medellin tourist areas

The Top 12 Things to Do in Medellin, Colombia

Medellin, the City of the Eternal Spring, knows how to reinvent itself. The former base of Pablo Escobar and current haven of digital nomads, there's much more to do here than visit the sights made famous by Netflix's "Narcos." Learn the holistic history of the city by visiting its museums, like the Museo Casa de la Memoria and the Museo Antioquia. See firsthand where formerly dangerous areas have shifted due to innovation and community pluck by touring the graffiti walls of Comuna 13 or riding the Metrocable. Walk its beautiful gardens and attend its flower parade. Stay out all night dancing salsa or clubbing in Poblado. Ground yourself in Barefoot Park, and paraglide high above the streets filled with tropical fruit vendors. To truly appreciate it, allow yourself to see this city not just for what it was or what it is, but also for what it's becoming.

Ride the Metrocable to Parque Arví

Take Linea L on the Metrocable from the Santo Domingo interchange to Parque Arví, a vast forested nature reserve and a pre-Hispanic archeological site. Entry to the park is free, though certain activities such as bicycle tours, boating excursions, and the butterfly farm charge a fee. Hike the 13 trails, go birding, and browse the small market of food and craft stands. The ride to and from the park over the hills of Medellin provides stunning aerial views of the city’s comunas (districts) and the Medellin River. An attraction in its own right, the Metrocable is part of the Medellin Metro, Colombia’s only metro system.

Bless Yourself at Plaza Botero

The 23 plump bronze statues of Fernando Botero's spread throughout Botero Plaza are said to bring luck and love to all who rub them, known as the "Botero legend." Botero, a famous painter and sculpture from Medellin, developed Boterismo, a style of art combining neo-renaissance, figurative, and contemporary elements, resulting in bulbous people and animals. Botero sculpted and donated all of the plaza's statues, ranging from a plump horse to a voluptuous lounging woman. Located downtown in Medellin's Old Quarter, find it sandwiched between the Museum of Antioquia and the Rafael Uribe Uribe Palace of Culture. It's free to enter, photograph, and rub the statues in the plaza.

Dance Salsa

Dance salsa every night in Medellin with every level of dancer, from beginner to pro. Venues range from salsa nights in bars like Son Havana and El Eslabon Prendido (some even with live bands) to formal dance schools like DanceFree in Poblado. You can also find lots of informal dance meetups in city parks. If your budget’s tight, attend the free classes or pay a small entry fee at one of the salsa bars, but if you have the money and the time, pay for a few classes at DanceFree, as you’ll progress much quicker during your stay.

Learn Colombian History at the Museo Casa de la Memoria

Courtesy of El Museo Casa de La Memoria

A solemn, educational memorial on the wars, armed conflicts, and other violence in Colombia, the Museo Casa de la Memoria serves to document the stories of victims while educating visitors on the past and ongoing violence in the country. A touchscreen timeline allows visitors to read in-depth about the narco cartels, the paramilitarios, the former dictatorship, and the present-day reforms in the country. Other exhibits contain stories and photos of victims, as well as messages from their families. Concerts, workshops, and other events help visitors understand present-day Colombia through the context of its past. Free to visit, find it in Parque Bicentenario.

Geek Out at Parque Explora

See over 300 species of fish at South America’s largest freshwater aquarium, and check out the over 300 interactive exhibits in the attached science museum. A series of four red cube buildings with outdoor display spaces, a vivarium, a planetarium, and a small television studio, the Parque Explora complex offers activities for kids of all ages. Record your own podcast episode, learn about the history of radio in Colombia, and make life-size pin art. Walk through the dinosaur exhibit, create graffiti, and see massive snakes and reptiles in the vivarium. General admission costs the equivalent of about $5. Reach it by taking the Metro to the Universidad station in Zona Norte.

See Art at the Antioquia Museum

The Museo de Antioquia displays Pre-Colombian, colonial, and modern art and creates art by collaborating with resident artists. The permanent collection includes many clay pieces from the region, as well as works by Fernando Botero, the local artist turned international superstar for his curvy Boterismo figures. Colombian artist Pedro Nel Gomez, a pioneer of the Colombian Muralist Movement, also features prominently. Though known for its collection, the museum’s work in the community has given it fresh relevance, demonstrated by its award-winning cabaret of sex workers entitled “No One Knows Who I Am,” with performance artist Nadia Granados. Entry to the museum cost the equivalent of about $5. Take the Metro to Parque Berrío to reach it.

Walk Amongst the Flowers

Bountiful in blooms, the reason behind Medellin’s nickname as “the City of the Eternal Spring” can be seen in full display during the Feria de las Flores when a parade of 500 flower vendors march the streets with overflowing bouquets and massive flower arrangements overtake the city’s balconies, billboards, and malls. If you can’t make the festival in early August, experience the flower abundance by going to the flower market at Placita de Flórez, the biggest plant market in the city. Alternatively, picnic in the Joaquín Antonio Uribe Botanical Garden, where 4,500 flowers grow in rows of yellows, pinks, and reds. Free to enter, the garden also contains a natural rainwater collection system, the Orquideorama, doubling as a protective shield for the butterfly and orchid gardens.

Eat Tropical Street Food

An incredibly bio-diverse country with a fantastic array of fruits, Colombia is one of the best places in the world to eat healthy street food. Sip on a sweet, frothy guanábana (soursop) shake or limonada de coco (coconut milk mixed with lime). Sample sour yet sweet borojó (thought to be an aphrodisiac) or snack on guava, star fruit, or yellow dragon fruit. Street vendors throughout Medellin cut up fruit salads, like green mango with salt, for a hydrating, light lunch, or as a palate cleanser for those who’ve opted for the heavier street fare like arepas and buñuelos.

Go Clubbing in Poblado

The most famous district for nightlife, Poblado contains the greatest number of the city’s dance clubs, Parque Lleras, and the bar street Via Provenza. With a beer in hand, take in the incredible views of the city from Envy rooftop at The Charlee Hotel, or head to Vintrash to dance to reggaeton. For those that want a chill club with good DJs and no dress code, Calle 9+1 is the place to go, while The Blue Bar serves reasonably priced drinks and the speakers blast rock and electronic music. If you’re unsure where to start, buy an Aguila from a convenience store near Parque Lleras, then chill on at the park to see where people are heading from there.

Relax in Barefoot Park

Parque de Los Pies Descalzos invites visitors to take their shoes off and experience nature more intentionally through bare feet. Free to enter and explore, the park offers guides to lead patrons through installations and activities centered around the elements of water, air, and land. Stick your feet in the Well of Sounds for water jets to massage your feet, or walk on the Zen Garden’s stones to stress your foot fascia. Work your balance by walking on the beams of the Level Towers, or go through the Maze with eyes closed, using your other senses to guide you. Open every day but Monday, reach it by taking the Metro to the La Alpujarra station.

Slide Through Comuna 13's Graffiti Murals

Previously one of the city's most dangerous areas due to violence committed by guerillas of urban militia groups, Comuna 13 has transformed into a bastion of graffiti art and a testament to the city's innovation and rebirth, complete with a giant slide and famous series of escalators. Wall-sized colorful murals cover the streets next to the escalators, installed to aid in transportation and access to job opportunities for residents. Tours by resident guides happen daily, explaining the significance behind each mural and speaking about Comuna 13's past conflicts. To visit, take a tour or take the Metro to the San Javier station, then bus 221i or 225i. Despite recent changes, it is not advised to visit this area at night.

Paraglide Over the City

Courtesy of Medellin Paragliding

Take off from the hills of San Felix to paraglide over the lush Aburrá Valley and the red-roofed houses of Medellin. Located about 40 minutes from Medellin proper, Medellin Paraglide offers tandem 15-minute day flights, as well as certification courses for those wanting to learn how to fly on their own (a commitment of 40-plus hours and multiple flights). Started by the father of paragliding in Colombia, Ruben Dario Montoya Vargas or "Ruben Fly," the school has internationally certified instructors, all bilingual in English and Spanish. Take your own transportation via taxi from Medellin or the Metrocable to La Aurora, or book directly with the school for door-to-door pick-up service.

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16 Top-Rated Things to Do in Medellin

Written by Mark Johanson , Lana Law , and Michael Law Updated Feb 15, 2023 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

Authors Michael and Lana Law have visited Colombia on several occasions and were in Medellin most recently in the fall of 2022.

If ever there was a city brimming with 21st-century optimism, it's Medellin. With a comfortable, mild climate and cosmopolitan feel, this city of 4 million — the second largest city in Colombia after Bogotá — hasn't always had an easy time of it.

In 1988, Time magazine declared Medellin "the most dangerous city in the world." In 2013, The Wall Street Journal called it the most innovative metropolis on the planet. Today, Medellin is a hot spot for digital nomads and remote workers who come here to enjoy the city for more than just a holiday.

Needless to say, much has changed over the last few decades, and this is no longer the city once in the grip of the famed narco-trafficker Pablo Escobar. Far from it, Medellin is overflowing with things to do for all types of travelers and packs a way bigger punch than most cities of its size.

Unlike other large South American cities where the old town area typically has the majority of sights, many of Medellin's main attractions are quite spread out. This coupled with significant traffic means that it takes time to see and do things, so plan accordingly.

1. Wander the Streets of El Poblado

2. the medellin metrocable, 3. plaza botero, 4. the museum of antioquia, 5. shopping in downtown medellin, 6. comuna 13, 8. mamm: medellín museum of modern art, 9. the botanical garden and parque explora, 10. museo casa de la memoria (house of the memory museum), 11. palacio of culture rafael uribe uribe, 12. barrio manila, 13. plaza cisneros, 14. museo del agua epm & barefoot park, 15. pueblito paisa, 16. el castillo museo y jardines.

Medellin's star attraction is the neighborhood of El Poblado. Shady streets lined with huge leafy trees are home to restaurants, cafés, and boutique shops. Walking along some of the roads leaves you feeling like you're in a park, with a giant canopy of leaves over top and a small river tumbling below the sidewalk. It's a wonderful area to explore by day or to go for nightlife, and a good place to base yourself in the city.

Calle 10 is the main street through El Poblado and is always a busy, happening area. Smaller roads leading off this street are where you'll find interesting places to eat or hang out. Wander down Carrera 37 for a quaint and quiet atmosphere of restaurants and shops, or head to the pedestrian-only Carrera 35 for a more lively atmosphere and music.

Restaurants in El Poblado

You'll find no end of restaurants in El Poblado, from fine dining to street-side patios, and even grab-and-go fast-food places. For a great atmosphere and outdoor patio dining, as well as excellent food, try Bonhomia on Carrera 37.

For something a little more casual, head across the street to 37 Park Medellin . This restaurant has the look and feel of a tree house and is a good place to meet international travelers.

Mondongos is a restaurant that many Colombians will recommend and is a good option if you want to try some traditional dishes, like tripe soup. It's right on busy Calle 10 and easy to find.

Coffee Culture in El Poblado

Colombia is the world's third-largest coffee producer , and many of the beans come from the hills of Antioquia surrounding Medellin. Of course, you don't need to leave town to experience the distinct flavors of Colombian coffee. The trendy El Poblado neighborhood is a hub of coffee culture and absolutely brimming with hip cafés grinding strong local roasts.

The granddaddy of them all is Pergamino , with hot and cold beverages made largely from beans grown on the owner's family farm. Right across the street, you'll find the equally recommended Café Velvet , while on the far side of the neighborhood (and much closer to the El Poblado metro stop) lies Urbania Café , which has rotating art exhibitions on the walls and a great selection of Colombian design and fashion magazines to read with your latte.

Each of these cafés makes its own blends from regional beans and sells them by the bag for prices you're unlikely to find back home.

Medellin lies in a big Andean bowl, and the best way to take in the panorama is simply to hop on public transportation and connect to the Medellin Metrocable.

These futuristic cable cars soar above the city into the surrounding hills, offering unrivaled views that are perfect for avid photographers. One option is to ride Line J over social housing towers and smaller shantytowns to an outstanding overlook near the final station at La Aurora .

A more popular thing to do, however, is take Line L up to Arvi Park , an urban oasis of forested hills that feels a world away from the city center. This vast park is the perfect getaway for nature lovers, with peaceful walking trails and plenty of food and craft vendors to satisfy your every need.

Hometown hero Fernando Botero donated 23 of his larger-than-life sculptures to the city of Medellin, and you'll find them sprinkled around the aptly named Plaza Botero (near the Parque Berrio metro station).

From rotund Roman legionaries to overstuffed animals, these portly figures have become symbolic of downtown Medellin and are surely some of the most photographed artworks in all of Colombia. Their setting against the ornate black-and-white patterns of Rafael Uribe Uribe Palace of Culture only highlights the overall appeal.

This is a busy square with a bit of an edgy feel to it. It's best to go during the day and ensure all your valuables are out of sight.

You'll find even more of Botero's works — including famed paintings like La Muerte de Pablo Escobar ( the death of Pablo Escobar ) — in the Museum of Antioquia (Museo de Antioquia).

Located along the western edge of Plaza Botero, this three-story facility is the second oldest museum in the country. It includes a wide spectrum of art from pre-Columbian Colombia right up to modern masters like Botero. Other items in the collection include ceramics, furniture, and pre-Colombian pottery.

If you only go to one museum in Medellin, make it this one.

Address: Carrera 52 # 52-43, Medellín, Antioquia

Official site: http://www.museodeantioquia.co

The area south and west of Plaza Botero is a veritable shopping paradise. Just wander down the pedestrian-only Calle 52 , and you'll soon be in the heart of it. The entire area is jammed full of shops selling just about anything you can imagine. Many of the buildings have long galleries that create an almost warren-like area of small shops. Wander into one, and you aren't quite sure where you'll exit.

Fortunately this huge shopping area is well organized by item. If you are looking for fabric for curtains for example, all the fabric sellers are located together. Need a power tool? All the hardware stores are right next to one another.

One building that is not to be missed is the National Palace Mall . This spectacular building has been wonderfully restored to its former glory complete with massive chandeliers and skylights. This is the place in Medellin to come to for the latest fashions.

Comuna 13 was once the most dangerous neighborhood in Medellin. Now it's fast becoming one of the city's top tourist attractions, with tour groups wandering through its graffiti-filled streets . Why? An ever-growing system of open-air escalators linking together Comuna 13's cliff-clinging communities has helped drive down crime and elevate community pride.

Many of the escalator operators are also street artists who've livened up the edges of the escalator route with colorful murals that both reflect the neighborhood's tough past and offer hope for a promising future. To get the most out your visit, it's best to take a tour with an English-speaking guide from a company like Comuna 13 Tours .

Official site: http://www.comuna13tours.com

There is so much to see and do within Medellin that it can be hard to leave. However, one of the top attractions among most visitors actually lies 90 kilometers out of town. El Peñón de Guatapé is a monolithic rock formation that soars 200 meters above the surrounding landscape.

Climb the 750 concrete steps to the top, and your reward is 360-degree views over the Guatapé Reservoir , a manmade lake that has numerous tentacles lined with vacation homes and hotels. The viewing platform up top has plenty of drink vendors and shaded tables to cool off at before huffing it back down to the bottom.

The best way to visit is by a Full-Day Guatapé (Pueblo de Zocalos) from Medellin that includes lunch and a boat trip out onto the turquoise lake to view El Peñón from afar.

If you go on your own, count on a minimum of four hours of travel time to get there and back.

This modern art museum is, without a doubt, the star attraction of the up-and-coming Ciudad del Rio neighborhood, a former industrial area along the Medellin River that has been gentrified in recent decades and is now home to artists' lofts, sculpture-filled gardens, and top-tier dining.

Built within (and all around) the refurbished confines of a 1939 steel mill, MAMM showcases some of the stars of Colombia's contemporary art scene, including pop artists Beatriz González and expressionist Débora Arango. Ride the elevator up to the top floor of this five-story building and wind your way down for the best experience.

Address: #19A, Cra. 44 #16 Sur100, Medellín, Antioquia

Official site: http://www.elmamm.org

Need a break from the city noise? Head to the Botanical Garden near the Universidad metro station, where 14 hectares of green space awaits. This sprawling and free-to-enter garden not only showcases more than 600 species of trees and plants, but also has a herbarium, lagoon, and popular butterfly enclosure.

Just across the street from the botanical gardens, you'll find another must-see attraction: Parque Explora . This family-friendly complex boasts a vivarium (for reptiles and amphibians), a planetarium (for stargazing), and Latin America's largest freshwater aquarium (which showcases many critters from the Amazon Basin). There are also three interactive areas, with educational exhibits on physics, neuroscience, and communications.

You can explore Medellin's sordid past, collective progress, and promise for a brighter future at Museum House of the Memory. This striking (and free-to-enter) complex opened in 2012 to offer a space for victims of Colombia's armed conflict to amass and dignify their memories.

The archival collections depict the history of drug and paramilitary violence in the country as well as the fight for peace and unity. It is, perhaps, the best place in Medellin to come to grips with Colombia's headline-making history and put a face to the victims of Latin America's longest-running armed conflict.

Address: Calle 51 # 36-66 Bicentennial Park, Medellin

Official site: http://museocasadelamemoria.gov.co

As you wander around Plaza Botero, the one building that keeps drawing your eye again and again is the checkerboard patterned Palacio of Culture Rafael Uribe Uribe. This building, done in the Gothic Revival style first started in 1925, was abandoned for many years and was finally finished in 1982.

The building is open to the public with no admission charge, so feel free to wander in and take a look around. The massive dome is quite spectacular, and the Rafael Uribe Uribe Museum room is worth a look.

Exceptionally green and effortlessly chic, this pocket-sized barrio on the edge of El Poblado offers a quieter alternative to its neighbor. Home to a number of fantastic accommodation options across all budgets, Manila is also your go-to spot for some of the trendiest open-air restaurants in the city, including Tal Cual and Malevo (for chargrilled meats).

Want a healthy breakfast? Head to Café Al Alma for a big bowl of granola and yogurt with local fruits. In the mood for an afternoon pick-me-up? Try Hija Mia for one of the silkiest americanos in town.

Plaza Cisneros is yet another example of a section of Medellin that was once full of drugs and violence but is now a relatively safe and popular destination for sightseeing.

Walk by during the day, and it might not look like much, but head back after dark and the 300 light poles scattered throughout the plaza will surely leave an impression. These 24-meter-high beacons are like giant Jedi lightsabers brightening up the night sky.

More than just pretty lights, this plaza is also home to some spectacular architecture, including the angular Biblioteca EPM , a library with a small museum and free Wi-Fi. Head across Avenida San Juan for even more architectural marvels like the bumblebee-colored towers of Plaza de la Libertad.

Address: Cl. 44 #52-50, Medellín, Antioquia

The Museo del Agua (Museum of Water) is, as the name suggests, all about water, from its origins to modern-day uses. You have to explore the museum on a guided tour, so be sure to check in advance to see when tours are starting.

Immediately outside the museum is Barefoot Park, a zen-inspired public park designed by local architect Felipe Uribe de Bedout. You can take off your shoes and wander through its green gardens, sandy pits, and bubbling water fountains to experience the different textures and contemplate how they feel. The idea is to reconnect with nature in a way humans lost when we started wearing modern footwear.

Equally enjoyable for both kids and adults, the park has plenty of shady nooks and cooling waterways to beat the heat on a scorching afternoon.

Address: Cra. 58 #42-125, Medellín, Antioquia

This mock town atop Cerro Nutibara is like a living museum, where you can walk back in time to the turn of the century and experience life in rural Antioquia. The village centers around a traditional town square with a church, mayor's office, barbershop, and one-room schoolhouse.

Its hilltop setting also makes it a great spot simply to get a bird's-eye view of the city below. You'll find plenty of souvenir and handicraft shopping here alongside some excellent restaurants where you can try the paisa cuisine of the Colombian Andes, including classic dishes like bandeja paisa, a belly-busting platter of ground meat, fried plantains, and avocados served with rice and refried beans.

You may not expect to find a castle in Medellin, but one does exist and it's spectacular. Once a private residence, and then for many years an entertainment venue for VIPs, today the castle and grounds are an attraction open to everyone for a modest admission fee.

One-hour, Spanish-only tours leave on the hour. Knowledgeable guides provide the background and history of the slightly dated but still sumptuous interior. The grounds display tropical plants, fountains, and large trees.

A popular pastime is to grab some takeout from a restaurant in nearby Poblado and have a picnic. A small restaurant on-site also provides food and beverages.

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Home » Travel Guides » Colombia » 25 Best Things to Do in Medellín (Colombia)

25 Best Things to Do in Medellín (Colombia)

The second city of Colombia, Medellín has transformed itself perhaps more than any other city in the world. Though its violent, tumultuous past is well-known, today the city is modern, innovative, and just generally lovely.

Nicknamed the “City of Eternal Spring” for its nearly perfect weather, you’ll find plenty of parks and plazas where you can enjoy the sunshine with a fresh juice from a street food vendor and a couple of empanadas.

Make sure you learn all about the city’s past in order to appreciate how far it’s come – there are plenty of museums and tours that’ll educate you, along with authentic markets and neighborhoods to explore. The city is also home to great restaurants, cafes, bars, and even clubs that’ll have you salsa dancing the night away… or trying to anyway.

Let’s explore the best things to do in Medellín :

1. Museo de Antioquia

A former city hall turned museum, this place houses a great collection of works by Fernando Botero.

He’s one of Colombia’s most famous artists, and he had a penchant for painting all things chubby.

Born in Medellín, the artist patronized 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 even more.

There’s a small cafe and courtyard here where you can take a break.

2. Free Walking Tour

The free walking tour in Medellín by Real City Tours is one of the most popular walking tours in the world.

Learn all about the city’s difficult past from an insightful and experienced guide.

This is a good way to get out of Poblado and see more of the city, taste some local foods, and hear how the local people really feel about Pablo Escobar.

You’ll see places like Parque Berrio, the Forest of Lights, and Parque San Antonio.

Do this tour at the beginning of your stay in Medellín so you’ll have lots of historical background on the city – plus your guide will give you great food and nightlife tips! Be sure to sign up ahead of time so you get a spot, and know that it’s not totally free – you’re supposed to tip at the end of the 4-hour tour.

There’s also a Pablo Escobar tour in Medellin.

3. Take the Metrocable Up to Parque Arvi

The metro and metrocable system of Medellín has received lots of praise for bringing a city of many different neighborhoods together.

You can get all over the city with your metro ticket, and if you want to venture up for great views and fresh air, pay a little more to take the metrocable from Santo Domingo to Parque Arvi.

The 15-minute ride provides great views of the city and neighborhoods below.

At the top, there are places to stop for some snacks made from local Colombian products (like grilled mushrooms) while you enjoy the views.

Check out the tents and street vendors selling trinkets and then head out onto the walking trails of the park.

Related tour : Medellin Innovation: 4-Hour Metro Tour

4. Santo Domingo and Biblioteca España

If you take a ride up the metrocable, you’ll get a glimpse of a few 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.

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.

5. The Botanical Gardens

A natural oasis in the center of Medellín, they city’s botanical gardens contain more than 1,000 species of wildlife and 4,500 flowers.

There’s a butterfly garden, a cactus garden, and a huge collection of orchids.

Entry is free and you can go explore the area to find critters or just lie on the grass in the sun with a book.

There’s even a 65-foot-high wooden mesh structure called the Orquideorama which collects rainwater and protects the orchids and butterflies below.

Have a picnic, check for live events, and be sure to visit if you’re here during the city’s Festival of the Flowers, it’ll be even more impressive.

6. Parque Explora

Everybody loves Parque Explora, even adults and those folks without kids.

It’s an interactive science museum combined with South America’s largest freshwater aquarium.

There are over 300 interactive exhibits housed in the building’s four red cubes, plus a planetarium, 3D auditorium, and a television studio.

Located in Zona Norte near the botanical gardens and shopping malls, it’s easy to spend a whole day here playing and learning about science and technology, but it’s also a convenient stop on your way to other attractions.

Parque Explora is totally interesting and fun, and you’ll enjoy it even more if you do have kids with you.

7. Check Out Poblado

Chances are you might be staying in this upscale neighborhood anyway because it’s where most of the gringos, expats, and backpackers in Medellín choose to rest their heads.

It’s a beautiful area of shady streets with a solid café culture and a range of different types of international food options.

Coffee shops and free wifi abound, plus there are bars, spas, gyms, and all the other comforts from home here.

Whether you want to do a serious coffee tasting (try Cafe Toucan) or hit the clubs for the night (check out Calle 9), you’ll find it in Poblado.

8. Casa de la Memoria

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.

9. Visit Guatapé

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

10. 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.

11. Go Salsa Dancing

Whether you’re an old pro or just want to learn a few steps, this city is the place to do it.

While Cali might be the salsa capital of Colombia, Medellín can get you started with salsa lessons or local bars and clubs filled with salsa music and dancing.

DanceFree in Poblado is a super popular place for private or group classes, and on the weekends they have a bar with dancing too.

For live salsa music and dancing (with locals and tourists alike showing off), check out the Son Havana or El Eslabon Prendido.

Available workshop : Medellin Salsa Like a Local Evening Workshop

12. Plaza Botero

A great place for people watching and art appreciation, check out the lively Plaza Botero for some 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.

13. El Castillo Museo y Jardines

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.

14. Go Paragliding

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 allow you to pay a little extra if you want GoPro footage of your adventure – check out Dragon Fly and Paragliding Medellín.

Book online : Paragliding the Andes from Medellín

15. Plaza Minorista Market

Get an authentic look at Medellín food culture by visiting one of the city’s markets.

Plaza Minorista is a huge farmer’s market filled with local vendors selling everything from fresh produce and fish to just-butchered meats and ready-made corn arepas.

It’s a great place to bring your camera to capture all the bright colors and characters here.

Take a tour to do some fruit tasting or just buy some of what looks good for yourself – prices are cheap! There are plenty of little restaurants in Minorista where you can grab a set meal or a full breakfast, plus things like fish stew, coconut rice, and freshly squeezed fruit juice.

16. See a Fútbol Match

Football (soccer) in South America is close to religion, drawing excited and loyal fans to the stadiums to watch their teams play.

Medellín is no exception, and if you want to attend a sporting event doubles as a cultural experience, go see one of the city’s teams play.

Atlético Nacional and Independiente Medellín are the two local clubs, and you can usually get tickets between $12 and $25 USD. Buy them a couple days in advance and get advice on where to sit, depending on if you want things to be rowdy or (relatively) calm.

Even if you’re not a soccer fan, go for the energy of the stadium – the rambunctious fans, the singing, the shouting, banners, and even firecrackers going off during games are a one of a kind experience.

17. Parque Berrío

A plaza with fewer people trying to sell you things and ask for money and more folks just trying to meet up and hang out, Parque Berrío feels very local.

Tons of people gather here in the afternoon to sit and listen to street musicians play after buying beers and snacks from local vendors.

Old men gather to play games like dominos, and the locals here are pretty friendly.

Once the site of the old public market and home to public executions, the park was transformed in the early 90s when the area made way for the nearby metro station.

You can visit the old Iglesia la Candelaria on one side and a few blocks away is the much more touristy Plaza Botero.

18. Eat Colombian Food, Especially 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.

19. Comuna 13 and Las Escaleras

Once 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.

Recommended tour : Medellín: Comuna 13 Neighborhood Tour

20. 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 trips to Guatapé.

Medellín Adventure Trails will take you around the rugged terrain on bikes or ATVs (or both) and include a stop for lunch at a trout farm.

Available tour : Medellin Off-Road Adventure Tour by Quad Bike

21. Museo de Arte Moderno Medellín

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.

22. Mercado del Río

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.

23. Go Shopping

Medellín is a great place to do some shopping, whether you’re after dirt-cheap knock offs or luxury stores.

El Hueco is where you’d go for a little bit of chaos, haggling, and lots of shops and street vendors selling fake brand-name goods and other odds and ends you might need.

For a more modern mall experience with a broad range of stores, check out the huge Centro Commercial Santa Fe or Oviedo.

For a unique, high-end experience just a few blocks away, check out Río Sur, a group of repurposed buildings which now contain upmarket boutique shops, salons, and lots of nightclubs, restaurants, and bars.

24. Cañón Del Río Claro Reserva Natural

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.

25. Palacio de la Cultura Rafael Uribe Uribe

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.

25 Best Things to Do in Medellín (Colombia):

• Museo de Antioquia
• Free Walking Tour
• Take the Metrocable Up to Parque Arvi
• Santo Domingo and Biblioteca España
• The Botanical Gardens
• Parque Explora
• Check Out Poblado
• Casa de la Memoria
• Visit Guatapé
• Parque Lleras
• Go Salsa Dancing
• Plaza Botero
• El Castillo Museo y Jardines
• Go Paragliding
• Plaza Minorista Market
• See a Fútbol Match
• Parque Berrío
• Eat Colombian Food, Especially Bandeja Paisa
• Comuna 13 and Las Escaleras
• Go Biking or Ride ATVs Outside the City
• Museo de Arte Moderno Medellín
• Mercado del Río
• Go Shopping
• Cañón Del Río Claro Reserva Natural
• Palacio de la Cultura Rafael Uribe Uribe

Wander-Lush

30 Things to Do in Medellin, Colombia’s City of Eternal Spring

30 of the very best things to do in Medellin, Colombia’s spellbinding second city.

The second-largest city in the country and capital of the north-western Antioquia Department, Medellin ( Medellín ) is indisputably a must-visit place in Colombia .

I knew Medellin was my kind of city even before I arrived – which is why I booked a three-week stay to kick-start my Colombia trip. Just as I had predicted, it took me all of two minutes on the airport bus to decide that I loved the ‘City of Eternal Spring’.

Medellin is a hub of vibrant Paisa culture , with an incredible food and local coffee scene, great museums and galleries, public sculptures and street art, bustling fruit markets , colourful neighbourhoods , and lots of urban green spaces.

It’s a city that has undergone dramatic changes in recent decades. I would describe it as a city with an old soul and a young, energetic, creative spirit.

This list of the 30 best things to do in Medellin brings together quintessential Medellin must dos, alternative attractions in Medellin, immersive experiences for food and coffee lovers, and outdoor adventures to help you enjoy Medellin to the max.

• First time in Medellin? Copy my 2-day Medellin itinerary for the perfect visit.

Please note: This post contains affiliate links, meaning I may earn a commission if you make a purchase by clicking a link (at no extra cost to you). Learn more.

Medellin Quick Links

Where to stay in Medellin: The Wandering Paisa (hostel); 574 Hotel (mid-range); Quinta Ladera (boutique hotel); Sites Hotel (luxury). Pre-book your airport transfer: 24/7 transfer to any hotel in Medellin , operated by Impulse Travel (from $25). Best city walking tour: Private City Tour with Metrocable and Comuna 13 (from $53). Best Comuna 13 tour: Comuna 13 Graffiti Tour with Local Guide (from $25). Best coffee experience: Coffee Tour With Tastings and Lunch (from $42). Best day trip from Medellin: Guatape & El Peñol Rock (from $37).

Essential things to do in Medellin

Let’s start with the top Medellin attractions and must-have Colombia experiences .

If you have just one or two days in Medellin, prioritise these 15 activities to ensure you leave with a holistic picture of the city.

1. Take the Free Walking Tour

A city walking tour is one of the best free things to do in Medellin and the perfect way to get your bearings when you first arrive. There is only one company worth mentioning, and that’s Real City Tours .

This is honestly one of the best free walking tours I’ve done anywhere in the world (and I’ve done a lot!). Groups are small (currently capped at six people) and the local guides are very engaging.

If you’re lucky enough to get Caro, you’re in for a real treat: She knows everything there is to know about Medellin and is truly one of the most memorable guides I’ve had the pleasure of meeting.

