranquilla 

Most who visit Barranquilla often only come for a few days (or even just as a day trip from the other coastal cities). 

However, given there's a lot of sights to see within the city as well as in the nearby region , you’ll want to spend longer (also to not feel like you’re rushing between everything). 

We recommend spending a minimum of 5 days in Barranquilla , where you’ll get to know the city on a more personal level, and also have plenty of time to relax and enjoy everything that this Coastal Colombian city has to offer.

What is a good budget for Barranquilla?

Given Barranquilla isn’t as developed as other cities in Colombia, here you’ll find accommodation and restaurants that cater for all kinds of budgets.

Those who are travelling on a budget can expect to spend around $20 a day when staying in Barranquilla . You’ll be staying in a comfortable dorm room, and mostly eating at local restaurants (although you can also find some great diners too for a good price). You’ll also have some money leftover for buying beers at night or for using buses to get around the city.

If you want a more deluxe and comfortable experience, then you’ll want to budget between $30-35 a day . You’ll be upgrading to a private room, and also able to eat at nicer restaurants more often. You can also take taxis more often, although just be sure to check they are registered (as previously mentioned using Uber is better).

It’s important to remember that these budgets only account for accommodation and food, with just a little left over for an attraction or taxi ride. It doesn’t account for flights, travel insurance, tours or buses between destinations.

Can you just book a tour for Barranquilla

In an ideal world we would have plenty of time to explore everything on offer in Barranquilla. 

However this is not always the case, and you may find yourself rushing between activities and destinations. 

We instead recommend heading on this half-day tour , where you’ll get to see the very best city highlights. 

This includes walking along the famed Paseo Bolivar Avenue as well as a visit to the Carnival Museum. 

You’ll have an expert local guide showing you all the way, and teaching you important things you need to know about the history of the city. 

As well as having hotel pick-up and drop-off, you’ll also have free tastings of typical Colombian snacks such as Butifarra and Fritos. 

Where to go after Barranquilla?

Once you’ve finished exploring everything that Barranquilla has to offer, you may be wondering where is next best to head. 

Along the Colombian coast there are many awesome destinations worth visiting, however we highly recommend heading to Cartagena , which is just a couple of hours away. 

This historically-important city is known for its colourful, colonial streets as well as its fortified walls and forts.

If you’ve also ever wanted to visit a Mud Volcano where you can bathe in the middle, here’s your chance!

If you’re short of time (or prefer to have everything organised for you), then we recommend joining this action-packed city tour . 

Here you’ll visit some of the most important areas of Cartagena, including the Historic Centre as well as the Fort of San Felipe. 

As well as having many street food tastings included, you’ll also head up to La Popa for some unrivalled panoramic views of the city. 

You’ll have all entries included as well as hotel pick-up and drop-off. 

Now over to you…

Do you have anywhere else to recommend, not included in this list?

Or perhaps have a question about something listed?

Just drop a comment below.

And in the meantime check out some of our other South America travel guides:

• The Best Things To Do In South America
• Backpacking Peru: Ultimate Local's Travel Guide
• The Best Places To Visit In Peru

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Barranquilla

Colombia's fourth-largest city, the hardworking port town of Barranquilla is located on the delta of the massive Río Magdalena and laid out in a tangled ribbon along mangroves and the Caribbean Sea, sweltering and hustling in the blinding sun. The birthplace of Colombian pop goddess Shakira, Barranquilla is actually most famous for its Carnaval, when the town clocks off, puts on its glad rags and goes wild as it throws the country's biggest street party.

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Attractions

Must-see attractions.

Museo Romántico

The confusingly named Museo Romántico is actually a museum of the city's history, featuring quirky exhibits relating to Barranquilla's past, its famous…

Museo de Arte Moderno

Barranquilla's best art museum fills its space with rotating exhibitions from its larger permanent collection, which includes nationally renowned painters…

Museo de Antropología

On the 1st floor of the building of the Universidad del Atlántico, this museum displays a small collection of pre-Columbian pottery from different regions…

Catedral Metropolitana

This modern cathedral was completed in 1982. Don't be put off by its squat, heavy, somewhat bunkerlike exterior – go inside. The beautiful interior…

Iglesia de San Nicolás

This mock-Gothic church halfway along Paseo Bolívar is worth entering for its main altarpiece and pulpit.

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Home » Travel Guides » Colombia » 15 Best Things to Do in Barranquilla (Colombia)

15 Best Things to Do in Barranquilla (Colombia)

Barranquilla is known for its beautiful people, Caribbean culture, and colorful Carnaval celebrations. Even if you’re not here for those festivities, the city’s nightlife is well-known for traditional salsa dancing and late night parties.

Visitors can hit the beach year round for some surfing or relaxing at the coast’s many bars and beach clubs. Colombia’s fourth-largest city is a vibrant port on the Caribbean Sea and Magdalena River, and though it’s a bit industrial, it’s still got charming neighborhoods, plenty of shopping, and large plazas and parks. Try local costeño foods like fried fish, coconut rice, and arepas, and catch of glimpse of the city’s Spanish heritage with a visit to its castle and churches.

Let’s explore the best things to do in Barranquilla :

1. El Museo del Caribe

Take an interactive look at the indigenous cultures, nature, and history of Colombia’s Caribbean coast at the best museum in town.

El Museo del Caribe gives guests some insight into this unique portion of the country through fun displays and experiences spread over several different rooms and floors.

There are tons of artifacts, videos, and photos to help explain the biodiversity of the Caribbean as well as its people, from culture and history to music and literature.

Guided tours are available, and the museum also includes a library area dedicated to the works of magical realism author Gabriel Garcia Marquez.

2. Carnaval de Barranquilla

Barranquilla’s colorful Carnaval celebrations are second only to Rio de Janeiro’s in Brazil.

This four-day party might be what the city is most famous for, and preparations begin months ahead of time, so be sure to plan ahead if you’re trying to attend! With roots in Spanish Catholic traditions blended with African and indigenous customs, it’s a wild, vibrant festival filled with loud music, dancing in the streets, and millions of partiers who flock to the city for this craziness.

Carnaval begins 40 days before Easter with tons of local food, elaborate costumes, and various troupes of dancers, performers, and bands.

As a visitor, don’t hesitate to get in on the action, and don’t expect any downtime.

3. Zoológico Barranquilla

It’s a small zoo but it’s still home to around 500 different animals of 140 species from several continents.

A great activity for the whole family, you can learn about endangered species as you wander around enclosures filled with snakes, monkeys, zebras, and even an elephant and tiger.

Learn about conservation efforts for native animals like the manatee, spectacled bear, and otter.

You can actually get super close to the animals here and even touch a few of them – carefully! There’s also a small cafe in the back where you can grab some empanadas if you’re feeling peckish.

4. Experience the Barranquilla’s Nightlife

Along with its beautiful people, Barranquilla is known for its incredible nightlife and dancing.

So even if you’re not here for Carnaval, grab a few drinks and head out to sample some of the places that make it renowned for good times.

Open for over 50 years, La Troja is an institution in town and a great spot for a true local experience of salsa dancing with crowds that regularly spill out onto the sidewalks.

Frogg Leggs, the trendy Agua Helada, and Coco Beach are also popular.

Aguila and Club Colombia are the favorite (cheap!) beers here, but rum is also popular (you are in the Caribbean after all).

5. Bocas de Cenizas

If you’re up for some walking and an off-the-beaten-path adventure, take the train to where the Magdalena River meets the Caribbean Sea.

Wear sunscreen and comfortable shoes, and pack your camera and some water (it’s gonna be hot), plus a few pesos to buy some snacks along the way.

Beginning in the Los Flores neighborhood, you’ll take the open-air “train” to the coast where you can hop off and make the rough walk to the very tip of the land.

Not only will you be rewarded with great views, but you’ll catch an authentic glimpse of some of the city’s more underdeveloped neighborhoods that don’t often get much notice.

6. Castillo de Salgar

A 20-minute drive from the city, the Castillo de Salgar is a wonderfully restored Spanish fort that was built in 1848. Currently it’s an event space which can be rented out for parties, and it houses a fabulous restaurant.

Located on a cliff overlooking the sea, it’s a great spot to get away from the city for drinks or dinner at sunset.

The breezes are refreshing and the setting is quite romantic, and sometimes there are musical performances.

Even if you don’t want to stop for a meal, feel free to swing on the way to the beaches for a look at history and some great views and photo ops.

7. Go to the Beaches

You’re in the Caribbean where it’s hot year round, so head to the beach while you’re here. While Barranquilla may not have the impressive beaches of neighboring Santa Marta or Cartagena, you’ll still have options.

Take the bus or taxi to Puerto Colombia and the Playas de Salgar about 15 minutes from town where you can find balnearios (bathing resorts) like Villa Alcatraz.

These clubs will provide you with umbrellas, chairs, tables, and a place to grab food and beers.

The fancier Pradomar offers giant cushions, cabanas, and upscale food, plus its on-site nightclub throws weekend beach parties reminiscent of Ibiza.

You can also sign up for surf lessons on the beaches here.

8. Museo Romantico

The history of Barranquilla is preserved at the Museo Romantico, so it’s definitely worth a quick wander to learn more about the city.

Housed in an 18th-century mansion on a beautiful street, the museum has tons of artifacts and belongings of famous Barranquilleras and other Colombians.

There are letters written by Simón Bolivar, the nation’s heroic liberator, and a typewriter used by the author Gabriel García Márquez.

You’ll find dresses and costumes worn in past Carnavals as well as furniture, musical instruments, photos, and artwork that all have ties to Baranquilla’s history.

9. Catedral Metropolitana María Reina and Iglesia de la Inmaculada Concepción

Don’t be turned off by the modern architectural style of the city’s biggest cathedral.

Built in 1982, it’s enormous and although it looks like a bunker, make sure to check out its beautiful and vast interior.

The stained glass windows are fabulous, and the sculpture above the altar is magnificent.

The Iglesia de la Inmaculada Concepción, on the other hand, is a more traditional, whitewashed church in the El Prado neighborhood.

Its stained glass and carved wooden altar are a good enough reason to venture inside, and the square outside is lovely… but what people really rave about is the air conditioning during mass!

10. Visit the City’s Many Parks

Barranquilla is filled with green spaces where you can relax, exercise, and check out free live music and cultural events.

The Parque Cultural del Caribe surrounds the Museo del Caribe and it often fills up with locals who come to see these kinds of lively and fun performances in the evenings.

It also contains a butterfly garden and a wooden terrace which serves as an open air theater.

The Parque Suri Salcedo has new playground equipment for kids, and the Parque Electrificadora attracts lots of people who meet up to cycle around town in the evenings.

Finally, Parque Muvdi is big for all types of recreation, with a skate park, tennis courts, swimming pool, lake, and dining areas all around.

11. Try Costeño Food

The coastal Caribbean food of Colombia is fresh and filling, so don’t miss the chance to try it from street vendors, markets, local mom and pop joints, or even upscale dining establishments.

Cheese-filled arepas, empanadas, fried whole fish, coconut rice, meats, sancocho, and ajiaco are all popular here.

Try the public market for cheap stuff and hit the restaurants along the Magdalena River and Los Flores neighborhood for seafood at reasonable prices.

Lunchtime offers set meals of meat or fish, rice, fried plantains, and a smattering of salad at great values.

Narcobollo and Dónde está Javier? might be fast food chains, but they’re also solid choices for sampling the local fare.

12. Plaza de la Paz

Spend some time in the main square of Barranquilla, Plaza de la Paz.

