15 Best Things to Do in Medellin
Medellin is the second-largest city in Colombia and has become one of the most successful developing metropolises in the past few decades. With its top-ranked museums, scenic landscapes, mouth-watering food, and vibrant nights, Medellin caters to everyone. Below are the 15 Best Things that a visitor can do in Medellin.
1. Ride the Medellin Metrocable
Medellin Metrocable is a means of transport, but it carries with it the identity of the city’s regeneration. These cable cars serve as a mode of transport but also give tourists an aerial view of Medellin and its vibrant communities and vegetation-covered slopes. Initially constructed to improve accessibility for communities on the hillsides with the city center, they are now a tourism asset.
Facilities
The Metrocable system is attached to the Medellin Metro line, thus it has easy access points across the city. Ticket services are available through the ticket booths at the station, and the cars themselves are well-furnished and safety-enhanced. However, several getting-off points on the way enable one to visit other neighborhoods or parks in the city.
My Review
I think riding the Medellin Metrocable is one of my most memorable trips. It was a great pleasure to observe that the city had a very active center, and at the same time, we lived on a calm and rather desertlike hill. It will be quite beneficial to dedicate some time to travel through the Metrocable if you are a photography lover or simply want to have another view of Medellin.
2. Explore Comuna 13 with a Local Guide
Comuna 13 in Medellin, a neighborhood that used to be highly violent, has been gradually changing for the better through community development and architecture. It is a culturally alive area characterized by street art, music, and other related aspects. Visiting Comuna 13 with a local guide is eye-opening and helps understand its history and inhabitants’ survival ability.
Facilities
Several tour operators organize tours of Comuna 13 and, at times, pick you up from your hotel, provide you with drinks, and take you through important locations in Comuna 13. Sightseeing usually includes strolls along the walls covered with art and tagging, visits to coffee shops, and meetings with residents who can tell about their transformations.
My Review
The tour of Comuna 13 was very informative and empowering. The local guides were very informative and seemed proud of their neighborhood; the murals were astonishing. This project helped me learn more about Medellin’s past and how art and togetherness can transform society.
3. Devour a Bandeja Paisa
Bandeja Paisa is the most popular Colombian dish and is recommended for tourists visiting Medellin. This special dish includes beef, fried pork belly, chorizo, red beans, rice, fried plantain, and a fried egg. It is a microcosm of the Paisa culture and what you would expect to have when needing a hearty meal following a busy day.
Facilities
Bandeja Paisa is served in most of the nearby restaurants, but the Hacienda is famous for its traditional serving of this dish. The restaurant offers a warm and old-world atmosphere, with most of it having live entertainment to complement your meal.
My Review
It was a pleasure to try bandeja paisa at Hacienda. The tastes were intense, and the portions were large. Without a doubt, it is one of those meals that leaves one feeling full for the remainder of the day. With its welcoming environment, Hacienda was ideal for eating this local favorite.
4. Marvel at the Botero Plaza
Botero Plaza is an open-air gallery that is dedicated to the world-famous Colombian artist Fernando Botero and contains more than 20 sculptures. Being situated in one of the central parts of Medellin, this plaza is dedicated to Botero’s works, and the open-air exhibit allows one to watch cartoons and interact with the art.
Facilities
The plaza is an open space, free for people to access and move around without restrictions. Around the sculptures are beautiful lawns and benches where people can sit to enjoy the art pieces of Botero and other Colombian artists and further expanding art from Colombia; more of their collection is in the Museo de Antioquia.
My Review
Altogether, I could say that I was quite impressed with what I saw in Botero Plaza. All sculptures are humorous and conceptual simultaneously, which is great, and they are placed outside so anyone can see them. It is ideal for those with an interest in art as well as individuals who are interested in artistic experience in general.
5. Explore the Museo de Antioquia
Museo de Antioquia is one of the largest and most significant Colombia museums that attracts visitors with a comprehensive collection of pre-Columbian sculptures, colonial paintings, and contemporary art pieces. As for the specific exhibits, the museum is famous for the remarkable number of works by Fernando Botero with a focus on his art and impact.
Facilities
The museum seems professionally arranged, and relevant and helpful information is shared throughout the exhibitions. It is possible to do the tour in a group with a specific guide or have individual audio guides for the tour. The museum comes equipped with a gift shop that features various forms of art and art products that one is likely to consider as souvenirs.
