Medellin Travel Guide: Essentials
- Best things to do in Medellin : Visit the Poblado, Comuna 13, Travel by Subway and Metro Cable, Viewpoints of the City, Plaza Botero, Jardin Botanico
- Best time to Visit Medellin : All the Year, city of the eternal spring. August: Feria de las Flores
- How to get around Medellin : Best way to move is by Metro. Cabs are quite cheap as well. A
- How many days to dedicate to Medellin : 2 to 3 days is a minimum
- What to eat in Medellin : Bandeja Paisa, Morcilla, Sancocho,Natilla, Frutas
- Where to Stay in Medellin : Poblado, Laureles, Envigado
- Best Hotels in Medellin : Masaya, Selina, Hotel Du Parc
- Medellin Nightlife : Poblado is the best area (Parque Lleras)
- Where to have a drink in Medellin : Poblado has a lot of offer of all kinds
- What to see around Medellin : Guatapé & Roca del Peñol, Santa fe de Antioquia, Jardin, Jerico, Rio Claro
- What to pack for visiting Medellin : Warm clothes for the evening, umbrella or rain coat
- Is Medellin Safe to Travel : Yes absolutely, but just be aware not to be an easy target.
Best areas to stay in Medellin
- Poblado: it is the historical tourist and safe neighborhood of Medellin
- Laureles: the new trendy, residential and safe neighborhood
- The Center: the Botero plaza is a safe place, but the surroundings are less safe, it is advisable not to show signs of wealth (put away phones and cameras)
- Comuna 13: the tourist part of comuna 13 is now safe during the day, you can walk alone without problems
Where is Medellin ?
Medellin Wiki
- Medellín is the capital of the Antioquia Department in Colombia
- Population : 2.5 million (2020 estimate).
- Entire Metropolitan Region : 3.8 million people.
- Altitude : 1,495 meters above sea level ((5045 feet)
- Area: 380.64 square kilometers.
- Average Temperature : 72°F (22°C) with little to no humidity gives Medellín its nickname ‘The City of Eternal Spring’.
San Lorenzo de Aburrá was the first indigenous pueblo in what would eventually turn into Medellín. It was erected in the modern day neighborhood of El Poblado in 1616.
- Medellin on Wikipedia : https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medellín
Reasons to visit Medellin
If today the city attracts more and more visitors, this was not always the case in the past.
In the 1990s, early 2000s, it was even considered one of the most dangerous cities in the world. Drug trafficking, delinquency, extreme poverty…
The city has a very heavy history, which makes its metamorphosis all the more spectacular. Today, violence has given way to an incredible modernity.
For example, the city was the first (and to date the only) Colombian city to have a metro (see below)! Initiatives and activities follow one another, making Medellín one of the most lively and innovative cities in the country.
But if you travel to Colombia, it really worth going to Medellín?
Places to visit & things to do
Here are the Best things to do in Medellin : Comuna 13, get a Viewpoint , Plaza Botero and its sculptures, Parque Berrio, Palacio Nacional, Parque de las Luces, Las Alpujarras, stroll Avenida Carabobo, Subway & Cable Tour, Museo de Antioquia, Jardin Botanico , Museo el Castillo.Get to Some Viewpoints (Las Palmas, Nutibara, etc…)
Poblado Neighbourhood
Poblado is one of the best areas in Medellín.
It belongs to the 14th commune of the 16 communes of the city
The best thing you can do in the Poblado is get lost in the streets until you reach Lleras Park (the neuralgic point of the neighbourhood) enjoying all the urban art that the neighbourhood has to offer.
It is one of the most dynamic areas that generates development and opportunities for the growth of the city due to its diversity of spaces, from the best educational institutions to the most exclusive commercial areas.
It is home to the most representative companies in the industrial, financial, hotel and entertainment sectors.
El Poblado is so called because it was literally the first populated place in the area and that is why it is so important in the city.
It is the 14th commune of the city and it was the first colonized neighborhood, where the city of Medellin was founded.
This is the place where leisure areas, the city’s finest restaurants, and hotels are concentrated.
