travel city medellin

Medellín Travel Guide

Last Updated: September 1, 2023

Medellín is the most popular city in Colombia (maybe even South America). It’s a hot spot for digital nomads and remote workers, expats, and travelers who come to backpack Medellín as they travel through Colombia.

Set in the Aburrá Valley, Medellín has a temperate year-round climate that makes it one of the fastest-growing cities in Colombia. It’s full of skyscrapers and high-rise apartments against a backdrop of stunning mountain peaks.

It also has enough activities to fill weeks on end: microbreweries, museums, walking tours, parks, street art, food tours and markets, and incredible nightlife. It has a festival of flowers, hosts the annual giant fashion conference Colombiamoda , and hosts multiple arts festivals throughout the year — from salsa and flamenco to poetry, photography, and more!

After two decades, the city is finally shedding its shady cartel past that made it the most dangerous in the world. Today, the public transportation system is comprehensive, the city is tech-forward, and everyone is optimistic about the future. It’s no surprise so many expats move it!

This travel guide to Medellín will help you plan your trip, save money, and ensure you stay safe as you explore this amazing destination!

Table of Contents

• Things to See and Do
• Typical Costs
• Suggested Budget
• Money-Saving Tips
• Where to Stay
• How to Get Around
• How to Stay Safe
• Best Places to Book Your Trip
• Related Blogs on Medellín

Top 5 Things to See and Do in Medellín

1. Visit the Botero sculptures

Fernando Botero is probably the most famous Colombian artist. The largest collection of sculptures is in his birthplace of Medellín, 23 of which are scattered around Plaza Botero. Some of his most admired pieces include “The Hand,” “Roman Soldier,” and “Man on Horseback.”

2. Learn to salsa

I know when it comes to salsa in Colombia, Cali is king, but Medellín is close behind it. You can’t come to Medellín and not take at least one salsa class, especially since most bars in the El Poblado area have free salsa and bachata classes. Whatever night of the week you want to go out, there’s a free class somewhere!

3. Ride the cable car to Parque Arvi

Parque Arvi is a nearby park outside the city connected by a gondola. It’s a scenic ride with stunning views of the city, and it costs around 16,000 COP round-trip. There’s a food market at the top, and the park itself has hiking trails through a eucalyptus forest and along lakes and lookout points.

4. Day trip to Guatapé

A trip to the colorful town of Guatapé is a must. It’s just a few hours away via bus so it can easily be done in a day, either on the public bus or as part of a tour. At El Peñól, climb the 740 steps to admire the view of the region. If you can, stay a night.

5. Tour La Sierra

The La Sierra barrio walking tour takes you completely off the beaten path, up into the hills of Medellín on a tour of the barrios (neighborhoods). A tour with La Sierra Tours costs 150,000 COP, and proceeds go towards a soup kitchen that feeds local school children.

Other Things to See and Do in Medellín

1. tour of comuna 13.

This is the most popular tour in Medellín. Comuna 13 is one of the most vibrant and colorful of all of the comunas in Medellín, thanks to the street art you see everywhere. Previously, this was one of the most dangerous areas in the city but became a popular hotspot thanks to its outdoor escalators and public cable cars. A tour around Comuna 13 costs anything from 30,000-90,000 COP. There are some free tours too, or you can wander here on your own. It’s safe during the day but don’t wander around on your own at night.

2. Visit the Memory House Museum

Skip the controversial Pablo Escobar tour and visit the Museo Casa Memoria instead. This museum beautifully and sensitively captures the stories and memories from the armed conflict. Here they share stories of real people, and it gives you insight into what life was really like living in the most dangerous city in the world. You may notice that in general Colombians don’t want to talk about the “troubles” — they prefer to look forward instead, so it can be hard to understand what the average Colombian has lived through. This museum brings that difficult past to life so you can better understand the city and its people. Admission is free and they run tours in English on Tuesdays and Fridays.

3. Wander Parque Lleras

Located right in the center of the gringo hotspot of Poblado, this park is full of people all day and night. There are street vendors, food sellers, musicians, and people drinking well into the early hours of the morning. It’s a good spot to people watch and hang out.

4. Visit Pueblito Paisa

It’s a little bit cheesy, but admission is free so if you find yourself with some spare time visit Nutibarra Hill (Cerro Nutibarra). Here you’ll find a replica of a typical turn-of-the-century Antioquia town. It’s a fun way to peek into Colombia’s past. Because it is located upon one of the hills in the middle of the Aburrá Valley, it offers sweeping views of Medellín and the surrounding area too.

5. Dance the night away on a Chiva

A Chiva is a party bus. It’s a very Colombian thing to do, and if you get the chance, you should embrace the chaos and party Colombian style. The main Chiva season is December when many workplaces hire a Chiva for their “office party.” It is also very common for hostels to organize Chivas for backpackers. Most Chivas have only a few seats on one side, lots of flashing lights, and maybe a pole or two. They take you on a very slow tour of Medellín while you dance and drink on the bus. The bus normally makes a few stops so you can use the bathroom, buy more booze, or continue dancing in a nearby bar.

6. Visit the Museo de Arte Moderno

The Museum of Modern Art, located in a refurbished industrial building, is an awesome work of art in itself. It’s an enormous building of concrete and metal meant to resemble the city’s barrios that keep building up into the hillsides. Many people have a love-hate relationship with modern art (it’s not my personal favorite) but even I enjoyed my visit here. The collection is small, but there’s also a beautiful photography section on the bottom floor.

7. Go paragliding

For those seeking adventure, Medellín is the perfect location for paragliding , with several tour companies operating in the mountains just outside Medellín. A basic tandem flight costs 250,000 COP and lasts 15 minutes (you can pay extra for a longer flight though). If you add in door-to-door transportation, it’s 375,000 COP per person (with discounts available if you’re a group).

8. Take a tour to a coffee farm

If you aren’t planning a trip to the Coffee Region of Colombia (the area between the three cities of Manizales, Pereira, and Armenia), then Medellín has a lot of coffee farms within an hour’s drive from the city that you can visit. Most of the farms that run tours are small family-run coffee producers who subsidize their income by providing tours. Tours start from 189,000 COP. Go with either Expedition Colombia or head to La Casa Grande Hacienda for a tour.

9. Enjoy the café culture

Over the past few years, a multitude of hip cafés have opened up across Medellín, mostly in the areas favored by digital nomads and expats (Laureles, El Poblado, and Envigado). Although Colombia is well known worldwide for its coffee, most of the best coffee has traditionally always been exported. This meant that until a few years ago most Colombians didn’t actually drink their own homegrown coffee. This is rapidly changing though, and you can get some fantastic specialty coffee in Medellín.

10. Tour a cacao farm

Taking a tour of a cacao farm is similar to visiting a coffee farm: you learn about the process of how chocolate is made, from seed to chocolate bar. You also learn from the farmers about how they came to farm cacao. Many of them were farming illegal drugs, and as part of a government initiative, they took a grant to start farming cacao instead (this is one of the many government programs working to clean up the country). Tours start at 75,000 COP per person.

11. Visit Minorista Market

Opened in 1984, the Minorista Market is a daily market where you’ll find the widest selection of fruit I’ve ever seen. It can be a little tricky to get to if you aren’t used to the colectivos (crowded public buses), but if you can find a few friends to share a taxi or Uber, it’s just a few COP each. You’ll also find fresh meat, seafood, and clothing here, as well as bars and restaurants if you want to sit back and take in the scene.

12. Eat your way around Mercado Del Río

Mercado Del Río is a trendy gastronomic market where you can eat some of the best food in the city. The market has an informal atmosphere, good wine, beer from around the world, and lots of restaurants serving small dishes made for sharing. It is more expensive than eating on the street, but it’s not expensive considering the quality of the food and drink. Bring an appetite!

13. Explore Jardín Botánico

The botanical gardens offer a quiet retreat from the noise and chaos of the city. They also host numerous events, concerts, and festivals throughout the year. Spanning over 34 acres, the garden is home to around 4,500 flowers and more than 139 different bird species. There’s also a nice (if not overpriced) restaurant in the center if you feel like spending more time here relaxing and taking in the scene.

14. See a soccer game

Soccer (fútbol) is religion here and, if there are games when you’re here, you should really try to see one. Medellín has two local teams: Atlético Nacional and Independiente Medellín. Supporters of each team occupy bleachers at opposing ends of the stadium since things tend to get rowdy and violent when they are near each other. Tickets are under 40,000 COP.

15. Wander the Cementerio Museo de San Pedro

Built in 1842, this cemetery is also a museum where you can see the monuments and graves of many famous Colombians, including novelist Jorge Isaacs and former Colombian Presidents Carlos Eugenio Restrepo and Mariano Ospina Rodríguez. There are a lot of large marble mausoleums and statues here. Keep an eye out for special events such as midnight tours and movie nights. The cemetery is small, but it’s also close to the botanical gardens so you can do both one after the other. It’s free to visit.

16. Visit a microbrewery

There is a big craft beer scene in Colombia, and Medellín has over 30 breweries and microbreweries. Some of my favorites include 3 Cordilleras, Cerveza Premium Apóstol, Medellín Beer Factory, and 20 Mission Cerveza. I highly recommend visiting a couple while you’re in the city.

  For more information on other cities in Colombia, check out these guides:

• Bogotá Travel Guide
• Cali Travel Guide
• Cartagena Travel Guide
• Santa Marta Travel Guide

Medellín Travel Costs

Hostel prices – Dorm rooms with 4-6 beds cost around 35,000 COP per night, while dorms with 8 beds or more cost closer to 20,000 COP. Medellín has a lot of higher-end hostels as well, with some dorms costing as much as 72,000 COP per night. A private room costs from about 60,000 COP per night for two people, although most are between 85,000-150,000 COP. Free Wi-Fi and self-catering facilities are standard and some hostels also include free breakfast.

Budget hotel prices – Two-star hotels start at 60,000 COP per night but average closer to 90,000 COP per night. Most budget hotels include free Wi-Fi and free breakfast.

Airbnb is another affordable option here, with private rooms starting at 50,000 COP per night (though they average around 80,000 COP). An entire home/apartment costs around 280,000 COP per night.

Food – Colombian food is a blend of indigenous, Caribbean, and European traditions. While ingredients and popular dishes vary by region, common staples include maize, potato, cassava, rice, and all kinds of tropical fruit (dragon fruit, papaya, guava, passionfruit). Fried plantains, chicken soup, tamales, empanadas, meat pies, and roasted piglet are just some of the delicious popular dishes you’ll encounter.

If you’re on a budget, stick to cheap eats like arepa, empanada, and bandeja paisa (a hearty meal of pork, rice, beef, fried egg, plantain, and more). Also try the mondongo, a traditional tripe soup. It comes with a ton of side dishes (including giant avocados). You can usually find these for just a few thousand pesos.

In fact, traditional food in Medellín is so affordable that it’s often more expensive to eat at a fast-food spot like McDonald’s, which costs around 20,000 COP for a combo meal (compared to just 16,000 COP for a meal at a local restaurant serving traditional cuisine).

If you want to splash out, a three-course meal at a mid-range restaurant costs around 40,000 COP.

A beer at the bar costs around 8,000 COP while buying it at a store is half that price. A latte/cappuccino is around 4,900 COP.

Some of my favorite places to eat in Medellín include Mondongo, Carmen, Mercado del Rio, 20 Mission, Pergamino Café, Hatoviejo, and 37 Park.

OXXO stores are a great place to stock up on snacks and alcohol — most are open 24 hours. For a week’s worth of groceries, expect to pay around 90,000 COP for basic staples like rice, eggs, fresh fruits and vegetables, and some meat and cheese.

Backpacking Medellín Suggested Budgets

If you are backpacking Medellín, my suggested budget is 115,000 COP. This assumes you’re staying in a hostel dorm, cooking some meals and eating cheap street food, taking the bus to get around, limiting your drinking, and sticking to mostly free or cheap activities like free walking tours.

On a mid-range budget of about 235,000 COP, you can stay in a budget hotel or private Airbnb, eat out for all your meals, enjoy a few drinks, take some guided tours, and do more paid activities like visiting museums or doing a food tour.

On a “luxury” budget of 500,000 COP per day, you can stay in a hotel, eat out anywhere you want, drink more, take more taxis, and do whatever tours and activities you want. This is just the ground floor for luxury though. The sky is the limit!

You can use the chart below to get some idea of how much you need to budget daily, depending on your travel style. Keep in mind these are daily averages – some days you spend more, some days you spend less (you might spend less every day). We just want to give you a general idea of how to make your budget. Prices are in COP.

Medellín Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips

Medellín is super affordable if you stick to eating local street food, stay in dorm rooms, and use public transportation. However, it’s also easy to splash out here on the delicious food and the lively nightlife. Here are some ways to help you save money during your visit:

• Take a free walking tour – There are plenty of free walking tours available, which make for a great introduction to the city. This is the best (and cheapest) way to explore while getting a detailed overview of the city and its culture and history. Just be sure to tip your guide at the end!
• Stay with a local – While accommodation is cheap here, staying with a local via Couchsurfing makes it free. Not only do you save some money, but you get firsthand knowledge from a local who can share their insider tips and advice with you!
• Cook your own meals – While eating out isn’t too expensive here, if you’re on a budget it is cheaper if you cook your own meals. Head to a local grocery store and save your budget!
• Don’t stay in Poblado – Poblado is where all the Westerners/expats live. That means food and accommodation in this area is going to cost more, so avoid staying here if you’re on a budget.
• Pack a water bottle – The tap water here is safe so bring a water bottle with you to avoid buying single-use plastic. My preferred bottle is LifeStraw , which has built-in filters to ensure your water is always clean and safe.

Where to Stay in Medellín

There are a few areas in Medellín that are popular with backpackers, tourists, and expats alike. Laureles and the Estadium areas are very safe, have good nightlife, have more greenery, and feel a bit less “touristy.” El Poblado and Envigado are the most popular areas to stay in for tourists and backpackers (but also a bit pricier).

Here are some of my recommended places to stay in Medellín:

• Los Patios Hostel Boutique
• Sugar Cane Hostel
• Hostel Rango Boutique
• The Wandering Paisa Backpackers Hostel
• The Black Sheep Hostel

How to Get Around Medellín

Public transportation – The main method of public transportation is the Metro. It’s reliable, cheap, quick, and easy to use. You can pay per ride, which costs 2,500 COP. The Metro consists of two rail lines, five cable car lines, a tramcar line, and some buses that connect to Metro stations.

If you are planning on staying in Medellín for a while, it’s worth getting a Cívica card (metro card). If you are only in town for a few days it’s probably not worth it, as there are a lot of forms to fill out and the queue can take over two hours sometimes.

Local buses are referred to as colectivos. While the Metro is easy and efficient to use, the colectivos are the complete opposite. If you need to colectivo somewhere, it is best to ask a local to help you as there are no maps or timetables. The colectivos have a fixed price which you can see on the front of the bus.

Bike – Medellín has public city bikes (EnCicla) available to use for free for one hour at a time. After that, you get charged for the time used. The catch is that the registration process is a bit annoying. You need to get a Metro/Cívica card (lots of form filling and waiting in line), then once you have your Metro card, you need to go online and complete more forms. It takes three working days to be processed. Then you need to go to an office to finish off the process. It is quite a bit of work, and the pass is only valid for one week.

Taxi – Taxis are cheap and relatively safe in Medellín. Although it is ok to flag down a taxi in the street, it is advisable, especially at night, to use an app like Tapsi or Easy Taxi. They work just like Uber although they won’t charge your card, so you need to pay cash. It is by far the safest way to take a taxi if you need one, and the taxi is metered. A base charge is about 4,650 COP and then 3,925 COP per kilometer.

Although Uber is not legal in Colombia it is widely used and considered as safe as using Tapsi or Taxi Fast. If you need to make any longer journeys, Uber is generally a bit cheaper, but more expensive for longer journeys. So it is worth checking all three apps for pricing differences.

When to Go to Medellín

Medellín doesn’t really have seasons so there is no bad time to visit. It is known as the city of eternal spring because the climate feels like spring all year round. It rains often, but mostly through the night, and rarely for more than an hour or so. Expect cool mornings, hot days, and mild evenings. The temperature averages somewhere between 16-25°C (62-78°F) most of the time.

