Medellín, Colombia, was once considered one of the most dangerous places in the world. It was ruled by Pablo Escobar's drug cartel, and shootouts in the streets were commonplace. Now it is the "city of eternal spring," where skyscrapers stand alongside colorful villages and green mountains. Delicious coffee and the rhythms of fiery salsa fill your stay in Colombia with energy.
How to see the city?
Walking tour
You can wander around Medellín on your own, but to learn about its history and secrets, as with any other place on the map, it's better to find a guide. Moreover, you don't need a lot of money to explore the city.
One of the best free walking tours in Latin America is held here regularly. It lasts about four hours, during which you can learn about the past and present of Medellín. The guide will show you all the best places in the city center that tourists are unlikely to discover on their own. Book the tour one day in advance. The recommended tip is $10-15.
Bicycle tour
A bike tour of Medellín is the perfect way to explore different areas of the city. You can rent a bike yourself or book a half-day bike tour with an English-speaking guide.
The tour will cover all the main attractions of the city, such as Botero Square, the Memory Museum, the Palace of Culture, and the local park. From the more expensive area with trendy restaurants, head to the poorer areas full of graffiti and street food stalls.
You won't have to pedal—the bikes are electric. And the tour costs only $26.
What to see?
El Poblado
El Poblado is a beautiful neighborhood full of green parks, rivers, and stylish industrial buildings covered with plants. It is one of the wealthiest neighborhoods in the city and attracts many tourists and foreigners. Because of this, the place is losing its authenticity, but it has the best restaurants in the city and is as safe as can be. You can walk around the entire neighborhood in 20 minutes.
Plaza Botero
The square is located in the city center and is known as one of the main attractions. It is also a place where you can see the most ancient buildings. After all, there is an open-air sculpture exhibition here. Twenty-three bronze sculptures in the form of body parts with unusual proportions were created by the famous Colombian artist Botero. The square is named after him.
Rafael Uribe Cultural Center
After viewing the sculptures in Botero Square, head to the Palace of Culture. Wander around its beautiful inner garden. The castle itself is considered a national monument, and its rooms and halls can be explored completely free of charge.
Commune 13
For a long time, Commune 13 was considered one of the most dangerous places in the city, but that has changed. Now this area is famous for its beautiful graffiti, views of the city, and lively atmosphere. There are many creative people here: dancers, rappers, artists, and those who devote their lives to art.
The commune is located in a hilly area. You can reach its summit by escalator or cable car, for the construction of which the government demolished many residential buildings. Now this is also part of the history that must be remembered while enjoying the views from the funicular.
An interesting fact: houses in the Commune are not painted. This is because once they are painted, construction will be considered complete. This means that the owner will have to pay tax.
Jardin Botanico Botanical Garden
One of the main attractions in Medellín and a huge oasis of calm in the middle of a bustling metropolis. There are more than 4,500 species of flowers and about 140 different species of birds here. There is also a butterfly garden where you can learn more about each species and admire their colorful wings.
A huge wooden structure in the middle of the main garden creates shade where you can take a break after a long walk. Admission to the botanical garden is free.
Museums
Medellín has many museums where you can learn interesting facts about Colombian culture and history. Here are some that are worth visiting:
- Museo de Antioquia, which houses a large number of Botero's works;
- House-museum of remembrance. It houses historical exhibits from previous Colombian wars and conflicts.
- Parque Explora. This is an interactive science museum with the largest freshwater aquarium in South America;
- Museo de Arte Moderno — a museum of modern art in a former industrial building.
The cost of one tour is about $5. Most museums in Medellín are closed on Mondays.
Arvi Park
This beautiful, environmentally friendly park is located on the outskirts of Medellín. You can get there by cable car, which takes you high above the city and slums to the green forests of the park. Enjoy a few minutes of silence, swaying treetops, and birdsong.
The park itself has many hiking trails, several waterfalls, and even archaeological excavations.
On weekends, a small farmers' market called Mercado Arvi takes place here. You can shop there or sample local cuisine.