The itinerary focuses on Medellin’s downtown (El Centro) . Whilst covering the major streets, parks and plazas, you’ll pick up lots of information about Medellin’s history and social change.

The tour runs twice a day Monday-Friday and once in the morning on Saturday (no tours on Sundays). It lasts 3.5-4 hours, and payment is based on tips. Bookings are essential – reserve a place online .

Specialty city tours:

• Private 5-hour city tour of Medellin with hotel transfers & a metrocable ticket. Includes Botero Square, Comuna 13, Pueblito Paisa, the Botanical Gardens and more. From $53 per person.
• 4-hour (20km) e-bike tour of Medellin . Includes El Poblado, Ciudad del Río, Laureles and a Colombian coffee experience. From $42 per person including bike hire.
• 5-hour Medellin gastronomic tour with my favourite tour company, Impulse Travel. Includes local food tastings and markets. From $150 per person.

2. Ride the iconic Medellin Metrocable

The Metrocable (cable car system) is a symbol of Medellin. For locals, it’s a way of life: The cable cars are the only practical way to access the hillside barrios where the streets are too steep and narrow for buses.

For us tourists, soaring above the rooftops in a gondola is a fun and affordable way to get spectacular views. It’s definitely a must do in Medellin.

The Metrocable has six lines that connect downtown Medellin in the Alburra Valley basin with different  settlements in the surrounding hills. My favourites are the K/L Lines to Parque Arvi (more on that later), and the J Line from San Javier (the location of Comuna 13 – see the next section for more) to La Aurora.

The gondola stations connect up to the Medellin metro system for seamless travel around the city. See #16 on this list for more info about the metro and how you can use it to go on a self-guided ‘tour’ of Medellin.

A single fare for the Metrocable costs 2,750 COP (around 70 US cents) or 2,430 COP if you have a (free) rechargeable Civica card. The L Line to Parque Arvi costs 10,600 COP. For more tips, see this comprehensive guide to using public transport in Medellin .

3. Explore Comuna 13 with a local guide, a Medellin must-do

The Comuna 13 commune is home to the most well-known of Medellin’s hillside barrios. Once considered the most dangerous place in the country (and one of the deadliest places in the world), the neighbourhoods that make up Comuna 13 have undergone immense transformation in recent decades thanks in no small part to projects such as the escaleras electricas (outdoor escalators) that ‘reconnected’ the area with the rest of the city.

Today, Comuna 13 is known for its vibrant street art and large-scale murals. Walking through this open-air gallery is an immersive history lesson: You’ll learn a lot about the events of the past, including Medellin’s gang violence, and most of all witness how hopeful people are for a brighter future .

I highly recommend visiting Comuna 13 with a local guide who can add context and narrative to the experience. This small-group tour lasts 4 hours and will lead you to the most important street art pieces and the best viewpoints . Here is a private tour option if you prefer.

Before you go, read my 13 tips for visiting Comuna 13 so you know what to expect.

4. Eat Bandeja Paisa at Hacienda

There’s a whole food-focused section of this guide coming up later, but I have to mention one foodie experience now: Eating Bandeja Paisa! Colombia’s national dish and a regional specialty in these parts, it’s one of the top things to do in Medellin not just for foodies, but for all travellers.

A worker’s lunch born on the coffee plantations of Antioquia Department, Bandeja Paisa is a work of culinary art. I didn’t know it was possible to cram so many flavours and textures (and calories!) onto one plate.

Every version is a bit different but in essence, Bandeja Paisa is a medley of beans, blood sausage, chorizo and chicharrón (deep-fried pork rind) served with rice and an arepa, and topped off with fresh avocado and a fried egg.

And everyone has their favourite rendition – mine is the finca-to-table Bandeja Paisa served at Hacienda . Their Juna restaurant near Parque Berrio is particularly nice, with its open-air dining veranda. One portion is big enough for two people, or you can opt for a single-serve ‘Mini Bandeja’.

5. See how you measure up in the Plaza Botero

The heart of Medellin’s historic Old Quarter, Plaza Botero is one of the loveliest squares in the city. You’ll find several monumental pieces of architecture and important museums around the periphery (more on those later), but the plaza itself is a great place for a stroll.

Botero Plaza is dedicated to Medellin-born artist Fernando Botero , who donated 23 of his larger-than-life sculptures to the city. I first encountered Botero’s work at the Cascade Complex in Yerevan, Armenia , so it was a real treat for me to see his works displayed in his home city.

Botero’s daring bronze forms push the boundaries of physics and political correctness alike! Some of his most iconic works include ‘Roman Soldier’ and the buxom ‘Eve’ . Rubbing the statues is said to bring good luck, so you’ll notice that many are buffed in certain ‘special’ locations.

If you’re looking for fun things to do in Medellin, wandering the Botero Plaza and admiring the bulging statues is definitely a must. For something more in-depth, this Botero-focused city tour explores the artist’s life and legacy in Medellin.

6. Ohh and ahh at the Museo de Antioquia

Located on Botero Plaza, the Museum of Antioquia (Museo de Antioquia) is my top choice of museum in central Medellin. This was the first museum established in Antioquia and is devoted to who else but two of the city’s most acclaimed artists, Botero and painter-muralist Pedro Nel Gómez .

I love Botero’s sculptures, but I adore his paintings. The work that most people make a beeline for is ‘Death of Pablo Escobar’ (1999), which depicts the infamous gangster’s demise against a backdrop of Medellin’s orange rooftops.

The museum is open 10am-5pm Monday to Saturday. Entrance costs around 18,000 COP. There is a free guided tour available every afternoon at 2pm.

If you’re planning to visit Medellin in high season, you may want to pre-purchase a skip the line ticket to avoid having to queue.

7. Stop by the Palace of Culture

Also facing onto Plaza Botero, the Rafael Uribe Palace of Culture is one of the most distinctive buildings in Medellin. The black-and-white stonework and Gothic-style arches are the work of Belgian architect Agustín Goovaerts, who designed the Palace as a venue for cultural programs and exhibitions staged by the regional government.

The building is open to the public. Inside, the Institute of Culture and Heritage of Antioquia houses a photo archive. There’s also a library, an art gallery and a cafe.

8. Shoot the breeze in Parque Berrio

Nearby Berrío Park sits smack-bang in the centre of Medellin and is therefore often thought of as the ‘nucleus’ of the city . It’s a hive of activity at all hours, a place for families and groups of friends to gather, where old men come to play checkers and vendors come to peddle their goods.

When the nearby Catholic church was first built in the 1640s (more in the next section), Parque Berrio was simply known as ‘Main Square’ . Parishioners would gather here before and after services – so you can see that meeting in this spot is a long-standing Medellin tradition.

The square has been pivotal to the city’s history through the ages: Various political announcements and demonstrations took place on these very paving stones.

Although it can be a bit rowdy (and a bit seedy at certain times of day), this is prime people-watching territory . With all the yelling and conversations going on, you might even learn some Spanish by osmosis!

For the best views down onto the square, head up to the adjacent Parque Berrio Metro Station platform.

9. Visit Medellin’s oldest church

The Basilica of Our Lady of Candelaria behind Parque Berrio dates back to Colombia’s colonial era. As well as being one of the most beautiful churches in Medellin, it’s also the city’s oldest.

Roman Catholic parishioners have been worshipping at the stone church since 1649. Outside, the Neoclassical facade is grand and austere; inside, a gold-coloured altar sits beneath a painting of the Virgin of Candelaria, Medellin’s patron saint.

You can get a great view of the church’s exterior from the platform at the nearby Parque Berrio metro station. Just footsteps from Plaza Botero and the museum, it’s a worthwhile addition to your itinerary when you’re in the El Centro district.

10. Get lost in a fruit market

Antioquia is Colombia’s fruit bowl , and Medellin is where the region’s farmers come to trade their tropical delights. There are several fruit markets in the city worth visiting . My personal favourite is the Plaza Minorista José María Villa , or The Minorista for short.

The Minorista is an atmospheric green market made up of 3,000-plus undercover stalls. Roam the aisles, chatting with the friendly los vendedores (vendors) who are usually more than happy to offer free samples of their most exotic offerings: Maracuyá, zapote, mangosteen, curuba and more.

Watch your toes as people race around the aisles with trolleys and crates of fruit. Don’t forget to look up at the beautiful hand-painted signs above some of the older stalls, family-run businesses that have been operating here for generations.

Climb the stairs to the second level to look directly down on the market floor and admire the chaos. Here’s where you’ll also find breakfast stalls and juice bars where you can pick your favourite fruit and have it blended to order.

The Minorista opens bright and early at 4.30am daily . It’s best to arrive early for the best variety and the an energetic atmosphere.

11. Hike in Parque Arvi, Medellin’s green lung

Located in a valley north-east of the city centre and reachable from downtown via the Line L Metrocable, Parque Arvi (Arví Park) is literally a breath of fresh air. The huge nature reserve and archaeological site offers walking and biking trails, waterfalls, a farmers’ market, coffee shops, and more.

You could easily spend a full afternoon here recharging your batteries.

Much of the 16,000-hectare park can be explored over 56 miles (90km) of walking trails . Marked paths range from easy strolls through wildflower groves and butterfly habitat, to more strenuous hikes.

Short guided walks depart regularly from the visitor’s centre and last from 1-4 hours. Or you can set out alone on one of the easier-to-follow hikes , such as the Trail of the hill.

Don’t miss the Mercado Arví , a daily farmers’ market next to the Metrocable station where you can buy local fruit, coffee and Colombian handicrafts.

12. Visit Pueblito Paisa, a model village in the heart of Medellin

Perched atop Nutibara Hill in the city centre, Pueblito Paisa is a miniature version of a typical Antioquian pueblo or town. If you don’t have time to travel out of the city to a real pueblo, this is the next best thing. (There’s no comparison really, but at least you can get an idea of the architectural style!)

Make no mistake, this is one of Medellin’s most popular tourist attractions and it’s very commercial as a result. I just happened to be staying nearby and wandered up one night for a look. It is worth going out of your way for, but just be prepared for the crowds.

The village is laid out like a typical town , with a central cobbled square, church and fountain ringed by white facades with colourful trims. I later learned that some of the building materials used in construction were salvaged from a real pueblo near Guatape, including original wooden doors, windows, and the church altar.

The panoramic views from the top of the hill are worth the 20-minute walk up (don’t worry, you can drive all the way if you wish). There are several viewpoints scattered around the area where you can look out over Medellin and the river.

Pueblito Paisa is open from 6am until late every day. The Medellin City Museum is also located on the hill, adjacent to the pueblo.

13. Shop for souvenirs at the San Alejo Handicraft Market

If you happen to be visiting Medellin on the first Saturday of the month, don’t miss the San Alejo Handicraft Market in Parque Bolivar.

This showcase of local food projects and crafts only takes place once every four weeks. It’s a 35-year tradition, drawing crowds who shop directly from 400 artists, makers, antique vendors and artisanal farmers .

Indigenous artisans from communities around Medellin are also represented, making San Alejo one of the few places in the city where you can buy authentic handicrafts such as hand-woven Wayuu Mochila bags and colourful Mola textiles , traditionally made by the Kuna people.

14. Go cafe hopping in El Poblado, one of the best places in Medellin for coffee & culture

Because of its proximity to Colombia’s coffee region , Medellin is the ideal place to sample local beans. El Poblado district, the hub of cafe culture , has enough specialty coffee shops and outdoor cafes to keep you humming until the very last drop.

Spend an afternoon soaking up the atmosphere of Medellin’s coolest neighbourhood (part of Comuna 14 but a world away from Comuna 13) by hopping between the many gorgeous outdoor cafes and trying different specialty brews. Pergamino is possibly the most popular venue in the city.

For a more in-depth experience, consider joining this coffee shop hopping tour of El Poblado and Laureles with Impulse Travel. It includes several specialty cafes and a behind-the-scenes look at coffee culture in Colombia. For something hands-on, learn how the Colombians percolate with a Coffee Brewing Workshop hosted by El Poblado’s Avoeden Café.

El Poblado has a very different vibe after dark when it transforms into a bar district. If you’re more of a night owl, this bar hopping tour of El Poblado will give you a local’s insight into Medellin nightlife.

15. Sip Aguardiente and listen to Tango at Salon Malaga

One of the best things to do in Medellin at night is spend a few hours at Salón Málaga, a traditional piano bar with an old-timey feel and a wonderful atmosphere. It’s been a fixture of Medellin since 1957.

Settle in amongst the jukeboxes and retro music posters to listen to live tango and salsa . It’s not uncommon for couples to get up and start cutting a rug, so remember to wear your dancing shoes if you want to join in the fun.

A neat shot of aguardiente , Colombian ‘fire water’, should get things moving. Made from fermented sugar cane, it has a pleasant anise flavour and actually goes down quite smooth (well, sometimes).

Every region in Colombia produces its own aguardiente, but the liquor made in one department can’t be sold to another – so you know this is the real-deal Antioquean stuff.

Alternative things to do in Medellin

If you have more time in Medellin, consider some of these lesser-known attractions and activities.

16. Visit the Museo Casa de la Memoria

Founded in 2006 by the Victim Assistance Program of Medellin City Hall, the Museo Casa de la Memoria (House of Memory Museum) is a unique institution developed to help people reflect on and overcome the hardships associated with the violence of the 1980s to early 2000s.

As you’re probably already aware, Medellin was a very dangerous place in the 1990s especially. Countless people lost their lives to cartel violence and the military interventions that followed. The Casa de la Memoria gives their families and friends – and the community at large – a space to share their voices and rebuild.

It’s a very moving experience as you see, read and hear first-hand accounts in the photographs, videos and hand-written materials. Though sombre, it will deepen your understanding of modern-day Medellin.

17. Smell the orchids at Medellin’s oldest marketplace

If you can’t be in Medellin for the annual Feria de Las Flores Flower Festival, which takes place every August, the next best thing is to browse the Placita de Flórez flower market.

The oldest undercover market in the city (it dates back to 1891), the Placita is a short walk from the Casa de la Memoria in Bombona district. You can quite easily combine them into one visit.

The market is a bit of an unusual combination: On one level you’ll find beautiful fresh-cut flowers interspersed with butcher’s shops. Downstairs, you’ll find the fruit and vegetable vendors.

On the back wall of the lower level there’s a wildly popular food stall you can’t miss : It’s where Medellin’s best arepas de chócolo (sweet corn arepas served with a slab of cheese on top) are served.

Back outside the market, order a freshly pressed OJ from one of the roving juice carts while you sit on a plastic stool and observe the ins and outs of Colombian commerce.

18. Take a self-guided city tour by metro

Medellin’s award-winning public transport system isn’t just a way to get from A to B – you can also use it for a DIY, super affordable city tour . The Metrocable is one thing, but even the above-ground metro station platforms afford fantastic views of different plazas and notable buildings around the city.

I suggest taking Line A from El Poblado to Acevedo , disembarking at the Industriales, Exposiciones, Alpujarra, San Antonio, Parque Berrio, Prado and Hospital stations for different views of Medellin.

You can jump on and off and in most cases, transfer underneath from platform to platform, without having to buy a second ticket.

Just avoid using the metro during peak hour (Monday to Friday between 5pm and 7pm) as the stations and trains are always very busy around this time.

19. Stroll around leafy Laureles

Laureles is probably the most livable district in Medellin . I booked an Airbnb here without realising it was one of the city’s hottest suburbs, and I was very happy to be able to explore a ‘real’ local neighbourhood.

Originally a working-class area, parts of Laureles are now quite swish. It’s extremely leafy , with old growth trees lining wide roads, tons of dog parks and outdoor exercise areas, and open-air restaurants. Primer Parque de Laureles was my ‘local’ park during my short stay.

Parts of the district are laid out with roundabouts and curved streets , so it can be a bit confusing to try and navigate on foot. But getting lost and aimlessly strolling is all part of the fun.

There are a few notable attractions to seek out, including the Fundación Aburrá gallery-museum . For more things to do, see this detailed guide to the Laureles neighbourhood .

20. Attend a Colombian football match

Football (soccer) is a way of life in Colombia just as it is in many other parts of Latin America. To feel the pulse of the city and be part of one the nation’s most beloved traditions , why not attend a local match at Atanasio Girardot Stadium.

The city has two clubs, Nacional and Medellin, and both are revered. If either are playing during your visit, don’t miss your chance to cheer on the players alongside the home crowd. Match times are usually announced a few months in advance, and tickets can be purchased online.

For a different experience, sign up for an immersive football experience where you’ll attend the game accompanied by a local and participate in the pre-game rituals most tourists miss.

Best things to do in Medellin for foodies

Medellin is a true foodie paradise, with street food, cafes and restaurants on literally every corner. I’m not exaggerating when I say that chicharrones and arepas de chocolo changed my life.

Here are my favourite food-focused activities in Medellin.

21. Experience life-changing arepas de chocolo

I already alluded to arepas de chócolo, sweet corn cakes topped with creamy queso cheese . Trust me, these babies will make you re-define your idea of ‘delicious’.

This kind of arepa is traditional to Colombia’s Andean region, but thank goodness some master chefs decided to bring their recipes up north to the big city. Steamy, sweet-salty and creamy, they go perfectly with a hot cup of black coffee for breakfast .

The best arepas de chócolo are made from fresh-ground corn and served inside the Placita de Flórez .

22. Eat like a Paisa at Mondongo’s

Mondongo’s is part of Medellin’s old guard of bistros and an integral part of the city’s food landscape. The family owned restaurant first opened in 1976 on Avenida San Juan and has since expanded to several other locations around the city including in El Poblado . (Oh, and they also have a restaurant in Miami.)

The original philosophy of using food to bring Antioquian families together around their shared heritage of Paisa cuisine still stands. Today, this is still a very family oriented restaurant, the sort of place where you expect to see at least one birthday party every lunchtime.

There are just a dozen or so dishes on the menu, all traditional to the area. The star is of course mondongo , a soup/stew of pork, tripe and chorizo. It’s zingy and deep and a bit of an acquired taste, but definitely the thing to order if you want to eat like a local in Medellin.

23. Hunt down the city’s best Menu del Dia

Another life-altering food concept, the Menu del Día or Menu of the Day is an institution in Medellin and a godsend for budget travellers. Essentially this is a set menu offered at lunchtime that allows you to stock up on a day’s worth of calories for a very respectable price .

Sometimes called Ejecutivo in Colombia, Menu del Dia came by way of Spain where the notion of a fixed-price lunch was actually written into law by fascist dictator Francisco Franco. It normally includes a cold drink, a soup or salad, a hearty main meal, and a small dessert. Typically the cost is around 15,000 COP or 3.80 USD – not bad for a three-course meal.

If you have trouble deciding what to order at restaurants, this is a saviour. Just ask for the Menu del Dia and you’ll be served up with something fresh, seasonal and nutritious .

Bandeja Paisa is a popular choice for obvious reasons, but every cafe and restaurant puts their own spin on it. They rarely serve the same thing two days in a row, so you can pick your favourite establishment and keep coming back for something new.

My favourites are Restaurante Santas Melonas near El Poblado Park for a meaty Colombian spread, and Naturalia Café in Laureles for a lighter vegetarian lunch.

24. Eat Argentinian empanadas at Salon Versalles

Located on busy Avenida Maracaibo , Salon Versalles is a real gem in Medellin and an essential pitstop on any food quest. The traditional tea house was founded in 1961 by an Argentinean expat and was the first place in the city to serve pizza!

Versalles continues to push the envelope by serving up Argentine-style empanadas . The flaky pastry and rich, slightly spicy filling is what sets them apart from their Colombian counterparts.

Versalles turns out approximately 2,000 crescent-shaped pastries every day, along with Chilean empanadas filled with meat, olives and hard-boiled egg.

For something more substantial, there’s steak churrasco and Argentinian milanesa . Save room for dessert, specifically a big slice of Torta María Luisa , a traditional Colombian layer cake, or maybe a few buñuelos (fried dough balls). Pair your sweets with a tinto coffee and you’re all set.

Dark wood, booth seating and coiffed waiters in pressed whites give the cafe a fun retro vibe.

25. Snack your way around the Mercado del Rio

The Mercado del Río is a very different kind of marketplace to the ones already mentioned on this list. Similar to the Time Out Market in Lisbon , it is a contemporary food hall where you can eat a range of world cuisines under one roof.

Think of it as the United Nations of snacks . Around 50 restaurants are represented, serving everything from sushi to waffles, pizza to traditional Peruvian ceviche.

The warehouse space is beautifully decorated with lots of seating, which makes it a favourite place for friends to meet in the evening. The atmosphere is great , especially when there’s a local football game streaming on the big screen.

26. Join a Medellin food tour or cooking class

To learn more about Colombia’s food culture, I highly recommend you join a Medellin food tour . This itinerary is led by my favourite community-focused tour company in Colombia, Impulse Travel, and includes plenty of city sightseeing to offset the snacking . They even make a special trip to the flower market for the arepas – see, I told you they were good!

If you don’t mind getting your hands dirty, a Colombian cooking class in Medellin will arm you with arepa-making skills for life . I did a cooking class in Bogota and it was one of the highlights of my trip.

27. Tour a coffee plantation close to Medellin

Colombia’s Coffee Triangle lies beyond the borders of Medellin and requires more than a day trip. If you have limited time and you still want to see the bean-to-cup process , you can visit a coffee farm on the city’s doorstep instead.

This half-day coffee plantation tour includes private transfers, a cherry-picking tutorial, and a walk through the entire process of de-pulping, fermenting, drying, roasting and grinding.

I did a proper coffee cupping for the first time in the small town of Jerico and it changed the way I think about coffee forever. In Colombia, a coffee tasting takes on a whole new significance and will give you a huge appreciation for the farmers who toil to bring us our daily cuppa.

This professional coffee tasting in San Sebastián de Palmitas , 45 minutes from Medellin, takes place on a farm. You’ll learn the history of Colombian coffee, try your hand at harvesting beans, then sit down for a coffee tasting alongside a hearty Colombian meal.

Adventurous things to do in Medellin

Another thing Medellin has going for it is its proximity to nature. Here are three adventure activities for exploring the landscape beyond Parque Arvi.

28. Go horseback riding Colombia-style

After so long being tempted by the lush mountains around the city – visible from almost every street corner – it’s time to get out and explore. Horseback riding is an immersive way to soak up the magnificent landscapes on the fringe of the city.

This riding experience includes round-trip transfers from El Poblado and around 4 hours of riding in the hills, including to secret waterfalls and along jungle tracks.

29. Go paragliding for a bird’s eye view of Medellin

After my paragliding experience in Jerico, I can confidently say that Colombia is one of the best places on earth to soar with the birds. There are tandem paragliding opportunities in Medellin just 45 minutes from the centre, where you can fly over the Aburra Valley towards the Medellin River, El Quitasol hill and Picacho hill.

I recommend going with a reputable company that uses internationally certified guides .

30. Go quad biking, one of the best things to do in medellin for adventure

Another way to explore the mountains around Medellin is by ATV . This company offers 550cc quad bikes and experienced guides to lead you through the Antioquian mountains.

BONUS: Take a day trip from Medellin to a real pueblo

If Pueblito Paisa got you thinking about a day trip into coffee country, you’ll be glad to know there are dozens of gorgeous pueblos you can visit near Medellin. Colonial Santa Fe de Antioquia (pictured above), Guatape and Jardin are all fantastic day trips from the city.

All of these historic villages feature colourfully painted houses, grand churches and plazas, and historic architecture. Each one has its own unique museums and foodie experiences.

The most popular day trip from Medellin by far is an excursion to Guatape and El Peñol Rock . It requires a short drive and combines history with nature and a boat trip for a well-rounded day out.

Where to stay in Medellin

Medellin is a big city! Public transport connections are great, but everything is very spread-out, so you need to be strategic about where you stay (especially if you’re on a short trip). Moreover, some neighbourhoods are safer than others for tourists.

I stayed in the lovely Laureles neighbourhood when I visited Medellin. It’s leafy, it’s very walkable, there are dozens of amazing restaurants and cafes – and it’s away from the busy downtown area, giving it a more local feel. The northern part of Laureles is especially convenient because it’s close to the metro line.

If you prefer to be in the thick of it, El Poblado is the beating heart of ‘new’ Medellin. It can feel a bit touristy, but at the same time that means lots of options for eating out and revelling in Medellin’s nightlife.

Here are my top picks for where to stay in Medellin:

The Wandering Paisa

• Laureles district
• Dorms & doubles

• El Poblado district
• Doubles & singles

Quinta Ladera

• Doubles & suites

Factory Lofts

• Self-contained doubles

For more ideas, check out this list of excellent Airbnbs in Medellin for apartment rentals in Laureles, El Poblado and beyond.

Medellin travel FAQ

When is the best time to visit medellin.

Medellin is an all-year destination, with pleasant temperatures throughout the seasons (hence why it’s called the ‘City of Eternal Spring’).

High season (December-March) is the driest time of year, but it’s also the busiest period. If you do visit in December, try to time your trip for the Alumbrados Navideños Christmas celebration.

June-August is shoulder season and also a pleasant time to travel, especially if you’re interested in local culture and festivals . The biggest event on Medellin’s calendar is the Feria de Las Flores flower festival, which normally takes place over 10 days in August.

Rainy season (April/May and September/November) is a great choice for budget-conscious travellers as things are quieter and you can usually find some great deals on accommodation and tours. Like in Southeast Asia, afternoon downpours are normally short and sharp, so you can still spend time outdoors.

How many days should you spend in Medellin?

You don’t have to spend three weeks in Medellin like I did. Three or four full days is time enough to get a good overview of the city. With two days in Medellin , you can see the major highlights.

If you can, I do recommend travelling slowly and lingering a bit longer. One week in Medellin would be ideal.

Is Medellin safe for tourists?

Let me start by saying that I personally felt safe in Medellin at all times. Colombia often gets a bad wrap (a leftover from the 90s), but in reality things have changed a lot in the past few decades, especially in Medellin. You certainly shouldn’t let old news reports or media stereotypes put you off travelling.

But you do need to exercise caution in the city , especially when it comes to pickpocketing. Wear your backpack on your front, be careful when using your mobile phone in public, and avoid carrying valuables or large amounts of cash on you.

One of the first things you’ll hear in Medellin (especially if you join the Free Walking Tour) is the phrase, ‘Don’t give papaya’ . It basically means don’t set yourself up for disaster. Don’t make yourself a target for petty crime. Be wary of your surroundings at all times, and don’t walk around after dark, even in the touristy areas of El Poblado and El Centro.

For more insights, I’ll refer you to Medellin expert Desk to Dirtbag who has lived in Colombia for years and knows the ins and outs of safety in Medellin.

How to get from Medellin Airport to the city?

Most visitors fly into Medellin. The city’s airport, José María Córdova International Airport, is located 13 miles (20km) from the centre of the city or around 45-60 minutes by road .

Taxis are available, but for ease, I recommend you pre-book an airport transfer to your hotel . Impulse Travel offers 24/7 transfers to any hotel in Medellin starting from $25. Someone will be there to meet you in the arrivals hall, and since payment is made online before you go, there’s no need to worry about having pesos on you.

Alternatively, the airport bus ‘busetas’ runs every 15 minutes 24/7 and costs around 10,000 COP . The buses depart from outside gates 2A and 2B. Tickets can be bought from the driver using cash.

I took this bus myself and it was packed – I almost missed out on getting a seat. If you have a large or heavy bag, I would avoid the bus as there is only room for 19 people and it’s very squished already.

The bus stops at San Diego Mall before continuing to Hotel Nutibara in the centre. From there, you’ll need to walk or take a taxi the rest of the way to your accommodation.

Is Bogota or Medellin better?

Bogota and Medellin are two very different cities. As the capital of Colombia, Bogota has amazing museums (including the Gold Museum) and impressive heritage architecture. But it has more of a big-city feel and is less intimate, in my opinion. Bogota also has a worse track record when it comes to safety.

Medellin, by contrast, is very livable, green and pedestrian friendly, with unique Paisa culture and incredible food. There are more day trip opportunities from Medellin, which makes it a better base for exploring Colombia.

In short: Neither Medellin nor Bogota is ‘better’, but most travellers I know tend to favour Medellin. Personally, I enjoyed my three-week stay in Medellin a lot more than my few days in Bogota.

If I had to choose just one big city to visit in Colombia, it would definitely be Medellin.

Have you been to Medellin? Do you have any more tips to share? Drop your Medellin recommendations in the comments below!

Colombia trip essentials

Here are some of the websites and services I recommend for planning a trip to Colombia. Remember to check out my full list of travel resources for more tips.

FLIGHTS: Find affordable flights to Colombia using the Skyscanner website .

VISAS: Use iVisa to check if you need a tourist visa or a Health Declaration form for Colombia and apply for your documents online.

TRAVEL INSURANCE: Insure your trip to Colombia with HeyMondo , my preferred provider for single-trip and annual travel insurance.

AIRPORT TRANSFERS: Book a safe and reliable private transfer from the airport to your hotel in Medellin , Bogota or Cartagena (prices start from $18 per group).

ESIM FOR COLOMBIA: Stay connected during your trip – pre-purchase an eSIM for Colombia and get online as soon as you arrive without having to visit a phone shop.

CAR HIRE: Use the Discover Cars website to compare prices and features across all the major car rental companies.

ACCOMMODATION: Find the best Colombia hotel deals on Booking.com .

CITY TOURS & DAY TRIPS: Browse the Viator website to find the best day trips, city tours, Colombian cooking experiences and more.

More Colombia resources

• 2 day itinerary for Medellin , a short city break itinerary
• 13 things to know before you visit Comuna 13 , Medellin’s street art mecca
• The best fruit markets to visit in Medellin , and what to try!
• 20 must-dos in Bogota , Colombia’s capital city on the fly
• 30 incredible souvenirs to buy in Colombia , from handicrafts to coffee
• Colombian cooking class in Bogota , making empanadas Colombia-style
• 30 wonderful places to add to your Colombia travel itinerary , more inspiration
• 25+ things to do in Colombia , all you need to plan your trip
• Travelling in Colombia’s coffee region , Medellin to Concordia
• Hiking in Salento , the best trekking in Colombia
• Guide to Jerico , Colombia’s best small town
• Staying at El Despertar , a heritage boutique hotel in Jerico
• Photos of Jardin , a colourful Antioquian pueblo

Thanks Emily. The empanadas, bunuelos & tinto coffee at Versalles is now added to my to do list.

The minestora market is unsafe and definitely not a good tip

Hi Karsten, if you mean the Minorista, we didn’t find it unsafe at all. We went on a tour with a local guide then returned a few days later alone. Both times we felt completely safe. Recent Google Reviews seem to confirm that it is still a popular tourist destination.

Unfortunately all of the highlighted recommended tour links go to the “Getyourguide Best List” rather than the individual tours. So you don’t get specific recommendations making the article much less useful.

Hi Mark, thanks for your comment. You will have to take this up with GetYourGuide, unfortunately, as it is a feature of their platform and not a flaw with my website.

I spent hours filtering, selecting and trying out the best tours on offer in Medellin. This is how GYG has chosen to present my results – as I’m told, it is a monetary decision for them.

You will notice that the tours I have recommended are presented first and are highlighted in light blue.

If you do decide to book using my link (despite the annoying format presented by GYG), then it would be much appreciated. Affiliates are my bread and butter and allow me to keep travelling and creating free content for you.

I have shared your feedback anonymously with GYG, and I do hope they take it into consideration.

Thanks for your understanding and I hope this clarifies things!

This is so helpful! Thanks so much we can’t wait for our trip!

Thanks for this excellent guide! We just arrived in Medellin and we’re looking forward to ticking off some of these sights during our month in town.

