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12 Greatest Issues To Do in Medellín, Colombia


On this article, you’ll be taught the highest issues to do in Medellín, together with the very best locations to go to and the highest points of interest. 

Watch a soccer match, go climbing in a close-by park, go to the native communities, get together all night time, and even put down some non permanent roots right here as many digital nomads have carried out lately. Nature, meals, tradition, historical past, sports activities, there’s one thing for everybody in Medellín! 

After spending per week in Medellin, it’s protected to say that it’s a metropolis we’d like to return to once more. We actually loved the general vibe, the meals was improbable, and the folks had been welcoming.

Our Expertise in Medellín

The town of Medellín has shed its tough pores and skin as probably the most notoriously harmful cities on earth, however as we speak many elements of town are protected, 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 protected the complete week that we spent within the metropolis and this sense of safety was simply one of many many ways in which we had been stunned 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 instructed us how improbable town of Medellín is and whereas we did get pleasure from our time there, we didn’t really feel that it had the fast attraction that we now have felt in another locations (notably different cities and cities round Colombia).

visiting medellin colombia watch a football game

The one “central” space for vacationers is El Poblado.

Positive, it’s full of cafes, vegetarian eating places, yoga studios and different facilities that are nice for the weary traveller, nevertheless it’s additionally full of gringos, backpackers and all-night partiers.

In the event you’re into that, nice! If you need a extra genuine Medellín expertise, most locals and expats would inform you to enterprise elsewhere, or at the least discover the cool bars in Poblado (like Social Bar) which might be frequented by Paisas (folks from the Antioquia area of Colombia).

where to drink in medellin colombia
Goats Having a Drink at Social Bar

Nonetheless, town does have a selected vibe and it’s inhabited by a number of the friendliest folks wherever. There are great 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 broad 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 essentially 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 record of issues to do in Medellín for travellers, however if you happen to plan to stay within the metropolis, you can find numerous occasions, live shows and festivals you can participate in practically on daily basis.

botero statue in medellin

So, right here it goes, our record of the very best 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 positive. 

After the development of escalators and a sequence of avenue artwork work across the neighbourhood, crime ranges in Comuna 13 dropped and it’s now a protected(ish) and fascinating a part of town to discover.

Some crime nonetheless occurs right here, so when you’re in all probability okay to go to Comuna 13 independently and journey the escalators your self, it’s nonetheless really helpful to go on a tour with a neighborhood, and keep away from nighttime visits.

One such tour is the highly-rated Comuna 13 Graffiti Tour which doesn’t simply clarify all the greatest avenue artwork, but in addition concerning the historical past of the neighbourhood and the way the transformation was so profitable. Click on right here for particulars about that tour.

comuna 13 medellin

Getting There:

If you wish to do the tour, try Comuna13Tours on Get Your Information, in any other case, you possibly can 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 ultimate station referred to as San Javier.

From San Javier you possibly can 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

In the event you’re questioning what to do in Medellín to flee the hustle and bustle of town, Parque Arvi is your reply.

This was in all probability the spotlight of our whole keep and is among the greatest 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 gives 54 kilometers (33 miles) of strolling trails! 

Experience the metrocable to the park and as soon as there, you possibly can get pleasure from a quaint little farmer’s market simply as you step off on the final station. From there, you possibly can go for a hike within the cloud forest.

There are a few well-marked trails that loop again to the start line, the place you possibly can finish your go to at a restaurant.

For the hike, get off at Parque Arvi and observe the one street you see up and round a rocky bend to the appropriate. In about 5 minutes you’ll meet the principle street the place you’ll discover a group of eating places (together with Cable a Tierra Vegetarian).

Flip proper up the hill following the principle street. When you get to the police station you’ll see an indication for the Flora Path on the left. This path may be very effectively signed and ultimately loops again to the principle street the place you may get again to the eating places and metrocable station.

hiking in parque arvi medellin

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 possibly can hop on the Okay-Line metrocable on the identical ticket, go to the Santo Domingo station and alter to the L-Line metrocable.

Right here you’ll must pay once more. Take the ‘L’ all the best way to the tip 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 may be discovered right here

3. Experience 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 reduce their commute time in half, however they’ve additionally efficiently related a number of the poorer barrios with Medellín’s financial core.

Because of this 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 complete metro system and so they need to be.

For travellers, driving the metrocable is an affordable and enjoyable approach to see extra of the outlying areas of Medellín. Each the Okay-Line (Arvi) and the J-Line (San Javier) climb over some energetic and engaging barrios.

metrocable medellin things to do

Whilst you’re cruising above the neighbourhoods you’ll hear stay music and see folks going about their day-to-day lives. These gondolas are improbable. The journey to Parque Arvi is essentially the most lovely one you are able to do.

4. Verify Out El Poblado

That is almost certainly the place you’ll keep and whereas it’s generally known as “Gringolandia” it’s not a nasty place to hang around! We had been really pleasantly stunned by El Poblado.

For one, it’s protected to stroll round right here day and night time. One other factor that actually stunned us was that whereas a lot of the vegetarian eating places and hostel bars had been full of backpackers, a number of the funkier native joints had been frequented by principally Paisa folks.

