17 Ideas For What To Do In Medellin, Colombia

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In the case of locations in Colombia to go to, Medellin must be on the high of anybody’s record. It’s the second largest metropolis in Colombia, so you may count on there to be a plethora of issues to do in Medellin. 

It turned well-known for being the house to the infamous drug cartel chief, Pablo Escobar, however what many individuals don’t know is that the town is extremely lovely.

Town is surrounded by mountains, providing loads of nature spots to discover, in addition to housing a vibrant artwork scene, spectacular nightlife, and bustling parks.

Whereas Medellin rose to fame due to its crime, it has considerably cleaned up its act and is now a sizzling spot for vacationers from all around the world.

To be taught a little bit extra about what to do in Medellin, we interviewed Dave Lee who has been dwelling in Medellin since 2009 and has created his personal Medellin Journey Information.

Dave shares his insider data on issues to do in Medellin, in addition to the place to remain, eat, drink, and the place to go for some salsa dancing. Right here’s what he thinks!

Is Medellin Price Visiting?

Town is located in a lovely valley, providing mountain views from each angle. Combining the pure setting with spring-like temperatures yr spherical, Medellin presents a really snug local weather each day and evening.

Nightlife in Medellin is a giant draw amongst youthful vacationers, as paisas love to bounce, drink, and social gathering. The ladies are reputed to be probably the most lovely in Colombia, if not all of South America, and that repute alone continues to draw increasingly more male vacationers.

Most foreigners know little about Medellin aside from it was the previous house and stomping grounds of Pablo Escobar, and due to this fact as soon as listed as probably the most harmful metropolis on this planet (although not anymore).

In the previous couple of years, a number of firms have arrange organized excursions to cater to the vacationer demand for info on this tragic chapter within the metropolis’s historical past.

It’s additionally develop into a sizzling spot for digital nomads over current years due to its reasonably priced lodging costs and loads of sights in Medellin. In the event you think about all this, it’s undoubtedly value visiting Medellin.

Greatest Issues to Do in Medellin

Now you understand a little bit bit about why it’s best to go to Medellin, listed here are all the highest sights so as to add to your record!

1. Stroll Round Botero Plaza

Medellin is house to Colombia’s most well-known artist, Fernando Botero. Within the metropolis heart, you may stroll by Botero Plaza and get your image taken amongst a number of dozen of his giant steel sculptures (23 in whole).

The plaza additionally options the Museo de Antioquia which options a few of Botero’s work, in addition to different Latin artists.

You too can discover the Rafael Uribe Uribe Palace of Tradition Museum right here too.

2. Take the Cable Automotive

One of many causes Medellin is a well-liked place for expats to stay in Colombia is the metro system. Medellin options Colombia’s solely metro practice.

From the principle practice line that runs North/South by the town, are a number of cable vehicles (like ski gondolas) that run up the mountains to poorer neighborhoods.

These cable vehicles are supposed to give residents simpler entry to the town, nonetheless, additionally they supply an inexpensive and enjoyable approach to get panoramic views of the whole metropolis making it one of many high sights in Medellin Colombia.

The Metro Line Cable automotive is a part of the metro community, so you should use them as you’d a subway practice. There are literally 4 strains, however line Okay has the most effective views. It begins at Acevedo metro station and takes you to the Santo Domingo neighborhood.

You possibly can take the metrocable up and down in lower than half-hour, and the views of the town under as gorgeous. In the event you’re on the lookout for fast issues to do in Medellin, it is a nice choice.

3. Strive Latin American Delicacies

For a style of the native delicacies, head to Mondongo’s the place you may attempt the mondongo (tripe) soup.

Colombian delicacies could be very hearty and filling. A preferred dish is bandeja paisa, which incorporates sausage, pork cracklings, beans, plantains, rice, and a fried egg.

Mexican meals is usually finished properly, and I’m a fan of 1910 Revolucion Mexicana for the trendy decor as a lot because the meals. And when you’re craving glorious creole or north Brazilian meals, head to

And when you’re craving glorious creole or north Brazilian meals, head to Bonuar, which is adjoining to the Fashionable Artwork Museum, and options stay Blues throughout the week.

4. Hit Up A Salsa Bar

In the event you’re on the lookout for issues to do in Medellin at evening, you then would possibly need to go to one of many salsa bars. There’s a five-block strip of salsa bars on La 33, or La 70, in addition to a number of golf equipment on the West facet of the town.