Terrific! Enjoy your visit!

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18 Best Things to Do in Medellin, Colombia

By Alex Schultz · Last updated on May 4, 2024

Delightfully known as the ‘City of the Eternal Spring’, the cool, mountainous Medellin is now one of the top places to visit in Colombia. Once plagued by deadly gang wars and drug trafficking, it has undergone an incredible transformation since the nineties.

The second-largest city in the nation, it occupies a long, narrow valley surrounded by forested mountains and barrio-clad hills. Long an important center of commerce and industry, the metropolis suffered much violence in the eighties as various cartels and Pablo Escobar battled for dominance.

Since then, it has bounced back impressively with it now known for its cool, art-filled neighborhoods and exciting nightlife. Some of the best things to do in Medellin include exploring its top-class museums, picturesque parks and sweeping viewpoints. With loads of great local Paisa food, coffee and culture to experience, Medellin really is a must-visit destination in Colombia.

18. Plaza Cisneros

Relatively dangerous until just a few decades ago, Plaza Cisneros is now a popular tourist attractions in the city center. Renovated in 2005, it is delightfully called the ‘Park of Lights’ due to its artificial forest of enormous light poles.

Dating to the 1920s, the square is named after the Cuban engineer Francisco Javier Cisneros who constructed the historic Antioquia Railway. While a handful of beautiful old buildings border it, people mainly visit for its soaring columns of light.

Numbering 300 in total, the tall poles are made out of concrete and metal with some towering up to 24 meters in height. Clustered together, they make for quite the sight, particularly when lit up at night. After snapping some photos, you can always head to nearby sites like Plaza Botero and the Palace of Culture.

17. Palace of Culture

Just a ten minute walk away on the opposite side of El Centro is the impressive and unmissable Palace of Culture. Lying alongside Plaza Botero, its bold black-and-white colors and colossal dome immediately catch the eye with their unique design.

Begun by Belgian architect Agustín Goovaerts in 1925, it was only completed in 1982 after having been abandoned for decades. The palace showcases some gorgeous Gothic-style features with its vast facade appearing very much like a checkerboard.

Originally home to the Government of Antioquia’s administration department, it now contains an art gallery, music archive, cafe and library. It also hosts countless cultural events and community festivals during the year while sublime views can be enjoyed on its roof. After admiring the architectural masterpiece, make sure to see all of Botero’s brilliant bronze sculptures in the square outside.

16. Casa de la Memoria

An absolute must-visit, the moving Casa de la Memoria covers the history of conflict in Colombia since the 1950s. Very well done, all its sombre displays shine a light on drug cartels, the civil war and other armed interventions. The museum also provides victims with a space to share their stories and commemorate the lives that were lost.

Only opened in 2012, its striking concrete complex and leafy green outside spaces lie just southeast of El Centro. Inside, dramatic-looking installations and artworks look at the history of drug and paramilitary violence in the country and people’s long struggle for peace. Lots of emotive photos and original artifacts also highlight the harsh reality of living in Medellin under the threat of daily violence.

Although many exhibits were sadly only in Spanish, we found the House of Memory invaluable for understanding Colombia’s recent past. Despite the upsetting subject, it leaves you with a feeling of hope for the future.

15. Mercado del Rio

If you’re looking for a cool, colourful spot to dine out, then the lively Mercado del Rio is definitely the place to go. Located near the MAMM, it has around fifty restaurants to pick from, serving delicious dishes from all around the world.

Unlike Medellín’s many other markets, this cavernous food hall only deals in snacks, drinks and sit-down meals. While there may not be any stands laden with fresh local products to peruse, there are more than enough food options to choose from. These range from paella and Peruvian ceviche to burgers, sushi and Colombian classics.

To top it all off, there is often a raucous atmosphere in the food court as crowds of young professionals pack out its tables for lunch and dinner. With tons of shared platters and tasty cocktails to try, dining here certainly makes for a fun experience.

14. Planetario de Medellin

For those interested in the stars, skies and space, the superb Planetario de Medellin lies right at the southwest corner of Jardin Botanico. Appropriately set alongside the Parque Explora science center, it has loads of interactive exhibitions and stargazing shows to enjoy.

Established in 1984, it now occupies a distinctive-looking building that is topped by a high-tech planetary dome. Full of amazing models of planets and engaging exhibits on the universe, the center provides a lot of information in a fun and accessible way.

The highlight though is of course watching one of its spellbinding shows in its on-site planetarium. These take you to the outer edges of the cosmos, to the sun and some of the celestial bodies that light up our night sky. A firm favorite with families, it also has English audio guides should you need one.

13. Centro Comercial Santafe

With so many stores located under one roof, you can easily spend all day exploring the chic, sleek Centro Comercial Santafe. At the massive mall, you can shop til you drop or stop for a meal or coffee. Numerous entertainment options are also on offer.

One of the largest shopping centers in all of Latin America, Santafe was first unveiled to the public in 2006. Across its five vast floors, you can now find around 450 shops and restaurants. These sell everything from accessories and appliances to sports clothes, high-end fashion products and home decor items. Big name brands here include Adidas, Nike and American Eagle among many others.

Other than Starbucks, KFC and McDonald’s, there are dozens of other dining options to choose from at its food court. For entertainment, you can play in its arcade, whizz around on go-karts or watch a film at its cinema complex. Thanks to its light and airy design and spacious layout, the mall is a very pleasant place to spend some time.

12. El Castillo Museo

Not all too far away from the shopping center is the enchanting El Castillo Museo and its gorgeous gardens. Situated twenty minutes drive south of El Centro, its lush, leafy grounds are a treat to explore with the grand castle making for some fantastic photos.

Part of the popular El Poblado neighborhood, it was built in 1930 to look like one of the Medieval Gothic castles found in France’s Loire Valley. For decades, the private residence hosted exclusive guests and events before becoming a museum in 1971.

Visitors can now admire its fine architecture and fairytale-like towers and take guided tours around its art-filled interior. After hearing about its history, you can head outside and snap some photos of its ornate facade, fountains and flowerbeds. Some statues and classic cars also line its paths which boast divine views over the castle and city.

11. Medellin Museum of Modern Art (MAMM)

Packed with interesting artworks and thought-provoking installations is the Medellin Museum of Modern Art. Also known as MAMM, its extensive collection of paintings, photos, sculptures and videos can be found in the Ciudad del Rio part of town.

Instantly recognizable, its series of box-like buildings are all jumbled together around what was once an old steel mill. An artwork in itself, the striking modern structure has roughly 2,000 modern and contemporary pieces to examine, many produced by local Colombian artists. Loads of the works across its five floors present the history, culture and politics of the country in a thoroughly creative way.

While we’re not usually huge fans of modern art museums, we did see quite a few art pieces and exhibitions that we really liked. The building and the views from its rooftop terrace also make MAMM well worth a visit in our view.

10. El Poblado

One of the city’s trendiest neighborhoods to stay in, visit and explore is the upscale El Poblado. Spread across the steep hills south of the center, its lovely shady streets are lined by lots of cool cafes, shops and restaurants. A favorite haunt of expats and backpackers, it is where many people base themselves during their time in Medellin.

First settled by the Spanish in 1616, this affluent part of the city is now characterized by tall apartment blocks and high-end hotels. Along its tree-lined avenues are plenty of stylish shopping centers, chic boutiques and hip coffee shops to check out. Aside from wandering along Calle 10, its bustling main boulevard, try some of the renowned Pergamino’s hot and cold drinks.

At night, the laidback neighborhood has a very lively feel as people pack out its bars and nightclubs. Very safe to stroll around at any time of day, El Poblado’s hilly streets also offer great views over the rest of Medellin and its surrounding mountains.

9. Parque Explora

Right next to Jardin Botanico is yet another of the city’s top tourist attractions: the fun, family-friendly Parque Explora. As well as all its exciting science exhibits, it has South America’s largest freshwater aquarium for you to explore.

Another eye-catching building, the four giant red cubes that house the museum stand out spectacularly against the city, trees and mountains around them. Inside, its roughly 300 interactive exhibits focus on everything from music and the media to technology, time and neuroscience. Very well-designed, it also has cool light installations and tall dinosaur models to snap selfies next to.

The real highlight though is its enormous aquarium which contains around 4,000 fish and animals from Colombia’s rivers, oceans and the rest of the Americas. Besides all the shoals of brightly colored fish, you can see axolotl, snakes and turtles here too.

8. Museo de Antioquia

If you want to see more incredible artwork, then make your way to Plaza Botero and the Museo de Antioquia. Lying along one side of the town square, its galleries contain countless masterpieces by both Fernando Botero and Pedro Nel Gomez; two of the city and country’s most acclaimed artists.

The second-oldest museum in Colombia, its extensive collection now occupies what was once the city hall. Across its three sprawling floors are displayed pre-Columbian artifacts, ceramics, furniture and contemporary pieces.

The most arresting artworks however are undoubtedly Gomez’s amazing murals and the cute, chubby figures for which Botero is famed. His painting The Death of Pablo Escobar also attracts lots of attention as do his sculptures outside. It ended up being our favorite Medellin museum, thanks to these two artists, the vibrant square and the old building itself.

7. Parque Arvi

Offering all kinds of fun outdoor activities and fabulous viewpoints is the picturesque Parque Arvi. Both an ecological nature reserve and Pre-Hispanic archaeological site, its scenic reaches can be accessed via a stunning ride on the Medellin Metrocable.

Spread across the eastern slopes of Aburrá Valley, the park protects vast swathes of pristine forest. Amidst all its rolling hills and woods, visitors can hike and bike or see some of the crumbling buildings and paths left behind by indigenous people. Guided tours teach you more about their past and point out the area’s local fauna and flora.

Just as memorable is the Medellin Metrocable ride up to the expansive park. This is because the short, fifteen minute journey provides such panoramic views of the city down below. Once you alight, there is a small market selling souvenirs and snacks to wander around before entering the verdant forest.

6. Pueblito Paisa

To get a feel for what life in Antioquia used to be like, head to the pretty little replica village of Pueblito Paisa. Perched atop Cerro Nutibara, its charming church, museum and souvenir shops are clustered around a traditional town square. Be aware though that it’s quite a steep climb up the hill to the top!

Opened in 1977, the pretend pueblo takes you back in time to around the turn of the twentieth century. Aside from admiring its attractive architecture and small sculpture garden, its museum covers the city’s history in an interesting way. On show next to all its cool old historical photos and informative displays is a very detailed birdseye map of Medellin to inspect.

Although a bit of a tourist trap, the colourful square makes for some beautiful pictures when bathed in sunshine. There are also some nice traditional Colombian dishes and phenomenal views over Medellin to enjoy.

5. Jardin Botanico

Full of tropical flowers, trees and shrubs is the gorgeous Jardin Botanico just north of the center. An oasis of peace and calm, its paths, pond and plant-filled greenhouses are a delight to stroll around slowly.

Bordered by Parque Explora and the Planetário de Medellin, its landscaped grounds were once a private estate. Since the seventies, the gardens have been open to the public with their 4,500 or so plant species perfectly highlighting Columbia’s incredible biodiversity.

As well as spotting iguanas and turtles, there is a magical butterfly house and several tranquil outdoor cafes to stop by. Not to be missed too is its immense ‘Orchideorama’ which looks very impressive. Its one-of-a-kind wood meshwork canopy and towering tree-like structures cover a large collection of blooming orchids.

4. Trip to Guatape

When in Medellin, it is well worth taking a trip to the popular resort of Guatape, some two hours drive east of the city. Set alongside a lovely lake, it is known for its brightly painted buildings and blocks of brilliant street art. Many people also come to climb La Piedra del Peñol which looms dramatically above its cheery streets below.

Often called the most colourful town in Colombia, its tiny, traditional houses almost all feature eye-catching facades. Known as zocalos, these murals depict various beliefs, animals and other images connected to the community’s farming heritage. Scattered about too are some little local cafes and stalls selling handicrafts for you to check out.

Other than snapping some photos of its vivid bas-reliefs, there are relaxing boat rides to take around the reservoir. You can also clamber your way up the 750 narrow, steep steps to the top of the mighty monolith that overlooks the town. From atop La Piedra, there are outstanding views to be had of Guatape, the lake and islands far below.

3. Ride the Medellin Metrocable

For some of the best views imaginable over the city, make sure to go for a ride on the amazing Medellin Metrocable. Besides boasting breathtaking panoramas, all its aerial gondolas are a cheap, quick and convenient way to get around town.

Constructed across the city’s rolling hills, above all its informal settlements, the public transport system was unveiled in 2004. A creative solution to the region’s challenging topography, it now has six lines for visitors to explore. These help residents get back home each day and are an essential part of Medellin’s mass transit network.

Particularly popular places to head among tourists are Santo Domingo and Parque Arvi. Wherever you go though, you’re guaranteed spellbinding views over the barrios below and the massive mountain bowl in which Medellin lies. We couldn’t get enough of gazing out the window and spent most of each journey with our eyes glued to what was going on outside.

2. Plaza Botero

The heart and soul of life in town, the pretty Plaza Botero is lined by lots of attractive old buildings and several superb museums. The happening square is mostly known however for the 23 bronze statues donated by Botero that dot its leafy confines.

Lying right in the centre of the city’s Old Quarter, it was transformed in 2004 when the artist’s iconic artworks were installed there. Very rotund, his daring, distinctive figures include an oversized head, a plump dog and portly women. The largest is his hefty ‘The Horse’ sculpture with the famous ‘Roman Soldier’ also attracting lots of attention.

Before or after seeing the curvy statues, you can always visit the adjacent Museo de Antioquia or Palace of Culture. Although the square often contains food stalls, trinket sellers and street performers, the surrounding area does seem a bit dodgy. While we wouldn’t really recommend visiting at night, you shouldn’t have any problems during the daytime.

1. Comuna 13

Once one of the most dangerous parts of the city, Comuna 13 is now instead one of its most popular neighborhoods to visit. Loads of fun to explore, the hillside barrio is famed for its vibrant feel, fantastic views and phenomenal street art.

Having once suffered incredibly high rates of crime, drug use and violence, increased safety measures and the installation of huge outdoor escalators helped reintegrate it into the rest of Medellin. This and its colourful houses and murals have seen it slowly transform into a top tourist attraction. Despite this, the community still retains its own unique look and authentic feel.

As its warren of narrow streets, steps and escalators are quite confusing to navigate, many people choose to take tours around Comuna 13. Run by local residents, these take you to the best viewpoints and murals while providing more insight into its past. Our favorite part of Medellin by far, its super cool artworks, escalators and endless views over the barrio make it a must-visit in our eyes.

Best Time to Visit Medellin

Fittingly known as the ‘City of Eternal Spring’, Medellin is warm all year round with very few fluctuations in temperature. As it is surrounded by mountains, the evenings are usually cool and the days are often overcast.

Most people visit in either December and January or July and August with prices shooting up around these times as a result. While the former is technically summer in Colombia and the latter winter, temperatures always average around 23 to 24°C (73 to 75°F). They are also the driest periods of the year when sightseeing and strolling about all its pretty parks is best.

As the city is so beautifully decorated, Christmas and New Year’s are a magical time to visit. The crowds are higher, however, as Colombians enjoy their summer holidays and Europeans head here to escape the cold winter. July and August are its other peak season with massive events like its famous Festival of the Flowers also going on.

After this, Medellin is very quiet during Semana Santa and Easter as most people celebrate at home with their families. The strong downpours also keep tourists away with September to November being the other rainy season.

Map of Things to Do in Medellin, Colombia

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28 Best Things to Do in Medellin [Local’s Guide in 2023]

Colombia’s “second city” of Medellin is an often misunderstood gem. Clinging to the side of the mountains that surround the river valley at the heart of the city, Medellin is undeniably beautiful and bustling with excitement. 

For travelers adding Medellin to their Colombia itinerary, there are plenty of things to do in Medellin. Modern infrastructure and public transport make enjoying all this city has to offer a breeze, and with countless cool accommodation options , Medellin is a traveler’s dream and one of the best cities in Latin America .

In this ultimate guide to the best things to do in Medellin, we’re sharing all the favorite activities and attractions in one of the best cities in Colombia , plus the off-the-beaten-path things to do you’d never hear about otherwise.

This post contains affiliate links that may reward me monetarily or otherwise when you use them to make qualifying purchases – at no cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. For more information, please read our  disclosure policy .

Medellin, Colombia

Medellin is trying so hard to shake the memory of its dark history. In so many ways, it certainly has. Now a thriving city filled with art, culture, business, and plenty to do, Medellin is writing a thrilling new chapter of its history.

Despite the city drastically transforming many times over since the days of cartel control, some tourists’ favorite things to do in Medellin still include Pablo Escobar tours that amount to “poverty tourism” in disadvantaged areas of the city.

Come on, people – do better. There are so many more things to do in Medellin that are exciting and promote a more realistic, forward-looking perspective of the city. 

From waterfall hikes just outside of the city to supporting local coffee farmers on coffee tours and tasting the tropical fruits in the market or taking in a soccer (fútbol!) game, you’ll never be bored in Medellin. Check out our favorite things to do in Medellin for inspiration – bonus points if you count all the food-centric activities on this list. 

Plan a Trip to Colombia

• Where to Stay in Medellin + Best Neighborhoods Guide
• Is Medellin Safe?
• Ciudad Perdida Trek Ultimate Guide
• Best Things to Do in Cartagena

Best Things To Do in Medellin

1. taste your way through medellin on a food tour.

Is there any better way to get to know a city than through its food? I love to schedule a food tour early in my trip when visiting a city for the first time. A food tour is often the best way to learn about popular local dishes and also helps you decipher menus and order your favorites while eating out the rest of your trip.

You’ll find popular walking food tours in El Poblado or city-wide food tours with transportation included – both are excellent options!

2. Ride the Metro

Medellin’s above-ground metro is a game changer for getting around this city, and among the best things to do in Medellin for its spectacular views as it above the streets. Take the metro to explore neighborhoods like Laureles and Envigado, and get away from the more well-worn tourist paths in El Centro and El Poblado.

Since Medellin is wedged between the hillsides in a dramatic valley, it’s quite long and narrow, which creates a lot of traffic issues – the metro will save you time and money and is a genuinely enjoyable experience.

3. Marvel at the Treasures of the Museo de Antioquia

Located in the Plaza Botero at the heart of El Centro, the Museo de Antioquia is a must! While you’ll enjoy marveling at the sculptures in Plaza Botero, the museum houses an incredible collection of the artist’s works, including his famous paintings of Pablo Escobar. 

Even if you’re not a big museum person, this is one of the museums in Medellin that I really consider worth a visit, even just for a short time.

Tickets are affordable (around $6-7 USD depending on the conversion rate), and the location of the museum in the heart of the city makes it an easy addition to your Medellin itinerary. You can book skip-the-line tickets to the Museo de Antioquia ahead of time online to plan for your visit. 

Best Places To Stay in Medellin

• Masaya Medellin Hostal  ($)
• Selina Medellin  ($ – $$)
• Inntu Hotel  ($$)
• 23 Hotel  ($$ – $$$)

4. Enjoy Cable Car Views

Medellin’s cable car system is integrated into its public transportation network and has been huge in cutting down on traffic and providing easy access to parts of the city that were previously difficult to reach. For travelers visiting Medellin, it’s also a fantastic way to get some of the most beautiful views over the city.

Medellin has several cable car lines that are popular with visitors, including the K line to Santo Domingo or the L line to Parque Arvi. To get to the cable car, you’ll take the above-ground metro and make a transfer to the cable car line of your choosing – it’s really easy and straightforward. 

5. Party in Parque Lleras

Located at the heart of Medellin’s El Poblado neighborhood, Parque Lleras is more of a shady plaza and meeting place than an actual park. Surrounded by some of El Poblado’s favorite restaurants, cafes, and bars, this is the place to be on any given evening.

Popular food spots include Botanika and SOUL , and popular places to party include SkyBar and Bendito Seas. However, there’s no need to plan your visit to Parque Lleras ahead of time – just show up on any given evening and enjoy exploring the area to see which of the many bars and restaurants seems to be the most lively!

Best Activities and Tours in Medellin

• Medellin Graffiti & Street Art Tour
• Half-Day Coffee Farm Excursion from Medellin
• El Poblado Bar Crawl in Medellin
• Paragliding Experience Over Medellin
• Day Trip Excursion to Guatapé

6. Take a Medellin Coffee Tour

Medellin is located at the heart of Colombia’s coffee triangle, so learning about (and tasting!) delicious Colombian coffee is practically mandatory when visiting the city.

The best coffee tours include visits to coffee plantations where you’ll learn about how coffee is produced and taste tests of fresh coffee and snacks.  We had an incredible experience visiting a coffee farm just outside of the city on an affordable half-day trip.

Though we later did a longer overnight stay at a coffee plantation that we also loved, we would highly recommend this quick and memorable experience to those traveling on a short Medellin itinerary. It’s a MUST, even if you’re not as big of coffee drinkers as we are!

Reviews and Bookings: The BEST Coffee Farm Tour in Medellin (Our Personal Favorite!)

7. Visit the Planetarium

Medellin’s Planetarium, known as El Planetario is an impressive planetarium space with a 300-seat domed theater and interactive exhibits the whole family will love. It’s a must for those traveling with curious kids, but has plenty to offer that even adults will enjoy.

There is an option to combine the price of a ticket for the Planetarium with the Parque Explora (it’s called the Combo Explora ticket!) which makes for a nice savings if you’re looking to enjoy both destinations.

The Planetarium is located in Parque de los Deseos and directly across the street from the city’s botanical garden. Make sure to visit this park even if you don’t visit the Planetarium – there are frequent cultural events, expositions, and even outdoor movie nights to enjoy.

8. Enjoy a Free Walking Tour of Medellin

Did you know that plenty of cities offer free walking tours for visitors? The Medellin Free Walking Tour of the Centro is comprehensive, well-organized, and a great introduction to this city.

You’ll see Plaza Botero, the Cathedral, and much more, all with the insight of a local guide. Plus you’ll get to meet other travelers along the way, and leave with recommendations that will make the rest of your visit to Medellin truly spectacular.

Reviews and Bookings: Medellin Free Walking Tour

9. Take a Graffiti Tour with A Local Artist

While Pablo Escobar tours tend to focus on the dark past of Medellin, taking a street art and neighborhood tour with a local artist is a great way to learn about and support projects that help move underserved communities forward.

You’ll see incredible art transforming communities and learn about social projects that are helping youth in the area through the power of art. We did this excellent graffiti and street art tour in Comuna 13 with a local guide and can’t recommend it enough – it was a highlight of our experience in Medellin!

Reviews and Bookings: Graffiti and Street Art Tour in Medellin

10. Stroll Through the Jardin Botánico

Medellin has a lovely botanical garden with a great variety of plants and flowers, plus an incredible butterfly enclosure well worth a visit. A visit is a great way to spend a relaxing afternoon, especially if you’re looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city.

Admission to the gardens is free, and the butterfly enclosure charges admission of just around $1 USD. Just north of El Centro, the Botanical Garden is easily accessible by metro.

11. Book An Overnight at a Coffee Farm

One of our top recommendations for the best things to do in Medellin is taking a day trip to a nearby coffee farm (this coffee farm excursion we did was incredible – highly recommended!), but if you’re looking for an even deeper dive, an overnight stay at a coffee plantation near Medellin is a must.

We did a few coffee experiences while exploring Colombia, but our overnight at a coffee plantation near Medellin was one we’d recommend to anyone who has time for it in their itinerary!

You’ll feel a world away from the hustle and bustle of the city in this serene and enchanting countryside. Plus, you’ll get a deep dive into all the ins and outs of coffee cultivation, roasting, and the full bean-to-cup process that will give you a great appreciation for your daily cup!

Reviews and Bookings: Coffee Plantation Overnight + Deep Dive Near Medellin

12. Paraglide Over Medellin 

If you’re an adrenaline junkie, you’ll love paragliding over Medellin . You’ll see an incredible view of the Andes, including waterfalls and sometimes even eagles as you soar through the air with experienced guides. Paragliding is a bucket list experience, and Medellin is a great place for it!

Reviews and Bookings: Paragliding Experience Over Medellin

13. Visit Plaza Botero

At the heart of Medellin’s bustling Centro neighborhood, Plaza Botero is a must-visit destination for travelers. Fernando Botero, Colombia’s most famous sculptor and artist, has his works on full display here: oversized, voluptuous statues that comment on all parts of Colombian history and culture.

Along the side of the plaza, you’ll see the unmissable checkerboard facade of the Palacio de la Cultura (Cultural Center). Here you’ll find an endless schedule of concerts, movie screenings, and other cultural events, plus a library and cafe – all free for use!

Travel Essential

Don’t think about traveling without a good  VPN (Virtual Private Network) . Using a VPN while connecting to the internet is an easy way to keep your personal information safe from hackers and trackers.  We’ve used  NordVPN  for years and couldn’t recommend it more – it’s a must for safety online, at home or abroad. 

14. Hike Through Parque Arvi

Parque Arvi is a sprawling park on top of one of the hillsides just outside Medellin. The park has several different hiking and walking trails to choose from and vendors at the entrance selling food, drinks, and treats. It’s a great place to spend a few hours outside the city!

Easily accessible from the rest of the city, getting to Parque Arvi is half the fun. You’ll take the cable car (line L from the Santo Domingo station) to the cable car’s last stop. Tickets are slightly more to get to the park than for a standard cable car ride, but they are still extremely cheap.

15. Enjoy Coffee at Pergamino

Pergamino is Medellin’s favorite coffee shop for a good reason – it’s incredible.  Pergamino is famous for taking local Colombian coffee seriously and doing it well. They have their own farms and a small network of special local producers , and they roast their own beans in-house every other day.

Baristas are well-trained and will take the time to answer your questions and share about the art of coffee. Visit Pergamino early enough in your time in Medellin, and you’ll be back again and again.

16. Hike To Waterfalls at Arenales

If you’re looking to escape the city and enjoy some of the pristine areas around Medellin, hiking to the waterfall at Arenales is ideal. The hike isn’t challenging, and it’s overrun with visitors… and there is excellent swimming under the waterfall!

To get to Arenales, take the Arenales bus from the Envigado metro station and get off at the last stop. Follow the trail to the left and hike along the river for about an hour until you reach the waterfall and swimming hole.

17. Enjoy Rooftop Drinks in El Poblado

A particularly popular way to enjoy the vistas of Medellin is by settling in for sunset with drinks on a rooftop bar. You’ll have your fair share of options here , with what seems like every hotel, restaurant, and bar vying for the most desirable rooftop experience in this picturesque destination.

Los Rooftops

The bar on top of the award-winning (but slightly overrated) Los Patios Hostel is a lively bar with a stunning view over the city. This bar is more laidback around sunset and becomes a huge party later at night.

The Marquee

The rooftop bar at The Marquee hotel has stunning, nearly 360-degree views and is a little less rowdy than Los Rooftops , though still very lively!

This rooftop bar is another very popular option  – Envy is a little more expensive than others you’ll find in El Poblado, but has a lovely pool and stunning views, and is a little more classy than some of the other rowdier bars in the area. 

18. Learn About Medellin’s Dark History at Casa de la Memoria

Casa de la Memoria is a somber museum that documents Colombia’s stormy past few decades. If you’re interested in learning more about how the violence of recent decades impacted the country, this is the place to do it.

Be aware that exhibits are mostly in Spanish, so if you don’t have some fluency in Spanish, some of the exhibits may be lost on you.

19. Eat Bandeja Paisa

One of Colombia’s most famous dishes is named after its roots in Medellin, so this must be the place to try it. “Bandeja” means platter, and when you order this dish, expect a platter of food.

Typically, the plate comes with rice, beans, ground beef, two types of sausage, avocado, a plantain, an arepa, a fried egg, and the star of the show, the giant fried pork rind called a chicharrón.

You can find bandeja paisa everywhere in Medellin, but here are a few of the favorite spots that are well-known in the city for having some of the best bandeja paisa.

Restaurante Hatoviejo

There are a few Hatoviejo locations in the city, but the Hatoviejo in El Centro is the best. The bandeja paisa is enormous – you could fill up on the chicharrón alone!

Mondongos in El Poblado is centrally located in a rather high-tourist area but has delicious and authentic food. They are known for their bandeja paisa and mondongo dish, tripe soup. The bandeja paisa is so large you won’t need the soup (though I’ll admit, it is delicious).

20. Shop at the Medellin’s Centro Artesanal

In El Centro, Medellin’s Centro Artesanal is a great place to shop for jewelry, souvenirs, Colombian fútbol jerseys, sweaters, and just about anything you want to bring back from your trip to Colombia. In the heart of La Candelaria in the center of Medellin, paying a visit to Centro Artesanal is among the best things to do in Medellin for visitors.

Come prepared to haggle, and make sure you grab some fresh guarapo (sugar cane juice with lime) from the vendors on the way out.

21. Visit La Placita de Florez

When I lived in Medellin, I lived directly across the street from the La Placita de Florez market near El Centro, and I was in here every day grabbing one thing or another. This is a typical, traditional market worth a visit if you’re looking to get off the beaten path in Medellin.

At La Placita de Florez, you’ll find fresh fruits and vegetables, meat, fish, home goods, flowers… pretty much everything. You’ll also find food stalls with prepared meals in and around the market – this is a great place to eat on a budget and try some of Colombia’s most beloved dishes.

Don’t head out on your adventure without comprehensive travel insurance! Good travel insurance may cover lost or stolen gear, medical emergencies, delayed or canceled flights, and more.  Check out the policies available from  SafetyWing or compare plans using  Visitors Coverage .

22. Cheer at a Fútbol Game

Medellin is home to two soccer (football) teams – Atlético Nacional and Independiente Medellín – and you can bet they’re big rivals. Both teams play at the Estadio Atanasio Girardot , located near the metro in the Laureles neighborhood .

If you’ve never been to a Latin American fútbol game yourself, they are WILD. There is nothing like it. Prepare for constant chants, singing, drums, and overall spectacle. It will be an experience to remember. Games are generally on Wednesday or on the weekend.

Read More: Where To Stay in Medellin + Neighborhoods Guide

23. Take a Day Trip to Guatapé

One of the most popular day trips from Medellin, Guatapé is a charming, colorful town near a stunning man-made lake. There is a lot to see and do here, including visiting the colorful town of Guatapé, and hiking the massive Piedra de Peñol rock overlooking the lake.

The easiest way to visit is with a group day trip from Medellin – tickets are inexpensive and all-inclusive, for around $30 per person. The best tours of Guatapé include visiting the town, hiking the rock for the stunning view, and a boat tour on the lake.

Private excursions to Guatapé aren’t much more expensive and can be tailored to your interests. You can also catch a bus from Medellin’s northern bus terminal for just a few dollars or take a taxi. The trip is about 1.5 hours by car or about 2 hours by bus.

• Best Small Group Day Trip to Guatapé: Guatapé Piedra del Peñol Excursion + Gastronomic Tour
• Best Private Day Trip to Guatapé: Private Tour To Guatape From Medellin

24. Hike Pan de Azucar (At Night)

Looking for a moderately challenging hike near Medellin (with a spectacular city view)? Consider hiking Pan de Azucar . This hillside overlooking Medellin has well-marked trails, is easily accessible by cable car and metro, and is easy enough to complete with family. The hike takes about 2.5 hours in total to complete.

Aburrá Travels offers guided sunset and evening hikes, giving you the most spectacular view of Medellin with the city’s glittering lights below. Don’t try to hike at night alone for safety reasons! Whether you choose to complete the hike during the day or in the evening, Pan de Azucar is a great half-day excursion and hike near the city. 