Christmas in Medellín is magical, as lights completely cover the city in the most festive display you have ever seen. There are festivals, lanterns, concerts, parties, and Christmas markets galore.

The other great time to visit is in August during the Feria de Las Flores (Festival of Flowers). This is a weeklong festival with the highlight being the world-famous parade of silleteros, a huge parade of flowers that comes through Medellín carried by flower vendors. People from all over Colombia travel to Medellín during this time and the city fills up so be sure to book your accommodation in advance if you want to attend.

How to Stay Safe in Medellín

Safety is often one of the biggest concerns for people when planning a trip to Medellín. Once the world’s most dangerous city, it still has somewhat of a bad reputation for those who are only familiar with the city’s past.

Fortunately, things have improved dramatically here over the years. However, theft is still very common. They have a common saying in Colombia, “No dar papaya.” This translates to “don’t give papaya.” What it really means is don’t give anyone the chance to steal your stuff — because someone probably will!

That means no walking around with your phone out, never keeping anything in your pockets (especially when on public transport), and always keeping hold of your bag.

If you are eating out, keep your backpack on your lap or place your foot or a chair leg through your strap. It is very common for someone to do a bag swap (meaning they swap their empty bag for yours) so keep your bag secure at all times.

You should also use caution when withdrawing money from an ATM. Avoid the ATMs on the street if possible and go into the bank to use the ATM. That way you can put your money away discreetly without being watched.

If you’re worried about getting ripped off you can read about common travel scams to avoid here. There’s a lot so keep an eye out!

Look for hotels or hostels with 24-hour security. You always want someone around in case you need assistance.

Avoid drug tourism. The drugs cartels have crippled this country so it’s really disrespectful. Also, doing drugs here is illegal and you don’t want to end up in a Colombian prison!

There are a few no-go areas in the city, but as a tourist, you shouldn’t ever find yourself accidentally wandering into one of these areas. As a general rule, don’t walk around the downtown area at night. Stick to Laureles and El Poblado for nights out, and if you are on your own, it is always safer to be in a taxi than walk. Use one of the taxi apps so you know who your driver is.

If you experience an emergency and need assistance, dial 123.

Always trust your gut instinct. Make copies of your personal documents, including your passport and ID. Forward your itinerary along to loved ones so they’ll know where you are.

For more in-depth coverage of how to stay safe in Colombia, check out this post that answers some frequently asked questions and concerns.

The most important piece of advice I can offer is to purchase good travel insurance. Travel insurance protects you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. You can use the widget below to find the policy right for you:

Medellín Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources

These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.

• Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
• Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
• Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
• Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more!
• SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
• LifeStraw – My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe.
• Unbound Merino – They make lightweight, durable, easy-to-clean travel clothing.
• Top Travel Credit Cards – Points are the best way to cut down travel expenses. Here’s my favorite point earning credit cards so you can get free travel!

Medellín Travel Guide: Related Articles

Want more info? Check out all the articles I’ve written on backpacking/traveling Colombia and continue planning your trip:

The 6 Best Hotels in Bogotá

Where to Stay in Bogotá: The Best Neighborhoods for Your Visit

Where to Stay in Medellín: The Best Neighborhoods for Your Visit

Is Colombia Safe to Visit?

How Much Does it Cost to Travel Colombia?

14 Things to Do in Medellín (and the ONE thing NOT to do!)

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Medellín Travel Guide: Where to Stay, What to Do, and More

Looking for travel adventure, eats, and endless experience in a perfect urban mountain metropolis? Medellín, Colombia should be high on your list. Medellín is almost always between 63 and 83 degrees Fahrenheit. In Colombia, the weather is dictated by elevation rather than location. With its borders both above and below the equator, the country remains hot n’ steamy at sea-level Cartagena, cool on Bogotá’s plateau high in the Andes Mountains, and, not unlike the best of Goldilocks’ burglary, Medellín is juuust right, tucked into the Aburrá Valley under mountains that keep the warm air in and the rain out.

Where to Stay

What to eat, how to save money on your trip.

There are almost endless places to visit, view, and eat under the Medellín sun. Colorful homes line up next to colonial hotels, modern museums, and swanky hotels . Music adds spice to the air, as do grilling meats and the lights that splash across the evening. After you’re done with consumption, the city offers an abundance of urban retreats. Swim, hike, fly across the sky via this Manual guide.

(*Speaking of flying, a State Department Advisory warns that there is still a pandemic and it hasn’t missed Colombia. Like many places, however, new cases have dropped precipitously since the third wave of the pandemic has ebbed. Proof of COVID-19 is required for travel to the country.)

There are a number of wonderful neighborhoods to explore in Medellín. To find the best place to stay in is to choose between the various barrios, likely between the La Laureles and Poblado larger districts.

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With over 300 neighborhoods to choose from, visitors should start with the handful where most expats and visitors begin. These include, but are not limited to Central Laureles, Northeastern Laureles, Central Poblado, Lower Poblado, and La Florida, Poblado.

Marquee Medellín

Here’s all the Marquee has to offer: Panoramic views of the city, soothing dark brown walls under a warm light color scheme that brings out a stunning collision of modern chic and Old World charm in a snappy downstairs bar. On the rooftop is the requisite sleek outdoor swimming pool and view out over Medellín. And when you’re ready to feast, head to the Marquee Restaurant for a solid selection of Colombian chef-designed meals.

The Marquee is situated in the heart of Parque Lleras and the crowded, popular El Poblado neighborhood. International flights to Medellín land at José María Córdova International Airport (MDE), which is situated in the city of Rionegro, approximately 13.5 miles east of the Marquee Medellín.

Terra Biohotel

How about contributing a positive impact to your environmental stamp on Medellín in a hotel designed for comfort and sustainability ? The Terra Biohotel instituted an intelligent use of resources to create a pleasant environment where you and the planet can breathe more comfortably.

From lush vertical gardens to solar-powered heating, you won’t find a more eco-friendly hotel in Medellín. Ask for one of the upper-floor rooms, and you can look down from your balcony to the city’s spectacular spread. And head out from Terra to the tree-lined Conquistadores neighborhood, one of the Medellín city center’s greener spots, with iconic Nutibara Hill just a couple of blocks away. Terra Biohotel sits 15 miles east of the José María Córdova International Airport.

There are plenty of fruit and veggies , Paisa, food from the Antioquia region (of which Medellín is the capital), is heavy and laden with meats, sausage, beans, eggs, and rice. It’s not nearly as spicy as you’ll find food in Mexico to be and there’s also plenty of sweet to go along with the savory, combining to create a pleasant combo.

• “$” = budget-friendly or cheap
• “$$”= average
• “$$$”= expensive

At Carmen, you’ll get to try innovative Colombian cuisine in a lush setting lined with plants & trees. Accolade after accolade assures that gastronomes need to find their way to Carmen.

Run by an American-Colombian couple (both Cordon Bleu chefs), Carmen’s menu melds Colombian flavors with a strong Californian influence. Revel in innovative meat and flavor combos like tamarind pork belly or in fresh fish swimming in sweet sauce.

At Carmen, diners have various eating areas to choose from. An elegant, naturally lit dining room overlooks an open kitchen and greenery outside the floor-to-ceiling windows. Step outside of this 1950s retro ambiance into the verdant garden to dine in the conservatory.

Best for lunch and dinner; $$$.

Browse the Menu

For a more Continental take on typical Colombian food in El Poblado, you can’t miss Ocio. Modern European influences give old school Colombian dishes new life. influences such as the amazing Chicharron.

Parisian trained chef Laura Londoño partners with her husband Santiago Arango to bring fresh-picked, slow-cooked delights like pork belly salad, beef braised for 12 hours, and irresistible ‘Tres Leches’ for dessert.

The cherry on top? There are 1980s tunes always overhead and a select wine and cocktail list in front to enjoy a meal with no pretense.

Best for dinner; $$.

The city abounds with parks, public spaces, cafes, libraries, museums, and walking the vibrant streets, much of it accessible by outdoor escalators and public cable cars . In the City of Eternal Spring, flowers have their own fairs, colors and art abound amidst a green space that leads up to forests dotted by small village life and surrounding nature reserves.

Enjoy the Café Culture

Though Colombia is the best place in the world to grow coffee , it was difficult to find a cup of Colombian coffee in Medellín a decade ago. Most of the country’s best coffee has been exported, so until a few years ago, most Colombians didn’t actually drink their own homegrown brew. This, however, is now changing for the better and you can find some fantastic local coffee in the city.

This couldn’t be more true than the endearing Café Aroma del Barrio. The heart of the infamous Comuna 13 neighborhood was once a no-go zone but now has turned into an artistic and entrepreneurial hub. Here at the Aroma del Barrio, the baristas here know how to whip up some of the best cappuccinos, limonada de coco (coconut limeade), and other quality coffee drinks Medellín has to offer. The tiny places numerous local and international visitors, a list which includes former U.S. President Bill Clinton.

Explore Parque Arvi

Looking to fly in Medellín (or at least be carted up a steep green mountain flank)?

Parque Arvi is worth a visit to get the flavor of the outdoors surrounding the springtime city. Take the gondola right from the subway to the park’s entrance and get a wonderful vista of the city’s hills, descending valleys, and cityscape.

Parque Arvi spans 16,000 hectares and includes over 1,500-year-old trails. At the park entrance, you can stop in for supplies at a small market and use the place as a launching place for a self-guided or tour-guided walk. It costs 5,000 to 7,000 Colombian pesos ($1.50-$2.25) depending on the trail (most trails are 2-4km long).

Visit dozens of different bird and butterfly species along the way.

View the Park

First, a word: You do need to take care in Colombia as it is the gateway between two continents. This means opportunity for crime as people and goods flow through maybe the most biodiverse nation in the world. Medellín is like most other places: Be mindful of where you go, what you do, and where you stay.

That being said, saving money in Medellín is as easy as traveling there. The American dollar goes very far compared to Colombian pesos. Be mindful of that when deciding on where to spend your money. If you can have an incredible time and contribute to the local economy, all the better.

Experiences

Medellín is large, so you’ll find the need for transportation to many places. Taxis and semi-legal Uber rides will cost you, but when you get to your destination, there’s often plenty to be experienced around you. Save money by taking a walking tour of any of the neighborhoods. There’s no shortage of free or cheap tours.

Real City Walking Tours , for example, offers an excellent free tour and an informative introduction to the city. You’ll get a lot of good tips, and the guides are great people. Be sure to tip when the tour wraps up!

Selina Medellin sits in the heart of the hip Provenza neighborhood and is surrounded by culinary hotspots, buzzing bars, and authentic coffee shops. Selina Hostel is not the cheapest, but it is the perfect location from which to launch your Medellín adventure. There’s a range of accommodations options to suit every travel budget. Included are coworking space, a nice bar and cafe, a wellness area to practice yoga, and even a rooftop music studio.

This curated programming stretches into art, photography, and cooking alongside a melting pot of people from around the world. You can even dance away long evenings with local DJs spinning electronic music late into the night.

Vehicle Rentals

Localiza has some of the best deals as the most reputable local agency, renting cars for about $30/day. Others like Alamo and Enterprise are also available.

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Tucked in a remote corner of southwest Texas, chiseled mountain peaks meet the bone-dry Chihuahuan Desert in the vast wilderness of Big Bend National Park. Adventure comes in many forms in this 1,252-square-mile reserve. You can hike to the top of lofty peaks, go paddling on the Rio Grande River, soak in hot springs, and observe wildlife amid the park’s diverse habitats. Beyond the park, there are ghost towns to visit, scenic drives to experience, and magnificent night skies to admire. In fact, the stargazing is so impressive that Big Bend was named an International Dark Sky Park back in 2012. Given the logistical challenges of getting here, you’ll want to stick around a while to make the most of your stay.

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The Complete Guide to Visiting Medellín

It was my first time visiting Medellín, Colombia. In fact, it was my first time in South America. Hearing so many wonderful things about the country of Colombia, I planned out a weeklong trip that started in Medellín first.

After spending three nights in what is known as the “city of eternal spring,” I wanted to share a bit about this city. A vast metropolis, Medellín seems to expand in every direction. As I made the descent down into the valley from the airport, it was hard to soak it all in. Towers upon towers sprawled across a lush, green city that climbed up the mountains. It was breathtaking.

Most of the time in Medellín was spent exploring El Poblado, the home base for most travelers visiting. The neighborhood is packed with bustling cafes, local boutiques, and top restaurants. One day was spent out in Guatapé, which was well worth the bus ride to soak in the views. The city is changing, at least from what the several locals shared with me. It became very apparent as to why it has started to become a traveler’s hotspot. 

With all of this in mind, I want to share some detailed thoughts on my time there. Each section below address the more common questions, what I loved about the city, and more. Take a look at what to know about visiting Medellín.

Safety in Medellín, Colombia

I am a firm believer in being transparent and I want to paint an accurate picture of my time in Medellín. Safety in Colombia is always the first question asked and for good reason. It wasn’t long ago that Medellín was the most dangerous city in the world with a violent past and drug-related problems. Today it is changing and there is a ton to love about the city, however, I walked away with mixed emotions on this. 

How I felt in Medellín was conflicted. I traveled with my male cousin and I would not consider traveling alone here as a female traveler (personally). At times I felt completely safe in Medellín and other times I was on edge, being incredibly cautious and considerate of my surroundings. Certain neighborhoods should not be entered after dark like Comuna 13 and you’ll find most travelers sticking to El Poblado. There were moments that felt tense as we would walk through certain streets to return to our hotel and then other moments where I could have been in San Francisco at a hipster cafe. 

How I felt in the city

We took a free walking tour in the center of town and it was one of the best things we did on the trip (I’d suggest doing this before anything else in Medellín.)  There is a phrase in Colombia called “no dar papaya.” Its literal translation is “do not give papaya”, which means do not put yourself in a position for someone to take advantage of you. Like walking alone, showing off valuables, and more. On our tour, our guide would let us know the level of “dar papaya” on a scale of 1-10, 10 being you need to be incredibly cautious. In some areas of the center of town, it was level 7 and others at level 2.

Those level 7 moments were the moments that were the most intense. I felt out of place, nervous, and acutely aware of my surroundings. Then that same night, we returned to a swanky hotel with a rooftop bar with drinks that rivaled a trendy cocktail bar in NYC. It was that day I grappled with the contrast more than ever. So much to love about this innovative city and yet so much to improve in terms of security. 

I am not an expert on safety and security, I can only offer up how I felt on this portion of the trip. I read a really interesting article by Skift this month titled “ Medellin’s Tourism Challenge: Telling the Right Story of Its Violent Past .” It’s worth a read and does a proper dive into the current climate with statistics, a look at the past, and more. The article covers the topic in depth, something I am not equipped to address. I hope this insight and my own story gives a portrait of the two realities that are present today. 

What to Know Before Visiting Medellín

Safety: The above section covers this more fully. I would recommend not to show off valuables, avoid walking alone at night and book accommodations that are in safe zones like El Poblado.

Transportation : The metro is the safest form of transportation. The metro is easy to use, just buy tickets before and enter the gates. Uber is also recommended or have your hotel call you a trusted taxi. 

Money : The local currency is the Colombian Peso. You will need to have cash on you for some vendors, so I would recommend pulling money out at a local ATM from a trusted bank. Most restaurants/cafes will accept a credit card as well. 

Travel Insurance:  I recommend having it. My preferred insurance is  World Nomads .

Amount of time : For Medelliín, you could spend three to four days pending on how many day trips. At least two full days are needed in the city.

What to Expect at Medellín Airport

With multiple direct flights landing at José María Córdova International Airport, it’s an easy city to reach. When you land, expect a small customs area and a baggage area. Make sure to fill out that customs form properly — it is in Spanish so ask a flight attendant to help if needed. On arrival, you’ll be confronted with drivers offering to give rides to Medellín. Please use the official taxi line or Uber (we took Uber) for a trusted driver. It’s about a 45 minute to an hour drive into Poblado area. 

