Located on the banks of the Magdalena River, Barranquilla offers a unique blend of culture, colonial architecture and modernity.

However, as in the big cities of Colombia, safety is a major concern for travelers.

Indeed, as a visitor, it is important to find out about the neighborhoods to avoid and the precautions to take to fully enjoy your stay.

Although the city has made considerable progress in recent years, some neighborhoods remain more susceptible than others in terms of crime and risks to visitors.

Here is the 2024 guide to the most dangerous neighborhoods to avoid and the safest neighborhoods to stay in Barranquilla.

Is the city of Barranquilla dangerous?

The reputation of Colombian cities for violence is stubborn, but things have changed considerably in recent years.

Barranquilla coastal town located between Santa Marta et Cartagena has made significant strides to improve the lives of residents and visitors.

Official data shows that the city has seen a significant decline in crime rates in recent years. Despite this progress, Barranquilla remains a dangerous city in 2024.

This is confirmed by the figures from Numbeo world ranking. Indeed, Barranquilla has a high crime rate, with an index of On 79.58 100. This score ranks it among the most crime-ridden cities in the world.

In comparison, Barranquilla is more dangerous than Rio de Janeiro, Memphis ou Tijuana au Mexico.

Neighborhoods to avoid in Barranquilla

When staying in Barranquilla, it is essential that you do not wander around at night or stay in areas known for high crime rates.

Here are the most dangerous neighborhoods to absolutely avoid in Barranquilla in 2024:

1. The Chinese little girl : This neighborhood is renowned for being one of the most dangerous in the city, with a high rate of crime and violence.
2. Barlovento : Located near the port, this industrial district should be avoided due to the presence of gangs and drug traffickers.
3. Puerto Colômbia : Although this coastal neighborhood offers beautiful views, it is also notorious for criminal activity, including armed robberies.
4. Grinding wheel : This popular neighborhood is often associated with drug and delinquency problems, making visitors vulnerable.
5. The Forest : Although this neighborhood is undergoing rapid transformation, it still remains a risk area, particularly at night.
6. April seventh : This popular neighborhood is known for its security problems, particularly linked to drugs and crime.
7. Siloam, Flowers, Las Malvinas, Terron Colorado et White water are also among the neighborhoods to avoid in Barranquilla because of their insecurity.

It is important to note that these neighborhoods represent only part of the city and that Barranquilla has other neighborhoods that are safer and more welcoming to visitors.

Safest neighborhoods to stay in Barranquilla

For security reasons, tourists are advised to stay in the northern part of Barranquilla which is the safest area of ​​the city.

And among the northern neighborhoods of Barranquilla, here are those considered the safest:

• River Sea is considered the most exclusive and prestigious neighborhood in Barranquilla. Bordered by the Atlantic Ocean, this neighborhood offers a peaceful and green environment, while being close to the city center. Security is one of the priorities there, with a strong presence of law enforcement and numerous surveillance infrastructures. The crime rate is therefore very low, making it an ideal place to relax and enjoy the beach in complete tranquility.
• The Prado is one of the most exclusive and safest neighborhoods in Barranquilla. Also known as Viejo Prado, it is one of the city's most traditional neighborhoods, home to historic mansions, boutique hotels, museums, universities and department stores. It is a safe and culturally rich neighborhood, ideal for lovers of history and architecture. Located in the north of the city, this district is renowned for its security and calm. The streets are well lit, the police are very present there and there are numerous security infrastructures, such as surveillance cameras.
• Just like El Prado, Alto Prado is an upscale and safe neighborhood located in the north of Barranquilla. It is one of the most affluent areas of the city, renowned for its security and calm.
• Miramar is a modern and dynamic neighborhood, popular with young people and adventurers. It is known for its vibrant nightlife, with many bars, nightclubs and casinos. It is a safe and dynamic option for those looking for entertainment and fun.

Which hotels for a safe stay?

During your stay in Barranquilla, here is a recommendation for hotels located in safe areas:

• Hotel Dann Carlton Barranquilla in the Riomar district: This luxury hotel is renowned for its strict security measures and its privileged location in the El Prado district, one of the safest in the city.

• Faranda Collection Barranquilla : This modern hotel, located in the El Prado district, is renowned for its attentive staff, excellent location, amenities and comfort

• Hotel Barranquilla Plaza : With its central location in the Alto Prado district and its vigilant security teams, this hotel is a safe and comfortable option for your stay in Barranquilla.

Sources: Statistics, rankings, AI, press articles and sites like snail.com.co, eltiempo.com, travel.gc.ca, diplomatie.gouv.fr, tripadvisor.co.