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So far, I have not met a single person who didn’t love Medellín. For many people, it ends up being their favourite place in Colombia and honestly, it was mine too.
There is just so much to do in the Medellín. The weather is amazing, not too humid like the coast but also not too cold. The people are friendly, the public transport is great, and the city has gone through such an incredible transformation over the past few years.
In total, I spent around two and a half weeks in Medellín. I took Spanish classes while I was there, and the city ended up being both the first and last stop of my Colombia trip. Because I stayed for a bit longer, I got to experience not only the touristy side of Medellín but also a bit of everyday life, which I absolutely loved.
Even after two and a half weeks, though, I still felt like there was so much more to see and do. If you ask me, the more time you can spend in Medellín, the better.
So, if you are planning a trip to the City of Eternal Spring, here are the 15 best things to do in Medellín.
The 15 Best Things to Do in Medellín:
- Visit Comuna 13
- Watch a football game at Estadio Atanasio Girardot
- Explore Santafé Mall
- Take Spanish classes
- Join a free walking tour of the city centre
- Visit the Casa de la Memoria Museum
- Ride the Medellín metro cable car
- Hike through Parque Arví
- See the Botero sculptures at Plaza Botero
- Try Bandeja Paisa
- Walk through the Jardín Botánico
- Sample exotic local fruits at Placita de Flórez
- Visit the Museo de Antioquia
- Join an evening bike tour
- Play Tejo
Also check out my guide on what to do if you are arriving in Medellín late in the evening and are concerned about safety!
1. Visit Comuna 13
Comuna 13 was once considered one of the most dangerous areas in Medellín and definitely not somewhere tourists or even locals would visit.
Today, however, the area has completely transformed. Thanks to major improvements in public transport, including the famous outdoor escalators and cable cars, Comuna 13 has become one of the most popular places to visit in the city.
The area is now filled with colourful street art, murals, music and performances. While it is beautiful to walk around, much of the artwork tells the story of Comuna 13’s past and the transformation it has gone through. That is why I would really recommend visiting with a guide, as it gives you so much more context and helps you understand the area better.
A lot of tours also support the local community, with part of the money going back to the people who live there.
2. Go to a Football Game
There are two main football teams in Medellín: Atlético Nacional and Independiente Medellín.
Atlético Nacional is the bigger and more popular team of the two, but honestly, watching either team play is such a fun and unique experience in Medellín and definitely something you should do.
Both teams play at Estadio Atanasio Girardot. If you are going to an Atlético Nacional match, make sure to get tickets in the south end of the stadium, as that is where the most passionate fans sit. I also watched a match from the north side once, and trust me, it was nowhere near as fun.
The best part is not even necessarily the football itself, but the atmosphere. Everyone sings, chants, and waves flags for more than 90 minutes straight, and it is honestly one of the craziest atmospheres I have experienced. The honestly best things to do in Medellín, if you ask me!
If you want to experience a football match in Medellín but don’t want to organise everything yourself, you can also join a football match tour. This one includes your match ticket, the pre-game experience and even an official team jersey. I think this is a great option if you’re travelling solo and want to experience the atmosphere with other people rather than going to the stadium alone.
⚽ Book the Medellín football experience here
I only ended up going to Atlético Nacional matches, so that is definitely my team now. For Independiente Medellín, I think the liveliest fan section is on the north side of the stadium (but don’t quote me on that).
The closest metro stop is Estadio. If you are staying in El Poblado, you will need to change trains at San Antonio, and the journey usually takes around 20 minutes. However, if you want to go back and it’s dark, I would recommend taking a taxi instead.
3. Go Shopping at Santafé Mall
If you need a break from sightseeing, head to Santafé Mall, the biggest shopping centre in Medellín.
Located in El Poblado, it doesn’t only have lots of shops, but it is also one of the few places in Medellín where you can properly relax, take out your phone and not worry too much.
There is also a food court on the top floor with nice views over the city.
4. Take Spanish Classes
You can take Spanish classes almost anywhere in Latin America, but Medellín is one of the best places to do it. The city is affordable, there is loads to do after class, and it is the kind of place where you can easily stay for a few weeks.
