Colombia is a great destination to visit if you’re in search of a good time; the country’s major cities have wonderful opportunities for after-dark mingling and revelry, set to the infectious beat of salsa. The top cities in Colombia not only contain intriguing museums but also fantastic dining options, buzzing nightlife, and spectacular festivals and carnivals.
The city’s colonial neighborhoods are beautiful and full of history, with their many historic churches and monasteries calling out to be explored. Colombia’s wonderful towns are never far from scenes of remarkable natural beauty thanks to the country’s various landscapes, which include towering mountains, lovely beaches, and the Amazon rainforest.
15. Pasto
Located in the southwest, Pasto is a popular stop for travelers en route to Ecuador, Colombia’s southwestern neighbor. Pasto is a decent enough location without being particularly remarkable, thanks to its mild temperature, attractive colonial architecture, and bustling downtown.
Despite Pasto’s lack of architectural merit, a visit to the nearby Laguna de la Cocha or the majestic Volcan Galeras more than justifies an extended stay.
14. Leticia
Leticia is the biggest city in the state of Amazonas, yet it has the feel of a small town because of its remote position. The region’s location at the crossroads of Brazil, Colombia, and Peru has resulted in a rich cultural diversity, despite the fact that this cultural melting pot is mostly irrelevant.
Since it is located on the Amazon River’s shore, Leticia is a great place to stay when exploring the surrounding jungle or taking a cruise down the river.
13. Bucaramanga
Bucaramanga’s skyscrapers are set off by picturesque mountains, and although it’s not the most thrilling location in the world, there’s still enough to see and do here.
Bucaramanga’s development and expansion have resulted in the demolition of much of the city’s historic colonial architecture, but the city’s many lovely parks have helped preserve the city’s laid-back vibe. The city’s enormous student population, however, comes out to play at night, when the city’s many pubs and clubs turn up the volume and stay up until dawn.
12. Santa Cruz de Mompox
This tranquil, easygoing city is on an island in the Magdalena River, and its colonial core is full of wonderful architecture thanks to funding from the city’s days as a major port.
Santa Cruz de Mompox was the first city in South America to declare independence, and Simon Bolivar famously said that the city was responsible for much of his success and fame. The city is fascinating to visit and comes to life during the many festivals held there throughout the year because of its remote location and uniqueness.
11. San Andres Town
This gorgeous island, which is really closer to Nicaragua than it is to Colombia, is a popular weekend getaway destination for Colombians due to its picturesque palm tree-lined beaches and clear blue seas.
Tourists are drawn to San Andres Town by the tax-free shopping and lively nightlife, as well as by the attractive waterfront promenade. The primary attractions, though, are the stunning beaches along the island and the adjacent offshore cays, and there is some wonderful snorkeling and diving on offer.
10. Valledupar
Valledupar, one of the greenest towns in Colombia, is sandwiched between two mountain ranges, and it offers a charming colonial core and some lively and colorful nightlife.
Set in the heart of cowboy country, this area was isolated by rebels during the civil war and sees few tourists even now. Besides being the spot where Vallenato folk music was first performed, this area also offers a wide variety of exciting outdoor activities.
9. San Gil
San Gil has earned the moniker “the country of adventure” due to its breathtaking natural beauty and plenty of exciting outdoor activities.
San Gil is a tiny and easily navigable city with a charming ancient town square and a cathedral that visitors like to visit.
However, despite the city’s kind and welcoming locals, visitors often leave as quickly as possible. This is due to the area’s stellar reputation for whitewater rafting. If you’re a fan of the great outdoors, you can go paragliding, caving, or trekking through the woods.
8. Manizales
While some fine Neoclassical buildings remain in Manizales, most of the city’s historical attractions were destroyed by earthquakes and a sad fire. Manizales is located in the gorgeous, lush highlands of Colombia’s coffee-producing area.
Manizales’s vibrant nightlife and many bars may be attributed in large part to the city’s large student population. At an elevation of 2150 meters above sea level, the city is close to a number of beautiful mountains and rainforests ideal for trekking. Nevado del Ruiz, a volcano in the area, is well worth seeing.
