On this article, you’ll be taught the highest issues to do in Medellín, together with the perfect locations to go to and the highest sights.
Watch a soccer match, go mountaineering in a close-by park, go to the native communities, get together all night time, and even put down some short-term roots right here as many digital nomads have completed lately. Nature, meals, tradition, historical past, sports activities, there’s one thing for everybody in Medellín!
After spending every week in Medellin, it’s protected to say that it’s a metropolis we’d like to return to once more. We actually loved the general vibe, the meals was improbable, and the individuals have been welcoming.
Our Expertise in Medellín
The town of Medellín has shed its tough pores and skin as one of the crucial notoriously harmful cities on earth, however at this time many elements of town are protected, and travellers who’ve their wits about them needn’t fear an excessive amount of about crime or violence.
There are nonetheless areas in Medellín the place you merely don’t go, however these locations are fairly simple to keep away from.
We felt protected the complete week that we spent within the metropolis and this sense of safety was simply one of many many ways in which we have been shocked by the “Metropolis of Everlasting Spring”. To not point out, the truth that there are such a lot of enjoyable issues to do in Medellín!
Travellers and digital nomads alike had instructed us how improbable town of Medellín is and whereas we did take pleasure in our time there, we didn’t really feel that it had the rapid attraction that we’ve got felt in another locations (notably different cities and cities round Colombia).
The one “central” space for vacationers is El Poblado.
Certain, it’s full of cafes, vegetarian eating places, yoga studios and different facilities that are nice for the weary traveller, but it surely’s additionally full of gringos, backpackers and all-night partiers.
For those who’re into that, nice! If you would like a extra genuine Medellín expertise, most locals and expats would let you know to enterprise elsewhere, or a minimum of discover the cool bars in Poblado (like Social Bar) which are frequented by Paisas (individuals from the Antioquia area of Colombia).
Nonetheless, town does have a specific vibe and it’s inhabited by among the friendliest individuals wherever. There are great day journeys from town and there are some charming barrios (neighbourhoods) to discover.
Simply don’t go to Medellín with the imaginative and prescient of extensive leafy boulevards, Spanish colonial structure and quiet inexperienced plazas.
This can be a congested place and whereas you’ll find some respite within the Botanical Gardens and up at Parque Arvi, for essentially the most half, Medellín is a bustling, noisy, chaotic (however, enjoyable!) South American metropolis.
There may be undoubtedly sufficient to maintain you busy right here for five – 10 days.
We’ve created this listing of issues to do in Medellín for travellers, however when you plan to stay within the metropolis, you’ll find numerous occasions, live shows and festivals which you can participate in almost every single day.
So, right here it goes, our listing of the perfect issues to see and do in Medellín, Colombia.
1. Go to Comuna 13 and See the Road Artwork
This is among the few comunas (districts) within the metropolis which has undergone a famously profitable transformation. This is among the extra fascinating locations to see in Medellín for certain.
After the development of escalators and a collection of road artwork work across the neighbourhood, crime ranges in Comuna 13 dropped and it’s now a protected(ish) and fascinating a part of town to discover.
Some crime nonetheless occurs right here, so whilst you’re in all probability okay to go to Comuna 13 independently and trip the escalators your self, it’s nonetheless really helpful to go on a tour with a neighborhood, and keep away from nighttime visits.
One such tour is the highly-rated Comuna 13 Graffiti Tour which doesn’t simply clarify all the greatest road artwork, but additionally in regards to the historical past of the neighbourhood and the way the transformation was so profitable. Click on right here for particulars about that tour.
Getting There:
If you wish to do the tour, try Comuna13Tours on Get Your Information, in any other case, you’ll be able to take the metro. Hop on at Poblado Station and trip the A-Line north. Then change at San Antonio station and head west on the ‘B’ line getting off on the last station known as San Javier.
From San Javier you’ll be able to stroll to the escalators in a few half-hour, or hop on one of many public buses that say “Escalas Electricas” within the window. Click on right here to search out Comuna 13 on the map.
