18 Best Things To Do In Barranquilla, Colombia

1. Spend a day at Zoologico de Barranquilla

If you are on a vacation to beautiful Barranquilla with your family, you might want to treat them to a fun day at the Zoologico de Barranquilla. It is a fascinating zoo with a park-like setting and habitats that resemble wildlife. It has thousands of different species of animals from mammals to reptiles, fishes to birds, and others. Watch your kids marvel at the sight of the friendly animals and witness them have a great time at the Zoologico de Barranquilla. Don’t forget to bring a camera to capture those family photos.

Zoologico de Barranquilla

Address: Esquina, Calle 76 con Carrera 68, Barranquilla, Atlántico, Colombia

Website: Zoologico de Barranquilla

Opening hours: 9am - 5pm (daily)

2. Admire the stunning stained glass windows of Queen Mary Cathedral

If you were born and raised a Catholic, there’s no way you should miss visiting the Queen Mary Cathedral on your Barranquilla vacation. Also known as the Metropolitan Cathedral of Queen Mary, it is a majestic church that is dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary. It nests in the heart of the city near most of the other top-visited establishments and landmarks. Say few prayers of wishes and thanks when you visit the church. Also, you will be mesmerized by the breathtaking stained glass windows in the Queen Mary Cathedral.

Queen Mary Cathedral

Address: Barranquilla, Atlantico, Colombia

Website: Queen Mary Cathedral

3. Groove to the beats of salsa at La Troja

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

While visiting foreign cities, tourists tend to be excited about the nightlife, the excellent restaurants, and the high-energy bars. Well, no one can blame them because we go on vacations to have a great time. If you agree with this idea and you like live music and premium drinks, you should head over the lovely La Troja Bar. With upbeat salsa music, exquisite food, and overflowing drinks, La Troja Bar promises a delightful and relaxing time for their guests. Not to mention, the locals are very friendly and good drinkers as well.

La Troja

Address: Carrera 8 esquina con Calle 44 #44-8, Barranquilla, Atlántico, Colombia

Website: La Troja

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

4. Appreciate native Caribbean culture at Museo del Caribe

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

If you love city tours and museum visits, you might like to spend a day at the fascinating Mused del Caribe in the heart of Barranquilla. It features gorgeous, simple and contemporary exterior designs and the interior is clean, organized, and exudes relaxed vibes that will help you appreciate the displays more. They feature galleries, exhibits, significant artefacts, and other objects that showcase the wealth of the native Carribean culture. They also have a space dedicated to Colombian people from every generation. Come with friends so you’ll have company to share the delightful experience with.

Museo del Caribe

Address: Cl. 36 ##46 - 66, Barranquilla, Atlántico, Colombia

Website: Museo del Caribe

Opening hours: 9am - 5pm (daily)

5. Stroll on the lakeside promenade of Great Malecon - Golden Gate Park

Thinking of spending some alone time to enjoy the whole Barranquilla vacation? If so, a great place to unwind, stroll, and relax for a while is at the Great Malecon - Golden Gate Park. It features relaxing benches and gazebos and has become a melting pot for tourists and locals alike. It is also considered one of the most visited places in Barranquilla. You can relax and chill as you enjoy the fresh air and the fantastic view of busy Barranquilla.

Great Malecon - Golden Gate Park

Address: Barranquilla, Atlantico, Colombia

Website: Great Malecon - Golden Gate Park

Opening hours: 6am - 10pm (daily)

6. Browse through old books at the historic Antiguo Edificio de la Aduana

Located in Calle 50 36 - 135, Antigua Edificio de la Aduana is a fascinating structure and landmark in Barranquilla with a gorgeous Republican architectural style. Inside, you can marvel at the beauty of the interiors and get to see and read a wide collection of antique books from all over the world. Not to mention, the viewing deck from Antiguo Edificio de la Aduana boasts of a magnificent vista of the Atlantic. Plus, the lovely lamps adorning the inside of the building add a colonial charm to the place.

