On this article, you’ll study the highest issues to do in Medellín, together with the most effective locations to go to and the highest points of interest.
Watch a soccer match, go mountaineering in a close-by park, go to the native communities, celebration all night time, and even put down some short-term roots right here as many digital nomads have executed lately. Nature, meals, tradition, historical past, sports activities, there’s one thing for everybody in Medellín!
After spending per week in Medellin, it’s secure to say that it’s a metropolis we’d like to return to once more. We actually loved the general vibe, the meals was unbelievable, and the individuals had been welcoming.
Our Expertise in Medellín
Town of Medellín has shed its tough pores and skin as one of the crucial notoriously harmful cities on earth, however immediately many components of 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 straightforward to keep away from.
We felt secure the whole week that we spent within the metropolis and this sense of safety was simply one of many many ways in which we had 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 advised us how unbelievable town of Medellín is and whereas we did take pleasure in our time there, we didn’t really feel that it had the speedy appeal that now we have felt in another locations (significantly different cities and cities round Colombia).
The one “central” space for vacationers is El Poblado.
Certain, it’s filled with cafes, vegetarian eating places, yoga studios and different facilities that are nice for the weary traveller, nevertheless it’s additionally filled with gringos, backpackers and all-night partiers.
Should you’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 can be 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 fantastic 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 huge leafy boulevards, Spanish colonial structure and quiet inexperienced plazas.
It is a congested place and whereas yow will discover some respite within 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 may be positively sufficient to maintain you busy right here for five – 10 days.
We’ve created this checklist of issues to do in Medellín for travellers, however if you happen to plan to stay within the metropolis, you will discover numerous occasions, concert events and festivals that you would be able to participate in almost on daily basis.
So, right here it goes, our checklist of the most effective 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 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 town to discover.
Some crime nonetheless occurs right here, so when you’re most likely okay to go to Comuna 13 independently and journey the escalators your self, it’s nonetheless really useful to go on a tour with an area, and keep away from nighttime visits.
One such tour is the highly-rated Comuna 13 Graffiti Tour which doesn’t simply clarify the entire finest 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, take a look at Comuna13Tours on Get Your Information, in any other case, you may take the metro. Hop on at Poblado Station and journey the A-Line north. Then change at San Antonio station and head west on the ‘B’ line getting off on the remaining station known as San Javier.
From San Javier you may 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. Verify Out Parque Arvi
Should you’re questioning what to do in Medellín to flee the hustle and bustle of town, Parque Arvi is your reply.
This was most likely the spotlight of our complete keep and is among the finest issues to do in Medellin. Maybe it was the truth that we had 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 affords 54 kilometers (33 miles) of strolling trails!
Journey the metrocable to the park and as soon as there, you may take pleasure in a quaint little farmer’s market simply as you step off on the final station. From there, you may go for a hike within the cloud forest.
There are a few well-marked trails that loop again to the place to begin, the place you may finish your go to at a restaurant.
For the hike, get off at Parque Arvi and observe the one highway you see up and round a rocky bend to the proper. In about 5 minutes you’ll meet the principle highway the place you’ll discover a group of eating places (together with Cable a Tierra Vegetarian).
Flip proper up the hill following the principle highway. When you get to the police station you’ll see an indication for the Flora Path on the left. This path could be very nicely signed and ultimately loops again to the principle highway the place you may get again to the eating places and metrocable station.
Attending to Parque Arvi:
Get on at Poblado Metro Station and journey the A-Line all the best way to Acevedo station. From there you may 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 should pay once more. Take the ‘L’ all the best way 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 could be discovered right here.
3. Journey The Metrocable
It might sound unusual, however one of many prime Medellín points of interest 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 linked among the poorer barrios with Medellín’s financial core.
Which means that extra of the cash from the center class of downtown has been in a position to funnel up in direction of the hillside neighbourhoods and this has helped with jobs and with the distribution of wealth within the metropolis.
The persons are very happy with the whole metro system and so they need to be.
For travellers, using the metrocable is an inexpensive and enjoyable approach to see extra of the outlying areas of Medellín. Each the Ok-Line (Arvi) and the J-Line (San Javier) climb over some energetic and engaging 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 unbelievable. The journey to Parque Arvi is probably the most lovely 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 foul place to hang around! We had been really pleasantly shocked by El Poblado.
For one, it’s secure to stroll round right here day and night time. One other factor that basically shocked us was that whereas a lot of the vegetarian eating places and hostel bars had been filled with backpackers, among the funkier native joints had been frequented by principally Paisa individuals.
This made it straightforward to satisfy native associates over a few chilly beers.