My Review
Museo de Antioquia turned out to be a very inspiring place to visit. The exhibits were rich and informative, thus giving a good insight into Colombian art at different stages. One of the galleries that impressed me the most was the one that featured the Botero collection. After I visited the museum, I became much more knowledgeable about Colombian art.
6. Take a Free Walking Tour
A free walking tour is a great way to get an initial feel of the city with a focus on its history, culture as well as the process of transformation. These tours are normally conducted by experienced tour guides who have a lot of interesting facts and historical and contemporary stories to tell about Medellin.
Facilities
The majority of the walking tours are based around areas of civic and commercial importance or major points of interest. However, the service of the guide used during the tours is usually paid for tips to the satisfaction level of the visitor. The tours normally take between 2 and 3 hours and involve the visitor visiting historical places, cultural points of interest, and places of interest.
My Review
The free walking tour I took in Medellin was fantastic. The guide was engaging and passionate, and I learned so much about the city’s history and culture. It is also useful in making new friends, especially when other travelers are willing to share more insights on seeing more of the city.
7. Hike in Parque Arvi
Parque Arvi is situated just outside Medellin; it is a huge park that provides an opportunity to get a great rest from the city’s noise. The park consists of many hiking trails, waterfalls, and views from high ground, making it perfect for a true nature lover and fans of active recreation.
Facilities
Another attraction is the ability to get to the park via the Metrocable which offers a beautiful view to the park entrance. As for facilities, there are trails with signs of difficulty, easy hikes and picnicking areas, and guided tours for those who would prefer a more organized activity. Also, there are available small shops and cafes where people can buy snacks and other kinds of drinks.
My Review
Overall, hiking was good and interesting, especially in Parque Arvi. It was very picturesque with lots of trails that provided amazing views of the mountains and valley as well. In my opinion, it is ideal for a one-day trip to embrace nature and the beauty of the surrounding environment outside the bustling urban environment.
8. Visit Pueblito Paisa
Pueblito Paisa is a miniature model of a typical village from Antioquia which is situated On Nutibara hill in Medellin. It has a more local setting with cobblestoned streets and buildings, shops, and ‘country ’-like houses and gives a feel of the rural part of the region.
Facilities
The place has a small museum, shops where you can see and buy arts and crafts, and cafes and restaurants offering traditional meals. There are also vantage points of cumulative view of Medellin, as this is a great place for photography. The place is easily accessible by cab or a short trek from the central city area.
My Review
It was rather an interesting experience visiting Pueblito Paisa. It provided an opportunity to feel like being in the Stone Age, and the view of the landscape from Nutibara Hill was impressive. The shops allowed people to get souvenirs not seen in other places, and the cafes provided tasty traditional morsels. It is an absolute must for anyone and everyone wishing to explore Medellin’s tradition and legacy.
9. Shop at the Plaza Minorista
Plaza Minorista is ranked as one of the largest markets in Medellin, and its characteristics include an enhanced visual and haptic experience during shopping. This is the largest market for fresh fruits and vegetables, flowers, spices, handicrafts, and anything else, so it is worth visiting if one wants to become familiar with local food.
Facilities
The market is subdivided into stalls such as fruits and vegetables, meat and fish section, and arts and crafts section. You can taste food samples from many vendors; there are a lot of small shops with food for tasting local specialties and freshly squeezed juices. The market is quite crowded but well-arranged, and engaging with the people in warm discussions is very easy.
My Review
Shopping at Plaza Minorista was a very good experience. A record of the number of products offered was created, and the atmosphere that deserved such a name was evoked. This made me appreciate trying different fruits and snacks and the sellers were so friendly and welcoming. They feel that it’s a great place to experience the local way of life.
10. Relax in the Botanical Garden
The Medellin Botanical Garden is a lush oasis in the city’s heart, featuring a wide variety of plants and themed gardens. It’s a perfect place to relax, unwind, and enjoy the natural beauty of Medellin.
Facilities
There are several sections of the garden, such as the butterfly house, the orchid garden, and the tropical rainforest. Indeed, there are many routes for strolling along the garden, benches for posing, and a little café for tea and cakes. Admission to it is free, making it a fun place for all to visit.
