Things To Do
in Medellín
Medellín is a vibrant, modern Colombian city set in the Aburrá Valley and known for its pleasant year-round climate and rapid urban transformation. Once notorious for violence, it is now celebrated for innovation, public transit (including cable cars), lively neighborhoods, and cultural initiatives. The city blends high-rise neighborhoods, leafy hills, and colorful working-class barrios like Comuna 13 that feature striking street art and community-led tours.
Medellín offers a mix of nightlife, coffee culture, museums, parks, and easy access to nature in the surrounding Andes.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to Plaza Botero, where you can marvel at the oversized sculptures of renowned Colombian artist Fernando Botero. Stroll through the vibrant streets of the historic district, absorbing the rich history and architecture. Don’t miss the nearby Museo de Antioquia, home to an impressive collection of contemporary art.
After lunch at a traditional restaurant, head to the Palacio de la Cultura, an architectural gem where you can learn about Medellín's cultural heritage. Enjoy a leisurely walk along the Carrera Junin, where charming shops and local vendors offer a glimpse into daily life. As the afternoon sun sets, relax in Parque de los Deseos, a hub for community gatherings.
Dine at one of the local restaurants offering delicious Colombian cuisine, such as bandeja paisa or arepas. After dinner, immerse yourself in the nightlife by visiting a local salsa club, where you can dance the night away to the rhythm of live music. Conclude your day with a stroll through the illuminated streets, taking in the city’s vibrant atmosphere.
Take the Metrocable up to Parque Arví, a nature reserve that offers stunning views of the city and surrounding mountains. Once you arrive, embark on a guided nature walk to discover the diverse flora and fauna of the region. Engage with local farmers and artisans at the market, where you can sample fresh produce and handmade goods.
Continue exploring the park by renting a bicycle or horseback riding through the scenic trails. Grab a picnic lunch in one of the serene areas, surrounded by the sounds of nature. In the afternoon, visit the archaeological sites within the park to learn about the indigenous cultures that once inhabited this land.
Return to the city in the early evening and unwind at a café overlooking the city. Enjoy a coffee or a refreshing drink while watching the sunset over Medellín. For dinner, try a restaurant specializing in local dishes that highlight the region's culinary diversity.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| ☕️Coffee at a café | $1.50-3 |
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $4-10 |
| 🍺Domestic beer (bar) | $1.50-3 |
| 🚕Short taxi ride (city) | $2-6 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel (per night) | $40-100 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Pleasant year-round climate and scenic mountain setting
- Strong cultural revival: street art, museums, and festivals
- Good public transit with metro + Metrocable connecting hillside neighborhoods
- Vibrant food scene from traditional dishes to modern restaurants
- Easy access to nature, day trips, and outdoor activities
- Safety risks remain in certain neighborhoods; requires vigilance
- Afternoon rains during wet seasons can disrupt plans
- Altitude and steep hills can be challenging for some visitors
- Air pollution and traffic congestion at peak hours
- Language barrier if you don’t speak Spanish in smaller establishments
- "Hola, ¿cómo está?" - Hello, how are you?
- "¿Cuánto cuesta?" - How much does it cost?
- "Una mesa para dos, por favor" - A table for two, please
- "Gracias, muy amable" - Thank you, very kind
- "¿Puede recomendarme algo típico?" - Can you recommend something typical?
- "Soy alérgico/a a..." - I am allergic to...
- "¿Dónde queda el baño?" - Where is the bathroom?
Places to Visit in Medellín
Visit one of these nice places.
Colorful murals, transformed outdoor escalators, and dynamic street life — great for vibrant, human-focused urban photography and sunset cityscapes.
Large bronze sculptures by Botero framed by colonial-style buildings; good for cultural and architectural shots in the city center.
Panoramic shots of the Aburrá Valley and Medellín’s sprawl from the cable car — ideal for sunrise or late afternoon light.
Traditional town replica with a viewpoint over the city — useful for classic skyline photos and portraits.
Lush tropical plants, butterfly house, and a peaceful lake — good for flora, macro, and relaxed portrait sessions.
Mountain trails and cloud forest landscapes a short trip from the city; natural vistas, streams, and wildlife photography opportunities.
Food in Medellín
Medellín Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Antioquia’s signature platter with beans, white rice, ground meat, chicharrón, fried egg, avocado, plantain and arepa — heavy and iconic; try it at local restaurants like Hacienda or traditional fondas.
Must-Try!
Corn cake served plain or stuffed; the Antioqueña version is often thicker and eaten with cheese or butter. Found everywhere from street vendors to restaurants.
Deep-fried corn empanadas stuffed with meat or potatoes, typically served with ají (spicy sauce); great as a cheap snack from street stalls.