On departure, security is pretty relaxed and like most major airports, the terminal is outfitted with amenities. If you’re flying domestically, the domestic terminal is rather minimal with a few cafes and shops. 

Medellín Weather

The weather in Medellín is different from the rest of Colombia due to its elevation. During the day it can get hot and humid and at night it will cool off. The winter months are cooler so be prepared for a light jacket and sweater.

Dress in Medellín is not like Cartagena. Walking around in flip flops and cut-off shorts is not recommended as you’ll stick out. The dress is very proper and rivals that of Manhattan. Men are typically in collared shirts and pants and the women dress incredibly well. I wish I had brought more pants + blouses for the dinners in Poblado especially. 

Where to Stay in Medellín 

The only neighborhood I can recommend with confidence is El Poblado. We had three nights here and it was the best base for being able to walk out at night for dinner and quick access to other sights in the city. Here are the top three hotels:

• Art Hotel : We had all three nights booked here. The rooms are basic but somewhat trendy at the same time. For the price point, I feel you get good value on the stay. With included breakfast on the rooftop, it’s a good base for visiting Medellín.
• Celestino Boutique Hotel : If you’re willing to spend a bit more, this is the boutique hotel I would opt for. It’s well located and is intimate with great design. 
• The Charlee Hotel : This is another great option in El Poblado as it has a ton of rooms and is centrally located. It comes up as the most recommended a hotel each time across guides and TripAdvisor. 

Things to Do in Medellín

• Take a free walking tour:  The best thing we did was a four-hour walking tour with Real City Tours . I would recommend doing this first on arrival and reserving. You’ll walk through a lot of the main sights in town as well, all while learning from a local about the history and present happenings in Medellín.
• Visit Museo Casa de La Memoria: This museum shares about the Colombian conflict from the viewpoint of the victims and more. It came recommended from our tour guide as an opportunity to learn more about the local history.
• Explore Museo de Arte Moderno de Medellín : If you’re looking for modern art in the city, come here. 
• Take a day trip to Guatapé : One of the best days spent on a guided tour to Guatapé. I share all about the experience in full on this post.
• See the Fernando Botero Angulo sculptures : Head to Plaza Botero to see the famous sculptures. 
• Take a gondola ride: The gondola rides in Medellín are amazing for scenery. We opted to take the one over Comuna 13, didn’t get out and came back. You can take it up to Parque Arvi as well as an alternative. 
• Try local coffee : Pergamino in El Poblado is the place to go. The menu features a wide selection of roasts from local farms they source from.
• Enjoy the Joaquín Antonio Uribe Botanical Gardens : One of the best spots that are completely free to visit is the botanical gardens. 
• Consider a Comuna 13 Tour : It’s hard to mention Medellín and not the name Pablo Escobar and Comuna 13. During the day, there are many free walking tours that explore this infamous neighborhood’s art scene. I would recommend a guided tour here during the light hours. We were going to join one and decided not to as it was too hot in the middle of the day. I would come earlier in the day.
• Head to Parque Lleras for Nightlife : If you’re in El Poblado, no doubt you’ll hear the music coming from this hotspot for salsa and more.

Best Restaurants in Medellín

• OCI.mde: This was our last meal in town and one of the favorites for a modern take on Colombian food. It’s upscale and the restaurant has a ton of energy. *Reserve in advance.
• Vaggart: This is the rooftop restaurant at the Art Hotel and the food was really good. It was more of a bar menu but loved it!
• Empanadas at the corner of Avenida Caraboobo and Calle 52 : These were my favorite, I can’t find the name on the map but if you’re headed to Plaza Botero, it is right there on the corner. 
• Burdo: Popular spot for both drinks and casual bites.
• El Tejadito : Come here for stuffed arepas, so delicious!
• Cerveceria Libre : For a local brewery, come here and try their beers on tap. The “passion” was my favorite. 
• La Bronco: Favorite cocktails were here and the food looked good as well.
• Coffee at: Pergamino, Rituales or Cafe Velvet.

Save this post for later on Pinterest:

PS — Are You Booking a Trip Soon? Use My Booking Checklist!

These are the sites I use most to book my own trips. Using the links below is a great way to support Bon Traveler’s travel journalism at no extra cost to you . If you need help organizing your itinerary, get my free travel itinerary template here .

1. Book Your Flights

Use Skyscanner to find the best flights. It searches 100s of airlines and websites across the globe to ensure you’re not missing out on any route options or deals.

2. Book Your Accommodations

Use Booking.com for hotels and guest houses. They have the biggest inventory and consistently offer the best rates.

3. Book Your Tours & Experiences

Use Viator or Get Your Guide to find the best tours and experiences. They are my favorite tour search engines. I always check both as their inventory varies depending on the destination.

4. Book Your Car

Use Discover Cars or Rentalcars.com to find the best car rental deals. I recommend comparing rental agency reviews on Google to ensure you are booking with the best company in that destination, as the reviews are often more accurate than the car rental search engines.

5. Don’t Forget Airport Lounge Access

Get a Priority Pass membership to gain access to 1,400+ VIP lounges and airport experiences worldwide. The Priority Pass app is the first thing I check when I have a layover. I’ve been a member for over a decade, and having a comfortable place to relax before and between flights makes air travel so much more enjoyable.

6. Don’t Forget Travel Insurance

I never leave the country without travel insurance. It provides comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong (ie. illness, injury, theft, and cancelations, etc.). I use it frequently for my travels to stay protected.

My favorite companies that offer the best coverage and rates are:

• World Nomads (best for all-around)
• Safety Wing (best for frequent travelers)

Xx, Jessica

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Wander-Lush

30 Things to Do in Medellin, Colombia’s City of Eternal Spring

30 of the very best things to do in Medellin, Colombia’s spellbinding second city.

The second-largest city in the country and capital of the north-western Antioquia Department, Medellin ( Medellín ) is indisputably a must-visit place in Colombia .

I knew Medellin was my kind of city even before I arrived – which is why I booked a three-week stay to kick-start my Colombia trip. Just as I had predicted, it took me all of two minutes on the airport bus to decide that I loved the ‘City of Eternal Spring’.

Medellin is a hub of vibrant Paisa culture , with an incredible food and local coffee scene, great museums and galleries, public sculptures and street art, bustling fruit markets , colourful neighbourhoods , and lots of urban green spaces.

It’s a city that has undergone dramatic changes in recent decades. I would describe it as a city with an old soul and a young, energetic, creative spirit.

This list of the 30 best things to do in Medellin brings together quintessential Medellin must dos, alternative attractions in Medellin, immersive experiences for food and coffee lovers, and outdoor adventures to help you enjoy Medellin to the max.

• First time in Medellin? Copy my 2-day Medellin itinerary for the perfect visit.

Please note: This post contains affiliate links, meaning I may earn a commission if you make a purchase by clicking a link (at no extra cost to you). Learn more.

Medellin Quick Links

Where to stay in Medellin: The Wandering Paisa (hostel); 574 Hotel (mid-range); Quinta Ladera (boutique hotel); Sites Hotel (luxury). Pre-book your airport transfer: 24/7 transfer to any hotel in Medellin , operated by Impulse Travel (from $25). Best city walking tour: Private City Tour with Metrocable and Comuna 13 (from $53). Best Comuna 13 tour: Comuna 13 Graffiti Tour with Local Guide (from $25). Best coffee experience: Coffee Tour With Tastings and Lunch (from $42). Best day trip from Medellin: Guatape & El Peñol Rock (from $37).

Essential things to do in Medellin

Let’s start with the top Medellin attractions and must-have Colombia experiences .

If you have just one or two days in Medellin, prioritise these 15 activities to ensure you leave with a holistic picture of the city.

1. Take the Free Walking Tour

A city walking tour is one of the best free things to do in Medellin and the perfect way to get your bearings when you first arrive. There is only one company worth mentioning, and that’s Real City Tours .

This is honestly one of the best free walking tours I’ve done anywhere in the world (and I’ve done a lot!). Groups are small (currently capped at six people) and the local guides are very engaging.

If you’re lucky enough to get Caro, you’re in for a real treat: She knows everything there is to know about Medellin and is truly one of the most memorable guides I’ve had the pleasure of meeting.

The itinerary focuses on Medellin’s downtown (El Centro) . Whilst covering the major streets, parks and plazas, you’ll pick up lots of information about Medellin’s history and social change.

The tour runs twice a day Monday-Friday and once in the morning on Saturday (no tours on Sundays). It lasts 3.5-4 hours, and payment is based on tips. Bookings are essential – reserve a place online .

Specialty city tours:

• Private 5-hour city tour of Medellin with hotel transfers & a metrocable ticket. Includes Botero Square, Comuna 13, Pueblito Paisa, the Botanical Gardens and more. From $53 per person.
• 4-hour (20km) e-bike tour of Medellin . Includes El Poblado, Ciudad del Río, Laureles and a Colombian coffee experience. From $42 per person including bike hire.
• 5-hour Medellin gastronomic tour with my favourite tour company, Impulse Travel. Includes local food tastings and markets. From $150 per person.

2. Ride the iconic Medellin Metrocable

The Metrocable (cable car system) is a symbol of Medellin. For locals, it’s a way of life: The cable cars are the only practical way to access the hillside barrios where the streets are too steep and narrow for buses.

For us tourists, soaring above the rooftops in a gondola is a fun and affordable way to get spectacular views. It’s definitely a must do in Medellin.

The Metrocable has six lines that connect downtown Medellin in the Alburra Valley basin with different  settlements in the surrounding hills. My favourites are the K/L Lines to Parque Arvi (more on that later), and the J Line from San Javier (the location of Comuna 13 – see the next section for more) to La Aurora.

The gondola stations connect up to the Medellin metro system for seamless travel around the city. See #16 on this list for more info about the metro and how you can use it to go on a self-guided ‘tour’ of Medellin.

A single fare for the Metrocable costs 2,750 COP (around 70 US cents) or 2,430 COP if you have a (free) rechargeable Civica card. The L Line to Parque Arvi costs 10,600 COP. For more tips, see this comprehensive guide to using public transport in Medellin .

3. Explore Comuna 13 with a local guide, a Medellin must-do

The Comuna 13 commune is home to the most well-known of Medellin’s hillside barrios. Once considered the most dangerous place in the country (and one of the deadliest places in the world), the neighbourhoods that make up Comuna 13 have undergone immense transformation in recent decades thanks in no small part to projects such as the escaleras electricas (outdoor escalators) that ‘reconnected’ the area with the rest of the city.

Today, Comuna 13 is known for its vibrant street art and large-scale murals. Walking through this open-air gallery is an immersive history lesson: You’ll learn a lot about the events of the past, including Medellin’s gang violence, and most of all witness how hopeful people are for a brighter future .

I highly recommend visiting Comuna 13 with a local guide who can add context and narrative to the experience. This small-group tour lasts 4 hours and will lead you to the most important street art pieces and the best viewpoints . Here is a private tour option if you prefer.

Before you go, read my 13 tips for visiting Comuna 13 so you know what to expect.

4. Eat Bandeja Paisa at Hacienda

There’s a whole food-focused section of this guide coming up later, but I have to mention one foodie experience now: Eating Bandeja Paisa! Colombia’s national dish and a regional specialty in these parts, it’s one of the top things to do in Medellin not just for foodies, but for all travellers.

A worker’s lunch born on the coffee plantations of Antioquia Department, Bandeja Paisa is a work of culinary art. I didn’t know it was possible to cram so many flavours and textures (and calories!) onto one plate.

Every version is a bit different but in essence, Bandeja Paisa is a medley of beans, blood sausage, chorizo and chicharrón (deep-fried pork rind) served with rice and an arepa, and topped off with fresh avocado and a fried egg.

And everyone has their favourite rendition – mine is the finca-to-table Bandeja Paisa served at Hacienda . Their Juna restaurant near Parque Berrio is particularly nice, with its open-air dining veranda. One portion is big enough for two people, or you can opt for a single-serve ‘Mini Bandeja’.

5. See how you measure up in the Plaza Botero

The heart of Medellin’s historic Old Quarter, Plaza Botero is one of the loveliest squares in the city. You’ll find several monumental pieces of architecture and important museums around the periphery (more on those later), but the plaza itself is a great place for a stroll.

Botero Plaza is dedicated to Medellin-born artist Fernando Botero , who donated 23 of his larger-than-life sculptures to the city. I first encountered Botero’s work at the Cascade Complex in Yerevan, Armenia , so it was a real treat for me to see his works displayed in his home city.

Botero’s daring bronze forms push the boundaries of physics and political correctness alike! Some of his most iconic works include ‘Roman Soldier’ and the buxom ‘Eve’ . Rubbing the statues is said to bring good luck, so you’ll notice that many are buffed in certain ‘special’ locations.

If you’re looking for fun things to do in Medellin, wandering the Botero Plaza and admiring the bulging statues is definitely a must. For something more in-depth, this Botero-focused city tour explores the artist’s life and legacy in Medellin.

6. Ohh and ahh at the Museo de Antioquia

Located on Botero Plaza, the Museum of Antioquia (Museo de Antioquia) is my top choice of museum in central Medellin. This was the first museum established in Antioquia and is devoted to who else but two of the city’s most acclaimed artists, Botero and painter-muralist Pedro Nel Gómez .

I love Botero’s sculptures, but I adore his paintings. The work that most people make a beeline for is ‘Death of Pablo Escobar’ (1999), which depicts the infamous gangster’s demise against a backdrop of Medellin’s orange rooftops.

The museum is open 10am-5pm Monday to Saturday. Entrance costs around 18,000 COP. There is a free guided tour available every afternoon at 2pm.

If you’re planning to visit Medellin in high season, you may want to pre-purchase a skip the line ticket to avoid having to queue.

7. Stop by the Palace of Culture

Also facing onto Plaza Botero, the Rafael Uribe Palace of Culture is one of the most distinctive buildings in Medellin. The black-and-white stonework and Gothic-style arches are the work of Belgian architect Agustín Goovaerts, who designed the Palace as a venue for cultural programs and exhibitions staged by the regional government.

The building is open to the public. Inside, the Institute of Culture and Heritage of Antioquia houses a photo archive. There’s also a library, an art gallery and a cafe.

8. Shoot the breeze in Parque Berrio

Nearby Berrío Park sits smack-bang in the centre of Medellin and is therefore often thought of as the ‘nucleus’ of the city . It’s a hive of activity at all hours, a place for families and groups of friends to gather, where old men come to play checkers and vendors come to peddle their goods.

When the nearby Catholic church was first built in the 1640s (more in the next section), Parque Berrio was simply known as ‘Main Square’ . Parishioners would gather here before and after services – so you can see that meeting in this spot is a long-standing Medellin tradition.

The square has been pivotal to the city’s history through the ages: Various political announcements and demonstrations took place on these very paving stones.

Although it can be a bit rowdy (and a bit seedy at certain times of day), this is prime people-watching territory . With all the yelling and conversations going on, you might even learn some Spanish by osmosis!

For the best views down onto the square, head up to the adjacent Parque Berrio Metro Station platform.

9. Visit Medellin’s oldest church

The Basilica of Our Lady of Candelaria behind Parque Berrio dates back to Colombia’s colonial era. As well as being one of the most beautiful churches in Medellin, it’s also the city’s oldest.

Roman Catholic parishioners have been worshipping at the stone church since 1649. Outside, the Neoclassical facade is grand and austere; inside, a gold-coloured altar sits beneath a painting of the Virgin of Candelaria, Medellin’s patron saint.

You can get a great view of the church’s exterior from the platform at the nearby Parque Berrio metro station. Just footsteps from Plaza Botero and the museum, it’s a worthwhile addition to your itinerary when you’re in the El Centro district.

10. Get lost in a fruit market

Antioquia is Colombia’s fruit bowl , and Medellin is where the region’s farmers come to trade their tropical delights. There are several fruit markets in the city worth visiting . My personal favourite is the Plaza Minorista José María Villa , or The Minorista for short.

The Minorista is an atmospheric green market made up of 3,000-plus undercover stalls. Roam the aisles, chatting with the friendly los vendedores (vendors) who are usually more than happy to offer free samples of their most exotic offerings: Maracuyá, zapote, mangosteen, curuba and more.