2. Examine Out Parque Arvi
For those who’re questioning what to do in Medellín to flee the hustle and bustle of town, Parque Arvi is your reply.
This was in all probability the spotlight of our complete keep and is among the greatest issues to do in Medellin. Maybe it was the truth that we have been so used to dwelling within the Caribbean that we merely weren’t ready for the chaos of metropolis life, however this quiet, lush park was a pleasant respite from town.
This greenspace is 39,500 acres (16,000 hectares), and provides 54 kilometers (33 miles) of strolling trails!
Trip the metrocable to the park and as soon as there, you’ll be able to take pleasure in a quaint little farmer’s market simply as you step off on the final station. From there, you’ll be able to go for a hike within the cloud forest.
There are a few well-marked trails that loop again to the start line, the place you’ll be able to finish your go to at a restaurant.
For the hike, get off at Parque Arvi and observe the one street you see up and round a rocky bend to the suitable. In about 5 minutes you’ll meet the primary street the place you’ll discover a group of eating places (together with Cable a Tierra Vegetarian).
Flip proper up the hill following the primary street. When you get to the police station you’ll see an indication for the Flora Path on the left. This path could be very effectively signed and finally loops again to the primary street the place you may get again to the eating places and metrocable station.
Attending to Parque Arvi:
Get on at Poblado Metro Station and trip the A-Line all the way in which to Acevedo station. From there you’ll be able to hop on the Okay-Line metrocable on the identical ticket, go to the Santo Domingo station and alter to the L-Line metrocable.
Right here you’ll should pay once more. Take the ‘L’ all the way in which to the top at Parque Arvi and get off. Click on right here to search out Parque Arvi on the map. Present fares for the metro and metrocable may be discovered right here.
3. Trip The Metrocable
It could sound unusual, however one of many prime Medellín sights is the metrocable.
These gondolas climb the mountains on the northern and western ends of Medellín they usually not solely assist residents reduce their commute time in half, however they’ve additionally efficiently related among the poorer barrios with Medellín’s financial core.
Because of this extra of the cash from the center class of downtown has been capable of funnel up in direction of the hillside neighbourhoods and this has helped with jobs and with the distribution of wealth within the metropolis.
The individuals are very happy with the complete metro system and so they need to be.
For travellers, using the metrocable is an inexpensive and enjoyable option to see extra of the outlying areas of Medellín. Each the Okay-Line (Arvi) and the J-Line (San Javier) climb over some full of life and interesting barrios.
Whilst you’re cruising above the neighbourhoods you’ll hear stay music and see individuals going about their day-to-day lives. These gondolas are improbable. The trip to Parque Arvi is essentially the most stunning one you are able to do.
4. Examine Out El Poblado
That is probably the place you’ll keep and whereas it’s generally known as “Gringolandia” it’s not a nasty place to hang around! We have been really pleasantly shocked by El Poblado.
For one, it’s protected to stroll round right here day and night time. One other factor that actually shocked us was that whereas a lot of the vegetarian eating places and hostel bars have been full of backpackers, among the funkier native joints have been frequented by principally Paisa individuals.
This made it simple to satisfy native mates over a few chilly beers.
Social Bar was our favorite place for certain, but additionally 37 Park was a cool bar with plenty of native individuals and vacationers all consuming and having time collectively.
Simply strolling round El Poblado was a variety of enjoyable. There are some parks the place individuals meet for pre-drinking (though legally you’ll be able to’t really sit down and drink in a park and chances are you’ll get kicked out by police).
There have been additionally free outside gyms, one in all which was aptly named “The Jail” as a result of it appeared like a jailhouse gymnasium with cement barbels and some rougher-looking characters hoisting them.
For espresso, there are quite a few boutique cafes within the space, try Pergamino or Cafe Velvet.
Getting There:
You’re in all probability going to remain in Poblado, so you’ll actually be “getting again there” after exploring different elements of town, slightly than “getting there”.
However taxis are low cost in Medellín so you’ll be able to at all times get again to central Poblado for little or no (beneath $7), in any other case, get off on the metro station “Poblado” and stroll quarter-hour up the hill the central El Poblado.