Hearty stew made with yucca, plantain, potato and chicken or beef; common comfort food served in traditional eateries.
Popular desserts — tres leches cake is soaked in milks, while obleas are wafer sandwiches often layered with arequipe (dulce de leche).
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Large food markets offering fresh fruit, meats, and traditional snacks; good for sampling exotic fruits, juices and local cheese.
Evening street vendors and food carts near nightlife areas where you can grab empanadas, arepas and grilled snacks after dark.
A modern food hall with a range of regional and international options, ideal for groups with varied tastes.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Warm greetings are common — a handshake is typical in formal situations; among friends and acquaintances a single cheek kiss (right cheek) or a hug is usual. Use polite forms like 'buenos días/tardes/noches' when entering shops or restaurants.
Colombians tend toward closer conversational distance and expressive gestures; topics like family and football are safe, but avoid politically charged or critical statements about local history unless you know the listener well.
People generally dress smart-casual in the city; cleaner, neater attire helps in restaurants and nightlife venues. Avoid beachwear or overly casual clothing outside appropriate contexts.
Use formal titles (Señor/Señora) when in doubt, and show deference to older people. Small courtesies and politeness go a long way.
Safety
Tipping in Medellín
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory. Many restaurants add a 10% service charge (servicio) — check your bill; if service is good, leaving additional 5–10% in cash is common. For taxis, rounding up the fare or adding a small tip is acceptable; tip porters and guides 5–10% depending on service and tour length.
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, larger restaurants, and stores; small vendors and markets often prefer cash (Colombian pesos - COP). Use ATMs in safe, busy areas and notify your bank of travel to avoid blocked cards. Mobile payments are growing but less universal than cash and cards.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
These months generally have less rain and clearer skies — great for outdoor activities, hiking, and photography. Expect pleasant daytime temperatures and cooler nights in higher areas; book accommodations and tours in advance during December holidays.
Frequent afternoon showers and occasional heavy downpours; mornings can still be fine but plan flexible schedules. Trails can be muddy, river levels rise, and some outdoor plans may be disrupted — bring a waterproof jacket and quick-drying clothing.
Late December/early January and the Feria de las Flores in August are peak times with lively events, parades, and higher prices for lodging — excellent for cultural experiences but expect crowds and limited availability.
Medellín at Night
Hiking in Medellín
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Extensive trails through cloud forest and ecological areas accessible by Metrocable; options for easy walks and longer hikes with guided tours available.
An urban hill-park with short trails, native plants, archaeological sites and good views of the city — ideal for a quick nature break without leaving Medellín.
Located a few hours from Medellín, Cerro Tusa is famed for its distinct rounded peak and hiking routes — a rewarding but more demanding day hike.
Climb the 740+ steps of Piedra del Peñol for panoramic views of the reservoir and islands; often combined with sightseeing in the colorful town of Guatapé.
Airports
How to reach Medellín by plane.
Main international airport serving Medellín, located near Rionegro (~35–45 minutes from city center depending on traffic). Many domestic and international flights arrive here; best reached by taxi, shuttle, or private transfer.
A smaller airport inside the city used for domestic and some regional flights; convenient for quick domestic connections but with limited international service.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Locals from Antioquia (called Paisas) who are known for distinct cultural identity, entrepreneurship, and hospitality — a prominent presence in Medellín’s social and business life.
A growing population of young people drawn by universities, tech hubs, and startup culture — contributes to vibrant café scenes and nightlife.
People from surrounding rural areas who have moved to the city, contributing to diverse neighborhoods and informal economies.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport — Atlético Nacional and Independiente Medellín have passionate local followings; attending a match at Estadio Atanasio Girardot is a major cultural experience.
Both recreational cycling and competitive racing are widespread; Medellín hosts cycling events and has growing bike lanes and mountain biking routes nearby.
A traditional Colombian throwing game involving small explosive targets — often played socially with beer and food at local venues and parks.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Medellín.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are increasingly available in Medellín, especially in El Poblado and Laureles; look for vegetable-based arepas, salads, and international restaurants. Ask for 'sin carne' and be aware that many dishes contain meat broth — specify 'sin caldo de carne' if needed.
Vegan choices are growing but still limited in traditional places; seek out vegan cafes and restaurants or visit Mercado del Río for varied options. Learn the phrase 'soy vegano/vegana' to communicate restrictions.
Corn-based staples like arepas are naturally gluten-free, but cross-contamination can occur; request information about ingredients — in upscale restaurants staff may accommodate more easily.
Carry clear notes in Spanish explaining your allergy; smaller eateries may lack ingredient lists, so communicate restrictions directly and avoid ambiguous dishes.