I took two weeks of classes at Toucan Spanish School and really enjoyed it. It is a great way to meet other travellers while also improving your Spanish.
5. Go on a Walking Tour of the Centre of Medellín
One of the best (and also safest ways) to start exploring the centre of Medellín is by going on a free walking tour! In about four hours you will walk around downtown Medellín and see all the central sightseeing points, as well as hear about the history of the city. The tours are
My guide Natalia was super enthusiastic and a great tour guide and I can definitely recommend these tours to anyone. Make sure to sign up online beforehand as it is quite popular and spaces are limited.
6. Visit the Memorial Museum (Museo Casa de la Memoria)
If you want to learn more about the history of Medellín and the people who lived through it, make sure to visit the Casa de la Memoria Museum near the city centre.
The museum focuses on Colombia’s conflict and the impact it had on Medellín and its people. It is really interesting and gives a lot more context to the city you see today.
Best of all, it is completely free to visit. Just do not make the same mistake I did and try to go on a Monday, as the museum is closed then and you will have to come back another day.
7. Ride the Medellín Cable Car
One of the coolest things to do in Medellín is ride the cable car. While it might seem like a tourist attraction at first, it is actually part of the city’s public transport system and is used every day by people living higher up in the hills.
Because of that, the cable cars are really affordable and cost the same as a normal metro ticket. The only exception is the cable car to Parque Arví, which is more aimed at tourists and costs a little more.
Even if you are not heading anywhere in particular, it is worth taking a ride just for the views. From the gondolas, you get an amazing perspective over Medellín and really see how huge the city is.
8. Visit Parque Arví
You can reach Parque Arví with the metro cable. Firstly, you need to take the cable car from Acevedo all the way up to Santa Domingo.
From there, you will have to pay an additional 6000 Pesos to switch to the other cable car that will take you all the way up to Parque Arví. I would say it’s worth it just for the views alone.
9. Visit Plaza Botero
Another one of the best things to do in Medellín is to visit Plaza Botero in the city centre.
Located just a short walk from both Parque Berrío and San Antonio, the square is famous for the sculptures by Colombian artist Fernando Botero.
Fernando Botero donated 23 of his bronze sculptures to his hometown, and you can now see them spread across the square. Even if you are not usually that interested in art, it is definitely worth stopping by while exploring the centre of Medellín.
10. Eat Bandeja Paisa
This dish is typical for Colombia and for the Paisa region so you should definitely give it a try. It is basically a plate of a lot of different foods such as avocado, rice, beans, chorizo, patacones etc. The portions can be huge so it is also a good dish for sharing.
11. Visit the Jardín Botánico de Medellín
If you are looking for a free activity, visiting the Jardín Botánico de Medellín is one of the best things to do in Medellín.
Located right next to Universidad, the gardens feel completely different from the busy streets outside. Even though anyone can walk in, it feels much more peaceful and relaxed once you are inside.
It is the perfect place to escape the city for a little while and go for a walk.
12. Eat Local Fruits
Trying local fruit is one of the best things to do in Medellín, especially if you are visiting from Europe or North America. Colombia has so many fruits that you have probably never even heard of before.
For me, that was Lulo, which I had never tried before. Other fruits to look out for are Granadilla, Maracuyá and Guanábana.
If you want to try lots of different fruits, either join a fruit tour or head to Placita de Flórez in the city centre. The market has loads of fruit stalls where you can try different things for very little money.
13. Visit Museo de Antioquia
Located right next to Plaza Botero, the Museum of Antioquia is another one of the best things to do in Medellín if you are interested in art.
The museum contains a lot more work by Fernando Botero, as well as artwork by other Colombian artists. It is worth visiting if you want to learn a bit more about one of Colombia’s most famous artists after seeing his sculptures in the square.
14. Join a bike tour to the city centre of Medellín
One of my favourite ways to explore Medellín was by bike. I joined an evening bike tour organised through my hostel, Los Patios, and before doing it, I honestly didn’t realise how easy it was to get around parts of the city by bike.
