Sunset view of Barranquilla Colombia

19 Top Things to Do in Barranquilla 2025: Insider's Guide

Welcome to Barranquilla, the vibrant heart of Colombia’s Caribbean coast! Shakira’s hometown is the insider’s pick for travelers seeking an authentic taste of Caribbean lifestyle. Where the mighty Magdalena River meets the sea, Barranquilla pulsates with culture, history, natural beauty, and mouthwatering cuisine!

This dynamic city is reclaiming fascinating nature spots through innovative environmental restoration projects – for both locals and visitors to enjoy. These new attractions perfectly complement Barranquilla’s classic charms: its incredible music scene, unique Carnival, and cheerful people.

Uncover the best of Barranquilla with this insider’s guide to the top 19 things to do – 15 are within the city and 4 are day trips to the surroundings of Barranquilla. Number 15 is brand new – it just opened in December 2024!

Top Things To Do In Barranquilla

1. Stroll under the trees in El Prado and Alto Prado

The historical districts El Prado and Alto Prado, located next to each other, are great for strolling along wide streets under the shadow of trees while admiring beautiful colonial and republican buildings and mansions. For example, you can start at Parque Santander and then walk along carrera 58 towards the carnival museum, crossing the abundant Parque Los Fundadores.
El Prado Barranquilla Colombia

Photo by Travelhapp, El Prado Neighborhood Barranquilla

Parque Los Fundadores Barranquilla Colombia

Photo by Travelhapp, Parque Los Fundadores Barranquilla

2. Take an afternoon walk along Barranquilla’s vibrant River Promenade

Enjoy a leisurely stroll along the majestic Magdalena River on Barranquilla’s recently extended Malecón (Gran Malecón del Río), a scenic promenade stretching for miles and adorned with restaurants, cafes, and bars. On your way, you will pass by green parks, beautiful sculptures (including one of Shakira!), and refreshing fountains. 

This is among the best things to do in Barranquilla in the late afternoon, when temperatures have cooled down a little. There are people around and bars open until late, just remember to book a transport service via an app to go back to the central areas of Barranquilla at night (see safety tips below).

Barranquilla Malecón, River Promenade

Photo by Travelhapp, Barranquilla Malecón

Shakira Statue, Barranquilla Malecón

Photo by Travelhapp, Shakira Statue, Barranquilla Malecón

3. Take a boat ride on the Magdalena River

Take a boat tour along the Magdalena River or try the new Ríobus “Karakalí”, an innovative river transport system connecting several river towns. The first Riobus routes have been activated in late 2023 and will gradually be extended.

Barranquilla Riverbus (Ríobus Karakalí)

Photo by Travelhapp, Barranquilla Riverbus (Ríobus Karakalí)

4. Enjoy the Cienaga de Mallorquin Eco Park

North of the Malecón of Barranquilla, you will find a fascinating wetland area: the Ciénaga de Mallorquín. A beautiful eco-park has been built as part of a significant environmental restoration and conservation effort. Doors are already open to visitors, offering a chance to enjoy a relaxing afternoon walk along the lengthy wooden pier. 

During 2024 and 2025, the Eco Park will also start inviting visitors to engage in ecotourism activities such as kayaking, bird watching, guided tours, biking, and more. View  pictures of of the Cienaga de Mallorquin Eco Park in our Instagram feed.

Eco Park Cienaga de Mallorquin, Barranquilla

Photo by Travelhapp, Eco Park Ciénaga de Mallorquín, Barranquilla

Sunset in Eco Park Ciénaga de Mallorquín, Barranquilla

Photo by Travelhapp, Sunset in Eco Park Ciénaga de Mallorquín, Barranquilla

5. Wander through the historic center

The historical center of Barranquilla (centro) used to be quite decadent, and you will still find many street corners that are not exactly pleasant. However, the city is making efforts to revitalize the center and make it more enjoyable to explore for both citizens and visitors.

A good time to visit the center is Sunday morning when it is not too busy or hot. Stroll along the renowned Paseo de Bolívar until you reach the Iglesia de San Nicolás de Tolentino. This baroque church was built in the 17th century by the Augustinian order. It’s a great place to cool down while admiring the beautiful stained glass windows and enjoying the silence. 

From San Nicolás de Tolentino church, walk down Calle 32 to reach “Callejón del Meao” or take Carrera 42 to reach “Callejón de Robertico.” (Both alleys are located in the area between Carrera 42B and 42C and Calle 30 to 33.) Relax at Plaza de la Aduana and admire the beautiful architecture of the Aduana building.