Antiguo Edificio de la Aduana

Address: Calle 40 36 - 135, Barranquilla 080003, Colombia

7. Feast on traditional arepas at Arepas Y Arepas

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

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Your Colombian vacation wouldn’t be complete without trying tasty arepas. Arepas is a fantastic dessert that is primarily made from ground maize dough and sweeteners. It is often accompanied by cheese, chicken, pork, avocados, and other side dishes. If you are already curious, you should visit Arepas Y Arepas in downtown Barranquilla, as it bills itself the best restaurant serving this delicious local delicacy. Gorge on the mouthwatering arepas and make your heart cry happy tears!

Arepas Y Arepas

Address: Cl. 74 #4942, Barranquilla, Atlántico, Colombia

Website: Arepas Y Arepas

Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 5pm - 10:30pm (closed on Sun)

8. Check out the pre-Colombian artifacts at Museo Mapuka

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Located in Bloque K. Edificio de Ingenierias, Museo Mapuka is a fascinating and lovely modern museum with a wide collection of pre-Colombian artefacts. It also houses, exhibits, galleries, and artefacts that are significant to the history of the city. Plus, they hold events and activities that interested people can take part in. Be sure to visit with family and friends for a more memorable and delightful time.

Museo Mapuka

Address: Bloque K. Edificio de Ingenierías, Barranquilla, Atlántico, Colombia

Website: Museo Mapuka

Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 9am - 5:30pm; Sat: 9am - 1pm (closed on Sun)

9. Thrift for bargain threads at Oscar de la 30

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

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If you are on a tight budget or a naturally frugal person, there is one place in Boyaca that you will surely excite you. It is the Oscar de la 30 Store selling delightful, cheap yet quality products that you can buy as souvenirs for friends and family or for yourself. From tops to bottoms, socks, and accessories, they have everything for you. You just have to be patient in finding the best buys for you as they have mountains and mountains of products. Not to mention, the staff is kind and is always pleased to be of assistance. Score discounts and bargains at Oscar de la 30.

Oscar de la 30

Address: Boyacá #38-34, Barranquilla, Atlántico, Colombia

Website: Oscar de la 30

Opening hours: 6:30am - 6pm (daily)

10. Order traditional Colombian dishes at Narcobollo Barranquilla

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Looking for a delightful restaurant for a family lunch or a birthday celebration? Whatever the occasion is, you should visit and try the food at Narcobollo Barranquilla when you are in the city. It features a lovely restaurant with a relaxed ambience and excellent service. They guarantee that their food is not just delicious and flavorful, but also fresh and made from high-quality, locally sourced ingredients. Bring your family and friends, and together, enjoy a wonderful dining experience at Narcobollo Barranquilla.

Narcobollo Barranquilla

Address: Cra. 43 ##84-188, Barranquilla, Atlántico, Colombia

Website: Narcobollo Barranquilla

Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 7am - 9pm; Sat - Sun: 6:30am - 9pm

11. Attend mass in the air-conditioned comforts of Iglesia de la Inmaculada Concepcion

If you like to attend Mass while in Barranquilla, you might like to visit the majestic Iglesia de la Immaculada Concepcion. It is a lovely church that showcases a well-kept, neat white exterior. Elegant lamps adorn the inside of Iglesia de la Immaculada Concepcion and add their charm to the holy atmosphere. If you or an acquaintance are planning a destination wedding in Barranquilla, this church would be a great choice as it is stunning with a romantic aura. Mass is very comfortable at the church as it is fully airconditioned.

Iglesia de la Inmaculada Concepcion

Address: Cra. 57 #68-85, Barranquilla, Atlántico, Colombia

Opening hours: 8am - 6pm (daily)

12. Visit the playgrounds of Parque Suri Salcedo

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Barranquilla has lots of fascinating public parks. One of them is the popular Parque Suri Salcedo. This park is occasionally a venue for live performances and public events. It is vast, with lots of lush greens, relaxing benches, and gazebos. It also has a playground where kids can run around and play safely. This park is one of the most-visited parks in Barranquilla and oftentimes crowded with people spending time with their loved ones.

Parque Suri Salcedo

Address: Barranquilla, Atlantico, Colombia

Website: Parque Suri Salcedo

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

13. Down some classic cocktails at popular Coco Beach

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

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Thinking of a delightful place to visit? If so, you might want to try the stunning Coco Beach. Located in Hotel GHL Collection, this charming bar features elegant interiors with expansive windows that allow lots of natural light and a cool and airy ambience. They also serve mouthwatering dishes that will keep your tummy satisfied and happy. Not to mention the premium drinks will make your time more slowly. The bartenders are professional and are always ready to mix your favourite cocktails and mocktails.

