Things To Do
Visit Comuna 13 - Our Favorite Thing To Do In Medellín
Comuna 13 is a neighborhood in Medellín that was once one of the most dangerous areas in the city. Today, it is a vibrant community with amazing street art, great views, and a lively atmosphere. I put this activity first because visiting Comuna 13 truly is my most recommended thing to do in Medellín city. Taking an affordable walking tour through the comuna gives visitors the unique opportunity to learn about Medellín's history and be inspired by the positive change that has occurred over the past decade.
Check Out Poblado
El Poblado is Medellín's most popular neighborhood. This is an upper-class area that attracts most tourists due to its sprawling shopping complexes, restaurants, and bars. Chances are, you'll be staying in El Poblado anyway. So, take a walk around the neighborhood's streets and enjoy the view (or stop for a coffee or cocktail). And if you're looking for what to do in Medellín at night, head down to Provenza for a lively nightclub scene.
Day Trip To Guatapé
Looking for the most scenic day trip from Medellín. If you read any guidebook, blog, or Medellín travel guide, you'll find a visit to Guatapé recommended (usually at the top) Guatapé is a charming pueblo at the feet of the Andes mountains. It's located just outside of Medellín and therefore most people tend to visit on a quick trip. It's the perfect place to spend a day if you're looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. There are plenty of things to do in Guatapé, including hiking up El Peñón de Guatapé (the big rock with the famous, steep staircase), checking out the colorful buildings, and taking a boat cruise on the lake. If you're looking for a Medellín travel guide that includes things to do outside of the city, then be sure to add Guatapé to your list!
Eat Colombian Food, Especially Bandeja Paisa
No trip to Medellín (or Colombia) would be complete without trying the national dish– bandeja paisa. This is a dish that originated in the Antioquia region and is a national staple! This hearty meal consists of a large platter of food including beans, rice, avocado, plantain, chicharron (pork belly), steak, sausage, an arepa, and a fried egg. While I haven't yet tried all these spots, this list should have you covered for awesome Bandeja Paisa in Medellín. Maru Rico in Guayabal Mondongo's (Poblado) El Rancherito (nine locations)
Pueblito Paisa
Pueblito Paisa is a tiny replica of a traditional Antioquian village and is is located named Cerro Nutibara. This is a great place to visit to see colorful buildings and get a taste for traditional architecture. There is also a small museum on-site chronicling the history of the city. However, perhaps the biggest draw to this attraction is the incredible view from the top. Due to the central location, you'll get amazing views over the city and its many comunas and barrios.
Plaza Botero
One of the most iconic places in Medellín, Plaza Botero is home to 23 bronze sculptures from Fernando Botero. Fernando Botero is a Medellín-native and is one of the most famous Latin American artists in the world. The sculptures were donated by Botero himself and they are all placed throughout the plaza. The largest sculpture, El Caballo (The Horse), is located in front of the Palacio de Cultura Rafael Uribe Uribe.
The Botanical Gardens (Jardín Botánico De Medellín)
Visiting the Medellín Botanical Gardens (Jardín Botánico de Medellín) is one of the best things to do in Medellín on a sunny day. The gardens span over 100 acres and include more than 200 species of flowers and plants. While I haven't seen very many, a lot of people say that this is the best Botanical Garden in South America, and even in all of Latin America! You will want to see the unique Orquidoeroama Mesh structure, which is a genius design allowing for the collection of rainwater and protection of orchids and butterflies.
The Cable Cars - Medellín Metrocable
One of the things that makes Medellín so unique is its cable cars– called Metrocables. There are actually four lines, but my favorite is Line K which connects the Medellín River to the steep hills of Santo Domingo Savio, a barrio on the edge of the city. The ride offers incredible views of the city and is definitely one of the top attractions for visitors. If you take the highly-acclaimed Comuna 13 tour above, you'll also get a trip on the cable car included (with a local guide).
Medellín Graffiti Tour
Okay, I'm doubling up slightly here. Yes, you'll see some of Medellín's best graffiti on the famous Comuna 13 tour. However, the truth is that the city is rich with amazing and vibrant art and it extends much further than just this district. If you want to see great street art, head down to Laureles, Belén, or El Poblado.
Party!
Colombians love to party, and Medellín is one of the best places in the country to let your hair down and have some fun. For a great time, head down to Provenza in El Poblado and start off with a beer at one of the outdoor dining areas.
What About Pablo Escobar Tours?
If you're a fan of history like me, then you'll probably be very interested in learning about Pablo Escobar when you're in the city. However, the local people of Medellín really, really don't like talking about him, or celebrating his history for that matter. If you think about it from a Colombian's perspective, this totally makes sense. This man brought a lot of pain, suffering, and death to these communities. For this reason, Pablo Escobar tours are discouraged in Medellín and in most of Colombia. Of course, you'll still find a few attractions and tours, but generally speaking, it's best to avoid them.