When it comes to coastal Colombia, Cartagena and Santa Marta usually get all the love. Between Cartagena’s colonial porches and Santa Marta’s pristine beaches, there isn’t much time left to celebrate nearby Barranquilla. But that’s a shame because Shakira and Sofia Vergara’s hometown is not without its own delightful attractions. In fact, it’s home to the second biggest Carnaval in the world, drawing duck-walking dandies from all over the world to participate in its gleeful, four-day...
When it comes to coastal Colombia, Cartagena and Santa Marta usually get all the love. Between Cartagena’s colonial porches and Santa Marta’s pristine beaches, there isn’t much time left to celebrate nearby Barranquilla. But that’s a shame because Shakira and Sofia Vergara’s hometown is not without its own delightful attractions. In fact, it’s home to the second biggest Carnaval in the world, drawing duck-walking dandies from all over the world to participate in its gleeful, four-day-long February fête. Featuring its own day-long “Gay Carnaval,” this famous festival unites the entirety of coastal Colombia in celebrating diversity and artistry.
That doesn’t mean that Barranquilla begins and ends with Carnaval, however. When the music fades and the Carnaval Queen hangs up her dress, Colombia’s Golden Gate offers its own off-season entertainment. In addition to visiting the Casa del Carnaval and learning about the Carnaval itself, you can discover historical tidbits and cultural insight in every corner of this sprawling city, Colombia’s fourth biggest. Though lacking the imposing archaeological sites of Cartagena, Barranquilla still has a unique heritage. For example, it was never originally planned to be a Spanish colony; consequently, it has a more purely Colombian spirit than its coastal cousins. Additionally, it’s a former haunt of the famed author Gabriel García Marquez — a fact made clear after one visit to the restaurant La Cueva or to the Museo Romántico. On top of all that, the city is much cleaner and safer than Cartagena and Santa Marta, which tend towards the touristy side. You don’t have to keep such a close eye on your wallet here. Barranquilla is even less hot than Cartagena, thanks to the sea breeze that blows through from November to April.
Uber is a great option for getting around, though there’s also reliable public transportation. If you’re really in a pinch, though, you can hitch a ride on one of the anachronistic horse-drawn carts that inch their way through this otherwise modern city. As for where to stay, look no further than Alto Prado – an upper-class haven just north of the city’s historic center. Just a stone’s throw from the picturesque riverside Malecón (and its accompanying attractions), Alto Prado offers a plethora of cafés, restaurants, and clubs that cater to discerning tastes. There’s also no shortage of fabulous, smartly dressed young people populating the area. Otherwise, El Prado and Riomar are good options for exploring Barranquilla's burgeoning culinary scene. In addition to being a breeding ground for top-notch Lebanese restaurants, Barranquilla is home to quite a few adventurous chefs.
Finally, as a cherry on top, you won’t have to worry about being harassed for PDA in Barranquilla. You’re more likely to get looks for being a tourist; non-Colombian visitors are few and far between. Just enjoy the town’s bright, welcoming Colombian spirit, and marvel at Barranquilla’s raison d’être, the majestic Magdalena River. Best seen by boat or from the Malecón, the Rio Magdalena has inspired poets, painters, and politicians ever since the city’s founding. It’s both the literal and metaphorical beginning of your journey into Colombia.
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Restaurants
Restaurante Helena
Hellenic happiness
El Prado
Restaurante La Cueva
Art, history, and culinary excellence
Boston
Caimán del Río
Just eat at the rivers and the lakes that you're meant to
Riomar