We recommend visiting the center during the day and staying in populated, touristy areas, avoiding streets that are either too busy or too empty.

San Nicolás de Tolentino church Barranquilla

Photo by Travelhapp, San Nicolás de Tolentino church in Barranquilla

Aduana Barranquilla, Colombia

Photo by Jdvillalobos, Aduana Barranquilla, CC BY 3.0 (mod.)

6. Visit the Carnaval de Barranquilla or the carnival museum

The Carnaval de Barranquilla is one of the most famous and colorful carnivals in the world. The Carnival Museum documents the history of the carnival, and its exhibits include impressive costumes, masks, and other artifacts.

Of course, visiting the actual carnival (usually around February/March) leads the top things to do in Barranquilla for carnival lovers. In Barranquilla, “pre-carnival” events start around two weeks before the official carnival, and you can feel the carnival vibe in the city as early as the beginning of January. A great place to immerse yourself in Barranquilla’s Afro-Colombian culture and enjoy live music and traditional Afro-Colombian dances during the carnival is Barrio Abajo.

Carnival in Barranquilla Colombia

Photo by larry penaloza, Carnival in Barranquilla

7. Admire Barranquilla’s street art

Barranquilla has a vibrant street art scene and you can view impressive graffiti and murals in many neighborhoods, including El Centro, La Loma, El Prado and Barrio Abajo.

8. Attend a live concert

Barranquilla is the city of music and dance and attending concerts ranks among the top things to do in Barranquilla. Interesting addresses include the Aduana Piano Bar in the Center and La Casa de la Cumbia in the El Prado neighborhood which hosts live music covering many different Colombian genres (Cumbia, Vallenato, Salsa, etc.). Check out @killacultural on Instagram for upcoming events (in Spanish).

Remember that in Colombia, it is always advisable to take a pre-booked transport when you go out at night. It’s both cheap and safe, and it’s the standard way Colombians move around at night. (More information below.)

9. Go Salsa Dancing in Barranquilla

If you love to dance salsa or want to learn, Barranquilla has no shortage of options. The salsa club La Troja in the Riomar neighborhood was founded in 1983 and has been a local favorite ever since. The club hosts live concerts of talented local and national musicians every night and attracts a diverse crowd of Barranquilleros and foreigners. Other salsa clubs, which are popular among locals, include Tibiri (barrio El Prado), Son de Negro (barrio El Golf) and Rumba en el Solar (an outdoor venue in barrio El Bosque).

Street dancing in Barranquilla Colombia

Photo by Hector Pertuz, Street dancing in Barranquilla (mod.)

10. Try Barranquilla’s delicious cuisine

Barranquilla is known as a culinary heaven with a wide array of great restaurants in all price classes. Enjoy traditional Caribbean food by the river at Cucayo in the Caimán del Río restaurant complex (see Google Maps). Typical caribbean dishes include seafood in different variants accompanied by coconut rice and plantains. Yummy! For an upscale fusion experience try Kinto Elemento (Google Maps) or Palo de Mango (Google Maps) in El Prado. You can find several other fine restaurants very close-by.

11. Visit the Botanical Garden of Barranquilla

The Jardín Botánico Armando Dugand Gnecco is a peaceful oasis within the city of Barranquilla where you can connect with nature and enjoy native and exotic vegetation.

12. Experience Bocas de Cenizas, where the river meets the sea

Bocas de Cenizas is the point where the Magdalena River flows into the Caribbean sea. To get to Bocas de Cenizas, take a taxi to Campamento de Flores and then board the rustic artisanal train to Bocas de Cenizas. We recommend to go in a group and possibly with a local guide.

Access got easier in 2024 with the new Riobus (see above) and the new touristic train “tren de las flores”.

Bocas de Cenizas Barranquilla Colombia

Photo by Denis JacqueryeCC BY-SA 2.0, Bocas de Cenizas (mod.)

13. Visit a museum in Barranquilla

Unfortunately, some of Barranquilla’s most interesting museums are temporarily closed, including the Museo del Caribe (Caribbean Museum), the Museum of Modern Art, and the Museo Romántico (Romantic Museum). Currently, we have no information when they will reopen but restoration should start in 2025. Please check recent user reviews on Google Maps to see if there are any changes.

However, a museum still open to the public and worth visiting is the Mapuka Museum (Google Maps), the Archaeological Museum of the Karib Peoples. This fascinating museum offers a journey through 20,000 years of Caribbean history, presenting exhibits on first civilizations, pre-Hispanic cultures, and colonial impact. They also host art workshops, including drawing and pottery. Check their Instagram feed for current events.

