Colombia is an amazing country in so many ways; it has everything you can imagine, including amazing landscapes and cities! One of the most popular, innovative and touristic cities in the country is Medellín, the so-called city of eternal spring. It is the second largest and second most important city in Colombia that hosts around 2.5 million people and that's surrounded by beautiful mountains.
So, whenever you happen to be in these amazing lands, don't miss out on Medellín by any chance! First off, learning some Spanish will definitely be helpful in a city like Medellin, as locals don't usually speak English that much.
 | Medellin packs the punch of a city twice its size |
Here are some of the best things to do in Medellin. In no particular order, we have chosen these things because they are unique, fun and interesting experiences. Enjoy the ride!
1. Visit Museo de Antioquia and Museo Casa de la Memoria
Medellín has a lot of good museums but these two stand amongst the best. Located downtown, the Museo de Antioquia hosts one of the biggest collections of the most famous colombian artist Fernando Botero, as well as numerous artworks from other national and international artists; you can easily spend a couple of hours immersed in a wonderful showcase of art in this museum.
On the other hand, the Museo Casa de la Memoria displays a touching, insightful and very informative exhibition of Colombia's cruel past with drugs, gangs and civil war. If you truly want to understand what happened here and the way we have transformed over the years for the better, visit this museum that will surely leave you inspired for a hopeful future.
2. Take a tour at Comuna 13
This might be one of the most iconic places to visit in Medellín. It's a symbol of great transformation and change through arts, music and culture. Comuna 13 used to be one of the most dangerous neighbourhoods in the city as it was taken over as a base for multiple crimes and drug trafficking.
But, over the years, its transformation has been one to watch with the houses painted with bright colors, multiple amazing graffiti and street art, and its multi-levelled escalators that connect the neighbourhood with the city and the people. It also has an amazing view of Medellín and wonderful little shops and street stalls to buy snacks, a beer or souvenirs.
Don't worry, it's really safe nowadays, so you can enjoy all of its wonder without any hurry.
3. Take a trip on the metro and the metrocable
Medellín is the only city in Colombia that has a public metro transportation system, and it was also the first one to have a metrocable (cable car) that connects the neighborhoods located at the hills with the rest of the city. With a metro ticket you can move pretty well around the city and visit and see amazing places.
With the cable car, you can have a fun ride and get to Parque Arvi (which is a super cool and gigantic park at the top of a hill). Paisas (the people from Medellín) are super proud of their transportation system and rightly so, as these are two of the reasons why Medellín it's also considered the most innovative city in Colombia and in South America. Don't forget to take a ride whenever you are in this wonderful city!
4. Day trip to Guatapé
This is for sure one of the most beautiful places you can find in Colombia! Located 2 hours away of Medellín, you can take a day trip or weekend getaway to this beautiful little colonial town that has an impressive man-made lake created for a hydroelectric dam, and a gigantic rock (called La Piedra del Peñol) with 740 carved stairs that you can climb all the way to the top for a mesmerizing 360 view.
The town also has colorful homes, restaurants and cafes where you can have amazing food and enjoy a good cup of Colombian coffee. Guatapé is that place where you can take really good postcard photographs and have tons of fun, so don't let it stay away from your things to do in Medellín list!
5. Enjoy nature at the Jardín Botánico
Medellin's botanical garden is the perfect place to escape from the hustle and bustle of the city while still being in it. With its 14 hectares of land, about 4500 flowers and more than 130 bird species, the Jardín Botánico is also the place to go if you want to enjoy a good dose of nature while reading a book or hearing some music.
It does actually host some really cool music festivals, concerts and diverse events throughout the year that you can attend. There's also a nice restaurant at the center of the garden, it's a bit overpriced but worth a try for your first visit so you can have the complete experience. Additionally, the entrance to the actual garden is completely free, so go ahead and don't miss out on this wonderful natural oasis!
6. Party and eat at Parque Lleras
This park is one of Medellin's top touristic and expat hotspots but it's completely worth it! Located at El Poblado (also one of the city's top neighbourhoods), Parque Lleras hosts a great nightlife and some really good restaurants with amazing food to enjoy anytime of the day.
This is the perfect spot to go to a bar and have a few drinks before partying in some of the clubs around; so, if you start your night here, it's guaranteed it will be a lot of fun! Whatever you are looking for to dance, whether it is salsa, bachata, merengue, etc., you'll probably find it at Parque Lleras.
During the day, you can also find vendors selling art and souvenirs throughout the park. Don't forget to pay a visit whenever you happen to be in the wonderful Medellín!
Colombia is amazing in so many ways, and by going to a city like Medellín you'll understand why. We hope that you are now more eager to visit this beautiful, innovative city where you'll never get bored! Good luck and safe travels.