Watch your toes as people race around the aisles with trolleys and crates of fruit. Don’t forget to look up at the beautiful hand-painted signs above some of the older stalls, family-run businesses that have been operating here for generations.

Climb the stairs to the second level to look directly down on the market floor and admire the chaos. Here’s where you’ll also find breakfast stalls and juice bars where you can pick your favourite fruit and have it blended to order.

The Minorista opens bright and early at 4.30am daily . It’s best to arrive early for the best variety and the an energetic atmosphere.

11. Hike in Parque Arvi, Medellin’s green lung

Located in a valley north-east of the city centre and reachable from downtown via the Line L Metrocable, Parque Arvi (Arví Park) is literally a breath of fresh air. The huge nature reserve and archaeological site offers walking and biking trails, waterfalls, a farmers’ market, coffee shops, and more.

You could easily spend a full afternoon here recharging your batteries.

Much of the 16,000-hectare park can be explored over 56 miles (90km) of walking trails . Marked paths range from easy strolls through wildflower groves and butterfly habitat, to more strenuous hikes.

Short guided walks depart regularly from the visitor’s centre and last from 1-4 hours. Or you can set out alone on one of the easier-to-follow hikes , such as the Trail of the hill.

Don’t miss the Mercado Arví , a daily farmers’ market next to the Metrocable station where you can buy local fruit, coffee and Colombian handicrafts.

12. Visit Pueblito Paisa, a model village in the heart of Medellin

Perched atop Nutibara Hill in the city centre, Pueblito Paisa is a miniature version of a typical Antioquian pueblo or town. If you don’t have time to travel out of the city to a real pueblo, this is the next best thing. (There’s no comparison really, but at least you can get an idea of the architectural style!)

Make no mistake, this is one of Medellin’s most popular tourist attractions and it’s very commercial as a result. I just happened to be staying nearby and wandered up one night for a look. It is worth going out of your way for, but just be prepared for the crowds.

The village is laid out like a typical town , with a central cobbled square, church and fountain ringed by white facades with colourful trims. I later learned that some of the building materials used in construction were salvaged from a real pueblo near Guatape, including original wooden doors, windows, and the church altar.

The panoramic views from the top of the hill are worth the 20-minute walk up (don’t worry, you can drive all the way if you wish). There are several viewpoints scattered around the area where you can look out over Medellin and the river.

Pueblito Paisa is open from 6am until late every day. The Medellin City Museum is also located on the hill, adjacent to the pueblo.

13. Shop for souvenirs at the San Alejo Handicraft Market

If you happen to be visiting Medellin on the first Saturday of the month, don’t miss the San Alejo Handicraft Market in Parque Bolivar.

This showcase of local food projects and crafts only takes place once every four weeks. It’s a 35-year tradition, drawing crowds who shop directly from 400 artists, makers, antique vendors and artisanal farmers .

Indigenous artisans from communities around Medellin are also represented, making San Alejo one of the few places in the city where you can buy authentic handicrafts such as hand-woven Wayuu Mochila bags and colourful Mola textiles , traditionally made by the Kuna people.

14. Go cafe hopping in El Poblado, one of the best places in Medellin for coffee & culture

Because of its proximity to Colombia’s coffee region , Medellin is the ideal place to sample local beans. El Poblado district, the hub of cafe culture , has enough specialty coffee shops and outdoor cafes to keep you humming until the very last drop.

Spend an afternoon soaking up the atmosphere of Medellin’s coolest neighbourhood (part of Comuna 14 but a world away from Comuna 13) by hopping between the many gorgeous outdoor cafes and trying different specialty brews. Pergamino is possibly the most popular venue in the city.

For a more in-depth experience, consider joining this coffee shop hopping tour of El Poblado and Laureles with Impulse Travel. It includes several specialty cafes and a behind-the-scenes look at coffee culture in Colombia. For something hands-on, learn how the Colombians percolate with a Coffee Brewing Workshop hosted by El Poblado’s Avoeden Café.

El Poblado has a very different vibe after dark when it transforms into a bar district. If you’re more of a night owl, this bar hopping tour of El Poblado will give you a local’s insight into Medellin nightlife.

15. Sip Aguardiente and listen to Tango at Salon Malaga

One of the best things to do in Medellin at night is spend a few hours at Salón Málaga, a traditional piano bar with an old-timey feel and a wonderful atmosphere. It’s been a fixture of Medellin since 1957.

Settle in amongst the jukeboxes and retro music posters to listen to live tango and salsa . It’s not uncommon for couples to get up and start cutting a rug, so remember to wear your dancing shoes if you want to join in the fun.

A neat shot of aguardiente , Colombian ‘fire water’, should get things moving. Made from fermented sugar cane, it has a pleasant anise flavour and actually goes down quite smooth (well, sometimes).

Every region in Colombia produces its own aguardiente, but the liquor made in one department can’t be sold to another – so you know this is the real-deal Antioquean stuff.

Alternative things to do in Medellin

If you have more time in Medellin, consider some of these lesser-known attractions and activities.

16. Visit the Museo Casa de la Memoria

Founded in 2006 by the Victim Assistance Program of Medellin City Hall, the Museo Casa de la Memoria (House of Memory Museum) is a unique institution developed to help people reflect on and overcome the hardships associated with the violence of the 1980s to early 2000s.

As you’re probably already aware, Medellin was a very dangerous place in the 1990s especially. Countless people lost their lives to cartel violence and the military interventions that followed. The Casa de la Memoria gives their families and friends – and the community at large – a space to share their voices and rebuild.

It’s a very moving experience as you see, read and hear first-hand accounts in the photographs, videos and hand-written materials. Though sombre, it will deepen your understanding of modern-day Medellin.

17. Smell the orchids at Medellin’s oldest marketplace

If you can’t be in Medellin for the annual Feria de Las Flores Flower Festival, which takes place every August, the next best thing is to browse the Placita de Flórez flower market.

The oldest undercover market in the city (it dates back to 1891), the Placita is a short walk from the Casa de la Memoria in Bombona district. You can quite easily combine them into one visit.

The market is a bit of an unusual combination: On one level you’ll find beautiful fresh-cut flowers interspersed with butcher’s shops. Downstairs, you’ll find the fruit and vegetable vendors.

On the back wall of the lower level there’s a wildly popular food stall you can’t miss : It’s where Medellin’s best arepas de chócolo (sweet corn arepas served with a slab of cheese on top) are served.

Back outside the market, order a freshly pressed OJ from one of the roving juice carts while you sit on a plastic stool and observe the ins and outs of Colombian commerce.

18. Take a self-guided city tour by metro

Medellin’s award-winning public transport system isn’t just a way to get from A to B – you can also use it for a DIY, super affordable city tour . The Metrocable is one thing, but even the above-ground metro station platforms afford fantastic views of different plazas and notable buildings around the city.

I suggest taking Line A from El Poblado to Acevedo , disembarking at the Industriales, Exposiciones, Alpujarra, San Antonio, Parque Berrio, Prado and Hospital stations for different views of Medellin.

You can jump on and off and in most cases, transfer underneath from platform to platform, without having to buy a second ticket.

Just avoid using the metro during peak hour (Monday to Friday between 5pm and 7pm) as the stations and trains are always very busy around this time.

19. Stroll around leafy Laureles

Laureles is probably the most livable district in Medellin . I booked an Airbnb here without realising it was one of the city’s hottest suburbs, and I was very happy to be able to explore a ‘real’ local neighbourhood.

Originally a working-class area, parts of Laureles are now quite swish. It’s extremely leafy , with old growth trees lining wide roads, tons of dog parks and outdoor exercise areas, and open-air restaurants. Primer Parque de Laureles was my ‘local’ park during my short stay.

Parts of the district are laid out with roundabouts and curved streets , so it can be a bit confusing to try and navigate on foot. But getting lost and aimlessly strolling is all part of the fun.

There are a few notable attractions to seek out, including the Fundación Aburrá gallery-museum . For more things to do, see this detailed guide to the Laureles neighbourhood .

20. Attend a Colombian football match

Football (soccer) is a way of life in Colombia just as it is in many other parts of Latin America. To feel the pulse of the city and be part of one the nation’s most beloved traditions , why not attend a local match at Atanasio Girardot Stadium.

The city has two clubs, Nacional and Medellin, and both are revered. If either are playing during your visit, don’t miss your chance to cheer on the players alongside the home crowd. Match times are usually announced a few months in advance, and tickets can be purchased online.

For a different experience, sign up for an immersive football experience where you’ll attend the game accompanied by a local and participate in the pre-game rituals most tourists miss.

Best things to do in Medellin for foodies

Medellin is a true foodie paradise, with street food, cafes and restaurants on literally every corner. I’m not exaggerating when I say that chicharrones and arepas de chocolo changed my life.

Here are my favourite food-focused activities in Medellin.

21. Experience life-changing arepas de chocolo

I already alluded to arepas de chócolo, sweet corn cakes topped with creamy queso cheese . Trust me, these babies will make you re-define your idea of ‘delicious’.

This kind of arepa is traditional to Colombia’s Andean region, but thank goodness some master chefs decided to bring their recipes up north to the big city. Steamy, sweet-salty and creamy, they go perfectly with a hot cup of black coffee for breakfast .

The best arepas de chócolo are made from fresh-ground corn and served inside the Placita de Flórez .

22. Eat like a Paisa at Mondongo’s

Mondongo’s is part of Medellin’s old guard of bistros and an integral part of the city’s food landscape. The family owned restaurant first opened in 1976 on Avenida San Juan and has since expanded to several other locations around the city including in El Poblado . (Oh, and they also have a restaurant in Miami.)

The original philosophy of using food to bring Antioquian families together around their shared heritage of Paisa cuisine still stands. Today, this is still a very family oriented restaurant, the sort of place where you expect to see at least one birthday party every lunchtime.

There are just a dozen or so dishes on the menu, all traditional to the area. The star is of course mondongo , a soup/stew of pork, tripe and chorizo. It’s zingy and deep and a bit of an acquired taste, but definitely the thing to order if you want to eat like a local in Medellin.

23. Hunt down the city’s best Menu del Dia

Another life-altering food concept, the Menu del Día or Menu of the Day is an institution in Medellin and a godsend for budget travellers. Essentially this is a set menu offered at lunchtime that allows you to stock up on a day’s worth of calories for a very respectable price .

Sometimes called Ejecutivo in Colombia, Menu del Dia came by way of Spain where the notion of a fixed-price lunch was actually written into law by fascist dictator Francisco Franco. It normally includes a cold drink, a soup or salad, a hearty main meal, and a small dessert. Typically the cost is around 15,000 COP or 3.80 USD – not bad for a three-course meal.

If you have trouble deciding what to order at restaurants, this is a saviour. Just ask for the Menu del Dia and you’ll be served up with something fresh, seasonal and nutritious .

Bandeja Paisa is a popular choice for obvious reasons, but every cafe and restaurant puts their own spin on it. They rarely serve the same thing two days in a row, so you can pick your favourite establishment and keep coming back for something new.

My favourites are Restaurante Santas Melonas near El Poblado Park for a meaty Colombian spread, and Naturalia Café in Laureles for a lighter vegetarian lunch.

24. Eat Argentinian empanadas at Salon Versalles

Located on busy Avenida Maracaibo , Salon Versalles is a real gem in Medellin and an essential pitstop on any food quest. The traditional tea house was founded in 1961 by an Argentinean expat and was the first place in the city to serve pizza!

Versalles continues to push the envelope by serving up Argentine-style empanadas . The flaky pastry and rich, slightly spicy filling is what sets them apart from their Colombian counterparts.

Versalles turns out approximately 2,000 crescent-shaped pastries every day, along with Chilean empanadas filled with meat, olives and hard-boiled egg.

For something more substantial, there’s steak churrasco and Argentinian milanesa . Save room for dessert, specifically a big slice of Torta María Luisa , a traditional Colombian layer cake, or maybe a few buñuelos (fried dough balls). Pair your sweets with a tinto coffee and you’re all set.

Dark wood, booth seating and coiffed waiters in pressed whites give the cafe a fun retro vibe.

25. Snack your way around the Mercado del Rio

The Mercado del Río is a very different kind of marketplace to the ones already mentioned on this list. Similar to the Time Out Market in Lisbon , it is a contemporary food hall where you can eat a range of world cuisines under one roof.

Think of it as the United Nations of snacks . Around 50 restaurants are represented, serving everything from sushi to waffles, pizza to traditional Peruvian ceviche.

The warehouse space is beautifully decorated with lots of seating, which makes it a favourite place for friends to meet in the evening. The atmosphere is great , especially when there’s a local football game streaming on the big screen.

26. Join a Medellin food tour or cooking class

To learn more about Colombia’s food culture, I highly recommend you join a Medellin food tour . This itinerary is led by my favourite community-focused tour company in Colombia, Impulse Travel, and includes plenty of city sightseeing to offset the snacking . They even make a special trip to the flower market for the arepas – see, I told you they were good!

If you don’t mind getting your hands dirty, a Colombian cooking class in Medellin will arm you with arepa-making skills for life . I did a cooking class in Bogota and it was one of the highlights of my trip.

27. Tour a coffee plantation close to Medellin

Colombia’s Coffee Triangle lies beyond the borders of Medellin and requires more than a day trip. If you have limited time and you still want to see the bean-to-cup process , you can visit a coffee farm on the city’s doorstep instead.

This half-day coffee plantation tour includes private transfers, a cherry-picking tutorial, and a walk through the entire process of de-pulping, fermenting, drying, roasting and grinding.

I did a proper coffee cupping for the first time in the small town of Jerico and it changed the way I think about coffee forever. In Colombia, a coffee tasting takes on a whole new significance and will give you a huge appreciation for the farmers who toil to bring us our daily cuppa.

This professional coffee tasting in San Sebastián de Palmitas , 45 minutes from Medellin, takes place on a farm. You’ll learn the history of Colombian coffee, try your hand at harvesting beans, then sit down for a coffee tasting alongside a hearty Colombian meal.

Adventurous things to do in Medellin

Another thing Medellin has going for it is its proximity to nature. Here are three adventure activities for exploring the landscape beyond Parque Arvi.

28. Go horseback riding Colombia-style

After so long being tempted by the lush mountains around the city – visible from almost every street corner – it’s time to get out and explore. Horseback riding is an immersive way to soak up the magnificent landscapes on the fringe of the city.

This riding experience includes round-trip transfers from El Poblado and around 4 hours of riding in the hills, including to secret waterfalls and along jungle tracks.

29. Go paragliding for a bird’s eye view of Medellin

After my paragliding experience in Jerico, I can confidently say that Colombia is one of the best places on earth to soar with the birds. There are tandem paragliding opportunities in Medellin just 45 minutes from the centre, where you can fly over the Aburra Valley towards the Medellin River, El Quitasol hill and Picacho hill.

I recommend going with a reputable company that uses internationally certified guides .

30. Go quad biking, one of the best things to do in medellin for adventure

Another way to explore the mountains around Medellin is by ATV . This company offers 550cc quad bikes and experienced guides to lead you through the Antioquian mountains.

BONUS: Take a day trip from Medellin to a real pueblo

If Pueblito Paisa got you thinking about a day trip into coffee country, you’ll be glad to know there are dozens of gorgeous pueblos you can visit near Medellin. Colonial Santa Fe de Antioquia (pictured above), Guatape and Jardin are all fantastic day trips from the city.

All of these historic villages feature colourfully painted houses, grand churches and plazas, and historic architecture. Each one has its own unique museums and foodie experiences.

The most popular day trip from Medellin by far is an excursion to Guatape and El Peñol Rock . It requires a short drive and combines history with nature and a boat trip for a well-rounded day out.

Where to stay in Medellin

Medellin is a big city! Public transport connections are great, but everything is very spread-out, so you need to be strategic about where you stay (especially if you’re on a short trip). Moreover, some neighbourhoods are safer than others for tourists.

I stayed in the lovely Laureles neighbourhood when I visited Medellin. It’s leafy, it’s very walkable, there are dozens of amazing restaurants and cafes – and it’s away from the busy downtown area, giving it a more local feel. The northern part of Laureles is especially convenient because it’s close to the metro line.

