With a vibrant local Colombian culture and beautiful landscapes, Medellín is a great city to visit. Known as the "City of Eternal Spring", the place has a pleasant climate all year round, with temperatures between 16°C and 28°C, thanks to its location and the green corridors that help keep the environment cool.
Medellín is also known for its innovation, with a metro system and cable cars that make exploring the city easy and enjoyable. What's more, Medellín's culture is everywhere, such as the Flower Festival and Plaza Botero, where Fernando Botero's sculptures are a real eye-catcher.
If you're looking for fun cultural outings, Medellín has a lot to offer. Pueblito Paisa, with its traditional houses, and Explora Park, which mixes science and fun, are just some of the options to enjoy in Medellín. Located in the northwest of Colombia, Medellín has become one of the most popular destinations in South America. See what to do in Medellín!
1. explore Commune 13: from history to urban art 🎨
Medellín's Comuna 13, one of the city's most emblematic places, is an impressive example of social and cultural transformation. Formerly an area marked by violence and drug trafficking, Comuna 13 has reinvented itself and is now a pulsating center of urban art. As you walk through its streets, you'll be amazed by the graffiti and murals that tell the story of the community and its struggles.
A guided tour of the area is a rich and learning experience, where you can see first-hand how the residents fought to transform the neighborhood. The colorful staircases, vibrant paintings and lively atmosphere make the visit even more engaging. Be sure to take some photos and interact with the locals, who are very proud of what Comuna 13 represents for Medellín.
2. Visit Plaza Botero and the Museo de Antioquia 🖼️
To learn more about Medellín's art and culture, Plaza Botero in the city center is a must. With its impressive sculptures by Fernando Botero, Colombia's most famous artist, the square is an open-air museum. The 23 sculptures, with their bulky figures and touches of humor, invite you to reflect on Botero's unique style and his interpretations of society.
Right next to the square, the Museo de Antioquia houses a vast collection of Latin American art and is an excellent complement to the visit. With exhibitions by local and international artists, you'll delve even deeper into Colombian history and the identity of Medellín and the Antioquia region. At the end of your visit, take the opportunity to relax in one of the cafés around the square and watch the city go by.
3. Discover Medellín's Explora Park 🧬
Explora Park is one of the most interesting places to visit in Medellín with family or friends. This interactive science museum is a real invitation to curiosity. With exhibitions on biology, physics and the environment, the park offers educational and fun experiences. Don't miss the aquarium, the planetarium and the many spaces dedicated to playful learning.
One of the most fascinating attractions is the Underwater World Exhibition, where you can see a wide range of aquatic species up close. For those who love astronomy, the planetarium offers an immersive experience of the universe, with projections of stars, planets and much more. If you're with children, this is the perfect place to encourage them to learn while having fun.
4. Enjoy the view from Cerro Nutibara and Pueblito Paisa 🌄
If you want an incredible panoramic view of Medellín, Cerro Nutibara is the perfect place. Climbing to the top of the hill, you'll be rewarded with a breathtaking view of the city and the surrounding mountains. It's a great hike for the adventurous!
At the peak of Cerro Nutibara, you'll find Pueblito Paisa, a replica of a typical Antioqueño village, where you can learn more about the architecture and way of life of the region. Strolling through the streets, you'll see colorful little houses, small craft stores and even a replica of an old church.
The experience is like a trip back in time, immersing yourself in the history of Medellín and the Antioquia region. It's the perfect place to relax, take pictures and enjoy the tranquillity of a city that is always on the move. You can even hire a car to take this tour by car!
5. Relax in Medellín's Botanical Gardens 🌸
If you want to include in your itinerary a walk to enjoy and take pictures of nature, Medellín's Botanical Gardens are the perfect place. Located in the city center, this green oasis offers a wide variety of plants and flowers, especially orchids, Colombia's symbol flower. Don't miss the Orchideorama, a space dedicated to this beautiful flower!
In addition to the plants, the park is great for a picnic or a peaceful walk along the tree-lined avenues. During the year, the gardens have also hosted cultural and educational events, offering even more reasons to visit. If you love nature and want a moment of peace, be sure to include this walk in your itinerary.
6. Experience the local culture at La 70 🎶
For those who want to enjoy Medellín's nightlife, the La 70 neighborhood is an unmissable destination. Known for its lively atmosphere, this avenue is full of bars, clubs and restaurants offering live music, dancing and, of course, lots of fun. Here, you can enjoy the rhythm of salsa, reggaeton and other popular styles while sampling the local cuisine.
