Located in Zona Norte near the botanical gardens and shopping malls, its easy to spend a whole day here playing and learning about science and technology, but its also a convenient stop on your way to other attractions. Medelln is a great place to do some shopping, whether youre after dirt-cheap knock offs or luxury stores. The bandeja paisa is the regions typical dish and often features a grilled piece of meat, beans, white rice, chicharrn (fried pork), fried plantains, a slice of avocado, arepa (maize dough) and fried egg. Do this tour at the beginning of your stay in Medelln so youll have lots of historical background on the city plus your guide will give you great food and nightlife tips! An attraction in its own right, the Metrocable is part of the Medellin Metro, Colombia's only metro system. A vacation in Colombia is incredible no matter where you go, but I wanted to make sure I rounded up my top 10 things to do to help you make it the best trip of all time! If you take a ride up the metrocable, youll get a glimpse of a few of the poorer barrios on your way up and down. Source: Photo by Flickr user Gildardo Snchez used under CC BY 2.0. Comuna 13 used to be so dangerous that only its residents would think of climbing the steep slopes to enter, but the addition of escalators as a form of social and democratic infrastructure have made it more approachable. It was founded in 1616 but remained a small, under-the-radar locale until the Colombian coffee boom. DanceFree in Poblado is a super popular place for private or group classes, and on the weekends they have a bar with dancing too. Walk around the Santo Domingo Metro Cable Station 7. There are 23 voluptuous bronze statues scattered about the plaza, all donated by the artist himself. Whatever youre looking for, youll find it here, just dont forget to bring your dancing shoes. The Botanical Gardens are the perfect green haven and undoubtedly the best place to relax with loved ones, have a picnic and just chill. Guides recommend starting on the top floor with his earlier pieces and making your way down to see his evolution as an artist. Plaza Minorista is a huge farmers market filled with local vendors selling everything from fresh produce and fish to just-butchered meats and ready-made corn arepas. Museo de Agua in Medellin. This plaza is home to 23 Botero sculptures and is always packed with people taking photos, street performers, and artists. Here are some of the best things to do in Medellin that you and your family can experience. It's a long way up, but food and drink stalls line the higgledy-piggledy alleyways, and the view at the top over the Medelln valley will have you lingering for hours. Enjoy the best free walking tour We loved the tour and especially this stop at the Lights of Hope! Honestly, this walking tour is one of the best I've ever done. Nestled in a valley, the city clings to the mountainsides, and descending through the low clouds hugging the coffee plantations is spectacular. From drug cartels and gangs to a terrible civil war, Casa de la Memoria aims to amplify the voices of victims and preserve their history so that we might learn more about it and avoid these pitfalls in the future. The free walking tour in Medelln by Real City Tours is one of the most popular walking tours in the world. A touchscreen timeline allows visitors to read in-depth about the narco cartels, the paramilitarios, the former dictatorship, and the present-day reforms in the country. In addition to the cart-pushing vendors selling tinto (black coffee) and caf con leche (coffee with milk) on the streets, the city has a blossoming specialty coffee scene with spots slinging pour overs, finely tuned espresso shots and sugary delights. Read our Privacy Policy. The company also offers three paid tours: a food tour, an exotic fruits tour and a "barrio transformation" tour. Points of Interest & Landmarks. After a raucous night out (or just when paisas are really, really, really hungry), the bandeja paisa is the go-to dish. Theres also a Pablo Escobar tour in Medellin. The metro and metrocable system of Medelln has received lots of praise for bringing a city of many different neighborhoods together. The "City of Eternal Spring," as the people of. Check out the top 10 things to see and do in Colombias second largest city. Things to do in Medellin Colombia . Colombian artist Pedro Nel Gomez, a pioneer of the Colombian Muralist Movement, also features prominently. 15. Bandeja paisa is considered to be the national dish of Colombia and is native to the area surrounding Medellin. Though known for its collection, the museums work in the community has given it fresh relevance, demonstrated by its award-winning cabaret of sex workers entitled No One Knows Who I Am, with performance artist Nadia Granados. If you cant make the festival in early August, experience the flower abundance by going to the flower market at Placita de Flrez, the biggest plant market in the city. For a unique, high-end experience just a few blocks away, check out Ro Sur, a group of repurposed buildings which now contain upmarket boutique shops, salons, and lots of nightclubs, restaurants, and bars. Flickr Volunteering Multiple locations The lounge opens up onto a beautiful terrace, and guests can walk down the winding path to the outdoor hot tub at the bottom of the garden. Parque