Is Barranquilla safe?
A friendly city with real street crime. Stay in Prado, Alto Prado or Riomar, avoid walking after dark, and take extra care during Carnival crowds.
Key facts
- SoloSquare safety rating: 3/5, take real precautions.
- Homicide rate in Colombia: 24.9 per 100,000 people (2023, UNODC via World Bank).
- Road deaths in Colombia: 15.4 per 100,000 people a year (2019, WHO).
- Emergency numbers: Police 123 · Ambulance 123 · Fire 119 · All emergencies 123.
Safety in Barranquilla at a glance
| What to expect | |
|---|---|
| Overall | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
| Crime | Phone and bag snatching, motorbike robberies, armed theft after dark and pickpocketing at Carnival; drug-related violence affects some outer neighbourhoods. |
| At night | Alto Prado and Riomar are fine for restaurants; avoid walking elsewhere after dark. Use Uber, DiDi or hotel taxis, especially during Carnival. |
| Solo women | Solo women travel here; catcalling is common. Meet dates in public, watch drinks and use ride apps at night. |
| Other risks | Flash flooding in arroyos during storms; Heat index above 38°C; Dense crowds and drinking at Carnival |
Scams, areas and local laws
Common scams
- Fake taxis or drivers picking up tourists at the airport
- Carnival vendors adding hidden fees
- Dating-app dates ending in drugging and robbery
- Fake police checks asking to see cash
Take care
- Southwest and outer barrios outside tourist zones
- Centro (downtown) at night
- Carnival crowds: phones and wallets get stolen
- Vía 40 industrial zone after dark
Calmer areas to stay
Laws visitors break by accident
- Carry your passport or a copy; police checks are common.
- Buying drugs is illegal, and street deals are a common setup for robbery.
How Barranquilla compares in Colombia
| Place | Safety |
|---|---|
| Salento | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Guatapé | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| San Andrés | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Minca | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Palomino | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Villa de Leyva | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| San Gil | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Jardín | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Leticia | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Medellín | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
| Cartagena | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
| Bogotá | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
| Santa Marta | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
| Cali | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
| Barranquilla | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
| Pereira | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
Quick answers
Is Barranquilla safe for solo female travelers?
Solo women travel here; catcalling is common. Meet dates in public, watch drinks and use ride apps at night.
Is Barranquilla safe at night?
Alto Prado and Riomar are fine for restaurants; avoid walking elsewhere after dark. Use Uber, DiDi or hotel taxis, especially during Carnival.
What is the crime rate in Barranquilla?
Phone and bag snatching, motorbike robberies, armed theft after dark and pickpocketing at Carnival; drug-related violence affects some outer neighbourhoods. Nationally, Colombia records 24.9 homicides per 100,000 people a year (2023).
What number do I call in an emergency in Barranquilla?
Police 123 · Ambulance 123 · Fire 119 · All emergencies 123.
More about Barranquilla
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Sources
- Barranquilla tourism
- Aeropuerto Ernesto Cortissoz
- Carnaval de Barranquilla
- World Bank: intentional homicides (UNODC)
- World Bank: road traffic deaths (WHO)
Safety ratings are SoloSquare's editorial judgment from official advisories, crime data and local reporting. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.