Medellin
Nature
Arví Park is both an ecological nature preserve and Pre-Hispanic archeological site on the eastern slopes in the northeast area of Medellín. There are too many activities to be able to list them all here... suffice it to say that you should not miss this during your stay in Medellin. Please go to www.parquearvi.org/en/ for all the information you might need
29 locals recommend
Comfama Arvi Park
Arví Park is both an ecological nature preserve and Pre-Hispanic archeological site on the eastern slopes in the northeast area of Medellín. There are too many activities to be able to list them all here... suffice it to say that you should not miss this during your stay in Medellin. Please go to www.parquearvi.org/en/ for all the information you might need
This little piece of paradise is about three hours outside Medellín, and it’s a great place to spend a few nights relaxing in nature and exploring.
You can go hiking, ziplining, rafting, birdwatching, or cavern trekking around the Río Claro Valley and reserve.
As far as accommodation, there’s an eco-friendly lodge, plus cabins and camping available – be sure to bring cash! It’s a rustic place, but it’s surrounded by pure natural beauty, like the river which cuts through a marble canyon and jungle-like forests.
You’ll spot plenty of exotic wildlife here too, with monkeys, scorpions, massive butterflies, and tons of birds from parrots to toucans to hummingbirds, all at your doorstep.
81 locals recommend
Canon del Rio Claro Natural Reserve
This little piece of paradise is about three hours outside Medellín, and it’s a great place to spend a few nights relaxing in nature and exploring.
You can go hiking, ziplining, rafting, birdwatching, or cavern trekking around the Río Claro Valley and reserve.
As far as accommodation, there’s an eco-friendly lodge, plus cabins and camping available – be sure to bring cash! It’s a rustic place, but it’s surrounded by pure natural beauty, like the river which cuts through a marble canyon and jungle-like forests.
You’ll spot plenty of exotic wildlife here too, with monkeys, scorpions, massive butterflies, and tons of birds from parrots to toucans to hummingbirds, all at your doorstep.
Museums
A former city hall turned museum, this place houses a great collection of works by Fernando Botero, who is one of Colombia’s most famous artists, and he had a penchant for painting all things chubby.
Born in Medellín, the artist honored his hometown museum by donating many of the works himself.
Guides recommend starting on the top floor with his earlier pieces and making your way down to see his evolution as an artist.
The museum also houses works by international artists and offers an audio guide if you want to learn more.
There’s a small cafe and courtyard here where you can take a break.
When you come out of the museum stay around the Plaza Botero. A great place for people watching and art appreciation, check out the larger than life sculptures by the square’s namesake, Fernando Botero.
There are 23 voluptuous bronze statues scattered about the plaza, all donated by the artist himself.
It’s a great place to meander around or sit with a fresh juice or empanada from one of the street vendors before or after visiting the Museo de Antioquia.
The area has transformed an otherwise run-down part of town, and you’ll find street performers, trinket salesmen, and food stalls all around.
396 locals recommend
Museum of Antioquia
52-43 Cl. 52A former city hall turned museum, this place houses a great collection of works by Fernando Botero, who is one of Colombia’s most famous artists, and he had a penchant for painting all things chubby.
Born in Medellín, the artist honored his hometown museum by donating many of the works himself.
Guides recommend starting on the top floor with his earlier pieces and making your way down to see his evolution as an artist.
The museum also houses works by international artists and offers an audio guide if you want to learn more.
There’s a small cafe and courtyard here where you can take a break.
When you come out of the museum stay around the Plaza Botero. A great place for people watching and art appreciation, check out the larger than life sculptures by the square’s namesake, Fernando Botero.
There are 23 voluptuous bronze statues scattered about the plaza, all donated by the artist himself.
It’s a great place to meander around or sit with a fresh juice or empanada from one of the street vendors before or after visiting the Museo de Antioquia.
The area has transformed an otherwise run-down part of town, and you’ll find street performers, trinket salesmen, and food stalls all around.
This museum is both upsetting, enlightening, and informative, and it’s the place to go if you want more insight on Colombia’s dramatic and violent history.