Social Bar was our favorite place for certain, but in addition 37 Park was a cool bar with a lot of native individuals and vacationers all consuming and having a superb 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 may’t really sit down and drink in a park and it’s possible you’ll 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 regarded like a jailhouse health club with cement barbels and some rougher-looking characters hoisting them.
For espresso, there are quite a few boutique cafes within the space, take a look at 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 components of town, quite than “getting there”.
However taxis are low cost in Medellín so you may at all times get again to central Poblado for little or no (below $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 part of a Free Strolling Tour (what to do in Medellín whenever you first arrive)
In my view, this is among the finest issues to do in Medellín.
Everybody who visits town ought to positively participate on this tour and ideally on the primary day or two of arriving. The tour provides travellers a a lot better understanding of not simply Medellín and Paisa individuals, however of Colombia as an entire.
For extra info on the tour, take a look at my current 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 depart a couple 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 components of Medellín, however it’s well-policed. The mixture of armed officers and shady characters makes for a secure, however a enjoyable place to people-watch. This space is among the extra common locations to go to in Medellín, for each locals and vacationers.
Getting There:
Journey 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 one is basically searching for cash. Within the late afternoon, there shall be a couple of musicians that simply randomly begin enjoying they usually at all times type crowds round them. Folks purchase beers from the native tiendas (outlets) and earlier than you realize it, there are a couple of mini-concerts happening within the park.
The locals listed below are pleasant and having a superb time so it’s the right place to satisfy some new associates 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 typically be having fun with the music with the teams.
You’ll additionally discover some road performers and other people enjoying chess and dominos right here on some nights.
Getting There:
Hop on the A Line metro at Poblado station and journey 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 take a look at as nicely. Click on right here to search out Parque Berrio on the map.
Should you’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 power within the stands is unimaginable. You must head to the stadium a day or two earlier than to select up tickets, that are fairly low cost by vacationer requirements. A great seat in a secure space of the stadium will value you round $15. That is positively one of many coolest issues to do in Medellín!
Most locals will advocate that you simply don’t keep within the south space (Common Sur) as that’s the place the loopy followers are and it will probably 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 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 ladies) so it’s finest to reach on the stadium an hour or two early.
There isn’t a alcohol served within the stadium, however after the sport, you may keep for a beer at one of many surrounding bars.
If the house group loses, it could be a greater thought to depart 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 if you happen to’d wish to have an area 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 inexpensive, 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 direction of San Javier. Get off at Estadio Station and stroll with the gang to the stadium. Alternatively, a taxi from Poblado space received’t value 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 common is DanceFree in El Poblado. Right here you may 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 observe what you’ve discovered, Laureles, Estadio and Suramericana are trendy, middle-class neighbourhoods the place you’ll discover among the finest salsa dancing bars within the metropolis.
10. Take a Spanish Class
Medellín is residence to one of the crucial extremely really useful Spanish faculties in Latin America known as Toucan Spanish Faculty. Taking a Spanish class (or two) is among the really useful issues to do in Medellin whenever you first arrive.
Figuring out some Spanish is important for getting by in Colombia (and most components of South America). Take a look at Toucan’s “Fast & Soiled” class which helps you study 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 succeed in the highest of the Piedra del Peñol (Rock of Guatape). When you attain the highest of the granite monolith, benefit from the unbelievable view over the encompassing artifical lake nation earlier than descending again down into the valley.
After conquering the rock, be sure 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 straightforward day journey from Medellín — particularly if you happen to be part of this small-group tour. The tour consists of all transportation, two meals, a ship journey, quite a few websites, a educated information, and your individual free time to discover.
With the inexpensive 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 known worldwide, so it’s no shock that one of many prime issues to do in Medellín is to go to a espresso plantation and find out about 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 study a short historical past of the origin of espresso (together with the way it was dropped at Colombia), and see the method that the espresso bean goes by earlier than it reaches your cup.
In fact, you’ll pattern espresso, and also you’ll additionally obtain meals on this journey. Take a look at this highly-rated, inexpensive tour which incorporates return transport, information, meals, espresso tastings and low so that you can take residence with you. Alternatively, click on the picture beneath for particulars.
Should you’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 couple 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.
Town may not instantly seduce you with romantic plazas, vibrant balconies and colonial structure, however Medellín has a vibe that’s simple.
Town is alive, bustling and in the course of a miraculous transformation. Come and see for your self. With so many issues to do in Medellín, it’s possible you’ll by no means need to depart…
Take a look at our video of our time spent in Medellín!
Pictures on this article are courtesy of Shutterstock — an internet site for sourcing royalty-free photographs 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 Residing in Medellin
