You’ll Love These 14 Fantastic Places in Barranquilla, Colombia

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If you’re heading to the coast of Colombia and want to visit a spectacular city, then be sure to make a stop in Barranquilla. Known as La Arenosa (respectfully, The Sand), Barranquilla is Colombia’s fourth largest city (after Bogotá, Medellin, and Cali, respectively) and the location of the first flight EVER in South America (in 1920…how crazy is that!?).

From the classic La Troja salsero bar to the historic Parroque de San Nicholas, there are so many places to visit and things to enjoy about Barranquilla (but, especially, the salsero bars!).

After living in La Arenosa, I can honestly say there’s no place quite like this glorious municipality. This is why I am sure that you’ll love these 14 fantastic places in Barranquilla, hand-picked from the dozens of places in this city that own a piece of my heart.

1. Aleta de Juniors

Anyone visiting Barranquilla, whether for the first or the fiftieth time (when an annual trip sometimes isn’t enough!), will unanimously agree to one thing: this city loves their futból team.

Futból (soccer, to some) is like religion in most of the Latin Americas and Barranquilla is no exception. The local team, Club Deportivo Popular Junior F.C. S.A., is mega-popular with the locals. Its mascot is a tiburon (shark) and team colors are brilliant red, white, and blue: elements you’re sure to see on every city corner.

It’s rumored that, when a huge glass and steel monument depicting the outline of an aleta (shark fin), was erected at the end of the Malecon del Rio, nearly the entire city erupted in celebration. It seems everyone from tiny school children to ancient abuelitas continue to love the view of this iconic tribute to their team and its mascot.

The Aleta de Junior is best accessed by car, but there are also taxis to take you directamente to the grassy base of the towering fin. Anytime is the right time to visit the Aleta – come during the day and gaze up at the size of this brilliant edifice, visit at night and you’ll see a spectacular light show.

There are usually drink and snack vendors nearby, ready to take your photo and offer relief from the Caribbean heat. Of course, always keep an eye on your personal belongings. Whatever you do, don’t miss the Aleta de Juniors: one of the many fantastic places in Barranquilla worth seeing. 

2. Barrio Abajo

In 2021, Barrio Abajo was proclaimed an Asset of Cultural Interest by the Alcaldía de Barranquilla (mayor’s office) for its contributions to historical and memorable artifacts. For decades, it was the home of such famous Barranquilleros as Colombian musical ambassador and songstress Esther Forero, Pulitzer Prize-winning author-poet Gabriel García Márquez, and infamous singer-songwriter Joe Arroyo.

Today, Barrio Abajo is brimming with festive energy and patrimony to rival any tourist attraction, but with far fewer gimmicks. Among the neighborhood delights in Barrio Abajo, are talented artists and dancers, spectacular colorful houses, incomparable local restaurants, and remarkable murals painted along the full length of building walls.

✏️ Expert Tip: Although it stretches for 79 city blocks behind Centro Comercial Portal del Prado, crossing Avenida Murillo, and extending to Via 40, visitors should keep their perusing to a minimum as some areas in the barrio are still questionable.

The best time to visit Barrio Abajo is during one of its festivals, the most popular being Sabor Bajero when participants can savor and sample local favorites including sancocho (soup), rice dishes, cakes, pastries, and other incredible dishes and drinks. Be sure to check the website for the Alcaldía (mayor’s office) of Barranquilla for the next Sabor Bajero celebration.

3. Carnaval de Barranquilla Museum

Most travelers who have heard of Barranquilla know the city is famous for its annual Carnaval: a week-long event in February that draws crowds from around the world to enjoy vibrant parades of dance, costumery, heritage, culture, and music in the streets.

If your trip happens to fall during a non-carnival time, you can still indulge in the whirlwind energy of the city by visiting the Carnaval de Barranquilla museum.

