Colombia Travel Guide
Medellin
Colombia
Medellín, the capital of Antioquia, is a vibrant city known for its eternal spring. It boasts diverse neighborhoods like El Poblado, famous for its nightlife, and Comuna 13, an open-air history lesson. Medellín is also the birthplace of the artist Botero and serves as a gateway for numerous excursions in the Antioquia region.
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KEY INFORMATION ABOUT MEDELLIN, COLOMBIA
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GENERAL OVERVIEW
Medellin, travelers’ favorite city.
Medellin is the second-largest city in Colombia, with 4,000,000 inhabitants, including neighboring municipalities like Envigado and Bello. It is located in the Antioquia department in the Aburrá Valley.
Its altitude of 1,500 m ensures ideal temperatures, averaging 21°C year-round.
Medellin is 30 minutes (by air) from the Pacific coast, 5 hours from the coffee region, 10 hours from Bogotá, and 12 hours from Cartagena.
1,500 years ago, indigenous tribes lived in the Aburrá Valley.
Jerónimo Luis Tejelo discovered Medellin in 1541, and it became the capital of Antioquia in 1826.
The city, affected by drug trafficking in the 1980s-90s, has shown a resilient legacy through its post-Escobar transformation.
I love Medellin because it’s a city where life is good (hence the strong presence of expatriates and digital nomads); the locals (paisas) are friendly, the climate is perfect, and you’ll find many great places to eat out. Plus, with all these trees everywhere, walking around is pleasant.
It’s also a great opportunity to learn more about the city’s complex history and discover the artist Botero. Highlights include Comuna 13, the view from the cable car, and an excursion to Guatapé.
Medellin is also an excellent starting point for 3-5 day multi-day trips exploring the countryside.
The sunniest periods in Medellin are from December to March and June to August. Although it rains regularly, it shouldn’t affect your visit (heavy but brief showers).
You can experience the Feria de Las Flores in August, with highlights such as the renowned Parade de los Silleteros.
You can explore the primary tourist sites in Medellin within 24-48 hours. If you have more time, you can soak up the relaxed lifestyle in Poblado and Laureles and plan various excursions in the department.
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THINGS TO DO IN MEDELLIN
Understand the surprising transformation of the city, from a bloody past to a bright future.
La Candelaria, the downtown area of Medellin, isn’t a place you’d want to stay overnight (it’s dangerous).
The neighborhood is unexpectedly chaotic, featuring a mix of fake goods selling in malls and government buildings.
You’ll also discover numerous old colonial buildings with varying levels of restoration. Navigating this urban jungle on your own can be quite difficult, but it’s very worthwhile with a local guide.
Comuna 13 is one of Medellin’s top tourist spots. Situated on the mountainside near San Javier station, it has a complicated history of confrontations between guerrillas, paramilitaries, and the army.
Since the 2000s, locals have become artists and entrepreneurs, decorating the streets with graffiti, hosting breakdance performances, and opening small bars and souvenir shops. It’s a lively, noisy area with stunning views of the city.
Visiting this neighborhood with a local guide is ideal for meeting the residents and gaining a deeper understanding of their history.
The Museo de la Memoria offers another insightful look into the Colombian conflict. It showcases interactive maps, poignant quotes from children, testimonies, and photographs.
Recognizing the art of Colombian artist Fernando Botero is simple. His works are known for their disproportionate yet harmonious silhouettes. He is best known for his large sculptures.
You can find around twenty of these in Plaza Botero (downtown). Visit the Museo de Antioquia (located on the same plaza), which has a permanent exhibition of his paintings.
You’ve probably heard about him and might have seen the Narcos series on Netflix. Even though his life story is intriguing, I advise against giving it too much importance—no need to take a selfie at his grave. Colombians are tired of comparisons and jokes about Colombia and Pablo Escobar.
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Things to do in Medellin
Outdoor activities and nature exploration
With the city being surrounded by mountains, there are some great hikes to explore, though I suggest hiring a local guide if you’re heading into the higher areas of the city. Weekend hiking groups are also an option.
Some easy hikes that locals enjoy on weekends include:
- Parque Salado: lovely waterfalls and a shaded path.
- 3 Cruces: offers a breathtaking panorama of the city.
Paragliding over Medellin is possible from San Felix, a 40-minute drive away. The prices are reasonable, and it’s the only way to really appreciate the city’s size.
The rivers around Medellin are stunning and impressive. Rafting is the best way to experience these unique landscapes and get an adrenaline rush.
I loved my 2-day expedition (with overnight camping along the shore). For those with less time, a one-day rafting adventure on the Rio Caldera is a fantastic option.
With an electric bike (or not), you can explore the neighborhoods of Medellin with a guide for a quicker tour of the city.
Multi-day bike tours can also be organized to explore the region.
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MEDELLIN SURROUNDINGS
Most famous Medellin day trips.
Guatapé, the most well-known excursion from Medellin, is two hours away. The trip involves ascending the 200-meter granite monolith, La Piedra del Peñol, by climbing its 740 steps, then wandering through the colorful streets adorned with zocalos in the village.