Coco Beach

Address: HOTEL GHL COLLECTION, Cl. 107 #5069, Barranquilla, Atlántico, Colombia

Website: Coco Beach

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

14. Soak up cultural vibes at Parque Cultural Del Caribe

Parque Cultural Del Caribe is a lovely park in Barranquilla and also a fantastic cultural centre of the city. Surrounded by lush greens, adorned by tall trees that add relaxing vibes to the place, and featuring comfortable benches, the Parque Cultural del Caribe is a charming hang out if you want some relaxing time. It also holds concerts, events, and activities that you will surely enjoy. Imagine dancing to live music and singing to your favourite song, that describes the lively atmosphere at Parque Cultural Del Caribe during an event. Come with your friends or your significant other and enjoy the rest of the experience.

Parque Cultural Del Caribe

Address: Cl. 36 #No. 46-66, Barranquilla, Atlántico, Colombia

Website: Parque Cultural Del Caribe

Opening hours: Tue - Sat: 8am - 5pm (closed on Sun & Mon)

15. Get your exercise fix at Electrificadora Park

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Are you a physically fit person or just a regular person who is looking for a perfect biking and jogging spot in Barranquilla. Well, you might want to check out the vast Electrificadora Park in the city and blow off some steam or chill for a while. With lots of greens and excellent jogging tracks and biking routes, you will definitely get your exercise fix at this park. Not to mention it has sports courts and a playground that kids will surely love. It is also a popular events venue for concerts and other live performances. Plus, it is open 24 hours, seven days a week.

Electrificadora Park

Address: Barranquilla, Atlantico, Colombia

Website: Electrificadora Park

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

16. Shop your heart out at Buenavista Mall

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

If your idea of a delightful time is gorging on excellent mouthwatering food, shopping for your favourite brands, spa treatments, movies, and things of that sort, then you’re in luck. There is a fantastic establishment in Barranquilla that can provide you with all these activities - the Buenavista Mall. The Buenavista Mall is a melting pot of people in search of a luxurious time. It houses a plethora of exquisite restaurants, superb global brands as well as local ones, and relaxing recreational areas and establishments. Not to mention, alone or with a company, you will never get bored in Buenavista Mall.

Buenavista Mall

Address: Cl. 98 #52-115, Barranquilla, Atlántico, Colombia

Website: Buenavista Mall

Opening hours: 10am - 8pm (daily)

17. Snack on delicious empanadas at Empanadas las Unicas

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

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If you want to experience all the mouthwatering eats of the beautiful city of Barranquilla, you should never miss out their empanadas. It is a favourite Colombian dish that is also popular in Latin countries and the Philippines. It is primarily made from fried or baked pastry with an assortment of fillings from ground beef to small cubes of potatoes to beans, a slice of hard-boiled egg, and more. If you are already tempted, there is a fantastic eatery in Barranquilla that offers flavorful empanadas. It is called Empanadas las Unicas. It is a simple restaurant in the city. Be sure to check it out when you visit Barranquilla.

Empanadas las Unicas

Address: Cl. 96 #45B-48, Barranquilla, Atlántico, Colombia

Facebook: Empanadas las Unicas

Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 6am - 8pm; Sun: 6am - 12pm

18. Enjoy a visit to the festive Plaza de la Paz

The best way to learn about the cities you visit is to interact with the locals. One place to do so is the Plaza de la Paz. It is a beautiful public plaza with a festive vibe and lots of eateries, retail stores, souvenir shops, and other establishments. A lot of locals and tourists alike come to this place to relax, make friends, and share stories with other people. Visit Plaza de la Paz and experience a local trading place of beautiful Barranquilla.

Plaza de la Paz

Address: Cl. 53 #46-07, Barranquilla, Atlántico, Colombia

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

Beautiful Barranquilla

With a city as vibrant as Barranquilla, there is so much in store that is waiting for tourists. From huge carnivals to fascinating landmarks and well-visited establishments, you will never run out of things to do, food to try, parties to attend, and things of that sort. If you are planning a visit to the city anytime soon, use this article of the best things to do in the city as your guide in organizing your itinerary. May you have a wonderful vacation ahead.