Arv's natural oasis is one of Medellin's most popular tourist attractions. Check Out Parque Arvi 3. To truly understand Colombian coffee, you'll need to take a trip out of town to the world-famous Eje Cafetero, or Coffee Triangle. Escaleras Electricas De La Comuna 13. So, it only makes sense to drink as much delicious coffee as humanly possible, while in Medelln, right? The Botanical Gardens (Jardn Botnico de Medelln) Visiting the Medelln Botanical Gardens (Jardn Botnico de Medelln) is one of the best things to do in Medelln on a sunny day. Those wanting to learn more about Colombia's history and culture can head to the country's many museums and galleries, such as the Museum of Modern Art in Cartegena. Things to do in Medellin We have summarized our top 5 Medellin must dos in our travel report. It used to be one of the most dangerous districts in the world, but it's now bursting with art and culture. 2022. #12 Sad Histories, street art but not Pablo Escobar: Visit the Comuna 13 in Medellin This neighborhood is sadly famous because of all the violence that took place there during the armed conflict in Colombia. Discover 11 hidden attractions, cool sights, and unusual things to do in Medelln, Colombia from The Gondolas of Medelln to La Alpujarra Administrative Center. Things to do in Medellin Colombia include; El Poblado Plaza Botero Parque Explora Museum of Antioquia Botanical garden of Medellin Colombia Metrocable to Aburra valley and Arvi park Day Trip to Rock of Guatape Day Trip to Hacienda Napoles, former home of Pablo Escobar Things To Do in Medellin The capital of the mountainous province of Antioquia, Medelln is the second-largest city in Colombia and a hotbed of history and culture. Found all over the city, ask a local and hunt down the best bandeja paisa you can find. During the civil conflicts, thousands of displaced people ended up . See Tripadvisor's 229,256 traveler reviews and photos of kid friendly Medellin attractions . Tour times: twice daily Mon-Fri, once on Saturday and no tours on Sunday. Previously one of the city's most dangerous areas due to violence committed by guerillas of urban militia groups, Comuna 13 has transformed into a bastion of graffiti art and a testament to the city's innovation and rebirth, complete with a giant slide and famous series of escalators. Plaza Botero is full of larger than life status. Wait, theres a castle in Medelln? By Ashley Perona Colombia Travel January 14, 2021. You might also like: Hola, Antioquia! This is an article with the most beautiful places to visit in Colombia, including the best time to visit. Whether youre an old pro or just want to learn a few steps, this city is the place to do it. Best of all, going out in Medelln won't break the bank. Stay out all night dancing salsa or clubbing in Poblado. (Eat and Drink) One of the best things to do, no matter where you are, is to try out as much of the local cuisine as you can. Get our travel tips Delivered to your inbox. Have a picnic, check for live events, and be sure to visit if youre here during the citys Festival of the Flowers, itll be even more impressive. Venues range from salsa nights in bars like Son Havana and El Eslabon Prendido (some even with live bands) to formal dance schools like DanceFree in Poblado. You can find out more about our use, change your default settings, and withdraw your consent at any time with effect for the future by visiting Cookies Settings, which can also be found in the footer of the site. Meticulously hand-stitched by the Wayu indigenous people, For the love of art and nature, world-renowned street artists have converted an abandoned rum distillery in the jungles of Colombia into the worlds, A drumbeat runs throughout Colombia, finding new rhythms to tap to as it flows from region to region. With a beer in hand, take in the incredible views of the city from Envy rooftop at The Charlee Hotel, or head to Vintrash to dance to reggaeton. Record your own podcast episode, learn about the history of radio in Colombia, and make life-size pin art. Started by the father of paragliding in Colombia, Ruben Dario Montoya Vargas or "Ruben Fly," the school has internationally certified instructors, all bilingual in English and Spanish. I didn't have a chance to visit any of them, but I loved to see the coffee sellers everywhere. Its a great chance to go off-road and visit some sites that not a lot of tourists make it out to see. 10 things to know before you visit, Gunpowder and beer: Playing Colombia's national sport of tejo. If your budgets tight, attend the free classes or pay a small entry fee at one of the salsa bars, but if you have the money and the time, pay for a few classes at DanceFree, as youll progress much quicker during your stay. Free to enter and explore, the park offers guides to lead patrons through installations and activities centered around the elements of water, air, and land. Colombia's capital Bogot has embraced street art and has been fostering urban artists like never before. Climb the 600 steps to the top for one of the most serene views in the region. His voluminous, voluptuous art is dotted around the city, while Botero Plaza is a large, bustling square dedicated to the artist's work. BONUS 2: 5 Awesome day trips from Medellin. Rise along with the Plaza Botero; it is one of the most significant museums in America Medellin. Fresh