On this article, you’ll be taught the highest 12 issues to do in Medellín, together with the very best locations to go to and the highest sights. 

Watch a soccer match, go mountain climbing in a close-by park, go to the native communities, occasion all night time, and even put down some momentary roots right here as many digital nomads have executed not too long ago.

Nature, meals, tradition, historical past, sports activities, there’s one thing for everybody in Medellín! 

Our Expertise in Medellín

Town of Medellín has shed its tough pores and skin as one of the notoriously harmful cities on earth, however at the moment many elements of the town are secure, 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.

For us, we felt secure your entire week that we spent in the town and this sense of safety was simply one of many many ways in which we have been stunned 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 advised us how implausible the town of Medellín is and whereas we did get pleasure from our time there, we didn’t really feel that it had the fast attraction that we have now felt in another locations (notably different cities and cities round Colombia).

The one “central” space for vacationers is El Poblado.

Positive, it’s filled with cafes, vegetarian eating places, yoga studios and different facilities that are nice for the weary traveller, however it’s additionally filled with gringos, backpackers and all-night partiers.

For those who’re into that, nice! If you’d like a extra genuine Medellín expertise, most locals and expats would inform you to enterprise elsewhere, or at the least discover the cool bars in Poblado (like Social Bar) which might be frequented by Paisas (individuals from the Antioquia area of Colombia).

Nonetheless, the town does have a specific vibe and it’s inhabited by a few of the friendliest individuals wherever. There are fantastic day journeys from the town and there are some charming barrios (neighbourhoods) to discover.

Simply don’t go to Medellín with the imaginative and prescient of large leafy boulevards, Spanish colonial structure and quiet inexperienced plazas.

This can be a congested place and whereas you’ll find some respite in the Botanical Gardens and up at Parque Arvi, for probably the most half, Medellín is a bustling, noisy, chaotic (however, enjoyable!) South American metropolis.

There’s undoubtedly sufficient to maintain you busy right here for five – 10 days.

We’ve created this record of 12 issues to do in Medellín for travellers, however in the event you plan to stay in the town, you’ll find numerous occasions, live shows and festivals that you would be able to participate in almost on daily basis!

So, right here it goes, 12 issues to see and do in Medellín, Colombia.

1. Go to Comuna 13 and See the Road Artwork

This is likely one of the few comunas (districts) in the town which has undergone a famously profitable transformation. This is likely one of the extra fascinating locations to see in Medellín for certain. 

After the development of escalators and a sequence of road artwork work across the neighbourhood, crime ranges in Comuna 13 dropped and it’s now a secure(ish) and fascinating a part of the town to discover.

Some crime nonetheless occurs right here, so when you’re most likely okay to go to Comuna 13 independently and experience the escalators your self, it’s nonetheless advisable 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 the entire greatest road artwork, but in addition 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 Comuna13Excursions on Get Your Information, in any other case, you’ll be able to take the metro. Hop on at Poblado Station and experience the A-Line north. Then change at San Antonio station and head west on the ‘B’ line getting off on the last station referred to as San Javier.

From San Javier you’ll be able to stroll to the escalators in a couple of half-hour, or hop on one of many public buses that say “Escalas Electricas” in the window (1,000 COP, $0.33). Click on right here to search out Comuna 13 on the map.

2. Verify Out Parque Arvi

For those who’re questioning what to do in Medellín to flee the hustle and bustle of the town, Parque Arvi is your reply.

This was most likely the spotlight of our whole keep and is likely one of the greatest issues to do in Medellin. Maybe it was the truth that we have been so used to residing in the Caribbean that we merely weren’t ready for the chaos of metropolis life, however this quiet, lush park was a pleasant respite from the town.

This greenspace is 39,500 acres (16,000 hectares), and presents 54 kilometers (33 miles) of strolling trails! 

Trip the metrocable to the park and as soon as there, you’ll be able to get pleasure from 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 in the cloud forest.

There are a few well-marked trails that loop again to the place to begin, the place you’ll be able to finish your go to at the most effective vegetarian eating places in Colombia (Cable a Tierra).

For the hike, get off at Parque Arvi and comply with the one street you see up and round a rocky bend to the precise. In about 5 minutes you’ll meet the principle street the place you’ll discover a group of eating places (together with Cable a Tierra Vegetarian).

Flip proper up the hill following the principle street. When you get to the police station you’ll see an indication for the Flora Path on the left. This path may be very properly signed and finally loops again to the principle street the place you will get again to the eating places and metrocable station.

Attending to Parque Arvi:

Get on at Poblado Metro Station and experience the A-Line all the way in which to Acevedo station. From there you’ll be able to hop on the Ok-Line metrocable on the identical ticket, go to the Santo Domingo station and alter to the L-Line metrocable.

Right here you’ll need to pay once more. Take the ‘L’ all the way in which to the top at Parque Arvi and get off (Complete for metroline & metrocable: 2,150 pesos or $0.68). 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 might 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 lower their commute time in half, however they’ve additionally efficiently related a few of the poorer barrios with Medellín’s financial core.

Which means that extra of the cash from the middle-class of downtown has been in a position to funnel up in the direction of the hillside neighbourhoods and this has helped with jobs and with the distribution of wealth in the town.

The persons are very pleased with your entire metro system and so they need to be.