If you prefer to be in the thick of it, El Poblado is the beating heart of ‘new’ Medellin. It can feel a bit touristy, but at the same time that means lots of options for eating out and revelling in Medellin’s nightlife.

Here are my top picks for where to stay in Medellin:

The Wandering Paisa

• Laureles district
• Dorms & doubles

• El Poblado district
• Doubles & singles

Quinta Ladera

• Doubles & suites

Factory Lofts

• Self-contained doubles

For more ideas, check out this list of excellent Airbnbs in Medellin for apartment rentals in Laureles, El Poblado and beyond.

Medellin travel FAQ

When is the best time to visit medellin.

Medellin is an all-year destination, with pleasant temperatures throughout the seasons (hence why it’s called the ‘City of Eternal Spring’).

High season (December-March) is the driest time of year, but it’s also the busiest period. If you do visit in December, try to time your trip for the Alumbrados Navideños Christmas celebration.

June-August is shoulder season and also a pleasant time to travel, especially if you’re interested in local culture and festivals . The biggest event on Medellin’s calendar is the Feria de Las Flores flower festival, which normally takes place over 10 days in August.

Rainy season (April/May and September/November) is a great choice for budget-conscious travellers as things are quieter and you can usually find some great deals on accommodation and tours. Like in Southeast Asia, afternoon downpours are normally short and sharp, so you can still spend time outdoors.

How many days should you spend in Medellin?

You don’t have to spend three weeks in Medellin like I did. Three or four full days is time enough to get a good overview of the city. With two days in Medellin , you can see the major highlights.

If you can, I do recommend travelling slowly and lingering a bit longer. One week in Medellin would be ideal.

Is Medellin safe for tourists?

Let me start by saying that I personally felt safe in Medellin at all times. Colombia often gets a bad wrap (a leftover from the 90s), but in reality things have changed a lot in the past few decades, especially in Medellin. You certainly shouldn’t let old news reports or media stereotypes put you off travelling.

But you do need to exercise caution in the city , especially when it comes to pickpocketing. Wear your backpack on your front, be careful when using your mobile phone in public, and avoid carrying valuables or large amounts of cash on you.

One of the first things you’ll hear in Medellin (especially if you join the Free Walking Tour) is the phrase, ‘Don’t give papaya’ . It basically means don’t set yourself up for disaster. Don’t make yourself a target for petty crime. Be wary of your surroundings at all times, and don’t walk around after dark, even in the touristy areas of El Poblado and El Centro.

For more insights, I’ll refer you to Medellin expert Desk to Dirtbag who has lived in Colombia for years and knows the ins and outs of safety in Medellin.

How to get from Medellin Airport to the city?

Most visitors fly into Medellin. The city’s airport, José María Córdova International Airport, is located 13 miles (20km) from the centre of the city or around 45-60 minutes by road .

Taxis are available, but for ease, I recommend you pre-book an airport transfer to your hotel . Impulse Travel offers 24/7 transfers to any hotel in Medellin starting from $25. Someone will be there to meet you in the arrivals hall, and since payment is made online before you go, there’s no need to worry about having pesos on you.

Alternatively, the airport bus ‘busetas’ runs every 15 minutes 24/7 and costs around 10,000 COP . The buses depart from outside gates 2A and 2B. Tickets can be bought from the driver using cash.

I took this bus myself and it was packed – I almost missed out on getting a seat. If you have a large or heavy bag, I would avoid the bus as there is only room for 19 people and it’s very squished already.

The bus stops at San Diego Mall before continuing to Hotel Nutibara in the centre. From there, you’ll need to walk or take a taxi the rest of the way to your accommodation.

Is Bogota or Medellin better?

Bogota and Medellin are two very different cities. As the capital of Colombia, Bogota has amazing museums (including the Gold Museum) and impressive heritage architecture. But it has more of a big-city feel and is less intimate, in my opinion. Bogota also has a worse track record when it comes to safety.

Medellin, by contrast, is very livable, green and pedestrian friendly, with unique Paisa culture and incredible food. There are more day trip opportunities from Medellin, which makes it a better base for exploring Colombia.

In short: Neither Medellin nor Bogota is ‘better’, but most travellers I know tend to favour Medellin. Personally, I enjoyed my three-week stay in Medellin a lot more than my few days in Bogota.

If I had to choose just one big city to visit in Colombia, it would definitely be Medellin.

Have you been to Medellin? Do you have any more tips to share? Drop your Medellin recommendations in the comments below!

Colombia trip essentials

Here are some of the websites and services I recommend for planning a trip to Colombia. Remember to check out my full list of travel resources for more tips.

FLIGHTS: Find affordable flights to Colombia using the Skyscanner website .

VISAS: Use iVisa to check if you need a tourist visa or a Health Declaration form for Colombia and apply for your documents online.

TRAVEL INSURANCE: Insure your trip to Colombia with HeyMondo , my preferred provider for single-trip and annual travel insurance.

AIRPORT TRANSFERS: Book a safe and reliable private transfer from the airport to your hotel in Medellin , Bogota or Cartagena (prices start from $18 per group).

ESIM FOR COLOMBIA: Stay connected during your trip – pre-purchase an eSIM for Colombia and get online as soon as you arrive without having to visit a phone shop.

CAR HIRE: Use the Discover Cars website to compare prices and features across all the major car rental companies.

ACCOMMODATION: Find the best Colombia hotel deals on Booking.com .

CITY TOURS & DAY TRIPS: Browse the Viator website to find the best day trips, city tours, Colombian cooking experiences and more.

More Colombia resources

• 2 day itinerary for Medellin , a short city break itinerary
• 13 things to know before you visit Comuna 13 , Medellin’s street art mecca
• The best fruit markets to visit in Medellin , and what to try!
• 20 must-dos in Bogota , Colombia’s capital city on the fly
• 30 incredible souvenirs to buy in Colombia , from handicrafts to coffee
• Colombian cooking class in Bogota , making empanadas Colombia-style
• 30 wonderful places to add to your Colombia travel itinerary , more inspiration
• 25+ things to do in Colombia , all you need to plan your trip
• Travelling in Colombia’s coffee region , Medellin to Concordia
• Hiking in Salento , the best trekking in Colombia
• Guide to Jerico , Colombia’s best small town
• Staying at El Despertar , a heritage boutique hotel in Jerico
• Photos of Jardin , a colourful Antioquian pueblo

Thanks Emily. The empanadas, bunuelos & tinto coffee at Versalles is now added to my to do list.

The minestora market is unsafe and definitely not a good tip

Hi Karsten, if you mean the Minorista, we didn’t find it unsafe at all. We went on a tour with a local guide then returned a few days later alone. Both times we felt completely safe. Recent Google Reviews seem to confirm that it is still a popular tourist destination.

Unfortunately all of the highlighted recommended tour links go to the “Getyourguide Best List” rather than the individual tours. So you don’t get specific recommendations making the article much less useful.

Hi Mark, thanks for your comment. You will have to take this up with GetYourGuide, unfortunately, as it is a feature of their platform and not a flaw with my website.

I spent hours filtering, selecting and trying out the best tours on offer in Medellin. This is how GYG has chosen to present my results – as I’m told, it is a monetary decision for them.

You will notice that the tours I have recommended are presented first and are highlighted in light blue.

If you do decide to book using my link (despite the annoying format presented by GYG), then it would be much appreciated. Affiliates are my bread and butter and allow me to keep travelling and creating free content for you.

I have shared your feedback anonymously with GYG, and I do hope they take it into consideration.

Thanks for your understanding and I hope this clarifies things!

This is so helpful! Thanks so much we can’t wait for our trip!

Thanks for this excellent guide! We just arrived in Medellin and we’re looking forward to ticking off some of these sights during our month in town.

Terrific! Enjoy your visit!

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COLOMBIA , SOUTH AMERICA · August 27, 2020 Last Updated on March 11, 2024

MEDELLÍN, COLOMBIA CITY GUIDE

This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. We may receive a small commission when you make a purchase using our link.

Medellín is one of the most interesting cities in South America! Recently Medellín has undergone a modern renaissance, and it has been winning awards around Latin America for innovation and urban renewal. 

In this article, I share why I love Medellín, my favourite things to do in the city, the best places to stay, and tips for a visit to the city!

Medellín Background

Often referred to as the city of eternal spring thank to its climate, Medellín is one of the most popular places to visit in Colombia because of its many things to see and do.

Medellín is using tourism as a tool for urban renewal with Comuna 13, which was once one of the most dangerous collections of neighbourhoods in the city, is now one of the most popular tours. Comuna 13 has street art and graffiti tours , in addition, to live music, street performances, and other unique stories. 

When To Visit Medellín

Medellín has the same climate year-round, with dry and wet seasons. The typical climate is warm, the temperatures you would typically find in the Medellín. The temperature typically stays around a high of 28c (82f) year-round.

Dry season tends to be from December to March which is also the high season, where things are typically more expensive. Between April and November is the low and wet season, where there are typically fewer tourists, and the rain often brings cooler temperatures. 

Things To Do In Medellín

There are plenty of things to do in Medellín. I have visited the city many times and each time I visited I found something new to do. I do have my favourite activities and must-see recommendations which I have listed below:

1) Take A Day Trip To Guatape

Guatape is a colourful town located just outside Medellín, the small town has a local Colombian feel, with Chivas and tuk-tuk. Guatape is located on a very large lake with lots of smaller rivers off them, where you can take a boat trip.

In the middle of the lake, there is a large rock called El Peñol , this rock stretches high into the sky, and visitors can climb up to the top to get a great view of the lakes. 

2) Explore Comuna 13 With A Tour Guide

Once one of Medellín most dangerous neighbourhoods, Comuna 13 has undergone major urban renewal with escalators replacing thousands of stairs and street art being displayed. Visitors can walk around the area with a guide looking at the street art , and seeing how the neighbourhood has transformed. 

3) Take A City Tour Of Medellín

Take a city tour of downtown Medellín, visit the Botero Plaza with Botero’s famous sculptures , museums, and other attractions. A walking tour or guided tour is a great way to see the city, either by walking or on a tour bus. This is a great way to see local places while learning about the cities history.

4) Try Bandeja Paisa

Try Bandeja paisa which is a native dish to the area, it is made up of rice, plantain, arepa, chorizo, minced meat, beans, and a fried egg. Bring your appetite because these dishes are notoriously big!

5) Take A Cable Car Trip

Take a trip on the cable car and metro system over for great views of the city and to see different areas of the city. The cable car system is a great way to get around the city and has transformed the way locals live and work around the city. 

6) Plaza Botero

Plaza Botero is a plaza located in Medellín, outside of the Museum of Antioquia . The plaza is famous for its 23 sculptures of Fernando Botero’s finest work. The sculptures include fat cats, voluptuous women, and fat birds.  

7) Take A Day Trip Outside The City

There are lots of opportunities to take a day trip out of the city to explore small towns such as Jardin and Santa Fe de Antioquia . Other great destinations include the hiking spot of Parque Avi, the waterfalls at San Rafael , and the jungle of Cocorna. 

Other Things To See in Medellín:

• Museo de Antioquia
• Parque Lleras
• Coffee Farm Tour
• Parque Explora
• Casa de la Memoria
• El Castillo Museo y Jardines
• Plaza Minorista
• Mercado del Río
• Cañón del Río Claro Reserva Natural
• Botanical Garden

Where To Stay In Medellín

My favourite place to stay in Medellín is the Click Clack Hotel in El Poblado. This hotel is beautifully decorated and in a great location for exploring the city, and close to public transportation links. There are three restaurants located within the hotel, the rooms are large rooms, and there are a number of common areas. 

Other luxury hotel options in this area are Binn Hotel , Hotel San Fernando Plaza , and Celestino Boutique Hotel .

If you prefer to be in a quieter neighbourhood, consider Laureles with a laid-back vibe and a small number of restaurants and bars. For those looking for a budget or hostel option then you should look at Parque Lleras where more affordable accommodations can be found.

Where To Eat In Medellín

Medellín has many restaurants with great places to eat in different neighbourhoods of the city. El Poblado is well known for its world-class restaurants and unique dining establishments with a variety of cuisines.

Here are a few of my favourite restaurants in Medellín:

Bars & Hangouts In Medellín

Colombians are known for partying, they love to socialise with friends, family, colleagues, either during football matching, the weekend, or even after work in the evenings. For this reason, Medellín has countless bars and restaurants from rooftop bars, luxury cocktail bars, side corner hidden hole in the wall bars, and street vendors who serve alcohol.

Here are a few of the best bars in Medellín:

• Panorama Rooftop Bar
• Del Patio Bar
• La Octava Bar
• La Tienda La 70

Where To Go From Medellín

Colombia is slowly becoming a top tourist destination and is appearing on everyone’s travel bucket lists. While many destinations and cities are becoming more popular with tourists the quieter and countryside towns still have a local feel. 

Medellín is a great place to visit in Colombia whether it’s for a week-long trip or a weekend stopover. You should consider visiting other cities in Colombia such as Cartagena , Cali, Bogota , and Santa Marta.

Colombia has everything including Caribbean Islands, a Caribbean coastline, tropical rainforests, an ancient Lost City, Amazon rainforest, desert, Pacific Coastline, whale watching, bird watching, plains, countryside, and more!

Related Article: How To Get The Most Out Of 7 Days In Colombia

What To Know For Visiting Medellín

Colombia visas.

The typical visa to visit Colombia allows you a free 9 0 day stay depending on your country of nationality. Be sure to check the official Colombian visa website for the latest information.

The currency used in Colombia is the Colombian Peso (COP) . The current exchange rate is approximately 1 USD to 3,400 COP. You can check the latest IDR exchange rate on Google.

While travelling, our number one tip is to use a free Charles Schwab Debit Card which gives unlimited worldwide ATM Fee Refunds and the true exchange rate.

Best Tours In Medellín

Some of the best tours and things to do in Medellín are:

• Medellín Urban Transformation Tour
• Guatape and El Penol Tour
• La Cima Coffee Farm Tour

Medellín’s  El Poblado  is our recommended area to stay when visiting the city. We recommend booking your hotels on Booking.com to get the best rate and many hotels offer free cancellation in case your plans change.

Some of our favourite hotels in Medellín are:

• Click Clack Hotel Medellín
• Sites Hotel 
• Hotel Intercontinental Medellín 

AirBnB is also a great option in Medellín!

Best Books About Medellín

Read more about Colombia before you go! Some of the best books about Medellín are:

• Short Walks From Bogota: Journeys in the New Colombia
• One Hundred Years Of Solitude
• The Rough Guide to Colombia

What Power Adapters Do You Need

Colombia uses standard 2 prong Type A or B adapters also commonly used in the United States.

You can buy a universal adapter that will work in any country and has extra ports for USB cables to charge your phone and other devices.

We also always travel with a portable battery pack which is great to keep your phone charged on long journies.

Transportation In Medellín

• Public Transportation: Medellín has a great public transport system with a metro and cable car system which transports people around the city, in addition to buses. 
• Rental Cars : It is possible to rent a car at the airport in Medellín, though driving might be challenging due to bad road congestion, local rules, and specific driving times.
• Taxis: Uber is not available in Colombia anymore but there are many taxi applications such as Tappsi. Do not catch a taxi from the road, always prebook or organise with the reception at your hotel. 

Travel Insurance

Our top recommended travel insurance companies for Medellín are:

• World Nomads : Comprehensive coverage for medical, travel delays, and electronics.
• SafetyWing : Cheaper monthly coverage primarily for medical.

More Articles About Colombia

• How To Get The Most Out Of 7 Days In Colombia
• Ultimate Guide To The Lost City, Colombia
• 6 Reasons To Sail From Panama To Colombia
• Where To Stay In Bogota, Colombia: A Guide To The Neighbourhoods & Hotels
• Where To Stay In Cartagena, Colombia: A Guide To The Neighbourhoods & Hotels

We hope that this article has inspired you to visi t Medellín . If you have any questions about the destination or have your own travel tips to share please leave these in the comments below.