On its own, it’s just a big concrete square surrounded by a few palm trees and benches, but when there’s an event going on (which is often) you’ll find bands, dancers, street performers, and lots of young people gathering here.

With the cathedral on one side (it’s beautifully lit at night), the police station on the other, and a large shopping mall nearby, it’s a safe place for locals and tourists alike to meet up, rollerblade, skateboard, or grab a bite to eat outside.

13. Paseo Bolivar

A little rougher area but enjoyable and authentic all the same, this is the perfect place to sample some local foods from street vendors and do some shopping.

Grab an arepa and some fresh coconut water, and browse the cheap goods sold all around.

Paseo Bolivar is the old commercial center of the city and it’s bustling, busy, and a bit chaotic.

Keep an eye on your belongings as you begin meandering – start at the Simon Bolivar statue and explore the churches and plazas (especially the colorful Plaza de San Nicolás). Enjoy the crowded streets and giant public market that the city has cleaned up a bit in the recent years – it’ll give you a true taste of Barranquilla.

14. Combarranquilla

Known for their swimming pools and family friendly activities, Combarranquilla and Comfamiliar are community facilities that house movie screening rooms, libraries, fútbol fields, gyms, spas, ping pong tables, and even a planetarium.

There are affordable restaurants here, places to relax, and even adult education classes you can take for fun.

They often host themed festivals, performances, and shows, such as Mexican nights or Peruvian food days.

But if you’re just going to cool off, you’ll find multiple pools, water slides, and loungers for enjoying your time in the sun.

15. Go Shopping

If you don’t find the cheap trinkets or souvenirs you need on Paseo Bolivar, head to Avenida 46 and Calle 72 for cheap artisan handicrafts sold from the kiosks along the streets.

For more modern shopping, head to one of the city’s biggest malls – Buenavista, Viva Barranquilla, or Portal del Prado.

For something a little nicer but certified authentic, check out Artesanías de Colombia.

And if you’re really into bargain bin diving, you can find some great brands and hidden treasures alongside the locals at Oscar de la 30.

15 Best Things to Do in Barranquilla (Colombia):

• El Museo del Caribe
• Carnaval de Barranquilla
• Zoológico Barranquilla
• Experience the Barranquilla’s Nightlife
• Bocas de Cenizas
• Castillo de Salgar
• Go to the Beaches
• Museo Romantico
• Catedral Metropolitana María Reina and Iglesia de la Inmaculada Concepción
• Visit the City’s Many Parks
• Try Costeño Food
• Plaza de la Paz
• Paseo Bolivar
• Combarranquilla
• Go Shopping

2018 Primetime Emmy & James Beard Award Winner

17 Things to Know Before You Go to Barranquilla

Feb 21 2017.

In Colombia’s Golden Gate, dance (and eat) all night, then take a healing swim in a volcano. Just don’t give papaya.

Make the city your base. Barranquilla, on Colombia’s Caribbean coast, is a busy industrial city. It’s a less obvious destination for visitors compared to picturesque Cartagena to the south and Santa Marta—close to Tayrona National Park—to the north. But accommodation and flights are much cheaper, and Barranquilla is only a couple of hours away from its more famous neighbors. I always make it my headquarters when I spend time in the region. I’m a born-and-bred quillero with hometown pride. Barranquilla is nicknamed Colombia’s Golden Gate, because as an important port city it was the gateway for progress in Colombia: aviation, telephones, radio, trains, and fútbol all came to Barranquilla first.

Come for the carnival. In 2003, UNESCO declared Barranquilla’s carnival—Colombia’s largest—a masterpiece of humanity’s oral and intangible heritage. For four days, offices and businesses shut down and the streets fill with traditional costumes, parades, and general revelry. It’s the only time of year that Barranquilla swells with both domestic and international tourists (240,000 showed up for carnival in February 2016) and hotels and flights become really expensive. Plan ahead.

Get breakfast at a frutería . These café-like joints bring you the strange culinary bedfellows of rich, fried food and healthy, fresh fruit juice. Choose from empanadas (dough stuffed with ground beef, chicken, or cheese), carimañolas (torpedo-shaped yucca dough, stuffed meat or cheese), arepas de huevo (corn dough stuffed with fried egg), or papas rellenas (fried balls of mashed potatoes filled with ground beef). Don’t forget the suero costeño , a cream cheese dip. To drink, choose from orange, corozo , tangerine, lemon, lulo , passion fruit, pineapple, tamarind, blackberry, watermelon, carrot, and sapodilla juice. Fruterías are all over the place, but my favorites are Los Compadres (a few blocks north of Romelio Martínez stadium) and Los Primos, in Delicias quarter.

Double up on fish. Barranquilla is lucky enough to have access to the Atlantic Ocean and the Magdalena river, which means you’re spoiled for choice if you happen to like fish. Head to Las Flores, a quarter along the river with restaurants offering fresh catch from both bodies of water. (Try the great but reasonably-priced El Rincón del Proveedor .) From the sea, go for fried mojarra , coconut rice, and patacón (fried plantain slices). From the river, try bocachico , a fish stuffed with sautéed tomatoes, onions, sweet pepper, and garlic, wrapped in leaves from the bijao tree, and grilled.

Know your taxes. Colombia’s tourist offices encourage businesses to offer the same prices for locals and tourists, because they know that a pissed-off tourist is unlikely to return. But not everybody plays by the rules, and some places might try to charge foreigners more. To avoid common scams, always remember that taxes are the same around the country, and that all prices quoted should already include the tax. When in doubt, ask for prices before you order. Also, you will need cash for tiendas , kiosks, and cabs, but can use cards in supermarkets and restaurants. Just make sure they run your card through the reader in front of you. Consider yourself warned.

Find Gabo. In the 1940s, decades before he was awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature, Gabriel García Márquez was a member of the Barranquilla Group: a union of writers, journalists, and philosophers who met to discuss the arts, life, and to mamar gallo —literally “suck the cock”—here, it means taking the piss out of somebody or kidding around. (A fictionalized version of the group’s core members appear as the four friends of Macondo in Garcia Márquez’s One Hundred Years of Solitude .) In the 1950s, the group moved their meetings to a restaurant-bar called La Cueva, which is still around. La Cueva still plays a big role in in the city’s literature and arts scene, with live performances and readings. Also, the Museo del Caribe has a section dedicated to Gabo (Garcia Marquez).

Stay in when it rains. As Barranquilla grew, the city either forgot to build a storm-sewer network, or decided it was an unnecessary frill. So, when it pours, water flows through the streets, sometimes powerfully enough to drag people and cars along. The city grinds to a halt. (When I was a little kid, I used to pray for rain because I knew they’d close the schools.) Lately, city administrations have been working on the problem, and now some larger avenues and newer neighborhoods are being fitted with storm drains. If you do get caught in the rain, get to the nearest tienda , get a snack, and wait. In the meantime, watch the enterprising men who build makeshift wooden bridges that pedestrians—in exchange for 500 pesos (20 cents)—can use to cross the street without getting their shoes soaked.

Don’t give papaya. If you whip out your iPhone 7 in a shady-looking street, you are giving papaya. If you flash your designer watch, you are giving papaya. If you’re not watching your belongings in a public place, you are giving papaya. Don’t give papaya. Keep your stuff.

Look out for Old Parr. This Scotch whisky blend first made its way to Colombia’s north coast as contraband from Venezuela back in the 1960s, but now it’s the coastal region’s favorite alcoholic beverage , although nobody really knows why. (Apparently, costeños —as Colombia’s coastal residents are called—make up about 20 percent of the country’s population but account for 40 percent of its Old Parr consumption.) We drink it with or without ice, but prefer it in shots. (According to legend, the warmer the weather, the less potent the drink, because you sweat out the alcohol while you drink it.)

Don’t knock the fast food. Barranquilla’s fast food vendors—both brick-and-mortars and carts—have become big players in the city’s food scene, offering bold twists on the hot dog. Choose a sausage (regular, American, Swiss), sauces (ketchup, mayonnaise, tartar, pineapple), cheese ( costeño , American, cheddar), and extras (bacon, pickles). Try pincho desgranado : a plate of grilled beef, chicken, chorizo, butifarra (a special local sausage, like chorizo but better), bollo limpi o (a corn bun), papitas para perro (the small, crispy potato sticks we put on everything), shredded costeño cheese, and lettuce. Like fruterías , fast food places are everywhere, but you can’t go wrong with Dónde está Javier? (Next to the gas station at 51B Street.)

Eat everything soup. Sancocho is the Latin American word for soup made out of, well, lots of stuff. Barranquilla’s traditional version is called sancocho é guandú and includes yucca, ñame (yam), sweet yellow plantains, salty meat and, of course, guandú (a kind of large lentil). It’s said that this dish has been part of Barranquilla’s cuisine for at least a century, and El Tremendo Guandú has been making it for at least 34 years, so that’s a good place to try it.

Go dancing… Vallenato is the quintessential music of the north coast, and cumbia is Barranquilla’s more traditional dance—and old-school quilleros , like my father’s generation and older, also insist that Barranquilla is Colombia’s true salsa capital (never mind that Cali already snagged that title.) Quilleros dance all these styles and more. La Troja is the best salsa club in town and it’s a 50-year-old institution, so it’s a must-see. For the “cross-over” experience, head to Frogg Leggs. (In Colombia, “cross-over” means a mix of music, including salsa, merengue , vallenato , and electronic.) Be prepared to join in, and to dance very close—and if you’re a novice, don’t worry. Nobody is expecting you to move like Shakira—Barranquilla’s most famous dance ambassador.

…then go eat. After a night of dancing and drinking, take the edge off your impending hangover with some late-night food. My all-time favorite is Mac Mondongo ’s signature dish: the fifty-fifty (“fitty-fitty” as costeños pronounce it). It’s meant for at least two people, and includes a thin steak and boiled rice with chicken and vegetables. (Fun fact: Mac Mondongo used the McDonald’s logo for many years, but when a McDonald’s opened up in Barranquilla in 1997, they had to come up with a new one.)

Check your receipt for tips on tipping. Colombian regulations state that gratuity should be no more than 10 percent, and it’s not mandatory. Most of the time the tip will already be included on your bill, but it’s a good idea to check. Even if it’s already on the bill, you have the right not to pay it if you didn’t like the service.

Stay cool with raspao . There are no fixed stalls or stores selling raspao , the costeño version of a slushie. Raspao vendors roam the city with their carts. (Listen out for honks that don’t sound like car-horn honks.) They sell cones with ice soaked in tamarind, lemon and ‘cola’ (more like cherry than cola) flavors. Try it with extra condensed cream. If you want an ice cream fix, head to Heladería Americana, founded in 1936, for their specialty, the Frozo Malt: a chocolate milkshake-ice cream creation with cherry sauce.

Bathe in a volcano. It’s an hour’s drive south to Volcán del Totumo, an extinct volcanic cone filled with mud that serves as a kind of swimming pool, complete with wooden stepladders for access. For 10,000 pesos (US$4) you can climb up to the mud-pool and swim for as long as you want. The mud is so thick you can easily float on the surface—plus, it’s a natural exfoliating scrub. (Bring your swimsuit and lots of towels—but maybe not white ones.)

Don’t bother renting a car. Not many people rent cars in Colombia, so the enterprise can be expensive, with prices starting at $50 per day for an ‘economy’ manual-transmission car. An average taxi ride will cost you between three and six dollars within city limits. (Settle the fare before hopping in.) There is also Uber. And if you’re traveling outside the city, buses are comfortable and reasonable: the bus to Santa Marta, for example, costs just $10.

