Things To Do
in Medellín
Medellín is a vibrant city located in the Aburrá Valley of Colombia, known for its pleasant climate and picturesque landscapes. It has undergone a remarkable transformation in recent years, from a turbulent past associated with drug violence to a thriving cultural and innovation hub. The city is home to innovative public transportation systems, such as the iconic Metrocable, and boasts a rich cultural scene with museums, galleries, and festivals.
Visitors can also enjoy delicious Colombian cuisine and discover the warmth and friendliness of its inhabitants.
- "¿Cómo estás?" - How are you?
- "Gracias" - Thank you
- "Por favor" - Please
- "¿Cómo te va?" - How's it going?
- "Buenos días" - Good morning
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $15 - $100
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $5 - $25
- ☕ Coffee: $1 - $3
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $0.50 - $1
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $30 - $70
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $20 - $50
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the stunning Comuna 13, exploring the vibrant street art and learning about its history. Enjoy a local breakfast at one of the cafés in the area.
Take the Medellín Metrocable to Parque Arví, where you can hike and immerse yourself in nature. Pack a picnic to enjoy surrounded by the beautiful scenery.
Head back to El Poblado for dinner at a trendy restaurant. Afterward, explore the nightlife in the area, with options for bars and live music.
Visit the Museo de Antioquia to admire contemporary and classical art pieces, including work by Fernando Botero. Don’t forget to explore the nearby Plaza Botero, where large sculptures are displayed.
Wander through the Botanical Garden, a serene escape filled with diverse flora and a butterfly house. Grab lunch at the nearby Café del Jardín.
Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant featuring Colombian cuisine. Afterwards, catch a performance at the Teatro Metropolitan if available.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Mild climate year-round due to its location in the Andes.
- Vibrant culture, including music, festivals, and local cuisine.
- Public transportation system is efficient and affordable, including the Metro.
- Beautiful natural surroundings and parks for outdoor activities.
- Strong sense of community and friendly locals.
- Rapid development and improvement in infrastructure in recent years.
- High crime rates in certain neighborhoods can be concerning.
- Traffic congestion can be severe in urban areas.
- Economic disparity and poverty still exist.
- Language barrier for non-Spanish speakers may pose challenges.
- Pollution and environmental issues in some urban areas.
- The rainy season can lead to flooding and transportation disruptions.
Best Activities in Medellín
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Nature reserve with hiking and birdwatching trails, picnic areas, and a canopy zip-line tour.
Guided tour of the vibrant street art in the Comuna 13 neighborhood, known for its urban transformation and graffiti.
Experience tandem paragliding with professional instructors to enjoy stunning views of the city and surrounding landscapes.
Tours
Uncover the best of Medellín with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Medellín
Visit one of these nice places.
Located on Nutibara Hill, this replica of a traditional Antioquian town offers panoramic views of the city.
A lush natural park that provides stunning views of Medellín and its surroundings, accessible via cable car.
A luxurious restaurant located in the hills, offering breathtaking views and a unique dining experience.
A hilltop viewpoint that provides a beautiful vantage point for capturing the cityscape and the Aburrá Valley.
Food in Medellín
Medellín Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A hearty meal consisting of beans, rice, ground meat, chorizo, chicharrón, avocado, fried plantain, and a fried egg. Notable places to try it include Hacienda Junín and Mondongos.
Must-Try!
A chicken and potato soup infused with corn, avocado, capers, and cream. La Puerta Falsa is renowned for serving exceptional Ajiaco.
A versatile corn cake that can be enjoyed plain, stuffed with cheese, or accompanied by various toppings. For authentic arepas, head to Plaza de Mercado de San Alejo.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Medellín better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
This bustling market offers a captivating array of fruits, vegetables, meats, and traditional Colombian street food such as empanadas, arepas, and fresh juices.
Visitors can indulge in an array of street snacks like pandebono, buñuelos, and arepas in this vibrant square, while admiring the nearby Botero sculptures.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Medellín, it is important to respect personal space and avoid standing too close to others when having a conversation or interacting in public spaces.
When meeting someone for the first time or in a formal setting, it is customary to use formal greetings such as 'Señor' (Mr.) or 'Señora' (Mrs.) followed by the person's last name.
Colombians value politeness and friendly interactions. It is important to use phrases such as 'por favor' (please) and 'gracias' (thank you) in daily interactions.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Medellín with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Medellín
Ensure a smooth experience
In Medellín, Colombia, tipping is not mandatory, but it is appreciated for good service. A general practice is to tip around 10% of the bill at restaurants. Tipping is also common for various service providers such as tour guides, hotel staff, and taxi drivers.
Payment practices in Medellín, Colombia are primarily cash-based, although credit and debit cards are widely accepted in urban areas. It is advisable to carry small denominations of local currency, as some smaller establishments may not accept large bills or cards. ATMs are readily available for cash withdrawals, and many businesses also accept digital payment methods.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Medellín.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Best time to visit with sunny days and pleasant weather. Expect high hotel prices and crowded tourist spots.
Expect heavy rainfall, lower hotel prices, and fewer crowds. May experience humidity and occasional downpours.
Medellín at Night
Hiking in Medellín
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A large nature reserve located northeast of Medellín, offering extensive hiking trails through lush forests and beautiful landscapes.
A popular hiking destination that provides stunning views of the Medellín valley, featuring trails of varying difficulty.
Located just outside Medellín, this mountain offers a range of hiking paths and panoramic vistas over the city and surrounding areas.
While a bit farther from Medellín, it boasts diverse flora and fauna along its hiking trails, making it a great adventure for nature lovers.
A popular local hike that provides breathtaking views of the city, perfect for both sunrise and sunset treks.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Medellín through these rare and unique activities.
Aiports
How to reach Medellín by plane.
The main international airport serving Medellín, located in Rionegro, about 35 kilometers east of Medellín city center.
The largest airport in Colombia, located in Bogotá, approximately 420 kilometers to the northwest of Medellín.
Located in Santa Marta, this airport is about 600 kilometers to the northeast of Medellín and serves both domestic and international flights.
Also known as Alfonso Bonilla Aragón International Airport, located in Cali, approximately 300 kilometers to the southwest of Medellín.
Also known as Rafael Nuñez International Airport, located in Cartagena, about 640 kilometers to the north of Medellín.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The largest demographic group in Medellín, comprising a mix of indigenous and European ancestry.
A significant demographic group with African ancestry, contributing to the cultural diversity of the city.
Smaller communities that maintain their ancestral traditions and cultures, representing the original inhabitants of the region.
A group predominantly of European descent, which includes various immigrant communities.
Minority groups that include various combinations of ethnic backgrounds.
The Soul of Medellín
Discover the essence of Medellín through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Soccer is the most popular sport in Medellín, with passionate fans supporting local teams like Atlético Nacional and Independiente Medellín.
Cycling is a widely practiced sport in Medellín, with the city hosting various cycling clubs and events, taking advantage of its mountainous terrain.
Basketball enjoys a growing popularity in Medellín, with many locals participating in recreational and competitive leagues.
Baseball is another sport that has a following in Medellín, with local leagues and youth programs encouraging participation.
Martial arts, including disciplines like taekwondo and Brazilian jiu-jitsu, are popular among both adults and children in Medellín.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Medellín.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Many restaurants in Medellín offer diverse vegetarian and vegan menus, and specialized eateries like Verdeo and Alambique cater specifically to these dietary preferences.
Several establishments, including Hacienda and El Herbario, feature gluten-free alternatives and are committed to accommodating guests with gluten intolerances.
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of Medellín with these cultural adventures.