Visiting Arvi is free. However, the cable car ride costs $7, and it's best not to be late for the last one, which departs from the park at 6:00 p.m.
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San Alejo Craft Market
This is a place where you can find unique items. On the first Saturday of every month, hundreds of artisans gather in Bolivar Park to sell their creations, made from the most unusual materials imaginable.
Circus performers walk around the market to make it even more colorful. Children especially enjoy their performances.
The village of Guatape and the Pedra de Pinhol rock
Just a 1.5-hour drive from Medellín is the village of Guatapé. The houses here are painted in bright colors with pretty ornaments. And in the ubiquitous pueblos, elderly Colombians sit in traditional hats with cigars. As you wander through the small streets, stroll around the square and visit the church, don't forget to stop and smile and chat with the friendly locals. This authentic, colorful settlement is located near the mountains and surrounded by many beautiful lakes.
The most popular hill here is Pedra de Pinhol, which is about 65 million years old. You can climb to the top via 675 steps in about 20 minutes.
It may not seem that easy, but as a reward, you will be treated to a fantastic view of the valley and lakes. At the top, you will find several shops with loud music and mango michelada (a beer cocktail).
The cost of climbing is $5.5 per person. It is best to visit the rock early in the morning on weekdays when there are fewer people.
For tourists who are ready to explore the local lakes, boat, jet ski, or kayak rentals are available.
Where to eat?
Colombia has many delicious traditional dishes. For example, Arepas is corn bread, and Bandeja is a breakfast dish made with beans, rice, plantain, and avocado. There are many excellent cafes and restaurants in Medellín itself. Here are some of them:
Cafe Zorba. This cafe specializes in vegetarian pizzas that even meat eaters will enjoy. They serve excellent appetizers and huge cocktails. On weekends, the cafe has live music and is very crowded.
Pergamino. The food here is delicious and inexpensive. It also serves one of the best coffees in Colombia. This place is perfect for nomads.
Betty's Bowls. A popular restaurant in Medellín serving beautiful smoothies and salads. The dishes here are so beautiful that it's a shame to eat them and you want to take pictures instead. However, you'll have to wait to get in, as the place is always full.
The Greek Connection. The restaurant has a beautiful outdoor dining area, delicious food, and the pleasant atmosphere of a Colombian suburb.
Toscano Trattoria & Pizzeria. An excellent family restaurant serving Italian cuisine, fresh ingredients, and friendly service.
Alambique. This café is tucked away in a quiet side street in Medellín. You can sit in a cozy room decorated with antiques and bookshelves, or on the roof terrace. They serve fish, meat, and delicious vegetarian dishes. Like the previous establishments on the list, it is very popular.
Nightlife
Medellín is quite lively at night due to its abundance of bars. You can check out Berlin Bar or La Octava Bar with its swimming pool. The roofs of Los Patios hostels and Envy Rooftop bar offer excellent views of the city at night. Parque Lleras park is surrounded by bars and nightclubs such as Woka Lounge.
You can also hop on the Chivas party bus. They play loud music and have flashing lights. The buses drive people around the streets, stopping at bars.
How to get to Medellín?
- Bus
This is the most budget-friendly way to travel around Colombia, and it's also quite convenient. The trip from Bogotá to Medellín takes just under 9 hours and costs around $30.
- Airplane
There are many domestic flights in Colombia. For example, a flight from Bogota to Medellin costs $50-150 and takes only an hour, not including check-in.
When should I go?
Medellín enjoys good weather all year round thanks to its warm tropical climate. Spring and fall can be a little rainy, while winter is hotter and drier.
The city often hosts festivals, so if you want to experience a Colombian celebration, plan your trip around them.
By the way, if you decide to go to Colombia, the specialists Madera Travel will be able to find the right tour for you.
Safety
Medellín is now safe for travelers, especially if you spend your time in tourist areas sightseeing. However, robberies do occur, and it is worth being cautious.
