The city of Medellín, or Municipality of Medellín, is the second-largest city in Colombia, nestled in the Aburrá Valley in the Andes Mountains, South America. Oftentimes referred to as ‘The City of the Eternal Spring’, Medellín is known for its ever-present, beautiful climate and enjoyable weather. The city is filled to the brim with stunning landscapes and natural beauty, as the surrounding Andes Mountains provide breathtaking views.
There also exists a multitude of quaint parks and lovely gardens, including the hiking trails of Parque Arvi and the Botanical Gardens. Or even attend the Medellín flower parade! It is not unusual to be able to spot an Iguana or even a monkey whilst touring through the Medellín city streets! Medellín is truly an agricultural haven and home to some wonderful nature. Known for its innovation, the city is home to a myriad of museums, libraries, and creative boroughs, allowing you to learn new things and explore your creative side.
The Medellín citizens are known for being friendly and welcoming and will ensure that your stay is one you shall never forget. There is much to see and do, but here are this author’s top eleven attractions for tourists in the city of Medellín, Colombia, South America.
Metrocable Ride to Parque Arvi
Remember when I mentioned that Medellín was known for its innovative nature? Well, here is a great example of that. Medellín is home to a fantastic metro cable system. The Metrocable is a part of the Medellín Metro, which exists as the only metro system in Colombia. Why not take the Linea L Metrocable from the Santo Domingo interchange to Parque Arvi? Enjoy beautiful views of the Aburrá Valley as you travel toward your destination. Upon arrival, be greeted by a vastly forested nature reserve, adorned with stunning Colombian agriculture.
The Parque Arvi reserve itself exists as a pre-Hispanic archaeological site, complete with thirteen hiking trails, small food and craft markets, and breathtaking views. Why not rent a bike if you’re not wanting to walk the trails? There are plenty of ways to enjoy touring the reserve!
Address: Via a Piedras Blancas, Medellín, Antioquia, Colombia
Plaza Botero
A visit to Plaza Botero is not one to miss! Sandwiched between the Museum of Antioquia and the Rafael Uribe Palace of Culture, the plaza is home to twenty-three chunky bronze statues created by Fernando Botero, who himself was a famous painter and sculpture from Medellín. The sculptures combine the styles of contemporary, figurative, and neo-renaissance. The result? A multitude of plump statues, ranging from large animals to lounging women.
The sculptures themselves took Botero from a local artist to an international superstar, and so are definitely worth a visit! According to the ‘Botero Legend’, if you rub the sculptures, love and luck will be bestowed upon you. Whether this legend reigns true or the latter, Plaza Botero is a sight to behold and definitely worth a stop on your Colombian adventure!
Address: Avenida Carabobo, Medellín, Antioquia, 050010, Colombia
Musea Casa de la Memoria
You must make time to soak up some Colombian history during your trip! What better place to do so than the Musea Casa de la Memoria? Touring the museum is an incredibly moving experience as you immerse yourself in the harsh realities of Medillin’s dark past.
The Musea Casa de la Memoria serves as documentation of the stories of the victims of the wars, armed conflicts, and other violent happenings in Colombia. Guide your way through a touchscreen timeline, learning about the city within which you stand. The Musea Casa de la Memoria is a solemn, difficult, but well worth experience that opens your eyes to the atrocities of the past and in turn hopes for a brighter and safer future.
Address: Parque Bicentenario, Cl. 51 #36-66, Medellín, Antioquia, 050013, Colombia
Salsa Dancing
Let’s have a boogie! Dance like a true Colombian by attending one, or more, of Medellín’s many salsa dance classes. With levels from beginner to pro and a multitude of venues to choose from, there is no excuse to not get your dancing shoes on. Dance in salsa bars such as El Eslabon Prendido or Son Havana, or even attend a session at a school such as DanceFree in Poblado.
Most of the aforementioned sessions require a small entry fee but will have you progressing super quickly. But if your budget’s tight then why not try out one of the free, informal dance meetups that are held in the local parks. Either way, there are plenty of opportunities to get involved in salsa dancing, and what better place to give it a go in?
Address:
El Eslabon Prendido = Calle 53 #42-55, Medellín, Antioquia, Colombia Son Havana = Cra 73 No 44-56, Medellín, Antioquia, Colombia
DanceFree = Calle 10A #40-27, Medellín 050021, Antioquia,Colombia
Parque Explora
Parque Explora is South America’s largest freshwater aquarium! With over three hundred interactive exhibits and three-hundred species of fish, it is no wonder Parque Explora is so popular. There is something here for all the family and for children of all ages. Tour through the outdoor displays, the planetarium, and the television studio! Embrace your creative side and make graffiti, discover the dinosaur exhibit, and stand in awe at the mighty snakes and reptiles in the vivarium.
Learn all about the history of Colombian radio and even record your own podcast episode. Parque Explora is not just an aquarium, but a well-rounded learning experience where you can truly embrace your creativity, learn new skills, discover Colombian history, and tap into interests you didn’t even know you had!