From drug cartels and gangs to a terrible civil war, Casa de la Memoria aims to amplify the voices of victims and preserve their history so that we might learn more about it and avoid these pitfalls in the future.
Entry is free, and the whole place is well-curated – the interactive exhibits, emotional photography, and artwork are all sure to inform and move you.
https://www.museocasadelamemoria.gov.co/en/
118 locals recommend
Memory House Museum
36-66 Cl. 51This museum is both upsetting, enlightening, and informative, and it’s the place to go if you want more insight on Colombia’s dramatic and violent history.
From drug cartels and gangs to a terrible civil war, Casa de la Memoria aims to amplify the voices of victims and preserve their history so that we might learn more about it and avoid these pitfalls in the future.
Entry is free, and the whole place is well-curated – the interactive exhibits, emotional photography, and artwork are all sure to inform and move you.
https://www.museocasadelamemoria.gov.co/en/
Wait, there’s a castle in Medellín? Yep, for a small entry fee you can check out this French-inspired, 20th-century castle and its gardens, fountains, and pathways.
Take a little tour to see the inside as well, with its four-poster beds, porcelain collection, and giant dining room table.
It was built in 1930 and it opened as a museum in 1971, but in between those years it served as a home for the wealthy and a place for entertaining high society visitors from Europe.
Museo El Castillo
Museo El CastilloWait, there’s a castle in Medellín? Yep, for a small entry fee you can check out this French-inspired, 20th-century castle and its gardens, fountains, and pathways.
Take a little tour to see the inside as well, with its four-poster beds, porcelain collection, and giant dining room table.
It was built in 1930 and it opened as a museum in 1971, but in between those years it served as a home for the wealthy and a place for entertaining high society visitors from Europe.
A very cool work of modern architecture itself, this small but edgy museum is home to modern artwork by Colombian and other Latin American artists.
While somewhat compact, the MAMM features several permanent and temporary exhibits, including paintings, videos, sculptures, and 3D creations both inside and out.
Modern art isn’t for everyone, so the museum does a good job providing explanations of each of the pieces.
The theater here shows movies occasionally, and the gift shop sells super unique souvenirs created by artists.
There’s a great terrace with views of the city, and a restaurant downstairs where you can have a drink.
354 locals recommend
Medellin Museum of Modern Art
19a-100 Cra. 44A very cool work of modern architecture itself, this small but edgy museum is home to modern artwork by Colombian and other Latin American artists.
While somewhat compact, the MAMM features several permanent and temporary exhibits, including paintings, videos, sculptures, and 3D creations both inside and out.
Modern art isn’t for everyone, so the museum does a good job providing explanations of each of the pieces.
The theater here shows movies occasionally, and the gift shop sells super unique souvenirs created by artists.
There’s a great terrace with views of the city, and a restaurant downstairs where you can have a drink.
Neighborhoods
Santo Domingo neighborhood and España Library. If you take a ride up the metrocable, you’ll get a glimpse of the poorer barrios on your way up and down.
It’s an authentic look into life in these colorful neighborhoods which were once in the center of a warzone. Watch the series Rosario Tijeras on Netflix, a loosely true story of the life of a girl that grew up in these neighborhoods, but not to worry, things have changed dramatically, for the better, since the 80s , which is the time period that this series depicts.
During the day it’s fine to stop in Santo Domingo to have a look around – maybe grab a beer and some fried chicken and arepas from one of the small local restaurants.
Many people also get off here to check out the Biblioteca España, a massive, modern library built from black slate that’s become like a local community center.
Santo Domingo
16101 Cra. 16Santo Domingo neighborhood and España Library. If you take a ride up the metrocable, you’ll get a glimpse of the poorer barrios on your way up and down.
It’s an authentic look into life in these colorful neighborhoods which were once in the center of a warzone. Watch the series Rosario Tijeras on Netflix, a loosely true story of the life of a girl that grew up in these neighborhoods, but not to worry, things have changed dramatically, for the better, since the 80s , which is the time period that this series depicts.
During the day it’s fine to stop in Santo Domingo to have a look around – maybe grab a beer and some fried chicken and arepas from one of the small local restaurants.