Located on Carrera 54 in the Barrio Abajo area, this colorful building with a striking facade includes an equally impressive collection of sculptures, costumes, headdresses, and instruments included in many of the Carnival parades. There are informative, educational displays as well as a collection of elaborate dresses from past “reinas,” (Carnival queens). Depending on your interest and pace, it could take up to two hours to fully enjoy the Carnaval de Barranquilla museum. Be sure to call for hours of operation and admission prices, which fluctuate seasonally.

✏️ Expert Tip: I love Barranquilla. I was fortunate to live in this festive metropolis for a year in 2014 and again in 2017 and I embraced nearly every minute of it! Even when it was sweltering hot or I got lost on the bus (more than once!), the good almost always outweighed the bad! Barranquilla, Colombia, with its infectious “viva de los gozaderos” (life of those who enjoy it) is still by far one of my favorite cities in the world! 🌎

4. Castillo de Salgar

If you have time to travel about 30 minutes outside of Barranquilla, towards the beaches of Prado Mar and Kilymandiaro, then you’ll love a visit to Castillo de Salgar.

This stunning, large castle sits on a massive hill overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. With its brilliant ochre color reflecting the hot Colombian sun, the castle is a favorite among local families for its sprawling green, grassy area.

Visiting couples walk hand in hand, appreciating its nostalgic, romantic feel. The castle was built in 1848 to replace an existing, less-impressive fort and was considered by many to be a secret gateway for merchants trying to avoid taxation on their goods.

The castle sat abandoned for many years until the 1990’s when the citizens of Barranquilla gathered together to restore this edifice of historical beauty. Today, the Castillo de Salgar features a restaurant and rentable event space with spectacular views, welcoming visitors of all types to Barranquilla.

5. Catedral Metropolitano

The Catedral Metropolitana María Reina de Barranquilla is an expansive, glorious Catholic church designed by Italian architect Angelo Mazzoni Grande. Spanning 300 ft (92 m) across and 125 ft (38 m) high, the cathedral was renovated years after its founding by Colombian civil engineer Guillermo González Zuleta.

With its enormous, triangular windows of glistening, multi-hued stained glass, the cathedral takes on seasonal, colored spotlights at night throughout the year. Located in the center of the city, across from the popular Plaza de la Paz and diagonal to C.C. Portal del Prado, the Cathedral is often open during the day for scheduled mass, and its expansive cathedral steps are a popular meeting place for locals.

You don’t have to be religious to appreciate this impressive beauty in the heart of Barranquilla but do pay a respectful visit to Catedral Metropolitana María Reina while out exploring the city.

6. Centro Comerciales

You may be wondering why shopping malls are on a list of 14 Fantastic Places in Barranquilla, Colombia. After all, you’ve come to the 4th largest city in Colombia, the capital of the Atlantico department, to see unique sites and historical monuments!

While there are plenty of both in Barranquilla, the shopping malls, or Centro Comerciales, are vibrant epicenters filled not only with consumer-focused shops and supermercados, but tasty restaurants, designer boutiques, interactive arcades, plus venues for concerts and special events.

Boasting names like Buenavista (good view) and Parque Alegra (the Happy Park), Centro Comerciales, or CC’s as they are also known, often provide one-stop shopping for anyone seeking coffee, dinner, a movie, groceries, and clothing all in one excursion.

Perhaps the biggest difference between CC’s and regular (American, U.S.) shopping malls is their flair and décor. It’s as if the architects of these centros go to great lengths to create beautiful, unique spaces not just for shopping but for socializing, enjoying futból matches (on the large screen), and even quiet people-watching.

As a bonus, CC’s are climate controlled – which means when it’s 45° C (about 100°F) outside, you’re nice and cool inside, sipping a frothy drink from Café Juan Valdez or a sweet-and-sour frozen mango biche (tart green mango drink).

Recently, more CCs are allowing pets indoors, which means your fur baby can come with you when it’s time to shop for kibble and hang out with the fam. Tail waggin’ fun for everyone!

Finally, if it’s storming outside, the CC is your oasis for shelter and safety from the wet and wild world, which often gets torrential during the rainy season. (The CCs occasionally lose power but many of them also have backup generators). Whichever one you choose, be sure to check out a Centro Commercial or two during your time in Barranquilla.