Top image: Luis Acosta/AFP/Getty Images

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Folktales and Nightmares

Featured city guides.

Barranquilla Bliss: Discovering the Best of Colombias Caribbean Gem

As a travel destination, Barranquilla Colombia may not get the same level of attention as some of its more popular counterparts in South America. However, in many ways, it is an untapped gem that is well worth a visit for anyone with a curious sense of adventure.

There’s something about Barranquilla that immediately captures the heart and captivates the imagination. Perhaps it’s the vibrant and lively culture, the colorful colonial architecture, or the eclectic mix of people from all walks of life. Whatever the reason, we can’t help but feel the magnetic pull of this wonderful city.

In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into Barranquilla Colombia, exploring its rich history, unique culture, and some of its must-see attractions and experiences. So, if you’re looking for a new travel destination that’s off the beaten path but still full of adventure, look no further than the marvelous Barranquilla Colombia.

Table of Contents

Best time to travel to Barranquilla.

As seasoned travelers, we firmly believe that there is no bad time to visit Barranquilla. However, your preferred time of traveling might vary depending on your personal preferences and budget. The climate remains warm and humid throughout the year, with occasional showers, making it a perfect destination for beach lovers.

If you are a party animal, then visiting during the world-renowned Carnival of Barranquilla happening in February is a must. It is the most significant and colorful festival in Colombia, where the streets of the city overflow with music, dance, and colorful costumes, making it an unforgettable experience.

However, if you want to avoid the crowds and snag a better bargain, we recommend visiting during the shoulder season between August and November. The weather remains pleasant with fewer tourists, giving you an opportunity to explore the city’s rich history, culture, and enjoy the local cuisine without breaking the bank. Regardless of when you choose to travel, Barranquilla is a city that will capture your heart and leave you wanting more.

Is Barranquilla safe?

As seasoned travelers, we have become used to hearing concerns about safety when it comes to certain cities and regions of the world. Unfortunately, Barranquilla, Colombia often falls into this category. However, our experiences in the city have shown us that these concerns are often unfounded and that Barranquilla is a safe and hospitable place for visitors.

Like any other city, Barranquilla has its areas that are best avoided, particularly at night. However, this is true of almost any urban center in the world. With a bit of common sense and awareness, visitors to Barranquilla can enjoy the city’s vibrant culture, food, and lively party scene without any safety concerns.

Of course, as with any travel destination, it is always important to be vigilant and aware of your surroundings. But we firmly believe that Barranquilla is no less safe than other popular destinations in Latin America. In fact, it has been our experience that the people of Barranquilla are incredibly welcoming and eager to share their city with visitors from around the world.

How to travel to Barranquilla

When it comes to traveling to Barranquilla, Colombia, there are a few things you should keep in mind. First and foremost, it is important to research what kind of experience you are looking for. From beautiful beaches and lively nightlife to museums and historic sites, there is something for everyone in this vibrant city.

Secondly, it is crucial to prioritize safety while exploring all that Barranquilla has to offer. While the city is generally safe for tourists, it is important to be aware of your surroundings, especially at night. Stay in well-lit areas, avoid sketchy neighborhoods, and always keep your belongings close.

Finally, to truly experience the culture of Barranquilla, be open to trying new things and stepping out of your comfort zone. Sample traditional Colombian dishes, such as arepas and empanadas, dance to the beat of salsa and bachata music at local clubs, and immerse yourself in the colorful festivals and celebrations that happen throughout the year. With an open mind and sense of adventure, traveling to Barranquilla is sure to be an unforgettable experience.

Best area to stay in Barranquilla

When it comes to choosing the best area to stay in Barranquilla, Colombia, we believe that it ultimately depends on your personal preferences and what you want to get out of your stay. However, if you’re looking for a vibrant and lively neighborhood, then El Prado might be right up your alley.

El Prado is known for its high-end hotels, restaurants, and bars. The neighborhood is located in the heart of the city and is home to some of the most luxurious hotels in Barranquilla. It’s also home to several shopping centers, so if you’re in the mood for some retail therapy, you won’t have to venture too far.

If you’re more interested in experiencing the local culture and exploring the city’s historic landmarks, then La Candelaria might be a better fit for you. This neighborhood is home to a number of museums, galleries, and churches, including the Barranquilla Museum of Modern Art, the Museum of the Caribbean, and the Iglesia de San Jose. Not to mention, it’s also a great place to sample some of the city’s famous street food and local cuisine.

Overall, Barranquilla has a lot to offer, no matter which neighborhood you choose to stay in. Be sure to do your research and choose a location that aligns with your travel goals and preferences.

How to get around in Barranquilla

It’s no secret that Barranquilla can be a bit overwhelming to navigate at first. But fear not, fellow travelers – we’ve got some tips and tricks to make getting around a breeze. Firstly, let’s talk about transportation options. Taxis are readily available and inexpensive, but make sure to agree on a price beforehand. Another option is the bus system, which can be a bit confusing but offers more routes and is also very cheap. Just make sure to watch your belongings and keep an eye out for pickpockets on crowded buses.

If you’re feeling more adventurous and want to really experience Barranquilla like a local, we highly recommend trying out the city’s bike-sharing program. With over 50 stations across the city, it’s a convenient and eco-friendly way to get around. Plus, the flat terrain makes for an easy ride. And don’t worry about the heat – the bikes come equipped with a basket and a water bottle holder. Just make sure to bring plenty of sunscreen and a hat!

Finally, don’t underestimate the power of walking. Barranquilla is a vibrant and colorful city, with many hidden gems waiting to be discovered. Walking gives you the chance to stumble upon stunning street art, quaint cafes, and bustling marketplaces. So put on some comfortable shoes and get lost in the city – you never know what you might find.

Places to eat in Barranquilla

El gran parrillón de la 84.

We cannot recommend El Gran Parrillón de la 84 enough! This restaurant perfectly captures the vibrant, festive atmosphere of Colombia with incredible food and top-notch service. The meats are cooked to absolute perfection and are accompanied by a variety of delicious sides. We particularly recommend trying the chorizo and morcilla, which are unlike any other you’ve ever tasted. And don’t forget to wash it all down with a refreshing Aguardiente Sour. From the moment you step through the doors, you’ll feel right at home at El Gran Parrillón de la 84.

La Cueva del Pez

We cannot stress enough how amazing the dining experience at La Cueva del Pez in Barranquilla, Colombia is. From the moment you set foot inside, the ambiance and decor create an unparalleled sensory experience. The food is expertly crafted using only the freshest ingredients, bursting with flavor in every bite. Don’t even get us started on the divine drink selection. This is not just a meal, it’s a journey through the tastes and traditions of Colombia. If you find yourself in Barranquilla, a visit to La Cueva del Pez is an absolute must.

El Son del Mojito

As a seasoned food writer, we have had the pleasure of experiencing many different cuisines from around the world. We can confidently say that El Son del Mojito in Barranquilla is a culinary experience that should not be missed. We were blown away by the bold flavors and the impeccable presentation of every dish we tried. The mojitos were also some of the best we’ve ever had and we loved the lively atmosphere. This restaurant truly reflects the vibrant culture of Colombia and we cannot wait to return.

Things to do in Barranquilla

Explore the street art in the neighborhood of san nicolás..

We can’t stress enough the importance of exploring the street art in the vibrant neighborhood of San Nicolás while in Barranquilla. Not only is it a visual feast for the eyes, but it also offers a unique insight into the cultural and social aspects of the city. We encourage every traveler to take a walk through this colorful neighborhood and immerse themselves in the stunning art.

As you stroll through the streets of San Nicolás, you can’t help but be captivated by the sheer talent and creativity on display. From large-scale murals to intricate graffiti, each piece tells its own story and evokes a range of emotions. The colors are bold, the designs are intricate, and the messages are powerful. It’s a testament to the artistic spirit of Barranquilla and the people who call it home.

But exploring the street art in San Nicolás isn’t just about admiring beautiful pieces of art. It’s also about understanding the community and its struggles. The street art depicts the city’s history, politics, and social issues, shedding light on the challenges faced by the people of Barranquilla. By taking the time to appreciate the artwork, we can gain a deeper understanding of the city and its people, and that in itself is a valuable experience that every traveler should have.

Visit the Museum of Caribbean Culture.

As avid museum-goers, we highly recommend visiting the Museum of Caribbean Culture in Barranquilla, Colombia. This museum presents an unparalleled educational and cultural experience that allows visitors to explore the multi-layered history of the Caribbean region. From indigenous peoples to African slaves and Spanish colonizers, the museum offers a comprehensive look at the diverse influences that have shaped the Caribbean throughout history.

What sets this museum apart from others is not only the quality of its exhibits but also its commitment to preserving and promoting Caribbean culture. The museum offers a variety of cultural events, workshops, and performances, allowing visitors to engage with Caribbean traditions and learn about the vibrant present-day culture of the region. From traditional music and dance performances to artisanal craft workshops, the museum provides a unique opportunity to immerse oneself in Caribbean culture.

Overall, visiting the Museum of Caribbean Culture in Barranquilla is an experience not to be missed. With its engaging exhibits, commitment to cultural preservation, and vibrant events, this museum is an invaluable resource for anyone looking to gain a deeper understanding of Caribbean history and culture. We encourage you to add it to your travel itinerary and experience the richness of the Caribbean firsthand.

Enjoy the nightlife in the Salsa and Merengue district.

As travelers, it’s important to step out of our comfort zone and explore new activities in different parts of the world. And for those looking for a vibrant night scene that is rich in culture, there’s no better place than the Salsa and Merengue district in Barranquilla, Colombia. The district boasts a lively and energetic atmosphere filled with people from all walks of life, coming together to enjoy the best music and dancing experience that Colombia has to offer. From the rhythmical beats of salsa to the fast-paced movements of merengue, the district caters to all music and dance enthusiasts. But it’s not just about dancing. The district is also filled with local street food vendors, affordable drinks, and friendly locals who are ready to engage in conversation and dance alongside you. It’s a melting pot of cultures and backgrounds, but the common thread is the love of music, dance, and having a great time. So, we highly recommend that you put on your dancing shoes, let go of your inhibitions, and immerse yourself in the incredible nightlife scene that the Salsa and Merengue district has to offer.

Catch a soccer game at the Estadio Metropolitano.

As we explore the adventurous city of Barranquilla, there is one activity that stands out for soccer lovers and even for those who don’t consider themselves as fans. Watching a soccer game at the Estadio Metropolitano is an experience everyone should have at least once in their lifetime. The electrifying atmosphere created by passionate fans and the skillful players on the field can be felt even before entering the stadium.

Inside, the excitement only keeps on building. The energy created by united fans cheering for their team can be overwhelming. The drums beating, the flags waving, and the collective roar of the goal can make even the toughest of individuals feel as if they are a part of the team. The stadium also offers excellent facilities and services, making attending the game a comfortable experience.

Beyond the game itself, catching a soccer game at the Estadio Metropolitano holds cultural significance for the community of Barranquilla. Soccer is a way of life in Colombia and is considered the country’s national sport. By attending a game, we are not only enjoying a thrilling experience but also immersing ourselves in the culture and traditions of the country. Catching a soccer game at the Estadio Metropolitano is an absolute must-do, whether you are a fan of the sport or not.

Try local street food at the Puerta de Oro Market.

As seasoned travelers, we know that sampling the local cuisine is one of the best ways to truly experience a new place. And in Barranquilla, there’s no better spot to do just that than the Puerta de Oro Market. The vibrant open-air market is a feast for the senses with its array of colorful stalls and the mouth-watering smells of street food wafting through the air.

