Few cities in the world boast as rich and colorful a history as Medellin. Just a few decades ago, the city was infamously a drug trafficking hub and full of danger. Today, thanks to the locals' resilience and determination to move past its tragic history, Medellin has largely shed its reputation and become Colombia's liveliest and most developed city. It's a favorite spot for digital nomads and adventurous tourists alike as it boasts trendy bars, delicious food, and countless historical landmarks. The best time to visit is between December and March during the dry season.
01 Explore Comuna 13
No other place in Colombia has undergone as spectacular of a transformation as Comuna 13. Once a criminal area marred by extreme violence, the neighborhood is now a celebration of the resilient spirit of the community. The famous murals and colorful street art by local artists function as an open-air museum that interrogates the area's troubled history.
It's best to a taxi to the Comuna as there's no convenient public transport. Then, walk straight ahead until you see the escalators and the colorful murals. Don't forget to book one of the local tours — it's the best way to learn more about the history of the place and to gain a deeper understanding of the significance of the artwork. Leave some time to admire the views on the top — they're going to take your breath away.
02 Visit Parque Arví
Parque Arví offers a welcome respite from Medellin's hustle and bustle. It spans over 16,000 hectares and has a diverse ecosystem that includes forests, lakes, meadows, and many local animals. History buffs will also love the archeological sites which predate the Colonial area. Transportation is by Metro Cars and it's a major attraction in itself — it offers spectacular views through the forests that undoubtedly are among Medellin's most beautiful.
03 Wander through Plaza Botero
Make a stop at Plaza Botero, which hosts some of the artist's most famous works. The sculptures are characterized by Botero's signature style of playfulness and exaggerated proportions. They're rumored to bring good fortune — you'll notice that the paint has rubbed off in the good luck spots over time. Don't be afraid to touch the artwork yourself, as the plaza is conceptualized as an open-area museum where human interaction with the pieces is part of the expression. The area can be a bit gritty, so it's best to visit the plaza by taxi or public transport.
04 Tour the Museo de Antioquia
Don't miss Museo de Antioquia — an afternoon there can immerse you in the rich history of the area and discover the cultural influences that shape Colombia. It features artwork dating from indigenous cultures and the Colonial area, as well as the work of modern artists such as Botero. The museum offers culture lovers a rare opportunity to explore some of the area's early art, which can be hard to find elsewhere.
05 Experience the Jardín Botánico
Spend an afternoon aimlessly wandering through the lush gardens of Jardín Botánico. The Orchideorama, a wooden structure adorned with thousands of flowers is a particularly notable attraction. It often hosts cultural events like concerts and exhibitions, as well as guided tours and lectures that focus on biodiversity and conservation. The gardens are free for foreign tourists but not for locals, so don't join the queue and alert the security instead, they'll let you in.
06 Enjoy a day trip to Guatapé
When you tire of the city, a day trip to Guatapé is the way to go! This small town is only a 2-hour drive away, but its tranquility is in stark contrast to the bustling Medellin. Guatapé is full of charming buildings, little shops, and cobbled streets, but the show-stopping attraction is undoubtedly El Peñol Rock. It takes 740 steps to climb and offers spectacular views over the nearby lakes and lush green areas. If you're a fan of water sports, you can enjoy diving, kayaking, speedboating, and many others.
07 Join a free walking tour
Medellin tours vary widely, from some covering the most famous attractions to some niche ones. We recommend La Sierra Barrio Tour, a tour off the beaten path that takes you through one of the developing comunas in the mountains. Milena, a local guide who was born in raised in the area, will give you a fascinating glimpse into local history, the impact of tourism, and the massive changes the city has undergone.
08 Indulge in the local culinary scene
El Poblado is the best place to enjoy some local specialties. Most importantly, try the Bandeja Paisa, a hearty dish that features rice, beans, plantain, and grilled meat. It's a working-class staple meal and the ultimate hangover cure. Eat like a local and try street food such as arepas (traditional corn cakes), chuzos (grilled meat skewers), and obelas (a delicious wafer dessert).
Of course, no trip to Colombia would be complete without a cup of local coffee. Much of the country's finest coffee beans get exported, so if you want to get the real thing, your best bet is to visit a specialty coffee shop. We recommend Mosquito Cafe and Ojala Brunch in El Poblado for a first-class cup of joe.
09 Discover modern art at Museo de Arte Moderno
This museum hosts an impressive variety of modern art by established artists such as Pablo Picasso, Salvador Dali, and Henri Matisse right next to up-and-coming local voices. The 7000+ pieces on display span multiple floors and range from fine art to industrial designs. Many of the works feature social commentary against repressive social norms or represent artists's perspectives on the turbulent times the country has been through.
10 Relax at Parque Lleras
Situated in the trendy El Poblado neighborhood, Parque Lleras is a refuge for the many nomads in the area during the day. After dark, it's the hottest nighttime spot in the city. Enjoy a leisurely stroll and sip on a Colombian coffee in one of the charming cafes in the afternoon, or dance the night away in one of the nighttime venues. The choice is yours! Over the weekend, you can always enjoy live music and entertaining shows. A few recommendations: El Social and Envy Rooftop Bar serve the best cocktails.
11 Explore the historical center
Medellin's major historical landmarks are mostly situated in the La Candelaria neighborhood and within walking distance of each other. You can sign up on one of the many tours or easily visit them on your own if you're looking for some alone time. Key places to visit are Plaza Botero, the Catedral Basilica Metropolitana, and Plaza de las Luces. While the area is very central, it's not always perfectly safe — don't deviate from the main streets and avoid visiting after dark.
12 Visit the Memory House Museum
There's no better place to learn about the city's devastating history than the Memory House Museum. It was founded in 2012 as a place for remembrance and somber reflection. The museum doesn't focus on drug cartels' famous criminals; instead, it draws you to consider the impact on the local communities and the incredible resilience they've shown in rebuilding Medellin from the ground up.
13 Participate in local festivals
Try to time your holiday to line up with one of these iconic festivals — it's more than worth it. Feria de las Flores is a week-long festival that celebrates the incredible variety of flowers the country boasts. Did you know that there are over 7000 types of orchids in Colombia? The festival is most famous for the colorful Desfile de Silleteros, where locals carry elaborate flower arrangements throughout the city. Culture loves will appreciate the International Poetry Festival — an international event that celebrates the art form. It features readings, workshops, and lively discussions where socially engaged poets have a chance to interact with the public.
14 Outdoor adventures in Medellín
A lesser-known fact among travelers is that the area is a paradise for outdoor adventures. Paragliding is especially popular and is only a 45-minute taxi ride outside of the city center. Depending on the day, you can enjoy breathtaking views over the Aburrá Valley or see the impressive development the city has undergone from up high. Mountain biking, water rafting, and canyoning are also great options.
15 Walk with locals
The best way to understand a city is through the eyes of the locals. Real City Walking tours allow you to do just that — they are known for the many personal anecdotes and local history tidbits that visitor can rarely get from elsewhere. We recommend the Exotic Fruit tours as it's a fun way to acquaint yourself with a healthier and lesser-known aspect of Colombian cuisine, namely its rich variety of exotic fruit. We're not talking mango and papaya here, these are fruit you've probably never heard of before!
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