What are the Best Things to do in Medellin

Visit The Most Innovative city of Colombia

Medellin, also known as the City of Eternal Spring, offers a variety of attractions to suit everyone’s interests, including museums, hip-hop shows, and cooking classes. Visitors to the city will find a variety of entertainment options including historical museums and outdoor activities.

Plaza Botero and El Centro’s (the city center) historic streets and alleys with bohemian art galleries and music and cultural clubs are popular places to visit. The Botanical Garden offers nature tours for walking or bird-watching. While the riverwalk along the Medellin River, at Parques del Río, is also a must-see for urban transformation enthusiasts. If small towns are your thing you can’t miss a visit to Pueblito Paisa, a reconstruction of a typical Colombian town.

Guacamaya Trips offers a variety of experiences with knowledgeable guides, including art, urban transformation, typical street food, music, dance, Colombian food, and outdoor adventure. What are you waiting for?

Museo de Antioquia 

The Museo de Antioquia in Medellin city center is one of the most impressive museums in Latin America. This stunning institution features a wide variety of displays and exhibits that are sure to captivate anyone who visits. The museum has a diverse collection of artwork, including pieces from local artists and internationally famous artists like Monet, Picasso, and Kandinsky. When visiting don’t miss the museum’s impressive collection of pre-Columbian artifacts and sculptures.

The museum also hosts very interesting temporary exhibits that change every few months and can be checked out on the museum’s website

The famous statues at Plaza de Botero

One of the most popular tourist attractions in Medellin is the Plaza de Botero (Botero Plaza), which features 23 statues by world-renowned Colombian artist Fernando Botero. Located in the city’s downtown area, the plaza was commissioned by Mayor Alonso Salazar and inaugurated in December 2000.

The bronze sculptures that adorn the plaza include some of Botero’s famous works such as the “Bird”, the “Man on Horseback”, the “Pelican” and the “Cat”. The statues are made from a combination of bronze and marble, which makes them even more eye-catching.

Afterward, you can jump on the metro to Parque Explora which is one of the most spectacular science centers located in Colombia. As the city’s leading interactive space for education, research, and entertainment, Parque Explora provides an experience unlike any other. Visitors can explore over 50 interactive modules, as well as a variety of temporary exhibitions that cover a wide range of topics from natural sciences to technology. 

Explore El Centro (Downtown Medellín) on a Walking Tour

Centro Medellin is a vibrant and exciting city, full of history and culture. One of the best ways to experience this city is by taking a walking city tour through El Centro, or downtown Medellin. This vibrant district offers plenty of shopping and cultural entertainment options for visitors. From its colorful street art, and cultural centers to its bustling plazas, El Centro has something for everyone.

Some of the most famous sights are Salon Malaga for a taste of the city’s tango culture. You can also explore the charming narrow streets and alleys of La Candelaria, a vibrant and colorful neighborhood that is full of life.

Some of Medellin’s most iconic landmarks are in el centro, such as El Centro Coltejer, one of the oldest skyscrapers in Colombia, the Museo de Memoria, a place to reflect on the history of violence the country has experienced, and the famous Santa Fe neighborhood, home to the impressive Park of Lights.

Take a time out in the Botanical Gardens

The Botanical Gardens in Medellin provide a tranquil escape from the busy city with its abundance of greenery. The gardens are filled with beautiful, exotic plants and trees, many of which are native to Colombia.

The orchid and cactus gardens are a must for any garden lovers. There are also many sculptures, fountains, and art pieces that create an atmosphere of beauty and serenity. Butterfly enthusiasts will love the butterfly garden which opens hourly. The gardens are a great place to relax, take in some fresh air, have a lovely lunch, and snap some photos.

See Urban Transformation on the Cities Metro and Cable Cars

To witness the urban changes in Medellín, visitors can take a ride on the metro or cable cars, providing a glimpse into the city’s transformation over the past decade. The metro system runs through most of Medellin and is often considered one of Latin America’s most efficient public transport networks. For as little as $2 you can travel from one end of the city to the other.

For people watchers, it also offers an insight into the daily life of Paisas, as Medellin people are called.

Go up in the clouds to Parque Arvi

Another unmissable activity in Medellin is taking a trip up via cable car to Parque Arvi (Arvi Park). Located in the Santa Elena area, Parque Arvi is a nature reserve that sits high in the Andes Mountains and offers stunning 360-degree views of the city below.

Parque Arvi was originally founded as an ecological reserve to protect the local wildlife and ecosystems, but it also serves as a recreational area for visitors. Here you can find a variety of activities such as hiking, bird-watching, mountain biking, and camping.

And if you’re feeling daring enough, there are even zip-lining tours available!

Comuna 13 and art and hip hop

Take the metro to San Javier station where you can start your tour of Comuna 13. Comuna 13 once considered one of the most dangerous neighborhoods in Medellin, has since seen a remarkable transformation thanks to the inspiring street art that now lines its walls. 