14. Admire the Pumarejo Bridge

Photogenic Puente Pumarejo is an architectural marvel spanning the wide Magdalena River, and offering stunning views. Watch out for your belongings near the bridge, though.

Pumarejo Bridge Barranquilla Colombia

Photo (mod.) by Willish01, Pumarejo Bridge Barranquilla

15. Visit Barranquilla’s new beach at puerto mocho

While you can catch a glimpse of the sea from high-rise buildings, the central districts of Barranquilla are not directly located by the coastline. However, in December 2024, Barranquilla’s first public beach, Puerto Mocho, was opened! It can be accessed via the new tourist train, Tren de las Flores, departing from the Las Flores train station (Google Maps) in Riomar.

This beach represents a remarkable environmental restoration effort, and work is ongoing to recover additional stretches of the beach for public use.

Moreover, new bike paths and pedestrian walkways run along the train route, offering an active and scenic way to explore the area.

Day Trips from Barranquilla

Apart from the amazing things to do in Barranquilla, you will find additional interesting options nearby. The following activities and sights are located in the surroundings of Barranquilla, making great day trips.

16. Visit Puerto Colombia near Barranquilla

Puerto Colombia is one of Colombia’s oldest ports, located just 30 minutes away from Barranquilla and easily accessible by bus or taxi. While it may not be the country’s most picturesque seaside town, it offers a refreshing city escape, perfect for a leisurely walk or enjoying a delightful meal by the sea.

In 2024, several restaurants with sea views debuted in the newly constructed International Gastronomic Center along the sea promenade near the pier. Another beautiful dining option is Kilymandiaro Sunset Paradise at Pradomar Beach (view on Google Maps).

Things to see in Puerto Colombia include the old train station, the lengthy wooden pier, the sea promenade (Malecón del Mar), the glass lighthouse (“farola”), and the colonial San Antonio de Salgar castle. Pradomar Beach and Salgar Beach offer opportunities for water sports enthusiasts, with activities such as paddle boarding and (kite) surfing.

Please note that the different sites are quite far from each other. It would take you approximately two hours to get from the wooden pier in the center to Salgar Beach in the north by foot, with the road not always being pedestrian-friendly and the sun being “bravo”, as they say in Colombia (meaning “ferocious, fierce”). However, there is a project in planning to extend the sea promenade all the way to the lighthouse.

Insider tip: If you like ghost stories, ask the locals to tell you about “La Novia” (the bride)…

Los Inmigrantes Sculpture, Puerto Colombia Sea Promenade

Photo by Travelhapp, Los Inmigrantes Sculpture, Puerto Colombia Sea Promenade

San Antonio de Salgar castle, Puerto Colombia

Photo by Travelhapp, San Antonio de Salgar castle, Puerto Colombia

17. Relax at a beautiful beach South of Barranquilla

To get to some beautiful Caribbean beaches, you have to drive around 45 min south from Barranquilla. Santa Verónica, Puerto Velero and Caño Dulce are great beach destinations. Santa Verónica is also an up-and-coming kite surfing destination, especially at Salinas del Rey. Have a look at our TikTok video to get an impression. Santa Veronica is still pretty off the beaten path and many restaurants only open during the weekend and in high season.

There are local buses going south that can drop you off along the road. You can also look for other solo travelers to share a taxi. Taxis are very affordable in Colombia and you can negotiate the price beforehand with the driver.

18. Go wildlife watching in Salamanca Island National Park

The Parque Isla de Salamanca is a protected area with a unique ecosystem that includes mangrove forests, endemic wildlife and little beaches. Visiting the park makes a great day trip from Barranquilla. To get to Salamanca Island you can take the bus from Terminal de Transporte de Barranquilla towards Santa Marta and hop-off after about 35 minutes at the Los Cocos visitor center (view on Google Maps). You can also go by boat from Malecon Puerta de Oro in Barranquilla (view on Google Maps), although this option may not always be available.

Isla Salamanca Barranquilla Colombia

Photo by Pavel DodonovCC BY 2.0, Isla Salamanca Barranquilla (mod.)

19. Explore the Ciénaga Grande and its floating villages by boat

An interesting stop on your way to Santa Marta is the Ciénaga Grande de Santa Marta, the largest Ciénaga (marsh/wetland) in Colombia. Not only can you explore the mangrove forests with their diverse flora and fauna, the Cienaga is also home to several colorful floating villages with stilt houses, including Nueva Venecia and Buenavista. 