25. Learn To Dance

Colombia is home to a number of the world’s most famous rhythms and beats, with everything from salsa and cumbia to the world-famous lyrics of Shakira (she’s from Colombia’s coastal city of Barranquilla !) identifying the nation as a musical powerhouse. This rich cultural history makes Colombia one of the best places to take a dance lesson!

Cali is perhaps best known for travelers looking to truly master salsa and other styles of dance, but taking dance lessons in Medellin is still one of the best things to do in the city. There are plenty of dance schools in Medellin, but Euforia Dance School in the Laureles neighborhood is a great option for travelers – it’s easily accessible and offers affordable yet comprehensive lessons for both beginners and more experienced dancers.

26. Go Mountain Biking

Would you be surprised to learn that Medellin is a growing destination for adventure travel ? Not only is this mountainous city a haven for those looking to try paragliding for the first time, but it’s a well-known destination for mountain bikers.

Exploring the stunning countryside outside of Medellin by mountain bike makes for an easy day trip to experience one of the most increasingly popular things to do in Medellin.

Looking for more in-depth, longer rides or even multi-day excursions with local guides? Check out Sueltele , an incredible local mountain biking company that can put together pretty much any experience you’re looking for with their experienced guides.

Reviews and Bookings: Medellin Mountain Biking Excursion – Half-Day Trip

27. Take an E-Bike Tour of Downtown Medellin

Mountain bike tours of Medellin are perfect for those looking to explore the countryside, but for those looking to get an in-depth city guide, e-bike tours of the city are one of the best things to do in Medellin.

Even if you’ve never used an e-bike before, trust us, they are a MUST in hilly, mountainous Medellin. The hills of the city make standard biking nearly prohibitive if you’re looking for a good tour of the city, so the electric feature of the bikes used in these Medellin city tours will come in handy when needed!

These e-bike tours also include stops for trying local food and drinks along the way, making them feel like an awesome way to get to know the city from the eyes of a local!

28. Ride an ATV Through the Mountains

If biking isn’t your style, another incredible way to enjoy the stunning mountainside outside of Medellin – by ATV! ATV tours outside of Medellin are some of the most popular things to do in Medellin, as they offer both a bit of an adrenaline rush as well as a memorable way to experience some of Medellin’s most beautiful landscapes.

ATV tours include local guides and all the equipment you’ll need for the experience, as well as snacks and drinks during the experience and round-trip transportation to and from the city. We met our group at Parque Lleras in El Poblado and had a fantastic experience – this is the exact company and tour that we went with for the experience!

Reviews and Bookings: ATV Tours Near Medellin

Carley Rojas Avila

Carley Rojas Avila is a bilingual New York-based travel writer, editor, content marketer, and the founder of the digital travel publications Explorers Away and Home to Havana. Carley is an expert on all things Latin America, the Caribbean, and Cuba, having lived and worked in four different countries in the region. Her writing has appeared on the Associated Press wires and in Travel + Leisure, Yahoo, MSN, Euronews, The Weather Channel, and more. When she's not writing about her travels, find her front row at a Bad Bunny concert, befriending street cats, and taste-testing every pizza in Havana.

© Getty Images / EyeEm / Fabian Schmiedlechner

Situated in a narrow valley, Medellín packs the punch of a city twice its size. Its skyline reaches for the heavens, setting high-rise apartments and office buildings against a backdrop of jagged peaks in every direction. Its pleasant climate gives it its nickname – the City of Eternal Spring – and the moderate temperatures put a spring in the locals' steps, at work and at play. It's a bustling place of industry and commerce, especially in textile manufacturing and exported cut flowers. On weekends Medellín lets its hair down, its many nightclubs attracting the beautiful people.

Best Time to Visit

Best neighborhoods, attractions, must-see attractions.

Museo Casa de la Memoria

This harrowing museum dedicated to the urban conflict in Medellín is a must-visit for travelers wanting to fully understand the city (and Colombia). There…

La Comuna 13

Once one of the most dangerous neighborhoods in Medellín, the Comuna 13, which clings to the mountainside above the San Javier metro station, has…

Museo de Antioquia

In the grand art deco Palacio Municipal, Colombia's second-oldest museum (Museo Nacional in Bogotá is the oldest) houses one of the country's most…

Museo de Arte Moderno de Medellín

Set around a refurbished industrial building in Ciudad del Río, 'El MAMM' showcases changing exhibitions of contemporary art. The large new wing houses…

Monumento a la Raza

Rodrigo Arenas Betancur, Colombia's favorite designer of monuments, has a number of pieces around Medellín, but the most impressive work is this one in…

Casa Museo Pedro Nel Gómez

Located in the house where the artist lived and worked, this fine museum has an extensive collection of pieces by prolific local painter Pedro Nel Gómez …

Plazoleta de las Esculturas

This public space in front of the Museo de Antioquia is home to 23 large, curvaceous bronze sculptures by renowned local artist Fernando Botero, including…

El Cerro de Moravia

The densely populated neighborhood of Moravia was once Medellín's municipal rubbish dump with an open-air mountain of trash surrounded by a large shanty…

Top picks from our travel experts

Medellín's top free things to do are also the city's must-do activities.

A high-end mall with fashion outlets and a multiscreen cinema.

For some shopping or just to rub shoulders with Medellín high society, head to the upscale El Tesoro mall. It has a variety of European and American…

Parque Arví

Accessible by the fantastically scenic Metrocable Linea L from the Santo Domingo interchange (COP$4850 one way, 15 minutes), Parque Arví is a big chunk of…

Planning Tools

Expert guidance to help you plan your trip.

Medellín is no small country town. When you need a break from this city of 2.5 million, there are easy day trips in every direction - here are the best.

Free Things to Do

From public art to dazzling parks to experiences only found in ‘The City of the Eternal Spring,’ here are the best free things to do in Medellín.

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Let a local expert craft your dream trip.

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The Ultimate Medellín, Colombia Travel Guide [ 2023 ]

If you’ve been hearing a lot about Medellín and Colombia lately, you’re not alone. Not only has Lonely Planet called Colombia the 2nd Best Country to Visit, but Travel & Leisure called it “South America’s Best Kept Secret” this year.

Colombia is in that perfect tourism sweet spot between being off-the-beaten-track and right on the cusp of becoming one of the hottest destinations. And it’s easy to see why. This country has everything. Lush Amazonian jungle? Check . Beautiful tropical islands? Check . Stunning snow-capped Andes mountains? Check. Bustling cities and a thriving fashion market? Check. Charming colonial cobblestone streets and rich Latin American culture? Check.

It’s a country that’s just begging to be discovered, but the fact that it is still relatively unfamiliar to the international tourism market makes it all the more cool. Plus it means you won’t be fighting crowds to get to the best spots when you visit. Win/win. 

Colombia has a ton to offer in terms of destinations, from Cartagena , to Santa Marta, to Bogota, but… ask anyone who’s been to Colombia, is from there, or has lived there and they will give you one single piece of advice — Make sure you see Medellín. 

When I was told that, I’ll be honest, I had my doubts. I immediately questioned the idea of flying 2 hours inland to a valley in the middle of Colombia. A city instead of the beautiful Colombian coast? What could possibly be  so  cool about this place? I hadn’t read any blogs on it, seen Instagrams of it, or heard much about it at all. In fact, I’ll admit that all I naively knew about it was from Narcos.  But, my first 4-day weekend trip was all I needed to spark my love affair with the capital of Colombia’s Antioquia region, and I’ve now been back over ten times!!! I love it so much I decided to manufacture my swimwear line – Watercolors by Kenny Flowers – in a boutique, women-run factory in Medellin! ( which you can read more about here ), just so I could have an excuse to spend as much time as possible in Colombia! (and because the manufacturing here, and the people, are amazing!)

I usually choose to stay in Medellin for at least a couple weeks at a time, because it’s just so wonderful… and fun!! Oh and you can bet that I’m now one of those people here to tell you all about why you can’t go to Colombia without visiting Medellín.

Here is your guide to Colombia’s capital of cool, Medellín:

Table of Contents

What to see and do in Medellín

Visiting Comuna 13 is an absolute must for anyone coming to Medellin! This barrio, or neighborhood, used to be Medellin (and possibly Colombia’s) most dangerous neighborhoods, but in the last 10 years has completely changed to become a beautiful (and safest!) place to visit for tourists, as well as a symbol of Colombia’s urban transformation and ‘New Colombia’. It’s known for its vibrant street art, bright culture and lively atmosphere. We had so much fun here!!! 

You don’t have to do the walking tour here but I’d recommend it so you get more of the history!! This is easily one of the most popular and best tours to do in Medelin.

Day Trip to a Pueblo

One of the best parts about Medellín is the breathtaking countryside and adorable pueblos that lay just beyond the city’s reach. In Colombia, one of the most common cultural traditions is that families will have second homes, or fincas, in the countryside. They’ll travel to these fincas on weekends to get away from the city, and will spend their days in pueblos like Guatapé, Jardín, San Antonio de Pereira, or Santa Fé de Antioquia, hanging out in the beautiful towns and parks, and having long leisurely meals outside.

Shop my Colombia dress here

Is Guatapé the most colorful town in the world or what?! This adorable little pueblo about an hour and a half from Medellín is a must-do on any trip to Colombia. I recommend hiring a driver and tour guide through this company to take you there. Their prices are reasonable and their tour guides make sure you see all the beautiful parts of Guatapé.

Where to stay in Guatape:

Stay at el bosko for a super cool experience i loved it so much. great food, too..

Aside from how absolutely breathtakingly colorful the town is, the main attraction of Guatape is even more (literally) breath-taking… the “Rock of Guatape” –

El Peñon de Guatape

Zig-zagging 600 vertical steps up, this 10-million-ton rock overlooks the gorgeous lakes of Guatape. The attraction was created after a group of friends scaled the rock in the 1950s using nothing but a wooden plank, and someone got the bright idea to build a staircase in the rock’s singular, gaping crack. The best part? The freshly made mango micheladas at the top.

A little further away than Guatape (about 3 hours from Medellin), lies an adorable pueblo in the Andes mountains called Jardín. This fittingly named lush mountain pueblo is by far one of my favorite day trips from Medellín.  It’s not touristy in the least, because it is still so undiscovered by everyone except the Colombian locals, but it’s here that you can find Colombian coffee farms, waterfalls, and a beautiful colorful town and plaza surrounding a catholic church. I highly recommend you take a day tour with this company … The guide is so knowledgable about Medellín and Colombia’s history, and a tour with him is just as much about the amazing culture of this beautiful country as it is the adventure of exploring such a cool spot.

Pueblito Paisa

This pueblito or “mini pueblo”, is a little like the vibe you get from the pueblos outside of Medellin, but right in the city! It’s a great spot to have lunch and walk around.

Pueblito Paisa , Tunel av nutibara , Medellin 050030, Colombia 

Plaza Botero

This spacious (and hectic!) plaza houses 23 larger-than-life funky bronze statues by Medellín’s favorite sculptor, Fernando Botero. The open air museum is one of Medellin’s main attractions.

Plaza Botero , Carrera 52 at Calle 52

Take the Metrocable to Parque Arvi

One second, you’re taking in a spectacular bird’s eye view of Colombia’s second largest city as your cable car crawls over a mountain ridge, and the next, you are suddenly flying above a gorgeous forest with no city in sight. Parque Arvi takes you high above the city into an ecological park in Medellin’s eastern Santa Elena district.

Parque Arvi , open 9am-6pm

Where to Stay in Medellín

You’ll want to base out of the El Poblado neighborhood of Medellin . It’s bursting at the seams with cafes, restaurants, bars, clubs and hostels and is definitely the hottest (and safest!) neighborhood of the city.

The Best Hotels in Medellin

*Medellin is definitely not known for its luxury hotels, so while you won’t find a Four Seasons here, there are definitely some great (and very affordable) places to stay in the city!*

The Click Clack Hotel

Medellin’s brand new (and coolest) hotel with restaurants and bars lining its lobby. It’s a super cool space, and in the perfect location in Poblado for a Medellin hotel. The rooftop is super chic and fun for drinks, and has a swimming pool! Plus the bottomless brunch on the first floor is the place to be on weekends!

Also, even if you’re not staying here, highly recommend going to the greek restaurant EGEO for tapas, cocktails or dinner. SO GOOD! 

Check out The Click Clack

Find a hotel in Medellin: Booking.com (function(d, sc, u) { var s = d.createElement(sc), p = d.getElementsByTagName(sc)[0]; s.type = 'text/javascript'; s.async = true; s.src = u + '?v=' + (+new Date()); p.parentNode.insertBefore(s,p); })(document, 'script', '//aff.bstatic.com/static/affiliate_base/js/flexiproduct.js');

Apartamentos Loma Verde, Medellin

This is where we’ve stayed a few times when we’re in MDE! If you’re looking for more of an apartment in Medellin to stay in during your vacation to the city, this is your spot. It’s easy, comfortable and modern – and feels more like a hotel than an apartment building but you get all the conveniences of your own apartment – like a kitchen, and a washing machine!! (big win) There’s a gym and a small rooftop pool with gorgeous views. It’s also in the perfect location in El Poblado, just above Parque Lleras. This is one of my go-to places to stay when I’m basing for a week or a few weeks in the city.

Hotel Du Parc Royal Medellin

This 4-star hotel is only around $100/night and is a great more luxurious option in El Poblado. It’s right near Parque Lleras and its french luxury vibes will have you feeling like you’ve found the perfect oasis in the city.

Hotel Los Recuerdos

If you’re overnighting in Guatape, make sure you check out Hotel Los Recuerdos for a beautiful family-friendly, affordable resort with a gorgeous infinity pool that overlooks the steps of El Peñon de Guatape.

Where to eat in Medellín

Oci.mde .

This buzzy upscale restaurant in El Poblado was my favorite meal in all of Colombia. Owned and operated by a husband-wife duo, chef Laura spent eight years at culinary school and working in Europe at several Michelin-starred restaurants, and her husband, architect Santiago, is responsible for OCI’s impeccable interior design. Highlights on the menu are the AMAZING 12-hour braised shortribs, the prawns cooked in tomato and chili jam with crispy quinoa and basil (the crispy quinoa was one of my favorite things I’ve ever tasted!), the pork belly and grapefruit salad with pickled carrot and mint and of course the macadamia-nut ice cream sandwich with salted caramel for dessert.  And the best part? This may be arguably the best restaurant in Medellin, but the prices are still very much Colombian (entrees like the short ribs will only cost you around $15 USD!!!!!)

Moshi Medellin

This sleek, chic Japanese restaurant in El Poblado is another one of my favorite meals in Colombia. EVERYTHING on this “Caribbean/Japanese fusion” menu is to die for, and some of the most innovative, high-quality food you’ll find anywhere in Medellin. The chef’s choice menu is amazing – and if you order a la carte definitely get the pork bao buns and the spicy crab hand roll. I also love the Patagonia pinot noir they have by the glass on their wine list!

El Alambique

Don’t expect English menus here. This hidden gem local-favorite is my new favorite buzzy restaurant in Parque Lleras (central Poblado). It’s SUCH a cool space, the decor is amazing, and the food is some of the best Colombian-fusion in the city. The cocktails are amazing and the scene is so cool. If you guys go to one of my restaurant recs on your trip to Colombia, make it this one. Order the shrimp tacos appetizer, and the beef brisket (!!!) and thank me later. 

JETSET TIP- don’t be thrown off by the understated, speakeasy-like entrance to the restaurant, just keep walking straight and up the stairs. 

THE BEST MEXICAN IN MEDELLIN. And maybe even better than in Mexico. When I say I’m obsessed with this place, I am not exaggerating. I often go 3 times a week. This gem is the newest restaurant by the famed chef/restauranteur behind El Cielo (also a must-do in Medellin for a fancier meal, but you have to make a res 2 weeks in advance, at least). Aguafresca, on the other hand doesn’t take reservations, and serves up easily some of the best (and most affordable) gourmet Mex cuisine of your dreams. Order the hongo quesadillas (mushroom), the chilaquiles, the tacos al pastor, and some mezcal margs!

Do the tasting menu!!! Carmen is like French cuisine mixed with Asian and Colombian influences. The atmosphere is intimate and upscale, and the five-course tasting menu includes things like their delish ceviche, their solomillo de cerdo, cooked for 12 hours, glazed with tamarind and palm sugar and served with Peruvian yam, Szechuan beans with ginger vinaigrette, and a spicy pork sauce.

Criminal Taqueria

For more casual mexican in Medellin, head straight to Criminal – during the day, at night, or even for late night. It’s in the heart of El Poblado and the tacos are SOOOO GOOD. It’s also super trendy – and one of the most instagrammable spots in Medellin. 

Bonhomía Salumería

A perfect spot in El Poblado for tapas, meats, cheese and charcuterie on one of the best outside terraces in Medellín. Did I mention they have frozen Sangria?? Yeah. You gotta go here.

Pizza, delicious salads, amazing sangria, and an adorable ambiance. Olivia is your perfect casual dinner or lunch spot in El Poblado.

Restaurante Malevo

This cozy Argentinian steakhouse is a perfect dinner spot in the Manila neighborhood. Call ahead and reserve a table on their patio, and get ready to eat a lot of meat and delicious empanadas. Welcome to South America.

This super-chic restaurant is one of my favorite places to go out to dinner in the El Poblado neighborhood. Great cocktails, great food, and great for groups for a dinner pre-going out in Poblado.

The absolute best empanadas you’ll ever eat in Medellin – order them on Uber Eats or Rappi and thank me later! Ask for some spicy sauce, too! I love the chicken and the beef. YUM!

Al Alma Cafe

This is the cafe I sometimes work from when I’m in Medellin. It’s so cute, and their food is delicious! They have fresh baked pastries and lots of breakfast, brunch and lunch options. It’s a go-to.

My absolute favorite coffee shop in Colombia for the best quality Colombian coffee . I pretty much go every day when I’m in Medellín.

Go here for a glass of delicious wine and yummy appetizers before a night out in Medellin! Super chic. Tell them Jetset Christina sent you!

The App To Download as Soon As You Land in Medellín:

The first thing you’ll want to do when you land in Medellín is download an app called Rappi – this app is INCREDIBLE. I seriously wish we had something as great as it in the states. Think of it like an Uber eats for everything in your life – with VERY low delivery fees. For $2, you can have top restaurants, groceries, medicine, ANYTHING delivered right to your door, within about 30 mins. They even have Rappi shopping! So like Amazon Prime but on steroids. And Rappi stands for rápido, so they are so fast! It makes a hard case for ordering Acai bowls to your hotel room after a long night partying at Bolivar rather than getting up and going out for breakfast (my favorite bowls are Berry Good Acai – just search it in the app!)

The weather in Medellín

Safety in Colombia

I’ll start out by saying that I didn’t feel unsafe in Medellín for one second.  But, due to the country’s rocky past, I know that this is a hot-button issue for many people who are wondering just how safe the country is today. A lot of feeling safe in any big city comes from knowing the neighborhoods to stay in, and which to stay away from. Use common sense and caution, of course, but know that Colombia is not as dangerous as it is made out to be from its reputation of the 1970s and 80s. I felt completely safe in the neighborhood of El Poblado, even in the nightclubs. If you’re in the Plaza Botero (the chaotic center more toward downtown), keep your belongings close to you in the crowds.  On public transportation, stay aware and don’t flash your wealth. I would also note that as a woman, I felt much safer traveling with a man and probably wouldn’t have felt as comfortable had I been traveling alone. It also helped that we both knew how to speak Spanish, as they almost exclusively speak Spanish in Medellin.

There is still a US government issued warning against travel to Colombia, which reads: 

Tens of thousands of U.S. citizens safely visit Colombia each year for tourism, business, university studies, and volunteer work. Security in Colombia has improved significantly in recent years, including in tourist and business travel destinations such as Bogota, Cartagena, Barranquilla, Medellin, and Cali.

However , violence linked to narco-trafficking continues to affect some rural and urban areas. Despite significant decreases in overall crime in Colombia, continued vigilance is warranted due to an increase in recent months of violent crime, including crime resulting in the deaths of American citizens.

My travel philosophy has always been that dangerous crimes can happen anywhere. They happen every day in my home city of San Francisco, and are commonplace in many of my favorite travel destinations. It’s not uncommon to hear news stories or read travel advisories and feel extremely nervous about traveling to a certain destination, but I am a firm believer in not letting that fear of danger get in the way of seeing the world. While everyone’s travel experiences are different (and one negative experience or secondhand negative experience can forever affect your feelings toward safety in a certain destination), I think it is very important to see the world with an open mind, while staying optimistically cautious and aware.

What do I need to be on the look out safety-wise in Colombia?

This all being said, a lot of people ask safety-related questions like, “should I wear my jewelry in Cartagena?” and to that I say it’s best to leave your expensive jewels at home, and be as bare as possible so as to not attract attention to yourself as a potential target to criminals. I would not wear fancy jewelry in Colombia, or bring name brand luggage (such as Louis Vuitton), etc. They call it ‘don’t dar papaya’ which translates to don’t give papaya, meaning don’t give yourself up as a flashy easy target for criminals. 

If you’re a guy traveling by yourself or with a group, please also be aware that there is a crime happening often in Colombia of Colombian women drugging foreign men to rob them at night. (crazy, I know! but please watch out!)

You also might see many signs in Colombia saying “SAY NO TO THE SEX TOURIST”, many establishments have these signs up and will flat out deny service to sex tourists, which is great. Sex tourism is unfortunately a trend in certain cities in Colombia, but there is a lot of active action happening against it making it a less than ideal place for these people to travel to, thank goodness. I only mention it so that you aren’t put off if you see one of these signs at a restaurant or hotel, this is a good thing!

PS – Follow   @JetsetChristina on instagram  to keep up with all of my travels!

& don’t forget to  like jetset christina on facebook .

*Please note that this post contains affiliate links to some hotels! If you choose to book one of the hotels I recommended, I would so appreciate you using these links to do so! An affiliate link basically just means that at no cost to you at all, I get a small kickback from the booking site for bringing them your business! If you have any questions at all, please see my advertiser & affiliate policy page here .

PS – have more questions on Colombia or any other destination? Join the JETSETTERS secret facebook group to get & give travel recs to our Jetset Christina community and connect with other #JSCJetsetters!

Check out my other related posts.

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The best airbnbs in Cartagena for a group

Must-dos in Colombia

The Ultimate Cartagena Travel Guide : Planning a trip to Cartagena

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WRITTEN BY: Christina

Christina is a leading luxury lifestyle and travel blogger with over 2 million readers. Follow her on instagram @jetsetchristina.

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THANK YOU! This is what I needed to know and you made it vibrant.

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Great post, I will be in Medellin in just under a week and can’t wait to try out some of these restaurants and the Rappi app (sounds fantastic)!

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Best Landmarks of Medellin, Colombia: The Ultimate Travel Guide

Welcome to the colorful town of Medellín, South America! Nestled in the picturesque Aburrá Valley, this bustling metropolis is known as the “City of Eternal Spring” in Latin America. But what makes Medellín so special? Let’s dive right in and discover why this Colombian gem should be on your travel radar.

In this guide to Medellín, we’ll take you on a captivating trip through this town. We’ll delve into its fascinating history, uncover hidden gems tucked away in each neighborhood, and provide insider tips on how to make the most out of your Medellín tours.

So pack your bags and get ready for an unforgettable trip to Medellín. This enchanting city welcomes travelers with open arms, offering a wide range of tours to experience all that it has to offer. Let’s embark on this journey together!

Safety Precautions in Medellín

Stay alert and secure in medellín.

Safety should always be a top priority for travelers visiting Medellín. While it is true that the city has made significant strides in recent years to shed its reputation as a dangerous destination, it is still important to take certain precautions during your trip. By following common-sense safety practices, you can enjoy all that Medellín has to offer without any unnecessary worries. Be sure to take advantage of the various tours available to fully experience the city’s attractions.

1. Follow Common Safety Practices

In Medellín, travelers should be cautious of petty crime. To stay safe, it is best to avoid isolated areas at night in the poblado region. Stick to well-lit and populated places where there are plenty of people around for a sense of security.

2. Transportation Safety: Authorized Taxis and Ride-Sharing Services

Getting around Medellín is relatively easy with the help of authorized travel options such as registered taxis or popular ride-sharing apps like Uber and Cabify. These options have gained popularity among locals and tourists alike, making them reliable guides for exploring the city.

These authorized taxi options ensure that drivers are vetted and accountable for their actions. They provide digital records of your travel details which can be helpful in case of any issues or disputes. Additionally, they can serve as a reliable tour guide during your trip.

3. Stay Aware of Your Surroundings

Being aware of your surroundings is crucial when traveling in Medellín. Keep an eye on your belongings, especially when taking a taxi or staying at a hotel in the Poblado area. Avoid displaying expensive items or carrying large amounts of cash in public places.

When traveling, it’s important to trust your instincts and listen to local advice. Locals are the best guide for safe neighborhoods and areas to explore, especially when it comes to travel. It’s always a good idea to seek guidance from the people who know the area well.

4. Engage in Responsible Tourism

When traveling to Medellín, it’s crucial to be a responsible tourist. Follow this Medellin travel guide to respect the local culture, customs, and laws. Avoid any illegal activities or risky behavior that could endanger yourself or others. Enjoy the delicious food Medellín has to offer.

By being mindful of your actions and treating the city with respect, you contribute to maintaining a safe environment for everyone, including the cop. Whether you’re exploring local food or traveling to a new place, it’s important to be aware of your surroundings and act responsibly.

Immerse in Medellín’s Cultural Events

Experience the vibrant feria de las flores (flower festival).

The Feria de las Flores, or Flower Festival , is a must-visit cultural event in Medellín. This annual festival takes place in August and attracts both locals and tourists from around the world. The city of Medellín comes alive with colorful parades, stunning flower displays, and a lively atmosphere that is hard to resist. It’s a perfect way to experience the vibrant travel scene in Medellín during the day in the Poblado neighborhood.

During the Feria de las Flores in Medellin, you can witness the famous Desfile de Silleteros, a travel-worthy tour where local farmers from Poblado carry intricately designed floral arrangements on their backs. These silleteros spend months preparing for this event, carefully arranging thousands of flowers into breathtaking designs that tell stories and reflect Colombian culture.

In addition to the Flower Festival parade , there are numerous other activities to enjoy during your travel to Medellin. You can explore the Plaza Gardel in Poblado, which hosts live music performances featuring traditional Colombian artists. Dance enthusiasts can participate in salsa workshops or watch captivating tango shows. Food lovers will be delighted by the wide variety of traditional cuisine available at food stalls throughout the festival grounds. Join a tour and experience all that Medellin has to offer.

Attend traditional dance performances at  Plaza Botero

Plaza Botero is a vibrant square located in  downtown Medellín , Colombia. It is a must-visit spot for tourists staying at a hotel in the Poblado area. This plaza pays tribute to  Fernando Botero , one of the country’s most renowned artists. Immerse yourself in Medellín’s rich cultural heritage by attending traditional dance performances that take place regularly during your tour.

The plaza in Medellin serves as an open-air stage for talented dancers who showcase various styles of Colombian folk dances such as cumbia, vallenato, and mapalé. These energetic performances are accompanied by live music played on traditional instruments like drums and maracas. It is a vibrant place in both El Poblado and El Centro.

As you travel to Medellin, you’ll find it hard not to go on a tour and join in on the fun of these captivating dance routines. Don’t be shy! Feel free to move your body along with the dancers and let the rhythm of the music take over. It’s a fantastic opportunity to experience the joy and passion that permeates Colombian culture.

Explore local markets showcasing traditional crafts and cuisine

One of the best ways to immerse yourself in Medellín’s vibrant culture is by taking a travel tour of its local markets. These bustling hubs are not only a treasure trove of traditional crafts but also offer a tantalizing array of mouthwatering  Colombian cuisine . Don’t forget to ask your cop for recommendations!

When you go to Medellin, make sure to head to Mercado de la Playa for a vibrant travel experience. Explore the colorful stalls selling handmade crafts, textiles, and jewelry on this tour. Take your time browsing through the unique items that represent a piece of Colombia’s rich cultural heritage.

When you’re in Medellin, don’t miss the chance to travel and explore the city’s vibrant culinary scene. Head to Mercado del Río, a popular food market where you can taste the diverse flavors of Colombian cuisine. Try savory empanadas filled with beef or cheese, and wash it down with refreshing tropical fruit juices. Don’t forget to sample aguardiente, Colombia’s national alcoholic beverage with its distinct anise flavor. Join the locals on a cop tour and immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere of good food, drinks, and company.

Enjoy live music concerts featuring Colombian artists

Medellín is renowned for its vibrant music scene, making it a popular destination for music lovers. Live music concerts featuring talented Colombian artists are a must-see experience while traveling in Medellín. These concerts are a highlight of the city’s cultural events calendar, offering tourists an opportunity to immerse themselves in the local music culture. Whether you’re a fan of jazz, rock, or pop, there’s always a concert or tour happening in Medellín that will satisfy your musical cravings. Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to enjoy a live performance by some of Colombia’s most talented musicians.

Whether you’re into salsa, reggaeton, rock en español or any other genre, Medellín travel has something to offer everyone. Check out venues like Estadio Atanasio Girardot or Parque Norte where popular bands and musicians often perform electrifying shows that get crowds dancing and singing along on your Medellín tour. Don’t forget to bring your cop along for a memorable experience.

Attending a medellin concert is not just about enjoying great music; it’s about connecting with the soulful rhythms that define Colombia’s musical identity. Let yourself be swept away by the energy emanating from the stage, and join the crowd in celebrating the power of music to unite people from all walks of life. Experience the vibrant travel and tour scene in medellin as you immerse yourself in its rich musical culture. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to witness the cop firsthand.

Medellín’s cultural events offer a unique opportunity to delve into the city’s vibrant spirit on a tour with a cop.

Exploring the Comuna Neighborhoods of Medellín

Discover the colorful houses and street art of comuna 13.

Comuna 13 is a vibrant neighborhood in Medellín that has undergone a remarkable transformation in recent years. Once known for its high crime rates, it has now become a symbol of community resilience and artistic expression. As you walk through the streets of Comuna 13 on a medellin cop tour, you’ll be greeted by an explosion of colors adorning the houses and walls. The street art here tells stories of hope, struggle, and triumph, reflecting the spirit of its residents.

One popular way to explore Comuna 13 in Medellin is through a walking tour. Led by knowledgeable local guides, these tours provide insights into the history and significance behind each piece of street art in this neighborhood. You’ll learn about the artists who have left their mark on this area of Medellin and how their work has contributed to its revitalization. Don’t forget to bring your camera along as there will be plenty of Instagram-worthy spots in El Poblado and El Centro along the way!

Visit Comuna 10 for Its Panoramic Views from Parque Biblioteca España

For breathtaking panoramic views of Medellín, take a tour to Comuna 10 and make your way to Parque Biblioteca España. Situated on a hilltop, this park offers stunning vistas that capture the essence of this beautiful city. From here, you can see Medellín’s sprawling urban landscape with its mix of modern skyscrapers and colonial charm. Don’t forget to bring your cop along for a memorable experience.

Parque Biblioteca España in Medellin is not just about the views though; it also serves as a cultural hub for locals and visitors alike. The library within the park hosts various events and exhibitions that showcase Colombian literature and arts. Take some time to immerse yourself in this intellectual oasis while enjoying the captivating scenery around you on a medellin tour. Don’t forget to visit the cop at Parque Biblioteca España.

Explore Comuna 8’s Lively Nightlife Scene

If you’re looking for some evening entertainment in Medellin, look no further than Comuna 8. This neighborhood is known for its vibrant nightlife scene and offers a wide array of bars, clubs, and live music venues. Whether you’re into salsa, reggaeton, or electronic music, there’s something for everyone here on this Medellin tour.