Many people also get off here to check out the Biblioteca España, a massive, modern library built from black slate that’s become like a local community center.
Comuna 13 and Las Escaleras
A part of the city you’d never even consider visiting, the government and local artists have joined forces to make Comuna 13 a better place to live.
The addition of colorful artwork, escalators, and increased safety measures have opened the neighborhood up to tourism and brought the community closer together.
Comuna 13 used to be so dangerous that only its residents would think of climbing the steep slopes to enter, but the addition of escalators as a form of social and democratic infrastructure have made it more approachable.
Visit to see the many murals, people, police officers, colorful hillside homes, and transformation that has taken place here.
49 locals recommend
san javier
Comuna 13 and Las Escaleras
A part of the city you’d never even consider visiting, the government and local artists have joined forces to make Comuna 13 a better place to live.
The addition of colorful artwork, escalators, and increased safety measures have opened the neighborhood up to tourism and brought the community closer together.
Comuna 13 used to be so dangerous that only its residents would think of climbing the steep slopes to enter, but the addition of escalators as a form of social and democratic infrastructure have made it more approachable.
Visit to see the many murals, people, police officers, colorful hillside homes, and transformation that has taken place here.
City/town information
It’s the must-do day trip from Medellín, but it’s even better if you’ve got a night or two to spare there.
Guatapé is a picturesque, colorful lake town about two hours outside the city.
Take photos of the vibrantly painted exteriors of homes here, and visit the Plaza de Zocalos for the most colorful town square in Colombia.
Along the lake and throughout town you’ll find cheap street foods like empanadas and churros, and of course, the restaurants will supply you with plenty of freshly cooked lake trout and fish soup.
The most popular activity in town, however, is climbing the 740 steps up El Peñol, a giant rock, for an amazing view of the islands and water beneath.
Recommended tour: Guatape: Full-Day Tour from Medellin
458 locals recommend
Guatapé
29-61 Cl. 32It’s the must-do day trip from Medellín, but it’s even better if you’ve got a night or two to spare there.
Guatapé is a picturesque, colorful lake town about two hours outside the city.
Take photos of the vibrantly painted exteriors of homes here, and visit the Plaza de Zocalos for the most colorful town square in Colombia.
Along the lake and throughout town you’ll find cheap street foods like empanadas and churros, and of course, the restaurants will supply you with plenty of freshly cooked lake trout and fish soup.
The most popular activity in town, however, is climbing the 740 steps up El Peñol, a giant rock, for an amazing view of the islands and water beneath.
Recommended tour: Guatape: Full-Day Tour from Medellin
Food scene
A popular spot for eating and socializing, check out Mercado del Río for a choice of over 40 restaurants.
It’s a lively food court with a cool ambiance and many trendy options located near the MAMM. This place is packed at lunchtime and dinnertime with young professionals from nearby office buildings, so getting a seat might be a challenge.
A cool spot to come with friends, you’ll have your pick of everything from sushi, hamburgers, and paella to mexican, vegan, and mediterranean dishes.
You can also grab beers, cocktails, or a glass of wine and hang out over a few shared plates.
132 locals recommend
Mercado del Río
48-28 Cl. 24A popular spot for eating and socializing, check out Mercado del Río for a choice of over 40 restaurants.
It’s a lively food court with a cool ambiance and many trendy options located near the MAMM. This place is packed at lunchtime and dinnertime with young professionals from nearby office buildings, so getting a seat might be a challenge.
A cool spot to come with friends, you’ll have your pick of everything from sushi, hamburgers, and paella to mexican, vegan, and mediterranean dishes.
You can also grab beers, cocktails, or a glass of wine and hang out over a few shared plates.
If you tell a Colombian that you'll be traveling to Colombia, the first thing they will tell you is not to miss this restaurant.
