There are so many things to do in Medellin that you can quickly see why it is such a trending travel destination. I didn’t even mention yet how technologically advance the city is, which is why it’s becoming a popular hub for digital nomads.
I personal spent a little over 2 weeks in Medellin and marked it on my list of best places to be a digital nomad. I have a feeling I’ll be back sooner than later.
Now let’s get into the juicy details, these are 20 of the best Medellin things to do and experience while exploring this hip city.
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Things to do in Medellin, Colombia Quick List
- Parque Arvi (You Tube: Skip to 1:05)
- Attend a Futbol Match
- Museo de Antioquia
- Parque Explora
- Free Walking Tour
- Explore Poblado
- Parque Lleras
- Plaza Botero
- Salsa Dancing Lessons
- Eat a Traditional Colombian Meal
- Comuna 13
- Botanical Gardens
- Take a Food Tour
- Go Paragliding
- Party!
- Bicycle Tour
Day Trips from Medellin Quick List
Medellin Travel Vlogs
Although, we spent most of our time in Medellin on a ‘work-cation’ …you know sorta like a vacation but we’re working – one of the many perks of being a digital nomad. We did manage to film a vlog or 2 during our time in Medellin.
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Best Things to do in Medellin
Attend a Futbol Match
Attending a Medellin futbol match is an unforgettable experience and one of the most fun things to do in Medellin. The atmosphere is electric and filled with colors of the local team. Imagine the crowd chanting, singing and waving flags in support of their favorite team.
Joe and I unfortunately dropped the ball when we were in Medellin as we realized a home game was being played too late so we weren’t able to attend. Fortunately for us, we did go out that night to enjoy and partake in the celebration of the home teams victory. It was a wild and fun night.
Parque Arvi
The park is home to a variety of flora and fauna including over 200 species of bird and over 40 mammal species. The park also has a number of restaurants, camp sites and picnic areas.
There are a number of hiking trails to enjoy inside Parque Arvi but you can only enjoy these trails if you have a guide which you can hire when you get to the park. Even if you choose not to hire a guide, the hour ride up the suspended cable car is worth a trip on its own.
What to do in Parque Arvi:
- Explore the Park
- Hiking
- Shop at the Local Market
- Biking
- Night Hiking
- Bird Watching
Museo de Antioquia
This art museum is home to a vast collection of artwork from world-renowned Medellin artist, Fernando Botero and Pedro Nel Gómez. Walking through the galleries of this grand building, you can admire the artist’s renowned pieces including his iconic sculptures, paintings and drawings.
The Museo de Antioquia also houses a wide variety of other artwork from local and international artists showcasing the diversity and vibrancy of Medellin’s culture. The museum is open Monday through Saturday from 10am – 5:30pm and costs 18 COP to enter.
Parque Explora
You can explore the science park and learn about science and nature through interactive exhibits, 3D films and workshops along the way. I’m talking nature, space, oceans, animals and even dinosaurs. It’s truly an impressive park.
In addition to its scientific offerings, Parque Explore also includes a stunning tropical garden, the largest freshwater aquarium in South America and a planetarium. This is one of the best things to do in Medellin for the whole family as its a museum for people of all ages.
Parque Explora is open on the weekends from 10am – 5pm, Tuesday through Friday 830am – 4pm and is closed on Mondays. Price to enter starts at 32,000 COP which is roughly $10 USDs.
Free Walking Tour
A walking tour is a great introduction to a new area and in my opinion one of the best free things to do in Medellin. You can normally book a tour with your hostel if that’s where you happen to be staying. Tours usually last around 2 hours and a local guide will be able to answer any questions that you have.
Parque Lleras
The park itself is more of a concrete jungle filled with benches for relaxing and during the day local vendors sell artwork, jewelry and other small craft works. The real attraction is the plethora bars, restaurants and hotels that surround the park.
At night the area comes alive with music and dancing. A lot of the bars and restaurants open their doors enticing you to enter with live music and DJ’s. If you choose to stay in the Poblado district, you won’t be able to miss Parque Lleras.
Explore Poblado
Joe and I spent two weeks in this bustling city. Our second week in the city we stayed in the heart of the Poblado district in an Airbnb on the main drag. It was loud and noisy at all hours of the night but you couldn’t beat the location as it was walking distance to anything we needed.
Home to a variety of upscale bars, restaurants and hotels, Polblado has something for everyone. With its well-maintained parks, lively streets and beautiful architecture, Poblado is a good area to base yourself out of as you. explore the city.
Plus it boasts some of the best nightlife in the city. We’re talking clubs, bars and music venues. This is where you want to party and its a fun night out when the home team wins the futbol match!
Take a Salsa Dancing Lesson
During the lessons, experienced instructors teach the basics of salsa like footwork, rhythm and style. Not only do the lessons offer a great way to learn and practice salsa, but they also provide a great way to meet new people while you are traveling.
Plaza Botero
The sculptures depict people and animals of various shapes and sizes and are the highlight of the plaza. Some people even say the sculptures are ‘chubby’ and once you see them for yourself, it will make a little more sense.
The plaza is surrounded by trees and flower beds, making it a great place to relax and admire the beauty of the city. On the weekends, the plaza is filled with vendors selling local food and crafts, making it a popular spot to visit. Have some patience to wait out the crowds if you want a clear shot of the sculptures.