In the Poblado park, there is a sculpture representing this first settlement with an indigenous woman with her breasts exposed: the church across the street forced the statue to turn around…
Inside Poblado is also the Lleras Park, a very pleasant place at night, since some of its streets become pedestrian. The lights and colorful stands will make you feel like you are at a festival.
In Medellin’s center
Plaza Botero and its sculptures
No visit of Medellin would be complete without a walk around this square.
An open-air sculpture parade of what is probably the most internationally known Colombian artist: Fernando Botero.
The artist has donated 23 bronze sculptures, exhibited right here in the open air in the heart of the city.
The place is pretty crowded so try to get there early.
Berrío Park
This is the oldest square in Medellin, located in the heart of the city.
In addition to seeing street vendors of minutes, various fruits and typical paisa food, you can admire the Church of La Candelaria.
With a statue of politician Pedro Justo Berrío in the center, this square has the first church in Medellín, its most important building, the Basílica de La Candelaria of 1659.
In addition, in one of the corners is the sculpture of La Gorda by the master Botero and in another corner is the sculpture of El Desafío by Rodrigo Arenas Betancourt.
This plaza has a lot of atmosphere with street vendors and locals chatting animatedly, although it is not the safest area of the city and we recommend you not to show valuables or visit it at night.
- Adresse : Parque Berrio
Avenida Carabobo
In spite of its curious name, it is a pleasant walk, and above all, a pedestrian one. It is full of shops, cafes, restaurants, and a beautiful building, the Palacio Nacional Shopping Center.
Here, there are no horns, because there are simply no cars. This will allow you to discover different styles of architecture, from the Palacio Nacional to the Basilica Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria.
In fact, if you want to walk a little further, you can take a walk around Plaza Cisneros, Plaza San Antonio, and walk to the Alpujarra Station.
Centro Comercial Palacio Nacional
This architectural jewel was built in 1925 by the Belgian architect Agustín Gooavaerts and is located on the Carabobo pedestrian walkway.
In addition to the courthouse, the National Palace also housed the post office and the intermunicipal telegraph office.
It belonged to the Nation until 1974, when an agreement was made with the Departmental Enterprises of Antioquia (EDA), which consisted of exchanging the building for a lot located in the Alpujarra sector, with the objective of building a new departmental administrative center there.
In November 1988, the building, which has great artisan value due to its woodwork, bronze locks and wrought iron, became part of the National Historical and Artistic Heritage.
It was abandoned until 1993, when it began to be adapted for what is now known as the Palacio Nacional Shopping Center.
Parque de las Luces
When you arrive at the Parque de las Luces you will be surprised by a forest formed by 300 towers of light that provide shade during the day and are illuminated at night.
A few meters from the Parque de las Luces, in the Alpujarra Square, you will find one of the most important sculptures to be seen in Medellín, the Monument to La Raza, a 38 meter high curved work of art by Antioquia sculptor Rodrigo Arenas Betancur, which pays homage to the history of the conquered peoples.
- Adresse : Parque de las Luces
La Alpujarra
La Alpujarra” is the political-administrative center of the capital of Antioquia.
There is the imposing Monument to the race of the sculptor Rodrigo Arenas Betancourt. Next to this place is the Parque de los Pies Descalzos (Barefoot Park)
Murales Pedro Nel Gómez
Located in the basement of the subway station of the Parque Berrío station, you can see this huge mural in 20 pieces that tells the history of Antioquia from the indigenous people who lived in that area to the recent past, including all the changes through which their society has gone through.
The mural is at ground level, that is, you do not have to enter the subway to enjoy it.
Pueblito Paisa
The Pueblito Paisa is located on the Cerro de Nutibara and is a representation of the traditional villages of Antioquia.
In Pueblito Paisa there are also restaurants with traditional Antioquian food, so you can taste patacones, paisas trays and other hyper caloric and delicious food.
But remember : El Pueblito Paisa would be on the list of places to visit in Medellin, as long as you haven’t visited any other typical Colombian town like nearby Santa Fe de Antioquia.
To climb the hill we recommend taking a taxi or booking the tour bus, which stops at the main tourist attractions in Medellín.
