The 10 Things To Do And See In Barranquilla

Eve Bidmead

As Colombia’s fourth-largest city, located in between the tourist hot spots of Cartagena and Santa Marta, Barranquilla often gets overlooked by visitors. Thought of as an unattractive port town, this gem on the Caribbean coast is actually home to incredible people and some beautiful sights. Here’s our guide of the best things to do and see in this charming city.

Barranquilla’s general cityscape

Museo del Caribe

Museo del Caribe

The best museum in Barranquilla by far, come to El Museo del Caribe for a fascinating insight into the history and culture of Colombia’s Caribbean coast, quite unlike that of any other part of the country. Providing a fun and interactive experience, this museum is split into different levels and rooms, each displaying different elements of the culture. A special area dedicated to writer Gabriel Garcia Marquez contains an exposition of his best work and is a great place to sit down and read one of his short stories or novels.

Opening times: Mon-Thurs 8am-5pm, Fri-Sun 8am-6pm

Address: Cl. 36 #46 – 66, Barranquilla, Atlántico, Colombia, +57 5 3720581

Carnival of Barranquilla

Latin America’s second-biggest carnival after Rio de Janeiro’s, Barranquilla’s carnival is a huge blow-out event celebrated four days before Ash Wednesday, although in reality the excitement and preparation begin many months before. During the carnival, the whole city explodes into a riot of color, social barriers relax and the rich and poor, the old and young come together and have one enormous party.

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CentralAmerica

GORGEOUS GUATEMALA

Gorgeous Guatemala

5 days . Mini
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1. Guatemala

An express adventure for those with limited time off. Prepare yourself incredible experiences. You will hike a volcano, visit mayan temples and witness a ceremony and take in beautiful colonial Antigua.

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CentralAmerica

BEACHY BELIZE

Beachy Belize

5 days . Mini
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2. Belize

A quick trip not too far away for those seeking a relaxing mini break. You will have plenty of free time to relax but also some awesome activities to experience the rainforest and the caribbean sea.
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CentralAmerica

COLONIAL MEXICO

Colonial Mexico

5 days . Mini
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3. Mexico

An exciting mini trip exploring the lesser known colonial towns of central Mexico. This is hte perfect trip for someone with limited time off and still wants to turn on explorer mode and do something different.
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SouthAmerica

ADVENTUROUS ECUADOR

Adventurous Ecuador

8 days . Epic
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1. Ecuador

A remarkable 8 days adventure through the Andes and the Amazon rainforest. The best choice for adventure seekers wishing to visit the 2 most iconic areas of South America, in only 1 week and no flights.

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SouthAmerica

ANCIENT PERU

Ancient Peru

9 days . Epic
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2. Peru

An alternative itinerary to classic Peru, from Cusco to Arequipa. This itinerary is great combination of highlights Cusco and Machu Picchu with the lesser known Arequipa and Colca Canyon.
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Europe

SEDUCTIVE SOUTHERN ITALY

Seductive Southern Italy

10 days . Epic
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1. Italy

The ultimate Italian experience from the vibrant streets of Naples to the breathtaking sceneries of the Amalfi Coast followed by Matera and down to Puglia with its golden beaches, intense flavours and fascinating destinations.

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Europe

EDINBURGH AND THE SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS BY TRAIN

Edinburgh And The Scottish Highlands By Train

7 days . Culture
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2. Scotland

Embark on this great adventure starting from London all the way to Scotland with a true Scottish experience made of breathtaking sceneries, whisky tasting and ..lots of fun! Ideal for train lovers and explorers.
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COMPLETE PORTUGAL BY TRAIN

Complete Portugal By Train

8 days . Culture
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3. Portugal

A wonderful train journey around Portugal, from the romantic city of Porto to the Douro Valley, to the beautiful Aveiro all the way to Lisbon and Sintra. The perfect trip to train, culinary and culture lovers.
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Asia

SOULFUL SOUTH KOREA

Soulful South Korea

10 days . Epic
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1. South Korea

Discover incredible temples, mountains and modern cities on this 10 day adventure. This trip is perfect for those seeking immersion in the cuisine, culture and natural wonders of South Korea.

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Asia

THAILAND, CAMBODIA & VIETNAM

Thailand, Cambodia & Vietnam

11 days . Epic
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2. Thailand

From Bankgok to Angkor Wat to Ho Chi Minh City and everything in between - adventure through the heart of South-East Asia. Taste the delights, see history brought to life and unwind on a Mekong River cruise.
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SECRETS OF SRI LANKA BY TRAIN

Secrets Of Sri Lanka By Train

10 days . Culture
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3. Sri Lanka

A fantastic adventure that showcases Sri Lanka's fantastic landscapes, wildlife and flavours. With 3 epic rail journeys, 3 UNESCO heritage sites and time to relax, this trip has loads to offer at a great price
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Africa

EPIC MOROCCO

Epic Morocco

11 days . Epic
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1. Morocco

An epic journey across Morocco: from Casablanca to Marrakech, through the blue city of Chefchaouen to the wonders of the desert and deep to the High Atlas Mountains - this trip has it all! Ideal for true explorers!