5. Be a part of a Free Strolling Tour (what to do in Medellín whenever you first arrive)
For my part, this is among the greatest issues to do in Medellín.
Everybody who visits town ought to undoubtedly participate on this tour and ideally on the primary day or two of arriving. The tour provides travellers a significantly better understanding of not simply Medellín and Paisa individuals, however of Colombia as an entire.
For extra data on the tour, try my latest put up: Why You Shouldn’t Miss The Medellín Strolling Tour. The assembly place is on the pedestrian bridge at Alpujarra Station.
Whereas the price of the tour is free, it’s tip-based, so it’s best to anticipate to go away a number of {dollars} on the finish.
6. Discover Parque Botero
This park is a cool place to hang around and spend a few hours within the afternoon. There are dozens of sculptures by Fernando Botero, in addition to the Museo de Antioquia and a very nice cafe that serves scrumptious chilly brew espresso.
The park can also be very near one of many dodgier elements of Medellín, however it’s well-policed. The mix of armed officers and shady characters makes for a protected, however a enjoyable place to people-watch. This space is among the extra fashionable locations to go to in Medellín, for each locals and vacationers.
Getting There:
Trip the A-Line north from Poblado Station and get off at Parque Berrio. Parque Botero is simply across the nook of the unmissable, checkered Palacio de la Cultura Rafael Uribe Uribe. Click on right here to search out it on the map.
7. Go to Parque Berrio
To not be confused with Parque Botero, Parque Berrio is the primary park you’ll see whenever you get off the metro at Parque Berrio Station. The cool factor about this park is that within the afternoon, teams of individuals congregate right here to play video games and music.
No person is actually on the lookout for cash. Within the late afternoon, there will likely be a number of musicians that simply randomly begin enjoying they usually at all times kind crowds round them. Individuals purchase beers from the native tiendas (outlets) and earlier than you understand it, there are a number of mini-concerts happening within the park.
The locals listed here are pleasant and having time so it’s the right place to satisfy some new mates and have a few beers.
Whilst you’re not technically imagined to cease and drink in Medellín parks, no law enforcement officials appear to thoughts right here they usually’ll usually be having fun with the music with the teams.
You’ll additionally discover some road performers and folks enjoying chess and dominos right here on some nights.
Getting There:
Hop on the A Line metro at Poblado station and trip it north, getting off at Parque Berrio Station. Stroll down the steps and also you’re in Parque Berrio. There’s a pleasant landmark church on the far finish which you can try as effectively. Click on right here to search out Parque Berrio on the map.
For those who’re fortunate sufficient to be in Medellín for a soccer match, don’t miss it! Watching a recreation is among the prime issues to do in Colombia as an entire.
The vitality within the stands is unimaginable. You need to head to the stadium a day or two earlier than to select up tickets, that are fairly low cost by vacationer requirements. seat in a protected space of the stadium will price you round $15. That is undoubtedly one of many coolest issues to do in Medellín!
Most locals will advocate that you simply don’t keep within the south space (Well-liked Sur) as that’s the place the loopy followers are and it may possibly get a bit wild.
We had seats within the Oriental Alta part and it was near the loud followers, however far sufficient away that we may nonetheless benefit from the recreation with out getting stomped by loco locals.
Learn Extra: Canadians in Colombia – Experiencing our First Soccer Match
Once you enter the stadium, you’ll get searched. This slows down the traces significantly (particularly for girls) so it’s greatest to reach on the stadium an hour or two early.
There isn’t a alcohol served within the stadium, however after the sport, you’ll be able to keep for a beer at one of many surrounding bars.
If the house staff loses, it could be a greater concept to go away as there have been fights, riots and even stabbings after aggressive matches.
If all of this sounds a bit too loopy so that you can fathom doing by yourself, or when you’d wish to have a neighborhood there with you who can let you know in regards to the groups and what’s happening, then I like to recommend testing this tour. It’s reasonably priced, enjoyable, and contains recreation tickets, information, a pick-up and drop-off out of your lodging, a drink and extra. Get extra particulars right here.