We cycled through different areas of Medellín and also visited the city centre after dark, which I probably wouldn’t have done by myself. My favourite part was stopping at a place where lots of local students were hanging out in the evening. It felt completely different from the much more touristy El Poblado area.
I would definitely recommend doing a bike tour while you’re in Medellín. You get to see much more of the city than you would on foot, and having a guide also makes it easier to explore areas you might otherwise skip.
If you want to do something similar, this Medellín bike tour takes you around the city with a local guide and includes several stops along the way. It’s also a good option if you’re travelling solo and would rather explore by bike as part of a group. They offer tours in the morning and evening.
Check availability for the Medellín bike tour here →
15. Play Tejo
Tejo is a Colombian sport where you have to throw a metal disc (a tejo) on a board which contains small explosives. If you hit it in the right way then they will explode which is the goal of the game. It’s super fun and you should definitely try it out at one point during your stay in Colombia.
I believe it’s not particularly famous for the Paisa region and you can try it in a lot of other places (e.g. Salento, Bogotá) but I will still include it since I had tried Tejo while in Medellín. It’s also quite social and you can just have a few beers while playing as well.
Additionally: Day trip from Medellín to Guatapé
And for one of the best day trips from Medellín, make sure to book a tour to Guatapé. Guatapé is about 2-3 hours away (depending on traffic) and is known for its beautiful colourful houses and the Piedra de Peñol: a big rock you can climb for stunning views of Guatapé.
If you only have a day to visit, joining an organised day trip is the easiest and most efficient way to see as much as possible in a short time.
Where to stay in Medellín?
Most travellers stay in El Poblado, which is where all of these hostels are located. It is one of the safest and most convenient areas to stay in Medellín, with lots of restaurants, bars and easy access to the metro.
- Budget: Purple Monkey Hostel – A social hostel with a rooftop bar, cheap drinks and breakfast included. I stayed here when I first arrived in Medellín and really liked the atmosphere. Dorms start from around €9 per night. Check prices here!
- Best design: Rango Boutique Hostel – Probably the fanciest hostel I have ever stayed in. The breakfast buffet was honestly the best I have ever had in a hostel. Dorms start from around €14 per night. Book your stay here!
- Best overall: Los Patios Hostel – One of the best hostels in Colombia, with an amazing rooftop, loads of activities and a great location near the metro. This is the place to stay if you want to meet other travellers. Check availability here
Is Medellín safe for tourists?
Medellín is generally safe for tourists, especially in El Poblado and Laureles. Just always be aware of your surroundings and don’t wander around at night in certain areas. Always use Ubers to travel around, especially if you are feeling a little unsafe.
How many days do you need in Medellín?
Most travellers spend 4–7 days in Medellín. But Medellín is also a great place to study Spanish so I would really recommend staying longer and also combining it with taking Spanish classes.
What is the best area to stay in Medellín?
El Poblado is the most popular neighbourhood for tourists, with the best hostels, restaurants and nightlife. It is also one of the safest areas, and even after dark you are still relatively safe to walk around.
Skip the Pablo Escobar Tours
You have probably noticed that I have not included a Pablo Escobar tour in this list of the best things to do in Medellín and that is because I personally would not recommend doing one.
I did not do one myself, and I also did not meet anyone in Medellín who had. From what I heard, many locals see these tours as disrespectful and do not appreciate people treating that part of the city’s history like a tourist attraction.
As visitors, I think it is important to be respectful of that. If you want to learn more about Medellín’s past, I would recommend visiting the Casa de la Memoria Museum and joining a walking tour of the city instead.
And these were some of the best things to do in Medellín! Have you been to Medellín? How many of these activities have you participated in, and what did I miss out on?
Talk to you soon,
3 comments
I’ve been to Cartagena, but I would love to go to Medellin, it looks like such a fun city! I love that you can take cable cars into the mountains, are there places to get great views of the city from the top?
Cartegana is amazing as well! The cable cars that I took there were mostly just trees or building in between when you got off the station, so I would say the best views where definitely during the ride. But there are other cable car lines that I have not taken so maybe they will have different views from the top 🙂
I would certainly take Spanish classes