During the day, the neighborhood has a quieter atmosphere, ideal for a coffee or lunch in one of the many restaurants serving typical Colombian dishes. But at night, La 70 comes alive with its cultural events and live shows, making it the ideal meeting point for those who want to experience Medellín's vibrant energy.
7. Take a cable car ride to Santo Domingo 🚠
One of the most interesting ways to explore Medellín is with the Metrocable, the cable car system that connects the outlying neighborhoods to the center. The ride to Santo Domingo is one of the best ways to see the city from a different perspective. During the trip, you'll be treated to incredible views of the mountains that surround Medellín.
In addition, Santo Domingo is a neighborhood with strong cultural significance, where you can learn about local education and art initiatives.
The cable car also offers access to cultural centers and community libraries, making the tour an opportunity to understand how Medellín has transformed in recent years. It's a unique way to explore the city, combining transportation and sightseeing.
8. Discover history at the Casa de la Memoria Museum 📜
If you are interested in learning more about Colombia's recent history, the Museo Casa de la Memoria is an essential visit. Dedicated to the victims of Colombia's armed conflict, the museum offers interactive exhibitions that help you understand the impact of violence on Colombian society and the peace process the country has gone through.
The museum is a place for reflection, where you can hear moving stories and learn about reconciliation and peace initiatives. It's a visit with strong emotional and educational content, which will make your experience in Medellín even deeper and more meaningful.
9. Enjoy Medellín's local cuisine 🍴
Medellín's cuisine is one of the city's must-see attractions. The Mercado de San Alejo is a traditional place for those who want to get to know the typical flavors of Colombia.
There, you can try traditional dishes such as empanadas, arepas and bandeja paisa, as well as buy handmade and local products. The market's atmosphere is vibrant and perfect for those who want a real cultural experience.
If you prefer more sophisticated dining, the El Poblado and Laureles neighborhoods offer a wide variety of restaurants and cafés. From Colombian dishes to international cuisine, these neighborhoods are known for their diverse and high-quality gastronomy. Our top tip: don't miss the ajiaco or the arepa de chocolo, delicacies that represent the local cuisine!
10. Explore the surrounding area: Guatapé and the Piedra del Peñol 🏞️
About two hours from Medellín, the town of Guatapé is one of the most popular destinations for tourists. With its colorful houses and the famous Piedra del Peñol, a gigantic rock 220 meters high, Guatapé offers an incredible panoramic view of the region. The climb up its 740 steps rewards you with one of the most beautiful views in Colombia, with lakes and mountains all around.
In addition to the Piedra del Peñol, the village of Guatapé is charming, with its streets decorated with zócalos (colorful panels) depicting scenes from local life. Take the opportunity to stroll through its streets and taste typical local dishes such as fried fish and coconut rice.
11. Discover Hacienda Nápoles, Pablo Escobar's refuge 🏰
Hacienda Nápoles was the residence of Pablo Escobar, the infamous drug trafficker. After his death, the property was transformed into a theme park that attracts more than 500,000 visitors every year.
Located about two hours from Medellín, the hacienda offers a number of attractions, such as a zoo, a water park and adventure activities, as well as being able to learn more about Escobar's history and the impact of his actions.
Today, Hacienda Nápoles is one of the region's most visited tourist attractions, a unique leisure and learning experience. The site is also ideal for families, as there are attractions for all ages, from children's areas to more thrilling rides.
12. Immerse yourself in history at the Museo Nacional de Colombia 🏺
For those interested in history and culture, the Museo Nacional de Colombia, located in the center of Medellín, is a must-see.
The museum has a vast collection of artefacts, from archaeological pieces from indigenous civilizations to contemporary works of art. By observing the exhibitions, you can learn more about Colombia's evolution, its internal conflicts and its nation-building process.
How to enjoy Medellín with more comfort, practicality and autonomy
These are just a few of the many incredible tours Medellín has to offer! The city is a real mix of art, culture, nature and, of course, mouth-watering cuisine. Whatever your travel style, you're sure to fall in love with everything it has to offer.
To enjoy it even more, renting a car is a practical and comfortable choice, giving you the freedom to explore the city and its surroundings at your own pace. 🚗 Like the tips? Check out the next post 3 things to look out for when picking up and dropping off your rental car. That way, you'll be even better prepared to enjoy your trip worry-free!