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Travel Guide to Medellín, Colombia

TripSavvy / Lara D'agostino

Medellín is Colombia's  second largest city and is nestled in the Aburrá Valley of the Andes Mountains. It was founded in 1616 but remained a small, under-the-radar locale until the Colombian  coffee boom . It later became the center of a textile industry, and today is a modern, vibrant city. Medellin is a principal manufacturing and industrial area, as well as a commercial flower-growing region, particularly focused on orchids. In fact, Medellín is often called the Capital of The Flowers and The Land of Eternal Spring.

How to Get There

Many international airlines fly into Medellín using the international José María Córdoba airport, just 20 miles southeast of the city. Regional flights use the older Olaya Herrera airport. Affordable flights can be found on LATAM Airlines, Copa Airlines, and JetBlue, as well as budget carriers like Spirit. Once you land, you can take a shuttle from the airport into downtown.

If you're already in the country, look into bus services, which are available between most  major Colombian cities  from the Terminal del Norte or the Terminal del Sur. Those who plan on venturing outside of the city should rent a car.

Medellín is the first Colombian city to have a metro system. It serves the city in both north-south and to the west, which makes getting around the city very convenient and easy.

The equator runs through the center of the country, so Colombia has warm, moderate weather year-round. The temperature varies depending on the altitude. Cities closer to sea level (about 80 percent of the nation) have hot 80-degree days, whereas cities higher and near the Andes, like Medellín, tend to have comfortable 70-degree weather. Although there are no traditional seasons, tourists may want to avoid visiting between April and May, as well as September through November, when the country experiences the most rainfall. Early August is an ideal month to travel to Medellín when the  Fería de Las Flores  festival is in full bloom.

Things to Do and See

Medellín may be smaller than the Colombian capital of Bogotá , but that doesn't mean it has any less cultural sights and museums for visitors to enjoy.

• The Medellín Metro Cable system has three cable car lines across the valley floor. Ride them to the top for scenic views of the city and mountains beyond.
• Basilica de la Candelaria is one of the few colonial buildings left.
• The Basilica Metropolitana,  in the Parque de Bolivar, was completed early in the 20th century and is thought to be the largest brick church in South America.
• Pueblito Paisa is a replica of a typical Antioquiana village, complete with handicraft shops.
• Plaza Botero displays a number of works by Fernando Botero, a famous Medellín sculptor who specializes in oversized human figures. More of his works are in the Museo de Antioquia.
• The JardÍn Botánico JoaquÍn Antonio Uribe has an annual orchid exposition in the Orquideorama.

Holidays and Events

Colombia has some of the most festive holidays of any country in South America. Medellín celebrates many regional festivities, as well. Fería de Las Flores is one that should not be missed. The festival begins with a  caballero  (horseback) parade through the city that lasts the entire day. Music, dances, and cultural events celebrate the Antioquiana customs, but the highlight is the  Desfile de Silleteros , where campesinos come down from the mountains carrying baskets of beautiful wildflowers. In July, the annual Festival Internacional de Poesía de Medellín, or International Poetry Festival, brings artists, writers, and musicians from far and wide.

Travel Tips

Before you jet off to Medellín, there are some things you may want to plan ahead for.

• A tourist visa is not required to visit Colombia unless you plan on staying longer than 90 days.
• The water in Medellín is safe to drink, although most hotels will provide bottled water just in case. If you're traveling to rural areas outside of the city, it's smart to only drink bottled water.
• The Colombian peso is the only currency accepted at small, local stores, and there are many ATMs around the city for getting more cash out. Most hotels and upscale restaurants accept credit cards.
• The local attire is a bit formal, so leave flip-flops at home. Men should wear long pants, and women should pack nice sundresses.

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Medellín, Colombia

Medellín, Colombia: Your In-Depth Travel Guide to The City of Flowers

Located in the middle of Colombia , tucked into a valley surrounded by the Andes Mountains is Medellín , Colombia's second-largest city. Known as the City of Flowers, Medellín is attracting more and more retirees who want to live an outdoor-based, active lifestyle in a city that has near-perfect weather, affordable healthcare, good-value real estate, and a lower cost of living than many cities in the U.S.

Medellín is strategically situated practically equidistant from Colombia´s other major cities of Bogotá, Cali, and Bucaramanga, making it an excellent hub for both commerce and tourism. Although the greater Medellín area has nearly 3 million people living there, the city really feels more like a lot of neighborhoods connected to each other by green spaces. Accented with green parks, flowers that are always in bloom, gurgling brooks, and hundreds of birds in brilliant colors, Medellín feels smaller than the metropolis that it is.

Once known as the most violent city in the world, Medellín has been transformed during the last two decades, and is now being recognized as the City of Innovation. In 2013, Medellín beat out New York City and Tel Aviv to be named “The Most Innovative City in the World” by the Wall Street Journal and Citibank. The prestigious “Lee Kuan Yew World City Prize” was bestowed upon Medellín in 2016 as recognition for its transformation into a sustainable, viable city.

The José María Córdova International airport is just 45 minutes outside of Medellín. It is the second busiest airport in Colombia and has direct flights to and from several major U.S. cities.

Retire in Medellín

Retirement should mean doing more of what you want to do, and less of what you don´t want to do.

So, if you want to lead an active lifestyle, Medellín has something for everyone. Golf courses, fitness clubs, hiking trails, and tennis are all available to help keep you fit. Every Sunday and most holidays, the city closes down large sections of some of the major roads to traffic and transforms them into pedestrian walkways. These “ciclavias” fill up with joggers, cyclists, and families just out for a stroll. Street vendors offer juice, water, and cut fresh fruit to the participants.

You can find expats living in most areas of the city, but the highest concentrations are in the neighborhoods of El Poblado and Laureles. El Poblado, is known for its terracotta highrise apartment buildings and steep hills. It offers some of the most impressive mountain and city views. The Laureles neighborhood is flat, making walking effortless.

Access to inexpensive and high-quality healthcare is always on the mind of retirees. You will be glad to know that eight of Medellín´s hospitals ranked among the top 43 of all Latin America, including Hospital Pablo Tobón Uribe that earned Joint Commission International accreditation.

For those who love to cook, you will find farmer’s markets brimming with fresh produce. But if you would rather let others do the work, there are hundreds of restaurants ranging from traditional Colombian cuisine to five-star gourmet dining. Meals will run you a third to half of what you would pay back home, so eating out doesn´t have to be a once in a while treat.

Lifestyle in Medellín

Medellín enjoys a spring-like climate year-round. With daytime highs in the low to mid 80's F, and evening temperatures in the mid 60´s F, there is never a need to wear anything heavier than a light jacket, regardless of the month on the calendar. There is no need for heating or air conditioning either. Even though the city is 6 degrees north of the equator, being at 5,000 feet above sea level creates a bug-free environment with very little humidity.

Medellín is the only city in Colombia that has a metro system. The above-ground two-line system connects the north with the south, and the downtown with the west. The Metroplus rapid transit line interconnects with the Metro, making getting around the city easy. Add to this the multitude of metered yellow taxis, and there really isn´t any need to own a car.

With over 30 universities, an array of art and history museums, theaters, restaurants, and several sports complexes, Medellín has a very cosmopolitan vibe. The Metropolitan Theater presents a varied program of international classical music, jazz music, and dance performances. The Museo de Antioquia, located just off the Parque Berrio Metro stop, is home to a large collection of paintings and sculptures by Medellín native, Fernando Botero. As you walk through the plaza in front of the museum, make sure you rub one of his many larger-than-life bronze statues for good luck.

Medellín is also known for its festivals. From Colombiamoda (fashion week) in July, to Feria de las Flores (flower festival) in August, to the International Jazz Festival in September, to the most spectacular Christmas light displays in December. there is rarely a dull moment in the city.

Cost of Living in Medellín

Your cost of living will depend on what type of lifestyle you want to have. Medellín is less expensive than many comparable U.S. cities. On average, living expenses are 60% to 70% less than the major U.S. cities of Boston, Los Angeles or Chicago.

Below is a sample monthly budget for a couple living in Medellín:

10 things to do in medellín.

By Nancy Kiernan

I have been living in Medellín, Colombia’s second-largest city, full time since May 2012. It is a vibrant cosmopolitan city nestled in the heart of the Andes Mountains. The greater metropolitan area covers 445 square miles along the Aburrá valley and up the sides of the majestic, verdant, green mountains.

Thousands of tourists come to Medellín to enjoy the perfect, year-round, spring-like weather and to soak up the local culture. One of the dangers of spending time in Medellín is that you may never want to leave. Many visitors have fallen in love with the city and chose to call it home. There is so much to see in the “City of Eternal Spring” that it is difficult to decide what to do.

Here are a few suggestions that are a good mix of cultural, daily life, and active recreational activities.

1. Shop in El Hueco (the hole)

If you love finding a bargain, then you must check out El Hueco in the El Centro (downtown) part of the city. Take the Metro to the San Antonio stop and walk through the area which is spread out over several blocks. Thousands of shops, from tiny one-person stalls to larger stores, are selling everything you can possibly imagine.

The “mini-malls” look like simple doorways, but when you enter, they are filled with many small stores, usually based around a theme, such as running shoes, jewelry, cosmetics, and electronics. Unfortunately, there isn’t a map indicating where the stores are located, so it takes quite a while to get familiar with the best shops. If you see something you like, buy it ri

ght then, because you may not be able to navigate your way back to that same shop again.

2. Rub a Statue for Luck in Botero Plaza

Take a stroll through Botero Plaza, home to 23 larger-than-life bronze statues created and donated by Medellín’s own famous artist, Fernando Botero. You can see bright shiny spots on the statues where the oxidation has been worn away from all the visitors who rub the statues for good luck. And of course, you must get your picture taken on one of the statues.

The plaza is the gateway to the Museo de Antioquia which dedicates its entire top floor to a large collection of Botero’s paintings and sculptures. While some people call Botero’s subjects “fat”, Botero considers them “voluminous.” It is his expression of shape, proportion, and size.

3. Enjoy Graffiti-Street Art

Graffiti in Medellín is so much more than random “tagging” in public spaces. It has become its own form of art. Throughout the city gray concrete walls have been transformed into vibrant murals that attract art lovers and tourists. You can find examples pretty much anywhere you walk, but the best way to experience the art is to take one of the city’s graffiti tours through Comuna 13.

Once considered Medellín’s most crime-ridden neighborhood, it now houses the Casa Kolacho community center. One of the local hip hop artists will take you through the neighborhood with walls and buildings covered in local street art and explain how the area came back to life.

4. Ride the Metrocable to Parque Arvi

The expression “getting there is half the fun” certainly applies to Parque Arvi. It is an ecological nature preserve in Medellín known for its wildflowers, butterflies, and hiking trails. While you can get there by car, the fastest and most enjoyable way to get there is to take the Metrocable from the Acevedo station of the Metro.

The gondola cars carry you safely up the side of the mountain. The entire half-hour ride is full of photo opportunities. The city looks more expansive as you go further away from it. Your ride takes you over local neighborhoods filled with kids playing in the school yard, corner shops, and churches. Once you reach the top you can buy a snack at the outdoor food market, which is located next to the gondola station.

5. Enjoy Medellín’s Climate Along the Ciclovia

Medellín’s perfect spring-like weather lets you be outside and active all year round. This certainly contributes to a healthy lifestyle. One perfect example is the ciclovia. Every Sunday and during the holidays, several major roads are transformed into pedestrian ways.

From early morning until 1 p.m. these streets are closed to motor traffic and are filled with walkers, bicyclists, joggers, and families out for a stroll. Vendors set up stalls along the side of the roads and sell bottled water, fresh fruit, and juice to the passersby. Bicycle repair tents are dotted along the roads to help you with a broken chain or flat tire.

6. Eat Bandeja Paisa

Mom always told you to clean your plate at mealtime. While that is good advice, you may have trouble doing that with Medellín’s local specialty, bandeja paisa. This platter of food will test the limits of even the hungriest person. Feast on rice, frijoles (beans), ground beef, fried egg, chicharron (fried pork belly), morcilla (blood sausage), avocado, salad, and fruit juice to wash it all down. One of the best ways to know a country is to eat its food. It captures the soul and spirit of the people and the region.

The people of Medellín (paisas) are warm and generous, just like the city’s signature dish. You can find this on the menu at any restaurant that serves local Colombian food. My favorite spot to enjoy this dish is Hatoviejo. They have three locations around the city. I suggest you bring a friend and share.

7. Visit a Farmer’s Market

One of the great things about Medellín is the abundance of fresh, locally-grown produce. And the best place to buy it is at a farmer’s market. My favorite market is in Parque La Presidenta on Poblado Avenue.

Every Sunday farmers put out crates filled with delicious greens, tomatoes, squash, carrots, onions, and fresh herbs, just to mention a few items. Vendors have small kiosks selling natural honey, bread, juices, spices, natural beauty products, and of course arepas (corn cakes). If you need a quick “pick-me-up” you simply must try some guarapo (juice from pressed sugar cane). You can watch them make it fresh.

8. Step Back in Time—Visit Puebito Paisa

While some people consider this a tourist trap, I think a visit to Pueblito Paisa is worth an afternoon or evening. Built on top of Cerro Nutibara (Nutibara Hill), Pueblito Paisa is a replica of a 1900’s Antioqueño town complete with a cobblestone square, fountain, church, town hall, and a one-room schoolhouse. The Medellín city museum is also located on the property. It is filled with historic black and white photographs as well as a 3DD scale model relief map of the city. For less than $1.00 entrance fee you can learn about the history of Medellín’s construction.

Vendors sell ice cream, snacks, and complete meals (including bandeja paisa) in the food court area. This is a great break from the hustle and bustle of the city. Be warned it becomes crowded at night since it is a perfect vantage point to see Medellín’s night lights sparkle and shimmer.

9. Relax in the Botanical Gardens

Jump off the A line of the Metro at the Universidad station and jump into 34 acres of tranquil bliss. The Botanical gardens offer an oasis in the middle of the city of Medellín. You can spend hours wandering through the paths lined with towering green trees, bring a picnic lunch and relax on the lush lawn, watch the ducks and turtles swim in the pond, get up close to the iguanas in the “jungle” section, or have a bright blue butterfly land on you in the butterfly house.

The gardens are free to the public except during the Flower Festival in August. I strongly suggest you take time to eat lunch or dinner at In Situ restaurant inside the park. Enjoy gourmet food and drink great wine while surrounded by nature.

10. Tour a Castle at El Castillo Museum

It is hard to believe there is a medieval Gothic-style castle in the heart of Medellín’s El Poblado neighborhood. The castle was built in 1930 as a private home surrounded by acres of beautiful gardens, flowers, and fountains. Nowadays it is a museum that attracts tourists and lovers of art, history, and culture.

In addition to the museum, El Castillo hosts public events, such as food fairs and concerts, as well as offering art and music workshops for both adults and children. At Christmas time I particularly enjoy viewing the exhibition of the collection of manger scenes.

Medellín: The Best Retirement Destination You’ve Yet to Discover

by Todd Hilton

Forget what you think you know about Medellín, Colombia. This vibrant and bustling city is one of the best kept secrets as a truly wonderful retirement destination. In the time it would take you to fly from coast to coast in the States, you can fly to Colombia where you’ll find a retirement haven that is still ahead of the wave when it comes to expats looking for the best place to retire. Medellín offers you “big city” living at small town prices.

The pulse of this exciting city can be felt the moment you step out onto its streets for the first time. With an estimated population of 2.5 million, Medellín is no sleepy little hamlet. The city is broken up into six different zones: Northeast, Northwest, Center East, Center West, Suroriental , and Suroccidental. And, there are 16 communes (communities) spread out between those zones, each offering a slightly different feel and atmosphere than the other. Whether you’re shopping at the ultra-chic and modern Centro Comercial Santfé in El Poblado, sipping a café latte at one of the many coffee houses found in Laureles, or browsing the thriving art scene in La Candelaria, Medellín has it all. And connecting all of these communes is one of the best metro systems to be found outside of the States with fares running you roughly 80 cents. Or jump in one of the many cabs found cruising the streets, and you’ll be at your destination with only paying $3 to $5 (depending on traffic).