For travellers, using the metrocable is an affordable and enjoyable technique to see extra of the outlying areas of Medellín. Each the Ok-Line (Arvi) and the J-Line (San Javier) climb over some full of life and engaging barrios.

When you’re cruising above the neighbourhoods you’ll hear stay music and see individuals going about their day-to-day lives. These gondolas are implausible. The experience to Parque Arvi is probably the most stunning one you are able to do.

4. Verify Out El Poblado

That is almost definitely 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 stunned by El Poblado.

For one, it’s secure to stroll round right here day and night time. One other factor that basically stunned us was that whereas a lot of the vegetarian eating places and hostel bars have been filled with backpackers, a few of 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 in addition 37 Park was a cool bar with a number of native individuals and vacationers all consuming and having time collectively.

Simply strolling round El Poblado was numerous 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 you might get kicked out by police).

There have been additionally free out of doors gyms, one among which was aptly named “The Jail” as a result of it seemed like a jailhouse health club with cement barbels and some rougher-looking characters hoisting them.

For espresso, there are quite a few boutique cafes in the realm, try Pergamino or Cafe Velvet.

Getting There:

You’re most likely going to remain in Poblado, so you’ll actually be “getting again there” after exploring different elements of the town, quite than “getting there”.

However taxis are low-cost in Medellín so you’ll be able to all the time get again to central Poblado for little or no (below $7), in any other case, get off on the metro station “Poblado” and stroll 15 minutes up the hill the central El Poblado.

5. Be part of a Free Strolling Tour (what to do in Medellín whenever you first arrive)

For my part, this is likely one of the greatest issues to do in Medellín.

Everybody who visits the town ought to undoubtedly participate in this tour and ideally on the primary day or two of arriving. The tour offers travellers a significantly better understanding of not simply Medellín and Paisa individuals, however of Colombia as an entire.

For extra info 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 you must count on to depart just a few {dollars} on the finish.

6. Discover Parque Botero

This park is a cool place to hang around and spend a few hours in 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 be very near one of many dodgier elements of Medellín, however it’s well-policed. The mixture of armed officers and shady characters makes for a secure, however a enjoyable place to individuals watch. This space is likely one of the extra standard 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 of the metro at Parque Berrio Station. The cool factor about this park is that in the afternoon, teams of individuals congregate right here to play video games and music.

No person is de facto in search of cash. Within the late afternoon, there can be just a few musicians that simply randomly begin enjoying they usually all the time type crowds round them. Folks purchase beers from the native tiendas (retailers) and earlier than you realize it, there are just a few mini-concerts happening in the park.

The locals listed below are pleasant and having time so it’s the proper place to satisfy some new mates and have a few beers.

When you’re not technically purported to cease and drink in Medellín parks, no law enforcement officials appear to thoughts right here they usually’ll typically 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 experience 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 that you would be able to try as properly. 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 likely one of the prime issues to do in Colombia as an entire. 

The power in the stands is unbelievable. 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 secure 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 in the south space (Fashionable Sur) as that’s the place the loopy followers are and it may possibly get a bit wild.

We had seats in the Oriental Alta part and it was near the loud followers, however far sufficient away that we might 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 any alcohol served in 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 might be a greater concept to get out of dodge as a result of there have been recognized to be 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 in the event you’d wish to have a neighborhood there with you who can inform you in regards to the groups and what’s happening, then I like to recommend trying out this tour. It’s reasonably priced, enjoyable, and consists of 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. Swap to the B-Line heading west in the 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 standard is DanceFree in El Poblado. Right here you’ll be able to get pleasure from non-public or group courses 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 apply what you’ve discovered, Laureles, Estadio and Suramericana are trendy, middle-class neighbourhoods the place you’ll discover a few of the greatest salsa dancing bars in the town.

10. Take a Spanish Class

Medellín is dwelling to one of the extremely advisable Spanish faculties in Latin America referred to as Toucan Spanish Faculty. Taking a Spanish class (or two) is likely one of the advisable issues to do in Medellin whenever you first arrive. 

Figuring out some Spanish is crucial for getting by in Colombia (and most elements of South America). Take a look at 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 gorgeous 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 achieve the highest of the Piedra del Peñol (Rock of Guatape). When you attain the highest of the granite monolith, benefit from the implausible view over the encircling 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 value a few hours lazily strolling round earlier than heading again to Medellín.

Guatape is a fairly simple day journey from Medellín — particularly in the event you be a part of this small-group tour. The tour consists of all transportation, two meals, a ship journey, quite a few websites, a knowledgable information, and your individual free time to discover. 

With the reasonably priced worth 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.

Take a look at 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 the 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 earlier than it reaches your cup. 

After all, you’ll pattern espresso, and also you’ll additionally obtain meals on this journey. Take a look at this highly-rated, reasonably priced tour which incorporates return transport, information, meals, espresso tastings and occasional 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 just a few 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.

Town may not instantly seduce you with romantic plazas, vibrant balconies and colonial structure, however Medellín has a vibe that’s plain.

Town is alive, bustling and in the center of a miraculous transformation. Come and see for your self. With so many issues to do in Medellín, you might by no means need to go away…

Take a look at our video of our time spent in Medellín!

Photographs in this text are courtesy of Shutterstock — an internet site for sourcing royalty-free photos 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 Recreation in Medellín

Digital Nomad Information to Dwelling in Medellin 

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