Here are a few CCs worth visiting:

• South: Parque Alegra – a multi-level mall with a myriad of shops near La Ocho on Calle 30 #4b-50, across from CC Panorama
• City Center: CC Portal del Prado – sizable mall near Plaza de la Paz on Calle 30 #4b-50, includes Crepes y Waffles and Olymipica Supermarket
• North: CC ¡VIVA! – a lively, modern mall in Riomar at Cra. 51B #87-50 with mainstream stores and a sizable movie theater
• North: CC Buenavista – a double-connected (bridged) mall with upscale shops near CC VIVA at Cl. 98 #52-115 in Riomar

7. El Museo Romantico

The history of the Romantic Museum is as tragic as a real romance, with the same ups and downs that come with love and a passion for preserving what was.

Housed in a sizable mansion donated by Carmen Freud, the daughter of German-Jewish immigrants, the museum started with great celebration and dwindled in both interest and care until it almost closed forever.

Fortunately, a group of curious scholars stepped in to revive the Romantic Museum and have managed to give it new life in recent years. Maintained by a small staff and with varying daytime hours, the museum is mostly run by friendly volunteers who will happily show you relics like ancient typewriters, vintage record players, and fascinating, sepia-toned photos of Barranquilla from the past.

Located near Portal del Prado in the center of the city at Carrera 54 59 199, the museum is surrounded by a beautiful landscape of local tropical plants.

✏️ Expert Tip: In 2014, the Museo Romantico was renovated and at the time, in disarray, much like walking into a thrift store. Despite the heat (the museum had no air conditioning), the docents proudly showed off their collection of over 20,000 items, including the piano rumored to be the same one that Simón Urbina used to pen the Himno de Barranquilla in 1928. 🎵

8. Galeria Artesanal & Comercial 72

No visit to Barranquilla would be complete without some beautiful recuerdos, or souvenirs, to take home as gifts (for others…or yourself). While there are kiosks in the Centro Comerciales and shops along the Malecón, the best bargains and selection of items are found at the Galeria Artesanal and Commerical 72.

As its name indicates, the Galeria is located at Calle 72 in the north of the city, very close to the Estacion Joe Arroyo, an endpoint and busy station for the city’s Transmetro public buses.

Set up like an indoor flea market, it’s easy to spend a few hours perusing the stalls and shops offering everything from futból jerseys to handwoven Wauyuu mochilas to paintings on canvas and wood.

There’s always an array of the usual keychains and magnets but, if you spend some time talking with friendly vendors, they’ll show you some treasures. There are bags and wallets made from cana flecha to match the infamous Colombian sombrero vueltiao and handsome, hand-painted stamped leather goods.

Be sure to bring cash in the local currency (COP, pesos) as most vendors don’t accept credit cards, and don’t be afraid to ask for a rebaja (discount), especially if you’re buying several items from one seller.

9. Hotel Prado

While this is a list of 14 fantastic places in Barranquilla – not hotels – the Hotel Prado is included mainly for its spectacular history and undeniable beauty: a must-see for any traveler who appreciates fine architecture, breathtaking green spaces, and shimmering swimming pools.

Located near the city center at Carrera 54 #70-10, Hotel Prado dates back to 1930, three years after its initial construction in 1927. With its expansive driveway, gorgeous courtyard, and 206 luxury rooms, Hotel Prado is believed by many to be the first tourist hotel in the Latin Americas.

If the coastal heat has you feeling like a platano frito, rumor has it you can get a day pass to use the pool at Hotel Prado and indulge in their extensive cash menu of refreshing cocktails served right to your silla large.

Limonada de Coco and the Caribbean sun have never looked so good on you.

10. Kilymandiaro Sunset Paradise

If you seek daytime activities outside of the city, one of the most fantastic places in Barranquilla is the beach, particularly Kilymandiaro Sunset Paradise.

While Barranquilla beaches may not be the most beautiful in Colombia, they are great for parties, and Kilymadiaro keeps the party going all day.

