Barranquilla
Although many of the cities in Colombia have plenty to offer, Barranquilla is one of those cities that may not stand out as a location you would first imagine going. But once you’ve arrived you enjoy every minute you spend within its borders. The information below will give you some idea why the city has become a popular getaway.
Barranquilla is officially the fourth largest city in Colombia with just over one million residents. Those residents have all chosen a wonderful location to call home thanks to its location near the Caribbean Sea in northern Colombia. Nearby the city is the Magdalena River. The city is also set apart by the fact that is the largest industrial center in all of Colombia.
Getting around the city is also quite convenient. Several options are available, including taking a taxi. If you’ve just arrived in the city and are trying to get your bearings then the taxi could be your best choices. Most of time you’ll pay no more than $3 USD for a trip in the city but negotiate with the driver ahead of time because no meter are used in Barranquilla Colombia taxis. Buses are also available and are cheap but can be difficult to navigate if you do not know Spanish. Another good choice is car rental but the cost is higher. Make sure you do not use the so-called mototaxis which are motorcycles operating as taxis illegally. Although the fares are cheap, the risks are great.
Although Barranquilla Colombia isn’t the largest city in the country, there are plenty of activities to keep you busy during the day. Music is a huge aspect of life in the city which is also home to the internationally-popular singer Shakira. You can attend the Barranquijazz which is a jazz and salsa music concert. If you’re more interest in metal and rock music, check out the annual Miche Rock Festival for local, independent, and underground musicians.
Like music, sports are a big deal in Barranquilla. Soccer is followed passionately so you may want to secure tickets to a match by the home team known as the Atletico Junior who play at the Estadio Metropolitano.
Of course when you’re not enjoying sports and music, you can take in some of the city’s shopping. You’ll find a number of shopping malls which also offer international items. Two shopping centers you might want to visit during your stay are Villa Country and Buena Vista. These are both in the northern part of Barranquilla.
Location & Population in Barranquilla
Barranquilla is officially the fourth largest city in Colombia with just over one million residents. Those residents have all chosen a wonderful location to call home thanks to its location near the Caribbean Sea in northern Colombia. Nearby the city is the Magdalena River. The city is also set apart by the fact that is the largest industrial center in all of Colombia.
Barranquilla Transportation
Getting around the city is also quite convenient. Several options are available, including taking a taxi. If you’ve just arrived in the city and are trying to get your bearings then the taxi could be your best choices. Most of time you’ll pay no more than $3 USD for a trip in the city but negotiate with the driver ahead of time because no meter are used in Barranquilla Colombia taxis. Buses are also available and are cheap but can be difficult to navigate if you do not know Spanish. Another good choice is car rental but the cost is higher. Make sure you do not use the so-called mototaxis which are motorcycles operating as taxis illegally. Although the fares are cheap, the risks are great.
Exciting Things to Do
Although Barranquilla Colombia isn’t the largest city in the country, there are plenty of activities to keep you busy during the day. Music is a huge aspect of life in the city which is also home to the internationally-popular singer Shakira. You can attend the Barranquijazz which is a jazz and salsa music concert. If you’re more interest in metal and rock music, check out the annual Miche Rock Festival for local, independent, and underground musicians.
Like music, sports are a big deal in Barranquilla. Soccer is followed passionately so you may want to secure tickets to a match by the home team known as the Atletico Junior who play at the Estadio Metropolitano.
Of course when you’re not enjoying sports and music, you can take in some of the city’s shopping. You’ll find a number of shopping malls which also offer international items. Two shopping centers you might want to visit during your stay are Villa Country and Buena Vista. These are both in the northern part of Barranquilla.
Exploring Museums and History
Unlike many Colombian cities, Baranquilla seems more focused on modern culture and less on the historic. That doesn’t mean you can’t find some ways to enjoy the more artistic side of your personality, however. You should definitely spend some time at the Museo de Arte Moderno de Barranquilla (MAMB). If you happen to be visiting the city during April, you can also enjoy the Carnaval Internacional de las Artes which is festival of art from all over the world held annually in the city.Festive Locations in Barranquilla
While the day time may not be the most exciting in Colombia, the nightlife is some of the best you’ll find in the country. As in other nearby cities, the biggest time for parties is going to occur between Thursday and Sunday. You’ll find a number of excellent bars and nightclubs in the area, including the ever popular Frogg Leggs which is great for dancing. You can also find some great 1980’s retro bars, such as Old Times, or more subdued bars, such as Luna Negra. If you want a more unusual party experience, visit an estanco. These are liquor stores converted into party spots in the evening. Residents in the area will either use their stereos for music or live bands will perform at the locations. Of course, drinks will be available.Don’t Miss Barranquilla Hot Spots
Check your calendar before you plan your trip and identify the date four days prior to Ash Wednesday. That’s the date you want to be in Barranquilla because that’s when the city’s famous Carnival begins. Being considered second to Rio’s festival didn’t stop this all-night party from being named an important piece of human heritage by UNESCO in 2003.Permalink
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