As eloquently described by Ryan Sutton in his article on "Eater": "Like a Cheesecake Factory crossed with a nightclub on steroids, but with absolutely fantastic Colombian food"
see more about this great place here, even thought he was referring to the one in Bogota, it applies to the onw in Medellin https://www.eater.com/2018/10/17/17962282/andres-carne-de-res-bogota-colombia-restaurant
43 locals recommend
Andrés Carne de Res - Medellín
6 Sur 26 Cra. 43AIf you tell a Colombian that you'll be traveling to Colombia, the first thing they will tell you is not to miss this restaurant.
As eloquently described by Ryan Sutton in his article on "Eater": "Like a Cheesecake Factory crossed with a nightclub on steroids, but with absolutely fantastic Colombian food"
see more about this great place here, even thought he was referring to the one in Bogota, it applies to the onw in Medellin https://www.eater.com/2018/10/17/17962282/andres-carne-de-res-bogota-colombia-restaurant
Located right in the center of Poblado, this park is full of people all day and night. There are street vendors, food sellers, musicians, and people drinking into the wee hours of the night. It’s a wonderful place to people-watch and one of the best places to have fun in the city!
54 locals recommend
Parque Lleras
Parque Lleras Located right in the center of Poblado, this park is full of people all day and night. There are street vendors, food sellers, musicians, and people drinking into the wee hours of the night. It’s a wonderful place to people-watch and one of the best places to have fun in the city!
Sightseeing
You won’t be able to avoid seeing this unique and imposing building, because of course you’ll be visiting the Plaza Botero.
Chances are you’ve never seen anything like its intricate and dizzying black and white facade though.
The architect who built it received so much public criticism for his work that he walked off the job (totally insulted), and the city finished his work in a completely different style (you’ll see, it’s very obvious). If it’s open, head inside to see the lovely courtyard with its fountain and gardens.
While the interior has fallen into disrepair a bit, there is some artwork to view and you can climb to the top for views of the city and plaza below.
18 locals recommend
Rafael Uribe Uribe Palace of Culture
You won’t be able to avoid seeing this unique and imposing building, because of course you’ll be visiting the Plaza Botero.
Chances are you’ve never seen anything like its intricate and dizzying black and white facade though.
The architect who built it received so much public criticism for his work that he walked off the job (totally insulted), and the city finished his work in a completely different style (you’ll see, it’s very obvious). If it’s open, head inside to see the lovely courtyard with its fountain and gardens.
While the interior has fallen into disrepair a bit, there is some artwork to view and you can climb to the top for views of the city and plaza below.
Pueblito Paisa is located at the top of Cerro Nutibara (Nutibara Hill) and is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Medellín.
Pueblito Paisa is a replica of a turn of the century town in Antioquia, complete with a fountain in the middle of a cobblestone town square plus a white church. Also, Museo de Ciudad, the Medellín City Museum is nearby and worth seeing.
Since it is located on a high hill in the middle of the Aburrá Valley, it also offers great views of the city of Medellín and the surrounding mountains.
There are several shops selling souvenirs, and restaurants serving coffee, ice cream and many typical Colombian foods like bandeja paisa.
We included Pueblito Paisa in our recommended tourist itinerary for a day in Medellín. Note the above photo of Pueblito Paisa is by Jenny Bojinova.
573 locals recommend
Pueblito Paisa
Pueblito PaisaPueblito Paisa is located at the top of Cerro Nutibara (Nutibara Hill) and is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Medellín.
Pueblito Paisa is a replica of a turn of the century town in Antioquia, complete with a fountain in the middle of a cobblestone town square plus a white church. Also, Museo de Ciudad, the Medellín City Museum is nearby and worth seeing.
Since it is located on a high hill in the middle of the Aburrá Valley, it also offers great views of the city of Medellín and the surrounding mountains.
There are several shops selling souvenirs, and restaurants serving coffee, ice cream and many typical Colombian foods like bandeja paisa.
We included Pueblito Paisa in our recommended tourist itinerary for a day in Medellín. Note the above photo of Pueblito Paisa is by Jenny Bojinova.
Traveler advice
Don't miss
Medellin Free Walking Tour
Do your Free Walking Tour around Medellin’s downtown (El Centro) with a local... and do it on your first day so you can get a global idea of the city and everything there is to do. Explore the historic districts and let this fascinating city come to life through stories, explanations and urban legends. During the tour you will discover some of Medellin’s most traditional parks, squares and streets, while learning about the city’s history, culture and people.