Address: Carrera 52 ##73-75, Medellín, Antioquia, 050010, Colombia
Antioquia Museum
Displaying an abundance of modern, colonial, and Pre-Colombian works of art, the Museo de Antioquia, or the Antioquia Museum, is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Medellín. The permanent collection includes a multitude of works from both the aforementioned Fernando Botero and Pedro Nel Gomez, who himself was a pioneer of the Colombian Muralist Movement.
There are many clay pieces from Medellín and the surrounding regions, and the work of many local and resident artists are frequently displayed. Though known for its exciting collections, the Antioquia Museum’s work with the community has elevated the venue. For instance, its award-winning cabaret ‘No One Knows Who I Am’, including performance artist Nadia Granados, delves into the experiences of sex workers. So not only displaying incredible works of art, the Antioquia Museum sheds light on important social and political issues and is, therefore, an incredibly important attraction to visit.
Addess: Calle 52 #52-43, Medellín, Antioquia, 050010, Colombia
Comuna 13’s Graffiti Murals
Previously existing as one of Medellín’s most dangerous areas, Comuna Thirteen has been transformed into a vibrant, creative quarter, home to a haven of incredible graffiti and street art. Immerse yourself in the stunning colors, beautiful images, and stories of the artists. For a truly authentic experience, take one of the many tours that occur daily.
These are performed by local residents, who take time to explain the significance and importance of each mural, whilst delving into the history of the Comuna Thirteen area. The area speaks volumes, beautifully demonstrating the transformative nature of Medellín. Plus, it’s a great opportunity to get an Instagram photo! Despite this area’s new reputation, locals still recommend not to go to Comuna Thirteen at night.
Address: Calle 35f ##100a-1, Medellín, Antioquia, 050033, Colombia
The City of the Eternal Spring
Medellín is known as the City of the Eternal Spring, due to its rich agricultural beauty! During your visit, you simply must admire all the natural beauty that the city has to offer. The very best time to see a full display of this is during the August Feria de las Flores when a parade of five-hundred flower vendors march through the streets of Medellín, showcasing stunning bouquets and floral arrangements. If you aren’t able to attend the festival in August, you can always visit the flower market at Placita de Flórez, which is the largest plant and flower market in Medellín.
You could even opt to picnic in the Joaquín Antonio Uribe Botanical Garden, which boasts four-thousand, five-hundred flowers in breathtaking rows of reds, yellows, and pinks, a natural rainwater system, and an Orquideorama providing a protective space for the butterfly and orchid gardens. Wherever you chose to visit, there are so many opportunities for you to look in awe at the incredible agricultural beauty of Medellín!
Address:
Joaquín Antonio Uribe Botanical Garden = Cl. 73 ##5114, Medellín,
Antioquia, Colombia
Placita de Flórez = Cra. 39 ## 50-25, Medellín, Antioquia, Colombia
El Poblado Nightclubs
The district of El Poblado is famous for its vibrant and exciting nightclubs and is the most popular in all of Medellín for a fun night out. Not only this, but the district holds the highest number of clubs and therefore offers lots of choices, including Parque Lleras and the street of Via Provenza.
Make sure you check the dress code of the bar or club you’re wanting to go to before you head out! Vintrash boasts some great reggaeton, whilst Envy provides some incredible rooftop views of the city. Calle 9+1 is relaxed and chilled with some lively, and The Blue Bar plays super cool rock and electronic music along with well-priced drinks. There is something for everyone! A night out in El Poblado should not be missed!
Address: El Poblado, Medellín, Antioquia, Colombia
Street Food
As a country, Colombia is known for its biodiversity. With its remarkable array of fruits and vegetables, it is one of the best places in the world to enjoy healthy street food. Tour the many vendor stalls lining the Medellín streets. Sample some sweet guanábana or limonada de coco, or try dragon fruit, star fruit, or guava.
Make sure you get the chance to snack on some Colombian borojó, thought to be an aphrodisiac! There is food available early in the morning and late at night, so you can make sure to make Colombian street food one, or many, of your meals during your trip! Some of the best neighborhood street food markets sit comfortably in El Pulguero, Minorista, and San Fernando Plaza.
Address:
El Pulguero = Cra. 74, Medellín, Antioquia, Colombia
Plaza Minorista = Cl. 55 ##57-80, Medellín, Antioquia, Colombia
San Fernando Plaza = Cra. 43A ##1-50, Medellín, Antioquia, Colombia
Barefoot Park
Open every day excluding Monday, ‘Barefoot Park’, or Parque de Los Pies Descalzos, invites visitors to experience nature through their bare feet. Take off your shoes and tour through the many available activities, themed around the elements of earth, water, and air.
Explore the Well of Sounds, where water jets massage your feet, or walk over the Zen Garden’s stones rub your soles and temples. Practice balancing on the Level Tower beams, or tour through the Maze with eyes closed. Let your senses guide you and discover the power of your body!
Address: Carrera 58 #42-125, Medellín, Antioquia, 050015, Colombia 6
