Colombia
Overview
Barranquilla is Colombia's party city and not a typical tourist town. It is hot, loud and very friendly, with a huge river promenade, colourful murals and the second-biggest carnival in the world. People here are proud and open, and it is the hometown of Shakira and Sofía Vergara.
Barranquilla grew in the 19th century as the port where the Magdalena River, Colombia's main river, meets the Caribbean. It became the country's "Golden Gate" (Puerta de Oro), receiving immigrants from Lebanon, Syria, Italy, Germany and other places. In 1919 the first commercial airline in the Americas, SCADTA (later Avianca), was founded here. Its Carnival was declared a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO in 2003.
How long to stay: 2 days, or 4 to 5 days during Carnival.
Last updated: October 2026
Quick Facts
Location
On Colombia's Caribbean coast, on the west bank of the Magdalena River near its mouth. Cartagena is 2 hours west, Santa Marta about 1.5 to 2 hours east.
Budget
Per person, per day.
| Backpacker | Mid-range | Comfort | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bed | COP 60,000–100,000 ($18–31) | COP 220,000–380,000 ($67–116) | COP 600,000+ ($183+) |
| Food | COP 45,000–80,000 ($14–24) | COP 110,000–180,000 ($34–55) | COP 300,000+ ($92+) |
| Getting around | COP 15,000–30,000 | COP 40,000–80,000 | COP 150,000+ |
| Daily total | COP 120,000–210,000 ($37–64) | COP 370,000–640,000 ($113–196) | COP 1,050,000+ ($321+) |
During Carnival, hotel prices can triple, and you will need tickets for the grandstands (palcos) along the parade route.
Things to Do
Four days of parades, music, dance and costumes before Lent: the Batalla de Flores (Saturday), the Gran Parada de Tradición (Sunday), the Gran Parada de Comparsas (Monday) and the burial of Joselito Carnaval (Tuesday). You will see marimondas, congos and garabatos dancing cumbia and mapalé.
Price: street viewing is free; grandstand seats about COP 100,000–400,000 per day · Tip: wear old clothes; people throw cornflour and foam.
A 5 km promenade along the Magdalena River, opened in 2017, with restaurants, parks and sunset views.
Price: free · Tip: go at sunset when the breeze arrives.
A modern museum about the culture, nature and music of Colombia's Caribbean region, including a room dedicated to Gabriel García Márquez.
Price: about COP 20,000–30,000 · Hours: closed Monday.
A small museum and venue where you can see costumes and learn about the Carnival traditions any time of year.
Price: small fee.
A colourful 47 m sculpture (2018) shaped like a window, made of steel and painted with patterns from the Wayuu people of La Guajira.
Price: free.
A 6.5 m bronze statue of Shakira belly dancing, inspired by her "Hips Don't Lie" video, unveiled in 2023 on the Malecón.
Price: free.
The place where the Magdalena River meets the sea. You reach the end of the breakwater on a small rail cart, and the brown river water meets the blue sea.
Price: cart ride a few thousand pesos.
A beach town 20 minutes away with the remains of a historic pier (once one of the longest in the world) and fried fish restaurants.
Try arepa de huevo, butifarra (small sausages), bollo de yuca, carimañolas and the Lebanese-Colombian food influenced by the immigrant community, like quibbe.
Transit Tips
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Airport: Uber or taxi to the north of the city about COP 30,000–50,000.
By bus: from Cartagena (about 2 hours) and Santa Marta (1.5 to 2 hours); door-to-door shuttles are common.
Uber, DiDi and inDrive: the easiest way around.
Transmetro: bus rapid transit along main roads.
Keep in mind that during Carnival the city is very crowded and many roads close; plan transport and accommodation months ahead.
Helpful Words
A few basics in Spanish can make everyday conversations much easier.
Where to Stay
Plan & Book
Explore accommodation options and open hotel details directly from the map.
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