A paisa favourite is the raucous Dulce Jesus Mio, which is embellished like a mock Antioquian pueblo. Staff costume up as caricatures of typical townspeople. Get there early (9 pm), and guarantee you may have at the least one lady with you, to get a desk.

In the event you really need room to bounce, then go to the upscale Cien Fuegos, which options the most important dance ground on the town.

In the case of nightlife, Parque Lleras is probably the most accessible neighborhood. You possibly can simply stroll round till you discover a bar or discoteca (evening membership) that appears like enjoyable.

Or, hop a cab to close by Barrio Colombia and also you’ll have a dozen completely different discotecas to select from, all inside a number of sq. blocks. And also you’ll see fewer foreigners than in Parque Lleras.

Whereas the bars and discotecas round Parque Lleras are all the time busy on the weekends, there are numerous extra locations to social gathering with locals than the Zona Rosa. A paisa favourite is the raucous

You’ll want to take an Uber house when you keep out late and don’t wander the streets.

5. Take a Day Journey to Guatape

Guatape is a colourful pueblo a brief 2.5 half-hour bus experience from Medellin. It’s located on a lake and is simply quarter-hour from El Penol, a monolith protruding of the bottom.

You possibly can pay a couple of bucks to climb the steps up the monolith. The view of the encircling countryside from atop the rock is to not be missed.

You possibly can go to Guatape and El Penol as a protracted day journey, however I like to recommend staying the weekend to calm down just like the locals.

6. Go Paragliding

In the event you want adrenaline-pumping actions, paragliding is a superb adventurous exercise in Medellin. Not solely does it provide the thrill of flying, nevertheless it’s an effective way to see the town from above.

In the event you’ve by no means been paragliding earlier than, it is a nice introduction, since flights go for as little as $45 per 25-minute flight.

7. Store in Santa Fe

Santa Fe, situated on Avenida Poblado, is the town’s largest shopping center. The retractable roof permits contemporary air and sunshine in on good days.

The mall options film theaters, a meals courtroom in addition to some specialty eating places like Sushi Gentle, and loads of name-brand outfitters.

8. Attend One Of The Festivals in Medellin

In early July, Medellin hosts Colombia’s annual salsa competition. The weekend occasion is a mix of salsa workshops, competitions, and at evening, social dancing.

As the style capital of Colombia, Medellin hosts Colombiamoda (trend week) each July as properly. The three-day occasion is open to the general public throughout the day (a move prices about $40), whereas the runway reveals are invite-only.

La Feria de las Flores, the town’s annual flower parade, runs from the final week of July by the primary week of August.

The weekends are busy with parades, together with La Cabalgata horse parade, an vintage automotive parade, and the flower parade. There are additionally numerous concert events and particular occasions held throughout the 10-day celebrations.

9. Examine Out Jardin Botanico (Botanical Gardens)

Visiting the Jardin Botanico in Medellin, Colombia is a must-do for anybody trying to discover Latin American tradition and nature.

You possibly can take within the lush great thing about the plush vegetation whereas studying about over 1,000 species of crops from all around the world.

There’s additionally a powerful array of architectural gems, locations to sit down and calm down, and creative shows to complement your expertise.

The gardens additionally supply guided excursions with their educated workers who can present distinctive insights into native ecology and biodiversity.

Whether or not you’re on the lookout for a calming day trip or simply must breathe in some nature, the Jardin Botanico is likely one of the finest free issues to do in Medellin.

10. Take a Comuna 13 Tour

Comuna 13 has a infamous repute because the as soon as most harmful neighborhood in Medellin, and it’s now probably the greatest locations to go to in Medellin to see road artwork and is likely one of the metropolis’s high sights.

The streets are lined with graffiti, and to attach Comuna 13 with different neighborhoods, the town has constructed a sequence of open-air escalators to assist bridge the divide between communities.

You’ll discover that these escalators have additionally been embellished with colourful graffiti and murals, hoping to alter the perspective in direction of this space and entice extra individuals to go to it.

After all, it’s nonetheless a little bit unsafe right here, so we suggest going with a guided tour group for security causes.

11. Take One of many Pablo Escobar Excursions

This is likely one of the largest the reason why individuals go to Medellin, so we can not skip previous this high attraction within the metropolis.

One high vacationer attraction on the tour is Escobar’s former house, the place he hid his household and the place enemies tried to take him out with bombs.

Now, the location has been was a memorial park for the victims of the drug warfare.