But let’s be clear; we’re not talking about generic touristy fare here. We’re talking about authentic, traditional Colombian cuisine that you won’t find anywhere else. From crispy empanadas filled with meat or cheese to succulent grilled meats and fresh seafood ceviche, the Puerta de Oro Market has something to offer every adventurous foodie.

Sure, you could play it safe and stick to familiar foods, but where’s the fun in that? Step out of your comfort zone and embrace the local flavors of Barranquilla at the Puerta de Oro Market. We promise you won’t be disappointed.

Take a boat tour of the Magdalena River Delta.

We highly recommend taking a boat tour of the Magdalena River Delta when visiting Barranquilla in Colombia. It is simply one of the most mesmerizing experiences you’ll ever have. The beauty and serenity of the Delta is awe-inspiring. As you cruise along the river, you’ll be surrounded by lush green forests, exotic wildlife, and stunning landscapes, capturing the essence of nature in all its glory.

The boat tour is a great way to explore the Delta and learn about its importance to Barranquilla and the country. It is the perfect opportunity to witness firsthand the rich biodiversity and cultural heritage of Colombia. Be sure to bring your binoculars to catch a glimpse of the many native bird species and other wildlife that inhabit the Delta.

Overall, taking a boat tour of the Magdalena River Delta is an unforgettable experience that will leave you amazed and in awe. From the gorgeous scenery to the cultural significance of the Delta, there’s no doubt that this activity is a must-do when visiting Barranquilla. So why not hop on a boat and discover the natural beauty and cultural significance of the magnificent Magdalena River Delta?

Attend the Carnival de Barranquilla (held in February or March).

We simply cannot overstate the experience of attending the Carnival de Barranquilla in Colombia. This feverish, vibrant event manifests pure joy and exultation, offering visitors the chance to take in the rich cultural heritage of this land. Held once a year in February or March, the carnival offers an incredibly unique and unforgettable experience that everyone should try to have at least once in their lifetime.

The richness of the carnival is exemplified in the extensive array of colorful costumes, upbeat music, and the contagious energy of the attendees. The moment you arrive in Barranquilla, you’re instantly immersed in a world of chaos and excitement, with the city coming alive with the sounds of drums and trumpets. It’s impossible not to be uplifted by the atmosphere found in the streets and its always lively people in these exhilarating days making for a truly authentic experience.

Ultimately, the Carnival de Barranquilla is a true testament to the resilience, creativity, and cultural prowess of the Colombian people. With breathtaking parades, lively dances, and an intense fervor that’s hard to match, it remains one of the best carnivals in all of South America. We urge everyone to experience the Carnival de Barranquilla at least once in their lifetime, to bask in the sheer essence of life itself.

Go birdwatching in the Ciénaga de Mallorquín nature reserve.

Birdwatching in the Ciénaga de Mallorquín nature reserve is an activity of unparalleled beauty that we highly recommend. The reserve is a sanctuary for many species of birds, and a vast array of wildlife that nest and thrive in this wetland ecosystem. We believe that the most exciting part of this activity is the chance to connect with nature in a way that rarely occurs in our everyday lives.

We suggest that visitors prepare themselves beforehand with a basic knowledge of the species they may encounter in the reserve. Enhancing your understanding of the animals, their behaviors, and habitats enhances your experience and enables you to better appreciate the environment. Additionally, we recommend bringing binoculars, cameras, and appropriate footwear to get closer to the action safely.

Visiting Ciénaga de Mallorquín offers a rare glimpse of the natural world in a bustling city like Barranquilla. The reserve’s importance to barranquilleros and its significance to the area’s ecology is apparent upon stepping into it, making it a must-visit location for anyone seeking to immerse themselves in nature. In conclusion, we highly recommend birdwatching in Ciénaga de Mallorquín for both beginners and experts alike, and we can guarantee it will be an experience to remember.

Visit the Castillo de Salgar fort and beach.

As soon as we heard about the Castillo de Salgar fort and beach, we knew we had to visit. And let me tell you, we were not disappointed. This historic fort that dates back to the 18th century offers stunning views of the Caribbean Sea. It’s not only a historical landmark but also a peaceful and stunning beach spot.

The Castillo de Salgar fort itself is a real treat for history buffs. It provides a rare glimpse into Colombia’s colonial past, and the carefully preserved ruins transport you back in time. While walking along the walls, we could truly feel the weight of history on our shoulders. It’s not just a fort but also a fantastic museum that’s brimming with information about the history of Barranquilla, making it a must-visit for any historically-inclined traveler.

What truly sets the Castillo de Salgar fort and beach apart is its natural beauty. This spot offers a stunning beach, crystal-clear waters, and sandy shores that make it the perfect relaxing getaway. Whether you want to sunbathe, go swimming or simply enjoy the sea breeze, it’s an excellent place to do so. With plenty of spots to enjoy a picnic, it’s also an excellent option for a family day out. The Castillo de Salgar fort and beach is truly an absolute gem and a must-visit if you find yourself in Barranquilla.

As we come to the end of our discussion about Barranquilla, Colombia, we can confidently say that this city is a hidden gem that deserves more recognition. From its vibrant cultural festivals to its friendly locals, Barranquilla offers a unique experience that cannot be found elsewhere.

We have explored the city’s rich history, beautiful architecture, and delicious cuisine, all of which contribute to the charm that Barranquilla exudes. The city has a cosmopolitan atmosphere that is enhanced by its thriving arts and entertainment scene.

In conclusion, Barranquilla, Colombia, is a must-visit destination that should be on everyone’s travel bucket list. The city is full of lively energy and rich culture that is sure to captivate any visitor. We encourage all travelers to come and experience the magic of Barranquilla for themselves.

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Things To Do In Barranquilla – Colombia’s Most Underrated City!

By: Author Catrina

Posted on Last updated: January 13, 2023

Categories COLOMBIA , LATIN AMERICA

There are so many unique and wonderful things to do in Barranquilla – the vibrant Caribbean coastal city that is also Colombia’s most underrated city!

Located on the northern coast of Colombia, Barranquilla is full of culture and history and is a very cosmopolitan and important city in the region.

And despite it being home to several nice beaches and plenty of things to do – as well as being the city where Shakira was born and raised, many tourists to Colombia don’t even visit Barranquilla!

Therefore it makes a great place to visit if you want to explore a really Colombian city without mass tourism!

Except that is – if you visit at Carnival time in February as this is when Barranquilla hosts its world-famous Carnival.

Read on for the best things to do in Barranquilla!

Where Is Barranquilla?

Barranquilla is situated 120km north east of Cartagena – next to the Magdalena River and the Caribbean Sea on Colombia’s north coast.

It is Colombia’s third most important city and lies between Santa Marta and Cartagena – two very popular tourist destinations in Colombia.

If you’ll be catching a bus from Cartagena to Santa Marta or vice versa, the bus is pretty much guaranteed to change in Barranquilla, so take advantage of this and spend a day or two exploring this unique city.

BEST THINGS TO DO IN BARRANQUILLA

Barranquilla carnival.

Barranquilla is home to the Barranquilla Carnival – famous all around the world! If possible, time your trip to Barranquilla to coincide with Barranquilla’s Carnival!

It is the second largest carnival celebration in the world after the one in Rio de Janeiro and is one of the best experiences in South America !

During the lively four-day Barranquilla Carnival you’ll see grand costumes, impressive parades and traditional displays of Colombian music and dance.

The whole of Barranquilla turns into a big party and there are Colombian men and women everywhere celebrating – the vibe is so good and it sure is an incredible experience!

Museo Del Carnaval

If your trip doesn’t coincide with the Barranquilla Carnival don’t fear. Visit the Museo del Carnaval – a museum full of extravagant costumes and decorations from the carnival!  

Other Museums In Barranquilla:

• Caribbean Museum
• Tequila Museum – dedicated to the history of tequila production in the area!
• Museum of Romance a
• Modern Art Museum of Barranquilla (MAMBA)
• Ernesto Gutiérrez Museum – dedicated to the history of Barranquilla and the surrounding region

If you would like a 6 hour tour of Barranquilla that takes you to all the important places then check out this tour: 

The Malecon

The malecon is also a must visit in Barranquilla. The malecon is the waterfront promenade in Barranquilla – and it’s also where Shakira and Carlos Vives filmed the music video ‘ La Bicicleta ’.

Walk along the banks of the Magdalena River along the malecon and take in the views.

Metropolitan Cathedral

The historic Metropolitan Cathedral of María Reina (Queen Mary) is located in Barranquilla’s centre.

It is absolutely stunning – taking nearly 27 years to complete, and is definitely worth a visit to admire its beautiful Colonial architecture.

Plaza San Nicolas and the elegant Hotel el Prado.

Soledad Neighbourhood

Take a tour around this neighbourhood – famous for its Colonial style architecture and the colourful street art.

What Food To Have In Barranquilla

The food in Barranquilla is a little different to other parts of Colombia, with a slight Caribbean twist which makes the food taste really great!

For some delicious authentic Colombian Caribbean food head to the family-run Donde Mama restaurant, situated in a beautiful old colonial house in the historic Prado neighborhood.

Day Trips From Barranquilla & Where To Travel After:

• Take a day trip to the nearby island of Isla de Salamanca National Natural Park, which is a 1 hour (50km) drive away. Isla de Salamanca is home to some absolutely stunning beaches.  
• 70km from Barranquilla – halfway between Barranquilla and Cartagena lies the Pink Sea of Colombia (Salinas de Galerazamba) ! This is a really unique and fascinating place to see – the water is so pink!
• Santa Marta – just over a 2 hour drive (100km) from Barranquilla is Santa Marta. From Santa Marta you can head to the stunning Tayrona National Park or the lush mountain town of Minca !

Other Places To Visit In Colombia:

In addition to Cartagena, Santa Marta and the Caribbean Coast, definitely make sure to visit Medellin, in particular Comuna 13 . Comuna 13 is a Colombian neighbourhood once considered the most dangerous place in the world, has transformed itself and now a popular tourist destination.

And of course, don’t leave Colombia without visiting the capital Bogota!

Overall, Barranquilla is a great city to spend a couple of days. And with constant warm temperatures year round, it is the perfect place to unwind!

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Catrina is a Travel Writer and ex-Flight Attendant based in Sydney, Australia. She has visited 85 countries and lived in several – including Italy, Australia, United Arab Emirates and England. Her work has been featured in a variety of popular travel publications including Fodors, Escape, Australian Traveller and Bear Grylls, as well as several international aviation and travel companies. She only writes about places she has personally visited, and aims to give real, honest advice to help her readers.

Should you visit Barranquilla? An honest opinion

Barranquilla gained popularity over the years, mainly thanks to its association with Shakira and other famous singers. Yet, should you visit Barranquilla only because it is Shakira’s hometown?

Of course not! You should visit Barranquilla for so many other reasons! 

I have listed some of them below after I paid a visit to Shakira’s hometown myself.

My honest opinion about Barranquilla

In my opinion, Barranquilla is not the touristy city you expect to find on Colombia’s Caribbean Coast. In fact, out of all the places I visited on this side of the country, Barranquilla was the least touristy place. Is this a bad thing? Not necessarily!

Fewer tourists don’t mean you shouldn’t visit Barranquilla. But do not expect the same vibe and tourist activities you can do in Cartagena or Santa Marta. 

Also, make sure your Spanish is good enough, otherwise, you will have a hard time communicating with people.

 Because I want to give you a full picture of how my visit to Barranquilla was, I divided this blog post into 2 main categories: things I liked about the city and things I did not like.