My Review
I enjoyed visiting the Medellin Botanical Garden. This was good because the environment was quiet, and the variety of grown plants was extensive. The butterfly house was impressive, and I was grateful for the signposts and clean pathways throughout the garden area.
11. Go on a Guatape Day Trip
A day trip to Guatape is a must-do when visiting Medellin. This charming town is known for its colorful facades and the iconic Piedra del Peñol, a massive rock offering stunning views from its summit.
Facilities
The trip to Guatape typically includes transportation from Medellin, guided tours, and sometimes meals. Once there, you can explore the vibrant town, climb the 700+ steps of Piedra del Peñol, and enjoy a boat ride on the picturesque lake. There are also numerous restaurants and cafes where you can savor local cuisine.
My Review
The Guatape day trip was one of the highlights of my visit to Medellin. The town’s colorful buildings were incredibly picturesque, and climbing Piedra del Peñol was a thrilling adventure with breathtaking views at the top. The boat ride on the lake was a relaxing way to end the day.
12. Learn about Coffee at a Local Farm
Colombia is famous for its coffee, and visiting a local coffee farm is a great way to learn about the coffee-making process from bean to cup. These tours offer an in-depth look at how coffee is grown, harvested, roasted, and brewed.
Facilities
Many coffee farms around Medellin offer guided tours, including transportation, tastings, and a chance to purchase freshly roasted coffee. The tours typically feature walks through the coffee fields, demonstrations of the roasting process, and opportunities to sample different brews.
My Review
Visiting the coffee farm was informative and interesting. I learned the effort that goes into making good quality coffee to meet the standards of the market. The tastings were toothsome, and the location was scenic; it was a great day trip from Medellin.
13. Treat Yourself at a Spa
There are many elegant spas in Medellin where you can relax and get a lot of wonderful treatments. Most spas use Colombian products such as coffee, and cocoa, among others, in their treatments, making the experience memorable.
Facilities
Most of the spas in Medellin provide typical services such as massages, facials, and body treatments. Most of them have aesthetic natural environments and facilities such as sauna, steam, and resting sections. The best spas also offer other services, such as holistic therapies and wellness plans.
My Review
It was a wise decision to give myself a spa day in Medellin. The treatments were very calming, and it was a nice touch to see that all the products used were sourced locally. They offered excellent services, and I felt very relieved and relaxed after the treatment.
14. Experience Medellin’s Nightlife
Medellin’s nightlife scene is worth a visit, it has everything from salsa dancing to rooftop establishments. Places such as El Poblado and Lleras Park are especially favored for parties and clubs.
Facilities
The nightlife areas in Medellin are full of bars, clubs, and restaurants for different types of establishments. Most places offer live performances from musicians or disc jockeys, with numerous choices of beverages and food items. For the most part, safety is not an issue, but like anywhere, it is recommended to be alert and not travel alone.
My Review
I had the best time nightlife in Medellin. The vibe was energetic, and there was nothing that one could do without finding it appealing; be it dance till the break of dawn or have a drink on the rooftop. The people were warm, and the environment was vibrant and hospitable.
15. Catch a Football Match
Football is a major passion in Colombia, and Medellin is home to two top-flight teams, Independiente Medellin and Atletico Nacional. Attending a match offers an exciting glimpse into the local culture and the electric atmosphere of Colombian football.
Facilities
Atanasio Girardot, which is Medellin’s main stadium, is well-equipped with sitting places, food selling points, and toilets. Tickets can be booked online or at the venue, and it is recommended that one arrive early to experience the aura of the match.
My Review
I found the experience of watching a football match in Medellin very exciting. The fans were simply crazy, and the expectations of the people in the stadium were very high. It was a great way for the participant to engage his host country and watch a rather exciting sporting event.
Closing
Medellin is one of the Latin American cities par excellence, bursting with life, history, and culture to share with anyone. From its fascinating METROCABLE system, colorful graffiti art of COMUNA 13, and mouth-watering food to the beautiful and well-maintained parks and gardens, including the METROPARKS, Medellin truly is a city that has something special to offer to everyone. Regardless of whether you are a history enthusiast or a foodie, an art lover, or an adventure junky, you will be greatly entertained in this vibrant city.