To get to the Cienaga Grande from Barranquilla, take a bus towards Santa Marta and, after about 1 hour 20 min drive, hop off near Puente Puebloviejo (locally known also as “Puente de La Barra”). From there, head to the tourist pier in the Isla del Rosario neighbourhood (view on Google Maps) where you can take a boat to explore the Ciénaga Grande.

Stilt houses in Nueva Venecia (Ciénaga Grande) near Barranquilla Colombia

Photo by gabinete⁣CC BY-SA 2.0, Nueva Venecia (mod.)

Where To Stay In Barranquilla

El Prado, Alto Prado, El Golf and Riomar are great neighborhoods to stay for solo (female) travelers. The center (Centro) is not considered particularly safe by locals, especially at night.

Is Barranquilla Safe? Safety & Solo Travel Tips

Thanks to the excellent bus connections in Colombia, it’s very easy reach Barranquilla from other cities cheaply and smoothly.

If you plan to go out at night, it is, like everywhere in Colombia, advisable to book transport via an app like Uber, Didi, or InDrive, even for short distances. This is very cheap in Colombia, and locals do the same. You should not walk alone at night or around remote areas.

Check out our safety tips for Colombia and our intro guide for traveling alone in Colombia.

Hikes in nature are better done in a group and/or with a local guide. Join our Colombia Solo Travelers Facebook Group to search for like minded solo travelers near you. (Our focus is on female solo traveler needs and interests.)

Best Time To Visit Barranquilla: Weather & Events

Barranquilla features a tropical savanna climate with high humidity. Temperatures in Barranquilla typically range from around 28°C to 33°C (82-91°F) during the day and fluctuate around 24°C (75°F) at night; the “coldest” months in Barranquilla are January and February with a maximum temperature of approximately 31°C (88°F). The driest months are January to March while the most rain tends to fall in October. The dry months usually also feature a nice breeze which makes them a very enjoyable time to visit.

For carnival aficionados, the carnival season is undoubtedly the best time to visit Barranquilla. However, if you’re a solo traveler who isn’t particularly fond of crowds, you might consider visiting during the pre-carnival period. During this time, you can enjoy pleasant weather and get a taste of the carnival culture without the large crowds. Pre-carnival starts right on new year’s day!

Where To Go Next From Barranquilla

Barranquilla is strategically located between Santa Marta and Cartagena, two of Colombia’s top travel destinations. So, you may stop over in Barranquilla when traveling between those cities. We warmly recommend a detour to the amazing colonial river town Mompox (Santa Cruz de Mompós) when traveling between Barranquilla and Cartagena. Read more about Mompox in our article on Things to do near Cartagena (scrolling down the page to “Where to go next”) or Things to do in Hidden Gem Valledupar.

Check out the bus connections on Rome2Rio:

Summary: 19 Top Things to Do in Barranquilla & Surroundings

  1. Stroll through El Prado and Alto Prado historic districts
  2. Walk along the Gran Malecón by the Magdalena River
  3. Take a boat ride on the Magdalena River
  4. Explore the Ciénaga de Mallorquín Eco Park
  5. Visit the historic center (including Paseo Bolívar and San Nicolás Church)
  6. Experience the Carnaval de Barranquilla or visit the Carnival Museum
  7. Discover Barranquilla’s street art
  8. Attend live concerts at local venues
  9. Go salsa dancing at clubs like La Troja
  10. Try Barranquilla’s cuisine at restaurants like Cucayo and Kinto Elemento
  11. Visit the Botanical Garden (Jardín Botánico Armando Dugand)
  12. See where the river meets the sea at Bocas de Cenizas
  13. Visit Mapuka Museum (Archaeological Museum of the Karib Peoples)
  14. Admire the Pumarejo Bridge
  15. Relax at Puerto Mocho Beach, Barranquilla’s new public beach
  16. Visit Puerto Colombia, its promenade, pier, and castle
  17. Relax at beaches like Santa Verónica, Puerto Velero, and Caño Dulce
  18. Explore Salamanca Island National Park (wildlife and mangroves)
  19. Take a boat trip to the Ciénaga Grande and visit the floating villages (Nueva Venecia and Buenavista)

Share your thoughts!

Questions or comments? We’d love to hear them! Reach out to us on Instagram, Facebook or TikTok.

Last Update: March 7, 2025

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Nicole
Curious Solo Traveler – living in Colombia

Image Credit:  Top Image (mod.) by Erick Salas Agudelo

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