The 11 essential things to do in Medellin

Visit Medellin and travel to Colombia’s history to the discovery of a changing people!

The simple name of Medellin evokes many things in our imagination. Between her drug patrons, her violence and her various guerrillas, the city still bears the stigmas of this time. At first sight, the traveller wonders why he is here.

Between its buildings built from all sides, its streets for the least dull, Medellin does not leave a good first impression. However, little by little, this city delivers to you and its secrets with it.

We will see together what to do in Medellin to give you the opportunity to fully discover this agglomeration. Over time, it has shifted from the most dangerous city to the most innovative city!

1. Place Botero

From far the city's nerve center, the Plaza Botero was avoided for many years by the inhabitants of the city.

Today, it is one of the most touristic and includes many sculptures by the artist of the same name. We invite you to observe the life of this place and to discover the secrets it houses: between the premises still doing troc under the metro bridge or other individuals with their writing machines.

You can also watch a mural by the artist Pedro Nel Gomez at the station exit. The latter represents the history of the city, from the time of the aborigines to its industrial revolution.

2. The Museum of Memory

If you are looking for something unusual in the city, make a tour Museum of Memory . This museum traces the history of Medellin and more generally Antioquia. Unlike a classical museum, the latter focuses on violence and events that shaped Medellin.

Rather small but very interactive, it will give you a lot of information about this part of the history Colombians do not want to forget. Visiting Medellin is also looking to understand his tumultuous years. This place will give you the full possibility.

3. La Comuna 13

It was once the neighbourhood at the highest crime rate in Medellin. Drug traffickers, guerrillas and other criminals were lawful and murders were frequent. However, this is today the most visited place in the city. If you want to know what to do in Medellin, Comuna 13 is a must.

The transformation of this neighbourhood has been accomplished through art and urban planning. The development of a cable metro and mechanical stairs allowed the Comuna 13 to be connected to the city, while at the same time the youth decided to stop violence by retranscribing it in the walls of the city.

Through a guided tour, you will be able to admire hundreds of graffiti as prodigious as surprising. Symbols of transformation, they represent the landmark events of the history of the suburbs and convey many messages of hope and peace. This neighborhood is an unmissable thing to do in Medellin!

4. The Museum of Antioquia

Founded in 1881 , Antioquia Museum includes a wide collection of pre-Columbian works, as well as representations from various national and international artists. You will also discover part of the work of Fernando Botero from the city.

5. The Arvi Park

Located on the heights of Medellin, the Parc Arvi , with his 16 000 hectares its many trails, is a must-see if you come to visit Medellin.

With its unbeatable views of the agglomeration and the valley — from the cable car that gives access to it — the park is an ideal place to decompress and get away from the ants of the city. However, you will need to take a guided tour to visit it.

6. The Botanical Garden

Just like the Arvi Park, the Botanical garden is conducive to relaxation. With her 14 hectares gardens, gardens 4500 plant varieties and its 139 bird species, you will soon be conquered!

7. Modern Art Museum

The Modern Art Museum is one of the prides of the people and also one of the symbols of Medellin’s renewal.

You will find numerous exhibitions of Latin American artists including the amazing works of Debora Arango , native of the city as Botero. This is a very busy place in the premises and you can sometimes find plays and concerts.

8. Free city tour

In order to visit Medellin and know its history, we advise you to take a free guided tour of the city. This one is on foot and your guide will plunge you into the secrets of the various places that shaped the second city of the country. Between history, site explanations and interpretation of Medellin's changes, you will soon be seduced by this activity.

9. Visit Guatapé

Located in 2h Medellin Road, Guatapé is a unique place. This colonial-style village will leave you under the charm with its many buildings with historical frescoes of all colors.

You will also be able to do various aquatic activities in the different islands. The main attraction is located El Peñól where you can climb the rock. Once 649 steps past, you will have a stunning 360° view of the lakes of the region.

10. Santa Fe de Antioquia

Only 80 kilometers northwest of Medellin, Santa Fe de Antioquia is one of the most beautiful villages in Colombia. You'll be seduced by her Plaza Mayor , its architecture and its many museums. It was the capital of the region of Antioquia until the advent of Medellin in 1826 .