At the suggestion of a good Barranquillera friend, we planned a day at the Sunset Paradise, calling an InDriver for the 20-minute drive from the city center. (Many buses also pass directly in front on their way to nearby Puerto Colombia).

We arrived on a Saturday afternoon without reservations (recommended on the website) and paid the $10M cover per person required on Thursdays through Sundays. We heard that, without a reservation, a beachfront table was probably impossible, so we were happy when our smiling hostess showed us to a lovely small table with chairs only three rows back from the first.

Even from this location, we still had plenty of ocean views and breezes, plus some shade from our palm-leaf sombra, which we moved around below as the sun shifted over the hours across the sky. (Yes, we stayed for hours, as most people do.)

The service at Kilymandario is fantastic, and the wait staff seems to help one other like a real team without competition. Our sweet server, Estefania, checked on us often and ensured our drinks were icy and empty plates whisked away.

In addition to a chilled pitcher of Bogotá Beer Company lager and a couple of limonada de cocos, we ordered three seafood plates to share off the extensive menu, including a picada (sampler plate) of ceviche with plantain chips, a sizable portion of fragrant rice with shrimp, and delectable, moist bite-size pieces of mojarra frito (fried fish) with tartar sauce, a green salad, and tostones.

As the afternoon rolled in, we enjoyed live DJs playing the latest in Latin dance music and Vallenato, as Kilymandiaro-goers danced barefoot on the sand near their tables. Between songs, the DJs raffled off decent promotional items from the Sunset Paradise, including umbrellas, beach towels, and water bottles to happy, winning patrons.

Overall, Kilymandiaro is a well-designed, picturesque establishment with a great staff and delicious food and drink in an excellent location. Treat yourself and your friends to an afternoon here and indulge in the Sunset Paradise of Barranquilla!

✏️ Expert Tip: When I lived in Barranquilla in 2014, Prado Mar was the closest beach with easy bus access and I frequented it often on weekends for relief from the Caribbean heat and a relaxing day out of the city. Although the website says Kilymandiaro has been here since 1994, I don’t remember ever seeing it. Prado Mar existed, but I know I would have recalled a place like Kilymandiro during my first year in Colombia. Regardless of its roots, I recommend you go.

11. La Troja

Whether you love salsa at a competitive l dance level or barely know how to get your feet to keep a beat, La Troja is a fantastic place to visit in Barranquilla.

Officially named La Troja Patrimonio Cultural y Musical, this legendary hot spot opened its doors in 1966 and has hosted thousands of happy, dancing patrons ever since. Locals and tourists feel their senses sizzle with Caribbean heat while shimmying to songs from La Troja’s enormous LP record collection, which spans across the back wall of the original location in the north of the city.

Conveniently situated on the corner of Carrera 44 and Calle 74, near the Joe Arroyo Transmetro station, La Troja has been a meeting place for friends and families for decades. The second location, La Troja 8 located in the south on Carrera 8 or “La Ocho” – a street well-known for its array of colorful discotecas – offers two floors for dancing and drinking into the wee hours of the morning.

Whichever location you choose, make a night of it and get ready to dance the night away as the energetic pulse of the original La Troja spills into the adjacent street and the epic sounds from La Troja 8 reverberate through the south for several blocks.

✏️ Expert Tip: Check out La Troja’s internet radio station, where you can hear awesome music featured at the club with the catchphrase “Más Salsa que Pesca’o” (More Salsa than Fish)!

12. La Ventana del Mundo

If you have time to spend an afternoon gazing up at and around the highest monument in Colombia, visit La Ventana del Mundo, which stands glorious, tall, and proud near the Rio Mar district of Barranquilla.

Rising an impressive 48 meters (about 157 feet) high and welcoming the world to “The Golden Gate of Colombia, La Ventana del Mundo showcases two multicolored columns comprised of nearly 2,000 square meters (2,392 square feet) of brilliant, laminated glass tiles.

Designed by Colombian architect Diana Escorcia Borelly La Ventana del Mundo was developed with the help of (and materials from) Tecnoglass, a Barranquilla-based company known throughout the world for its architectonic glass works.

