Welcome to Barranquilla, the vibrant heart of Colombia’s Caribbean coast! Shakira’s hometown is turning into an insiders’ tip for solo travelers looking to experience authentic Colombian life, with exciting new attractions and activities unveiled as of 2024. Nestled along the shores of the Magdalena River, this bustling city is a melting pot of culture, history, nature and gastronomy waiting to be explored.
Several innovative projects that take advantage of the city’s privileged position between the Caribbean Sea and the Magdalena River are being finalized in 2024. Unique nature spots within the city have been recovered and made accessible to locals and visitors alike. These new attractions perfectly complement Barranquilla’s classical strengths, like its vibrant music scene, extraordinary gastronomy, unique carnival, and cheerful people.
In 2024, Barranquilla offers a diverse array of things to do and see for solo travelers. Below are 19 ideas for things to do in Barranquilla, including activities within the city, as well as day trips from Barranquilla.
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.
Photo by Travelhapp, El Prado Neighborhood Barranquilla
Photo by Travelhapp, Parque Los Fundadores Barranquilla
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 take a transport service on your way back to the central areas of Barranquilla at night.
Photo by Travelhapp, Barranquilla Malecón
Photo by Travelhapp, Shakira Statue, Barranquilla Malecón
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.
Photo by Travelhapp, Barranquilla Riverbus (Ríobus Karakalí)
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, 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.
Photo by Travelhapp, Eco Park Ciénaga de Mallorquín, Barranquilla
Photo by Travelhapp, Sunset in Eco Park Ciénaga de Mallorquín, Barranquilla
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.
Photo by Travelhapp, San Nicolás de Tolentino church in Barranquilla
Photo by Jdvillalobos, Aduana Barranquilla, CC BY 3.0 (mod.)
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.
Photo by larry penaloza, Carnival in Barranquilla
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.
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 taxi or Uber when you go out at night. It’s both cheap and safe, and it’s the standard way Colombians move around at night.
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).
Photo by Hector Pertuz, Street dancing in Barranquilla (mod.)
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.
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.
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 should get easier in 2024 with the new Riobus (see above) and a new touristic train.
Photo by Denis Jacquerye, CC BY-SA 2.0, Bocas de Cenizas (mod.)
Unfortunately, as of late 2023, some of Barranquilla’s most interesting museums are 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. 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.
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.
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.
Puerto Colombia is one of Colombia’s oldest ports, located just 30 minutes away from Barranquilla and easily accessible by bus or taxi/Uber. 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.
Approximately in August 2024, several restaurants with sea views will debut in the newly constructed International Gastronomic Center along the sea promenade near the pier. Another beautiful dining option (already open) 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 paddleboarding 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”).
Insider tip: If you like ghost stories, ask the locals to tell you about “La Novia” (the bride)…
Photo by Travelhapp, Los Inmigrantes Sculpture, Puerto Colombia Sea Promenade
Photo by Travelhapp, San Antonio de Salgar castle, Puerto Colombia
To get to some really beautiful beaches, you have to drive around 45 min south from Barranquilla. Santa Verónica, Puerto Velero and Caño Dulce are great beach destinations with clear waters and white sand. Rumors suggest that Santa Verónica is an up-and-coming kite surfing destination.
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 on Travelhapp (in the “Activities” section). Taxis are very affordable in Colombia and you can negotiate the price beforehand with the driver.
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.
Photo by Pavel Dodonov, CC BY 2.0, Isla Salamanca Barranquilla (mod.)
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.
Photo by gabinete, CC BY-SA 2.0, Nueva Venecia (mod.)
About 1.5 hours from Barranquilla, on the way to Cartagena, with the right timing you can observe a mesmerizing phenomenon, “the pink sea of Colombia”. The local salt mine (Salinas de Galerazamba) together with a special type microalgae that thrives in highly saline water (“dunaliella salina”) are responsible for the unusual pink hue of the sea. View Salinas de Galerazamba on Google Maps
Be aware that this phenomenon only occurs in the drier months between December and March and potentially August to September, with the best bet being February and March. It’s better to check for updated information right before you go, also because the Salinas are under threat due to recent environmental changes involving coastal erosion and rising sea levels…
While you can catch a glimpse of the sea from high buildings, accessing the sea directly within the city of Barranquilla is currently not possible. If you wish to touch the sea, you’ll need to venture outside the city, such as heading to Puerto Colombia or to the beaches further south towards Cartagena, like Santa Verónica or Puerto Velero. That being said, the Magdalena River promenade more than makes up for the lack of a sea promenade!
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.
Thanks to the great bus connections in Colombia, it is very easy to travel to Barranquilla as a solo traveler. Also moving around the city by bus or services like Uber is no problem. If you prefer taxis, in Colombia it’s always advisable to book them via app or phone rather than hailing them from the street.
When visiting Barranquilla as a solo traveler, take your usual travel precautions, like not walking around alone in the dark or in isolated areas. Check out our safety tips for Colombia and our tips 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 other solo travelers near you that share your interests.
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.
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:
Bus from Barranquilla to Cartagena on Rome2Rio (2,5 hours)
Bus from Barranquilla to Mompox on Rome2Rio (6-8 hours)
Bus from Barranquilla to Santa Marta on Rome2Rio (2 hours)
Last Update: November 23, 2024
Image Credit: Top Image (mod.) by Erick Salas Agudelo
