Barranquilla is a city on Colombia’s northern Caribbean coast. It is close to the Magdalena River’s mouth, where the river flows into the Caribbean Sea. The main attraction for tourism is its carnival "Carnaval de Barranquilla," that takes place during the four days before Ash Wednesday. In 2003, UNESCO proclaimed it as one of 28 "masterpieces of the oral and intangible heritage of humanity".
Barranquilla is a cosmopolitan and primarily industrial city, often visited by businessmen of all nationalities. Barranquilla is also called by its residents and Colombians in general "Curramba" (from a language game, in synthesis, Curramba is a reference to "party") and the Golden Gate to Colombia (Puerta de Oro de Colombia), this due to its location on the delta of the Magdalena river, making it the most important commercial sailing port to the Atlantic Ocean for the nation. Residents are known as "Barranquilleros" and are characterized by their outgoing and friendly attitude and relaxed behavior.
Moving around in Barranquilla depends largely on the traveler's budget, language barriers and spirit of adventure. Renting a car is an option for visitors who prioritize greater flexibility and comfort. Economy-class vehicles typically start at around US$40–50 per day, depending on factors like the season, demand (especially during the carnival), insurance coverage, and the booking method. Prices may vary over time. Fuel prices in Colombia are regulated and generally considered moderate compared to international standards. In the early 2020s, years, the price of gasoline has generally been within a range of around US$4 per gallon.
Every year by the end of February or early March (forty days before Ash Wednesday), Barranquilla hosts its famous "Carnaval de Barranquilla" (carnival of Barranquilla), a four-day-long celebration in which the true partying spirit of the city is unleashed. Parades, dances, concerts and many cultural manifestations take place all over town. Barranquilla also houses the beautiful and famous Teatro Amira de la Rosa, the old Customs building-Edificio de la Aduana, that serves as library as well as a museum; the Museum of Gold; and many other great places to visit. There are also a large number of art deco buildings built from the late 1930s into the 1950s.
Barranquilla is a large, complex city. Daytime activities are mainly of shopping and eating, but nightlife is active all year round, with bars and nightclubs open from Thursdays to Sundays in most cases. Some of the main party spots in town are Trucupey Latin Disco, AguaHelada, MoMa and Frogg Leggs if you plan to dance. For a more relaxed environment some options are Luna Negra, Beba Genobeba, Old Times (a 1980s retro bar) and some spots known as "estancos": These are basically liquor stores with or without tables, where music is played on weekends.
Both local and international cuisine are available in town. Local delicacies include arroz con coco and sancocho de guandul (a soup made of pigeon peas or "guandules" and meat), bocachico frito (fried fish from the Magdalena river), sancocho, and fritos (fried foods), including arepas and empanadas. If you wish to try local food, good choices are; Mag Mondongo - (Cl. 84 # 51- 32, Nte. Centro Historico) Narcobollo - (Av. 20 De Julio #84-188, Nte. Centro Historico) El Tremendo Guandul - (Av. 20 De Julio #74-75, Nte. Centro Historico) In the Las Flores area near Bocas de Ceniza there are many seafood restaurants next to Magdalena River.
The local beer is Aguila, and is also the cheapest one. However, Club Colombia is a Colombian beer with great flavor and quality, and just a little more expensive. International beer is available widely, with Heineken being the preferred brand. The spirit of preference by locals is rum, in a variety of national and international brands. Another popular drink is Aguardiente (an anise-flavoured liqueur derived from sugar cane), and is worth a try. Aguardiente literally means "burning water", and it honors its name. As well Scotch, which is a little more expensive, hence it is consumed by the elite.
Guide content from Wikivoyage contributors (CC BY-SA) — abridged; the full article has much more.
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In Sep, Barranquilla typically sees ~31°C daytime highs and 23 rainy days.
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