10 Things Not to Miss in Medellin
Medellin has been dubbed the City of Eternal Spring thanks to its comfortable temperature and splashes of rain throughout the year. Smaller than the capital Bogota but the most modern and cosmopolitan that Colombia has to offer. It’s an expansive city nestled into the Antiochian mountains, with two airports and a large bus terminal Colombia’s most popular city for tourists is worth the visit.
Medellin was once one of the world’s most dangerous cities in the world, and although it is far from perfect it has come an impressively long way. A lot of investment has gone into the city, new developments are everywhere, great parks, shopping centers, and endless cafes and restaurants. The most comprehensive public transport system in the country is in Medellin, the metro, it really sets its self apart from the rest of the country. I even felt like I was going into the future arriving in Medellin, after being in some of Colombia’s more humble locations.
Paisas (the local nickname for people from the region) are very proud of their city and it’s development in spite of their unforgettable link to Pablo Escobar, one of the world’s most notorious drug lords. Unfortunately in recent years, and owing mainly to the popular Netflix series Narcos drug tourism is rife in Medellin. Pablo Escobar has been turned into a pop culture idol much to the shame of many of the locals. Be sure to read up about the history or check out one of the museums before buying into the Pablo Escobar experience. After all, he was a mass murderer. We must remember that cocaine is an export drug, consumed mainly in the states and in Europe, not in Colombia. Cocaine has caused huge problems in this country and thousands of deaths, so understandably it can be a touchy subject with locals.
For more amazing cities to explore in Colombia, check out BEST CITIES TO VISIT IN COLOMBIA ON YOUR FIRST TRIP
There is so much that Medellin has to offer it’s hard to choose only ten things, on the outskirts of Medellin there are various villages that you should also visit. Don’t miss out on Guatape or Jardin if you have the time to explore further afield. But here are the 10 things that you absolutely must not miss on your trip to Medellin:
1. Walking Tour
For me the best thing to do when you just arrive in a city is to walk and explore as much as possible (although best not to do this alone…as you can end up in areas you really shouldn’t be in!) I recommend joining a tour so you can get educated on the city, as well as learn your way around a bit. I am a proponent of this for any city - but particularly in Medellin, you shouldn’t miss THIS walking tour - it has become world-famous. Medellin's free walking tour is super popular though so you should book your place ahead of time. The tour has no fixed price they ask only for voluntary tips at the end. This is really the best tour in Medellin, so no need to get sucked into paying for a more expensive option!
Check out the updated Tour Times, options are Monday to Saturday leaving from various pick-up points in the city.
2. Take the Cable Car to Arvi Park
One of my personal highlights of Medellin is by far the cable car ride up the side of a mountain to Parque Arvi. Straightforward to find on the easy to navigate metro the subway station is right at the bottom of the cable car. Jump off and take this twenty-minute ride up and over some of the poorest neighborhoods in Medellin. This cable car’s main purpose is to connect those living in the most humble areas of Medellin, high in the mountains, to the Subway, making it easier to work and access schools and hospitals. Nowadays it is also a great tourist destination, the ride has incredible views and gives you an insight into the reality of how people live outside of the tourist trap of Poblado. Once you arrive at the top you can wander amongst the stalls and food vendors before heading to a trail to hike. The park is a huge 16,000 hectares a guided tour will cost you a few dollars.
3. Museo de Antioquia
Opened in 1881, this fantastic museum has a great collection of pre-Colombian artifacts and both national and international artwork. Here you can find on the top floor a great collection from Medellin’s own Fernando Botero Angulo, famous for his obsession with plus size figures, you can find his painting and sculptures in the museum. If you don’t want to pay the $6 entry fee you don’t even have to enter the museum to see some of his best sculptures that you can find outside in the Plaza Botero
Check out their Website for current opening hours.
4. Botanical Gardens
Joaquín Antonio Uribe Botanical Garden is a magical escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. Jam-packed with flowers, actually 4,500 varieties, and over 1,000 wildlife species this is the perfect place to spend an afternoon meandering. This is a great place to have a picnic, or enjoy a coffee in their restaurant and relax listening to the birds (there are nearly 150 different species!). There is a small butterfly garden an orchid garden and even a cactus gardens to explore. They also throw concerts and festivals here, so do check that out. If you happen to visit Medellin over the flower festival the gardens are even more impressive than usual.
5. Poblado
Packed with tourists this is Medellin’s most popular neighborhood for backpackers and digital nomads. There is an abundance of hostels and guest houses in this area, so you may even end up staying here. But even if you don’t stay here, it is worth checking out for its vibrant cafe culture and an extensive array of international restaurants and bars. Stroll the shady streets or spend the afternoon in a cafe with free wifi watching the world go by.
6. Communa 13
A very impressive collection of graffiti and street art can be found in this once incredibly dangerous neighborhood. This neighborhood was notorious for gangs and gun wars until the military took a stronghold and moved in. The residents took to painting huge murals in protest to the police presence. A huge escalator was built in the middle of the neighborhood creating much easier access. As the neighborhood has become famous for its street art the impact on the local community has been huge, now safer and cleaner. I highly recommend taking a trip there and even joining a tour to get all the history on the famous Communa 13
7. Salsa Dancing with the Locals
Colombia’s Salsa dancing capital is actually Cali, so if you are really into dancing or want to see locals ripping up the dancefloor like you will see nowhere else in the world then you should also go visit Cali. But, if you have time constraints and won’t be making it to Cali on this trip, then Medellin also has some great bars you can check out. I recommend taking a class first if you are a beginner. Check out Salsa Classes Medellin or for group classes try Dancefree. To rip up the dancefloor alongside locals try out Son Havana or El Eslabon Prendido.
8. The Markets!
They say food is the way to a man’s heart, well it’s also a fast track to mine too! I also think you can never really get to know a culture without immersing yourself in the food culture. The best way to do that is to head to the local markets and check out the local produce. Medellin is home to Plaza Minorista Markets, where you will find an impressive array of fruits and vegetables. Colombia is like the queen of tropical fruits, and I discovered so many in the markets that I had never even seen before. Head down there alone or in a tour and sample some of the local cuisine. Toucan cafe offer a great street food tour.
9. Pueblito Paisa
If you want to see something different, and know that you won’t have time to go to any real villages in the area on your trip. Pueblito Pais is a replica of a 20th-century village from the Antioquian area. It is perched on the top of Nutibara Hill ( Cerro Nutibara), the views themselves are worth the trip. Have a wander around this makeshift village and take beautiful photos with the traditional colorful houses as your backdrop. Or go inside and check out last century kitchenware. A great place to buy souvenirs or try the famous Bandeja Paisa.
10. Parque Lleras
After a busy day doing one of the above it’s time to go and drink with the locals in Parque Lleras. Here you will find all sorts of people, from the young hipsters to lovers enjoying a beer in the perfect night temperature. It is a great spot for people-watching, and to sample a local beer or their famous aniseed liquor Aguardiente (go easy on this stuff! A word from the wise…)
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