Hopefully, the list below will give you an idea of how Shakira’s hometown really is and will help you decide whether you should visit Barranquilla or not.

First Impression of Barranquilla

The first impression Barranquilla left me was a good one indeed. I remember being driven from the airport to my accommodation and seeing the wide roads in Barranquilla, which give you the feeling of so much space.

If you land in Barranquilla, you will pass through Soledad, which is a satellite city of Barranquilla. Barranquilla is home to almost 2.3 million people (according to  worldpopulationreview.com ), which makes it the 4th most populous city in the country.  

But what other things are there to like about Barranquilla? Let’s go through each one of them and see whether they are enough to make you visit this Colombian city.

What I liked about Barranquilla?

Barranquilla might not be the ideal tourist-friendly city you can visit in Colombia, but it definitely has its charm. 

One of the ways a place can charm foreigners is through local gastronomy, and Barranquilla is no exception to this rule.

If I were to recommend Barranquilla to foreigners, it would definitely be for its gastronomic diversity. As I walked through the streets of Barranquilla, I noticed a great variety of restaurants. While there are many options for Colombian restaurants, you can also spot many Indian and Chinese restaurants.

Predominantly, I ate Colombian food, and I have to say that the food was excellent. The dishes I tried were tasty and affordable.

A place I went to twice is called Fogon Marino. The first time I went there, I tried  Sancocho del dia . This dish is popular in Colombia, and many local restaurants offer it. If I were to translate it, it simply means menu of the day. It consists of a soup, fish, fried plantain and rice. 

The Sancocho I ate at Fogon Marino was flavourful and filling. Many locals eat at this restaurant daily, this is why I decided to give it a go too.

I always eat in restaurants where I see many locals ordering food. This means the food is good and affordable. I never go wrong when I choose a restaurant using this method. 

The second time I went to Fogon Marino, I tried cazuelas. Cazuelas is a thick seafood soup (its consistency reminded me of a stew), served with rice and fried plantains. 

Like the first dish I tried, this one did not disappoint either. The soup was flavourful and rich. The rice melted in your mouth, and the plantain added an extra crunch to the dish. 

The 3 foods go so well together that I fell for the Colombian food and did not desire to try any other cuisine while I was in Barranquilla.

Something I really enjoyed about restaurants in Barranquilla is that you can easily eat by yourself as a female solo traveller. You won’t have issues in getting a table for one, and nobody will stare at you because you are by yourself.

Eating out in Barranquilla was a pleasant experience for me and one of the things I liked the most about this Colombian city. 

After a few days in Barranquilla, I learnt that the music goes hand in hand with Colombian culture. El vallenato, a music style that’s specific to the Colombian Caribbean Coast, can be heard everywhere in Barranquilla.

From the mechanic to the supermarket staff and hotel receptionist, everyone will find a moment in the day to listen to some music and even sing and dance along.

The fact that people are at work doesn’t stop them from listening to some music out loud and singing along. 

I found this both interesting and somehow rude because as a European, you learn to treat your workplace with respect, and this kind of behaviour is not tolerated, especially at a hotel reception.

One of the hotels I stayed at in Barranquilla was exactly the other way around. The receptionists would listen to their music out loud during work hours and only put the volume down if they had a question.

Music is part of Barranquilla and is something that makes this place unique and interesting to visit. Until now, I have never come across a city whose people love to dance and sing regardless of where they are and what they do.

The locals are always willing to help if you ask for it. I met people kind enough to share their internet via hotspot with me so I could book an Uber. I also had supermarket staff helping me to find ATMs or locals showing me where to go when I got lost.

Locals in Barranquilla can give you a hand should you need it. You simply need to ask for it.

The welcoming nature of people in Barranquilla is another reason I enjoyed my stay in this Colombian city.   

Easy access to Uber from the airport

It might not seem like a big deal, but quite a few cities in Latin America banned Uber from picking up customers from local airports (e.g. Cancun-Mexico, San Jose-Costa Rica). That’s because they consider Uber a threat to local taxi companies.

If regular taxi companies were fair and charged the right tariff, I would not have anything against them. Unfortunately, they don’t, and the moment they realise you are a foreigner, they try to rip you off the best they can.

After some negative experiences with local taxi companies in Costa Rica and Mexico, I was happy to find out that, at least in Barranquilla, I would pay the right fare.

That’s why I included Uber on the list of the things I like about Barranquilla.  

Barranquilla is safe for female solo travellers

Despite the warnings I received about my solo trip to Colombia, I did not have a hard time in Barranquilla at all. In fact, most of my time in Barranquilla felt great.

I did plenty of things alone and never felt in danger or followed by anyone. I walked everywhere by myself, I ate in restaurants by myself, I withdrew money by myself, I took pictures by myself, and relaxed in the park by myself.

Yet, I always paid attention to my surroundings and never left my belongings unattended. Also, I limited the amount of time I took my phone out to take pictures or check Google Maps.

Using common sense, I was able to navigate Barranquilla without major incidents. After my experience in Barranquilla, I can confirm that the city is safe for female solo travellers as long as, during the day, you use your common sense and don’t venture by yourself at night.

Good weather

If you travel to Barranquilla in August/September, you will get plenty of sunshine and high temperatures. Before arriving in Barranquilla, I lived for almost a month in Central America, where in August and September rains almost daily. There were only a few days when it did not rain in Costa Rica and Panama. 

Arriving in Barranquilla meant the rain was gone, and the sunny days were here to stay. During my ride from the airport, the driver told me the weather is consistent all year around in this part of the country. I have been in the region for days now, and it has barely rained.

Therefore, if you look for dry weather and plenty of sunshine, Barranquilla is the place to be. Due to the high humidity, it can easily get to 42 degrees Celsius during the daytime. Yet, if you love summer weather, I am sure you won’t be bothered at all.

Make sure you stay hydrated, wear the right clothing and apply suncream. The sun can get brutal in the city if there is no shade around.

Easy access to filtered water

While tap water is safe to drink in places like Costa Rica and Panama, this does not apply to the whole of Colombia. Yet, all the places I stayed at in Barranquilla offered filtered water to their guests. As a budget traveller, I found this convenient and useful. 

I liked that filtered water is widely available in Barranquilla. Although Barranquilla is an affordable city compared to other places in Latin America, it is good to know that bottled water is not on your shopping list anymore.

It is not expensive to buy a bottle of water in Barranquilla, but the cost of several bottles a day can add up pretty easily, especially in a hot place like Barranquilla, where you will drink considerably more water. 

I did drink more water because you dehydrate quicker due to the high level of humidity that makes you sweat so much. 

Barranquilla is an affordable city

Before arriving in Barranquilla, I travelled for 1,5 months in Costa Rica in Panama. I could not believe how affordable everything was in Barranquilla.

The cost of everything is at least half of what I used to spend in Central America. Yet, the quality of my purchases is the same. I prefer to buy everything from the supermarket because I can use my cards, but even there, I pay less for the same products when compared with Central American cities.

If you are on a budget, I recommend Barranquilla because it’s still extremely affordable. Hopefully, massive tourism won’t change that, and Barranquilla won’t become a second Costa Rica where prices match the ones in Europe.

Good transport links

As Barranquilla is the biggest city in the region, it is also a good transport hub. You can easily travel from Barranquilla to any of the coastal cities like Santa Marta or Cartagena. There are also direct buses to Aracataca, Gabriel Garcia Marquez’s birthplace.

Also, if you want to travel further to Medellin or Bogota, Barranquilla has good connections with these cities too.

Just make sure you know where your bus leaves from because Barranquilla has several bus stations. It is always better to confirm your departure point with the bus company/someone local. That’s how I travelled around. I asked the receptionists/ hostel staff/ bus company staff because there isn’t much information online about public transport between major cities in Colombia. 

What I did not like about Barranquilla

While there were quite a few things I liked about Barranquilla, there were also a few things I was not fond of. Below is my list of things I did not enjoy that much about Shakira’s hometown.

The city is quite dirty

 In Panama, I met a Colombian guy who told me he did not like Barranquilla because it was dirty. Unfortunately, he was not exaggerating. After a few walks around the city, I can confirm what the guy back in Panama told me.

Indeed, Barranquilla looks dirtier than other places on the Colombian Caribbean Coast. I am not sure if the reason is because there aren’t enough cleaners. The truth is there is trash everywhere.

It is a shame because I think the city would appeal more to foreigners if it was a bit cleaner.

Barranquilla does not have much to attract tourists

Despite being associated with names like Shakira and Gabriel Garcia Marquez, Barranquilla is pretty much a regular city. It lacks the tourist attractions other places have.

Barranquilla might be located on the Caribbean Coast, yet it is not known for its beaches or coastline like Cartagena and Santa Marta are.

The few places a tourist can visit in Barranquilla are spaced out, and takes hours (if you walk) to check them out. Plus, walking around to visit the tourist attractions in Barranquilla is not a very enjoyable experience since the traffic is loud, the humidity is high, and sometimes there is no pavement.

I can understand the distance to get to places since Barranquilla is quite a big city. And from what I witnessed, the city tends to expand as a new neighbourhood is currently being built.

Yet, perhaps if more attention were given to accessibility to certain areas of the city, Barranquilla would stand a chance to become a more appealing city to foreign tourists.

Cash is king

During my time in Barranquilla, I was quite surprised to find out that most accommodations listed on booking.com only accepted cash as a form of payment.

Having to pay in cash for my accommodation the whole time I was in Barranquilla was a huge drawback for me.

As someone with an international card, withdrawing money in Colombia means I have to pay a fee. Not because my card has a fee when I make transactions in a foreign currency, but because Colombian ATMs charge foreign cards a fee. I would rather avoid that and pay by card as much as possible.

I also found it a bit strange that all the accommodations I stayed at in Barranquilla requested me to pay in cash while I had no issues paying by card at the supermarket, in restaurants and at the pharmacy.

If Barranquilla wants to attract more foreign tourists, the hotel/hostel industry will need to work more on providing cashless payment options. Otherwise, people might feel like skipping Barranquilla. 

No hablo ingles/I don’t speak English

If you don’t speak a decent level of Spanish, you might find it difficult to communicate with people in Barranquilla.

As I speak Spanish, I did not realise English speakers had quite a difficult time communicating with people in the city.

Even I was told by a receptionist that I should switch back to Spanish because he does not speak English.

Speaking some Spanish helps not only in Barranquilla but also on the coast. One time, during a guided tour to Tayrona National Park (near Santa Marta), I had to translate for an American guy because none of the tour guides spoke English.

A piece of advice for those who do not have a good command of the Spanish language is to make sure your guided tour is available in English too. Otherwise, you might end up like the poor guy I translated for when I visited Tayrona National Park. 

You will get stared at (especially if you are a solo female traveller)

After travelling through 2 Central American countries by myself, I had to say that I got used to people staring at me.

If this is your first trip to Latin America, you might find it difficult to deal with the stares. More so if you grew up in Europe/ the US/ Australia/Canada and you are not used to this kind of behaviour.

My advice is to ignore the stares and keep walking. Only move to action if things become unbearable. In my experience, things 

never go beyond this point.

If you get followed or someone refuses to leave you in peace, of course, you can take action. But it never happened to me in Barranquilla.

If you ignore people or refuse to give them what they ask for (there might be people approaching you to ask for money), they will eventually walk away.

ATMs can refuse foreign cards

Do not be surprised if your foreign card gets rejected in Barranquilla.

It happened to me that my Monzo card was rejected twice before I found the lucky ATM. Generally, it goes well if I withdraw from a Servibanco ATM.