Eat a Traditional Colombian Meal
Medellin does not have a shortage of restaurants that serves típica Colombian fare. Trying local dishes is one of the best ways to start to get to know a foreign culture. Traditional Colombian dishes include:
- Mondongo – Pork, tripe and chorizo soup,
- Arepas – a cross between a tortilla and a pancake can be filled with cheese, meat and even made as a desert.
- Arepa de Huevo – Same as above but this is a deep fried egg.
- Ajiaco – Potato and chicken soup (my favorite).
- Bandeja Paisa – A HUGE dish that consists of rice, minced meat, red beans, chorizo, arepa, a fried egg, chicharron (fried pork skin), sweet plantain, and a half of avocado.
- Patacones – Plantains that have been flattened and deep fried served with a sauce of your choice.
- Obleas – Thin wafer sandwiches filled with a variety of ingredients such as blackberry jam, milk cream, condensed milk, peanuts, coconut, fruit syrups, chocolate sprinkles, and even cheese.
- Sancocho – Chicken, Beef rib or Fish soup that contains potato, yuca, plantain.
- Empanadas – Deep fried pockets filled with meat, potatoes, chicken, and rice.
- Fiambre – Rice, sausage, fried pork, ground meat, boiled or fried egg, a slice of ripe banana and arepa wrapped in banana leaves.
Joe and I ate at Mondongo for our traditional Colombian meal, which was located in the heart of the Poblado district a few blocks away from our Airbnb. Atmosphere is relaxed, prices are fair and it gets pretty busy especially on the weekends.
Comuna 13
It was once one of the most dangerous and poverty-stricken areas in the city but it has since become a model of urban renewal and development. Today, Commune 13 is a vibrant, multicultural community that is known for its graffiti art.
The best way to experience this area is on a Commune 13 Tour. This area still suffers with poverty and it’s best to get informed and aware of the area from a local guide.
Botanical Garden
The Botanical Garden is a popular destination for locals and tourists who come to marvel at the wealth of plants and trees from around the world. If you want to avoid the crowds, stick to visiting on a weekday. This Medellin activity is open everyday from 9am – 4:30pm and is free to enter.
Go on a Food Tour
From traditional Colombian cuisine like arepas and Bandeja Paisa to modern fusion dishes, you’ll have the opportunity to explore a variety of flavors and textures. A food tour is a great way to get a true taste of Medellin and its unique culinary offerings.
Here are some top rated food tours in Medellin to check out:
Go Paragliding
The mountainous terrain of the city offers a beautiful backdrop for a paragliding adventure. On a clear day, you can soar over the lush green hills and take in the stunning views of the city.
The experienced instructors will provide you with all the necessary equipment and safety instructions before you take off. With the right wind and weather conditions, you can reach new heights.
Party!
Just remember to always party responsibly, that means using the buddy system, don’t accept drinks from strangers or leave your drink unattended and trusting your gut. If something feels off, it probably is.
Bicycle Tour
Medellin Day Trips
El Peñol
The rock formation is part of a larger mountain range which some think it landed there due to a volcanic explosion. You can climb the 740 steps to get to the top of the rock which offers a breathtaking panorama of the surrounding area and lake.
🪨 Read Full Post: El Peñón de Guatapé – Medellin’s Best Day Trip
Guatape Town
The town is known for its colorful buildings, a massive lake, the iconic Rock of Guatape that I touched on earlier and breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. A better way to experience Guatape is spending a few days here versus a day trip. Once you visit this adorable town, you’ll be glad that you did.
📚 Read Next: Best Things to do in Guatapé
Cañón Del Río Claro Reserva Natural
The natural reserve provides visitors with a variety of activities including hiking, swimming and birdwatching. The canyon is also home to numerous species of animals and plants which makes it a popular destination for photographers and nature lovers.
Coffee Plantation
On a coffee tour, you’ll learn everything about the coffee making process. From planting the coffee seed to picking, cleaning, roasting, grinding, brewing and finally tasting the perfect cup of coffee.
Go Zip Lining
Medellin Travel Tips
- Don’t take a Pablo Escobar Tour.
- Uber is illegal but still used. Jump in the front seat.
- The metro in Medellin is clean, efficient, user friendly and safe.
- The airport is about 45 minutes outside of the city. Expect to pay a hefty penny for a cab.
- Try to speak Spanish, attempting to speak the local language goes a long way.
☕️ Read Next: 27 Essential Colombia Travel Tips
How to Get Around Medellin
In addition, there area a number of buses including the Metropolis Bus Rapid Transit System, which offers express service on certain routes. The public transport system also includes the Metrocable which you will take when you head up to Parque Arvi.
Uber is illegal in Colombia although, I used it a few times when I was traveling around the country. I just hopped in the front seat, which made the uber ride much less noticeable. Either way, traveling around Medellin is affordable and convenient.
Where to Stay in Medellin
- Where to Stay in Medellin on a Budget – Los Patios Hostel
- Mid Range Medellin Accommodations – 574 Hotel
- Best Luxury Hotel in Medellin – Elcielo Hotel & Restaurant
Safety in Medellin
It is important to be aware of safety concerns and take necessary precautions when visiting Medellin. Travelers should stay in well lit areas, avoid carrying valuables and be aware of your surroundings at all times.
There is a saying here in Colombia, no dar papaya which loosely means don’t give people a reason or don’t make yourself a target. Meaning, don’t being flashy with valuables, keep your phones in a pocket and out of site, don’t wear your expensive watch, etc. I never felt unsafe when I explored Medellin but I always have my guard up, something I’ve learned and perfected over the years of travel.
Do you have any favorite things to do in Medellin? Let me know in the comments below.
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