coffee beans are shown during a tour of Colombia's Coffee Triangle. With trips of each metro or Metrocable leg seldom exceeding $3,000 pesos, it is a vista-filled way to explore Medelln and take in the Andes Mountains. In addition to a pristinely-kept two-line rail system with simple-to-navigate lines that run north to south and east to west there is a connected tram system, intricate bus lines and gondola system (the Metrocable) that takes locals and visitors alike up into the hillside barrios (neighborhoods). Centrally located in the old quarter of the city, it can be reached via the nearby Parque Berrio metro station. Take off from the hills of San Felix to paraglide over the lush Aburr Valley and the red-roofed houses of Medellin. You can visit Salsa clubs dotting the city to see budding and expert dancers busy in improving their arts. Even if youre not a soccer fan, go for the energy of the stadium the rambunctious fans, the singing, the shouting, banners, and even firecrackers going off during games are a one of a kind experience. The groups are small, sometimes just two people, and you're driven deep into the coffee axis, with an expert local guide providing a running commentary as you snake your way across valleys and rivers, through villages and to the top of mountains. Tons of people gather here in the afternoon to sit and listen to street musicians play after buying beers and snacks from local vendors. Visit Comuna 13 and See the Street Art 2. Free to enter, the garden also contains a natural rainwater collection system, the Orquideorama, doubling as a protective shield for the butterfly and orchid gardens. Besides, the Tango Museum or Casa Museo Gardeliana is worth a visit. The first thing you need to know, if are planning to jump into Medellin's incredibly varied nightlife, is that there will be no chance for you to be socially awkward. Hit upEl Machetico de Nico in El Poblado for ultra-crispy empanadas, El Peregrino in Sabaneta for super-cheese infused buuelos and La Estacin del Sabor near La 70 for a pastel de pollo. Here are the top things to do in Medellin: Comuna 13. Its the must-do day trip from Medelln, but its even better if youve got a night or two to spare there. 9. Parque Lleras is a bustling park with street vendors and musicians all day and night. Its a beautiful area of shady streets with a solid caf culture and a range of different types of international food options. Check out the City 2. Show a little tact and use a bit of common sense and you'll be fine. Yep, for a small entry fee you can check out this French-inspired, 20th-century castle and its gardens, fountains, and pathways. Make sure you learn all about the citys past in order to appreciate how far its come there are plenty of museums and tours thatll educate you, along with authentic markets and neighborhoods to explore. She has traveled and lived in Asia and South America for over seven years. The 15-minute ride provides great views of the city and neighborhoods below. Things to do in Medellin, Colombia 1. If you stay for midnight, there may also be Christmas carols and hymns sung as people leave the church. Located two hours out of the city, visitors come to admire the towns pretty colored houses and soak up the natural beauty of the surrounding area. Check Out El Poblado 5. Medelln tourism - Practical Information about traveling to the city. For handcrafted clothing and keepsakes, the areas known as Via Primavera (Carrera 35) and Via Provenza (Carrera 37) in El Poblado are renowned for their trendy boutiques. Hike the 13 trails, go birding, and browse the small market of food and craft stands. Few places in the world compare to the Quindo region's Valle de Cocora, a whimsical gaggle of towering palm trees precariously perched on the mountainside. Weather-permitting, Pueblito Paisa has beautiful views across Medelln and is a romantic spot to watch the sunset and share the arrival of Christmas with your significant other. For a more modern mall experience with a broad range of stores, check out the huge Centro Commercial Santa Fe or Oviedo. However, Medelln has plenty of beautiful, open. Learn all about the citys difficult past from an insightful and experienced guide. Take the Free Walking Tour Medellin. Theres a great terrace with views of the city, and a restaurant downstairs where you can have a drink. The pandemic has hit Colombia hard, and the country's big cities, such as Medelln and Bogot, were particularly affected by the coronavirus. Ground yourself in Barefoot Park, and paraglide high above the streets filled with tropical fruit vendors. The pueblo of Guatap may feel worlds away from Medelln, but its within a two-hour bus ride east. Ride The Metrocable 4. You can go hiking, ziplining, rafting, birdwatching, or cavern trekking around the Ro Claro Valley and reserve. Visiting Pueblito Paisa is one of the most popular things to do in Medellin Colombia, because it combines the Antioquian traditions in the handicrafts, gastronomy and architecture, with impressive views of the city. There are over 300 interactive exhibits housed in the buildings four red cubes, plus a planetarium, 3D auditorium, and a television studio. The city is jam-packed with museums, restaurants, bars and clubs to keep you entertained during your visit. Once part of the city youd never even consider visiting, the government