When I tried to withdraw money from any other bank that has Colombia in its name, my card got rejected. Not once, but several times in Barranquilla.

Also, get used to coming across out-of-order ATMs more often than somewhere else.

In my experience, Google Wallet doesn’t seem to go through. You are better off using your physical card to make payments and not your phone.  

Plus, you always have to tell the cashier the type of card you have (debit or credit) and the type of account you pay with (savings or current account).

Otherwise, you risk having the payments refused because the cashier doesn’t always pick the right options. I went through this a few times and had to pay again because my card got rejected. 

Don’t expect the best customer service

Don’t get me wrong, Colombians are really lovely people. I had some really nice exchanges with the locals so far.

Yet, I also had some experiences I would like to mention so you don’t set the bar too high.

It is often mentioned the coastal lifestyle and how people living in this part of the country are laid back.

I can get that, but I don’t understand how people working in the tourism industry sometimes lack the most basic customer skills.

One time there was this issue with the wifi, and the hotel staff did almost nothing to help me get the wifi back up and running.

The receptionist was happy he had internet at the reception, and his only solution was to suggest I work from the lobby instead. Simply put, he did not try to help me at all.

I ended up resetting the router myself without any luck. So, I had to work from the lobby as the hostel staff suggested.

The point I am trying to make with this story is to not expect people working in the tourism industry to go the extra mile for you. Some of them will not show up, while others will do the bare minimum to help.

Not too many foreign tourists

If you thought you would visit Barranquilla to meet other international tourists, well, think again.

During my time in Barranquilla, I did not see any international tourists. And if there were any, they were so few that I did not notice them.

Barranquilla is not one of those hotspots foreigners travel to. For that, you will need to travel further by the coast to places like Cartagena, for example.

Watch out when you walk on the street

It is common in Barranquilla to have road works going on.

Unfortunately, as a pedestrian, you are not always warned if pavement works are underway too.

That’s why it is better to watch out for any potholes that can cause you an injury. As you find your way through Barranquilla, you will notice quite a few potholes without any warning sign next to it. Be careful so you don’t step into it and get injured. It can easily happen. 

Female dorms are not that common

This is something I first noticed in Barranquilla, but it seems to be a thing in other cities in Colombia too.

In my opinion, female dorms are harder to find in Barranquilla and indeed in other cities in Colombia. I found female dorms to be widely available in Panama and Costa Rica (the countries I travelled to before arriving in Colombia).

For solo female travellers like myself, if you don’t fancy staying in mixed dorms, the next cheapest option you have available is a single room with a shared bathroom.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, should you visit Barranquilla?

If you are looking for an authentic place in Colombia where you can mingle with locals, then by all means, do visit Barranquilla.

If you are interested in all touristy stuff like the beach and the paradisiac islands, then go straight to Santa Marta and Cartagena because you won’t find any of that in Barranquilla.

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Travel To Barranquilla: Getting There Comfortably With Berlinastur

May 14, 2014 //  by  Tracey //   6 Comments

Last updated on March 15th, 2016 at 08:05 am

As we were planning to leave Cartagena for Barranquilla we wanted to find a comfortable, low-cost option for travel to Barranquilla that would get us there in a reasonable time. Being budget travelers were willing to for go the comfort and reasonable time frame to get the best price.

We knew we would take a bus, which bus was not clear immediately. We had seen green buses with red lettering on the front driving around Cartagena as we walked back from old town. We had read online these buses shuttled passengers to the main bus terminal on the eastern outskirts of Cartagena. At the terminal, we could catch a bus to Barranquilla for a good price. There was a shuttle bus stop 5 or so blocks from our Airbnb apartment so initially this was the way to go for us.

The night before we were to leave for Barranquilla our Airbnb hosts, Walter, and Tara, stopped in to say goodbye and find out where our next stop would be. They were very helpful, giving us good tips and advice our first days in Colombia. We told them our plan and they looked at us in a frightened way that said,” don’t do that!”, they knew the luggage we had to haul. Tara said travel to Barranquilla can be so much more comfortable and convenient for almost the same price as taking the bus we had planned to. We said, do tell! Cheap, comfortable, air conditioned, even comes with a movie transport to Barranquilla?? This exists?? They come to pick you up if you want? We’ll take it!

We packed up the next morning headed down to the lobby to have the security officer call the travel company, Berlinasur, to pick us up. He advised us it would be quicker if we took a taxi to the Berlinasur office and grabbed a shuttle to Barranquilla from there. The office was close so the officer negotiated a fair taxi price for us and we were on our way. Berliastur is a shuttle service that offers transport to Barranquilla, Santa Marta all over Colombia actually. They have shuttle vans and full size touring buses depending on the distance. All come with air conditioning and comfortable seats. Berlinastur prides itself on timeliness, they strive to always be on time and they were for our trip. We road in a shuttle van to Barranquilla. It was a cool, comfortable, quick ride The driver cued up a movie and we were in Barranquilla before it was over. The trip took about an hour and a half.

The pricing for Berlinastur bus and shuttle service is very good, 19000 COP or $11 CAD each. I definitely would consider riding with them to be excellent value and a down right deal for the service and comfort you get on their vehicles. We will be riding with them again here in Colombia. I love learning about great deals for getting around the places we visit. What great deals on getting around have you found while traveling?

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About Tracey

Hello. I am glad you're here! I'm Tracey, a freelance writer who sold everything to travel the world with my Husband and our young Son. We live with less, believing travel is the only thing you buy that makes you richer. I love to write and share our experiences to inspire others to travel more and live the life they dream.

Reader Interactions

March 8, 2017 at 3:32 pm

so glad I stumbled upon this… planning a little gals trip for my mom and I in a few months, and we will need to get to Barranquilla from Cartagena at some point to fly back to the US, this sounds much better than the other options I have heard of!

September 20, 2016 at 9:01 pm

Also, did they drop you directly at your destination in Barranquilla? Or at their offices/bus terminal? Thanks!

September 20, 2016 at 8:55 pm

Tracey, thank you for your post, it’s been hard to find good information like this online.

Did you buy your tickets with Berlinastur ahead of time? Was there a predetermined shuttle schedule? Or did you just call up the company when you were ready to leave and they were ready to take you?

On another note, how frustrating that you arrived in Barranquilla before the movie was over! He could’ve at least driven around a bit so you could see how it ends 😉

Cheers, Adam

September 22, 2016 at 4:10 pm

We didn’t buy our tickets ahead of time Adam. There is a regular schedule for the shuttles. We were advised to go directly to their main office and buy tickets and hop on a shuttle there.Apparently, the wait for a shuttle could be quite long if you call for a pick up depending on the number of other passengers that had called for pick ups as well. The shuttle we took left directly from the office with no stops to pick up more passengers in Cartegena. Hahaha, luckily the movie wasn’t that interesting so we weren’t broken up about missing the end. It dropped us at the main office in Barranquilla.

August 19, 2016 at 9:14 pm

Thank you for this post! I was worried how I would get from Cartagena to Barranquilla traveling solo. Need a safe ride, but can’t spend too much. This sounds great! I would love to talk with you about your experience. I work for Saveur magazine and love hearing travel stories 🙂

I couldn’t see on the Berlinastur bus website a route from Cartagena to Barranquilla? Maybe you can help!

Best, Allie

August 20, 2016 at 4:47 am

Hi Allie, Berlinastur offers a great service from Cartegena to Barranquilla. When I visited this page http://www.berlinastur.com/Servicio_Especial/ , it shows their service from Cartegena to Barranquilla? When we traveled with them we went directly to their office, bought tickets, and hopped in the van to go to Barranquilla.The door man in the apartment we were staying advised us to go directly to the station because that was the quickest way to get a ride.Thier phone number and address is found under the contact tab at the bottom of the webpage. I hope that helps!

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Home » South America » Baranquilla

7 AMAZING Hostels in Barranquilla | 2024 guide!

Once a year, all eyes in South America are fixated on Colombia’s Barranquilla. Home one of the largest Carnival Festivals in the world, the party in Barranquilla is enough to put Sodom and Gomorrah to shame. Even if you don’t manage to catch the music and the craziness of Carnival, Barranquilla has a nightlife like no other. With its Carribean breeze and gorgeous coastline, you are in for an adventure unlike any other!

Being a popular city for partying and hitting the clubs, you will find several great backpackers hostels in Barranquilla. But sorting through the various dorm rooms and budget hotels is sure to take some time.

We made finding the best hostels in Barranquilla as easy as one, two, three with this one-stop guide! Now you can book with confidence that you will be staying in a hostel that suits how you like to travel!

Before you know it you will be finding yourself on the beaches and tearing up the dancefloor! Your adventure in Barranquilla awaits!

Quick answer: The Best Hostels in Barranquilla

The best hostels in barranquilla, what to pack for your barranquilla hostel, why you should travel to barranquilla, faq about hostels in barranquilla.

• Overall Best Hostel in Barranquilla – Mamy Dorme Hostel

Best Cheap Hostel in Barranquilla – The Meeting Point Hostel

Backpacking Colombia with at stop-over in Barranquilla? First of all, good choice, you’ll be in for a real treat. Below you will find all of the best budget hostels that Barranquilla has to offer! Each one is a little different from the last so keep your eyes peeled for the one that fits how you like to travel!

Best Overall Hostel in Barranquilla – Mamy Dorme Hostel

• Breakfast Not Included

PUtting you in some of the cheapest beds in all of Barranquilla, you will find that classic backpacker’s experience at Mamy Dorme Hostel! With its laid back vibes, inviting lounges, wide-open terrace with hammocks, and cold beers just waiting to be cracked open, this is a hostel where you are meant to just kick back, relax, and mix with the other travelers. You can really get your adventure in Barranquilla started off on the right foot with their bicycle hire, giving you the opportunity to explore the city from the back of a bike!

At The Meeting Point Hostel, you will not just get some of the cheapest bed in all of Barranquilla, you will also be staying in a backpackers hostel that knows how to get the party started! With live music and even a bar, you will not need to go out to the club to find a place to grab a drink and dance the night away! Even if you are just looking for a place to relax, this budget backpackers hostel has plenty of lounges and a terrace to spread out in, perfect for just kicking back and socializing!

We’ve tested countless backpacks over the years, but there’s one that has always been the best and remains the best buy for adventurers: the broke backpacker-approved Osprey Aether and Ariel series.

Want more deetz on why these packs are so  damn perfect? Then read our comprehensive review for the inside scoop!

Best Hostel for Solo Travelers in Barranquilla – La Quinta Bacana Hostal

• Breakfast 10,000 Pesos

If you are a solo backpacker on the road for some time, you will need one of the top hostels in Barranquilla to call home for a while in order to recharge your batteries (probably literally) and chat with the other guests. With some of the cheapest beds in Barranquilla and a laid back atmosphere, La Quinta Bacana Hostal makes for the perfect place to just lounge around with a beer and chat with the other backpackers. Putting you 1.5km from the downtown, you will be close enough to walk to all the best sights but far away enough to get a good night’s sleep!

La Quinta Bacana Hostal is one of our favourites in Barranquilla but they’re not taking guests right now. We’re not sure if they’re closed for good but we hope they’ll come back soon.

Best Hostel for Couples in Barranquilla – Casa Mazal

For just a few pesos more than a dorm in a backpackers hostel, you and your special travel partner can leave the shared rooms with 10 other people behind and cozy up into one of the most trendy guesthouses in Barranquilla. Casa Mazal has cheap private rooms, but still maintains the heart and soul of a youth hostel. When you have had your fill of alone time, you can relax in one of the colorful lounges or the terrace and mix with the other travelers! With its games inside the guesthouse and tours helping you go out and explore Barranquilla, there is no better place to kick off your adventure!

