Known as the city of eternal spring, Medellín is a captivating city beyond its climate. The friendliness of its people, its amazing food and its Paisa charm are some of the great characteristics that make this a very interesting city. Discover all the things to do in Medellin Colombia and let yourself be surprised by its fast-paced vibrancy and energy.
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Things to do in Medellin Colombia
Berrío Park or Plaza Botero
The Berrío Park is located in the heart of the city and is one of the obligatory stops to make in Medellin. It is the only open-air place in the world that has 23 bronze sculptures made by master sculptor Fernando Botero, donated to the city in 2004. Also located near the Museum of Antioquia, this square is a landmark and one of the most iconic and traditional places in the city.
Museum of Antioquia
The Museo de Antioquia is located on one side of the Plaza de Botero and is one of the most important places to visit in Medellin.
This museum is in the art deco style former Municipal Palace with two interior courtyards. The Museo de Antioquia exhibits more than 100 works, mostly paintings.
Pies Descalzos Park
The Pies Descalzos (Barefoot) Park is a space created to raise awareness among visitors, starting with their feet and finally ending with their spirit. It is the ideal place to take a break from the city, go for a walk and relax.
Furthermore, the Park has specialised guides, who use their experience and knowledge to take you through a world of nature and science, providing a truly unique experience. The Water Museum is also in the park, which is worth a visit to round off your visit.
Rafael Uribe Uribe Palace of Culture
The Palacio de la Cultura Rafael Uribe Uribe is a Gothic style building located in the Plaza Botero. It is a National Monument as well as one of the most beautiful places in Medellin. In addition to its façade, this palace also stands out for the artistic beauty of its rooms, halls and corridors.
You can visit it free of charge and inside the terrace offers great views of the city. You can also find an exhibition on the history of Colombian leader Rafael Uribe Uribe, as well as the historical and photographic archive of the city, the library, a sound library and an art gallery.
Comuna 13, Medellin Colombia
Medellin’s Comuna 13 will surprise you with its liveliness and how it contrasts with other areas of the city. In this neighbourhood you can discover the history of social transformation by taking the Graffitour. Let yourself be immersed by the colours of the murals in which local street artists have depicted their stories throughout the San Javier neighbourhood.
We recommend taking a tour of the neighbourhood with local guides, following their advice and recommendations at all times. It is an original place full of nuances, so make sure to bring your camera.
Arví Park
Also known as Parque Regional Ecoturístico, Parque Arví is a valuable natural space in Medellin. Declared a protective forest reserve in 1970, this park is a public space that also offers a wide variety of experiences.
The Arví Park is 16,000 hectares and it elevates the strong points of the area it finds itself in. Here you can enjoy its cultural, environmental as well as archaeological heritage.
Pueblito Paisa
Visiting Pueblito Paisa is one of the most popular things to do in Medellin Colombia, because it combines the Antioquian traditions in the handicrafts, gastronomy and architecture, with impressive views of the city. It is one of the tutelary hills of Medellin and is located at the top of Cerro Nutibara. In addition, the Pueblito Paisa covers 33 hectares and is 80 metres above city level.
At the top you will discover the architecture of a traditional village that retains the bright colours and traditional structure of the villages of Antioquia. The Pueblito Paisa is open every day from 5:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. with free admission. You can also walk along its ecological trails and fall in love with its picturesque surroundings.
Festival of the Flowers
The city dresses up every year in August to celebrate the spectacular Feria de las Flores (Flower Festival). This is a festival you won’t want to miss if you want to experience the mix of tradition and modernity that has made Medellin an example of growth and innovation around the world.
This fair began in 1957 and pays a ten-day tribute to the beautiful flowers that grow in the region. The main event of the festival is the Parade of Silleteros, in which hundreds of farmers from the region carry colourful little chairs on their backs, which they design themselves and decorate with all kinds of flowers.