Similar to the Aleta de Juniors, La Ventana del Mundo is in the north of the city, where Vía 40 meets Avenida Circunvalar, with about 9 kilometers (5 ½ miles) between the two.

Like the Aleta, the Ventana is easy to reach by taxi or car, but there are bus routes that pass close by. The concrete monument foundation, comprised of 510 cubic meters (18,000 cubic feet), is surrounded by a grassy park where visitors can relax, take photos, and purchase drinks and snacks from vendors while enjoying the spectacular view. 

13. Malecón Turístico Río 

One place to love – and it seems everyone in Barranquilla does – is the Malecón Turístico Río, located in the northern Riomar district of the city.

Stretching gracefully with curves and dips and extending nearly 5.5 kilometers (3.4 miles) along the edge of the Rio Magdalena, the Malecón opened in 2017 with support from the Puerta de Oro, Empresa de Desarrollo Caribe SAS, after the original land sat unused for many years.

Accessible by car, taxi, or a daily Transmetro bus, the Malecón is open from 5:00 a.m. to 10:00 p m. and features tennis courts, a futból cancha (practice green), and a playground area, plus plenty of paved walkways, stairs, and multi-level sitting spaces. It is a haven for people who love outdoor exercise and offers a spectacular urban landscape to enhance bicycling, walking, and running.

The Malecón is relatively safe, often crowded, and very popular with families and tourists, especially at Christmastime when hundreds of holiday lights, trees, and decorations fill the open, green spaces.

When you visit the Malecón, be sure to visit the Caiman del Rio, a shopping and gastronomic delight comprised of fine dining, cafés, and casual eateries, with restaurants focused on the immigrant culture that includes Asian, Italian, Mediterranean, Mexican, and American food. The Malecón is fondly known as El Gran Malecón, Malecón Tourist León Caridi, and Malecón Turístico Río Magdalena Barranquilla. Whatever you call it, be sure to visit this fantastic place in Barranquilla.

✏️ Expert Tip: During a visit to Barranquilla in 2022, it was revealed that the Museo del Caribe had closed due to a burden of financial debts. While there is talk of the museum reopening, one question may be…what happened to Gabriel Garcia Marquez’s typewriter and other relics that were so proudly displayed in the museum?

14. Parroque de San Nicholás de Tolentino

Travelers, whether religious or simply curious about architecture and who take great pleasure in viewing churches will want to include the Parroque de San Nicholas on their list of fantastic places in Barranquilla to visit.

This stunning, historic church, with its vibrant blue, orange, coral, and cream color scheme, has a facade enhanced by hand-painted tiles and dynamic twin steeples The Parroque also features towering gothic arches, a lengthy, traditional sanctuary, and wooden beams across its vast ceiling.

✏️ Expert Tip: Online photos of the Church of Saint Nicholas just don’t do this magical iglesia any justice! With its brilliant exterior, gothic arches, and towering steeples, you’ll want to make it a must-see place when visiting Barranquilla. Many visitors who behold the beauty of this holy place say that San Nicholas remains one of the most iconic churches in all their world travels. Don’t miss it!

Located at Avenida el Progreso #35, Parroque de San Nicholas faces out onto a busy plaza (open square) a few blocks away from the busy streets of the Centro Historico market area. Whether you visit in the bustling morning hours or the afternoon – when shoppers are resting in the plaza or on the steps of the church – enjoy the opportunity to view this iconic beauty in Barranquilla. 

Start Planning Now

So, there you have it! What do you think? Are you ready to see if you love these 14 fantastic places in Barranquilla, Colombia? (Hint: I’m almost positive you will.) Why not start planning now, using this list? Work your way through the city, starting in the south at CC Parque Alegra, visiting places from the list along the way, and finally ending in the north at Kilymandario for a sunset dinner. You never know, it could be the best city adventure yet!

Whatever you decide to do, you now know about these options to make your visit to Colombia’s 4th largest city completely memorable and fun. After all, ¡quien lo vive es quien lo goza!” (“The one who lives life, is the one who enjoys it”).