- Entrance : Free
- Adresse : Pueblito Paisa
- Getting there : To climb the hill we recommend taking a taxi or booking the tour bus, which stops at the main tourist attractions in Medellín.
- Duration : 30 min
Buenos Aires and its Street Art
Buenos Aires is one of the most traditional neighborhoods in the city
Get off the trawmway at Alejandro Echavarría and make your way along the tram track, enjoying such a corridor of urban art.
There are several murals and, in theory, they continue to do many more.
When you arrive at the Bicentenario station, get on the tramway again to go back to San Antonio and from there take the subway.
- Getting there : Get on the tramway at the San Antonio metro station to Alejandro Echavarría.
Avenida 33
Avenida 33 at the height of Glorieta de Santa Gema, without a doubt a street with a lot of beauty and a great commercial axis of the city.
Best Viewpoints of Medellin
Mirador de las Palmas
The most famous viewpoint, and from where you can enjoy the best views of the city of Medellín. However, to get there you have to take a taxi.
Cerro El Picacho
Cerro Nutibara
From the Pueblito Paisa, you can also see a view of Medellín that will leave you without hiccups.
Medellín is spread over the Aburra Valley and sometimes it seems to have no end.
Cerro de las Tres Cruces
Feel like getting a little height? Take the Cerro de las Très Cruces, a 45-minute hike that’s quite sporty (it climbs!) but offers a splendid view of the whole city.
To get there, you have to take the bus in the direction of Alta Vista, where the hike starts. Go there in the morning to avoid the heat and avoid rainy days, the path can be particularly slippery.
What to see near Medellin ?
Medellín also has interesting escapes that can be done in the same day, although if you have time and want to stay overnight it is far better
Here some of the best places to go : Guatapé, Santa Fé de Antioquia, Jardin, Jerico, Concepcion
- For More Details read our complete guide : Best things to do in Medellin Colombia
How to Get around in Medellin
Medellín and its inhabitants could not be more proud of their public transportation. The city of Medellin offers various modes of transport, Metro, Bus, Taxi.
The best way to move around Medellín is the subway, it’s fast, clean and very safe.
At night it is best to use cabs (official ones).
Get Around in Medellin by Subway
The city is served by five subway lines, thus avoiding traffic jams.
It has 2 lines and 28 stations
The metroplus: Medellin’s metroplus (a kind of bus) has been providing transport in the city since 2010.
In order for you to use it comfortably, it is highly recommended that you look for an accommodation that has a metro station nearby, so that it is much faster to make the transfers between the most important points to visit in Medellín in 1 day.
In case you don’t find one or your destination is far from the metro station, you can use the metro and then a taxi to do the last kilometers and avoid much of the congestion that many times exists in the city.
- Opening Days : operates Monday to Saturday from 4:30am to 11pm
- Price : 2550 pesos and also includes the metrocable
- Website : https://www.metrodemedellin.gov.co/
Medellin Metro Map
Metro Cable Tour
A true pride of the paisa, Medellin’s cable metro allows you to reach the heights of the city (like a cable car) and enjoy an incomparable panoramic view.
It’s also a great way to enjoy a breathtaking view of the entire valley. You will see the city stretching out over the surrounding hills and see the “hottest” areas, such as the slums.
Inaugurated in 2004. Medellin was the first city in the world to introduce cable cars as public transport.
Thousands of families living in the Medellin heights were able to reach their homes much faster thanks to the metrocable.
See from the air neighborhoods and communes like 7 (Robledo) and 13 (San Javier),
To date, there are 4 Cable lines: H, J, K and L (or Cable Arvi).
A new line, line M, which will link Villa Hermosa to Buenos Aires, is under construction.
Before or after the tour of Comuna 13 we recommend you take the Metrocable on the top floor of San Javier metro station.
Another way to have the best view of the city is to book this helicopter ride in which they will pick you up at your hotel.
- Price : 2550 Cop
- Opening Hours : Every day from 4.30am to 11pm (or 9am to 10pm on Sundays) for the H, J and K cables and every day except Tuesday from 9am to 6pm.
Get Around in Medellin by Bus
The city has a well-developed bus network that operates with the Metroplus.
There are 2 bus terminals, one in the north and one in the south with this website in common.