You additionally go to “la cathedral”, the jail that Escobar constructed for himself in an settlement with the federal government, in addition to the soccer discipline her constructed and the place he gave speeches when making an attempt to get into Colombian politics.

The ultimate cease is the cemetery, the place Escobar is buried subsequent to members of the family and different gang members.

SIDE NOTE: You possibly can see one of many sunken planes from Pablo Escabars drug working within the Exuma Islands on a swimming with pigs tour.

12. Examine Out The Pueblito Paisa Mannequin Village

The Pueblito Paisa Mannequin Village was constructed to recreate the normal type of structure and dwelling within the Antioquia area and presents a glimpse into how locals lived over 100 years in the past.

Positioned atop Cerro Nutibara Hill, guests can take pleasure in gorgeous vistas of downtown Medellin whereas exploring the cobblestone streets, rustic homes, and small outlets that make up this distinctive attraction.

The Pueblito Paisa Mannequin Village options a number of attention-grabbing sights reminiscent of an old style market crammed with souvenirs and regional artisanal crafts, a reproduction chapel made fully out of wooden, a theater the place performances are held frequently, and several other museums devoted to preserving the legacy of native cultures.

For these on the lookout for a very distinctive expertise in Medellin, visiting the Pueblito Paisa Mannequin Village is a should.

13. Watch a Soccer Match at Atanasio Girardot Stadium

For these concerned with soccer, you should definitely take a look at one of many soccer stadiums in Medellin!

The Atanasio Girardot Stadium is house to the Atlético Nacional soccer staff, certainly one of solely three golf equipment to have performed in a first-division event.

In the event you occur to be within the metropolis on sport day, watching a soccer match will likely be an exciting expertise. There isn’t any higher environment than within the stands of a match as the gang sings and cheers on the gamers.

High tip: Tickets go on sale to the general public three days earlier than every sport, and you must purchase tickets from the stadium (window 2), which implies you do must plan forward to get tickets.

14. See Works of Artwork on the Museo de Arte Moderno

The Museo de Arte Moderno is world-class with a outstanding assortment of recent and modern artwork from Colombian artists.

Guests can discover all kinds of items starting from portray and sculpture to pictures and interactive works.

Inside its world-class assortment are items by Débora Arango, Manuel Hernández, Beatriz González, Olga de Amaral and Ana Mendieta to call a number of.

The Museo de Arte Moderno can also be a constructing of architectural curiosity. It seems like a concrete block from the skin, however the gallery areas really feel spacious and lightweight, and intensify every art work’s magnificence whereas offering a calming environment for contemplation.

High tip: attempt to organize your journey on the final Friday of the month between 6pm and 10pm when the doorway is free.

15. Be taught About Colombian Historical past at Museo Casa de la Memoria

The Museo Casa de la Memoria is a must-see for vacationers trying to be taught concerning the historical past and tradition of Colombia.

This museum gives guests with a novel window into the struggles and triumphs of Colombia’s previous. Via its interactive displays, detailed multimedia shows, and a powerful assortment of artifacts, the Museo Casa de la Memoria brings to life a number of the most vital occasions in Colombian historical past.

Whether or not you need to be taught concerning the historical past of slavery, civil wars, political violence, spiritual persecution, or Colombia’s indigenous cultures, there’s a lot to be taught and discover right here.

16. Examine Out The Parks

In addition to being wealthy in tradition and historical past, Medellin can also be surrounded by pure magnificence. You’ll want to take a while exploring the parks and outside areas.

Barefoot Park, in any other case referred to as Parque de los Pies Descalzos, is a big city park with a number of areas designed to mean you can stroll barefoot. Whether or not you need to dip your aching toes in a refreshing pool or stroll on the comfortable grass, there’s something therapeutic about wandering round with out your footwear on.

Parque Arvi is one other nice park to go to. It’s situated on the finish of the cablecar metro and is a superb place for a hike. It has a number of trails which you’ll be able to run, stroll, or bike. You too can do some horseback driving right here.

17. Be taught About House at Parque Explora

Parque Explora is likely one of the high issues to do in Medellin with youngsters. It’s an interactive science museum and a freshwater aquarium, all wrapped up in a single package deal.

It’s well-known for its distinctive structure, which resembles 4 giant crimson blocks inbuilt a wavey trend.

In truth, it’s South America’s largest freshwater aquarium! It has over 4,000 fish and marine life, from 399 completely different species which are frequent to Colombia. In its 25 tanks, you may see every thing from piranhas to electrical eels.

