Exploring Medellín – A Guide to Colombia’s Surprising City

Nestled in the lovely highlands of Colombia, Medellin, often called the “City of Eternal Spring” due to its wonderful year-round weather, invites visitors with a fantastic mix of modernity, natural beauty, and rich cultural heritage. Whether you’re interested in the city’s impressive urban changes, stunning views of lush green hills, or the friendly locals, Medellin offers a wide range of experiences for all kinds of travelers. This guide explores the best attractions and activities that make Medellin such a charming place to visit.

How to get to Medellin

✈️ By plane: You can reach Medellin by plane, with several international airlines offering direct flights from cities such as Bogota (Colombia), Quito (Ecuador), and Panama City (Panama). If you’re planning to travel internationally, check for direct flights to make your journey more convenient.

🚌 By bus: From Bogota, for a budget-friendly or adventurous way to get to Medellin, consider taking a long-distance bus. The journey takes about 10 to 12 hours, with comfortable and semi-luxury services available. Enjoy scenic Colombian landscapes along the way. Medellin is also well-connected by bus to other major cities in Colombia, including Cali, Barranquilla, Cartagena, and Salento. Check out 12GO for various options to travel from these cities to Medellin.

What to do in Medellin

Explore Comuna 13

Comuna 13, once infamous for its troubled past, has undergone a remarkable transformation and is now a must-visit destination in Medellin. This neighborhood is a vibrant canvas of street art and murals that depict the resilience and creativity of its residents. Stroll through its winding streets, interact with the friendly locals, and immerse yourself in the powerful art and community spirit that have breathed new life into this area.

Nowadays, Comuna 13 is safe to walk through during the day. However, it is highly recommended to join one of the free walking tours, where locals will guide you through the neighborhood and share its history. These tours work on a tipping basis, we generally give €10-€15 per person depending on the quality and group size of the tour.

Ride the Metrocable

One of the most unique and thrilling experiences in Medellin is riding the Metrocable, a cable car system that not only provides convenient transportation but also offers panoramic views of the city and the surrounding lush hillsides. As you ascend through the neighborhoods that cling to the hills, you’ll be treated to views of the city’s urban landscape.

The most popular Metrocable, Line L, takes you to Parque Arvi. This journey provides spectacular views as you ascend from the valley to the lush, green landscapes of the park. Arvi Park offers hiking trails, eco-tours, and opportunities to immerse yourself in nature.

Paragliding Above the City

Medellin’s stunning landscapes and perfect weather conditions make it an ideal destination for paragliding. Soar high above the city and its surrounding valleys and hills, taking in the breathtaking views and feeling the thrill of flight. Whether you’re an experienced paraglider or a first-timer, this adventure offers a unique perspective of Medellin’s natural beauty.

You can book your adventure beforehand through online agencies, or travel to San Felix by yourself. Take the Metrocable to La Aurora on Line J (with a stop in San Javier on Line B), then a taxi to San Felix for about 20,000 COP (~€5), where many tour companies are available. Prices are around 130,000 COP (€30). The experience of gliding above the city is unforgettable.

On the way back, you can get a ride from the company, call a cab, or use the public bus back to the Metrocable.

Free Walking Tour of Medellin’s Downtown

A free walking tour is a fantastic way to explore Medellin’s downtown. Your knowledgeable guide will introduce you to the captivating world of Colombian art, with Plaza Botero as a highlight. Here, you’ll encounter whimsical bronze sculptures by Fernando Botero, offering a unique perspective on the human form. This tour is a cultural exploration of Medellin’s art scene, history, and energy.

These tours work on a tipping basis, we generally give €10-€15 per person depending on the quality and group size of the tour.

Attend a Football Match

Attending a football game in Medellin is an exhilarating experience that immerses you in the passion Colombians have for the sport. Whether at the Atanasio Girardot Stadium, home to both Atlético Nacional and Independiente Medellín, or another local stadium, you’ll witness an electric atmosphere. The chants, cheers, and colorful displays of team loyalty create an unforgettable spectacle.

Most ho(s)tels can help you find organizations that arrange football trips to local matches, allowing you to enjoy the match with dedicated locals and international travelers.

Explore Medellin’s Nightlife

El Poblado lights up with a lively and diverse nightlife that caters to different preferences. As night falls, you’ll find various bars, clubs, and lounges playing music and offering a mix of experiences. Parque Lleras becomes a lively gathering spot where locals and visitors come together. Whether you enjoy dancing to salsa, listening to electronic music, or just having drinks in a stylish setting, El Poblado’s nightlife has something for everyone.

Visit Neighbouring Guatape

Visiting Guatapé is a must for any traveler with extra time. This charming town, with its colorful streets adorned by intricately hand-painted zocalos, is a perfect day trip from Medellin. The iconic El Peñol Rock, a towering monolith, beckons adventurers to climb its 740 steps and be rewarded with beautiful views of the surrounding lakes and islands. Guatapé’s serene lakes and waterways provide opportunities for boat rides and kayaking amidst stunning natural beauty.

You can head to the bus Terminal del Norte, where there are frequent departures to Guatapé throughout the day. The journey takes around 2 to 2.5 hours, costing about 20,000 COP (~€5) per person. No need to reserve seats, as plenty of buses go to town.

Where to eat in Medellin

There are plenty of good restaurants in town. These were some of our favorites:

• Bonhomia – Famous for its delicious meat platters, Bonhomia is a great place to have dinner during your stay. Apart from meats, this restaurant also offers pizza and vegetarian dishes.
• Mondongos – A classical Colombian restaurant where you can try local dishes. Popular with both locals and tourists, it’s always busy.
• La Causa – This restaurant offers a mix of South American and Asian cuisine. Their sushi and ceviche are famous, but they also serve Peruvian lomo saltado, dim sum, and various meat and fish platters.

Where to stay in Medellin

El Poblado is our favorite neighbourhood to stay in Medellin.

Los Patios Hostel is probably the most popular accommodation in this area. With a rooftop pool, a tiki bar and a variety of rooms ranging from dorms to twin and double rooms, there is something for everybody here. Prices for dorms start at €20 and double rooms start at €60 per night.

Rango Hostel Boutique is a smaller hostel a few blocks away from Los Patios. Wit a rooftop bar and a patisserie on the ground floor you can enjoy the city without even leaving the hostel. Dorms start at €23 and double rooms start at €75 per night.

If you fancy a bit more luxury then the Landmark Hotel is a good choice. This hotel offers a rooftop pool with bar and has some magnificent views of the city. Double rooms start at €105 per night.