Medellin, the City of Eternal Spring, possesses a unique ability to redefine itself. Once infamous as the operational hub of Pablo Escobar, it has blossomed into a vibrant metropolis attracting digital nomads and tourists alike. To truly understand Medellin, you need to look beyond the sensationalized narratives of "Narcos" and delve into the city’s multifaceted character. This guide presents the Top 12 Things to Do in Medellin, inviting you to experience its historical depth, cultural richness, and undeniable spirit of innovation.
1. Ride the Metrocable to Parque Arví: A Journey Above the City
Embark on a scenic adventure aboard the Metrocable, specifically Linea L, which departs from the Santo Domingo interchange and ascends to Parque Arví. This expansive nature reserve, also a pre-Hispanic archeological site, offers a welcome escape from the urban bustle. While entry to the park itself is free, certain activities like bicycle tours, boat rides, and visits to the butterfly farm may require a fee.
Explore the park’s network of 13 hiking trails, indulge in birdwatching, or browse the charming market stalls selling local food and crafts. The Metrocable ride itself is an experience, providing breathtaking aerial views of Medellin’s comunas (districts) and the meandering Medellin River. As part of the Medellin Metro, Colombia’s only metro system, the Metrocable is more than just a tourist attraction; it’s an integral part of the city’s public transportation and a symbol of its commitment to accessibility.
Address: Vía a Piedras Blancas, Medellín, Antioquia, Colombia
Phone: +57 604 4442979
2. Seek Blessings at Plaza Botero: A Celebration of Volume and Luck
Step into the whimsical world of Fernando Botero at Plaza Botero, a public square adorned with 23 distinctive bronze sculptures. These plump, exaggerated figures, characteristic of Botero’s signature "Boterismo" style, are believed to bring luck and love to those who rub them, giving rise to the "Botero legend."
Fernando Botero, a renowned painter and sculptor hailing from Medellin, developed Boterismo as a fusion of neo-renaissance, figurative, and contemporary elements, resulting in the iconic bulbous forms of people and animals. He generously donated all the plaza’s statues, showcasing a range of subjects from a rotund horse to a voluptuous reclining woman. Located in Medellin’s historic Old Quarter, nestled between the Museo de Antioquia and the Rafael Uribe Uribe Palace of Culture, Plaza Botero is free to enter, allowing visitors to freely photograph and interact with these iconic sculptures. Don’t forget to rub a statue for good luck!
Address: Avenida Carabobo, La Candelaria, Medellín, Antioquia, 050010, Colombia
3. Dance Salsa: Embrace the Rhythm of Medellin
Medellin pulses with the vibrant energy of salsa music. Every night, the city comes alive with dancers of all skill levels, from absolute beginners to seasoned professionals. Numerous venues cater to this passion, ranging from casual salsa nights in bars like Son Havana and El Eslabon Prendido, often featuring live bands, to formal dance schools like DanceFree in Poblado. You can even find informal dance gatherings in city parks, adding a spontaneous flair to the salsa scene.
For budget-conscious travelers, free classes or affordable entry fees at salsa bars provide an excellent introduction. If you have the time and resources, consider investing in a few classes at DanceFree for accelerated progress. Regardless of your skill level, embracing the rhythm of salsa is an essential part of experiencing Medellin’s cultural heartbeat.
4. Learn Colombian History at the Museo Casa de la Memoria: A Journey Through Remembrance
The Museo Casa de la Memoria stands as a poignant and educational memorial dedicated to Colombia’s history of wars, armed conflicts, and other forms of violence. Its purpose is to document the stories of victims while educating visitors about the country’s past and ongoing struggles.
A comprehensive touchscreen timeline allows visitors to delve into the intricate details of the narco cartels, paramilitary groups, the former dictatorship, and the present-day reforms shaping the nation. Other exhibits showcase personal stories and photographs of victims, accompanied by heartfelt messages from their families. The museum also hosts concerts, workshops, and other events to foster a deeper understanding of contemporary Colombia through the lens of its history. Admission is free, and the museum is conveniently located in Parque Bicentenario.
Address: Parque Bicentenario, Cl. 51 #36-66, La Candelaria, Medellín, Antioquia, 050013, Colombia
Phone: +57 604 5202020
5. Geek Out at Parque Explora: A World of Science and Wonder
Immerse yourself in the wonders of science and nature at Parque Explora, a sprawling complex featuring South America’s largest freshwater aquarium, home to over 300 species of fish, and an interactive science museum with over 300 engaging exhibits. The complex comprises four distinctive red cube buildings with outdoor display spaces, a vivarium, a planetarium, and even a small television studio, offering activities for visitors of all ages.
Record your own podcast episode, learn about the history of radio in Colombia, and create life-size pin art. Explore the dinosaur exhibit, unleash your creativity with graffiti art, and marvel at the massive snakes and reptiles in the vivarium. General admission is approximately $5 USD. To reach Parque Explora, take the Metro to the Universidad station in Zona Norte.
Address: Carrera 52 #73-75, Aranjuez, Medellín, Antioquia, 050010, Colombia
Phone: +57 604 5168300
6. See Art at the Antioquia Museum: A Cultural Cornerstone
The Museo de Antioquia showcases a diverse collection of Pre-Colombian, colonial, and modern art, fostering artistic creation through collaborations with resident artists. The permanent collection features numerous clay artifacts from the region, alongside works by Fernando Botero, the Medellin native who achieved international acclaim for his curvy Boterismo figures. The museum also prominently displays the work of Colombian artist Pedro Nel Gomez, a pioneer of the Colombian Muralist Movement.