INFORMATION
Duration: Approx 3½ hours
Language: English
Price: Based on tips
https://realcitytours.com/free-walking-tour/
Don't miss
Parque Lleras
Poblado is one of the biggest hotspots for nightlife in Medellín, and for locals and tourists alike, Parque Lleras is often the place where you start out the night.
It’s just a little park filled with trees where you’ll find vendors selling art by day and crowds of folks drinking by night.
The park is surrounded by bars, restaurants, and clubs, plus it’s close to many of the hostels in the area, so there’s always young people around.
Grab a bottle of the anise-flavored Colombian spirit, Aguardiente, or just a few Aguila beers and head to this lively park to hang out before heading out.
Don't miss
Paragliding in Medellin
This area of Colombia is renowned for paragliding, or parapente in Spanish, and it’s easy to arrange trips from Medellín, even on short notice.
The experience of leaping off a mountain into thermal currents with incredible deep green views beneath you is exhilarating (and maybe a little nerve-wracking), but professional guides will put you at ease.
They provide transportation out to the launching point, strap you to your guide, and teach you how to take off.
Some companies will charge a little extra if you want GoPro footage of your adventure – check out Dragon Fly and Paragliding Medellin
Don't miss
Eat Colombian food - when in Medellin, try Bandeja Paisa
If you don’t know much about Colombian food, Medellín is the perfect place to get acquainted.
From the many exotic fruits to mondongo (tripe soup) to cheese-filled arepas, you’ll have no shortage of options.
The one thing you must try here is the local specialty, bandeja paisa, a gut-busting combination of meats like sausage and pork cracklings alongside beans, plantains, rice, a fried egg, and a few avocado slices they’ve thrown in for good measure.
Hatoviejo, Hacienda Junin, and Mondongo’s are all great places to try local cuisine.
Don't miss
Go biking or ride ATVs outside the city
The lush surroundings, hills, and mountains around Medellín make it a great playground for adventure-seekers.
To explore them, head out with a tour company who’ll set you up with a mountain bike or ATV, transport you about an hour outside of town, and let you speed around challenging trails.
It’s a great chance to go off-road and visit some sites that not a lot of tourists make it out to see.
Guanabana Tours will combine biking and ATV riding with parasailing, river rafting, and even Guatape.
Medellín Adventure Trails will take you around on bikes or ATVs (or both) and include lunch.
Getting around
Medellin Metro
The locals of Medellin are very proud to have the only Metro system in Colombia. The routes are straight-forward and easy to navigate. Costing only 2,000 COP one way, the Metro system is a reliable and fast way to navigate the city. The hours of the metro are Monday to Saturday: 4:30 AM – 11 PM and Sunday: 5 AM – 10 PM. Consult the Medellin Metro website for more information.
https://www.medellincolombia.co/getting-around/medellin-metro/
Don't miss
Festival of Flowers - La Feria de las Flores
The Flowers Festival is the most important social event for the city and includes a pageant, automobiles, a Paso Fino horse parade and many musical concerts. The 8-day festival is a huge annual celebration of paisa culture. This year is the 63rd annual Feria de las Flores in Medellín. And the Flower Festival is one of the best ways to get an authentic taste of the local culture.
Last year there were over 400 different events between public and private events. The majority of tourists for the Festival of Flowers arrived from the United States (48%), Mexico (10%), and Panama (8%)
Don't miss
The famous Medellin Christmas Lights
Medellin has changed a lot since the worst days of violence in the 1990s, and one thing that the city has become well known for around the world is its fabulous Christmas lights, also known as El Alumbrado. The Medellin Christmas lights might be competing against much more famous cities and landmarks when it comes to illuminating Christmas, but that hasn’t stopped the city, which always challenges with the very best. Indeed, in 2012, National Geographic named Medellin as one of the Top 10 cities in the world to see Holiday Lights. In their words “This former drug town pulses with new vitality"