Medellín is a vibrant city with friendly locals, alive nightlife, and many trendy cafes. However, it hasn’t always been this way as Medellín was once known as the most dangerous city in the world. This was due to the reign of Pablo Escobar’s cartel, which resulted in over 4,000 murders annually. Fortunately, it is no longer under the control of the cartel, and Medellín has undergone a massive transformation. The city has won multiple awards in recent years, including South America’s most innovative city. Scroll down quickly and read about the best things to do in Medellín!

How to get to Medellín?

Most people travel to Medellín from Bogota, Salento, or Santa Marta. Below you’ll find information on how to travel from these destinations to Medellín.

What to do in Medellín?

Medellín is a city where people often end up staying longer than planned. We recommend allocating at least three full days for Medellín.

Take a ride on the cable car over Medellín

There are many slums in Medellín that were once controlled by gangs. These slums are built on the hillsides, and the residents were forced to pay the gangs to leave the neighborhood. A few years ago, the mayor of Medellín sought a solution and decided to build multiple cable car lines over the slums. This way, everyone from these impoverished neighborhoods can easily reach the center of Medellín without paying bribes to the gangs. Meanwhile, the cable car has become a tourist attraction as it offers a unique view of Medellín from the cabins.

There are two options for different cable cars. The most popular cable car route is from Acevedo to Santo Domingo, where you can enjoy a beautiful view of Medellín. Once you reach the top, you’ll be in the Parque Arvi national park, where you can take a beautiful walk through the forest. If you travel to the cable car by metro, you can use the same ticket to board the cable car. As long as you don’t exit the station, the ticket remains valid and you can even use it to return. However, it’s not very safe to get off in the slums, so it’s best to stay seated until you’re back down. Unless you want to visit Parque Arvi, in which case you’ll need to transfer to another cable car. This transfer is safe.

Join a tour of Comuna 13

Medellín is a city with a story. A lot has happened in the past, and the history is incredibly interesting. Comuna 13 is now the most colorful neighborhood in Medellín, but it hasn’t always been that way. Years ago, this neighborhood was plagued by drug gangs, and it was very unsafe. There were numerous murders, children couldn’t play outside, and residents were not allowed to leave the neighborhood. In 2002, the president ordered a massive intervention in Comuna 13. The army bombarded the neighborhood for four days, resulting in many casualties.

Comuna 13 has had a turbulent past and has undergone a remarkable transformation in recent years. There are now electric escalators installed so that residents no longer have to climb up and down the hill, and you can find incredible street art that tells the stories of Comuna 13. To learn more about this fascinating neighborhood, it’s great to join this tour. A local guide will teach you all about the history of Comuna 13 and its transformation up to the present day during this 4-hour tour.

Take a trip to colorful Guatapé

A visit to Guatapé is a must when you’re in Medellín. All the houses in Guatapé are painted in at least 5 different vibrant colors, and the atmosphere is wonderfully tranquil. You’ll find charming coffee shops playing cheerful music everywhere, and just outside the village is the famous La Piedra del Peñol rock, offering a wonderful view of the water-rich natural area around Guatapé. It takes about two hours by bus from Medellín, so you can visit Guatapé as a day trip. If you want a more relaxed experience, you can also stay overnight. Check out our article with tips for Guatapé to learn how to get there and what to do.

Explore the historic center of Medellín

The historic center of Medellín is home to several beautiful landmarks. The focal point of the historic center is Plaza Botero. This square features a total of 23 striking artworks by the renowned Colombian artist Fernando Botero. Medellín is the birthplace of Fernando Botero, and he generously donated many of his sculptures to the city, which now adorn Plaza Botero. If you want to see more of Fernando Botero’s work, visit the Museum of Antioquia. Adjacent to the square is the Rafael Uribe Uribe Palace of Culture, a magnificent building designed by a Belgian architect.

Tip: Join the Free Walking Tour by Real City Tours if you want to learn more interesting stories and facts about this part of the city.

Go paragliding above Medellín

Paragliding is one of the most thrilling things to do in Medellín! The view is incredible as you soar through the air, with parts of the city and the mountains beneath you. The pilots all speak English and are highly experienced; our pilot mentioned that he had already completed 11,000 flights! During the flight, you’ll be equipped with a walkie-talkie to communicate with your travel buddy. You can book this tour here, and transportation is included.