The science museum incorporates greater than 300 displays, plus a planetarium and 3D auditorium.

Greatest Time to Go to Medellin

Summer season, or the dry season, runs from December by February, so these are a number of the finest months to go to.

Each December, Medellin and the encircling cities like Envigado and Sabaneta, put up tens of millions of Christmas lights and decorations.

The whole valley is reworked, fireworks are lit off each evening, and chivas (social gathering buses) take each the locals and vacationers round to see the shows. All of it makes for a really festive environment.

However Medellin shouldn’t be referred to as the “Metropolis of Everlasting Spring” for nothing, it’s recognized for its year-round good climate, so any time is an efficient time to go to.

Getting To And Round Medellin

Medellin is properly linked to different cities inside Colombia by bus and air, and an growing variety of worldwide ones as properly. I’m a fan of

I’m a fan of Aires, a reduction airline which was not too long ago acquired by LAN Airways. You may get home tickets to main cities like Bogota, Cali, and Cartagena for as little as $75, thus saving you a ten to the 12-hour bus experience.

In the event you’re lengthy on time and quick on cash, persist with the buses. In a single day buses are pretty snug, with reclining seats, although it’s good to costume warmly as a result of the motive force all the time has the air-conditioning on excessive.

Medellin, and Colombia as a complete, is slowly opening as much as increasingly more worldwide flights between cities reminiscent of Quito, Lima, Panama Metropolis, and Havana.

In the case of getting round Medellin, bear in mind it’s a big metropolis, so whilst you’ll be capable to stroll round inside neighborhoods, you’ll want public transportation to get you across the metropolis.

Medellin has a reasonably good public transport system. Bus rides, which may be complicated at first, price about 65 cents every, whereas a single experience on the metro will run you 85 cents.

It’s the one metropolis in Colombia with a metro, nevertheless it’s very simple to make use of, clear, and customarily secure (there’s safety at each station and platform).

Taxis are metered, and you may go from one finish of the town to the opposite for $6-7, however you may also use taxi apps reminiscent of Uber as properly.

Is Medellin Secure?

I consider Medellin is not any extra harmful than every other giant, Latin American metropolis. The stereotypes from the times when Pablo Escobar, narcoterrorists, and the FARC used to trigger widespread and indiscriminate violence stay on, but anybody who visits the town will see it’s not so scary in any respect.

Ensure you keep within the well-populated areas and the touristy districts, and don’t exit alone at evening. The touristy areas have a excessive police presence which normally places petty criminals off.

The perfect areas to base your self in for security are El Poblado, Laureles, Envigado, and Sabaneta.

Whereas Downtown Medellin is the busiest space for sights, it’s additionally the place a whole lot of pickpockets occur, so be aware of your belongings once you’re sightseeing.

Frequent road crimes reminiscent of pickpockets and robberies proceed to be an issue, however violent crime towards vacationers is uncommon. So long as you employ your frequent sense and are street-wise, it’s best to have a secure journey.

The place to Keep in Medellin

Most guests keep in El Poblado, the upscale neighborhood in Medellin. And with good purpose. It’s fairly, clear, and customarily safer than different components of city. Many of the hostels are centered round Parque Lleras, with greater motels located alongside Avenida Poblado.

Whereas a lot of the hostels are social gathering hostels, I prefer to suggest Casa Kiwi the place I stayed once I first arrived within the metropolis. The Artwork Lodge is a pleasant place for these with an even bigger funds.

Residences are one other good choice with over 100 properties all through the town. To discover a room to lease, attempt CompartoApto, and to search out an house, simply do an web search and also you’ll discover a bunch of businesses.

Strive discovering a spot to remain by Couchsurfing, or by renting a brief time period house.

Don’t neglect to get extra suggestions in Dave’s journey information to Medellin!

Widespread Excursions in Medellin

Last Ideas on Issues to Do in Medellin

I like Medellin as a result of I’ve gained a lot as an individual from dwelling there. The paisas welcomed me with heat and curiosity. The pure magnificence impressed me each morning once I awakened.

The pleasant (and good lookin’) girls impressed me to be taught Spanish. And the Latin music impressed me to discover ways to dance.

There’s loads to see and revel in right here, you gained’t ever end up having a uninteresting day. Hopefully this information has given you some inspiration for what to do in Colombia and helped you map our your itinerary.

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