Barranquilla sits just inland from the Caribbean, beside the Magdalena River delta, and has long been a port city and the commercial centre of the Atlántico department. It is best known for the Carnival of Barranquilla, declared a National Cultural Heritage and recognised by UNESCO, and it is served by Ernesto Cortissoz International Airport, the first airport built in South America.
For a visitor, the useful distinction is between the historic centre and the northern part of the city, where the mid-range and upper-end accommodation sits. The historic centre is convenient and inexpensive but is described as not particularly safe at night, while the northern areas are calmer and better connected to the bus system. This guide covers which areas to base yourself in, not individual hotels.
Best areas to stay in Barranquilla
1. Centro Histórico
The historic centre is the most practical base if you want to be close to the older part of the city and to the cheaper end of the accommodation. You find budget hotels here, along with many inexpensive places between them that are not listed in guidebooks and are generally a little cheaper; walking around and asking to see rooms is a normal way to choose.
It suits budget travellers and anyone who wants to be central. The practical point to weigh is safety: this area is not particularly safe at night, so plan your evenings accordingly.
2. Las Mercedes
Las Mercedes is a northern area near the centre of town, where you find upper-end accommodation with on-site facilities such as a cafeteria and an outdoor pool. It suits visitors who want a quieter, more comfortable base while still being within reach of the centre.
It is a reasonable choice if you prefer to return to a calmer area in the evening rather than stay in the historic centre.
3. Northern Barranquilla (Calle 98 area)
The northern part of the city, around Calle 98, is where you find the largest hotels, including ones with views of the Caribbean Sea and event facilities with restaurants, a sports bar and an outdoor pool. It suits visitors who want space and services, and it is also where you find mid-range hotels with practical connections.
This area is further from the historic centre, so it works best if you are comfortable using the city's bus system or taking taxis to reach the sights.
Where to stay on a budget, mid-range or splurge
- Budget: small, inexpensive hotels in the historic centre, often with free WiFi and friendly staff; many unlisted places in the same area are slightly cheaper, so it pays to look around.
- Mid-range: renovated hotels with a small swimming pool, on-site restaurant, airport shuttle and bus connections a few blocks away.
- Splurge: larger hotels with outdoor pools, free breakfast, on-site restaurants and bars, event facilities and, in the north, views of the Caribbean Sea.
Best area for a first visit
For a first visit, base yourself in the Centro Histórico if you are watching your budget, or in Las Mercedes or northern Barranquilla if you would rather have more comfort and calmer evenings. The historic centre puts you closest to the older city and the cheapest rooms, but you should not walk there at night. The northern areas trade that convenience for quieter surroundings and better hotel facilities.
Frequently asked questions
Is the historic centre safe at night?
No. The area around the budget hotels in the historic centre is described as not particularly safe at night, so take taxis after dark.
Where can I find cheaper rooms than the ones listed in guidebooks?
In the historic centre. There are many inexpensive hotels between the listed ones, and the places not covered by guidebooks tend to be a little cheaper.
Which area is best connected to the bus system?
The northern part of the city. Mid-range hotels there can be within about three blocks of a bus station, and some also offer an airport shuttle.
Which area has hotels with sea views?
The northern part of the city, around Calle 98, where the larger hotels look out towards the Caribbean Sea.
Compare live prices for the areas above using the booking tools on this page.