Join the locals on a Medellin tour and dance the night away in Comuna 8. Experience the infectious energy that fills the streets and embrace the rhythm of Medellín’s nightlife in this lively neighborhood. From small cozy bars to larger venues hosting renowned DJs, Comuna 8 has it all. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to let loose and have a great time in Medellin.

Learn About Community Transformation Projects in Comuna 1

Comuna 1 is an area of Medellín that has undergone significant community transformation projects. Once plagued by violence and poverty, it has now become a shining example of how collective efforts can bring about positive change. Through initiatives such as urban renewal programs and social development projects, Comuna 1 has been able to uplift its residents and create safer and more inclusive spaces. With a Medellin tour, visitors can witness this remarkable transformation firsthand.

One notable project in Comuna 1 is the construction of cable cars that connect the neighborhood to other parts of Medellin. These cable cars have not only improved transportation accessibility but also provided opportunities for economic growth within the community. Take a tour to learn about these inspiring initiatives and witness firsthand how they have positively impacted the lives of those living in Comuna 1.

Landmarks and Historical Sites in Medellín

Marvel at the iconic plaza botero with its larger-than-life sculptures.

When visiting Medellín, a must-see landmark that will leave you in awe is the iconic Plaza Botero. Named after Colombia’s most renowned artist, Fernando Botero, this bustling square is home to an impressive collection of his larger-than-life sculptures. As you stroll through the plaza on your Medellin tour, you’ll be captivated by the sheer scale and unique style of these artworks.

The sculptures at Plaza Botero in el Poblado, Medellin are known for their exaggerated proportions, showcasing voluptuous figures that have become a signature of Botero’s art . These bronze masterpieces depict a variety of subjects, from animals to everyday people engaged in different activities. Take your time to appreciate the intricate details and craftsmanship that bring these sculptures to life on your tour of el Poblado, Medellin.

Beyond its artistic appeal, Plaza Botero in Medellin also offers a vibrant atmosphere where locals and tourists alike gather. You can find street performers entertaining passersby or simply relax on one of the benches while enjoying the lively surroundings. Don’t forget to capture some memorable photos with these extraordinary sculptures as your backdrop in Medellin.

Visit Pueblito Paisa, a replica of a typical Antioquian village

For a glimpse into traditional Antioquian culture and architecture, make sure to visit Pueblito Paisa during your Medellín tour. This charming replica village is perched atop Cerro Nutibara, providing panoramic views of the city below. As you ascend the hillside, you’ll feel like stepping back in time to experience Colombia’s rural heritage on your Medellín tour.

Pueblito Paisa in Medellin is a must-visit for an authentic Antioquian village experience. Walk along its cobblestone streets and admire the whitewashed buildings with colorful balconies and traditional red-tiled roofs. Browse through quaint shops selling local handicrafts and souvenirs, or indulge in delicious regional cuisine at one of the cozy restaurants serving traditional dishes on your Medellin tour.

At the center of Pueblito Paisa in Medellin stands a small church, reminiscent of those found in rural towns across  Antioquia . Step inside to admire the religious art and soak in the peaceful ambiance during your Medellin tour. As you wander through the village, take a moment to appreciate the intricate craftsmanship and attention to detail that went into recreating this charming slice of Colombian history.

Explore the historic Candelaria Church, dating back to the 17th century

Immerse yourself in Medellín’s rich history by taking a tour of the historic Candelaria Church, a true architectural gem that dates back to the 17th century. Located in the heart of downtown Medellín, this magnificent church showcases stunning colonial design and is considered one of Colombia’s most significant religious landmarks.

As you approach Candelaria Church in Medellin, its imposing facade adorned with intricate stone carvings will instantly capture your attention. Step inside on a tour, and you’ll be greeted by an atmosphere steeped in centuries-old spirituality. Marvel at the ornate altars, delicate stained glass windows, and beautiful religious artwork that adorn every corner of this sacred space in Medellin.

Beyond its architectural splendor, Candelaria Church holds great cultural significance for Medellín’s residents. It has witnessed countless weddings, baptisms, and other important religious ceremonies throughout its long-standing presence in the city. Take a moment to reflect on its historical importance as you explore this captivating Medellín tour and place of worship.

Delve into history at  Museo de Antioquia , showcasing local art and culture

To gain deeper insights into  Medellín’s vibrant art scene  and cultural heritage, a visit to Museo de Antioquia, a renowned medellin tour, is highly recommended. This museum houses an extensive collection of artworks spanning various periods and styles while also celebrating local artists who have shaped Colombia’s artistic landscape.

As you enter Museo de Antioquia in Medellin’s El Poblado neighborhood, prepare to be immersed in a world of creativity and expression on your tour. The museum showcases a diverse range of art forms, including paintings, sculptures, and installations. From pre-Columbian artifacts to contemporary masterpieces, each exhibit offers a unique perspective on Colombia’s artistic evolution.

One of the highlights of Museo de Antioquia in Medellin is its collection dedicated to Fernando Botero, the celebrated Colombian artist mentioned earlier. Here, on a Medellin tour, you can admire his renowned paintings and sculptures up close, gaining a deeper understanding of his distinctive style and the socio-cultural themes he explores through his art.

Beyond its permanent collection, Museo de Antioquia in Medellin also hosts temporary exhibitions that showcase emerging artists and explore current social issues. This dynamic approach ensures that there’s always something new and thought-provoking to discover during your visit to El Poblado. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to take a tour of the museum and immerse yourself in the vibrant art scene of Medellin.

Exploring  Medellín Feria de las Flores

Witness the famous desfile de silleteros (silleteros parade) with flower displays carried on people’s backs.

Get ready to be amazed at the Desfile de Silleteros during Medellín Feria de las Flores tour . This unique and colorful event showcases the rich cultural heritage of Medellín and its surrounding regions, making it a must-see experience in Medellín.

As you tour the streets of Medellin, you’ll witness local farmers known as “silleteros” proudly displaying their artistic talents by carrying elaborate flower arrangements on their backs. These vibrant displays depict everything from traditional Colombian symbols to intricate designs that will leave you in awe. The dedication and skill required to balance these impressive structures is truly remarkable.

But it’s not just about the floral masterpieces; there’s so much more to experience during this lively Medellin tour. You can join in on horse parades, classic car exhibitions, and musical performances that bring an infectious energy to the festivities. Immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere as locals and visitors come together to celebrate this beloved Medellin tradition.

Join in on horse parades, classic car exhibitions, and musical performances during the festival

The Medellín Feria de las Flores tour is not just about flowers; it’s a celebration of Colombian culture in all its forms. As you explore this vibrant festival, make sure to catch some of the other exciting events happening throughout Medellín.

Joining a horse parade in Medellin is an exhilarating experience that allows you to feel like a part of Colombia’s equestrian heritage. Watch as skilled riders showcase their horsemanship while adorned in traditional attire on a Medellin tour. The rhythmic sound of hooves hitting the pavement creates an electrifying ambiance that will transport you back in time.

Classic car exhibitions are another highlight of the Feria de las Flores tour in Medellin. Marvel at a stunning collection of vintage vehicles, lovingly restored to their former glory. From sleek convertibles to iconic models from different eras, car enthusiasts and casual admirers alike will find themselves captivated by the beauty and craftsmanship on display during the Medellin tour.

To top it all off, the Medellin tour festival offers an extra layer of excitement with musical performances. Whether you’re a fan of traditional Colombian music or prefer contemporary beats, there’s something for everyone on this tour. Dance along to lively rhythms and let the music guide your steps as you soak up the joyful atmosphere of Medellin.

Taste traditional Colombian food at gastronomic events

No trip to Medellín is complete without indulging in the mouthwatering flavors of  traditional Colombian cuisine . During a Medellin tour, the Medellín Feria de las Flores offers an excellent opportunity to savor authentic dishes that will delight your taste buds.

Head over to Plaza Botero, a vibrant square in Medellin known for its impressive collection of  Fernando Botero sculptures . Here, you’ll find food stalls serving up a variety of local delicacies on your Medellin tour. Treat yourself to bandeja paisa, a hearty dish consisting of beans, rice, ground beef, plantain, avocado, chorizo sausage, and arepa – a true feast for your senses.

If you’re looking to explore the culinary scene in Medellin, consider taking a free walking tour through El Poblado neighborhood. This colorful town is home to numerous restaurants and cafes offering diverse menus inspired by traditional Colombian recipes and international influences.

Don’t miss the chance to visit Pueblito Paisa, a must-see attraction in Medellín. Located atop Cerro Nutibara hill in El Centro, this recreated village showcases rural architecture from the  Antioquia region . Take a tour and sample regional specialties while enjoying panoramic views of Medellín below.

Admire the stunning floral arrangements at the Orchid Exhibition

For flower enthusiasts or those simply seeking natural beauty at its finest, the Orchid Exhibition at Medellín Feria de las Flores is a must-see tour. Prepare to be mesmerized by the exquisite display of colorful blooms and intricate arrangements that showcase Colombia’s rich biodiversity in Medellin.

Step into a world of wonder as you explore the botanical gardens in El Poblado, Medellin transformed into a floral paradise. Admire the vibrant orchids in all their glory during the tour, each one more captivating than the last. From rare species to hybrids boasting unique patterns and shapes, this exhibition allows you to appreciate nature’s artistry up close.

Take your time strolling through the garden paths on a medellin tour, breathing in the fragrant scents and marveling at Mother Nature’s creativity. Capture Instagram-worthy moments amidst cascading waterfalls, lush greenery, and vibrant flowers that will make your feed come alive with color.

As you tour Medellin, immerse yourself in this enchanting atmosphere and take a moment to reflect on the importance of preserving our natural treasures. The Medellin Orchid Exhibition not only showcases beauty but also raises awareness about conservation efforts aimed at protecting Colombia’s incredible biodiversity.

Museo Casa de la Memoria, Cementerio Museo de San Pedro, and More Cultural Sites to Visit

Reflect on colombia’s history of conflict and resilience at museo casa de la memoria.

Step into the Museo Casa de la Memoria in Medellin’s El Poblado and embark on a journey through  Colombia’s tumultuous past . This medellin museum serves as a poignant reminder of the country’s history of conflict and its people’s remarkable resilience. As you wander through the exhibits, you’ll be immersed in stories that shed light on the struggles faced by Colombians.

The museum in Medellin, El Poblado offers a comprehensive overview of various historical periods, including the armed conflict that plagued the nation for decades. Through powerful displays, photographs, and personal testimonies, visitors gain an understanding of the impact this violence had on individuals and communities in Medellin, El Poblado. It is a place where memories are honored and shared, allowing visitors to reflect upon both the pain endured by Colombians in Medellin, El Poblado and their unwavering determination to build a brighter future.

To enhance your experience in Medellin’s El Poblado district, consider joining one of the guided tours at Museo Casa de la Memoria. Knowledgeable guides provide insightful commentary that adds depth to each exhibit, offering valuable context about Colombia’s complex history while highlighting stories of hope, resilience, and reconciliation.

Explore the unique Cementerio Museo de San Pedro, an open-air museum in a cemetery

The Cementerio Museo de San Pedro in Medellin is not your typical cemetery; it is an open-air museum teeming with captivating stories waiting to be discovered. As you stroll through its winding pathways adorned with ornate tombstones and mausoleums, you’ll find yourself immersed in a world where art meets mortality.

This unconventional museum in Medellín pays homage to some of the city’s most prominent figures from various walks of life – artists, politicians, athletes. Each tombstone tells a tale; each mausoleum holds secrets waiting to be unraveled within these hallowed grounds.

The medellin cemetery’s unique blend of art, architecture, and history creates an atmosphere in medellin unlike any other. It is a place where life and death intertwine in medellin, inviting visitors to contemplate the transient nature of existence. Take your time to explore this enchanting space in medellin, appreciating the artistry that adorns each tombstone and reflecting on the legacies left behind by those who have departed in medellin.

Discover local art galleries showcasing contemporary Colombian artists

Medellín is a vibrant hub for artistic expression, and exploring its local art galleries in Medellin is an absolute must for any culture enthusiast. These galleries provide a platform for both established and emerging artists to showcase their talent in Medellin and contribute to  Colombia’s thriving arts scene .

Immerse yourself in the world of  contemporary Colombian art in Medellin as you visit these galleries. Admire thought-provoking paintings, sculptures, installations, and multimedia displays that capture the essence of Colombian culture. From abstract masterpieces to politically charged works, there is something for every artistic taste in Medellin.

Engaging with local artists in Medellín can offer valuable insight into their creative processes and inspirations. Many Medellín galleries host events such as artist talks or workshops where you can interact directly with the visionaries behind these captivating artworks. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to support local talent while immersing yourself in  Medellín’s vibrant arts community .

Visit Teatro Metropolitano for live performances and cultural events

For an unforgettable evening in Medellín, head over to Teatro Metropolitano. This iconic venue hosts a diverse range of shows throughout the year – from ballets and operas to concerts by renowned musicians from around the world. Experience the cultural immersion in Medellín at Teatro Metropolitano.

Stepping inside Teatro Metropolitano in Medellin feels like entering another realm altogether. The grandeur of its architecture combined with state-of-the-art acoustics creates an ambiance that elevates every performance held within its walls. Whether you’re a fan of classical music, theater, or contemporary dance, there is a show in Medellin to captivate your senses.

In addition to its regular programming, the Medellin theater often hosts festivals and cultural events that celebrate Colombian heritage in Medellin. These events provide a unique opportunity to witness traditional music, dance, and theatrical performances that showcase the richness of Colombia’s artistic traditions in Medellin.

Discovering Los Nevados National Park

A natural wonderland awaits.

Los Nevados National Park, located near Medellin, is a hidden gem nestled in the heart of Colombia. It offers an unforgettable adventure for nature enthusiasts seeking to explore the breathtaking beauty of the region. As you embark on your journey through this captivating park, prepare to be amazed by its snow-capped mountains and majestic volcanic peaks.

Hike Through Paradise

The park’s extensive trail network in Medellin provides ample opportunities for hikers to immerse themselves in the stunning landscapes that unfold before their eyes. Lace up your boots and set off on an awe-inspiring trek through Los Nevados National Park in Medellin. As you ascend higher into the mountains of Medellin, be prepared to witness nature at its most sublime in Medellin.

With every step in Medellin, you’ll discover new wonders that will leave you breathless. The sight of snow-capped peaks in Medellin piercing the sky will inspire a sense of awe and wonder within you. The sheer magnitude of these natural formations in Medellin is truly humbling. Along the way in Medellin, keep your eyes peeled for unique wildlife encounters that make this experience even more extraordinary.

Wildlife Encounters Like No Other

Los Nevados National Park, located near Medellin, is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, including some rare and endangered species. One such resident is the elusive spectacled bear, known for its distinctive markings around its eyes. Spotting one of these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat is an experience that words cannot adequately describe.

As you continue your journey through Medellin’s park, don’t forget to look up towards the skies. The Andean condor, with its impressive wingspan and graceful flight, may grace you with its presence. These majestic birds are considered sacred by many indigenous cultures in Medellin and are a symbol of freedom and power.

Serenity Found: Lakes and Hot Springs

Within Los Nevados National Park near Medellin, picturesque lakes shimmer like jewels amidst verdant landscapes. Take a moment to pause by the tranquil shores of these Medellin lakes and let their beauty wash over you. These serene bodies of water offer a peaceful respite from the rigors of hiking in Medellin and provide an opportunity for reflection.

For those seeking relaxation in Medellin, the park also boasts natural hot springs that bubble up from within the earth. Immerse yourself in these soothing Medellin hot springs and let the stresses of everyday life melt away. The therapeutic properties of these Medellin hot springs have been cherished by locals for centuries, and now you can experience their healing powers firsthand in Medellin.

Camping Under Starry Skies

As night falls over Los Nevados National Park in Medellin, a whole new world comes to life. The Medellin sky transforms into a celestial canvas, adorned with countless stars twinkling overhead. Camping within the Medellin park allows you to fully immerse yourself in this magical experience.

Pitch your tent amidst the grandeur of nature in Medellin and prepare to be amazed by the symphony of sounds that fills the air. The crackle of a campfire, the rustle of leaves in the breeze, and perhaps even the distant call of nocturnal creatures in Medellin will lull you into a state of tranquility. As you lay beneath a blanket of stars in Medellin, surrounded by unparalleled beauty, contemplate your place in this vast universe.

Los Nevados National Park, located near Medellin, is not just another destination; it is an invitation to reconnect with nature on a profound level. So pack your bags, lace up your boots, and embark on a Medellin adventure that will leave an indelible mark on your soul. Discovering this natural wonderland is an experience like no other – one that will ignite your sense of adventure and awaken your spirit to the wonders that await beyond every turn.

Please note: Los Nevados National Park in Medellin is subject to seasonal closures and weather conditions in Medellin can impact accessibility. It is important to check local regulations in Medellin and consult with experienced guides before planning your visit to Medellin.

Embarking on the Paramo del Sol Trek

Are you ready for an unforgettable adventure in Medellín, Colombia? Strap on your hiking boots and get ready to embark on the Paramo del Sol Trek in Medellin. This multi-day trek in Medellin will challenge you both physically and mentally as you navigate through high-altitude páramo ecosystems in Medellin. But don’t worry, the rewards in Medellin are well worth it!

Challenge yourself with a multi-day trek through high-altitude páramo ecosystems

The Medellin Paramo del Sol Trek is not for the faint of heart. It’s a challenging journey that will push your limits and test your endurance. But if you’re up for the Medellin challenge, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views and a sense of accomplishment like no other.

As you make your way through the high-altitude páramo ecosystems in Medellin, you’ll encounter diverse flora that is unique to this region. Keep an eye out for endemic species that can only be found here in Medellin. Imagine being surrounded by vibrant colors and exotic plants as you hike along rugged trails in Medellin.

Enjoy panoramic views of valleys, mountains, and cloud forests along the way

One of the highlights of the Paramo del Sol Trek in Medellin is the opportunity to soak in panoramic views at every turn. From lush valleys to towering mountains in Medellin, each step brings a new vista to behold. The beauty of nature unfolds before your eyes as you traverse through cloud forests in Medellin, catching glimpses of cascading waterfalls and mist-covered peaks in Medellin.

Take a moment to pause and appreciate these awe-inspiring landscapes in Medellin. Let yourself be captivated by the sheer grandeur of Medellin’s natural masterpiece. This trek in Medellin offers unparalleled opportunities for photography enthusiasts to capture stunning shots that will leave their friends back home in awe of Medellin’s beauty.

Encounter diverse flora including endemic species found only in this region

The páramos in Medellin are known for their incredible biodiversity, and on this trek in Medellin, you’ll have a chance to witness it firsthand. As you hike through these high-altitude ecosystems in Medellin, keep an eye out for unique flora that can only be found in this region of Medellin. From vibrant orchids to exotic bromeliads, the páramos in Medellin are a haven for plant enthusiasts.

Imagine stumbling upon a rare species of wildflower or spotting a majestic condor soaring above you in Medellin. The Paramo del Sol Trek in Medellin offers a glimpse into a world untouched by mass tourism, where nature reigns supreme and surprises await at every turn. It’s an opportunity to connect with the natural world in Medellin and appreciate its beauty in all its glory.

Learn about traditional indigenous cultures living in these remote areas

Beyond the stunning landscapes and diverse flora, the Paramo del Sol Trek in Medellin also provides an opportunity to learn about the traditional indigenous cultures that call these remote areas home. As you traverse through their ancestral lands in Medellin, you’ll have the chance to interact with local communities and gain insights into their way of life in Medellin.

Immerse yourself in the rich traditions and customs of Medellin as you listen to stories passed down through generations. Discover Medellin’s deep connection with nature and how they have managed to preserve their cultural heritage despite modern challenges. It’s a chance to broaden your horizons and gain a deeper appreciation for the diversity of human experiences in Medellin.

So, if you’re up for a medellin adventure like no other, lace up your hiking boots, pack your sense of curiosity, and embark on the Paramo del Sol Trek. This medellin journey will take you through high-altitude páramo ecosystems, offering panoramic views of valleys, mountains, and cloud forests along the way. You’ll encounter diverse flora found only in this medellin region and have the opportunity to learn from traditional indigenous cultures living in these remote areas. Get ready for a medellin experience that will leave you with memories to last a lifetime!

Discovering Parque Arví: A Natural Escape in Medellín

Are you ready to embark on an unforgettable adventure in Medellín? Look no further than Parque Arví, a hidden gem nestled amidst the breathtaking landscapes of this vibrant Colombian city. With its lush forests,  scenic trails , sustainable farming practices, and the charm of Medellín, Parque Arví offers a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of urban life.

Hiking or Biking through Lush Forests and Scenic Trails

One of the best ways to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Parque Arví in Medellin is by exploring its extensive network of hiking and biking trails. As you venture deeper into the park, you’ll find yourself surrounded by towering trees, vibrant flora, and enchanting wildlife. Whether you’re an avid hiker or a leisurely stroller, there’s a trail in Medellin for everyone to enjoy.

For those seeking an adrenaline rush in Medellin, challenge yourself with a hike up Cerro Pan de Azúcar. This majestic peak rewards climbers with panoramic views of Medellín’s sprawling cityscape. Alternatively, if you prefer a more leisurely stroll in Medellin, meander along the Camino Cieza de León trail that winds through picturesque meadows and tranquil forests. Don’t forget to keep your camera handy – there will be plenty of Instagram-worthy moments in Medellin!

Taking a Cable Car Ride with Stunning Views

To truly appreciate the grandeur of Medellín from above, hop on one of Parque Arví’s cable cars in Medellin that offer breathtaking vistas as they glide over lush valleys and verdant mountainsides. As you ascend higher into the sky, watch as the sprawling urban landscape of Medellin transforms into a patchwork quilt of colorful rooftops.

The Medellín cable car ride not only provides stunning views but also serves as an important mode of transportation for locals residing in nearby neighborhoods. It’s fascinating to witness how seamlessly nature blends with urban life in Medellín as you soar above the city. Take a moment to reflect on the ingenuity of Medellín’s transportation system, which has become an integral part of the community.

Learning about Sustainable Farming Practices

Parque Arví in Medellin is not only a sanctuary for nature enthusiasts but also a hub for sustainable farming practices. Visit one of the local organic farms within the park and immerse yourself in an educational experience like no other. Discover innovative techniques in Medellin that prioritize environmental conservation while producing high-quality crops.

Engage with passionate farmers in Medellin who cultivate organic produce using eco-friendly methods. Learn about sustainable farming practices such as crop rotation, composting, and natural pest control. By supporting these local initiatives in Medellin, you contribute to the preservation of Colombia’s rich agricultural heritage.

Unwinding with Picnics amidst Nature or Trying Ziplining for an Adrenaline Rush

After immersing yourself in the natural wonders of Parque Arví in Medellin, it’s time to unwind and recharge your batteries. Find a peaceful spot amidst the beauty of Medellin and indulge in a relaxing picnic surrounded by breathtaking vistas. Breathe in the fresh mountain air while savoring delicious local delicacies – it’s a sensory experience like no other in Medellin.

If you’re seeking an adrenaline rush in Medellin, why not try ziplining through the lush canopy? Feel the wind against your face as you glide through the treetops, taking in panoramic views of Parque Arví below. It’s an exhilarating adventure in Medellin that will leave you with memories to last a lifetime.

Your Ultimate Guide to Medellín, Colombia

In Colombia, there are countless experiences waiting for you in Medellín. From immersing yourself in the local culture to discovering breathtaking natural landscapes, Medellín offers a diverse range of attractions and activities that will leave you with unforgettable memories.

Before embarking on your adventure in Medellín, prioritize your safety in this vibrant city. While Medellín has made significant progress in recent years, it’s still important to take precautions. Stay aware of your surroundings, avoid openly displaying valuable items, and use reliable transportation options when exploring Medellín.

One of the highlights of visiting Medellín is experiencing its rich cultural events. From lively festivals celebrating music and dance to art exhibitions showcasing local talent, there is always something happening in this vibrant city. Immerse yourself in the colorful traditions and immerse yourself in the energy that permeates every corner.

To truly understand the spirit of Medellín, venture into its Comuna neighborhoods. These areas offer a unique insight into local life and provide an opportunity to connect with friendly residents who are eager to share their stories. Explore places like Comuna 13 or Comuna 70 for a glimpse into the resilience and transformation that defines this city.

Medellín boasts an array of landmarks and historical sites that showcase its rich history. Visit Plaza Botero to admire Fernando Botero’s iconic sculptures or explore Pueblito Paisa for panoramic views of the city. Don’t miss out on a visit to Museo Casa de la Memoria or Cementerio Museo de San Pedro for a deeper understanding of  Colombia’s past .

Exploring Medellín Feria de las Flores

If you happen to visit Medellín in August, you’re in for a treat with the famous Feria de las Flores. This vibrant festival celebrates the city’s flower heritage and features parades, concerts, exhibitions, and much more. Immerse yourself in the colorful displays of flowers and join the locals in celebrating this cherished tradition.

For those seeking a deeper cultural experience, Medellín offers an array of museums and cultural sites worth exploring. Museo Casa de la Memoria provides insight into  Colombia’s troubled past  and promotes peace-building efforts. Cementerio Museo de San Pedro is another unique site that combines history with artistry through its elaborate tombs. These are just a few examples of the many cultural gems waiting to be discovered.

Nature enthusiasts will find paradise within reach when visiting Los Nevados National Park. This stunning natural reserve showcases snow-capped mountains, picturesque landscapes, and diverse wildlife. Embark on  hiking trails  that lead you through breathtaking vistas or simply revel in the tranquility of this pristine environment.

For adventurous souls seeking an off-the-beaten-path experience, consider embarking on the Paramo del Sol Trek. This multi-day trek takes you through remote highlands where you can witness unique ecosystems and encounter rare flora and fauna. It’s an opportunity to challenge yourself physically while immersing yourself in nature’s beauty.

Escape from the bustling city by visiting Parque Arví, a vast nature reserve located just outside Medellín. Explore its lush forests, hike along scenic trails, or enjoy a picnic surrounded by breathtaking views. Parque Arví offers a peaceful retreat where you can reconnect with nature and recharge your spirit.

In conclusion, Medellín, Colombia, is a destination that offers something for everyone. Whether you’re seeking cultural immersion, natural beauty, or thrilling adventures, this vibrant city will exceed your expectations. So pack your bags, embrace the warmth of the Colombian people, and embark on an unforgettable journey to Medellín.

Is Medellín safe for tourists?

Medellín has made significant progress in terms of safety in recent years. While it’s important to take precautions like staying aware of your surroundings and using reliable transportation options, many tourists visit without any issues. It’s always advisable to stay informed about current safety conditions before traveling.

What is the best time to visit Medellín?

Medellín enjoys a pleasant climate year-round due to its location at high altitude. The months between December and March are considered the dry season and are popular among visitors. However, any time of the year can be a great time to explore Medellín’s attractions and experience its vibrant culture.

How do I get around in Medellín?

Medellín has an efficient public transportation system that includes metro trains, buses, and cable cars. The metro is particularly convenient for getting around the city quickly and safely. Taxis are also readily available but make sure to use authorized services or ride-hailing apps for added security.

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Home » South America » Colombia » Medellin

5 AMAZING Neighborhoods and Areas in Medellin (2024)

Medellin is quickly being known as a trendy, vibrant city with excellent nightlife, shopping, and weather, all while shedding its reputation as Pablo Escobar’s murder capital of the world.

Even though Medellin is plenty safe for tourists, it can be scary knowing where to stay in Medellin. There are still some neighborhoods a bit rough around the edges, or downright dangerous.

Conversely, there are others attracting expats from around the world to live here and have some fun in the sun.

We created this Medellin neighborhoods guide to help you choose where to stay in Medellin, and which places to avoid!

Top 3 Recommendations for Where to Stay in Medellin

Medellin neighborhood guide – places to stay in medellin, 5 best neighborhoods to stay in medellin, faq about finding a place to stay in medellin, what to pack for medellin, don’t forget travel insurance for medellin, final thoughts on where to stay in medellin.

We have covered where to stay while backpacking Medellin by discussing the best neighborhoods in the next section, but if you just want to know our top picks, check out our three most recommended places to stay in Medellin below!

For all the budget-backpackers, check out Medellin’s epic hostels . They’re affordable, offer a safe place to rest your head and you’ll get the chance to meet like-minded travellers from all over the world.

The Broke Backpacker is supported by you . Clicking through our links may earn us a small affiliate commission, and that's what allows us to keep producing free content 🙂 Learn more .

Hostel Rango Boutique | Best Hostel in Medellin

Situated in the lively neighbourhood of El Poblado, Hostel Rango Boutique is within easy reach of many bars, restaurants, and sights. It has a selection of dorms (including those for only females) and private rooms.

Lockers are provided. Loaded with facilities and amenities, you can enjoy the kitchen, games room, café-bar, BBQ, and common room. Laundry facilities are also available and freebies include breakfast and Wi-Fi.

Selina Medellín | Best Digital Nomad Hostel in Medellin

Situated in the lively neighborhood of El Poblado, Selina is more than just accommodation. It’s a social and working community with the finest coworking space in Medellin and some of the best parties in town! It’s within easy reach of many bars, restaurants, and sights.

I stayed here during the New Years 2019 party and it was spectacular! Another guy on our team used their coworking space for 3 full months (obviously, he loved it)!

The dorms and private rooms have all the usual amenities, plus impressively comfortable mattresses and modern bathrooms. This is the ideal accommodation for someone living in Medellin as a digital nomad .

Binn Hotel | Best Hotel in Medellin

A stylish hotel in El Poblado, Binn Hotel boasts an onsite restaurant and bar, a terrace with BBQ facilities, a swimming pool, a fitness centre, a shared lounge, and a spa.

Start each day with a filling included breakfast. All soundproofed rooms have a private bathroom, a hairdryer, a TV, and black-out blinds, and some rooms have a separate seating area. Wi-Fi is free and laundry facilities are available.

Agradable Apartamento, Excelente Unidad Residencial | Best Medellin Airbnb

Located in a residential area of Belén, this comfortable apartment has a master en-suite bedroom and a further two bedrooms and main bathroom.

There’s a living area with cable TV and a well-equipped kitchen. The complex has round-the-clock security and the facility has a swimming pool that guests can use. You can also make use of free Wi-Fi.

Want to see more cool homes? Check out our absolute favourite  Airbnbs in Medellin  – there are plenty more waiting for you!

Laureles may not be the most famous neighbourhood in Medellin, but it’s our recommendation for the best Medellin neighbourhood for a first-time visit.

La Candelaria (El Centro)

La Candelaria, which is also known as El Centro, is the downtown area of Medellin. It’s one of the most touristy areas by daytime, but not so popular by night.

El Poblado is one of the most popular areas in Medellin. If La Candelaria offers history and Laureles provides the peaceful life, El Poblado is all about the fun factor.

Belén is our pick for the coolest neighbourhood in Medellin for several reasons. Firstly, it’s one of the best places to mingle with locals and stay in a former working-class neighbourhood with industrial roots.

Previously a separate city but now part of the ever-expanding sprawl of Medellin, Envigado is our top recommendation for where to stay in Medellin for families.

Medellin is a large city. While its backpacking popularity is on the rise, there are still parts of the city that are best avoided by outsiders. Make sure that you thoroughly do your research before booking a place to stay in Medellin as some neighborhoods can be pretty sketchy, if not outright dangerous .

That doesn’t mean that the whole city is a no-go area, though; far from it. It just means that caution needs to be exercised more here than perhaps in other global cities.

Medellin is Colombia’s second-biggest city. The wider area is split into six zones. Five of these zones are made up of townships outside of the main urban area.

