El Golf Unfiltered: A Guide to Shade and Breeze
El Golf, that neighborhood that appears as a green smudge among buildings on tourist maps, is actually a laboratory of urban microclimates. Here, unlike most of Barranquilla, the sun doesn't always rule. There are benches that sit empty because no one knows that at 4 in the afternoon, under the right ceiba tree, the breeze is constant. If you're an urban photographer, a runner who hates midday, or a resident tired of generic rooftops, this guide will serve you. I'm not going to talk about the same old parks; I'm going to tell you the exact spots where shade becomes a luxury and the breeze, a well-kept secret. In May 2026, these spots are still the best for sitting down for 10 minutes and disconnecting from the noise.
Historical or Contextual Introduction
El Golf wasn't always the tree-lined neighborhood you see today. It was born in the 1950s as a planned development for upper-class families, with wide avenues and green spaces that imitated American suburbs. But what makes it unique isn't its residential past, but how its trees, many planted over 60 years ago, created an ecosystem of shade that contrasts with the infernal heat of other areas of Barranquilla. The ceibas, oaks, and almond trees don't just decorate; they generate wind corridors that lower the temperature by up to 5 degrees in certain spots.
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Today, El Golf is a neighborhood that mixes old houses with modern buildings, but its soul remains pedestrian. Walkers know that here the sun is less intense, and photographers find a soft light not found in el Centro or in the North. If you don't know the key spots, you miss the best part: the feeling of being in a neighborhood that breathes, where the breeze finds you without you looking for it.
What to Do
The Three Trees of Parque de la 78: The Best Bench
In Parque de la 78, between Carreras 55 and 56, there is a group of three trees with dense shade. They aren't the biggest, but they form a perfect triangle that blocks the sun from 11 am to 2 pm. The bench right under the center tree, the one with the widest trunk, is the best: the breeze arrives from the north side unobstructed. Bring a book, a notebook, or just sit and watch people go by. It's an ideal spot for urban photographers because the filtered light creates long shadows and soft textures on the leaves. Don't expect to find tourists here; this is local territory, people who know where to take refuge.
The Ceiba Tunnel on Calle 80 with Carrera 55
This is my favorite. On Calle 80, right where it intersects with Carrera 55, there is a stretch of about 50 meters where the ceibas join together above the street, forming a vegetal tunnel. At any time of day, the shade covers the entire sidewalk and part of the road. It's perfect for running or walking without feeling the sun on your neck. Local runners use it as a training route because the temperature here is noticeably lower than on the surrounding streets. If you take photos, play with perspective: the tunnel looks spectacular from the ground, with the branches framing the sky. However, watch out for cars: the street is narrow and drivers sometimes don't see pedestrians.
The Hidden Terrace of Edificio San Marino
Edificio San Marino, on Carrera 54 with Calle 79, has a terrace on the fifth floor that few know about. It's not public, but if you arrive respectfully and explain to the security guard that you just want to take a photo of the landscape, they sometimes let you go up. The terrace faces south, right where the buildings get lower and you can see the skyline of Barranquilla. The breeze here is constant, especially between 3 and 5 in the afternoon. There's no furniture, just a concrete floor and a metal railing, but it's a unique spot for urban photography. Don't abuse the favor: be quick, say thank you, and don't leave trash.
The Intersection of 79B with 56: Perpetual Breeze at 4 PM
This intersection is a microclimate phenomenon. 79B runs east-west, and Carrera 56 runs north-south. At 4 pm, just as the sun begins to lower, the wind channels between the buildings and forms a constant current that crosses the intersection. There's no direct shade here, but the breeze is so strong that the heat becomes bearable. It's an ideal spot to sit on the curb (bring a blanket or cushion) and watch the sunset. Photographers find a spectacular golden light here, with the wind moving hair and leaves. If you're a runner, this is your rest stop after a long lap.
Where to Eat or Drink
The Store on 79: Coffee from a Clay Pot and Empanadas
On Carrera 55 with Calle 79, there is a small store, with no visible name, that has been selling coffee from a clay pot and meat empanadas for decades. Don't expect a gourmet menu; you come here for the basics: a strong black coffee ($1,500 COP) and a meat empanada with chili ($2,000 COP). The owner, Doña María, works from 6 am to 6 pm. The place has no tables, but there is a wooden bench on the sidewalk, right under the shade of an almond tree. It's perfect for a quick break before continuing your walk. Prices are a reference from May 2026.