and local artists have joined forces to make Comuna 13 a better place to live. Despite recent changes, it is not advised to visit this area at night. BONUS 1: 7 Extra things to do in Medellin. In this video, we have a short 4 day trip to Medellin whe. The tour guides are all locals and take you on a knowledgeable journey round Medellns downtown (El Centro). That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips exclusive eight-day Colombian Andes adventure. Tayrona National Park is one of the most popular tourist attractions! Go Horseback Riding in Cocora Valley (Valle de Cocora) The Cocora Valley or Valle de Cocora is a national park situated in the center of Colombia's coffee-growing region. Medellin, the City of the Eternal Spring, knows how to reinvent itself. Take the Cable Car to Arvi Park. Recommended tour: Medelln: Comuna 13 Neighborhood Tour. Providing exhibits that focus on water, conservation and their importance, this museum also discusses Medellin's water and all of Colombia's different ecological zones from the Amazon to the coast. Old men gather to play games like dominos, and the locals here are pretty friendly. Parque de Los Pies Descalzos invites visitors to take their shoes off and experience nature more intentionally through bare feet. Rooms are individually designed, paying homage to the French owners' world travels. Entry is free and you can go explore the area to find critters or just lie on the grass in the sun with a book. Hike the Hill of Three Cross trail 3. The pandemic has hit Colombia hard, and the country's big cities, such as Medelln and Bogot, were particularly affected by the coronavirus. 16. Its an authentic look into life in these colorful neighborhoods which were once in the center of a warzone. Medellin is one of the only cities in Colombia where you can drink tap water but that alone will not do. Guatap is the leading Medelln day trip among locals and tourists alike thanks to its vividly painted historic center, man-made lake with intense blue waters and Piedra del Peol. Tips for lovely towns such as Salento, Mompox and Villa de Leyva. Top coffee shops include Pergamino in El Poblado, Rituales and Caf Tipica in Laureles and Distrito Cafetero in Barrio Colombia. Entry to the museum cost the equivalent of about $5. A great place for people watching and art appreciation, check out the lively Plaza Botero for some larger than life sculptures by the squares namesake, Fernando Botero. Parque Explora is totally interesting and fun, and youll enjoy it even more if you do have kids with you. Although the escaleras made international headlines for their innovation and social impact on the poverty-stricken neighborhood, it's the Metro that really gets "Paisas". In the Caribbean, its expressed through a blend of. Our travel guide includes things to do in Medellin, safety tips, top attractions, best places to vi Instead of following the hordes who ride the gondola both up and down, hike up via the backdoor route then take the gondola down. Get lost in the city parks. The flight into Colombia's second-largest city, home to 3 million people, is reason alone to visit. The Museo de Antioquia displays Pre-Colombian, colonial, and modern art and creates art by collaborating with resident artists. From the best museums in the city to the best outdoor spaces, we've got you covered. El Poblado, Medellin 4. Stroll down nearly any Medelln thoroughfare and youll be greeted with convenience shops big-and-small with display cases of fried goods. Theres a butterfly garden, a cactus garden, and a huge collection of orchids. It kind of reminded me of an English breakfast, in that it had eggs, beans, and sausage. Medelln is an amazing city with lots to do. Medelln Adventure Trails will take you around the rugged terrain on bikes or ATVs (or both) and include a stop for lunch at a trout farm. Nicknamed the City of Eternal Spring for its nearly perfect weather, youll find plenty of parks and plazas where you can enjoy the sunshine with a fresh juice from a street food vendor and a couple of empanadas. A plaza with fewer people trying to sell you things and ask for money and more folks just trying to meet up and hang out, Parque Berro feels very local. The lush surroundings, hills, and mountains around Medelln make it a great playground for adventure-seekers. If you spend any time in a backpackers hostel in Medelln, youll certainly hear about the Medelln city walking tour. Medellin used to be considered the crime capital of Colombia, but over the past 10 years has completely transformed to become one of the safest and most advanced places in the entire country. Lucy Sherriff is a freelance multimedia journalist based in Bogot and covers environment, travel and gender issues. If youre unsure where to start, buy an Aguila from a convenience store near Parque Lleras, then chill on at the park to see where people are heading from there. While fashion may reach its boiling point in July for the ColombiaModa festival, style is very much center stage in Medelln year-round. To truly appreciate it, allow yourself to see this city not just for what it was or what it is, but also for what it's becoming. Parque Lleras is a leafy square lined with discotecas and can get quite rowdy at night, but by day has some great cafes that wouldn't look out of place in Brooklyn. 