There are many restaurants to be enjoyed within the city. From Italian food to Peruvian, and all the flavors in between, you’re bound to find a delicious meal at prices that are a third of what you’d pay back home. A full course meal including drinks and dessert can run you on average of about $25 to $30 per couple for a fancier restaurant, while you’ll find plenty of places to eat for under $15 per couple. Half the fun will be walking the streets in search of that next favorite “hidden jewel.”

If enjoying a day at a museum is your idea of a good time, then look no further that the Museo de Antioquia in downtown Medellín. For less than $6 you can explore its many floors of art by famed Medellín native artist Fernando Batero, as well as many other local artists. When you’ve filled your senses by looking at the art, you can enjoy a lunch on the outside patio of the museum's cafe and enjoy an incredible meal for under $10, while enjoying your view of famed Botero Plaza. This is truly people-watching at its best.

Finding an affordable place to stay in Medellín is easy to do, as apartments for rent are plentiful. Rents can run you in the range of $300 to $900 per month for a furnished apartment (depending on your tastes), with many apartments offering you modern amenities like a gym, or 24-hour gat-ed security. Some apartments offer spectacular views overlooking a beautiful cityscape that lights up like a Christmas tree in the evening.

There are condos and apartments to fit anybody’s style of living. If the fast pace of downtown living is for you, then check out the commune of Buenos Aires. This area is just walking distance away from downtown, while still offering you that neighborhood feel. Or enjoy upscale living in one of the many apartments of El Poblado. With its high-end grocery stores like Carulla and Éx-ito to its retail lined streets, you’ll forget you’re not living in a city like San Francisco or Los Angeles.

Medellín may be the best retirement destination you have yet to discover.

Safety in Medellín

With a population of nearly 3 million people, Medellín is Colombia’s second-largest city. Most people have a 20-year outdated idea of what life is like in Medellín. They think back to the dark days of Pablo Escobar and the drug cartels. Well, a lot has changed since Pablo was killed in 1993. Medellín has experienced a rebirth and is now a major tourist spot, a center for conventions and a thriving hub for commerce, excellent healthcare, and festivals.

Colombia’s former President Juan Manuel Santos and Rodrigo Londoño, the leader of the paramilitary group known as the FARC, signed a peace agreement in November 2016, ending a 52-year civil war. The disarmament process and the implementation of the details of the agreement will take several more years to complete but the country continues on the path of peace.

But questions still persist. When I speak at IL conferences, attendees come up to my table and ask “so, is it really safe to live there? I´ve heard stories…” As someone who has been living full time in Medellín since 2012, let me answer some of the burning questions.

Is Medellín a Safe Place to Live?

Like any large city around the world, there is crime. However, in the expat-centric areas, it tends to be crimes of opportunity such as pickpocketing in crowds and theft of unattended items (cellphones, backpacks, handbags). The local expression “no dar papaya,” which loosely translates to “don’t make yourself a target.” Therefore, it is best not to wear expensive jewelry or watches or flash large amounts of cash or expensive cameras. Don’t carry lots of cash or credit/debit cards with you. Only carry what you will need for the day or night.

Beware of motorcycles or “motos” as we call them. Besides bobbing and weaving in and around cars when you are trying to cross the street, a significant number of robberies are carried out by people on motorcycles. They can quickly get to you, take you purse, backpack, or phone and then drive away quickly. Having your phone out and visible in taxis or on the street falls into the “no dar papaya” category and may attract unwanted attention from a criminal on a motorcycle.

When you are living in a place for more than just a couple of months, always change the locks. There is no way of knowing how many people have had keys to your apartment before you. So best to start fresh.

Is Medellín Safe for Expats and Tourists?

The paisas (locals from Medellín) are proud of their city and are genuinely thrilled when foreigners come to visit or live there. While it isn’t necessary to completely blend in with the crowd, try not to be an obvious tourist. Even though the Medellín weather is warm, locals do not wear shorts in public unless they are out running. Jeans, chinos, or other long pants are best. Women can wear pants, skirts, or dresses. Wearing flip-flops is a sure sign you are a backpacker or tourist. Sneakers, comfortable walking shoes, or sandals are fine. The best advice is to spend a day or two in the mall, grocery store, or just walking around the street, and pay attention to what the locals are wearing and adjust your wardrobe accordingly. The vast majority of expats go about their day with nothing but positive experiences and interactions with paisas and don’t attract much-unwanted attention.

Over the past several years, Medellín has become a mecca for digital nomads. Coworking spaces and internet cafés are all over the city and there are more popping up every year. With digital nomads come laptops, cellphones, and other portable electronic devices. Keep a vigilant eye on your devices. Turning your back for a short period of time while paying for your coffee or stepping away to talk to a fellow nomad could easily mean the loss of your devices.

El Poblado is considered by many as the safest part of the city. However, robbery statistics have been increasing there. This is likely due to criminals targeting the wealthiest area of Medellín where most foreign tourists stay. Street crime is possible even in these areas, so always be aware of your surroundings.

If you are a tourist, carry a copy of your passport when you are out and about. Leave the original in the hotel or apartment safe. Use ATMs in malls and grocery stores. Avoid ATMs on the street or in areas with few people around. And be conscious of who might be watching you.

Is Medellín Safe at Night?

Darkness falls at around 6 p.m. every evening in Medellín. At that time, the streets are filled with locals returning from work and heading back home and there is no issue being out at that time. I consider night anything after 9.30 p.m. After this time, it is best to avoid walking in infrequently traveled or unlit areas. Certain areas of the city such as El Centro should really be avoided at night.

Areas to Avoid in Medellín

As I mentioned, El Centro is one of the areas to avoid. Going during the daytime and with other people you know is safe, but be cautious. It has some of the highest crime rates in the city and petty street crime in El Centro is quite common. There are areas in El Centro that are magnets for drunks, drug dealers, and the homeless. After dark, El Centro becomes even more dangerous.

The poorest neighborhoods in Medellín such as Robledo, Popular, Santa Cruz, Manrique, San Javier, and 12 de Octubre are not really places for expats, even during the day unless you are part of an organized tour like a graffiti tour.

Solo Travel in Medellín

Traveling by yourself in Medellín is not much different than in any large city. Personal awareness and creating a contact plan with family or friends back in your home country is a good idea no matter where you are traveling. Facebook has several groups you can join to meet up with other expats in Medellín. If you decide to meet someone always do this in a public area like a mall, restaurant, or café.

Other common-sense things to consider include keeping a low profile, never giving out information about where you live to strangers, and not inviting strangers into your home or hotel. It is best not to walk alone at night. If you must, stay on well-lit streets where there are plenty of people.

Do They Speak English in Medellín?

Spanish is the national language in Colombia. Other than the signs and announcements on the Metro being in both English and Spanish, the city in not very bi-lingual. In the El Poblado and Laureles areas, you can find physicians, accountants, investment advisors, lawyers and other professionals who speak English. But your day to day interactions with store clerks, taxi drivers, hairdressers, and people on the street will most likely be in Spanish.

Some bi-lingual Colombians have created concierge-style businesses to help expats navigate the banking, medical, insurance, and real estate rental processes. I have seen the number of these services grow quite rapidly in the nearly eight years I have lived in Medellín.

You will need to speak a basic level of Spanish to be able to get around the city independently.

Transport in Medellín

Within the city, the buses, taxis, Uber, and the metro system are reliable especially in daylight. At night, avoid hailing a taxi on the street unless you are in an area you are familiar with. It is much better to call a taxi or use one of the many apps such as Easy Taxi, InDriver, or Uber as there will be a record of who picked you up. The yellow taxis in the Medellín metro area are metered.

In general, the metro is very safe. There are auxiliary police patrolling all the stations. But you need to be careful when the trains are full, especially during rush hour for the morning and evening commutes. The cars can be jam-packed with people and pickpockets will be out in full force. Put your bag, purse, or backpack in front of you and your wallet and cellphone in a front pants pocket. You may not even realize they are missing until you arrive at your destination.

Can You Drink the Water in Medellín?

The water in Medellin is perfectly safe to drink right out of the tap. There is no need to buy bottled water or worry about the ice in your drink or eating salads or fruit that has been washed in tap water. Some people use filtration systems to improve the taste as the water might taste a little chlorinated from time to time, but it's convenient to know that you always have a free and safe option for water anywhere in the city.

My Home in Medellin, Colombia

Colombia deep dives.

Colombia Fast Facts

Cost of Living in Colombia

Economy in Colombia

Healthcare in Colombia

Live in Colombia

Real Estate in Colombia

Renting in Colombia

Retire to Colombia

Traditions and Culture in Colombia

Visa and Residency in Colombia

Weather in Colombia

Where is Colombia?

City and Area Guide

The Best Tour of the City of Medellín

Graffiti Tour of Comuna 13

Comuna 13 of Medellín is one of the most important tourist attractions visited by tourists from all over the world, regardless of whether they speak English, Spanish or any other language.

This tour has been taking place for more than 15 years, but its popularity is growing day by day, and some companies are beginning to offer different tours in the Commune of Medellín, among them we can mention Paisa Tours Medellín, an agency dedicated to tourism in this city.

Tourists who come to Medellín generally want to take tours such as: City Tour Medellín, Guatapé and Peñol Tour, Coffee Tour, Pablo Escobar Tour. But without a doubt everyone's favorite tour is the La comuna 13 Tour.

History of Comuna 13

Comuna 13 has a complicated history, since its past is full of war. The guerrillas and paramilitaries took over this area to instill terror and fear for several years.

Their control was very high in Comuna 13, and for this reason the police did not even enter this place. Deaths and kidnappings were an everyday occurrence, unfortunately many innocent people paid the consequences of something in which they had nothing to do.

The Colombian government wanted to end the control of the guerrillas in commune 13 and they entered with different military operations, among which are:

- The Counter-fire operation.

- The Marshal prayer.

- Operation Orion.

Operation Orion was the largest urban military operation in this city, where more than 1,500 soldiers entered to reconquer the sector, in addition, there were war tanks and helicopters.

In Operation Orion the guerrillas of commune 13 were exterminated, but many innocent people paid the consequences, since many disappeared, others imprisoned and others murdered.

Transformation of Comuna 13

Comuna 13 began to experience different circumstances, some negative, such as the control that paramilitary groups took over for several years. Then some criminal gangs.

But change began to come when artistic, cultural and community groups began to work to move this community forward, which with hard work has left violence in the past and now breathes peace and tranquility.

Another extremely important work was the outdoor escalators. These stairs in Comuna 13 became one of the main attractions of Medellín, because they are stairs that we can see in the middle of a neighborhood and not in a shopping center.

Tours in Comuna 13

The Comuna 13 Tour is the tour most taken by locals and foreigners when they arrive in Colombia, it is a tour where they talk about the history of commune 13, showing its past and present.

Through this tour you can also see graffiti and murals made by different urban artists in the sector, for this reason this tour is also called Graffiti Tour Medellín .

Something that any tourist who arrives and takes this excursion cannot miss is entering the different galleries in this neighborhood, because some local artists, taking advantage of the tourism boom in the place, took their houses and turned them into beautiful urban art galleries. .

Since tourism arrived in commune 13, it has economically benefited thousands of people who live in the sector. The commerce is seen everywhere and the preparation that the Paisa Tour guides have is very good, because from the beginning to the end they will take you to know and enjoy like never before.

Today, comuna 13 is visited by more than 2,000 people daily, who want to enjoy a neighborhood experience in the alleys of this fascinating place through the Comuna 13 Tour, enjoy its viewpoints and its impressive history. Staying behind and not taking this tour would be like not having come to Medellín.

Conclusion:

Without a doubt, if you visit the city of Medellín you should come to comuna 13. You will love it, because its people, art, culture and history captivate every visitor and tourist who comes to enjoy the different tours that are carried out here.

This type of tours take place every day of the year (except January 1), and usually take place at 10:00 am and 2:00 pm with group or private plans. But no matter which plan you take, without a doubt, it is a place that you will love and it is 100% recommended.

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Home » South America » Medellin

Is Medellin Safe for Travel? (Insider Tips)

Medellin, once one of the most dangerous cities in the world, is finally showing the world how you are more than your terrible past. After suffering with drug gangs and violent crime of the worst demeanour for so long, the cartel days are finally behind the city of eternal spring.

Medellin is really special. It’s not just changed its violent past; it’s actively embraced all its ugly parts to make something beautiful. So today, staying safe in Medellin is pretty damn easy.

But like every big city , and especially in Latin America, it’s no stranger to having its own safety problems. So, is Medellin safe for tourists these days?

Well, petty theft, traffic, and scams are all still a concern. And although it’s not something that should bother you as a tourist, of course, gangs will never be eradicated completely.

Of course, ‘narco-tourism’ is in play. And actually, you can see it and contribute towards Medellin’s ever-growing, healthy economy.

Whether you’re a solo female traveller or bringing your family, it is safe in Medellin. But we need to get the safety tips straight. Here’s your guide to staying safe in Medellin.

There is no such thing as a perfect safety guide, as things change quickly. The question of “Is Medellin Safe?” will ALWAYS have a different answer depending on who you ask.

The information in this safety guide was accurate at the time of writing. If you use our guide, do your own research, and practice common sense, you will probably have a wonderful and safe trip to Medellin.

If you see any outdated information, we would really appreciate it if you could reach out in the comments below. Otherwise, stay safe friends!

Updated April 2024

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Is it Safe to Visit Medellin Right Now?

Safest places in medellin, 18 top safety tips for travelling to medellin, is medellin safe to travel alone, is medellin safe for solo female travelers, where to start your travels in medellin, is medellin safe for families, getting around medellin safely, what to pack for your medellin trip, getting insured before visiting medellin, faqs about staying safe in medellin, final thoughts on the safety of medellin.

Yes! Medellin is safe to travel to. The city had a recorded 1,400,000 international visitors last 2022. Most of them had a relatively safe experience.

The second largest city in Colombia , visiting Medellin is definitely something I’d highly recommend to all sorts of travellers. Compared to its reputation in the 1980s, when it had one of the highest homicide rates in the world , Medellin is markedly safer these days. 

But you have to be careful while travelling. Street crime still exists, traffic is rather chaotic, and, although violent crime is increasingly uncommon, it’s no stranger to petty crime. 

Oh and then there are the earthquakes (which you’ll experience everywhere while backpacking Colombia ), and the flooding in the rainy season. Both can be pretty bad. Knowing what to do in a disaster situation makes Medellin one of the safest cities in South America.

Just like the safety in Colombia overall, Medellin’s has become a whole new person. In 1993, when Pablo Escobar was out of the picture, safety concerns started to turn around. Crime has pretty much plummeted in general and, in fact, Medellin is safer than many other cities in Latin America.

Alongside Medellin’s drug renaissance in the 80s/90s, there was also a Communist insurgency happening. And while FARC stopped being an armed group in 2017, not everyone on that side was happy. Dissidents are still active.

Gangs still operate in the city. Though there’s absolutely no reason for these to affect you as gang violence is typically inter-gang.

And let’s talk again about those earthquakes…

They’ve been INCREASING over the past few years. Usually, they’re barely a wobble, but researchers are worried that Medellin isn’t sufficiently prepared for a big one. Make sure you know the drill, therefore.

In conclusion, whilst Medellin is safe to visit right now, situations can change. Keep an eye on what’s going on in the city.

Check out our detailed  where to stay guide for Medellin so you can start your trip right!

When choosing where to stay in Medellin, a bit of research and caution is essential. You don’t want to end up in a sketchy area and ruin your trip. To help you out, I’ve listed the safest areas to visit in Medellin:

• El Poblado – One of Medellin’s main neighbourhoods, with numerous restaurants, bars, and shops; it is known for its lively night scene. There are large shopping malls and a ton of bars and clubs. It’s our top recommendation for where to stay in Medellin for nightlife or as a solo traveller. There’s also a strong police presence during the day and even at night. That means more security guards, more cameras, and less crime – at least on paper. 
• Laureles – Laureles may not be the most famous neighbourhood in Medellin, but it’s our recommendation for the safest place in Medellin. It’s quieter and more pedestrian friendly than other parts of the city while still being within easy reach of the hustle and bustle.
• Envigado – Sleep well in a peaceful and relatively safe place to stay in Medellin, Envigado has everything for comfort. Being more rural, a range of outdoor adventures are right on the doorstep. Look out for pickpocketing during the day but you should be pretty safe from gang related crimes. Just keep in mind, wandering off alone or going off the beaten track.