The Parking Lot on 80: Arepas de Huevo on Weekends
On Saturdays and Sundays, in the parking lot on Calle 80 with Carrera 56, a cart selling arepas de huevo sets up, which is a legend among the neighbors. It has no name, but you recognize it by the line of people and the smell of fried corn. The arepas cost $4,000 COP each, with fresh egg and a touch of suero costeño. The owner, Don José, arrives at 9 am and leaves when the dough runs out, usually before 1 pm. Bring cash, because he doesn't accept cards. If you arrive early, you can eat in the shade of the trees in the park next door.
El Café del Golf: A Break with Air Conditioning
If the heat gets to you and you need a place with air conditioning, El Café del Golf, on Carrera 54 with Calle 78, is the option. It's a small place, with wooden tables and a menu of specialty coffee and pastries. A cappuccino costs $8,000 COP, and a slice of carrot cake, $6,000 COP. It's not cheap for the neighborhood, but the air conditioning breeze and free wifi make it worth it. However, the place closes at 7 pm, so plan your visit early.
How to Get There and Transportation
El Golf is located in the north of Barranquilla, between Calles 76 and 82, and Carreras 50 and 60. Getting there is easy from any point in the city.
- By Transmetro: The nearest station is Joe Arroyo (on Calle 76 with Carrera 46). From there, walk 10 minutes west along Calle 76 until you reach Carrera 54. You can also take a feeder bus that drops you off on Calle 80 with Carrera 55.
- By bus: Routes that pass along Carrera 54 or Calle 80 are frequent. Look for buses with signs that say "El Golf" or "Norte". The fare is $2,600 COP (reference price from May 2026).
- By taxi or app: A trip from el Centro costs about $15,000 COP, and from the airport, about $25,000 COP. Ask to be dropped off at Parque de la 78, which is the main reference point.
- Walking: If you are in the North (for example, at Centro Comercial Buenavista), getting to El Golf takes you 20 minutes walking south. It's a pleasant walk, with shade on most streets.
Local Tips
- Key hours: The breeze in El Golf is strongest between 3 pm and 6 pm. If you want to enjoy the shade spots, schedule your visit between those hours. At midday, even with trees, the humidity can be heavy.
- Mosquito repellent: The trees attract mosquitoes, especially in the afternoons. Bring repellent, especially if you plan to sit in Parque de la 78 or in the ceiba tunnel.
- Camera ready: Urban photographers find unique light contrasts here. The golden light of sunset (5 pm to 5:30 pm) is ideal for portraits and urban landscapes. Don't forget a wide-angle lens to capture the ceiba tunnel.
- Hydration: Even with shade, the heat is still strong. Bring a water bottle. There are several small supermarkets on Calle 80 where you can buy water for $2,000 COP.
- Respect the silence: El Golf is a residential neighborhood, and the neighbors appreciate silence. If you bring music, use headphones. Avoid shouting or making excessive noise, especially near the houses.
- Mental map of 3 spots to sit for 10 minutes: If you only have 10 minutes, go to these three spots in order: 1) The bench under the three trees in Parque de la 78 (shade and gentle breeze). 2) The curb at the intersection of 79B with 56 (strong breeze at 4 pm). 3) The ceiba tunnel on Calle 80 with Carrera 55 (total shade and silence). Each gives you a different experience in just a few steps.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to walk alone in El Golf?
Yes, El Golf is one of the safest neighborhoods in Barranquilla to walk alone, even at night. The streets are well-lit and there is private security in several buildings. As anywhere, keep your belongings visible and avoid dark alleys. The busiest areas are Parque de la 78 and Calle 80, where there are always people until 8 pm.
Are there public restrooms in the neighborhood?
There are no free public restrooms in El Golf. The best option is to ask for permission at El Café del Golf (if you consume something) or at a restaurant in the area. You can also use the restrooms at Centro Comercial Buenavista, which is a 15-minute walk away. Bring cash in case you need to buy something to access the restroom.
What is the best time of year to visit El Golf?
The best time is between December and March, when the breeze is more constant and the humidity is low. In May 2026, the climate is warm but manageable if you follow the shade schedules I recommended. Avoid October and November, which are the rainiest months, although the rain can create interesting light effects for urban photography.