1. There are some well-cured flower sections that you can . Football (soccer) in South America is close to religion, drawing excited and loyal fans to the stadiums to watch their teams play. Recently, the contest hosted a special travel-themed contest. The former base of Pablo Escobar and current haven of digital nomads, there's much more to do here than visit the sights made famous by Netflix's "Narcos." Related tour: Medellin Innovation: 4-Hour Metro Tour. The on-ground butterfly house, library, cactus garden and the gorgeous pond- all come together to offer a perfect place to spend a sunny afternoon! Visit Comuna 13 When visiting Comuna 13 in Medellin you can take free walking tours to explore the area, but always remember to tip the guide at the end. Have a beer, a bite to eat and take in the views. Explore Plaza Botero & Parque de Las Luces - Downtown Medellin. Subscribe to Lonely Planet newsletters and promotions. Take Linea L on the Metrocable from the Santo Domingo interchange to Parque Arv, a vast forested nature reserve and a pre-Hispanic archeological site. Explore the Old City of Cartagena 2. You can also find lots of informal dance meetups in city parks. For the adventurous, try the mondongo (tripe soup). However, Medelln has plenty of beautiful, open spaces and ample opportunity to escape the city and head outside. Walk through the dinosaur exhibit, create graffiti, and see massive snakes and reptiles in the vivarium. 1. See the world's most colorful waterfall at Cao Cristales 4. Dance salsa every night in Medellin with every level of dancer, from beginner to pro. Whether you want to do a serious coffee tasting (try Cafe Toucan) or hit the clubs for the night (check out Calle 9), youll find it in Poblado. You can visit the old Iglesia la Candelaria on one side and a few blocks away is the much more touristy Plaza Botero. Located downtown in Medellin's Old Quarter, find it sandwiched between the Museum of Antioquia and the Rafael Uribe Uribe Palace of Culture. I visited Jardin Botanico in the middle of Feria de Las Flores (see below) and was blown away. The best, and safest, place to stay is El Poblado, which offers a range of accommodation from shared dorm hostels to five-star luxury -- although you will still need to keep your wits about you. The ride to and from the park over the hills of Medellin provides stunning aerial views of the citys comunas (districts) and the Medellin River. Home Travel Guides Colombia 25 Best Things to Do in Medelln (Colombia). It's free to enter, photograph, and rub the statues in the plaza. This city knows how to let its hair down. To visit, take a tour or take the Metro to the San Javier station, then bus 221i or 225i. Medellin Tourism; Medellin Hotels; Medellin Guest House; Medellin Holiday Homes; All rights reserved. Chances are you might be staying in this upscale neighborhood anyway because its where most of the gringos, expats, and backpackers in Medelln choose to rest their heads. Spend Time in City Parks and Plazas. In addition, the Pueblito Paisa covers 33 . For art lovers, the Museo de Antioquia is a must, with a top-floor permanent exhibit of Fernando Botero exhibits and 23 of his statues permanently installed out front in Plaza Botero. #1 Strolling through the City Sounds mundane, but it's not at all. Great day trips to take from Medellin, Find Eternal Spring in Medellin's parks and gardens, Best time to go to Medelln for all its amazing festivals. In fact, Medellin is home to one of the best free walking tours in Latin America. On the lighter side and equally as unique to the city is Museo el Castillo, a 90-year-old castle built by architect Nel Rodrguez with nine rooms housing antique Colombian goods. 14. The park is surrounded by bars, restaurants, and clubs, plus its close to many of the hostels in the area, so theres always young people around. This little piece of paradise is about three hours outside Medelln, and its a great place to spend a few nights relaxing in nature and exploring. Check out the tents and street vendors selling trinkets and then head out onto the walking trails of the park. The sculptor Fernando Botero Angulo hails from Medellin and the Plaza Botero is the best place to see his larger-than-life figures. Comuna 13 is one of Medellin's 16 comunas, which are impoverished areas built up into the hills on land that no one else wanted. Visit the Parque Arv natural reserve. The main attraction of this small town is El Peol, a towering rock peering over the whole surrounding area. An example among many: Comuna 13 (or San Javier) is accessible via the Metrocable and has become the Medelln destination for graffiti art tours and experiences. The City of the Eternal Spring is home to some excellent museums. With rice, plantain, an arepa (corn cakes), avocado, minced meat, chorizo, black sausage, fried pork rind and with a fried egg thrown on top, just in case you're still peckish. Entry is free, and the whole place is well-curated the interactive exhibits, emotional photography, and artwork are all sure to inform and move you. My Medellin, Colombia Things to Do includes Walking Historical Tour, Comuna 13, Guatepe. El Hueco is where youd go for a little bit of chaos, haggling, and lots of shops and street vendors selling fake brand-name goods and other odds and ends you might need.

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