The Carnaval de Barranquilla was designated a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2003.
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Renowned for its balmy weather and UNESCO World Heritage-listed colonial walled district, the Colombian city of Cartagena has become one of South America’s most sought-after vacation destinations in recent years—but it’s far from the only city worth visiting across the Colombian Caribbean. Roughly 2.5 hours northeast in the department of Atlántico, Barranquilla currently serves as the fourth-largest city in the nation, with more than 1.25 million people residing within its limits. While the city has spent centuries as a crucial port thanks to its close proximity to the Caribbean Sea, it lives on today as a hub for coastal Colombian culture, with ample opportunity to immerse yourself in the city’s seafood scene as well as explore the nightlife and rich legacy of the Carnaval de Barranquilla.
Where to Stay
Barranquilla earned the nickname “La Puerta de Oro de Colombia” (or The Golden Gate of Colombia) in … [+] the 1940s due to its economic prosperity.
Hotel El Prado
Barranquilla is home to its fair share of upscale accommodations, but few can match the cultural significance of the Hotel el Prado. Officially opened in 1930, this storied structure is largely considered to be one of Latin America’s first tourist hotels, constructed specifically to draw in visitors with its grandiose design and outdoor pool—and in the modern era, it continues to serve as the perfect base for first-time visitors. For a particularly luxurious stay, guests should be sure to spring for the Executive Suite—a 56-square-meter space that comes with its own jacuzzi—while no visit is complete without booking an idyllic meal at the pool bar, an open-air space that’s home to hearty Peruvian dishes like sea bass ceviche and arroz chaufa.
Meanwhile, those who prefer to stay in the city center can find charming accommodations in the form of El Hotel San Nicolás Colonial. A longstanding fixture of Barranquilla’s Plaza de San Nicolás, this colorful property stands as a testament to the historical significance of Gabriel García Márquez, an acclaimed author that spent some of his most formative years living in the city. Each individual room is decorated with charming flourishes that tie back to his most renowned literary works, while the common area comes complete with a small aquarium tank and tranquil indoor garden—and to sweeten the deal, Barranquilla’s dazzling Church of San Nicolás can be found just a few steps away from the hotel.
Drinking and Dining
Barranquilla is home to a robust Syrian and Lebanese dining scene due to high levels of immigration … [+] from these regions in the 19th and 20th centuries.
Palo de Mango
Barranquilla’s ideal location on the mouth of the Magdalena River has fostered a thriving food scene, with fresh produce and protein arriving to the city each day—and for a glimpse into the rich flavors of the Colombian Caribbean paired with a hearty dose of history, there’s no better destination than Restaurante La Cueva. Open since 1954, this storied venue was a popular hangout spot for the Grupo de Barranquilla, an alliance of highly-acclaimed academics that included the aforementioned Gabriel García Márquez—and while the restaurant is brimming with vintage photographs of the author and his colleagues, it also excels at the art of seafood, with dishes spanning from shrimp-loaded arroz kuki kuki to cazuela de mariscos. Further north, Palo de Mango is the perfect spot for an elegant night out, with refined dishes like passion fruit honey salmon, rum-infused pepper steak and Lebanese-style chicken skewers all served in a polished, plant-filled space.
In addition to all sorts of hearty dishes, Barranquilla is also equipped with a vibrant nightlife scene—and to start your evening off right, be sure to pay a visit to La Troja. In business for well over half a century, this vibrant venue has earned recognition by the city government for its cultural significance, serving as one of the top spots in the city for salsa dancing into the early hours of the morning. After a few drinks at La Troja, tourists can keep the party going with a trip to La Popular, a colorful bar found just a few blocks away from the Hotel el Prado. Equipped with a roster of beloved reggaetón hits and a whole lot of aguardiente, this bustling space is perfect for celebrating the night in typical Colombian fashion.
Top Activities
Shakira was born in Barranquilla on February 2nd, 1977.
AFP via Getty Images
In addition to a thriving nightlife scene, Barranquilla also plays host to one of Colombia’s most electric events: the Carnaval de Barranquilla. A beloved local tradition for well over a century, this vibrant event draws participants from all across Colombia each year—and for a deep dive on this beloved festival, the Museo del Carnaval de Barranquilla is the perfect destination. During a visit, guests can discover the storied Carnaval traditions held by cities across the globe—Port of Spain, Rio de Janeiro and Santa Cruz de Tenerife, to name a few—as well as back home in the Colombian Caribbean, and as an added bonus, the museum also boasts a wealth of dazzling items held from previous carnivals, with all sorts of ornate gowns and sparkling crowns on display across the space.
While Barranquilla doesn’t actually touch the Caribbean Sea, the city offers a charming alternative in the form of the Malecón del Río, a lengthy promenade that spans along the mouth of the Magdalena River. First unveiled in 2017, this shoreside attraction is broken into five separate portions, providing locals with an opportunity to make use of its many pedestrian trails, playgrounds and restaurants. Visitors can enjoy a hearty lunch in full view of the river at Caimán del Río—a colorful food court that offers all sorts of local cuisine—and no visit is complete without paying a visit to the towering Shakira statue, a monument crafted in honor of one of Barranquilla’s—and Colombia’s—most famous musicians.
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Publish date : 2024-12-29 00:54:00
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