Terminal del Norte
The North Terminal “Mariano Ospina Perez” is located in the Caribe neighborhood. You can reach it through the Caribe Station of the Medellín Metro Line A. It provides transportation services to the areas located to the east and north of Antioquia: Bogotá, Tunja, Santander, and to the main cities of the North Coast of Colombia: Cartagena de Indias, Barranquilla, Santa Marta, Sincelejo, Montería, Magangué and others.
- Adresse : Carrera 64C #78 – 580
Terminal del Sur (Alberto Díaz Muñoz)
The Terminal Sur “Alberto Díaz Muñoz” is located in the Guayabal neighborhood, below the Olaya Herrera airport and the subway Line A – station: Poblado. It provides transportation services to the south of Antioquia, also to the East of Antioquia, to the main cities of the Coffee Axis such as Manizales, Pereira and Armenia, to the Department of Tolima and to the main cities in the south of Colombia such as Cali, Ibagué, Neiva, Popayán and Pasto.
- Adresse : Carrera 65 No. 8B – 91
- Website : terminalesmedellin.com
Bus + Subway
Another way to get around in Medellin is to take a bus from the Combuses company. They leave every 15 minutes, and drop you off at the San Diego Mall. From there, you can take the subway to your destination.
The closest subway stop is Exposiciones, and if you are staying in Poblado there are only two subway stops away.
Pro Tip
To book your bus tickets online, use the platform Redbus.com, which is the leader in Colombia and assures the same prices as in the terminal.
Get around in Medellin by Taxi
There are several taxi companies in the city of Medellin.
If you decide to take a taxi, take one of the yellow ones, which are the official ones, and these are the ones we strongly recommend you use.
It is advisable to make a reservation by phone. It is also possible to take a collective taxi.
Get to Medellin by Plane
There are 2 airports in Medellin:
- José Maria Córdova Airport: international located 45min/1h from the city. This airport has direct connections with Miami, New York, Panama, Lima, Quito, Caracas and Madrid, as well as with some major cities in Colombia.
- Enrique Olaya Herrera Airport : for national flights, located in the south of the city. It serves regional flights to several cities in the north and center of the country by the companies Satena, Ada and Easy Fly.
How to get from the airport to the city ?
If you arrive by plane in Medellín, at its José María Córdova International Airport, in the municipality of Rionegro, you have several options for getting to the city.
This airport is located about 30 kilometers from Medellín : Taxi, Bus / Subway and Uber
It is possible to rent a car at the airport in Medellín, though driving might be challenging due to bad road congestion, local rules, and specific driving times.
Uber
In Colombia Uber works quite well, but it is illegal. So better to take a taxi
Get Around in Medellin : Rent a car
The last way to get around in Medellin is to rent a car, to have a total freedom, and to discover the surroundings of Medellin. The roads are beautiful and you can visit some very nice villages in the surroundings (count between 2 and 6 hours drive).
It is possible to rent a car at the airport in Medellín, though driving might be challenging due to bad road congestion, local rules, and specific driving times.
Some examples of distances to places to visit around Medellin:
- Medellin to Santa Fe de Antioquia: 1h30 – 60 km
- Medellin to Urrao : 4h30 – 120km
- Medellin to Tamesis : 3h30 – 110km
- Medellin to Guatape : 2h – 80 km
- Medellin to Rio Claro: 3 hours drive – 160 km
- Medellin to Jardin : 3h – 130 km
- Medellin to Jerico : 3h – 120 km
How to Get to Medellin from other Cities ?
Bogota to Medellin
From Bogotá 12 buses leave daily to the city of Medellín. The travel time is about 10 hours (415km) and the estimated price is about 25 Usd. Some of the companies that make this trip are: Bolivariano, Rapido Ochoa or Expreso Brasilia.
Armenia (Eje Cafetero) to Medellín
From the city of Armenia in the Eje Cafetero, there are frequent buses that make the trip to the capital. The travel time is about 5 hours and the estimated price is about 17 Usd. Two of the companies that make this journey are Flota Occidental and Empresa Arauca.
