Colombian Travel Tips | The Best Colombian Cities to Visit

Get to know what Colombian cities you should be visiting when traveling to Colombia.

Colombia, Magical Realism. That is the new official Colombian tourism slogan and it could not have been more fitting. The term “magical realism” is an irony. An antithesis. Yet, if you’ve been to Colombia, this contradiction makes perfect sense. Everything you will see, feel, and experience in Colombia is magical. It is fantastic. Yet, you know it’s real. It is real and you are living it. In Colombia, you will get to experience something magical in person. An experience that will make you feel more alive. More real.

There are so many different places in Colombia for you to travel to. Each city boasts its own arsenal of tourist destinations no one should miss. Each place embued, in one way or another, with the rich and colorful Colombian culture that is embodied by the people who are beautiful, approachable, and genuine. Although there are so many cities and municipalities in Colombia, 1,119 to be exact, we are going to focus on the five must-visit and most populous and ones: Cartagena, Barranquilla, Cali, Medellin, and Bogota.

• Cartagena

If you love the beach and old architecture, you will fall head over heels for Cartagena, Colombia. Known as the “Magic City”, Cartagena is the 5th most populous city in Colombia and is known for a seamless blend of modern and colonial atmosphere. It is also beloved for its beaches and wonderful breeze as it is located along the Caribbean coast.

• Barranquilla

Barranquilla is known as the “Golden Gate of Colombia” because of its accessibility. It used to be the principal port in the country. Today it is still very much a port town and it is home to the most culturally important event in all of Colombia, The Carnival. Every year, millions of people flock to the city just to be a part of this colorful mardi gras. It is the 4th most populous city in Colombia.

• Cali

Cali is the Salsa capital of the world. If you visit the city, you are bound to come across bars that play this kind of music and people dancing along to them. You can also learn the dance yourself as there is no shortage of studios with coaches that teach this particular dance. The nightlife in Cali is as alive as its citizens so if you want to party in Colombia, Cali should be at the top of your list. There are also multiple heritage and cultural sites all around the city. It is the 3rd most populous city in the country.

• Medellin

Medellin, Colombia is considered to be one of the most innovative cities in the past years. It has been awarded and recognized multiple times for its innovation and development. The city is also massively popular for its history, which is tragic and better forgotten. If you are to visit the city, it will serve you better if you just don’t mention this fact. Instead, enjoy the commercialism and industrialization that the city has worked so hard to flourish. There are multiple parks, gardens, stadiums, museums, modern skyscrapers and cultural castles around the city that you can visit. It is the 2nd most populous city in Colombia.

• Bogota

Bogota, Colombia is the most populous and the capital city of the country. It is the economic, political, administrative, cultural and industrial center of Colombia and is home to the Office of the President, the Supreme Court, and the Congress. It has the most universities and research centers in the country, making it the hub of dreams and aspirations. It is considered a Global Alpha City, meaning it is a primary node in the global economic network.

Colombia is a big country. It has over a thousand cities and towns and they all deserve their own recognition. These five are just at the top of the population list. These cities are amazing tourist spots and are all beautiful in their own rights. You can choose which to visit, or you can take the time to see every one of them. Each one has something to offer. If you aim to learn more about a rich culture, see wonderful architectures that are both modern and colonial influences, and dating a Latina woman who is not only undeniably attractive but also intelligent, Colombia is the place for you. Experience magic in reality. Experience Colombia.