11. The Pablo Escobar Tour

You can go in the footsteps of the dangerous — but still famous — drug baron Pablo Escobar . More than 20 years after his death you will have the opportunity to learn more about the life of the criminal who shaked Medellin. Especially by visiting his villa and several other places that marked his life.

Note Pablo Escobar left many stigmas in Medellin and killed nearly 10,000 people. The Colombian people are trying to leave this part of history behind and to get out of this violence. If you want to know more without going through this tower, the Casa de la Memoria will give you a sufficient insight into Pablo Escobar's life.

How to get to Medellin?

Towards Medellin

To go to Medellin several options are available to you: the plane or the bus.

• The plane

With its international airport, accessing Medellin by air is easier.

From Europe, you will often need to make a connection by the capital Bogotá .

Regarding internal flights, the city is connected with the whole country and you will find daily transfers with Bogotá and Cartagena de Indias .

In order to find tickets at the best prices, we recommend you take them in advance and do not hesitate to use a flight comparison such as Ulysses .

• The bus

Located in 1600 metres at altitude in the Andes Cordillera, reach Medellin by the earthly way takes time.

However, many companies offer routes to Medellin. However, the city being located in a mountainous area, the duration and comfort of bus trips leave to be desired.

From Bogata, you will need a dozen bus hours to get there. Concerning Cartagena de Indias, the journey lasts about 20 hours. We recommend that you prefer the air route for a few extra euros.

From the airport to the city centre of Medellin

From theJosé Maria Cordova airport

Located 28 kilometres from the city centre, this airport welcomes international flights and a large part of national flights.

The buses to the center are available from 3am to 00am. A taxi will cost you about 75,000 COPs, or about 20€ .

From theairport Olaya Herrera

Located directly in the city centre 30 minutes foot El Poblado , this airport serves a handful of national destinations.

A taxi to the center will cost you about 8000 COP, a little more 2.00€ .

Getting to town from bus terminals

From the Terminal del Sur

The Terminal del Sur is located next to Olaya Herrera Airport. You can reach c on foot in 30 minutes.

Count about 8000 COPs, a little over 2.00€ , if you want to take a taxi.

From the Terminal del Norte

The metro line A passes directly by the Terminal del Norte and drop you off at the station El Poblado About 20 minutes. It will cost you 2560 COP, about 0.75 euros . You can also take a taxi, but it will be longer and the race will be around 60,000 COPs, or about 60,000 COPs. 17€ .

Getting around in Medellin

• Metro and cable

Medellin has the best public transport facilities in Colombia. The services last 4h from morning to morning 23h Weekly and 5h at 10:00 on Sunday.

The price of a trip is 2560 COP, or 0.71€ and you will have access to all of the city’s lines, including cable cars (except the L line for Arvi Park).

• By taxi

The efficiency of the metro reduced the prices of taxis in Medellin. A journey between El Poblado and the centre will only cost you 12,000 COPs, a little more 3€ . The Uber app is also very popular in Medellin and will reduce the cost of your trips.

• By bus

The efficiency of the metro slices with that of the buses where security can leave to be desired. A trip to the center will cost you 1750 COP, about 0.50€ . The bus 134 liaison between Parque Berrio and Calle 10 El Poblado.

Where to stay in Medellin?

Although the city has undergone a major transformation in recent decades, the situation remains precarious. We recommend lodging in the neighborhoods of El Poblado, Manila or Provenza. They are known to be safe and have a restless nightlife.

In addition, they are located at the A metro line which will give you access to all points of interest in the city. Whether you choose to sleep in a hostel, hotel or home, there will be for all tastes and budgets!

If you prefer to sleep in a hotel room, don’t hesitate to use a hotel room hotel comparison to find the best offers and the one that matches you most!

For those of you who are looking for unusual places or a room in the living room, we advise you to go for a tour on Airbnb . Many competitive offers are available on the site in the safest neighborhoods of the city.