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Africa

ULTIMATE EGYPT

Ultimate Egypt

9 days . Epic
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2. Egypt

From Cairo to Aswan, this trip brings the land of the pharaohs to life. You'll visit the Pyramids, Valley of the Kings and Luxor Temple and cruise down the Nile in style. This is the perfect way to explore Egypt.
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IMMERSIVE KENYA

Immersive Kenya

8 days . Epic
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3. Kenya

An immersive blend of culture and wildlife for first time travelers to Africa. Learn about Nairobi, sample local coffee in the Aberdares and finish up with a fantastic safari stay in the Masai Mara.
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Garabato de Carnaval

La Troja

La Troja

La Troja is the ultimate Barranquillero experience. Described perfectly as ‘an attack on the senses’, the place is loud, bright and crowded, and it provides an incredible amount of fun. Playing purely salsa, if you’re looking for an authentic barranquillero night out, this is the place to come. The crowd is mixed, meaning you’re just as likely to find a group of young ex-pats here as a solitary salsa-dancing senior. It’s an ‘anything goes’ type of place, which sums up the relaxed and friendly vibe of the city perfectly.

Opening hours: Thurs 3pm-3am, Fri-Sat 1:00pm-4am

Address: Carrera 44 # 72 – 263, Barranquilla, Atlántico, Colombia

Castillo de Salgar

Restaurant

Castillo de Salgar

Located outside of the city, next to the sea in Salgar, the Castillo de Salgar is a beautifully restored old castle. It serves as a private events function space but it’s also home to a fantastic restaurant, serving up a mix of cuisines. Escape the city and head to the castle to soak up its beauty at sunset, when its yellow walls reflect the setting sun. A perfect spot to come and avoid the urban crowds, eat a slap-up meal and enjoy some breathtaking views.

Address: Salgar, Atlántico, Colombia

Fuerte español que una vez fue presidio y más tarde sirvió como refugio | © Olay.alvarez/ WikiCommons Fuerte español que una vez fue presidio y más tarde sirvió como refugio | © Olay.alvarez/ WikiCommons

Hotel Pradomar

Hotel Pradomar

While many people think of Barranquilla as a busy city, they often ignore the fact that it’s actually right next to the sea. At the Hotel Pradomar you can soak up some of Barranquilla’s constant sunshine while relaxing on a sun lounger, dipping your toes in the sea and sipping on a perfectly mixed coconut cocktail. At night there are fantastic parties held at the hotel’s club, Kilimangaro.

Address: Calle 2, Puerto Colombia, Atlántico, Colombia, +57 5 3096011

Go surfing

Barranquilla is home to some of the best surf breaks in Colombia. Head to the coast and get your board out – great waves and warm waters make Barranquilla an ideal location to get your surf on. Colombia Surf Spot is the place to catch all the latest information about surfing in and around Barranquilla. If you’re looking for surf lessons, the Hotel Pradomar have some brilliant teachers.

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Paseo Bolivar

Market

Paseo Bolivar

To get a real feel for Barranquilla there’s no better way than heading down to the Paseo Bolivar in the center of the city. Chaotic, busy and filled with people, this what Barranquilla is all about. Be careful with your belongings and don’t hang around after dark, but don’t be afraid to check out the market and various affordable goods on offer. The Paseo Bolivar is also a great place to try a tasty arepa con queso or drink coconut water straight out the shell – you can’t get more Barranquillero than this.

Address: Cra. 44 #34, Barranquilla, Atlántico, Colombia

Paseo Bolívar. Estatua del libertador. Edficio Caja de Crédito Agrario. Centro histórico de Barranquilla | ©Yemepa84/ WikiCommonsPaseo Bolívar. Estatua del libertador. Edficio Caja de Crédito Agrario. Centro histórico de Barranquilla | ©Yemepa84/ WikiCommons

Find second-hand bargains at Oscar de la 30

Find second-hand bargains at Oscar de la 30

Very much an undiscovered gem in the city, past the busy Paseo Bolivar in the centre of Barranquilla lies carrera 30, home to the fantastic second-hand shop Oscar de la 30. The place sits in a whole street of shops offering up second-hand clothing at absolutely bargainous prices. Hunt for long enough and you’ll find brands such as MaxMara, Calvin Klein and DKNY among the towering mountains of clothes. It may take a day’s work, but it’s worth the effort if you’re a fashion fan.

Opening hours: Mon-Sun 6:30am-6:30pm

Address: Boyacá #38-34, Barranquilla, Atlántico, Colombia

Sample local food at NarcoBollo

Sample local food at NarcoBollo

If you can only visit one place to try typical costeño cuisine, NarcoBollo is the place to go. Home of the finest fritos in the city, come to NarcoBollo to taste the best arepas, empanadas and deditos around. Lunches with meat, rice, beans and plantain are also served, as well as a selection of brilliant soups – some claim that they serve the finest ajiaco soup in the city.

Opening hours: daily 7:00am – 9pm

Address: Carrera 43 #8-4, Atlántico, Colombia

Arepa de huevo | © Jdvillalobos/WikiCommonsArepa de huevo | © Jdvillalobos/WikiCommons

Visit where the river meets the sea at Bocas de Cenizas

Traveling out from the small neighborhood of Las Flores, you can catch a rickety old train to witness the special point where the river meets the sea. Passing small huts and gatherings of people along the way, you will eventually reach huge rocks, which afford the best view if you’re brave enough to climb them. A total oasis of calm, the place is well worth the trip. Arrive at Las Flores for lunch beforehand and you’ll be able to sample some of the finest fish on the coast, too.

Tajamar oriental de Bocas de Ceniza
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