From Cali to Medellin
From Cali there are about 5 buses daily to the city of Medellin. The travel time is about 10 hours (417km) and the estimated price is about 20€. Two of the companies that make this trip are Empresa Arauca and Bolivariano.
From Cartagena to Medellin
From Cartagena de Indias several buses leave daily to the city of Medellin. The travel time is around 13 or 14 hours (637km) and the estimated price is around 40€. Some of the companies that make this trip are: Expreso Brasilia o Unitransco.
What it the best month to visit Medellin ?
As its nickname “the city of eternal spring” indicates, there are no bad dates to visit Medellín since due to its location in the Aburrá Valley, at an altitude of between 1500 and 1800 meters above sea level.
It enjoys a pleasant spring climate with temperatures between 16º and 28º all year round, with an annual average of 22º.
At the level of rains, these are relatively abundant throughout the year.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
| Av. Temperature | 72 | 72 | 72 | 72 | 72 | 73 | 73 | 73 | 72 | 71 | 71 | 72 |
| Max Temperature | 82 | 82 | 82 | 81 | 82 | 82 | 83 | 83 | 82 | 80 | 80 | 82 |
| Min Temperature | 63 | 63 | 63 | 64 | 64 | 63 | 62 | 63 | 62 | 62 | 63 | 63 |
| Rain mm | 52 | 66 | 100 | 181 | 200 | 142 | 119 | 144 | 164 | 207 | 155 | 82 |
So the best time to Visit Medellin is the driest season, with less days of rain, which includes the months of December to March, ideal months also for other areas of Colombia as the Caribbean, the coffee axis, etc.
See Also : Best time to visit Colombia
Events in Medellin
If you Visit Medellin, here is a list of the best Events
Festival Internacional del Poesia (July)
Feria de las Flores (August)
For more than 60 years the city of Medellín has been hosting a colourful festival every year at the beginning of August: the Feria de los Flores (Flower Festival).
It is one of the country’s most important folklore festivals.
The objective?
To highlight the “silletera” culture, the region’s flower growers, usually from Santa Elena, a town near Medellin.
Concerts, horse fairs, a festival of orchestras …
For about ten days, the whole town vibrates to the rhythm of this colourful folklore.
The highlight of the show: hundreds of silleteros marching on their backs carrying wooden constructions (silletas) weighing up to 60 kg decorated with floral works. A date that will leave you breathless!
Colombia Moda
July
Festival Internacional de Tango
Medellín breathes tango, milonga and bandoneons from June 21 to 28 with the XVI International Tango Festival.
Festival Internacional de Jazz (September)
Feria Nacional de Artesanías (November)
Agenda of all events in Medellin : https://infolocal.comfenalcoantioquia.com/index.php
Gastronomy of Medellin
Here are the dishes that you absolutely need to taste if you travel to Medellin :
The dishes
- La bandeja paisa : made with beans, rice, fried eggs, chorizo, etc.)
- Arepa (corn cake)
- Tamal (made with grilled pork, rice and vegetables).
- Morcilla (it is a kind of blood sausage with rice)
Desserts
- La mantecada (vanilla cake)
- postre de nata (milk cream cake).
Beverages
- Colombian coffee
- Rum Medellín
- Aguardiente
La Bandeja Paisa
It is a super heavy and rich dish.
It has a kind of sausage, blood sausage, pork rinds, a good piece of bacon.
Besides this, it has rice, beans, patacones (fried plantains), avocado, hogao (tomato with onion).
There is still more?
Yes, arepas antioqueñas and ground beef (shredded meat).
If you are not much of a eater, I recommend that you share your bandeja paisa.
- See also : Colombian Food and Drinks
Book your tour to Medellin Now
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How many days should I spend in Medellin ?
We understand that in a 2 week trip through Colombia you can’t dedicate all the time you deserve to Medellin but you can save at least 2 full days for the city and count on investing at least one more day in one of its surrounding towns.
Where to take a Drink ?
El Poblado neighbourhood is THE trendy district of the city, one of the most touristic too. This is where the city’s main hotels are located.
So, of course, if you are looking for authenticity and locality, this is probably not the best place but it is still a very pleasant and green area with many bars and restaurants.