Travel Tip: To organize your trip we recommend using Passporter totally free. You can be inspired by the experiences of other travelers, choose the places that interest you most, create the travel route with a geolocated map, upload all important documents such as reservations and invite your friends so that everyone can participate in the organization of the trip.
Things to do in Medellin Colombia and surroundings
Santa Fe
Santa Fe de Antioquia is 79 kilometres from Medellin and has a beautiful historic centre, with several architectural constructions from colonial times to the present day.
You will discover this village’s charm in its cobbled streets, its whitewashed façades and its tall gates. Founded in 1541, the village of Santa Fe is a very good option to discover the surroundings of the city.
Jardín
Jardín boasts impressive colonial architecture and plenty of colour, making it a town full of charm. Known for the quality of its coffee and its pleasant climate, Jardín also has an important cathedral and several natural attractions that are well worth seeing.
Things to do in Medellin Colombia in 2 days?
Medellin’s most important attractions can easily be covered in two days. Here is a possible itinerary of all the things to do in the city in two days. If you are lucky enough to travel to Medellin in August, you will be able to visit its fantastic Flower Festival.
Day 1:
- Plaza Botero
- Museum of Antioquia
- Rafael Uribe Uribe Palace of Culture
- Arví Park
Day 2:
- Pies Descalzos Park
- Comuna 13 of Medellín
- Pueblito Paisa
Things to do in Medellin Colombia in 3 days?
Lastly, if you have three days in the city of Medellín, you should not miss the opportunity to visit some of the nearby villages, which are truly charming. On your third day we recommend visiting:
- Santa Fe
- Jardín
Where to eat in Medellin?
The city of Medellin stands out for its cuisine and its impressive coffee, which is why you can’t leave without trying its most typical recipes. The typical dish of Medellin is the Bandeja Paisa, which is known for its great abundance of flavours, with up to 15 ingredients.
Mercado del Rio
This is the first food market in Colombia. Here you can taste and enjoy more than 20 gastronomic offerings, a journey through traditional recipes combined with a unique atmosphere.
Tips for your trip to Medellin Colombia
- It is important to take out travel insurance when travelling to Medellin Colombia.
- It is best to order taxis by phone.
- Promote local products in terms of food and handicrafts.
- Wear light clothing during the day and some warm clothes at night.
- Try to have cash on hand to pay for taxis, bus fares and street food.
- The city centre is not a good place to be at night.
- Remember to exercise caution and keep an eye on your personal belongings at all times. Listen to the recommendations of tour guides and staff at your accommodation.
How to organise what to see on your trip to Medellin Colombia?
- Get inspiration from the experiences of other travellers.
- Create your own itinerary and add the app’s suggestions to it.
- Add the spots you are most interested in, as well as the restaurants and bars where you want to eat (you can use the points of interest listed in this post as a reference).
- Organise your itinerary by days and according to their location (you can take inspiration from the routes presented in the post).
- Check the travel budget that the app calculates for you based on your travel stops, restaurants, and leisure activities.
- Make the necessary modifications and you are ready for your trip.
- Finally, share your experience. Upload photos of each of the places you have visited to the app so you can inspire other users.
If you have any doubts about how to plan your itinerary, you can read our post: How to create your travel itinerary with Passporter.
Frequently asked questions about your trip to Medellin Colombia
The city of Medellin has two airports. José María Córdova International Airport, located 30 kilometres from Medellín, is the second most important airport in the country and has direct flights from the United States, Spain and a host of Latin American capitals.
Museum opening hours: Monday to Saturday from 10:00 to 17:30. Sundays and public holidays from 10:00 to 16:30.
Medellin is the only city in Colombia with a metro. In addition to the metro, Medellin has buses, taxis and metrocable.
Medellin stands out for its traditional and delicious gastronomy. That’s why we’ve provided a selection of some of the best rated restaurants in the city, all of them serving local cuisine. Take a look at this top 5 and choose where to try the local food.
– Mondongo’s
– Hacienda
– La Chagra, sabores amazónicos
– Hatoviejo
– Restaurante Sancho Paisa Las Palmas
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