This day can be planned on your own or through a local agency.
Santa Fé de Antioquia, located 1.5 hours from Medellin, enchants with its colonial architecture and cobblestone streets.
Perfect for a day of leisurely exploration, you can stroll through the town, cross the Puente del Occidente on foot, and meet gold prospectors.
An alternative (less well-known but a little further away) is the village of Conception.
While little known to tourists, Jerico is cherished by Colombians for its religious celebrations and colonial charm. It offers breathtaking views of the Rio Cauca and is great for hiking, touring coffee farms, and soaking in the local culture.
Situated 2.5 hours from Medellin, I suggest spending 1 or 2 nights there rather than a day trip.
Less than 30 minutes away by car, Santa Elena overlooks Medellin.
Couples enjoy its high-quality restaurants and romantic wooden cabins. It’s also perfect for flower lovers, with many flower farms to visit and learn about the silletera culture associated with the Feria de Las Flores.
Parque Arvi is a vast nature reserve spanning 16,000 hectares, accessible from Medellin by cable car. Many trails are available, but a local guide is required to explore them.
I love the cable car ride (for the views), but I’ve never been very impressed by the park itself.
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WHERE TO STAY IN MEDELLIN
An explanation of my favorite city districts and a selection of prime hotels
Laureles in Medellin is a lush, authentic neighborhood, ideal for experiencing local life—though it’s becoming more popular with expatriates. It’s great for wandering through parks, savoring affordable local food, and enjoying the lively nightlife on Calle 70.
You have easy access to Comuna 13 and other attractions via the metro.
My favorite hotels are Factory loft, Living by armico and hostal Casa Mosaiko.
El Poblado in Medellin is often considered the best neighborhood, providing panoramic city views.
As the nightlife hub close to Parque Lleras and La Provenza, it draws visitors with its restaurants, high-end hotels, bars, and malls. Perfect for meeting fellow travelers, though it’s pricier and more touristy than other areas.
An excellent choice for a first visit.
My preferred hotels are: Landmark, Lettra hotel & ADN Algo de nosotros
La Floresta in Medellin is the most peaceful neighborhood. Its charm lies in its authenticity, providing a glimpse of Colombian life away from the tourist hustle.
Although it’s far from trendy bars and restaurants, its proximity to the park and metro stations makes it a pleasant choice for those seeking tranquility.
La Floresta is ideal if you stay in Medellin for a week.
My favorite hotels are Hotel Casa Esencia and Hostel Metro Floresta.
Envigado is an excellent choice for extended stays, offering an authentic experience away from Medellin’s tourist routes. The area has good Airbnb options at reasonable prices (with few hotels) and is accessible by metro.
The best hotels in Medellin are in El Poblado, as are most hostels. Up hills, you’ll also find impressive glamping sites and cabins (with breathtaking views). I also like using Airbnb—there are many options, especially in less-known districts.
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GOING OUT IN MEDELLIN
The city is famous for its lively ambiance.
Medellin has plenty of rooftops. I enjoy going there to watch the sunset. Most are located in El Poblado. The most well-known is Envy Rooftop (a bit pricey), but I personally prefer Masaya‘s rooftop.
For an authentic nightlife experience, Calle 70 in Laureles is a must-visit. With affordable drinks and loud Latin music, it’s popular among football fans, reggaeton lovers, and salsa enthusiasts. Head to the Primer and Segundo Parque area for a more upscale evening.
This is the area where both Colombians and foreigners come to party. It caters to all tastes.
- Provenza is the most fashionable street, filled with people, colorful lights, and upscale restaurants.
- For a more alternative scene, visit the area near Parque Poblado.
- Regarding Parque Lleras, it’s becoming less appealing (noisy reggaeton clubs that are often empty and the presence of prostitutes).
For a true salsa experience in Medellín, head out of the “Gringo” area of El Poblado.
Many bars offer free salsa classes during the week, including Son Havana and Social Club. I also like visiting El Tibiri and Nueva Guardia on Calle 70 (Laureles).
It’s trendy in many Colombian cities. The Perpetuo Socorro neighborhood is home to two of the most well-known: 3 Cordilleras and La Planta. They organize parties, and in La Planta, you can visit the factory, too.
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EATING IN MEDELLIN
My favorite restaurants, cafés and markets.
This is the ideal spot for an immersive experience and to try many brightly colored fruits you might not be familiar with.
The most well-known (and largest) market is La Minorista—but the surroundings are scary. I also enjoy the small market at Plaza La America, close to La Floresta.
Besides the numerous cafes that are a paradise for digital nomads (Rituales, Pergamino, Café Noir), you can plan a visit to a coffee farm (around Sabaneta or La Sierra) and even do coffee tastings with the El Marquee hotel.
I also loved my coffee tour in Fredonia.
The view of Medellin is breathtaking. At night, the lights from the houses illuminate the valley and the mountainsides as far as the eye can see.