7. Barranquilla
Barranquilla, the country’s fourth-largest city, is famous for its spectacular Carnival, when the streets are flooded with residents and tourists alike who have come to enjoy the carnival’s music, colors, and bright activities.
When the carnival isn’t in town, there are several fantastic eateries and nightlife spots, as well as some worthwhile museums. Barranquilla, Colombia, is a busy port city on the Caribbean near to the mangroves of the Magdalena River, yet it is frequently disregarded in favor of other towns along the coast, despite its wonderful nightlife and hospitable people.
6. Popayan
Even though Cartagena has more impressive colonial architecture, Popayan is well worth a trip. Aesthetic appeal is heightened by the majestic mountains that surround the city.
The city’s historic structures, which include lovely churches, houses, and monasteries, were constructed during the period when the city stood on an important trade route, earning it the moniker “the White City” because of its sparkling façade.
Popayan has a youthful atmosphere because of the many colleges and institutions located there, and the surrounding area is rich in opportunities for outdoor recreation.
5. Santa Marta
The colonial structures in the old town of Santa Marta are beautiful and make for a pleasant visit. It is really the oldest settlement created by Europeans in the entire South American continent. Lying on the Caribbean shore, the city has extended out throughout the years.
While the city’s horrendous traffic and limitless sprawl take away from its charm, the abundance of restaurants, pubs, and hotels available to tourists more than makes up for it.
It’s possible to go scuba diving in Santa Marta’s crystal clear seas one minute and then go mountain climbing the next.
4. Cali
Cali, Colombia, is a city that is often disregarded in favor of other beautiful towns in Colombia, but it has more than enough to attract travelers, not the least of which is its pulsating nightlife.
A night out in this city is certain to be a raucous and memorable experience since it is widely regarded as the salsa capital. In addition to its lively nightlife, Cali is also worth visiting for its excellent dining options and fascinating Afro-Colombian history and culture. In addition, the area is home to several historic churches and a number of informative museums.
You may utilize Cali as a jumping off point to explore the area, which is rich in natural attractions. While you’re there, don’t forget to catch a football game.
3. Medellin
Medellin is located in a small valley, and the surrounding hills and mountains provide a beautiful backdrop for the city’s high-rise buildings. As narco-traffickers fought for control in the 1980s and 1990s, the hillside slums of Medellin, a major city, were hit particularly hard.
These days, it’s a pleasure to visit the city. The restaurants, bars, and nightclubs here are among the best in the world, and there are also excellent museums to visit. Medellin, the country’s second-largest city, is worth a visit because of its many pleasant parks and thriving arts and culture scene.
2. Bogota
All tourists in Colombia eventually make their way to Bogota, the bustling capital city perched on a 2600 meter plateau in the heart of the Andes. While there is poverty and crime here, as well as some crowded and fairly claustrophobic areas, the city’s vibrancy and abundance of attractions ensure that visitors leave with a favorable impression.
Colonial homes and churches dot the charming alleys of La Candelaria’s ancient town. The majestic Cerro de Monserrate towers above the city, and it is home to a number of excellent museums, restaurants, and clubs. As the sun sets, the city is bathed in brilliant shades of yellow, red, and orange, and as night falls, the city’s nightclubs begin blasting the pulsating music that makes it such a good time to go out there.
1. Cartagena
Cartagena, a city in Colombia on the Caribbean coast, bursts with vibrancy and color and is steeped in history. Old stone fortifications enclose beautiful colonial buildings and small, narrow lanes, making the Old City a sight to see for anybody who takes the time to explore it.
Carriages carried by horses clop past stately cathedrals and palaces, and the city’s vibrant plazas are a delight to linger in thanks to the great selection of restaurants and bars they host. Cartagena is one of the Latin American towns with the greatest colonial architecture still standing, and it also has a lively nightlife and a thriving fine dining scene. Its palm tree-lined beaches are paradise for those who wish to unwind even more.