Comuna 13 is also home to numerous hip-hop clubs and venues, where guests can listen to some of the top local talents. You can take in the stunning panoramic views while sipping a cup of coffee or fresh juice at one of the many bars and cafes. The area is also known for its vibrant street parties, which are often hosted by local DJs.

Salsa the night away

Salsa dancing is an integral part of Latin American culture and a great way to immerse yourself in its vibrancy. Medellín is the ideal place for exploring this passion, as its lively clubs and vibrant culture provide the perfect setting for learning how to salsa! From beginner classes at popular bars and clubs around El Poblado, such as Sur Caribe, La Goleta, or Cafe Havana, to private lessons from experienced teachers, visitors can find a variety of options to fit their needs.

Not only does learning how to salsa open a gateway into Latin American culture, but it also keeps you fit! As you dance away the night and explore Medellin’s unforgettable rhythms, you will see why salsa has been capturing hearts across South America all these years!

Catch a Soccer match

If you’re visiting Medellin, make sure to catch a soccer match while you’re there. Soccer is the national sport of Colombia and is an integral part of their culture. If you’re lucky enough to be in town for a match, you can experience first-hand the passion of the fans and the energy in the stadium.

One of the best places to watch a match is at the Atanasio Girardot Stadium, home to Medellin’s favorite teams: Atlético Nacional and Independiente Medellín. Tickets start at around $12 for one of the most exciting experiences in Colombia!

Take a Coffee Tour

Indulging in a cup of joe is a universal language, but in Colombia, it’s a way of life. Medellin, the land of the world’s best coffee, offers a unique experience that’ll leave your taste buds dancing. Take a coffee tour and immerse yourself in the local culture while sipping on some of the city’s finest brews.

Embark on an enlightening journey through Medellin’s renowned coffee plantations and witness the magic of coffee-making firsthand! Uncover the secrets to producing premium coffee beans as you traverse the lush farms and learn about the various techniques used in this educational adventure. Get ready for a coffee experience like no other – Colombian coffee will never be the same after you embark on this tour!

On a coffee tour, you’ll get the chance to sample some of the country’s best coffee blends, as well as learn about its rich history. You’ll also get to explore some of the local towns and villages in the coffee region, in between stops on your tour, and soak up the culture and atmosphere of Colombia.

Visit the Minorista Fruit Market

Indulge in the vibrant and flavorful essence of Colombian culture at the Plaza Minorista Fruit Market in Medellin – a destination that every traveler simply cannot miss! This bustling market offers a wide array of fresh produce and other local goods. It is a great spot to get a taste of the local culture and try some new, delicious food and dishes like the traditional dish of Medellin Bandeja Paisa.

From exotic fruit and vegetables to handcrafted items like jewelry and clothing, there’s something for everyone here. It’s also a great place to purchase souvenirs and gifts for friends back home.

Take a Day Trip to Guatape and El Penol

Guatape is a small village, located just an hour away from Medellin by car, and is renowned for its stunning natural beauty and vibrant culture. Walking through this picturesque town you can sample local foods such as Bandeja Paisa and sample some wonderful handmade chocolates. When you visit Guatape, you’ll be treated to a stunning landscape of rolling hills, lush forests, and picturesque lakes.

The rock formation known as La Piedra del Penol stands nearly 200 meters tall, making it one of the tallest monoliths in the world. The climb up the rock is not for the faint of heart, but those who make it are rewarded with breathtaking views and a feeling of accomplishment. At the top, you’ll be able to take in the green rolling hills, deep blue lagoons, and colorful villages that make up this stunning region.

If you’re not comfortable with heights, we can organize a sunset boat trip around the lagoons as an alternative option.

Go Paragliding

If you’re looking for an adrenaline-filled activity while visiting Medellin, you should consider going paragliding. Paragliding allows you to soar above the city and take in breathtaking views of this vibrant metropolis from a whole new perspective. With so many stunning vistas to explore, Medellin is one of the best places in South America for paragliding.

At Guacamaya Trips we work with experienced instructors that offer tandem flights where you can fly with an experienced pilot and take in the incredible views of the city from up above.

It’s an experience you won’t soon forget!

Book your trip today with Guacamaya Trips!

Ready for an adventure of a lifetime in Colombia? Get ready to embark on the adventure of a lifetime with Guacamaya Trips and book your unforgettable trip to the vibrant city of Medellin!

Discover the dynamic city of Medellin, where the fun never stops and the scenery will take your breath away! Explore the buzzing nightlife and soak up the stunning natural landscape that surrounds this modern metropolis. Whether you’re looking for a cultural experience or just want to relax and enjoy the stunning views, Medellin is the perfect place to do it. With Guacamaya Trips, we can customize your trip and make sure you get to experience the best of what this city has to offer.

Let Guacamaya Trips be your host,  book your trip today and start exploring Colombia!

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