Visitors should stay within the main urban zone when visiting Medellin. This urban zone is further divided into 16 communes, which are then split further into 249 neighborhoods.

El Poblado is one of Medellin’s main neighborhoods, with numerous restaurants, bars, and shops. It is known for its lively night scene. La Candelaria is the downtown area, also known as El Centro. It’s a lively place by day, with much to see and do. By night, however, it can be a bit risky.

Laureles and Estadio are pleasant and relatively quiet residential areas. Belén is a slightly edgier residential neighborhood, traditionally home to the working class. Robledo has a mixture of working-class and upper-class homes side by side and Sabaneta is an interesting traditional neighborhood with a strong sense of spirituality.

Envigado is a little way from the centre of the city but has enough local amenities to keep you more than occupied and happy. Plus, it’s just a short hop by metro to the centre.

Areas that are best avoided for your stay include places around Comuna 13 , La Sierra , Parque San Antonio , Parque de las Luces , Prado , Aranjuez , Parque Periodista , Santo Domingo , and Barrio Trinidad . That’s not a definitive list and is not meant to suggest that other areas are guaranteed to be safe.

Many “safe” places may have “unsafe” pockets. These “no-go” areas may have things of interest during the daytimes, and might be ideal for a visit, but not particularly places where you would want to spend the night. Do your research before your visit!

Staying in the right Medellin neighborhood can really make or break your trip. Below, we’ve highlights where to stay in Medellin neighborhoods, according to different requirements and interests.

1. Laureles Neighborhood – Where to Stay in Medellin for First-timers

Laureles may not be the most famous neighborhood in Medellin, but it’s our recommendation for the best Medellin neighborhood for a first-time visit.

It’s quieter and more pedestrian friendly than other parts of the city while still being within easy reach of the hustle and bustle. Laureles offers a mixture of modern comforts and conveniences with a taste of typical Colombian life.

You can live like a local, with access to supermarkets and small locally owned restaurants and stores, while still having a wide selection of chain stores and eateries on the doorstep. Although the closest metro station is around a 15-minute walk away, frequent buses connect the neighborhood with both the metro station and the wider area.

It’s considered to be one of the city’s safest neighborhoods in Medellin, and it’s a pleasant area from which to explore the rest of the city. And finally, it’s stated to become Medellin’s next big thing, so get here before everyone else!

If you only have 3 days in Medellin , check this neighborhood out!

Hotel Florida Inn | Best Hotel in Laureles

The comfortable private rooms all have their own bathroom, a wardrobe, a desk, a fridge, and a TV. There is free Wi-Fi and the hotel has an onsite restaurant that serves western cuisine. Breakfast is included in the price. Laundry facilities are available.

LAURELES, apartment located in LA 70 | Best Medellin Airbnb in Laureles

This private apartment can sleep up to seven guests; there are two double beds in the bedroom and a further double bed and sofa bed in the living room. There’s a kitchen and a dining table, TV, and free Wi-Fi. It’s clean, comfortable, attractive, and in a good location.

Green Hill Hostel | Best Hostel in Laureles

A cosy hostel with four-bed and eight-bed mixed dorms, Green Hills Hostel also boasts a fully equipped kitchen, an onsite bar and games room, a TV area, and a chill-out area with hammocks and a BBQ. It’s a top place to meet other travellers, have fun, and relax.

Top Things to Do in Laureles

• Experience the bohemian coffee culture in Medellin’s prime area for quaint cafes.
• Enjoy the diverse nightlife along streets 70 and 33, with energetic salsa bars, rock bars, live music, and more.
• Watch a football match at Atanasio Girardot, the city’s main stadium, and enjoy the wide range of leisure and fitness facilities open to the public, like a swimming pool, basketball courts, and a skate park.
• Relax outdoors in the pretty Primer Parque Laureles.
• Tuck into food from around the world in the many restaurants.
• Shop till you drop in large malls like Unicentro and Mall Laureles.
• Have an unusual night out at Ping Pong Bar, which has ping-pong tables, live music, a table-tennis museum, and cheap drinks.

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2. La Candelaria (El Centro) – Where to Stay in Medellin on a Budget

This means that, for those who don’t mind an edgier atmosphere, it is one of the cheapest places to stay in Medellin. This is, however, a part of the city where you should keep your wits about you when exploring and try to avoid walking around after dark. There are many restaurants and bars, but you should plan to take taxis at nighttime.

Hotel Hawaii Suites | Best Hotel in La Candelaria

Hotel Hawaii Suites has double, twin, triple, and quad rooms, all with a private bathroom and a TV, phone, fridge, and wardrobe.

It’s a “love hotel”, so not an ideal place to take the kids, but it’s super clean and a great base for couples who want a place to sleep and have fun. The hotel has a Jacuzzi and steam room that can be privately booked and there’s a communal terrace.

Bohemian Apartment- Amazing Views | Best Medellin Airbnb in La Candelaria

The view from this two-person apartment really are incredible, and the large windows in the bedroom and living room let you admire the surroundings to your heart’s content.

The stylish and arty private pad has a bathroom and kitchen, there’s a gym in the building, and it’s near to the metro.

El Atelier | Best Hostel in La Candelaria

Close to the metro, El Atelier is housed within an old traditional building and it features lots of interesting artwork. The staff members are friendly and reception is staffed around the clock.

There are several lovely communal spaces, including a sunny yard, a roof terrace with great views, and a kitchen.

Top Things to Do in La Candelaria

• Appreciate art at The Cultural Palace of Rafael Uribe, the Museo de Antioquia, and the murals of Pedro Nel Gomez next to Berrio metro station.
• Take pictures of beautiful religious buildings, including La Candelaria Church, which is Medellin’s first church and the landmark after which the area is known, San Antonio Church, the Metropolitan Church, the Church of San Ignacio, and Veracruz Church.
• Admire the architecture of the grand Palacio Nacional, now home to a shopping centre.
• Visit charming squares such as Plazuela San Ignacio and Plaza San Antonio.
• Visit the now-disused railway station of Ferrocarril de Antioquia and see one of the country’s few remaining steam trains.
• See the illuminations at Parque de las Luces.
• Shop along the colourful Avenida Junin, El Hueco, and Carabobo.
• Marvel at the sculptures at Plaza Botero.
• Stroll along The Playa, a street with elegant buildings such as Casa Barrientos.
• Relax in Parque de los Pies Descalzos

Go For a Helicopter Ride Over the City!

For adventurous backpackers with a little more budget to work with, I highly recommend going on an aerial helicopter tour of Medellin with Fly Colombia City Tours . The prices vary depending on group size but expect to pay around $80 USD per person for a 15 minute / 40-kilometer flight. The views are exceptionally stunning, plus who doesn’t want to go for a ride in a helicopter at least once, right? Special thanks to Luisa from Fly Colombia City Tours for helping us organize this flight!

If you can get a group of 5-6 people together from the hostel, you can get a better per person price (maximum 6 people in the helicopter). Book in advance and let Fly Colombia City Tours know The Broke Backpacker sent you! Ask for a flight around sunset time for the best photography light!

3. El Poblado Neighborhood – Where to Stay in Medellin for Nightlife

There are large shopping malls, international restaurants, and a ton of bars and clubs. It’s our top recommendation for where to stay in Medellin for nightlife, and great for people who love to stay right in the thick of the action.

It’s also the wealthiest part of the city.

Selina Medellín | Best Hostel in El Poblado

As we’ve mentioned, Selina is one of our favorite accommodations in all of Medellin because of its comfortable rooms, modern bar, and stunning coworking space!

You can read what else we have to say above or you can check out what sort of deal you can get on a night here.

Hotel Madeiro | Best Hotel in El Poblado

A quiet sanctuary close to the action, Hostel Madeiro has a rooftop pool and sauna, great for relaxing after a day of exploring Medellin. There’s a lift in the building. Breakfast, parking, and Wi-Fi are free.

There’s a choice of room types, including some that come with a spa bath. All rooms are en-suite.

Naturaleza en Castropól+Poblado | Best Medellin Airbnb in El Poblado

This lovely Medellin Airbnb can sleep up to four guests. It has two bedrooms and two bathrooms and is furnished to a high standard. A major plus point is the charming private garden, complete with outdoor furniture and a hammock.

The condo building has a gym and swimming pool, and the apartment has a kitchen, washing machine, TV, Wi-Fi, and everything else that you need to feel at home.

Top Things to Do in El Poblado

• Experience the vibrant nightlife of Zona Rosa.
• Stroll along the tree-lined Golden Mile.
• Admire art in galleries like Jose Amar Gallery and Lokkus Contemporary Art, and soak up the street art at Pictopia Graffiti.
• Visit the small church of Parroquia Santa Maria de los Dolores.
• Chance your luck in the area’s casinos.
• Stand where Medellin was founded at Saint Joseph of El Poblado Church.
• See the cathedral jail.
• Flex your credit cards in the large malls, like Santafe Shopping Mall, El Tesoro Commercial Park, Oviedo Shopping Mall, and Viscaya Shopping Mall.
• Travel back in time as you explore the period rooms within El Castillo Museo y Jardines, and relax in the lovely gardens.
• Check out Linear Park President, The Dancer’s Park, and Lleras Park.
• Take a trip to Laguna de Guatape and climb the rock for awesome views.

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4. Belén Neighborhood – The Coolest Neighborhood in Medellin

Belén is our pick for the coolest neighborhood in Medellin for several reasons. Firstly, it’s one of the best places to mingle with locals and stay in a former working-class neighborhood with industrial roots.

Secondly, it’s an up-and-coming area with plenty of soul. Belén offers a good nightlife and is within easy reach of major places of interest. It’s also one of the city’s largest and oldest neighborhoods and is served by good transportation.

Hotel Zona Verde | Best Hotel in Belén

A pleasant hotel that provides both privacy and opportunities to socialise, Hotel Zona Verde has rooms for one, two, and three. Breakfast is included and the restaurant serves an array of local and international cuisine.

The terrace bar offers great views. Access to the stylish en suite rooms is by key card and all have a fridge, TV, and wardrobe.

Affordable Modern Studio With Stunning Views | Best Medellin Airbnb in Belén

This European-style studio is close to the metro and Los Molinos Mall. The main room may be fairly compact but it’s comfortable and cosy. Amenities include a TV, Wi-Fi, and a small but well-equipped kitchen corner.

Casa Articulada Hostel and Artistic Residencies | Best Hostel in Belén

A friendly a welcoming hostel, you’ll find a lovely courtyard with seats and hammocks, a well-equipped kitchen, and clean dorms and private rooms here.

Regular events are arranged too, including cooking lessons, yoga, and a variety of crafts. It’s in a quiet area with heaps of amenities close to hand.

Top Things to Do in Belén

• Climb up to Pueblito Paisa and enjoy the museum, church, and small restaurants on top of the hill.
• Lap up the relaxing atmosphere and green surroundings of Parque Belén.
• Admire the views from the top of Cerro Nutibara, a rocky hill that’s known as one of Medellin’s guardian hills and is home to a pleasant sculpture park.
• Visit Unidad Deportiva de Belén for a range of leisure and sporting options.
• Call into one of many small pastellerias for a quick bite to eat on the go.
• Enjoy shopping, movies, and dining in the large Los Molinos shopping centre.
• Have fun at night along Calle 33 with its eclectic collection of bars and clubs.

5. Envigado Neighborhood – Where to Stay in Medellin for Families

Enjoy suburban living while still being within easy reach of Medellin’s major sightseeing hotspots, and sleep well in a peaceful and relatively safe part of the city that has everything you need to be comfortable and happy.

With a more rural vibe than other areas of Medellin, a range of outdoor adventures can be found right on the doorstep.

Arame Hotel | Best Hotel in Envigado

A four-star hotel with rooms suitable for families, and all rooms at Arame Hotel have a private bathroom, cable TV, free Wi-Fi, a fridge, and ample storage space. There are elevators in the building, and breakfast is included and free parking is available.

Cozy family apartment 3 bedrooms, wi-fi, swimming pool | Best Medellin Airbnb in Envigado

This beautiful and spacious apartment in Envigado can accommodate six guests in three bedrooms. There’s an open-plan living room/dining room/kitchen, a balcony, and the building has a pool, gym, and play area.

Ivy Hostel | Best Hostel in Envigado

Although not actually in Envigado (there aren’t any hostels in this neighborhood), it is one of the closest hostels to the area, while also being within easy reach of the popular El Poblado.

A sociable hostel, it has a kitchen and BBQ, an onsite café/bar, a TV room, and other spaces to chill and mingle. Wi-Fi and breakfast are free.

Top Things to Do in Envigado

• See the charming colonial-style Envigado Church.
• Take children to Parque Recreativo.
• Visit the museum of Otraparte, the previous home of a famous philosopher that now contains many cultural treasures.
• Browse and buy at City Plaza shopping centre.
• Hunt for souvenirs in the cute shops near Parque Envigado.
• Have a fun night out at La Tienda, a place for eating, drinking, and dancing.
• Check out the bars and clubs of La Bota del Dia.
• Spend a day hiking in La Romera.
• Wander around and snap pictures of the many shrines to saints.
• Go nature spotting, bird watching, and hiking at Parque Salado.

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Here’s what people usually ask us about the areas of Medellin and where to stay.

What part of Medellin should I stay in?

Laureles is our favourite part of Medellin. The amenities and local people will give you the real Colombian experience. You can find a great Airbnb for a perfect place to chill after a hectic day in the city.

What is the safest neighborhood in Medellin?

Envigado is our recommendation if you want to feel extra safe while in Medellin. Most places are safe, but you must always use common sense.

Where should I stay in Medellin for nightlife?

El Poblado is perfect to get to all the nightlife action. It’s packed to the brim with bars, clubs, restaurants and shops. Binn Hotel is great to recharge your batteries inbetween the best nights of your life.

Where is best to stay in Medellin on a budget?

La Candelaria offers great budget friendly accomodation in Downtown Medellin. It’s a tourist hub during the day and it’s well connected to the rest of the city. Hostels like El Atelier are right up our street!

Pants, socks, underwear, soap?! Take it from me, packing for a hostel stay is not always quite as straightforward as it seems. Working out what to bring and what to leave at home is an art I have perfected over many years.

Snoring dorm-mates can ruin your nights rest and seriously damage the hostel experience. This is why I always travel with a pack of decent ear plugs.

Hanging Laundry Bag

Trust us, this is an absolute game changer. Super compact, a hanging mesh laundry bag stops your dirty clothes from stinking, you don’t know how much you need one of these… so just get it, thank us later.

Sea To Summit Micro Towel

Hostel towels are scummy and take forever to dry. Microfibre towels dry quickly, are compact, lightweight, and can be used as a blanket or yoga mat if need be.

Monopoly Deal

Forget about Poker! Monopoly Deal is the single best travel card game that we have ever played. Works with 2-5 players and guarantees happy days.

Grayl Geopress Water Bottle

Always travel with a water bottle! They save you money and reduce your plastic footprint on our planet. The Grayl Geopress acts as a purifier AND temperature regulator. Boom!

Check out my definitive Hotel Packing list for even more top packing tips!

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing .

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

Medellin has stepped out of cocaine kingpin Pablo Escobar’s shadows, and into the limelight as Colombia’s trendy city, full of history, great nightlife, and excellent weather.

We’re covered where to stay in Medellin in regards to safety, the coolest neighborhoods, and best accommodation!

Still not sure where to stay in Medellin? Our top hostel and hotel are both in the upscale, legendary El Poblado neighborhood, which holds our ranks for the best neighborhood in Medellin for nightlife. The best hostel is Hostel Rango Boutique  and best hotel is  Binn Hotel .

We also covered the best places to stay on a budget, for families, and Medellin’s tourist attractions above. Let us know if we missed anything in the comments!

If you’re concerned about your safety in Colombia, then be sure to check out our in-depth safety guide , which is full of realworld adivce and useful information.

• Check out our ultimate guide backpacking around Medellin .
• Figured out where you wanna stay? Now it’s time to pick the perfect hostel in Medellin .
• Or… maybe you want to check out some Airbnbs in Medellin instead.
• Swing by our super epic backpacking packing list to prep for your trip.
• Our in-depth South America backpacking guide will help you plan the rest of your adventure.

Claire Sturzaker

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• Where To Stay In Medellin, Colombia: A Complete Guide

On our six week Colombian adventure, Medellín was undoubtedly our favorite city. So much so, in fact, that we ended up there twice. We chose to stay in two different neighborhoods to get a feel for each of them, and have some specific thoughts on where to stay in Medellín, Colombia for visitors with different styles and budgets.

Our aim is to arm you with the information you need – based on our experience – to choose the perfect place to stay in Medellín. 

But first, let’s talk a little bit about the city itself. 

Medellín is one of the most fascinating places to visit in Colombia for a history and government nerd like me (Matt). It is a lighthouse on a hill for cities looking to make drastic changes and transformations through investment in public projects.

Like every other American (and probably other countries too, to be fair) who has written about visiting Medellín, the first thing our friends and family (okay, mostly family) said when we told them we were going to Colombia was “isn’t it dangerous?” And when we were getting on the plane, it wasn’t “oh my gosh have the BEST time!” It was “stay safe, and text me every day – I mean it!” 

Once you start to learn about Medellín past, it’s easy to understand why people reacted that way, particularly older people. In the 80’s and 90’s, Medellín was the most dangerous city in the world.

But over the course of the past two decades or so, it has changed DRASTICALLY. And we took a couple of tours that helped illuminate how that transformation happened.

Now, it’s among the most innovative and forward-thinking cities in Latin America, and is an incredible place to visit. 

One important note here about “Narcos ,” and you might find it a little preachy, but I feel pretty strongly about it. I watched Narcos, the Netflix show, while we were in Colombia. It was super interesting to see the contrast between history through that lens, and the real life experience we learned about by connecting with locals. In a lot of ways, that show glorifies Pablo Escobar, who was nothing short of a cold blooded killer (yes, it might be more complicated than that, but is it really?).

Thousands of people died as a result of his actions. It’s worth remembering that before you take a “Pablo Escobar tour” with one of his former cronies who’s looking to make a quick buck off of the recent flood of foreign tourists. 

I would recommend skipping all “Escobar” tours, and instead focus on tours that highlight the positive changes Medellín has made, rather than the violence and heartbreak of the Escobar years.

Like this history and innovation tour , which we took with Sebastian and LOVED.

We also did this cooking class with an expat who has started a social project focused on teaching locals to cook healthier food using the abundance of amazing local ingredients – also a highlight of our entire Colombia itinerary . 

Planning a trip to Colombia? You’ll want to read our other Colombia travel guides that we put together to help you plan the perfect trip.

• 2 Weeks in Colombia: The Best Colombia Itinerary
• A Perfect 3 Days in Bogotá
• Where to Stay in Bogota
• Gluten Free Bogota
• Gluten Free Medellin
• The Best Places to Stay in Cartagena

Disclaimer: Some of the links in this post, like hotel links, are affiliate links, meaning at no additional cost to you, we make a little bit of money if you click through and book. That being said, we would never recommend something to you that we don’t stand behind 100%.

Where to Stay in Medellin, Colombia: Choosing the Best Area to Stay

In this guide to deciding where to stay in Medellín, we’ll take you through our experiences in two of the best places to stay in Medellín, Colombia, and give you the information you need to find the perfect place to stay for your style and budget. 

At the end of the day, you’re likely choosing between two neighborhoods here if it’s your first time in the city.

They are El Poblado and Laureles , which are both central, charming, and great places to use as a home base for exploring the city. 

You really can’t go wrong with either – both are relatively well connected to the rest of the city, central, and safe. At the end of the day, we think it really comes down to your style and preferences.

You should choose El Poblado if you have a short trip (2-3 days or less) and want to be right in the middle of all the action AND well-connected to the rest of the city with public transportation. For a relatively affordable stay (with access to a kitchen), we stayed in a private room at Los Patios Boutique Hostel for part of our trip, and would recommend it. It’s essentially a hotel with access to a shared kitchen. If you want a nice hotel instead, look at Sites Hotel or Celestino (the latter is a pretty good value for what you’re getting).

If you’ve got a little more time and want something a little more low-key and residential, stay in Laureles . There’s still plenty of good food and drinks to be had in the neighborhood, though it’s a little bit of a longer walk to the metro to get around (you might find yourself using more taxis here). If you want an affordable hostel, check out the Wandering Paisa . If you want a great value (nice + affordable) hotel, look at Casa Laureles . VPV Suites is also a good option if you’re looking for something more modern (the Lofts also have full kitchens).

The third area we’d recommend, which is one of the best neighborhoods for longer term stays (digital nomads, looking at you!) and for a second or third trip, would be Envigado . It’s much more low key, residential, and quiet, so it’s perfect if you’re looking to feel more like a local than a tourist while you’re staying in Medellin.

It would also be a good home base for families – we were told it’s generally safer than staying in other parts of the city, not that Poblado or Laureles are particularly unsafe. 

We should note that we have stayed in two of the places below that we would absolutely recommend – Los Patios Hostel and Casa Cliche – but not some of the other hotels, hostels, and Airbnbs.

Those we’ve chosen based on hours of research, reading reviews, and looking at pretty pictures. Think of this as a guide to the best place to stay in Medellin if we were heading back. Which we definitely will at some point. 

Now, onwards to giving you the information you need to decide on the best area to stay in Medellín for your trip!

El Poblado: Upscale and Tourist Friendly

El Poblado is probably the most central place to stay, which makes it the best place to stay in Medellín for tourists on a shorter trip.

You’ll be within walking distance of basically anything you could ever possibly need – coffee (miss you already, Pergamino Coffee), basically any kind of food from traditional Colombian (Mondongo’s) to Indian (Naan Sabores de India), and bars ranging from “untz-untz” to low key.

In fact, you could probably spend your entire Medellín itinerary in El Poblado, and never run out of stuff to do, see, eat, and drink. 

However, you’ll be surrounded by people just like you (tourists), which we think is the tradeoff here.

In fact, we felt like we heard more English than Spanish while we were staying here.

It’s one of the wealthiest neighborhoods in Medellín – if not the wealthiest – and it shows as you’re walking around the heart of the neighborhood near Parque Lleras. 

If you’re okay feeling a little bit like a tourist, then you’ll love El Poblado for its selection of things to eat and drink, an overwhelming number of places to stay, and its connections to the rest of the city. 

It’s super easy to get to the metro lines connecting you to the rest of of the city from El Poblado – the metro station is at the western edge of the neighborhood, and will take you north to the city center where you can connect with lines that will take you west to the rest of the city, including Communa 13 (though we recommend you take this tour with Sebastian , which we loved, because it’s so much more than just another Comuna 13 tour). 

Where to Eat, Drink, and Play in El Poblado

Here are some of the spots we discovered in El Poblado that we think you’re going to love. 

• Drink coffee at Pergamino – It’s really not hard to find good coffee in Medellín, particularly in Poblado. You guys know about my passion for good coffee (SINGLE ORIGIN OR BUST), so I think you already know that I researched and tasted coffee at the best cafes in Medellín. In my opinion, Pergamino has the best coffee in Medellín. Go to the location on Carrera 37, which is bustling and always has a line out the door, and enjoy a freshly brewed coffee out on their lovely patio. 
• If you are a tea drinker, head to the Tea Market – Long time readers know that Alysha is more of a tea drinker but allows me to drag her around a city in search of the perfect cup of coffee as long as we visit some tea places. The Tea Market started out as a store selling a selection of tea from around the world and accessories, but they’ve now opened a cafe where you can try a number of the teas for sale in hot or cold drinks. It is a beautiful cafe with quality drinks, and the staff are friendly and made good recommendations when we couldn’t decide. 
• Dance the night away at a rooftop bar or nightclub – I don’t know what it is about being on a rooftop that makes bars and restaurants more fun, but I seem to find myself on a rooftop with a cold drink no matter where I go. In Medellín, Alambique was perfect for relaxed cocktails and live music. 37 Park Medellín felt more like a rooftop beer garden with rustic log tables, and fairy lights strung between plants. 
• Browse the boutique shops and sample the restaurants and bars at Carrera 34-37 – If you are looking for shopping in Medellin, this is the best place to start. There is a great mix of local and international brands along these streets, and some great restaurants and bars for when you need a break. One of the locations of Pergamino coffee is Carrera 37. 
• Indulge your inner chocoholic at Me Late Chocolate – If you’re looking to satisfy your sweet tooth in Medellín, then this is the place to go. Me Late Chocolate sells handmade chocolates and chocolate related desserts. Sit in for a coffee or hot chocolate and cake if you have some time, but no matter what, make sure you pick up some of their amazing truffles, you will regret it if you don’t. 
• Soak up the atmosphere at the Parque Lleras Sunday Farmers Markets – Avenida Poblado is closed to cars on Sunday to create a traffic-free zone for cyclists and pedestrians around the park. If you are staying in a place with a kitchen, then buy your fresh food and bread here. If not, there are plenty of snacks to sample instead. Don’t miss the guarapo, a delicious combination of lime and fresh-pressed sugarcane, and arepas de choclo, which are a sweeter version of the Colombian staple topped with delicious salty cheese. 

The Best Places to Stay in El Poblado

Here are some of our top picks for where to stay in El Poblado. 

Hotels and Hostels in El Poblado

Los Patios Boutique Hostel : We stayed at Los Patios for almost a week, and highly recommend it. If you’re looking for a social hostel in Medellín, You can’t beat the location. It’s right among all the best restaurants and bars, and a short stumble home from the nightclubs of El Poblado. It’s also roughly equidistant to the heart of the neighborhood and the metro station, which is perfect for getting to other parts of the city, and there’s an amazing grocery store (Exito) right across the street. This is the best place to stay in Medellin if you’re on a budget but after some serious bang for your buck. It has a spectacular rooftop bar which is perfectly placed for enjoying sunsets over the city. There are also free bike rentals, a (great) shared kitchen, a gym, and free coffee. We stayed in a private room (we’re too old for dorms – I need my sleep!) which was almost closer to a boutique hotel than any hostel we’ve ever stayed at.

Sites Hotel : Located in a quiet street a hop, skip, and a jump away from the heart of El Poblado, Sites Hotel has 60 rooms that all have comfortable beds and a kitchenette. There’s even a rooftop pool where you can relax with a great view across the city below. It also has laundry that is free to use, which is fairly unusual for a hotel in our experience. 

Click Clack Hotel : This is one of the best boutique hotels in Medellín. A block and a half away from Parque Lleras and the rest of the sights, sounds, and tastes of El Poblado is Click Clack, a beautiful design-forward boutique hotel. It’s gorgeous, and they have different room sizes available from XS, where you’ll have a smaller, cozier space (not to mention cheaper) with all the same touches, to XXL, where you’ll have all the space you need to spread out and relax. There’s so much green around the hotel! Plants everywhere, inside and out. There are two rooftop bars and a rooftop pool for you to enjoy too. They have won all sorts of awards, including “Best Modern Luxury Hotel – Latin America.”

Celestino Boutique Hotel : Right along Carrera 37 in El Poblado, Celestino Boutique Hotel is a 22 room stunner. Standard rooms are the most affordable, but don’t compromise on style or design. There are three larger room types that will give you more space, but if you’re planning on spending your days out exploring the city, you probably won’t need it. Rooms are a combination of greenery and sleek modern design, which encapsulates the neighborhood around it with its tree-lined streets and hip restaurants and bars. There’s a rooftop pool too, which seems common for the hotels in El Poblado. 

Airbnb in El Poblado 

Here are three Airbnb listings that caught our eye in the neighborhood. 

King Bed with Balcony Views Close to Parque Lleras (studio) : This lovely studio has views over the city, and an open floor plan with a surprising amount of space for a couple or solo traveler. The balcony, which is where you’ll find the views, looks like the perfect spot to enjoy a cup of coffee in the morning, or a glass of wine in the evening. It’s walkable to the best spots in El Poblado, and has a full kitchen and walk in shower. 

Urban Loft with Beautiful View (1 bedroom) : Another stunning balcony view! First of all, you should know that this apartment is not in the heart of El Poblado, but further up the hill just east of the neighborhood near the popular El Tesoro shopping center. You’ll probably need to catch a taxi to get to and from Poblado from here. But that being said, this spot is beautiful. A full kitchen with granite countertops, a balcony with spectacular views and a hammock, and a spacious bedroom and bathroom. What’s not to love?

Magical Home with Lovely Garden – Designer Loft (1 bedroom) : This bright and airy apartment has an unbelievable amount of natural light. And plants. Lots of plants. The minimalist decor, complete with subway tiling, is stunning, and it’s just outside of all the action in El Poblado. It’ll take you maybe five minutes to walk to Carrera 37, where you’ll find Pergamino Coffee. 

Laureles: Low-Key and Central

We loved Laureles. The part we stayed in – the southwestern end near Primer Parque de Laureles – is everything we love in a neighborhood. It’s relatively quiet (not completely dead though), has tree-lined streets, and is packed full of great food, drinks, coffee shops, and more. That puts it at the top of the list of the best neighborhoods in Medellín in our book. 

We also noticed that Laureles’ urban planning is kind of unique, especially compared to the rest of Medellín.

In a city of grids, it’s more of a circular pattern fanning out from the University at the south end. Apparently it was a conscious choice made by German architect Karl Brenner when the neighborhood was being laid out decades ago. 

“Laureles” is a pretty big area, ranging from the Estadio Metro Station on the north side, to Avenida 33 on the south side. In general, we’d recommend staying south of Avenida San Juan , which is the more residential and charming part of the neighborhood, at least in our experience. 

The trade off is that the closest metro station, Estadio, is roughly 20 minutes away on foot, which is a journey we made multiple times to get to other parts of the city.  

The Best Places to Stay in Laureles

There are some great options in Laureles. While this neighborhood might have fewer places to stay, they will be quieter and slightly more affordable than in El Poblado.

Hotels and Hostels in Laureles

Casa Cliché : If you want a great value and a quieter experience than a traditional hostel, then Casa Cliché is where to stay in Medellín. It is full of huge common areas, including a massive patio area, where you’ll enjoy your complimentary breakfast, and a big living room. They have a couple of private rooms, which is where we stayed, and a couple of dorms. It’s not a huge hostel, which means it’s relatively quiet. A vegetarian breakfast is included in the room rate. 

Hotel Inntu : For the conscious traveler, Hotel Inntu is a perfect option. It is an eco-friendly hotel and has a spa and a swimming pool. Rooms are nothing special, but have everything you’d expect from a hotel. It is extremely central and close to all the bars and restaurants in Laureles along Avenida Nutibara, plus it has a restaurant onsite. 

Envigado: Best for Long Term Stays and Families

Envigado is a quiet, residential neighborhood south of El Poblado where you will find a slice of local life. The streets and parks will be full of young families enjoying their weekends and evenings.

It’s further out from the traditional tourist sites, so it’s not the best place to stay for a shorter visit. Though thanks to Medellín’s well-connected and efficient metro, it’ll only take you 15 minutes to get downtown. 

Envigado is perfect for travelers who want to experience what living in Medellín is actually like.

Sure, El Poblado is great for a night out, but would you want to live there? We wouldn’t.

Would we want to live in Envigado, with its tree-lined streets, parks, and cafes with outdoor seating? Absolutely. 

The Best Places to Stay in Envigado

First of all, since it’s more residential, there’s literally one hotel in the neighborhood, and that’s the Arame Hotel , which is very basic. Here, Airbnb is going to be your best friend. 

Here are two Airbnb options for you to check out in Envigado. 

Airy Penthouse Bordering Poblado : This colorful one-bedroom apartment has access to a rooftop terrace with panoramic views of the city. The apartment is in a residential area, surrounded by plenty of markets to buy your fresh food from, and the hosts are only too happy to give you recommendations. 