You can head to the restaurants in San Felix (Panchocha or Waira), the heights of Las Palmas (Entre Maderos, Colosal), and Sabaneta (La Octava Maravilla), or dine at one of the rooftops in El Poblado (Tony Roma’s, Cannario).
Even though Colombian cuisine isn’t internationally famous, some of Medellin’s great chefs unexpectedly mix the country’s flavors with international dishes.
One of my favorite restaurants is El Alambique. A new favorite that’s currently very popular is Idilico.
With lower prices in Colombia, it’s the perfect opportunity to indulge in a restaurant that is usually quite expensive in your country. I recommend booking the tasting menu at El Cielo or X.O.
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HOW TO GET TO MEDELLIN
Easy peasy.
This is the international airport, located 30 minutes from the city. Take the white taxis to get the official rates. The main airlines are Latam, Wingo, and Avianca. There are direct flights from most major Colombian cities.
This is a small airport located near El Poblado. It’s where small planes take off for less common destinations. It’s ideal for direct flights to Pereira, the Pacific coast, Mompox, the western Caribbean coast, and the Meta department. The main airlines are Satena and Clicair.
This is where most buses to the east (Bogotá, Guatapé) and north (Santa Fe, Caribbean coast) depart and arrive. You can get there by metro (Caribe station).
Located next to the El Poblado neighborhood, this is where most buses from the south (coffee region, Cali) arrive and depart. You’ll need to take a taxi to get there.
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GETTING AROUND MEDELLIN
It’s the only city in Colombia with a metro.
There are two metro lines: one running from the north (Bello) to the south (La Estrella) and the other from the east (San Javier) to the west (downtown). The Paisas love their metro. Eating is even prohibited. A ticket costs less than 1 USD, so feel free to use it for long trips.
The cable car ride is included in the price of your metro ticket (except for the last section going to Parque Arvi) and allows you to reach the city’s heights. It’s a fun way to enjoy the view without getting tired. There are 4 cable car lines.
Taxis in Medellin are generally very polite, and there are few scams. They use a taximeter. Some taxi drivers might not know the address you’ll give—they work more with geographical landmarks. To save time, you can help them with your GPS.
I enjoy using apps like Uber or Didi to get around Medellin. They are even cheaper than taxis. While these apps are illegal in Colombia, everyone uses them. You won’t be at risk; only the driver might face problems.
Medellin has grown too quickly. Avoid rush hours (metro or taxi); from 6AM to 8AM and 5PM to 7PM. Keep this in mind if you need to go to the airport or bus station.
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IS MEDELLIN SAFE?
No Dar Papaya (a Colombian saying)
Like in all major Colombian cities, you should be careful with your belongings and stay aware of your surroundings. In the metro, keep your bag in front of you and avoid putting anything in your back pockets.
I always take an Uber when it gets dark and the streets are deserted. It’s easy, safe, quick, and costs just a few euros.
Be cautious with dating apps like Tinder. There are many stories of travelers being drugged (with scopolamine) and then robbed.
Take an Uber rather than a taxi when leaving a nightclub, don’t leave your drink unattended, and be cautious if someone becomes overly friendly for no apparent reason.
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MY LAST TIPS
To enjoy the city of Medellin even more.
In addition to the Feria de las Flores (August), Medellin regularly organizes music concerts such as the Festival Alta Voz (December) and the Festival Solar (February). Book your accommodation in advance during these events (especially for the Feria de las Flores).
Some cafés and hostels organize language exchanges to help you learn Spanish and meet locals. You can do one every night of the week if you like. It’s always fun to join in.
I particularly like El Abrazo MDE (Poblado), Galerie Lafond (Laureles), and Olsa (Laureles & Poblado).
- Medellingles: Newsletter (in English) to get the latest tips on Medellin. Don’t hesitate to follow their Instagram account.
- Jason is an expat from San Francisco who fell in love with Medellin and has lived here since 2018. He has created an impressive online map (paid) with all his favorite places (bars, clubs, things to do, restaurants, cafés) he has discovered over the years (along with tons of annotations).
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Favorite experiences in Medellin, Colombia
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Medellin: Rafting, bivouac and adventure on the Rio Verde 2d
Colombia
2 Days
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Discover an unforgettable experience that combines adrenalin, wonder and sharing in an untouched natural environment.
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Medellin: Comuna 13 and old town guided tour 1 day
Colombia
1 Day
1 place
Discover the exciting story of Medellin, a resilient and innovative city that intrigues and fascinates.
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Medellin: Visit Gustavo's traditional coffee farm 1d
Colombia
1 Day
1 place
Discover the secrets behind coffee, one of the world's best-known beverages.
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Medellin: Guatapé colourful village and the piedra del peñol 1d
Colombia
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Stroll through the colorful streets of the colonial village and marvel at the view from the Belvedere.
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Medellin: All about chocolate on a cacao farm 1d
Colombia
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Learn the secrets of making chocolate, a delicacy that leaves no one indifferent.
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Medellin: Adrenalin rush rafting on the rio calderas 1d
Colombia
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1 place
Feel the thrill as you approach a rapid and share those emotions with your crew.
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