Escape the crowds at the botanical garden of Medellín

In the midst of the hustle and bustle of Medellín lies a unique botanical garden called Orquideorama Jardín Botánico. It is a vast park with a wide variety of flowers and plants. You’ll also find a large wooden art installation and numerous walking paths throughout the garden. It’s also worth visiting The Butterfly House, a small butterfly garden where you can admire colorful butterflies.

Parque Lleras and nightlife in Medellín

Located in the El Poblado neighborhood, Parque Lleras is surrounded by numerous clubs, bars, and cafes, making it a popular spot for a night out. The evening usually starts at this park, where people enjoy drinks and a lively atmosphere. If there’s one place in Colombia known for its nightlife, it’s Medellín.

Tip: La Octava is a cozy bar with a huge ball pit. It’s a fun place for a night out!

Pablo Escobar tour: to do or not to do?

Since the Netflix series Narcos, Pablo Escobar tours have sprung up all over Medellín. It has become big business in the city. The problem is that everyone tells different stories. There are stories from the government, from Pablo Escobar’s family, and from victims. Because there is no official account, it’s difficult to know what is true and what is not. Some tours even make up things to make it more interesting. The reviews of these tours vary widely. Some tours even offer the opportunity to meet Pablo Escobar’s brother, who was involved in the drug trade and responsible for many deaths. You can take a photo with him or get his autograph for a fee. This kind of glorification puts these individuals on a pedestal, despite the fact that they are far from heroes. Therefore, we have decided not to take part in this tour.

What about transportation in Medellín?

In 1994, a metro system was built in Medellín, consisting of cable cars and trains that connect the entire city. Traffic in Medellín can be congested, so it’s much more convenient to travel by metro. It’s faster, inexpensive, and easy to use. You can purchase a ticket at the station, and with that ticket, you can ride the metro for as long as you want. The stations have clear signs indicating the metro lines and cable car routes.

Best restaurants in Medellín

Dining out in Medellín is a treat as there are many excellent restaurants to choose from. Here are some of our favorites:

Betty’s Bowls – This is our favorite spot in Medellín! At this cozy place, you can enjoy healthy and flavorful breakfast and lunch options packed with vitamins. From smoothie bowls to salads and delicious coffee.
Bonhomia – This is a great place for dinner. It has a lively atmosphere and often features live music. Order a pizza or a sharing platter along with a tasty cocktail.
Subula – They serve tasty Greek sandwiches that you can order with or without meat. Perfect for a quick bite.
Alambique – The interior of Alambique is fantastic, and the food tastes amazing too. It’s a popular spot, so there might be a queue. You can make a reservation by calling +57 (310) 587-0362.
Restaurante Kaime – A trendy restaurant offering delicious vegan dishes. They have a variety of options, including sandwiches, burgers, vegetable and fruit bowls, and more. Open for lunch and dinner.

Where to stay in Medellín?

Medellín is a large city, and you may be wondering where is the best place to stay. The Poblado district is the top choice. It is a very safe neighborhood with many restaurants, bars, cafes, hostels, and hotels. Many other neighborhoods are less safe. Below, you’ll find our favorite hostels & hotels in the Poblado district.

Our favorite places to stay in Medellín

Whether you prefer a hostel or a hotel, there are plenty of great accommodations to choose from in Medellín.

One of the most enjoyable hostels in the city is Los Patios Hostel. It has a lively atmosphere, and there is sometimes live music in the evenings. They offer various activities such as bike tours, yoga classes, and even free salsa lessons. There is a rooftop with a pool, and you can play air hockey, pool, or table tennis. Both the dorms and private rooms are very comfortable. If you prefer a quieter accommodation, 574 Hotel is an excellent choice. This boutique hotel offers beautiful double rooms at a reasonable price. If you have a slightly higher budget and want to stay somewhere unique, take a look at Click Clack Hotel. The exterior of this hotel is already amazing, but the interior is truly fantastic. It’s what you would call ‘hotel chic’! A few more highlights: the location is perfect, and there is a rooftop with a lovely swimming pool.

Tip: It’s advisable to book your hotel in Medellín early because the above-mentioned places are very popular and tend to fill up quickly.

Los Patios Hostel More information

574 Hotel More information

Click Clack Hotel More information