City in Atlántico, Colombia
Barranquilla
Caribbean port city famous for Colombia's biggest Carnival, with live music, cheap eats and few tourists. Hot, humid and sprawling; street crime is real, and sights are limited outside Carnival.
At a glance
- Safety3/5Take real precautionsDetails
- Monthly budget$1,270–2,110Comfortable, one person · $4.2M–7MDetails
- Value for money56/100Better value than 55% of places we coverDetails
- Best time to goDec–MarWarmest: Apr, 30°CDetails
- Air quality17 µg/m³PM2.5 annual average (2018) · PollutedDetails
- Internet231 MbpsFixed broadband, Colombia medianDetails
- Tap waterFilter or boilTap water is treated but many locals use bottled or filtered; ask before drinking in older buildings.Details
- LGBTQ+3/5Tolerant, but be discreetDetails
- Solo travel3/5English: limitedDetails
- Doctor's visit$33–69Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting aroundUberYou'll need transportDetails
- Cash or cardMixed: cards and cashCards are fine in malls, chains and many restaurants; cash is needed for street food, taxis, markets and Carnival vendors.Details
Where to stay in Barranquilla
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| El Prado | Historic mansions, cafés and calmer streets near the centre |
| Alto Prado and Villa Country | Safe, upscale; restaurants, malls and apartments |
| Riomar | Modern towers, parks and family-friendly stays |
| Barrio Abajo | Carnival heart; go on guided visits or events only |
Apps that work in Barranquilla
Ride-hailing
- Maps: Google Maps
- Messaging: WhatsApp
- redBus: Compare and buy intercity bus tickets
- Picap: Motorbike taxis in big cities
- Taxis: Use apps for most trips; street taxis can overcharge, especially at the airport. Agree a fare first if you hail one.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in Colombia.
- Mixed: cards and cash Cards are fine in malls, chains and many restaurants; cash is needed for street food, taxis, markets and Carnival vendors.
- Currency: Peso (COP). US$1 ≈ $3,311.93 on 03 Oct 2026.
- ATMs: Use ATMs inside banks or malls; most charge foreign cards a flat fee and limit each withdrawal.
- Tipping: Restaurants suggest a voluntary 10% service charge and ask before adding it. Taxis and ride apps aren't tipped.
- Paying by phone: Contactless cards and Apple/Google Pay work in cities; Nequi and Daviplata need a Colombian account.
Before you go
Visa and entry
- Complete the free Check-MIG form online between 72 hours and 1 hour before arriving, and again before leaving.
- Airlines and immigration may ask for proof of onward or return travel.
- San Andrés and Providencia charge a tourist card fee, usually paid at your departure airport in mainland Colombia.
Emergency numbers
Police 123 · Ambulance 123 · Fire 119 · All emergencies 123
Plugs
Type A, B · 120 V, 60 Hz. Do I need an adapter?
SIM and eSIM
Prepaid chips from Claro, Movistar or Tigo sell in carrier stores and supermarkets; register with your passport. Claro has the widest coverage. eSIMs work for visitors.
More places in Colombia
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Sources
Prices are SoloSquare estimates; climate, air, safety and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.