• View
• Edit
• History
• Print

Barranquilla Colombia

INTRODUCTION

Colombia's Golden Gate as it is well known around nationals, is an industrial city on the north coast. "Curramba, the beautiful" or "La Arenosa (Sandy City) are names the locals gave their city due to the famous joy of its citizens and the continuous celebration that takes place here. The "Carnaval de Barranquilla" is the most representative event in town and famous all over Latin America.

HISTORY

Barranquilla is the fourth largest city of Colombia. The city is known as Colombia's Golden Gate because it was the country's first port and at a time was considered the city with the highest level of industrialization and modernity. It was also the place where the first airport of South america was built. Nowadays, Barranquilla is the fourth largest city, nevertheless 60 years ago it was the second largest and most modern one, but after local administrations miss managed the city's resources, a decline of the standard living was unevitable. Barranquilla is currently working to recover part of its past status promoting investment and tourism.

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

Barranquilla has a year round tropical weather, which basically means the climate is very humid and hot. Rainy seasons are nit the best time to travel. Due to city's infraestructure mistakes, when it rains, some streets flood producing "arroyos" or streams, which are extremely dangerous. Therefore, traveling between April to June or september to November wouldn't be the best choice.

ATTRACTIONS

Barranquilla's main attraction is its carnival: "Carnaval de Barranquilla". The celebration's events start as early as January, but its core days are four days before Ash Wednesday, therefore is an annually changing date.

As a vacation spot, Barranquilla has a big plus: it's just an hour away from incredible cities such as Cartagena and Santa Marta, giving the traveler the opportunity to plan one-day trips to other major destinies. A useful fact to have in mind before going is that beaches aren't properly inside the city but 15-20 minutes away.

RESTAURANTS

Caribbean cuisine is present everywhere in town. We highly recommend "Narcobollo" for a traditional caribbean breakfast or to grab some food right after a night of partying. Mac Mondongo is also a must when it comes to local food (recommended: "Arroz trifasico". Due to the arab influence, Barranquilla's traditional cuisine is full of arab restaurants such as "Arabe Gourmet", "Medio Oriente" or "Farahs" and "Arana" (order a Shawarma). International food counts with a variety of restaurants such as "Zahle", "Rodizio", "Steak Hous Chez Ernest" or Mailia Restaurant and Gallery". City's fast food is probably the best in the country. "One Way", "Deliperchuz", "Donde esta Javier" are just a few examples of the spots where this food is serve. No matter the place you choose, try out the following: "chuzo desgranado", "perro italosuizo" or "picada de bollo". But remember: fast food doesn't really exist in Barranquilla. The service is usually slow, therefore ordering a simple hot dog but be just as late as ordering a plate of pasta and dessert.

NIGHTLIFE

Barranquilla is a small city but it has plenty of choices when it comes to nighlife. Going to liquor stores and grab a few drinks is a common thing between locals. Although the lounge trend has taken over the city, that is why places like "Mangala"or Ambigu" are visited pre-party. Rumbeaderos or nightclubs offer is reduced but great: Barullo, Seven and Frogg Leggs are the places to go.

LODGING

This city is recognized for the warmth and kindness of its citizens, the "costenos". Having a friend or someone you know there would be recommended, if not almost everybody would be probably willing up to help you. Hotels such as "El Prado" (the most traditional one), "Dann Carlton", "Puerta del Sol" and "Barranquilla Plaza" are aditional options.

PERSONAL STORIES