Peaceful Oasis in Trendy Restaurant Zone : If you’re traveling with a family, this is where to stay in Medellin. It’s a huge newly renovated three-bedroom apartment in the middle of Envigado. Each bedroom is furnished with a plush bed, and the flat is professionally designed to be a comfortable oasis for your whole family. It’s right near the Envigado metro station, so you’ll be able to get between home and the rest of the city relatively easily.

There you have it – our top picks for where to stay in Medellin, Colombia, based on our own personal experience.

Don’t miss our guides to where to stay in Bogota and the best places to stay in Cartagena .

Planning a trip to Colombia? We’ve got more travel guides to help you plan an incredible trip.

• 3 Days in Bogotá, Colombia: A Perfect Bogotá Itinerary
• Where To Stay In Cartagena, Colombia: Best Places To Stay
• 2 Weeks in Colombia: How to Plan Your Colombia Itinerary
• The 5 Best Places to Visit in Colombia: South America’s Best Kept Secrets
• Where to Stay in Bogotá, Colombia: The 4 Best Places to Stay
• Gluten Free Bogota: A Celiac’s Guide to Colombia’s Capital
• Gluten Free Colombia: A Complete Travel Guide for my Fellow Celiacs

Matt is the founder and main writer behind Wheatless Wanderlust, which he started back in 2018 as a way to share his gluten free travel guides with his fellow Celiac travelers.

Since then, Matt and his wife Alysha have visited 18 national parks, spent three months in Europe and six weeks in Colombia, and have explored every corner of the Pacific Northwest, which is where Matt grew up.

He writes super detailed guides to the places they visit, bringing together personal experience and historical context to help YOU plan an amazing trip.

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Medellín Travel Guide: Where to Stay, What to Do, and More

Looking for travel adventure, eats, and endless experience in a perfect urban mountain metropolis? Medellín, Colombia should be high on your list. Medellín is almost always between 63 and 83 degrees Fahrenheit. In Colombia, the weather is dictated by elevation rather than location. With its borders both above and below the equator, the country remains hot n’ steamy at sea-level Cartagena, cool on Bogotá’s plateau high in the Andes Mountains, and, not unlike the best of Goldilocks’ burglary, Medellín is juuust right, tucked into the Aburrá Valley under mountains that keep the warm air in and the rain out.

Where to Stay

What to eat, how to save money on your trip.

There are almost endless places to visit, view, and eat under the Medellín sun. Colorful homes line up next to colonial hotels, modern museums, and swanky hotels . Music adds spice to the air, as do grilling meats and the lights that splash across the evening. After you’re done with consumption, the city offers an abundance of urban retreats. Swim, hike, fly across the sky via this Manual guide.

(*Speaking of flying, a State Department Advisory warns that there is still a pandemic and it hasn’t missed Colombia. Like many places, however, new cases have dropped precipitously since the third wave of the pandemic has ebbed. Proof of COVID-19 is required for travel to the country.)

There are a number of wonderful neighborhoods to explore in Medellín. To find the best place to stay in is to choose between the various barrios, likely between the La Laureles and Poblado larger districts.

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With over 300 neighborhoods to choose from, visitors should start with the handful where most expats and visitors begin. These include, but are not limited to Central Laureles, Northeastern Laureles, Central Poblado, Lower Poblado, and La Florida, Poblado.

Marquee Medellín

Here’s all the Marquee has to offer: Panoramic views of the city, soothing dark brown walls under a warm light color scheme that brings out a stunning collision of modern chic and Old World charm in a snappy downstairs bar. On the rooftop is the requisite sleek outdoor swimming pool and view out over Medellín. And when you’re ready to feast, head to the Marquee Restaurant for a solid selection of Colombian chef-designed meals.

The Marquee is situated in the heart of Parque Lleras and the crowded, popular El Poblado neighborhood. International flights to Medellín land at José María Córdova International Airport (MDE), which is situated in the city of Rionegro, approximately 13.5 miles east of the Marquee Medellín.

Terra Biohotel

How about contributing a positive impact to your environmental stamp on Medellín in a hotel designed for comfort and sustainability ? The Terra Biohotel instituted an intelligent use of resources to create a pleasant environment where you and the planet can breathe more comfortably.

From lush vertical gardens to solar-powered heating, you won’t find a more eco-friendly hotel in Medellín. Ask for one of the upper-floor rooms, and you can look down from your balcony to the city’s spectacular spread. And head out from Terra to the tree-lined Conquistadores neighborhood, one of the Medellín city center’s greener spots, with iconic Nutibara Hill just a couple of blocks away. Terra Biohotel sits 15 miles east of the José María Córdova International Airport.

There are plenty of fruit and veggies , Paisa, food from the Antioquia region (of which Medellín is the capital), is heavy and laden with meats, sausage, beans, eggs, and rice. It’s not nearly as spicy as you’ll find food in Mexico to be and there’s also plenty of sweet to go along with the savory, combining to create a pleasant combo.

• “$” = budget-friendly or cheap
• “$$”= average
• “$$$”= expensive

At Carmen, you’ll get to try innovative Colombian cuisine in a lush setting lined with plants & trees. Accolade after accolade assures that gastronomes need to find their way to Carmen.

Run by an American-Colombian couple (both Cordon Bleu chefs), Carmen’s menu melds Colombian flavors with a strong Californian influence. Revel in innovative meat and flavor combos like tamarind pork belly or in fresh fish swimming in sweet sauce.

At Carmen, diners have various eating areas to choose from. An elegant, naturally lit dining room overlooks an open kitchen and greenery outside the floor-to-ceiling windows. Step outside of this 1950s retro ambiance into the verdant garden to dine in the conservatory.

Best for lunch and dinner; $$$.

Browse the Menu

For a more Continental take on typical Colombian food in El Poblado, you can’t miss Ocio. Modern European influences give old school Colombian dishes new life. influences such as the amazing Chicharron.

Parisian trained chef Laura Londoño partners with her husband Santiago Arango to bring fresh-picked, slow-cooked delights like pork belly salad, beef braised for 12 hours, and irresistible ‘Tres Leches’ for dessert.

The cherry on top? There are 1980s tunes always overhead and a select wine and cocktail list in front to enjoy a meal with no pretense.

Best for dinner; $$.

The city abounds with parks, public spaces, cafes, libraries, museums, and walking the vibrant streets, much of it accessible by outdoor escalators and public cable cars . In the City of Eternal Spring, flowers have their own fairs, colors and art abound amidst a green space that leads up to forests dotted by small village life and surrounding nature reserves.

Enjoy the Café Culture

Though Colombia is the best place in the world to grow coffee , it was difficult to find a cup of Colombian coffee in Medellín a decade ago. Most of the country’s best coffee has been exported, so until a few years ago, most Colombians didn’t actually drink their own homegrown brew. This, however, is now changing for the better and you can find some fantastic local coffee in the city.

This couldn’t be more true than the endearing Café Aroma del Barrio. The heart of the infamous Comuna 13 neighborhood was once a no-go zone but now has turned into an artistic and entrepreneurial hub. Here at the Aroma del Barrio, the baristas here know how to whip up some of the best cappuccinos, limonada de coco (coconut limeade), and other quality coffee drinks Medellín has to offer. The tiny places numerous local and international visitors, a list which includes former U.S. President Bill Clinton.

Explore Parque Arvi

Looking to fly in Medellín (or at least be carted up a steep green mountain flank)?

Parque Arvi is worth a visit to get the flavor of the outdoors surrounding the springtime city. Take the gondola right from the subway to the park’s entrance and get a wonderful vista of the city’s hills, descending valleys, and cityscape.

Parque Arvi spans 16,000 hectares and includes over 1,500-year-old trails. At the park entrance, you can stop in for supplies at a small market and use the place as a launching place for a self-guided or tour-guided walk. It costs 5,000 to 7,000 Colombian pesos ($1.50-$2.25) depending on the trail (most trails are 2-4km long).

Visit dozens of different bird and butterfly species along the way.

View the Park

First, a word: You do need to take care in Colombia as it is the gateway between two continents. This means opportunity for crime as people and goods flow through maybe the most biodiverse nation in the world. Medellín is like most other places: Be mindful of where you go, what you do, and where you stay.

That being said, saving money in Medellín is as easy as traveling there. The American dollar goes very far compared to Colombian pesos. Be mindful of that when deciding on where to spend your money. If you can have an incredible time and contribute to the local economy, all the better.

Experiences

Medellín is large, so you’ll find the need for transportation to many places. Taxis and semi-legal Uber rides will cost you, but when you get to your destination, there’s often plenty to be experienced around you. Save money by taking a walking tour of any of the neighborhoods. There’s no shortage of free or cheap tours.

Real City Walking Tours , for example, offers an excellent free tour and an informative introduction to the city. You’ll get a lot of good tips, and the guides are great people. Be sure to tip when the tour wraps up!

Selina Medellin sits in the heart of the hip Provenza neighborhood and is surrounded by culinary hotspots, buzzing bars, and authentic coffee shops. Selina Hostel is not the cheapest, but it is the perfect location from which to launch your Medellín adventure. There’s a range of accommodations options to suit every travel budget. Included are coworking space, a nice bar and cafe, a wellness area to practice yoga, and even a rooftop music studio.

This curated programming stretches into art, photography, and cooking alongside a melting pot of people from around the world. You can even dance away long evenings with local DJs spinning electronic music late into the night.

Vehicle Rentals

Localiza has some of the best deals as the most reputable local agency, renting cars for about $30/day. Others like Alamo and Enterprise are also available.

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Medellín Travel Guide

Last Updated: September 1, 2023

Medellín is the most popular city in Colombia (maybe even South America). It’s a hot spot for digital nomads and remote workers, expats, and travelers who come to backpack Medellín as they travel through Colombia.

Set in the Aburrá Valley, Medellín has a temperate year-round climate that makes it one of the fastest-growing cities in Colombia. It’s full of skyscrapers and high-rise apartments against a backdrop of stunning mountain peaks.

It also has enough activities to fill weeks on end: microbreweries, museums, walking tours, parks, street art, food tours and markets, and incredible nightlife. It has a festival of flowers, hosts the annual giant fashion conference Colombiamoda , and hosts multiple arts festivals throughout the year — from salsa and flamenco to poetry, photography, and more!

After two decades, the city is finally shedding its shady cartel past that made it the most dangerous in the world. Today, the public transportation system is comprehensive, the city is tech-forward, and everyone is optimistic about the future. It’s no surprise so many expats move it!

This travel guide to Medellín will help you plan your trip, save money, and ensure you stay safe as you explore this amazing destination!

Table of Contents

• Things to See and Do
• Typical Costs
• Suggested Budget
• Money-Saving Tips
• Where to Stay
• How to Get Around
• How to Stay Safe
• Best Places to Book Your Trip
• Related Blogs on Medellín

Top 5 Things to See and Do in Medellín

1. Visit the Botero sculptures

Fernando Botero is probably the most famous Colombian artist. The largest collection of sculptures is in his birthplace of Medellín, 23 of which are scattered around Plaza Botero. Some of his most admired pieces include “The Hand,” “Roman Soldier,” and “Man on Horseback.”

2. Learn to salsa

I know when it comes to salsa in Colombia, Cali is king, but Medellín is close behind it. You can’t come to Medellín and not take at least one salsa class, especially since most bars in the El Poblado area have free salsa and bachata classes. Whatever night of the week you want to go out, there’s a free class somewhere!

3. Ride the cable car to Parque Arvi

Parque Arvi is a nearby park outside the city connected by a gondola. It’s a scenic ride with stunning views of the city, and it costs around 16,000 COP round-trip. There’s a food market at the top, and the park itself has hiking trails through a eucalyptus forest and along lakes and lookout points.

4. Day trip to Guatapé

A trip to the colorful town of Guatapé is a must. It’s just a few hours away via bus so it can easily be done in a day, either on the public bus or as part of a tour. At El Peñól, climb the 740 steps to admire the view of the region. If you can, stay a night.

5. Tour La Sierra

The La Sierra barrio walking tour takes you completely off the beaten path, up into the hills of Medellín on a tour of the barrios (neighborhoods). A tour with La Sierra Tours costs 150,000 COP, and proceeds go towards a soup kitchen that feeds local school children.

Other Things to See and Do in Medellín

1. tour of comuna 13.

This is the most popular tour in Medellín. Comuna 13 is one of the most vibrant and colorful of all of the comunas in Medellín, thanks to the street art you see everywhere. Previously, this was one of the most dangerous areas in the city but became a popular hotspot thanks to its outdoor escalators and public cable cars. A tour around Comuna 13 costs anything from 30,000-90,000 COP. There are some free tours too, or you can wander here on your own. It’s safe during the day but don’t wander around on your own at night.

2. Visit the Memory House Museum

Skip the controversial Pablo Escobar tour and visit the Museo Casa Memoria instead. This museum beautifully and sensitively captures the stories and memories from the armed conflict. Here they share stories of real people, and it gives you insight into what life was really like living in the most dangerous city in the world. You may notice that in general Colombians don’t want to talk about the “troubles” — they prefer to look forward instead, so it can be hard to understand what the average Colombian has lived through. This museum brings that difficult past to life so you can better understand the city and its people. Admission is free and they run tours in English on Tuesdays and Fridays.

3. Wander Parque Lleras

Located right in the center of the gringo hotspot of Poblado, this park is full of people all day and night. There are street vendors, food sellers, musicians, and people drinking well into the early hours of the morning. It’s a good spot to people watch and hang out.

4. Visit Pueblito Paisa

It’s a little bit cheesy, but admission is free so if you find yourself with some spare time visit Nutibarra Hill (Cerro Nutibarra). Here you’ll find a replica of a typical turn-of-the-century Antioquia town. It’s a fun way to peek into Colombia’s past. Because it is located upon one of the hills in the middle of the Aburrá Valley, it offers sweeping views of Medellín and the surrounding area too.

5. Dance the night away on a Chiva

A Chiva is a party bus. It’s a very Colombian thing to do, and if you get the chance, you should embrace the chaos and party Colombian style. The main Chiva season is December when many workplaces hire a Chiva for their “office party.” It is also very common for hostels to organize Chivas for backpackers. Most Chivas have only a few seats on one side, lots of flashing lights, and maybe a pole or two. They take you on a very slow tour of Medellín while you dance and drink on the bus. The bus normally makes a few stops so you can use the bathroom, buy more booze, or continue dancing in a nearby bar.

6. Visit the Museo de Arte Moderno

The Museum of Modern Art, located in a refurbished industrial building, is an awesome work of art in itself. It’s an enormous building of concrete and metal meant to resemble the city’s barrios that keep building up into the hillsides. Many people have a love-hate relationship with modern art (it’s not my personal favorite) but even I enjoyed my visit here. The collection is small, but there’s also a beautiful photography section on the bottom floor.

7. Go paragliding

For those seeking adventure, Medellín is the perfect location for paragliding , with several tour companies operating in the mountains just outside Medellín. A basic tandem flight costs 250,000 COP and lasts 15 minutes (you can pay extra for a longer flight though). If you add in door-to-door transportation, it’s 375,000 COP per person (with discounts available if you’re a group).

8. Take a tour to a coffee farm

If you aren’t planning a trip to the Coffee Region of Colombia (the area between the three cities of Manizales, Pereira, and Armenia), then Medellín has a lot of coffee farms within an hour’s drive from the city that you can visit. Most of the farms that run tours are small family-run coffee producers who subsidize their income by providing tours. Tours start from 189,000 COP. Go with either Expedition Colombia or head to La Casa Grande Hacienda for a tour.

9. Enjoy the café culture

Over the past few years, a multitude of hip cafés have opened up across Medellín, mostly in the areas favored by digital nomads and expats (Laureles, El Poblado, and Envigado). Although Colombia is well known worldwide for its coffee, most of the best coffee has traditionally always been exported. This meant that until a few years ago most Colombians didn’t actually drink their own homegrown coffee. This is rapidly changing though, and you can get some fantastic specialty coffee in Medellín.

10. Tour a cacao farm

Taking a tour of a cacao farm is similar to visiting a coffee farm: you learn about the process of how chocolate is made, from seed to chocolate bar. You also learn from the farmers about how they came to farm cacao. Many of them were farming illegal drugs, and as part of a government initiative, they took a grant to start farming cacao instead (this is one of the many government programs working to clean up the country). Tours start at 75,000 COP per person.

11. Visit Minorista Market

Opened in 1984, the Minorista Market is a daily market where you’ll find the widest selection of fruit I’ve ever seen. It can be a little tricky to get to if you aren’t used to the colectivos (crowded public buses), but if you can find a few friends to share a taxi or Uber, it’s just a few COP each. You’ll also find fresh meat, seafood, and clothing here, as well as bars and restaurants if you want to sit back and take in the scene.

12. Eat your way around Mercado Del Río

Mercado Del Río is a trendy gastronomic market where you can eat some of the best food in the city. The market has an informal atmosphere, good wine, beer from around the world, and lots of restaurants serving small dishes made for sharing. It is more expensive than eating on the street, but it’s not expensive considering the quality of the food and drink. Bring an appetite!

13. Explore Jardín Botánico

The botanical gardens offer a quiet retreat from the noise and chaos of the city. They also host numerous events, concerts, and festivals throughout the year. Spanning over 34 acres, the garden is home to around 4,500 flowers and more than 139 different bird species. There’s also a nice (if not overpriced) restaurant in the center if you feel like spending more time here relaxing and taking in the scene.

14. See a soccer game

Soccer (fútbol) is religion here and, if there are games when you’re here, you should really try to see one. Medellín has two local teams: Atlético Nacional and Independiente Medellín. Supporters of each team occupy bleachers at opposing ends of the stadium since things tend to get rowdy and violent when they are near each other. Tickets are under 40,000 COP.

15. Wander the Cementerio Museo de San Pedro

Built in 1842, this cemetery is also a museum where you can see the monuments and graves of many famous Colombians, including novelist Jorge Isaacs and former Colombian Presidents Carlos Eugenio Restrepo and Mariano Ospina Rodríguez. There are a lot of large marble mausoleums and statues here. Keep an eye out for special events such as midnight tours and movie nights. The cemetery is small, but it’s also close to the botanical gardens so you can do both one after the other. It’s free to visit.

16. Visit a microbrewery

There is a big craft beer scene in Colombia, and Medellín has over 30 breweries and microbreweries. Some of my favorites include 3 Cordilleras, Cerveza Premium Apóstol, Medellín Beer Factory, and 20 Mission Cerveza. I highly recommend visiting a couple while you’re in the city.

  For more information on other cities in Colombia, check out these guides:

• Bogotá Travel Guide
• Cali Travel Guide
• Cartagena Travel Guide
• Santa Marta Travel Guide

Medellín Travel Costs

Hostel prices – Dorm rooms with 4-6 beds cost around 35,000 COP per night, while dorms with 8 beds or more cost closer to 20,000 COP. Medellín has a lot of higher-end hostels as well, with some dorms costing as much as 72,000 COP per night. A private room costs from about 60,000 COP per night for two people, although most are between 85,000-150,000 COP. Free Wi-Fi and self-catering facilities are standard and some hostels also include free breakfast.

Budget hotel prices – Two-star hotels start at 60,000 COP per night but average closer to 90,000 COP per night. Most budget hotels include free Wi-Fi and free breakfast.

Airbnb is another affordable option here, with private rooms starting at 50,000 COP per night (though they average around 80,000 COP). An entire home/apartment costs around 280,000 COP per night.

Food – Colombian food is a blend of indigenous, Caribbean, and European traditions. While ingredients and popular dishes vary by region, common staples include maize, potato, cassava, rice, and all kinds of tropical fruit (dragon fruit, papaya, guava, passionfruit). Fried plantains, chicken soup, tamales, empanadas, meat pies, and roasted piglet are just some of the delicious popular dishes you’ll encounter.

If you’re on a budget, stick to cheap eats like arepa, empanada, and bandeja paisa (a hearty meal of pork, rice, beef, fried egg, plantain, and more). Also try the mondongo, a traditional tripe soup. It comes with a ton of side dishes (including giant avocados). You can usually find these for just a few thousand pesos.

In fact, traditional food in Medellín is so affordable that it’s often more expensive to eat at a fast-food spot like McDonald’s, which costs around 20,000 COP for a combo meal (compared to just 16,000 COP for a meal at a local restaurant serving traditional cuisine).

If you want to splash out, a three-course meal at a mid-range restaurant costs around 40,000 COP.

A beer at the bar costs around 8,000 COP while buying it at a store is half that price. A latte/cappuccino is around 4,900 COP.

Some of my favorite places to eat in Medellín include Mondongo, Carmen, Mercado del Rio, 20 Mission, Pergamino Café, Hatoviejo, and 37 Park.

OXXO stores are a great place to stock up on snacks and alcohol — most are open 24 hours. For a week’s worth of groceries, expect to pay around 90,000 COP for basic staples like rice, eggs, fresh fruits and vegetables, and some meat and cheese.

Backpacking Medellín Suggested Budgets

If you are backpacking Medellín, my suggested budget is 115,000 COP. This assumes you’re staying in a hostel dorm, cooking some meals and eating cheap street food, taking the bus to get around, limiting your drinking, and sticking to mostly free or cheap activities like free walking tours.

On a mid-range budget of about 235,000 COP, you can stay in a budget hotel or private Airbnb, eat out for all your meals, enjoy a few drinks, take some guided tours, and do more paid activities like visiting museums or doing a food tour.

On a “luxury” budget of 500,000 COP per day, you can stay in a hotel, eat out anywhere you want, drink more, take more taxis, and do whatever tours and activities you want. This is just the ground floor for luxury though. The sky is the limit!

You can use the chart below to get some idea of how much you need to budget daily, depending on your travel style. Keep in mind these are daily averages – some days you spend more, some days you spend less (you might spend less every day). We just want to give you a general idea of how to make your budget. Prices are in COP.

Medellín Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips

Medellín is super affordable if you stick to eating local street food, stay in dorm rooms, and use public transportation. However, it’s also easy to splash out here on the delicious food and the lively nightlife. Here are some ways to help you save money during your visit:

• Take a free walking tour – There are plenty of free walking tours available, which make for a great introduction to the city. This is the best (and cheapest) way to explore while getting a detailed overview of the city and its culture and history. Just be sure to tip your guide at the end!
• Stay with a local – While accommodation is cheap here, staying with a local via Couchsurfing makes it free. Not only do you save some money, but you get firsthand knowledge from a local who can share their insider tips and advice with you!
• Cook your own meals – While eating out isn’t too expensive here, if you’re on a budget it is cheaper if you cook your own meals. Head to a local grocery store and save your budget!
• Don’t stay in Poblado – Poblado is where all the Westerners/expats live. That means food and accommodation in this area is going to cost more, so avoid staying here if you’re on a budget.
• Pack a water bottle – The tap water here is safe so bring a water bottle with you to avoid buying single-use plastic. My preferred bottle is LifeStraw , which has built-in filters to ensure your water is always clean and safe.

Where to Stay in Medellín

There are a few areas in Medellín that are popular with backpackers, tourists, and expats alike. Laureles and the Estadium areas are very safe, have good nightlife, have more greenery, and feel a bit less “touristy.” El Poblado and Envigado are the most popular areas to stay in for tourists and backpackers (but also a bit pricier).

Here are some of my recommended places to stay in Medellín:

• Los Patios Hostel Boutique
• Sugar Cane Hostel
• Hostel Rango Boutique
• The Wandering Paisa Backpackers Hostel
• The Black Sheep Hostel

How to Get Around Medellín

Public transportation – The main method of public transportation is the Metro. It’s reliable, cheap, quick, and easy to use. You can pay per ride, which costs 2,500 COP. The Metro consists of two rail lines, five cable car lines, a tramcar line, and some buses that connect to Metro stations.

If you are planning on staying in Medellín for a while, it’s worth getting a Cívica card (metro card). If you are only in town for a few days it’s probably not worth it, as there are a lot of forms to fill out and the queue can take over two hours sometimes.

Local buses are referred to as colectivos. While the Metro is easy and efficient to use, the colectivos are the complete opposite. If you need to colectivo somewhere, it is best to ask a local to help you as there are no maps or timetables. The colectivos have a fixed price which you can see on the front of the bus.

Bike – Medellín has public city bikes (EnCicla) available to use for free for one hour at a time. After that, you get charged for the time used. The catch is that the registration process is a bit annoying. You need to get a Metro/Cívica card (lots of form filling and waiting in line), then once you have your Metro card, you need to go online and complete more forms. It takes three working days to be processed. Then you need to go to an office to finish off the process. It is quite a bit of work, and the pass is only valid for one week.

Taxi – Taxis are cheap and relatively safe in Medellín. Although it is ok to flag down a taxi in the street, it is advisable, especially at night, to use an app like Tapsi or Easy Taxi. They work just like Uber although they won’t charge your card, so you need to pay cash. It is by far the safest way to take a taxi if you need one, and the taxi is metered. A base charge is about 4,650 COP and then 3,925 COP per kilometer.

Although Uber is not legal in Colombia it is widely used and considered as safe as using Tapsi or Taxi Fast. If you need to make any longer journeys, Uber is generally a bit cheaper, but more expensive for longer journeys. So it is worth checking all three apps for pricing differences.

When to Go to Medellín

Medellín doesn’t really have seasons so there is no bad time to visit. It is known as the city of eternal spring because the climate feels like spring all year round. It rains often, but mostly through the night, and rarely for more than an hour or so. Expect cool mornings, hot days, and mild evenings. The temperature averages somewhere between 16-25°C (62-78°F) most of the time.

Christmas in Medellín is magical, as lights completely cover the city in the most festive display you have ever seen. There are festivals, lanterns, concerts, parties, and Christmas markets galore.

The other great time to visit is in August during the Feria de Las Flores (Festival of Flowers). This is a weeklong festival with the highlight being the world-famous parade of silleteros, a huge parade of flowers that comes through Medellín carried by flower vendors. People from all over Colombia travel to Medellín during this time and the city fills up so be sure to book your accommodation in advance if you want to attend.

How to Stay Safe in Medellín

Safety is often one of the biggest concerns for people when planning a trip to Medellín. Once the world’s most dangerous city, it still has somewhat of a bad reputation for those who are only familiar with the city’s past.

Fortunately, things have improved dramatically here over the years. However, theft is still very common. They have a common saying in Colombia, “No dar papaya.” This translates to “don’t give papaya.” What it really means is don’t give anyone the chance to steal your stuff — because someone probably will!

That means no walking around with your phone out, never keeping anything in your pockets (especially when on public transport), and always keeping hold of your bag.

If you are eating out, keep your backpack on your lap or place your foot or a chair leg through your strap. It is very common for someone to do a bag swap (meaning they swap their empty bag for yours) so keep your bag secure at all times.

You should also use caution when withdrawing money from an ATM. Avoid the ATMs on the street if possible and go into the bank to use the ATM. That way you can put your money away discreetly without being watched.

If you’re worried about getting ripped off you can read about common travel scams to avoid here. There’s a lot so keep an eye out!

Look for hotels or hostels with 24-hour security. You always want someone around in case you need assistance.

Avoid drug tourism. The drugs cartels have crippled this country so it’s really disrespectful. Also, doing drugs here is illegal and you don’t want to end up in a Colombian prison!

There are a few no-go areas in the city, but as a tourist, you shouldn’t ever find yourself accidentally wandering into one of these areas. As a general rule, don’t walk around the downtown area at night. Stick to Laureles and El Poblado for nights out, and if you are on your own, it is always safer to be in a taxi than walk. Use one of the taxi apps so you know who your driver is.

If you experience an emergency and need assistance, dial 123.

Always trust your gut instinct. Make copies of your personal documents, including your passport and ID. Forward your itinerary along to loved ones so they’ll know where you are.

For more in-depth coverage of how to stay safe in Colombia, check out this post that answers some frequently asked questions and concerns.

The most important piece of advice I can offer is to purchase good travel insurance. Travel insurance protects you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. You can use the widget below to find the policy right for you:

Medellín Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources

These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.

• Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
• Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
• Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
• Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more!
• SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
• LifeStraw – My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe.
• Unbound Merino – They make lightweight, durable, easy-to-clean travel clothing.
• Top Travel Credit Cards – Points are the best way to cut down travel expenses. Here’s my favorite point earning credit cards so you can get free travel!

Medellín Travel Guide: Related Articles

Want more info? Check out all the articles I’ve written on backpacking/traveling Colombia and continue planning your trip:

The 6 Best Hotels in Bogotá

Where to Stay in Bogotá: The Best Neighborhoods for Your Visit

Where to Stay in Medellín: The Best Neighborhoods for Your Visit

Is Colombia Safe to Visit?

How Much Does it Cost to Travel Colombia?

14 Things to Do in Medellín (and the ONE thing NOT to do!)

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Digital Nomad Tips, Guides & Resources

Where To Stay In Medellin: An In-Depth Guide To 4x Best Areas

Category Medellin , Colombia Updated on October 9, 2023

Your choice of where to stay in Medellin could make or break your time in the beautiful city.

Here’s why: Not every area in Medellin is right for travelers, digital nomads or remote workers.

Don’t get me wrong – Colombia has come a long way from its dark past to become the dubbed South America’s “Silicon Valley.” The city of Medellin continues to stay on the list of the top digital nomad hotspots around the world.

There are several of factors you need to consider before choosing where to stay in Medellin. After living in Medellin for nearly 4 months and testing out neighborhoods for ourselves, we have narrowed down the best neighborhoods for tourists and digital nomads.

Confused about where to stay in Medellin? We’re about to clear it up for you!

Let’s get started.

QUICK OVERVIEW: Where To Stay In Medellin

Need the quick deets about where to stay in Medellin and quick general info about this wonderful city? We got you!

• 📍 Where to stay in Medellin? The best areas In Medellin are Laureles, Poblado, Sabaneta and Envigado .
• 🇨🇴 Is it safe in Medellin? If you live within these areas, you should be just fine!
• 💃 Best area for nightlife and restaurant scene? El Poblado is the most popular tourist area in all of Medellin!
• 👩🏻‍💻 Best area for digital nomads to live in? Laureles is a great neighborhood to work online and live a balanced lifestyle.
• 🇨🇴 Best area to live like a local? Envigado and Sabaneta are the best places to get to know the local culture and people.

5 Criteria To Consider Before Choosing Where To Stay In Medellin

Not just any place will do, right? To help you decide where to stay in Medellin, you’ve got to do some reflecting and you should ask yourselves these questions:

• What kind of lifestyle do I want to have?
• Do I enjoy being close to the nightlife or do I hate it?
• Would I rather stay where the tourists are or where the locals are?
• What’s my budget like – can I spend a little more or do I need to cut it down?

For Medellin specifically, there are a couple of things you should know about this beautiful city:

🚠 The hills are alive in Medellin: You need to think about walkability while living here. If you’re not careful about where to stay in Medellin – you might regret it later. In certain areas, a lot of them are located on the slopes of hills. This means you are going to have to walk up and down the hills every single day to get anywhere! Thankfully, some areas are completely flat. If you want the extra exercise though – these areas might be right for you. Just remember I warned you 😉

💰 The costs can vary. This happens in any city that’s a popular tourist destination. If you stay where the tourists stay, you are going to pay more in every way – rent, restaurants, drinks and more. If you stay where the locals live, you’ll pay less in rent and everything else. We have seen this in Medellin and compared our costs between 2 neighborhoods – one was definitely higher than the other.

✅ Tourists = a safe neighborhood. We have been on the road since 2018 and this rings true no matter where we are in the world! It’s the same in Medellin – where there are tourists, there’s a lower chance of anything dangerous happening. In our personal experience, we always felt safe in Medellin but we did make sure we didn’t venture out to the bad areas. A tourist neighborhood means it’s also easier to do things like grocery shopping or buying a SIM card  in these areas.