This made it straightforward to satisfy native pals over a few chilly beers.

Social Bar was our favorite place for positive, but in addition 37 Park was a cool bar with a lot of native folks and vacationers all consuming and having a very good time collectively.

Simply strolling round El Poblado was lots of enjoyable. There are some parks the place folks meet for pre-drinking (though legally you possibly can’t really sit down and drink in a park and chances are you’ll get kicked out by police).

Medellin

There have been additionally free out of doors gyms, one among which was aptly named “The Jail” as a result of it seemed like a jailhouse fitness center with cement barbels and some rougher-looking characters hoisting them.

For espresso, there are quite a few boutique cafes within the space, try Pergamino or Cafe Velvet.

Things To Do in Medellin

Getting There:

You’re in all probability going to remain in Poblado, so you’ll actually be “getting again there” after exploring different elements of town, somewhat than “getting there”.

However taxis are low-cost in Medellín so you possibly can all the time 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 greatest 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 folks, however of Colombia as a complete.

For extra data on the tour, try my latest submit: Why You Shouldn’t Miss The Medellín Strolling Tour. The assembly place is on the pedestrian bridge at Alpujarra Station.

medellin-walking-tour-drink

Whereas the price of the tour is free, it’s tip-based, so you must count on 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 be very near one of many dodgier elements of Medellín, however it’s well-policed. The mix of armed officers and shady characters makes for a protected, however a enjoyable place to people-watch. This space is among the extra fashionable locations to go to in Medellín, for each locals and vacationers. 

travel to medellin plaza botero

Getting There:

Experience 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 admittedly in search of cash. Within the late afternoon, there might be a couple of musicians that simply randomly begin enjoying they usually all the time kind crowds round them. Individuals purchase beers from the native tiendas (outlets) and earlier than it, there are a couple of mini-concerts happening within the park.

The locals listed here are pleasant and having a very good time so it’s the proper place to satisfy some new pals 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 avenue performers and folks enjoying chess and dominos right here on some nights.

places to visit in medellin parque berrio

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 you can try as effectively. Click on right here to search out Parque Berrio on the map.

In the event 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 a complete. 

The vitality within the stands is unbelievable. It is best to head to the stadium a day or two earlier than to select up tickets, that are fairly low-cost by vacationer requirements. An excellent seat in a protected space of the stadium will price you round $15. That is positively one of many coolest issues to do in Medellín!

Most locals will advocate that you just don’t keep within the south space (Fashionable Sur) as that’s the place the loopy followers are and it could 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 may nonetheless benefit from the recreation with out getting stomped by loco locals.

Learn Extra: Canadians in Colombia – Experiencing our First Soccer Match

canadians in colombia our experience at a medellin football game

While you enter the stadium, you’ll get searched. This slows down the traces significantly (particularly for ladies) so it’s greatest to reach on the stadium an hour or two early.

There is no such thing as a alcohol served within the stadium, however after the sport, you possibly can keep for a beer at one of many surrounding bars.

If the house crew loses, it might 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 prefer to have a neighborhood there with you who can inform you concerning the groups and what’s happening, then I like to recommend trying out 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 group to the stadium. Alternatively, a taxi from Poblado space received’t price you greater than 20,000 COP ($6.66).

9. Be taught Salsa

There are numerous locations to Be taught Salsa in Medellín, however probably the most fashionable is DanceFree in El Poblado. Right here you possibly can get pleasure from 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 apply what you’ve discovered, Laureles, Estadio and Suramericana are trendy, middle-class neighbourhoods the place you’ll discover a number of the greatest salsa dancing bars within the metropolis.

10. Take a Spanish Class

Medellín is house to probably the most extremely really helpful Spanish colleges in Latin America referred to as Toucan Spanish College. Taking a Spanish class (or two) is among the really helpful issues to do in Medellin whenever you first arrive. 

Realizing some Spanish is crucial for getting by in Colombia (and most elements of South America). Try Toucan’s “Fast & Soiled” class which helps you be taught the necessities quick, with out having to focus an excessive amount of on complicated grammar.

11. Day Journey To Guatape

The attractive 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 improbable 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 value 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 personal free time to discover. 

With the inexpensive value 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.

Try 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 study 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 be taught a quick 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 means of earlier than it reaches your cup. 

In fact, you’ll pattern espresso, and also you’ll additionally obtain meals on this journey. Try this highly-rated, inexpensive tour which incorporates return transport, information, meals, espresso tastings and low so that you can take house with you. Alternatively, click on the picture beneath for particulars.

In the event 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.

The town won’t instantly seduce you with romantic plazas, vibrant balconies and colonial structure, however Medellín has a vibe that’s simple.

The town is alive, bustling and in the midst of a miraculous transformation. Come and see for your self. With so many issues to do in Medellín, chances are you’ll by no means need to depart…

Try our video of our time spent in Medellín!

Pictures on this article are courtesy of Shutterstock — a web site for sourcing royalty-free photos 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 Sport in Medellín

Digital Nomad Information to Dwelling in Medellin 

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