Is Barranquilla, Colombia Worth Visiting? (Shakira’s Hometown)

Barranquilla, Colombia is often overlooked by U.S. travelers focused on Medellín, Cartagena, or Bogotá. But as Colombia’s fourth-largest city and the cultural home of global stars like Shakira and Sofía Vergara, is Barranquilla, Colombia worth visiting?

Located on Colombia’s northern Caribbean coast, right where the Magdalena River meets the sea, Barranquilla is a city of about 1.2 million people. Unlike Cartagena’s colonial charm or Medellin’s polished digital nomad infrastructure, Barranquilla feels like a real, working Caribbean city — less curated, more local, and more laid-back.

[Watch the Video Below for Full Insight]

First Impressions & Overall Vibe of Barranquilla

Barranquilla has a calm, relaxed energy. You’ll find plenty of parks filled with people sitting, talking, and enjoying the shade. Many parks include outdoor calisthenics equipment and basketball courts, giving the city an active but casual atmosphere.

There are mango trees throughout the city. If you’re lucky, you might grab a fresh & free mango that’s fallen from a tree. But be careful eating them, because a squirrel or other critter could have gotten to it first and I don’t want you to catch rabies!

It feels lived in. Not overly touristy. Not staged for visitors.

That authenticity is part of its charm.

Weather: Hot but Breezy

I visited in July, and the heat was real! Mid to high temperatures almost daily. However, what surprised me was the steady breeze and the amount of shade thanks to the many trees around the city.

Evenings were comfortable and enjoyable. Daytime walking, though? Be prepared to sweat. If you plan to explore outdoors, mornings and sunset are your best bet.

I experienced clear skies most of the time and very little rain during my stay.

El Malecón del Río

The highlight of Barranquilla, Colombia is the Gran Malecón del Río, a modern riverfront boardwalk along the Magdalena River.

It features walking paths, restaurants, bike lanes, and open areas where families gather in the evenings. It’s one of the most developed and enjoyable public spaces in the city.

That said, the river itself is brown and muddy — not the Caribbean blue some visitors might expect. Visually it’s not stunning, but the overall atmosphere and breeze make it a great place to spend time.

Statues of Shakira and Sofía Vergara

Barranquilla proudly celebrates its global celebrities.

There is a large Shakira statue honoring the internationally famous singer who was born in the city. Recently, a Sofía Vergara statue was also unveiled along the Malecón, recognizing another globally recognized actress from Barranquilla, Colombia.

Two major international stars from the same city — that’s something Barranquilla takes pride in.

Barranquilla Carnaval: The Main Attraction

Barranquilla Carnaval is one of the largest carnivals in the world, second only to Rio de Janeiro.

During Carnival season, the city transforms into a vibrant explosion of parades, music, dancing, and elaborate costumes. This is when Barranquilla truly becomes a tourism hotspot.

Outside of Carnival season, the city is much calmer. If you’re visiting primarily for energy and party vibes, timing your trip around Carnaval makes a big difference.

Food & Viva Barranquilla Mall

One place worth visiting (especially to escape the heat) is Viva Barranquilla, the largest mall in the city. It’s modern, air-conditioned, and has a wide range of shops, restaurants, and a large Éxito supermarket.

I ate at Porthos Steakhouse & Pub inside the mall and had a very good experience. The food was solid, the atmosphere relaxed, and it’s a good sit-down option if you’re spending time there.

That said, I didn’t eat out extensively during my trip. I mostly bought my own groceries and cooked, which was more economical. Dining out regularly will raise your costs, but overall prices are still affordable compared to U.S. standards.

Where to Stay

Popular neighborhoods for visitors include El Prado, Alto Prado, and Riomar. These are cleaner, more modern areas with higher price tags.

My Airbnb experience was mixed. There were limited good budget options, and it felt like a small number of hosts controlled many listings. Most apartments didn’t have hot water (which honestly wasn’t necessary due to the heat), and many lacked washers — even higher-priced units.

WiFi was inconsistent. In fact, I had to leave one Airbnb early due to unresolved WiFi issues. If you work online, test the internet immediately upon arrival.

Cost & Getting Around

By U.S. standards, Barranquilla is affordable. By Colombian standards, it falls somewhere in the mid-range. Higher “estrato” neighborhoods come with higher prices.

Uber works well in the city, and taxis are widely available. Because of the heat and how spread out the city is, you’ll likely rely on rideshare services more than walking.

Cleanliness & Safety

Certain areas of Barranquilla could be cleaner. I noticed visible trash even in some better districts. More trash cans and improved city upkeep would elevate the experience.

As for safety, standard precautions apply. Stick to good neighborhoods, avoid flashing valuables, and use rideshare services at night. It didn’t feel chaotic or extremely unsafe, but it also doesn’t feel as tourist-buffered as parts of Cartagena.