Casa Mazal is one of our favourites in Barranquilla but they’re not taking guests right now. We’re not sure if they’re closed for good but we hope they’ll come back soon.

Best Party Hostel in Barranquilla – Casa Tropicalia

• Shared Kitchen

When staying at Casa Tropicalia, you will find that there are tons of places to get drinks and food nearby the hostel, but if you are really looking to have the night of your life, the best party can be found at the hostel! With its very own bar, restaurant, and an atmosphere that will have you up on your feet and dancing to the music, Casa Tropicalia takes the prize for the best party hostel in Barranquilla! With its lounges and a terrace, you will always have the chouse of just relaxing on a hammock or leaning up against the bar! Putting you right in the heart of Barranquilla, you will find no better hostel to base yourself out of!

Casa Tropicalia is one of our favourites in Barranquilla but they’re not taking guests right now. We’re not sure if they’re closed for good but we hope they’ll come back soon.

Stash your cash safely with this money belt. It will keep your valuables safely concealed, no matter where you go.

It looks exactly like a normal belt  except for a SECRET interior pocket perfectly designed to hide a wad of cash, a passport photocopy or anything else you may wish to hide. Never get caught with your pants down again! (Unless you want to…)

More of the Best Hostels in Barranquilla

Hostal alto  de los nogales.

As one of the newest backpacker’s hostels in Barranquilla, this is a place that you will want to keep your eye on! Already Hostal Alto De Los Nogales has been making waves with its spacious rooms and inviting garden with hammocks, but we can only assume that things will keep getting better! Putting you in the hotel zone of Barranquilla, you can enjoy all the luxury and peacefulness of the neighborhood while staying in budget dorm rooms! With many supermarkets and malls nearby, you will feel right at home in Barranquilla!

Hostal Puerta de Oro

If you are looking for a cheap place to crash while traveling through Barranquilla Hostal Puerta de Oro is a budget backpacker’s hostel located in the heart of the city. With the convention center, several museums, and some of the best restaurants and bars nearby, you won’t have to wander too far to find something to do. You may have come to this backpacker’s hostel for the cheap beds, but you will stay for the vibe. With its terrace and lounges, you will feel just like a local chilling outside with an open beer.

Hostal Puerta de Oro is one of our favourites in Barranquilla but they’re not taking guests right now. We’re not sure if they’re closed for good but we hope they’ll come back soon.

Pants, socks, underwear, soap?! Take it from us, packing for a hostel stay is not always quite as straight forward as it seems. Working out what to bring and what to leave at home is an art we have perfected over many years.

Snoring dorm-mates can ruin your nights rest and seriously damage the hostel experience. This is why I always travel with a pack of decent ear plugs.

Hanging Laundry Bag

Trust us, this is an absolute game changer. Super compact, a hanging mesh laundry bag stops your dirty clothes from stinking, you don’t know how much you need one of these… so just get it, thank us later.

Sea To Summit Micro Towel

Hostel towels are scummy and take forever to dry. Microfibre towels dry quickly, are compact, lightweight, and can be used as a blanket or yoga mat if need be.

Monopoly Deal

Forget about Poker! Monopoly Deal is the single best travel card game that we have ever played. Works with 2-5 players and guarantees happy days.

Grayl Geopress Water Bottle

Always travel with a water bottle! They save you money and reduce your plastic footprint on our planet. The Grayl Geopress acts as a purifier AND temperature regulator. Boom!

Check out our definitive  Hostel Packing list  for our top packing tips!

In Barranquilla, you have so many different ways to get the party started! From lounging around in the lounge to leaning against the bar! If you are still unsure on where to stay in Barranquilla let us point you in the right direction. Mamy Dorme Hostel   is the one place that checks all the boxes and will make you feel like part of the family, that is why they get our vote for the best backpackers hostel in Barranquilla!

Here are some questions backpackers ask about hostels in Barranquilla.

What are the top hostels in Barranquilla?

Our favorite hostels, in no particular order, are La Quinta Bacana,  The Meeting Point  &  Mamy Dorme Hostel . You’ll be safe with either of them!

What’s the best party hostel in Barranquilla?

If you’re looking to chug a few drinks and party the night away, Casa Tropicalia is the hostel for you in Barranquilla.

How much do hostels cost in Barranquilla?

It’s easy to find a bed in Barranquilla for under $10. You could go even cheaper if you travel in the low season!

Where can I book a hostel for Barranquilla?

We’re big fans of  Hostelworld  when it comes to hostel bookings. You can sort everything easily and find some sweet deals.

Travel Safety Tips for Barranquilla

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing .

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

Over to you

The music and parties in Barranquilla will never stop! From the insane bars to the relaxing beaches, you will have everything you need in Barranquilla to nurse that hangover and find yourself back on the dancefloor the next night! With tropical weather and rich history, this city has it all!

A lot of how your vacation in Barranquilla will go depends on what hostel you check into. Will you be lounging around in the garden or heading out to the clubs? The hostel you stay in will give you a unique experience, showcasing a different side of Barranquilla!

If you’re planning on travelling further, you can be sure that you’ll always find a place to rest your head. There are amazing hostels all over Colombia , each offering a safe home-away-from-home, a chance to meet like-minded travellers and an affordable price for the night.

Have you ever partied in Barranquilla at a great backpacker’s hostel we may have missed? Let us know in the comments below!

And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links . That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!

Claire Sturzaker

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My husband has suggested we both go on Tinder for fun – but will this open a can of worms?

I’ve never dated online before and am open to the idea. But I’m worried that what starts with light flirting could lead to big problems

My husband and I have a very happy relationship but lately he has been suggesting that we go on Tinder to speak to other men “just for fun”. He doesn’t mind if I go on alone or we go as a couple (though I’m sure he would like that), but he says it would be fun to flirt online with other gay men. I can see how it would be fun and I’m open to the idea, but worried that it will open a can of worms. My main concern is that a friend would see me on there and wonder what’s going on. We are a little older and have never dated online before, which is part of the appeal for him. I’m very secure in our marriage and I don’t think he is looking around or doesn’t think I’m enough for him, and we are very honest with each other. Do you think this could be something fun or will it lead to too many problems?

It doesn’t sound like it would be fun for you. Tinder is not just for flirting, so it seems likely that your husband may be interested in having sex with other men. Would you be open to that? Or is that the “can of worms” to which you were referring? You say you are very honest with each other, so why not address that frankly? You don’t have to worry about someone seeing you on the app because if so, they are doing the same thing. Many couples seek additional sex partners on online platforms, and some do experience problems; even when there is agreement about it jealousies can arise – and there can be safety issues as well. Don’t venture into this arena unless you feel you can handle it. And, if you decide to go ahead with it make sure you and your husband first establish clear ground rules.

Pamela Stephenson Connolly is a US-based psychotherapist who specialises in treating sexual disorders.

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🏀 Women's Tournament

🍿 Stories all over the Final Four

🏀 Behind NCAA president Charlie Baker's love of hoops

Bueckers vs. Watkins

Mike Lopresti | NCAA.com | April 2, 2024

• Never-before-seen college basketball fairytales set to converge at the Final Four

Somebody Up There likes college basketball. Has to. The basketball gods aren’t just smiling on the Final Fours this year — both genders — they are giving them big hugs and kisses on each cheek.

Let’s put the Final Fours next to one another to explain.

The men. Defending champion and rampaging Connecticut made it, with dazed tournament victims scattered behind in its wake.

The women. Unbeaten South Carolina made it. The Gamecocks will be there with its 36-0 record and its championship pedigree and a remade lineup that has flexed the same old muscle. All the starters are gone from 2023, but the more things changed, the more they stayed the same in Columbia.

The men. Zach Edey, everyone’s national player of the year and king of the paint will be there. He’s coming off a remarkable regional championship game of 40 points and 16 rebounds.

The women. Caitlin Clark, everyone’s national player of the year and queen of the 3-point arc, will be there. She just had an extraordinary regional championship game of 41 points and 12 assists. A few of the 3-pointers in Albany were taken from Utica.

TRACKING CAITLIN CLARK:  Follow the Iowa star's biggest games and highlights this season

The men. NC State will be bringing its underdog story, confounding logic, overturning the odds. A team that finished 10th in its conference.

The women. Here’s another compelling tale of shock and awe as an unexpected threat powered its way through the bracket. A team picked to finish eighth in its conference with not one player on the preseason all-league team. Wait a minute. That’s NC State, too.

The men. There’s a program in the Final Four for the first time. Welcome to the show, Alabama.

The women. There’s a program in the Final Four for the 23rd time. Welcome back from the dead, UConn and Geno Auriemma. Well, not so much from the dead, but at least from a 4-3 start. That got the Huskies ranked No. 17. Fine for most places, the lowest spot in 30 years for UConn.

Really, could it get any better?

Take Friday night at the women’s Final Four. Connecticut vs. Iowa. Paige Bueckers vs. Caitlin Clark. They met as freshmen in 2021 in the Sweet 16. Clark scored 21 and Bueckers scored 18, but it was the Huskies who rolled on 92-72. There was so, so, so much more to come. Know what Clark said that night? “The reason I came to Iowa is because I wanted to do something special.”

And then some.

Now they meet again. Clark has been on a rocket ride into the stratosphere in fame. Bueckers has had to fight her way back from knee injuries. Could it get any better?

Well, yes. The TV folks could hit a double-winning lottery ticket in the championship games. Imagine...

Sunday. South Carolina seeks to become the 10th unbeaten champion for the women, facing Iowa and Clark in her final college game. The Gamecocks are 78-1 in their past 79 contests, the lone loss to Iowa in last April’s Final Four. A defeat that coach Dawn Staley long brooded upon.

“Last year rocked me. It rocked me because we had a team full of players who did all the right things. All the right things. Gave us no issues for four years. . . If you could have been around that particular group of young ladies, you'd want them to win. We don't know why, and we often try to ask God why. Why? Today I stand here as our why. Doesn't make them feel any better about them not cementing their legacy even more, but I know they're happy and proud of this group and they're happy and proud of South Carolina, where they chose to come to school and create a legacy.”

There has been a strange dynamic at work around South Carolina. Between the constant uproar surrounding Clark and LSU’s ability to wander into some sort of turbulence, the Gamecocks have gone 36-0 almost quietly. Is that possible? “I don't know, but I like it. I really do,” Staley said. “Go ahead, take the spotlight, put it somewhere else. Let this team continue to thrive in the space that they're given. Hopefully at the end of the day, next week this time, I'm hoping that we give a lot of people a lot to talk about.”

So that could be Sunday. Monday could be the Connecticut men closing in on a repeat championship, after one of the most dominating NCAA tournaments ever witnessed, facing Edey in his last game. The Huskies are ranked No. 1. Edey and Purdue have faced 11 ranked opponents this season. They haven’t lost to any of them.

⛹️  2024 MARCH MADNESS:  Men's schedule, dates  |  Women's schedule, dates

Just imagine.

The men had already put all this possible intrigue in place over the weekend and now the women have come up with the perfect partner Final Four. All manners of fascinating things could happen in Cleveland.

Maybe it’ll be a coronation. The men haven’t had an unbeaten champion in 48 years. The women have had nine since the NCAA tournament began in 1982. The Gamecocks need only two more wins to join the club and make it an even 10 — this after losing every single starter from last season,

“Just proud because we beat the odds,” Staley said. “The odds said that we shouldn't make it back to the Final Four. Just proud of our team and for them believing in themselves. They created a certain level of chemistry and culture, and they stuck with it, and then they allowed us to coach them.”