Beyond its impressive collection, the museum’s community engagement has earned it renewed relevance, exemplified by its award-winning cabaret performance featuring sex workers, entitled "No One Knows Who I Am," in collaboration with performance artist Nadia Granados. Entry to the museum is approximately $5 USD. Take the Metro to Parque Berrío to reach it. This is another great place to experience Top 12 Things to Do in Medellin.
Address: Calle 52 #52-43, La Candelaria, Medellín, Antioquia, 050010, Colombia
Phone: +57 604 2513636
7. Walk Amongst the Flowers: A Celebration of Eternal Spring
Medellin’s reputation as the "City of the Eternal Spring" is well-deserved, and its floral abundance is on full display during the Feria de las Flores (Flower Festival). During this event, hundreds of silleteros (flower vendors) parade through the streets carrying elaborate bouquets and massive flower arrangements, transforming the city’s balconies, billboards, and malls into a vibrant tapestry of color.
Even if you can’t attend the festival in early August, you can still experience the city’s floral splendor by visiting the flower market at Placita de Flórez, the largest plant market in Medellin. Alternatively, enjoy a picnic in the Joaquín Antonio Uribe Botanical Garden, where 4,500 flowers bloom in a kaleidoscope of yellows, pinks, and reds. The garden also features the Orquideorama, a unique natural rainwater collection system that serves as a protective shield for the butterfly and orchid gardens. Entry to the garden is free.
8. Eat Tropical Street Food: A Culinary Adventure
Colombia’s exceptional biodiversity translates into a fantastic array of fruits, making it a paradise for healthy street food enthusiasts. Sip on a refreshing guanábana (soursop) shake or a creamy limonada de coco (coconut milk mixed with lime). Sample the unique sour-sweet flavor of borojó (reputed to be an aphrodisiac) or snack on guava, star fruit, or yellow dragon fruit. Street vendors throughout Medellin offer fresh fruit salads, like green mango with salt, providing a hydrating and light lunch or a palate cleanser to complement heavier street fare like arepas and buñuelos.
9. Go Clubbing in Poblado: Nightlife Central
Poblado is Medellin’s premier district for nightlife, boasting the highest concentration of dance clubs, Parque Lleras, and the vibrant bar street Via Provenza. Enjoy panoramic city views from the Envy rooftop bar at The Charlee Hotel while sipping on a beer, or head to Vintrash to dance the night away to reggaeton beats. For a more laid-back atmosphere with good DJs and no strict dress code, Calle 9+1 is the place to be, while The Blue Bar offers reasonably priced drinks and a mix of rock and electronic music. If you’re unsure where to begin, grab an Aguila beer from a convenience store near Parque Lleras and soak in the atmosphere to see where the night takes you.
10. Relax in Barefoot Park: Reconnecting with Nature
Parque de Los Pies Descalzos (Barefoot Park) invites visitors to remove their shoes and engage with nature through the sensory experience of bare feet. Admission is free, and guided tours are available to lead visitors through installations and activities centered around the elements of water, air, and land. Dip your feet in the Well of Sounds, where water jets massage your feet, or walk across the stones of the Zen Garden to stimulate your foot fascia. Test your balance on the beams of the Level Towers, or navigate the Maze with your eyes closed, relying on your other senses to guide you. The park is open every day except Monday and is easily accessible via the La Alpujarra Metro station.
Address: Carrera 58 #42-125, La Candelaria, Medellín, Antioquia, 050015, Colombia
Phone: +57 43808080
11. Slide Through Comuna 13’s Graffiti Murals: Art and Transformation
Comuna 13, once a highly dangerous area plagued by violence from urban militia groups, has undergone a remarkable transformation into a vibrant hub of graffiti art, showcasing the city’s resilience and rebirth. Giant, colorful murals adorn the streets alongside a series of escalators, installed to improve transportation and provide residents with greater access to job opportunities.
Guided tours led by local residents are available daily, offering insights into the significance behind each mural and sharing stories about Comuna 13’s past conflicts. To visit, take a tour or take the Metro to the San Javier station, then bus 221i or 225i. While the area has seen significant improvements, it is still not advisable to visit at night. Experiencing the change is a key component of the Top 12 Things to Do in Medellin.
Address: #34cc-2 a 34cc-58, Carrera 110, La Independencia, Medellín, Antioquia, 050028, Colombia
Phone: +57 301 3387080
12. Paraglide Over the City: An Aerial Perspective
Soar above the lush Aburrá Valley and the red-tiled roofs of Medellin with a thrilling paragliding adventure. Take off from the hills of San Felix, located approximately 40 minutes from Medellin, and enjoy breathtaking aerial views of the city. Medellin Paraglide offers tandem 15-minute day flights, as well as certification courses for those who want to learn how to fly independently (requiring 40+ hours of instruction and multiple flights). Founded by Ruben Dario Montoya Vargas, known as "Ruben Fly," the father of paragliding in Colombia, the school employs internationally certified instructors who are bilingual in English and Spanish. You can arrange your own transportation via taxi from Medellin or the Metrocable to La Aurora, or book directly with the school for convenient door-to-door pick-up service. This is a must for adrenaline junkies on the Top 12 Things to Do in Medellin.
Medellin is a city that defies easy categorization. It is a place of contrasts, where a turbulent past has given way to a future brimming with hope and innovation. By exploring these Top 12 Things to Do in Medellin, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of its history, its culture, and the resilient spirit of its people. Allow yourself to experience Medellin not just for what it was, or what it is, but also for what it is becoming.