🏠 The neighborhoods have ‘barrios’ within them. Here’s what I mean – within the neighborhood of Poblado, there are several ‘barrios’ inside ie. Provenza, Tesoro or Manila. While you can focus on a specific neighborhood, you need to narrow it down by the barrio because each one can give you a different experience.

🌻 Each area has its own vibes. Want to stay with the tourists? Or maybe you want to have a more local experience as a Medellin digital nomad? You can find a huge variety of areas with their own unique vibes. It all depends on what kind of experience you want to have!

🤟 Hablas Español? You might want to think about whether or not you’re planning to learn Spanish. Here’s the thing – you can get away speaking English at most places but definitely not all. If you want to practice your Spanish, you might not want to live in a tourist area where a lot of people speak English and vice versa.

Phew! There’s a lot more that goes into choosing the perfect place to stay in Medellin, right? If you can do your research and plan (as you’re doing now) – you’ll have an amazing experience living in Medellin.

Now let’s dive deeper into the best areas to stay in Medellin!

Where To Stay In Medellin, Colombia: Complete Guide For Digital Nomads

Trying to figure out where to stay in Medellin?

A specific area can really define your experience in a new country. For example, if you love living like a local wherever you go and you un-knowingly choose an area where all the tourists congregate – you might not have the best time.

Here’s the complete guide to help you narrow down the best neighborhood (and barrio) for you to live in as a digital nomad!

El Poblado – Where To Stay In Medellin For First-Timers

Poblado is one of the wealthiest parts of the city and it’s the most popular neighborhood in Medellin for tourists and digital nomads to live in.

This area is buzzing with all the best restaurants, cafes, coworking spaces, hostels, shopping malls and nightlife. When you live in Poblado – you’ll never be bored because there’s always things to do within the area. It’s a place where English is most widely spoken than any other neighborhood in Medellin – whether that’s good or bad, I’ll let you decide! Nevertheless, this makes it a great place to land when you arrive in Medellin for the first time.

If you’re looking for those city views of Medellin that you see on Instagram, it was probably taken in an apartment in Poblado. You’ll get the best views of the city in El Poblado – that’s for sure.

But here’s the thing – this area is situated on the slope of the hill which means you get these beautiful views but how do you get up top? That’s right you’ve got to endure all the hills which may or may not be frustrating for some people.

With the huge influx of tourists, it’s also become a pretty safe area. If you stay in Poblado, you will be close to where all the action is in this bustling city.

Pros & Cons of Staying In Poblado:

There are some good things about living in Poblado, but to be honest, there are some really NOT so great things… We tested out a month living in Poblado and all I can say is we were happy to leave.

Here’s the pros & cons list of living in Poblado as digital nomads.

👯‍♀️ A lot of your friends will probably live here. Most of the people we met lived in some barrio in Poblado. It was no surprise whenever they mentioned where they were staying! We lived in Laureles for a majority of our stay in Medellin and we often found ourselves taking an Uber to Poblado because that’s just where all of our friends were.

🌶 Lots more cafes and restaurant options. Are you a foodie always looking for the next best meal? You’ll probably find it in Poblado! We tried over 20+ restaurants and more than half were located in Poblado. While other neighborhoods also had a variety of options – the best ones were always located in the Poblado area.

💃 Most meetups and events happen here. Want to attend a workshop or a meetup to make new friends? The chances are high it’s going to take place in Poblado. Most events happen in Poblado because again, that’s where most people are based!

🛍 Shopping Centers are mostly here. Want to watch a movie at the cinema (with English audio), you can find tons of options at various malls in Poblado. We found ourselves going to Poblado to do the best shopping at stores like Zara or H&M and rode Ubers to just go to the cinemas here.

❌ Too many tourists. Tourists are swarming every corner of Poblado. It’s hard to feel like you’re in Colombia when you live here.

❌ Not the real Colombia. The restaurants are more high-end, the trendy cafes and prices all cater to the tourists. It almost felt like we were in some sort of bubble!

❌ Prices are higher. We found that Poblado was around 5-10% more expensive than other areas in Medellin. Rent or Airbnb was much more expensive in any of the Poblado barrios too. In general, you’ll pay more for drinks, meals, coffee, Uber rides and so much more.

❌ Bad walkability. You can get to most places in Poblado within a 10-20 minute walk. The problem is that you’ll probably have to face some steep hills during this walk. I’m talking steep as in the cars sometimes struggle to rev up the hill themselves. If you don’t mind an intense butt workout every day, maybe twice a day – you should be fine. But as for us, we preferred the flat areas of Medellin.

❌ It’s noisy. We lived in one of the more quiet barrios in Poblado and we still had noise troubles. There are just so many clubs and hostels scattered across the city center that you’re bound to get some noise pollution from all the parties they throw.

Within Poblado, The Best Areas To Stay Are…

Convinced Poblado is the right place for you? Great!

Poblado is a huge neighborhood and it has tons of small barrios located within it. You could have a completely different experience based on which barrio you live in.

Here are the best barrios within Poblado that we can personally recommend:

• Manila: A chill version of Poblado. There are barely any hills in this area and it’s much quieter and less ‘wild’ than say Parque Lleras – the city center of Poblado. We also felt super safe living in this area for a month!
• Provenza: It’s located on the hill but if you can look past that – there are plenty of cafes and restaurants right on your doorstep. It’s a little less ‘clubby, nightlife’ vibes but close enough to all that action.
• El Tesoro: You get the best views of the city in this barrio. This also means that it’s higher up in the hills than Manila and Provenza – you’ll get a workout every time if you live here. You’re about 10-15 minutes away from all the action making it a more calm and quiet barrio.

We don’t recommend staying in the absolute center of Poblado anywhere near Parque Lleras. It turns into a whole club/nightlife area at night that if you don’t want to be a part of – can get annoying real quick!

El Poblado definitely has its pros, otherwise, so many people wouldn’t flock there. However, is it the best place to stay in Medellin? In our personal experience, it wasn’t. You have to figure out what kind of experience you want to have and if that’s being close to all the action – Poblado might just be right for you though!

Laureles – Where To Stay In Medellin For Digital Nomads

Oh Laureles…what a beautiful neighborhood unlike any other!

If Poblado isn’t right for you…chances are you’ll end up in Laureles. It’s the most popular alternative to Poblado for tourists, digital nomads and remote workers due to several reasons.

This neighborhood is located 15 minutes northwest of Poblado and it’s unique for one reason – there are ZERO hills! You can easily walk all around the barrio without encountering any strenuous hills. This makes it really easy to go to cafes, restaurants and grocery stores.

Note: I know it seems like I’m making a big deal with these hills in Medellin but once you’re there yourself – you’ll know exactly why!

More than that, when you live in Laureles it’s so much easier to see the local life and local culture. While there were still tourists in the area, you could notice it was way less. We loved being able to practice our Spanish and see how the locals truly lived!

You’ll fall in love with Laureles because of its charming tree-lined streets, it’s relatively quiet and it gives off the real Colombia vibes. We felt Laureles had this great balance between being a tourist area and a local area where people just go about their lives. Everything is also much more affordable in Laureles!

There are also plenty of trendy cafes and restaurants within this area. It won’t be as much as Poblado but it’s the 2nd biggest area for people to hang out and enjoy.

Can you tell which neighborhood was our favorite? ;P

Pros & Cons of Staying In Laureles:

Where to stay in Medellin? We believe Laureles is the best neighborhood for digital nomads, remote workers or anyone staying at least a month. In saying that – it’s absolutely not perfect. We spend 3 of our 4 months living in this neighborhood and it’s safe to stay we know what it’s truly like.

Here’s the pros & cons list of living in Laureles as digital nomads.

🔑 Low-key vibes. Okay, I would never say those words in real life but it’s the best way to describe what it feels like to live in Laureles. People are much more chill here – it shows in how people dress more casually or how laid-back it feels to walk around here. There isn’t much hustle and bustle going on around the streets of Laureles (other than La 70, of course).

💸 More affordable cost of living. Whether it’s paying for your meals, your coffee or your rent – it’s going to be cheaper than Poblado. I wouldn’t say it’s the cheapest neighborhood but it’s relatively affordable! It’s a great option if you are a budget traveler or you’re looking to get great long-term stay deals.

☕️ Lots of restaurants and cafe options. It might not be as much as Poblado but there is still a great variety of restaurants to try in Laureles. You can find Indian, Asian, Colombian, Italian, Mexican foods all around this small neighborhood.

🚶‍♀️ Good walkability. There are no hills in Laureles which means it won’t be a hefty workout every time you get outside to do anything. It’s easy to walk everywhere without any problems! In fact, we enjoyed just walking around the beautiful tree-lined streets of Laureles.

🇨🇴 Local life is all around. You’ll see people walk to work, buy fruits from the street vendors and eat their bandeja paisas or arepas on the side of the road. Living in Laureles, we were continuously reminded of where we were and we could easily learn the local culture just by walking around the neighborhood.

🤫 It’s relatively quiet. At night, the quiet streets make it easy to fall asleep. During the day, the traffic isn’t so crazy and you don’t really feel the chaos. As Laureles is quite the residential neighborhood, it’s just so easy to live life here rather than feeling like a temporary tourist, if that makes sense.

🚡 Easy access to public transportation. If you want to use the metro or the cable cars to get around, it’s easy in Laureles! They have a big metro station called ‘Estadio’ which is only a 10-minute walk away. We highly recommend trying the metro or cable cars – it’s the pride and joy of paisas (Colombians from Medellin).

❌ Mostly Spanish spoken. You could look at this as a positive or negative depending on your travel style. I’ve just added it here because if you just land and you don’t know a word of Spanish – you’ll struggle more living in Laureles. We found not many people could speak English which is obvs fair enough but it does get a little difficult with the language barrier.

❌ Becoming more popular. Laureles has been a popular alternative to Poblado for a while now. The prices have slowly been rising in Laureles and the apartments have become a little more scarce than in Poblado.

❌ Few meetups and events. We only attended 1 digital nomad event while living in Laureles. There’s just not much going on in this neighborhood. All of the meetups occur in Poblado which is a 15-20 minute drive away.

Within Laureles, The Best Areas To Stay In Are..

Think Laureles is more your vibe? Awesome!

Laureles is a beautiful neighborhood with a lot of surrounding barrios within it. You need to choose the right barrio for you. When we first arrived we lived only 10 minutes away but we did NOT enjoy living in this specific barrio. Once we moved to another one, we enjoyed living in Laureles so much more!

Here are the best barrios within Laureles that we can personally recommend:

• Primer Parque: This is the best barrio to live in! If you can find an apartment within 5-7 minutes walking from Primer Parque – it’s easy to walk to cafes, restaurants, coworking spaces and grocery stores. You’re in the center of everything and it’s very safe!
• Circular Area: If you can’t be right next to Primer Parque, your next best option is the Circular area. I’m not sure what the barrio is called but all the streets are named Circular 123. We stayed here for a month at Casa Santafe Coliving and it was the perfect location for us. It wasn’t right next to the action but only a 5 minute walk away from everything.
• Conquistadores: This is one of the most beautiful barrios in Laureles. It’s a more residential neighborhood with a thriving local culture! The charming tree-lined streets make it a great place to walk around and live in. You’re only a 15-20 minute walk away from the action in Laureles.

We don’t recommend staying anywhere past the huge highway – San Juan. We lived in Estadio for our first month and I hated crossing the scary highway lol! It was a little too far from the tourists for our liking and peace of mind. Some people love this area but it just wasn’t for us.

After spending 4 months in Medellin which was split up between 1 month in Poblado and 3 months in Laureles, we can safely say Laureles was the best neighborhood for us and our kind of lifestyle. You still get amazing restaurants, safety, local culture and a charming area without all the craziness in Poblado!

Laureles is the perfect option for digital nomads and remote workers because it’s much more affordable for long-term stays, there are plenty of cafes and coworking spaces to work from and still a good amount of things to do around the area.

Up and Coming Neighborhoods – Envigado & Sabaneta

Wondering where to stay in Medellin that isn’t the norm?

We get it! Sometimes you just don’t want to be where everyone else stays and you want to have a unique experience. Thankfully, some neighborhoods are getting more and more buzz!

One of those neighborhoods is called Envigado. It’s located about a 10-minute drive south of Poblado. My friend, Jazzie from Black Digital Nomad, decided to live out in Envigado because of the local vibes and the chance to practice her Spanish. If you choose to live in Envigado, they have a great park to see local life and culture called Parque Envigado. You’ll find the rental prices are much cheaper in Envigado as well as your general cost of living.

The 2nd up and coming neighborhood is Sabaneta. It’s located around a 10-minute drive south of Envigado. This beautiful neighborhood is a residential neighborhood where you can truly feel and see the real Colombia lifestyle. There’s also a main plaza/park called Parque Sabaneta where people love to hang out after work.

You might be wondering…why didn’t I add these neighborhoods as where to stay in Medellin?

Here’s the thing – it’s a completely different experience! Both of these neighborhoods are around a 15-20 minute Uber drive from Poblado and a 25-30 minute drive from Laureles. Most events and meetups are going to be held in both these neighborhoods. Your friends will also probably live in Poblado or Laureles which means you’ll have to get out of your neighborhood to have meals at restaurants or to drink coffee at the trendy cafes.

Bottom line: You’ll get a more local, authentic Colombian vibe with a lower cost of living which is fantastic. But you’ll spend quite a lot on Uber rides to get anywhere plus it’ll cost a bit of your time!

What about other neighborhoods?

We won’t recommend a place that doesn’t have at least a little buzz or expats already living there. In our opinion, we think it’s best to stay in the areas that get a little buzz. For safety reasons, you just don’t want to veer too far out.

2x Areas To Avoid Staying In Medellin

Not every neighborhood in Medellin is a great place for tourists and digital nomads.

I want to make this clear: Medellin has come a long way since its dark past. I always felt inspired when living here because you can see the transformation with your own eyes. They should be very proud!

Just like any other city, some areas just aren’t safe. It’s best to avoid living here as a foreigner if you don’t want to look over your shoulder every time!

1. Centro/La Candeleria – Dangerous At Night

During the day, the downtown area of Medellin seemed fine to walk through. We did a free walking tour with Real City Walking Tours (100% highly recommend) and it was just fine! Although there are a couple of moments you need to hold on to your stuff.

During the night, it’s best to avoid being anywhere near here. Once the corporates and police go home, it starts to get sketchy!

2. Prado – Dangerous At Any Time

Just avoid going there! There’s not much to see or do anyway.

It’s going to be sketchy any time of day. It’s also easy to get targeted here because not many (if at all) foreigners visit this area.

I’ve included these areas just so you know where to avoid booking an Airbnb or apartment. If you want to have peace of mind, don’t book a stay in any of these areas!

Our Personal Experience – We Lived In Poblado AND Laureles

Matthew and I had heard about the 2 neighborhoods before arriving in Medellin. We deliberately decided to try staying at least a month in each neighborhood.

Airbnb #1 – Estadio, Laureles

This was our first Airbnb in Medellin. We quickly realized we needed a softer landing into the city and culture which is why we recommend Poblado just to help you get situated, make friends and get used to the areas.

We booked a 1 bedroom apartment with a fully stocked kitchen and living room. The decor was super basic and uninspiring. It was about a 10-15 minute walk to our coworking space (which isn’t too bad) but I hated crossing the huge highway, San Juan every day.

The main reason we booked this Airbnb was because of the cheap price. We paid only $627 USD for 1 month which is a bargain if you’re not familiar with Airbnbs and the prices in Medellin. This was just an OKAY barrio in Laureles for us and we wouldn’t stay again unless we get an amazing apartment.

Airbnb #3 – Manila, Poblado

As soon as we moved in, we walked around the barrio and explored. We felt like we hit the jackpot! We were technically in Poblado but far enough away from the clubs and Parque Lleras. This area was super safe and there were barely any hills to walk up and down!

Our apartment was on the 6th floor and we got okay balcony views. It was the worst place we stayed and we paid $850 USD which just shows the prices and value for money you’ll get in Poblado, in general. The location was the best because we were right down the road from our favorite coffee shop in Medellin, Hija Mia Coffee Roasters and less than a 2-minute walk from our coworking space, Open Space.

Manila is the best barrio in Poblado if you want the chill and laid-back vibes but you still want to be within 10 minutes walking to all the action. We couldn’t have been happier with this area and we can personally recommend it!

Apartment #3 – Circular, Laureles

For this month, we stayed in a coliving space called Casa Santafe Coliving. We booked this well in advance (around 2 months before the move-in date) and we were very happy with our experience! We got the Deluxe Suite which is more like a studio with our own private bathroom and kitchen. This studio cost us $800 USD but we also get access to a coworking space, rooftop, sauna and free tea/coffee. The way to get the best price is to see them in person and get a quote – they are on Airbnb but cost WAY more than what we paid!

The location was the best in Laureles! We were only a 5-minute walk to Primer Parque which has a lot of cafes, coworking spaces and restaurants. If you walk a further 5 minutes, you’ll reach Nutibara or Segundo Parque where there are even more restaurants, bars and cafes.

We enjoyed Laureles way more because of the barrio we were in as opposed to our last one, Estadio. This is why it’s SOOO important to choose the right neighborhood but even more important to choose the right barrio within that neighborhood.

Curious about coliving? Check out our complete coliving Medellin guide here .

Where To Stay In Medellin in 2022 – The Best Areas and Safest Neighborhoods

After living in Medellin for nearly 4 months, we have explored a lot of areas and even moved houses just to try it out and experience it for ourselves. We were surprised at how much we loved or hated a place just based on the location we based ourselves in.

Figuring out where to stay in Medellin isn’t so hard when you know what to look for. Make sure you ask yourself what you want in a neighborhood. There’s something for everyone in the innovative city of Medellin!

The 4 best neighborhoods are Laureles, Poblado, Envigado and Sabaneta. Depending on the experience you want, you’ll feel safe and enjoy your time in any of these 4 neighborhoods.

Remember: Avoid staying in the Center and Prado!

We loved living in Medellin as digital nomads and we hope this helped you figure out where to stay in Medellin! Feel free to reach out on Instagram, if you have any questions!

Which neighborhood was your favorite in Medellin? Comment below!

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Cheap Flight Deals This June For Less Than $650 Round Trip

This roundup is for travelers who waited until the last minute to book a trip. Here are the cheapest places to travel this June.

Mitti Hicks • Jun 4, 2024

With the start of summer vacation for students, the beginning of summer, and the onset of hurricane season, June can seem like a scary and expensive time to travel.

While it’s true that travelers should  expect the crowds to increase during the summer season  as more people naturally gravitate to the outdoors as temperatures heat up, there are some ways to avoid summer travelers. For some destinations, June is one of the  best months to explore for travelers  beyond the fact that the days are warmer and the sun is shining longer. June is considered “shoulder season” for quite a few destinations.

Shoulder season is that incredible in-between time between low season and high season. For many destinations, weather is a significant driver in the low season, and often, it is that time of year when people don’t want to be bothered with less-than-perfect weather. However, with shoulder season, you often are on the cusp of near-perfect weather with low-season prices. It creates the perfect solution for travelers trying to avoid overcrowding while saving money. 

Even amid the official start of a busy travel season, we have created a roundup for last-minute travelers looking for that win-win situation, proving that miracles do exist. Here are the cheapest places to travel this June.

San Juan, Puerto Rico, For As Low As $200 Round Trip

Contrary to popular belief, June is considered the shoulder season for Puerto Rico. Shoulder season is the sweet spot between the high seasons and low seasons. Travelers seeking a destination to avoid the summer crowds should head to San Juan.

Kick off your time in San Juan by exploring Old San Juan. Start your day at Castillo San Felipe del Morro, where you will find impressive bay and city views. Next, take a few minutes to journey through the colorful streets and architecture while you’re in the area. If you’re looking for the iconic colorful umbrella canopy, remember it’s on Calle de la Fortaleza in Old San Juan.

No vacation in the Caribbean is complete without a trip to the beach.  Balnea o El Escambrón is excellent for water activities such as snorkeling and scuba diving. Condado Beach is great for lounging.

Now that you’re excited about San Juan, let’s discuss how to get there. Skyscanner data shows the best flight options depart Atlanta, Boston, Houston, and Los Angeles. Travelers can find flight deals from these cities for less than $350 round trip.

The cheapest option this June is to leave from Orlando. In Skyscanner, use June 11 through 16 as your travel dates for a  round-trip ticket for less than $200 .

Cancun, Mexico, For As Low As $300 Round Trip

If you don’t mind the typical afternoon Caribbean rainfall, June is the best time to visit Mexico’s popular destination: Cancun. There are theories of why June sees fewer travelers. Temperatures tend to run higher, and the rain is more frequent. Yet these factors can also be seen as opportunities for travelers to worry about a “wild time” because the beaches, bars, and attractions are less crowded.

One activity that should be high up on your “to-do list” this summer is swimming or whale-watching the largest fish in the world: the whale shark. Because of the warmer water, whale sharks settle around Isla Mujeres from June until September. It’s incredible to witness up close because scientists say this time of the year is when you will see the world’s largest concentration of this species.

While you’re on an experience of a lifetime, make plans to hang out on Isla Mujeres, one of the most popular destinations in the area. There are a ton of bars, entertainment, and the Ruins of the Temple of The Goddess Ixchel.

Aside from fewer crowds, visiting Cancun in June is also a great way to save money since it officially kicks off the low season.

According to  Skyscanner,  round-trip flights departing Atlanta, Miami, and Houston are all less than $400. The cheapest option leaves from Fort Lauderdale. Use Jun 16 through 21 as your travel dates for a  round-trip flight for less than $300 on Expedia.   

Medellin, Colombia, For As Low As $350 Round Trip

June marks Colombia’s second month of the low season since it’s technically considered the rainy season. However, that hasn’t stopped tourists from traveling to Colombia’s coastal city, Cartagena. A great alternative to beating the crowds and humidity is visiting Medellin instead. Nicknamed the “City of Eternal Spring,” Medellin has perfect year-round weather.

Cartagena is undeniably a great city filled with incredible food, exciting nightlife, and coast views. Still, there’s no shortage of fun or beauty in Medellin.

July is a better option for “La feria de las Flores,” The Flower Festival, which is the city’s biggest carnival celebration.

Coffee lovers should make time to visit a local coffee farm or producer. It’s a great way to learn about the coffee industry while supporting local businesses. Visit Parque Avi by Medellin’s Metro Cable, a great way to see the city from above. Not to mention, it’s quite epic and will easily be a highlight of the trip.

Visit Jardin Botanico and relax at the outdoor cafes in Provenza and Parque Lleras.

According to Expedia, round-trip flights from  Atlanta ,  Chicago,  Dallas ,  Los Angeles , and  New York City  can be purchased for less than $550.

Miami departing flights are the cheapest. Use Jun 18 through 22 as your travel dates in  Skyscanner for a round-trip ticket for less than $350 .

Lima, Peru, For As Low As $500 Round Trip 

Another excellent destination for June is Peru. June is technically the dry season in Peru, and it’s the calm before the storm of tourists, who typically visit in July and August. June is also a fantastic time to save money all around, as flights and accommodations are a lot cheaper than in the higher season.

If you time it right, you can visit Peru during Init Raymi, known as “The Festival of the Sun. It takes place on June 24 and is considered one of the most important festivities in the Incan Empire. Inti Raymi celebrates the God Sun — the most revered god in the Incan religion. The festival typically takes place in Cusco, which is an easy plane ride from Lima.

Most people don’t spend time in Lima; it’s usually a stopover for Cusco and the Sacred Valley. However, it’s an exciting metropolitan city that boasts excellent restaurants, food tours, and ceviche. There are incredible museums to visit, such as the Larco Museum, the National Museum of the Archaeology, Anthropology, and History of Peru, and the

National Afro-Peruvian Museum.

Flights from  New York City ,   Orlando , and  Washington, D.C.,  can be purchased for less than $600 round trip on Expedia.

According to Skyscanner, the cheapest option is from Miami.  Use June 27 through June 30 as your travel dates  for a round-trip ticket for less than $500 .

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The 10 best holiday destinations in August for summer sun

As summer approaches, greater attention will turn to plans with family and friends for that long-awaited trip abroad.

With brighter days, warmer temperatures and the kids off school, August remains a popular choice of month for a summer holiday .

While the UK weather can range from heatwave to downpours, many destinations offer near-uninterrupted sun along with more manageable daily temperatures.

Some places are best avoided at the height of summer, such as Seville , where temperatures can regularly hit 40C. Nevertheless, there are plenty of enticing destinations where August is the perfect month for a holiday, whether you’re looking at being active or just lying on a sun lounger.

From a Greek island to the Portuguese coast, Italian lakes to a Columbian city, here are some destinations that are sure to inspire your August summer holiday.

Crete, Greece

• Average temperature in August: 29C
• Hours of sunshine per day: 11

With an average temperature just under 30C and just under 12 hours of sunshine per day, August in Crete offers a more pleasant and temperate experience than nearby Corfu or mainland Greece . The largest and most populous of the Greek islands, Crete is a mountainous island as famed for its historical importance (think of the Minoans) as it is for its beaches.

Tourists can visit the capital, Heraklion, to see a stunning old harbour, Venetian architecture and the ruins of the (alleged) oldest city in the world, Knossos. Alternatively, go to Chania for another scenic harbour, colourful buildings and beautiful beaches. Other towns, such as Rethymno, are less touched by tourism for those hoping for more of an “authentic” experience of Greece.

Read more on Europe travel :

• Why this European island is perfect for an ‘inbetweeners’ holiday
• The best spas in Eastern Europe for an affordable, yet luxurious, break
• The lesser-known Croatia destinations you may not have considered

Nice, France

• Average temperature in August:  28C
• Hours of sunshine per day: 10

One of the most famous cities on the French Riviera, Nice has long been a tourist destination. Queen Victoria was known to have visited several times, while other visits from European aristocracy in the 18th and 19th centuries contributed to its establishment as a fashionable destination.

Today, Nice stands out as one of the more accessible and affordable places in southern France and was recently awarded status as a Unesco World Heritage site in 2021. With several plazas, its own beach (and the famous Promenade des Anglais), a picturesque port and buzzing nightlife, Nice’s high-end reputation has morphed into being a city with something for everyone.

Valencia, Spain

• Average temperature in August: 31C

Spain ’s third city has enjoyed a rise in popularity with foreign tourists in recent years. Offering miles of golden sand, warm sea and the guarantee of heat and sun, it also contains an extensive old town that is lined with cobbled streets, a range of quality restaurants, hole-in-the-wall bars and independent shops.

Three impressive plazas and a stunning cathedral form the focal point of the city, while the beaches of Malvarrosa and Patacona are home to dozens of cafes, beach bars, excellent (often paella-led) restaurants, football and volleyball pitches, and dozens of happy locals. Attractions include the City of Arts and Sciences (and its aquarium), the 12km Turia Gardens and the Holy Chalice, supposedly used by Jesus during the Last Supper.

Read more: Where to stay and what to do in Valencia, Spain’s laid-back coastal city

Dubrovnik, Croatia

• Average temperature in August: 30C

Perched tantalisingly close to the Adriatic Sea, Dubrovnik is the seaside gem of Croatia . While more recently famous for being the filming location for Game of Thrones , the Old Town, encircled by 16th-century walls, is replete with Baroque and Gothic architecture, impressive squares and limestone streets.

Visitors can walk along some sections of the walls before taking in several medieval buildings, such as the clock tower or cathedral. Though pebbly in places, the beaches offer great access into the azure waters of the Adriatic and also house – along with the Old Town – a good portion of the city’s nightlife.

British Colombia, Canada

• Average temperature in August: 21C

Although cooler than some summer getaways, August is the perfect month to visit one of Canada ’s most beautiful provinces. Home to the city of Vancouver, part of the Canadian Rockies and incredible forests and lakes, British Colombia is best experienced in summer when the full range of outdoor activities is possible.

The cooler temperatures allow for getting out and about in any of the seven national parks, where you can swim, hike, fish, cycle and kayak to your heart’s content. If you prefer, visit Vancouver – the third largest city in the country – or go to Whistler; even outside of ski season, the famous resort town provides plenty of natural beauty and opportunities for physical activities. Parts of the province receive up to seven days of rain during August, but you can seize this opportunity to see stunning areas of natural beauty in different conditions.

Algarve, Portugal

A popular destination for Brits, visit the Algarve for rugged, golden beaches, picturesque towns, and blue seas and skies. This slither of southern Portugal has several amazing locations for sun in August, with its temperate Mediterranean climate meaning it often stays cooler than other places in the country.

Faro, the region’s capital, contains the main airport and also offers cobbled streets, neoclassical architecture and nearby green spaces. Albufeira, 46km away, is one of the most popular beach and party towns in the area, with rocky cliffs, hidden coves and several adventure activities. Lagos offers similar with regard to beaches but with a more calm and relaxed atmosphere. Tavira and Silves provide a similar range of activities and beaches as well as scenic Old Towns.

Medellin, Colombia

While many nearby destinations are coming out of (or are in the middle of) winter in August, Medellin’s location (just over 400 miles north of the equator) means that August temperatures remain high.

Nicknamed “The City of Eternal Spring” due to its good weather, the city was once more famous for drug production than as a tourist destination. However, the sprawling city set in the mountains of Antioquia has improved enormously in recent years, with recent advances in transport and infrastructure saw it named as the most innovative city in the world by the Urban Land Institute. It now holds a reputation as a clean, thriving and safe city, with several features – such as its wildlife setting, extensive metro system, and cable cars – contributing to the city becoming a “hipster holiday destination”.

Ljubljana, Slovenia

• Average temperature in August: 27C

The Slovenian capital is another city that has become somewhat of a hipster destination in recent years, for good reason. With the river and medieval castle as focal points, the city offers several lesser-known cultural attractions and plenty of opportunities to learn about the region’s often understudied history. The city is home to several excellent bars and restaurants (both on the riverside and further into town). Those looking to combine an urban break with some rural escapism can pair a visit with a trip to Lake Bled, a lakeside town just an hour from the capital. Its idyllic setting and small size make for an easy spot to relax and unwind by the water.

Trincomalee, Sri Lanka

• Average temperature in August: 34C
• Hours of sunshine per day: 9

Anyone looking to travel further may want to head to the Indian Ocean. The weather in Sri Lanka varies quite dramatically throughout the island, but August presents an excellent opportunity to visit the north.

Jaffna might offer the taste of a city and Wilpattu National Park is home to the natural beauty of lakes, but Trincomalee provides both – with the addition of scenic port and beach areas. Gokarna Bay is known for its white sand, while the city itself is home to historic Hindu temples such as Koneswaram and Bhadrakali Amman. If the beaches don’t take your fancy, you can head to nearby Kanniya and visit the hot springs.

Milan and the Lakes, Italy

• Average temperature in August:  29C
• Hours of sunshine per day : 8

Famous as a fashion capital, Milan is one of the most accessible cities in Italy due to the number of daily flights from the UK. In summer, it receives fewer tourists than southern destinations and is often far cooler, with its average temperatures of 29C ensuring it’s still a smart summer choice.

While the city itself has a plethora of cultural, historical, architectural and leisure attractions, the nearby lakes of Como, Maggiore and Garda can be reached by direct train services (journeys take between 40 minutes to just over an hour) and offer more picturesque views with a lakeside setting. While prior planning may be needed to minimise some of the costs, the opportunity to bask in the lakeside sun just before ordering your risotto may be too good for some to turn down.

Read more: Best hotels in Europe – where to stay for a city, beach or retreat break

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