Ideally, you should stroll through its streets and drop in wherever you feel like it because of the atmosphere or the music.
What to Pack for Medellin ?
Tennis, light clothing, sunscreen, sunglasses, umbrella, but be also prepared for colder temperature if you go in the to the main viewpoints
Where is the best area to Stay in Medellín ?
The best neighborhood to stay in Medellin is El Poblado : It is a totally safe place, even to go out at night, with a lot of offer of restaurants & bars of all kinds, but very expat.
If you are looking for something more local, another option would be to stay in Laureles and finally an area that is gaining more visibility with several accommodations is Envigado
Nightlife in Medellin
Medellín is a vibrant city, very lively and with rhythm, where you will find a party almost every day.
Many travelers go almost exclusively for that! For example, some Americans come 5 days directly from New York to spend a weekend in Medellin.
There are several areas to find bars to go out:
The cool area is on calle 35 (Poblado) with many foreigners and locals with more spending power.
On Calle 70, near the stadium, there are many bars and pubs with locals and cheaper than in Poblado.
Near Lleras park there are many places to eat, bars, pubs, etc.
El Poblado neighbourhood is THE trendy district of the city, one of the most touristic too. This is where the city’s main hotels are located.
So, of course, if you are looking for authenticity and locality, this is probably not the best place but it is still a very pleasant and green area with many bars and restaurants.
Ideally, you should stroll through its streets and drop in wherever you feel like it because of the atmosphere or the music.
What to Party in Medellín ?
Medellín is a vibrant city, very lively and with rhythm, where you will find a party almost every day.
Many travelers go almost exclusively for that! For example, some Americans come 5 days directly from New York to spend a weekend in Medellin.
There are several areas to find bars to go out:
The cool area is on calle 35 (Poblado) with many foreigners and locals with more spending power.
On Calle 70, near the stadium, there are many bars and pubs with locals and cheaper than in Poblado.
Near Lleras park there are many places to eat, bars, pubs, etc.
El Poblado neighbourhood is THE trendy district of the city, one of the most touristic too. This is where the city’s main hotels are located.
So, of course, if you are looking for authenticity and locality, this is probably not the best place but it is still a very pleasant and green area with many bars and restaurants.
Ideally, you should stroll through its streets and drop in wherever you feel like it because of the atmosphere or the music.
Practical Adresses for Visiting Medellin
Medellin is a city with absolutely all the necessary services a traveller can ever need : banks, exchange offices, call shops, internet cafes, post office, big malls, photography & drone shops, motorcycle accessories, Decathlon.
Health
Before departure it is strongly advised to consult your doctor and to subscribe to an insurance covering medical expenses and medical repatriation.
For any emergency dial 123.
The hospitals of the city:
Clinica Las Americas
- Diagonal 75 B-2 A-80
- Medellin, Colombia
- + 57 4 342 1010.
Clinica Medellin
- Sede el Poblado
- Carrera 7 N.39-290
- Medellin, Colombia
- + 57 4 311 2800.
Shopping
Decathlon
If you travel long term and need equipment for your trip: backpack, hiking shoes, camping, etc… There are 2 decathlons in the city, and you will find everything
Centro Comercial Monterrey
If you have any problem with your Mac, or Drone
What Souvenirs to bring back from Medellin
Don’t leave Medellin without bringing back some souvenirs of your stay such as
- Local Hats (Vuelteao)
- Semi Precious Stones
- Aguardiente
- Painting
- Ruana (Colombian poncho)
- A Bottle of Aguardiente
The Best Areas to buy souvenirs in Medellin are :
- Poblado Park
- Lleras Park
- City Center
- Pueblito Paisa
- Comuna 13
Travel to Medellin FAQ
Is Medellin safe?
As long as you go to the areas indicated as touristic, you won’t have any problem. But use common sense, if you are not sure about an area you want to visit, ask at your accommodation first.
More information : Safety in Colombia: Complete Guide
Safety in Poblado
It is also one of the safest areas of the city, that’s why there are tons of options for sleeping in the neighborhood. You can walk around its streets with no more worries than looking for a bar, a restaurant with the food you want. This area of Medellín, is also the area where expatriates live.
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