Maybe there’ll be a mighty upset. Hard to decide what South Carolina number is scarier so far in the tournament. The Gamecocks have trailed a total of 61 seconds in four games, never by more than two points.  The Indiana game was a close call and seemed to suggest some vulnerability, but it is also a fact that South Carolina was never behind in that game. There’s also the 75-18 gap in second chance points so far in the tournament, the massive 145-14 domination in bench points, the 181-127 rebounding differential. And the four opponents have shot a combined 32.4 percent.

“Obviously, the best team in the country. But you're not playing a four-out-of-seven series. You're playing one game, okay?” NC State coach Wes Moore said. “So we've just got to find a way to win one game against them, and it's going to be a big challenge. 

“But, hey, right now, you know, you could tell me we're playing the Trail Blazers, and I'd feel okay. We're in the Final Four. Bring them on. Come on. Clyde Drexler. Bring him back. Bill Walton.”

The Final Four even hit it big in a highly quotable coach.

THE JOURNEY:  What defines UConn, Purdue, Alabama and NC State's path to the 2024 Men's Final Four

NC State is in the Final Four when it didn’t even start the season ranked in the top 25. The Wolfpack have busted through a wall of higher regarded opponents and . . . hold it. Are we talking about the NC State men or women? Either way. They’re taking magic carpets to different Final Four locations this weekend, each searching for happy endings 2,000 miles apart. On the women’s side, they summarily disposed of the No. 2 seed in Stanford and No. 1 seed in Texas — both by double digits — to make it through the regional.

“You know, people doubted us, and we didn't care what the media had to say,” said guard Aziaha James. “We didn't care what anybody had to say. We showed up on the court every time, and we proved who we were.” 

She certainly proved who she was. The junior who averaged four points a game as a freshman and just under seven as a sophomore just scored 27 against Texas two days after putting 29 on Stanford. “Just shows a lot about myself, just never giving up,” she said. “People didn't know my name my freshman year, but you know my name now, so you see how I've grown.”

Maybe it’ll be a return to power for Auriemma and UConn that few saw coming this season. He has won 11 national championships and now advanced to 23 Final Fours. The other seven men’s and women’s programs who’ll be playing this weekend have won nine titles combined, and gone to 26 Final Fours.

This trip may have been the hardest, since the adversity his team faced might have been the highest peak in all Connecticut. They lost five players to season-ending injuries and most nights Auriemma has had to make do with a six-player rotation. Bueckers has not rested one minute in the tournament's three games. 

When they started the season 4-3 — unheard of in Storrs — a genuine crisis seemed at hand. Auriemma had one thing to say then. “Our goal is to be a much better team in March than we are (now),” he said.

Now it’s April and they’re in the Final Four.

BRACKET CHALLENGE GAME:  Check your men's bracket here  |  Check your women's bracket here

Maybe it’ll be the perfect goodbye for the poster player — not to mention the cereal box player — of the game. What hasn’t Caitlin Clark done, from breaking every scoring record in sight to filling houses everywhere to driving up the stock of poster board companies from all the little girls who needed something for their  we love 22  signs? Well, win a national championship is something she hasn’t done. It’s last chance time.

“There’s still two more (games) there to get,” she said Monday. “That’s what makes the Final Four so fun. Anybody can take it. Anybody can win it.

“I think we have the power to do that.”

Count the coach she just beat in on that. After watching Clark run up her 41 points, Kim Mulkey tried to describe LSU’s defensive plans. “Well, there's not a lot of strategy. You've got to guard her. Nobody else seems to be able to guard her. We didn't even guard her last year when we beat them. She's just a generational player."

When it was over Monday night, they passed in the handshake line and Mulkey had a few words for Clark. She later recounted the conversation in two sentences.

“I’m sure glad you’re leaving.”

"Girl, you something else. Never seen anything like it.”

True enough. But then there are lots of things that might happen this weekend seldom or never seen before, in two Final Four cities far apart. College basketball is living a blessed April.

• NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Committee names game officials for 2024 men’s Final Four

• History-making storylines we could see at the 2024 Men’s Final Four

• What defines UConn, Purdue, Alabama and NC State's path to the 2024 Men's Final Four

March Madness

• 🗓️ 2024 March Madness schedule, dates
• 👀 Everything to know about March Madness
• ❓ How the field of 68 is picked
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Di men's basketball news.

• Basketball has stolen heart of NCAA’s Charlie Baker
• Purdue heads to the Final Four, starting a celebration 44 years in the making
• 2024 March Madness: Men's NCAA tournament schedule, dates
• Latest bracket, schedule and scores for 2024 NCAA men's tournament
• The lowest seeds to make the men's Final Four, Elite Eight and Sweet 16
• 2024 NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Championship Final Four Tips Off Saturday, April 6, on TBS, TNT and truTV

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I spent $1,200 on tickets to see Olivia Rodrigo with my daughter. It was worth every penny.

• I wasn't able to get tickets for Olivia Rodrigo 's Guts World Tour at first.
• I didn't want my daughter to miss out on the show, so I bought resale tickets for $1,200.
• We had a great time together and seeing my daughter's joy made the cost worth it. 

When Olivia Rodrigo announced her Guts World Tour in support of her sophomore album, my body tensed.

"Here we go again," I thought. My daughter, 13, loves Rodrigo almost as much as she loves Taylor Swift.

Having tried, and failed, to get tickets through Ticketmaster for Swift's Eras Tour , I swore to do better.

Ultimately, I failed and ended up shelling out over $1,000 for two tickets to the tour. But I don't have any regrets.

I was determined to bring my daughter to the Guts World Tour

When Rodrigo announced the Guts World Tour, I did everything I could to prepare.

I recruited relatives to sign up their email for the Ticketmaster presale lottery so we'd have more chances to buy tickets. I even opened a credit card in hopes of getting access to the American Express presale.

When Rodrigo announced she was releasing $20 tickets in select cities, we once again rallied the troops to sign up for a chance to buy them.

We tried to get tickets to the show in our city, Washington, DC, and anywhere within reasonable driving distance, too.

We walked away defeated. Eventually, I realized Rodrigo would be performing in St. Paul, Minnesota, during our family trip there in March.

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But resale prices were high — two tickets with an unobstructed view were going to cost over $1,000. I put off making a decision.

The night of Rodrigo's first show, my daughter wondered aloud which songs would be on the setlist and what types of outfits the singer might wear.

My heart grew watching her excitement, and it quickly sank thinking she might miss out on seeing Rodrigio live. I worried ticket prices would climb even higher with the tour starting.

I panicked. Before Rodrigo's set ended, I'd purchased two tickets in the 110 section from resale marketplace TickPick for a whopping $1,200 after fees.

I felt incredibly fortunate that I could do this for my daughter, but still wondered if these tickets were a good use of money.

"It's a bad idea, right?" I told my daughter, quoting one of Rodrigo's songs. She assured me it was the best idea ever.

We had an amazing time, and I don't regret a thing

Once I had tickets, my daughter and I went all in, recapturing some of the magic we had preparing for Swift's Eras Tour .

My daughter carefully chose her outfit, working in several references to Rodrigo's songs, with ribbons in her hair and a homemade shirt. She even made me a matching one, even though we hadn't had matching outfits since she was a toddler.

She made me a friendship bracelet in Rodrigo's signature color, purple. I haven't taken it off yet.

When the concert started, my daughter was beside herself with joy.

As Rodrigo started her performance, my daughter's phone was fixed on the stage, but I was fixated on her. There's nothing better than watching one of my children experience happiness the way she did hearing Rodrigo sing live for the first time.

My daughter sang along to every single song. And, really, the show was incredible.

It was hard to look away as Rodrigo floated above the audience on a moon surrounded by stars. The 21-year-old singer acted like the rock star she is while also pausing to wave to fans.

I'm looking forward to going to more concerts with my daughter, but hopefully at more reasonable prices.

Watch: The Taylor Swift effect: How a pop star created her own economy

• Main content

Ex-Trump adviser Peter Navarro continues effort to be released from prison during appeal

Peter Navarro reported to prison after being convicted of contempt of Congress.

Former Trump adviser Peter Navarro has asked Supreme Court Justice Neil Gorsuch to reconsider Chief Justice John Roberts' denial of Navarro's motion to remain out of prison while he appeals his contempt of Congress case.

Navarro reported to prison on March 19 in Miami after being convicted in September of two counts of contempt of Congress for refusing to provide testimony and documents to the House Select Committee that investigated the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol.

MORE: Former Trump adviser Peter Navarro reports to prison after Supreme Court denies stay of sentence

"We respectfully request your reconsideration of the Chief Justice's denial," Navarro's attorney Stanley Woodward wrote in a filing on Tuesday.

In the filing, Woodward noted that the D.C. Circuit court set a "briefing schedule in his appeal" that will not be concluded until July 19, 2024 -- after Navarro is scheduled to have completed his four-month prison sentence.

In March, Justice Roberts wrote that he saw "no reason to disagree" with lower courts, which also rejected Navarro's request.

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In testimony during Navarro's trial, former Jan. 6 committee staff director David Buckley said the House panel had wanted to question Navarro about efforts to delay Congress' certification of the 2020 election, a plan Navarro dubbed the "Green Bay Sweep" in his book "In Trump Time."

Navarro unsuccessfully argued that former President Donald Trump had asserted executive privilege over his testimony and document production.

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Boyfriend charged in death of ‘sweet, innocent’ irish beauty stabbed inside nyc pub: ‘we are heart broken’.

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The crazed boyfriend of a Queens bar worker was charged with murder after he allegedly knifed her to death at work  — then stabbed himself, cops and sources said.

Marcin Pieciak, 36, was also charged with criminal possession of a weapon after authorities found him still holding a pair of bloody knives he used to stab 41-year-old Sarah McNally in the neck at the Ceili House pub on Maspeth’s Grand Avenue on Friday evening.

Pieciak remains in the hospital suffering from his own stab wounds, which witnesses told The Post he inflicted on himself after attacking McNally.

It remains unclear what sparked the violent attack.

Both were rushed to a hospital after the attack, with McNally succumbing to her wounds before she arrived. Pieciak was initially listed in critical condition.

A native of Lonford, Ireland, McNally’s murder has left communities on both sides of the Atlantic “in a state of shock” since the Friday attack.

“Rest in peace my beautiful niece Sarah, we are heart broken, Love you always,” McNally’s aunt Mary posted on Facebook on Easter Sunday.

“It’s very cruel. People struggle to say the right words at this time and there’s little anyone can say to make things better for Sarah’s parents,” Lonford Councillor Martin Monaghan told the Irish outlet RTÉ News.

Another Lonford politician, Fianna Fáil Joe Flaherty, called McNally a “wonderful young woman, bright, vivacious, witty and charismatic.”

The couple had been living together for several months, sources told The Post. Pieciak allegedly burst into the pub around 6:30 p.m. and attacked McNally.

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By the time police arrived, McNally was lying bleeding on the floor while Pieciak was bleeding from neck and back wounds with knives in his hands.

Officers used a stun gun on Pieciak when he refused to drop the weapons, sources said.

“We’re just shocked by the news Sarah is no longer with us. She was a staple of the bar and of Maspeth. We’d always see her,” Queens resident Peter Cappelli told CBS News.

“I send all my condolences and our love to her family and everyone who is gonna miss her. She was the best,” he added.

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