Medellín

Written by Marcus Kayode, Marika Maslanka, Santiago Rodriguez
03/08/2025
Discover Medellin's urban landscape with sprawling hills and vibrant architecture.
César Gaviria, Pexels

Medellín, often called the "City of Eternal Spring" due to its consistently pleasant climate, offers a blend of vibrant urban experiences, rich cultural immersion, and accessible natural landscapes. The city has transformed into a hub for innovation and art, attracting a diverse range of travelers.

For socializing with other tourists and backpackers, El Poblado is a central district, buzzing with lively nightlife, a variety of restaurants, and bars, particularly around Parque Lleras. For those seeking a more local and relaxed atmosphere, Laureles presents social opportunities, with La 70 street being a popular spot among residents. Travelers often find it easy to connect with both locals and other visitors across the city.

Top 6 Things to do in Medellín

In Medellín, one can engage in a variety of experiences, from exploring vibrant street art and expansive nature parks to delving into rich artistic heritage and experiencing lively nightlife.

1. Explore Comuna 13

I found Comuna 13 to be a testament to Medellín's remarkable transformation. Walking through its colorful streets, I encountered impressive graffiti art that tells powerful stories of resilience and hope. The area is now vibrant, with local artists performing and small businesses thriving, offering a unique cultural immersion. It is worth taking time to simply observe the daily life and the community's spirit.

Cost: Exploring Comuna 13 independently, including riding the outdoor escalators, is free. If considering a guided tour, options range from tip-based tours (suggested tip 25,000-30,000 COP) to paid tours costing between $25 and $61 USD, which often include metro tickets and snacks.

Transport: To reach Comuna 13, I typically take the Metro to San Javier station (Line B). From there, local buses (routes 221i or 225i, around 1,500 COP) provide access to the escalators. A taxi or ride-sharing service from El Poblado generally costs between 10,000 and 20,000 COP. The Metrocable Line J from San Javier also offers panoramic views of the area.

2. Visit Parque Arví

Escaping the city bustle, I discovered Parque Arví, a vast ecological nature reserve offering a tranquil natural experience. The journey itself, via the Metrocable, is an adventure, providing stunning aerial views as the city gives way to dense forests. Once there, one can enjoy peaceful hikes, bird watching, and the fresh mountain air. It's an ideal spot for a picnic or to simply relax amidst nature.

Cost: Entry to Parque Arví is free. However, a guided tour within the park costs approximately 30,000 COP for foreigners.

Transport: The most recommended way to get to Parque Arví is by Metrocable. I take the Metro (Line A) to Acevedo station, transfer to Metrocable Line K to Santo Domingo, and then take Metrocable Line L directly to Parque Arví. The Line L fare is an additional 13,700 COP (around $3.33-$4 USD) each way, separate from the standard metro ticket (3,430-3,900 COP). Alternatively, a bus from Placita de Flóres costs about 5,000 COP and takes around 90 minutes, while a taxi or Uber can cost up to 100,000 COP (approximately $25 USD) one way.

3. Day Trip to Guatapé and El Peñol

On a day trip outside Medellín, I found the colorful town of Guatapé and the impressive El Peñol rock to be highlights. Climbing the more than 700 steps of El Peñol rewarded me with breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding reservoir and countless islands. Afterwards, strolling through Guatapé's vibrant streets, adorned with unique zócalos (decorative baseboards), offered a charming cultural experience.

Cost: The cost to climb El Peñol rock is 20,000 Colombian pesos (around $4.54-$5 USD).

Transport: To get to Guatapé, I take a public bus from Medellín's North Bus Terminal. This terminal is accessible via the Metro at Caribe station. The bus journey costs about 16,000 COP (around $3.65-$5 USD) each way and takes roughly two hours. For a more comfortable option, a taxi can cost approximately 150,000 COP (around $35 USD) one way. Various guided tours are also available, often including transport, lunch, and a boat ride, with prices starting from around $34 USD.

4. Wander through Jardín Botánico de Medellín

I enjoyed a peaceful escape at the Jardín Botánico, Medellín's sprawling botanical garden. This expansive green space is home to over 1,000 plant species, including a notable orchid collection in the Orchidearium, and free-roaming iguanas. It's a perfect spot for a leisurely stroll, finding a quiet bench, or simply enjoying the city's commitment to nature.

Cost: Entrance to the Jardín Botánico is free of charge, unless a private event is taking place.

Transport: The most convenient way to reach the Jardín Botánico is by Metro (Line A) to Universidad station. The garden's main entrance is just a two-minute walk from the station. A taxi ride to the gardens typically costs around 20,000 COP from most parts of the city.

5. Visit Museo de Antioquia and Plaza Botero

I immersed myself in Medellín's artistic heritage at the Museo de Antioquia, located next to Plaza Botero. The museum houses a significant collection of works by Fernando Botero, Medellín's renowned artist, known for his voluminous figures, as well as pre-Columbian art. Outside, Plaza Botero is filled with his distinctive bronze sculptures, creating a unique open-air gallery.

Cost: Admission to the Museo de Antioquia for foreigners is approximately 25,000 COP (around $6 USD or £9.66). Plaza Botero is a public space and is free to visit.

Transport: Both the Museo de Antioquia and Plaza Botero are centrally located and easily accessible. I typically take the Metro (Line A) to Parque Berrío station, which is a very short walk from both attractions. Taxis are also readily available to this central area.

6. Experience El Poblado and Parque Lleras Nightlife

For an evening of socializing and entertainment, I found the El Poblado district, particularly around Parque Lleras and Provenza, to be the heart of Medellín's vibrant nightlife. The area buzzes with numerous restaurants, bars, and nightclubs catering to various tastes, from relaxed cafes to energetic dance floors with live music. It's an excellent place to enjoy local cuisine, sip on Colombian coffee, or experience the city's lively social scene.

Cost: Costs vary widely based on preferences. Meals at local restaurants can range from $2 to $10 USD. An average daily food cost for travelers is around $16 USD. A coffee might cost $1-1.50 USD, and a beer around $1-4 USD.

Transport: El Poblado is a well-connected district. I can easily reach it via the Metro (El Poblado station) or by taxi. Once within El Poblado, the areas around Parque Lleras and Provenza are walkable, allowing for easy exploration of the bars, restaurants, and shops.

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