Getting There:
Hop on the metro at Poblado Station and take the A-Line north to San Antonio. Change to the B-Line heading west in direction of San Javier. Get off at Estadio Station and stroll with the group to the stadium. Alternatively, a taxi from Poblado space received’t price you greater than 20,000 COP ($6.66).
9. Be taught Salsa
There are numerous locations to Be taught Salsa in Medellín, however one of the crucial fashionable is DanceFree in El Poblado. Right here you’ll be able to take pleasure in personal or group lessons weekly. On the weekends, this turns right into a little bit of a bar with superior dancing.
If you wish to merely exit and watch, or attempt to follow what you’ve discovered, Laureles, Estadio and Suramericana are trendy, middle-class neighbourhoods the place you’ll discover among the greatest salsa dancing bars within the metropolis.
10. Take a Spanish Class
Medellín is dwelling to one of the crucial extremely really helpful Spanish colleges in Latin America known as Toucan Spanish Faculty. Taking a Spanish class (or two) is among the really helpful issues to do in Medellin whenever you first arrive.
Understanding some Spanish is important for getting by in Colombia (and most elements of South America). Try Toucan’s “Fast & Soiled” class which helps you be taught the necessities quick, with out having to focus an excessive amount of on complicated grammar.
11. Day Journey To Guatape
The attractive colonial city of Guatape and the towering granite rock shouldn’t be missed.
I like to recommend climbing up the 700 or so stairs to succeed in the highest of the Piedra del Peñol (Rock of Guatape). When you attain the highest of the granite monolith, benefit from the improbable view over the encompassing artifical lake nation earlier than descending again down into the valley.
After conquering the rock, ensure to go into Guatape. This tiny city is tremendous colourful and is price a few hours lazily strolling round earlier than heading again to Medellín.
Guatape is a reasonably simple day journey from Medellín — particularly when you be part of this small-group tour. The tour contains all transportation, two meals, a ship journey, quite a few websites, a educated information, and your personal free time to discover.
With the reasonably priced value and what’s included with the day journey, becoming a member of the tour is a no brainer. Click on right here for particulars.
For a extra in-depth information to day-tripping to Guatape, click on right here.
Try our video of Guatape right here:
12. Be taught About Espresso
Colombian espresso is legendary worldwide, so it’s no shock that one of many prime issues to do in Medellín is to go to a espresso plantation and study espresso manufacturing.
Take a day journey out to San Sebastián de Palmitas, which is about 45 minutes from town. Go to a coffee-making farm and be taught a quick historical past of the origin of espresso (together with the way it was delivered to Colombia), and see the method that the espresso bean goes by means of earlier than it reaches your cup.
After all, you’ll pattern espresso, and also you’ll additionally obtain meals on this journey. Try this highly-rated, reasonably priced tour which incorporates return transport, information, meals, espresso tastings and low so that you can take dwelling with you. Alternatively, click on the picture beneath for particulars.
For those who’re heading to Salento after Medellín, don’t miss the espresso farms there.
Now You Know What To Do in Medellín
Whereas there are fairly a number of issues to see and locations to go to, Medellín isn’t actually a spot for sightseeing, it’s extra about exploring, feeling and easily having fun with the vibe. Travellers and expats love the facilities, pleasant locals and the wonderful year-round springtime local weather.
The town may not instantly seduce you with romantic plazas, vibrant balconies and colonial structure, however Medellín has a vibe that’s plain.
The town is alive, bustling and in the midst of a miraculous transformation. Come and see for your self. With so many issues to do in Medellín, chances are you’ll by no means need to depart…
Try our video of our time spent in Medellín!
Photographs on this article are courtesy of Shutterstock — a web site for sourcing royalty-free pictures and movies.
Learn extra about Medellín:
Backpacking Medellín Colombia, a Newbie’s Information
Travelling to Medellín Colombia: Our First Impressions and Experiences
Why You Shouldn’t Miss The Medellín Strolling Tour
Canadians in Colombia: Experiencing our First Soccer Sport in Medellín
Digital Nomad Information to Residing in Medellin