Places to avoid in Medellin

While the City of Eternal Spring is far from the most dangerous city in South America, it isn’t necessarily known to be the safest place to visit either. Always use common sense and stay aware of your surroundings.

Particularly after dark and late at night, nowhere is 100% safe here. When you arrive at your accommodation, ask the staff which areas are best to avoid. These people usually offer the most solid travel safety tips . 

Prado and the most historic district, El Centro (aka La Candelaria), become arguably the most desolate area of Medellin after dark . Commuters and cops leave the area and it becomes decidedly unsafe.

Although some of these places are also cool to visit during the day, these are places to avoid in Medellin for various reasons:

• Comuna 13, Parque Lleras (cool to visit but known for sex tourism)
• Parque de las Luces (NOT recommended after dark)
• Parque San Antonio (pickpockets)
• Prado (nice, but a hotspot for drugs)
• Parque Periodista
• Barrio Trinidad (this is where everyone goes to get drugs)
• and La Sierra

It’s important to know that all of the places can technically be visited. They just have a higher crime rate than others, but those crimes are usually not targeted towards tourists, besides petty theft. So these can become safer areas in Medellin for tourists to visit, too.

Keeping Your Money Safe in Medellin

One of the most common things to happen to you whilst travelling is losing your money. And let’s face it: the most annoying way for this to actually occur is when it’s stolen from you.

Petty crime is pretty much a problem all over the world.

The best solution? Get a money belt.

Stash your cash safely with this money belt. It will keep your valuables safely concealed, no matter where you go.

It looks exactly like a normal belt  except for a SECRET interior pocket perfectly designed to hide a wad of cash, a passport photocopy or anything else you may wish to hide. Never get caught with your pants down again! (Unless you want to…)

Medellin is no longer the crime hotspot in Pablo Escobar times. To its credit, it’s had a miraculous turnaround. From one of the most dangerous cities in the world to a modern and inviting hub, it’s a surprising change of fate.

BUT that doesn’t mean it’s 100% safe all the time. So here are some safety tips to help you stay safe in Medellin.

• Don’t walk around shady areas – Medellin is generally safe, but there are some areas to avoid. Don’t wander around after dark.
• Keep valuables close – and hide your money well – especially on public transport.
• Always keep an emergency stash of cash – Never keep all your cards/ currency in one place. And hide it all from thieves with a hidden money belt .
• Take taxis at night – and make sure they are official taxis. 
• Try to blend in – Don’t flaunt wealth. Look at what the locals are wearing. Weirdly, only tourists wear shorts in Medellin, too. 
• Don’t walk with your phone out – it’s an easy (and valuable) target for thieves.
• Watch out at ATMs – pay attention to your surroundings.
• Be aware of spiking – Always keep an eye on your drinks and food, and never accept cigarettes from strangers. 
• Take a good medical kit with you – you never know when you might need it!
• Plan your routes – looking like a lost tourist WILL make you more of a target for thieves.
• Be wary of overfriendly strangers – they’re more than likely trying to scam you .
• If someone wants your stuff, give it to them – It’s not worth it.
• Don’t look for drugs – Hey, I don’t want to be a killjoy, but drugs are the epicentre of Colombia’s dark past.
• Be careful during rainy season – Colombia has two: April-May and October-November.
• Know what to do in an earthquake – and check local news.
• Learn Spanish – at least a bit.
• Remember the national emergency number: 123

Basically, it’s all about travelling smart. Colombia isn’t the violent scourge of Latin America that many perceive it to be, but it’s a safe city for millions of people.

Yes! You can definitely travel to Medellin safely alone. 

But of course, travelling by yourself does put you at risk of being more of a target sometimes. Before you head out on your trip, here are some great tips to help you solo travel Medellin like a boss…

• Read reviews and research for the best hostels in Medellin . Staying somewhere social is good for making friends. Choosing a good, safe area will make getting around easy.
• Speaking some Spanish really is going to enhance your time . This will help with everything from reading bus timetables to getting the best recommendations, and to even…
• Make some travel buddies! There is safety in numbers and it fights the travel blues.
• Keep in touch with people back home . Let them know where you’ll be. At the very least, keep a new travel friend up-to-date.
• Get a SIM card . Maps, emergency contact, last-minute accommodation, etc.
• Don’t push yourself too much. You don’t need to burn yourself out.
• Know your limits – whether it’s drugs, alcohol, or a crazy, spontaneous motorbike adventure , know when to call it a day.

Surprisingly, it’s pretty safe in Medellin for solo travellers. Remember to pay attention to your surroundings, but if you’re not looking for trouble, it doesn’t come looking for you in Medellin.

Yes, Medellin is safe for solo female travellers – and lots of them come here. So the chance to meet cool people in this cool city is high.

Unfortunately, like most places in the world, you’re going to have to think about different safety aspects than many cis-male travellers, for example. And, like other Latin American countries, macho society still needs work in Medellin.

A few tips for travelling safely as a solo female in Medellin can’t hurt. Here we go:

• Check out reputable hostels for women . Get to know other female travellers, and share safety tips and stories. There are female-only dorms if you prefer. 
• Make friends with your hostel staff. They have all the best recommendations for cool (and safe!) places to go. 
• Free walking tours are good to get to know the city’s culture and knowing the dangerous areas to avoid.
• Ignore any catcalling. It’s not the time to break boundaries – walk on and don’t stress yourself out.
• DO NOT walk around by yourself at night time . I’ll say this to all men too – but for solo women, this is a no-no.
• Let me mention spiking again here. Keep an eye on your own drink and DON’T accept anything from strangers .
• Police will help tourists . So if you have a problem, anything from being lost to feeling like you’re being hassled, go and talk to the police.
• Use a body-tight bag – keep your belongings as close as possible.

Although Colombia has a reputation for being a macho society, it has pros and cons… This DOES mean more catcalls and comments. But it ALSO means that men look out for women. 

That said, solo women travellers in Medellin can be safe. It doesn’t mean watching over your shoulder every second, but it means staying aware of your surroundings.

Laureles is one of the safest and expat-friendly neighborhoods in Medellin. While it doesn’t offer that many attractions, it’s a great area to base yourself if you’re worried about security and getting a good nights sleep.

Yep! Medellin is safe to travel for families. In the City of Eternal Spring, the weather is GREAT – not too hot and too cold for your little ones. Perfect.

But yeah, I hear you parents: you need to know a little more than that to have a safe trip to Medellin with the kiddos.

Okay, so the city is not always easy to walk around. The pavements aren’t exactly top-notch. The drains are deep and the curbs are high, so prams or pushchairs are pretty out of the question. 

The metro is generally fine to take children on, but during rush hour things can get pretty hectic, making it not ideal. And, yeah, don’t expect things like child car seats in taxis. 

I don’t think I need to preach to the choir about finding solid, well-reviewed accommodation for the family. Airbnbs in Medellin are fairly priced and ideal for groups.

Aside from these things, Medellin IS safe for children. Your kids will probably be the centre of attention with the locals because Colombian people are all about family. The kids will be a great icebreaker and will allow you to meet even more friendly locals.

Driving is pretty hazardous in Medellin. Traffic gets bad, especially in El Poblado and El Centro. 

Motorbikes, big buses and taxi drivers seem to have little to no consideration for everyone. So, may the odds be ever in your favour. Even as a pedestrian, the roads take no mercy.

Since Medellin’s public transport is very good , I think this is the best option to get around safely. The Medellin Metro is the only one in the WHOLE of Colombia and it is a god-send. 

These have specific routes, and their own dedicated lanes, meaning traffic isn’t that much of a problem. Just watch out for pickpockets and rush hours.

There are public buses but you’ll need to speak Spanish to understand it . I advise caution using the bus at night. It’s probably best just to take a taxi.

Taxis ARE safe in Medellin … but make sure your taxi is legit. The company logo should be there and the license plate number should match up with the sticker in the windscreen. Have your accommodation call one or go to taxi ranks.

When you’re in busy areas of the city, it’s a good idea to lock the doors. And to keep yourself extra safe, call someone while riding in the cab (or pretend to) and give the license plate number – so the taxi driver understands that someone else knows where you are. 

Better yet… Uber is safe in Medellin .

In fact, Uber has a good reputation for being particularly safe in Medellin. There’s none of the usual taxi hassle (i.e. being overcharged) and you won’t have to worry about having the right small bills to pay the driver since you pay in-app.

Everyone’s packing list is going to look a little different, but here are a few things I would never want to travel to Medellin without…

Hanging Laundry Bag

Trust us, this is an absolute game changer. Super compact, a hanging mesh laundry bag stops your dirty clothes from stinking, you don’t know how much you need one of these… so just get it, thank us later.

A decent head torch could save your life. If you want to explore caves, unlit temples, or simply find your way to the bathroom during a blackout, a headtorch is a must.

Yesim stands as a premier eSIM service provider, catering specifically to the mobile internet needs of travellers.

Monopoly Deal

Forget about Poker! Monopoly Deal is the single best travel card game that we have ever played. Works with 2-5 players and guarantees happy days.

This is a regular looking belt with a concealed pocket on the inside – you can hide up to twenty notes inside and wear it through airport scanners without it setting them off.

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing .

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

Here are some quick answers to common questions about safety in Medellin.

Is Medellin safe at night?

No, Medellin is not safe at night, especially for solo travellers and females. If possible, stay inside after dark or stick with a large group.

Is Medellin safe for tourists?

Yes, Medellin is safe for tourists as long as they stick to the rules and respect the culture. Being aware of your surroundings is a must in Medellin, no matter where you are. Unless you’re actively looking for trouble, you shouldn’t have a problem in Medellin.

Is it safe to walk around Medellin?

Walking around during the day in Medellin is safe. Stick to the touristy areas and you’ll be perfectly fine unless you wander off alone into small side streets. We wouldn’t recommend walking around at night in Medellin.

What is the safest area to stay in Medellin?

El Poblado is the safest and best area to stay in Medellin. It’s filled with expats, great restaurants, a lively nightlife scene and plenty of affordable accommodation. This doesn’t mean that you can drop all caution. Keep your eyes open no matter where you are and watch your belongings to add another level of safety to your trip.

No dar papaya ( don’t give papaya) is a phrase famous in pretty much all of Colombia. The meaning is basically: “don’t put yourself in a situation where you will be vulnerable.” And that is how I sum up the safety of Medellin.

Medellin has quite literally come up leaps and bounds in the last few years. From being a city practically run by drug lords, to one that’s winning awards. It’s honestly mental.

Gangs and street crime do still exist though. The best way to stay safe in Medellin is to basically not give papaya i.e. put yourself in a dangerous position. Don’t walk around at night in certain areas, don’t get in a taxi with a sketchy-looking driver, don’t talk to that over-friendly stranger, don’t buy drugs; these situations can be easily avoided.

Stick to safe areas, get taxis (or better yet – Ubers) after dark, and make friends with other people exploring this cool city at the same time you are. Keep your wits about you, trust your gut, don’t make yourself vulnerable, and you’re bound to have an AMAZING TIME in this beautiful city.

Looking for more info on traveling to Medellin?

• Let me help you choose where to stay in Medellin
• Swing by one of these fabulous festivals
• Don’t forget to add an epic national park to your itinerary
• Check out my favorite Airbnbs in the centre of all the action
• Plan the rest of your trip with our fantastic backpacking Medellin travel guide!

Disclaimer: Safety conditions change all over the world on a daily basis. We do our best to advise but this info may already be out of date. Do your own research. Enjoy your travels!

Share or save this post

Obvious thing not pointed out is that thieves are attracted to money . Where’s the money ? Poblado and Laureles. Most dangerous places ? Poblado and Laureles

If you don’t know Spanish don’t be walking around outside the busy tourist areas at night. Keep your phone in your front pocket. Avg daily wage is $10. The streets of Poblado are overflowing with Venezuelan immigrants without jobs selling crappy cocaine

I have been solo traveling Colombia by motorcycle for 2 years with one year spent in Medellin

Most dangerous places in Colombia for tourists is easily Cartagena and Santa Marta

I’ve visited Medellin five times this year it’s safe unless you’re stupid but if that’s the case United States isn’t safe if you’re stupid

God Bless to whoever is involved with this great website. It truly makes me feel like I’ve been there already. I was nervous about Medellin but after reading this page I feel like I have the confidence of a lion. Great information thank you

What do you mean by “down that beer”?; finish it up? I’m asking because the translation you posted doesn’t make much sense to me. I’m colombian. Otherwise, very good article! Thank you

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• South America
• 15 Reasons Why You Should...

Reasons Why You Should Visit Medellin at Least Once in Your Lifetime

Medellín was once famed for being one of the most dangerous cities on earth, but a lot has changed since the dark days of the 1990s, and it has become a hugely popular tourist destination in recent years. But why visit Medellín? Here are several great reasons why you should experience ‘The City of Eternal Spring’ at least once in your lifetime.

With Culture Trip, you can enjoy a guided walking tour of Medellín with a local insider as part of our our epic eight-day Colombian Andes adventure .

Because you can…

This seems like an obvious one, but the fact is that it would not have been considered smart or safe to visit Medellín once: during the 1980s and ’90s it was a dangerous city , with a murder rate that was once considered the highest in the world. The very fact that you can now visit Medellín in safety and enjoy its beautiful weather, lovely people and fantastic attractions is reason enough to pay the city a visit.

It’s the ‘City of Eternal Spring’

The weather in Medellín is just about perfect, hence its rather lyrical nickname of ‘The City of Eternal Spring.’ With average year-round temperatures of around 22°C (72°F) and daily highs of over 30°C (86°F), the climate is about as good as it gets. It does rain a fair amount – as in any tropical country – but it rarely gets cold. If spring is your favorite season of the year, you’ll be spoilt rotten in Medellín.

You’re surrounded by natural beauty

Medellín is located in a bowl in the Andes mountains, meaning that wherever you go in the city you are basically guaranteed a view of mountains and stunning landscapes. The city is also home to some lovely parks and gardens , including the Botanical Gardens, and miles of hiking trails in Parque Arvi. You can even spot Scarlet Macaws, Iguanas and even wild monkeys within the city itself; not only is Medellín an innovative urban space, it’s also home to some wonderful nature at the same time.

Innovation…

Medellín was named ‘Innovative City of the Year’ by the Wall Street Journal in 2013, and that amazing innovation is visible throughout the city today. You can ride the Metrocable cars to previously isolated neighborhoods, visit the many science and library parks dotted around the city, or explore Comuna 13 neighborhood with its series of urban escalators. Medellín’s policy of social urbanism – aimed at integrating previously alienated citizens into the city and investing heavily in progressive architecture and education – has been heralded worldwide, and the chance to experience it firsthand is a great reason to visit the city.

The people are incredibly welcoming

Paisas – as the folks from Medellín and Antioquia are affectionately known – are famously friendly people. It’s not unusual to feel welcome anywhere you go Colombia, but in Medellín you get the sense that people genuinely are very happy to see you there. They’ll often smile at you in the street and even strike up random conversations (whether you speak Spanish or not). It gives the city a pleasant atmosphere and is another great reason to visit.

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Stunning towns are no distance away

Antioquia department is one of the most beautiful in Colombia; home to amazing nature, beautiful little towns, coffee farms and even Caribbean coastline. It’s not all close to Medellín, but within an hour or two’s drive of the city you’ll discover some lovely little towns and a wonderful sense of how diverse Colombia really is. Gorgeous pueblos (towns) like Guatape, Santa Fe de Antioquia, Jardin and Tamesis can all be visited on day trips or long-weekends from Medellín, making the city an excellent base from which to explore more rural parts of Colombia.

The nightlife is amazing

One of the principal reasons that many travelers choose to visit Medellín is the city’s enviable nightlife. The popular backpacker neighborhood El Poblado is full of quality bars and nightclubs, but that’s not all there is to partying in Medellín. With plenty of live music venues, regular festivals and a true love of celebration, Medellín is easily one of the best cities in Colombia to experience nightlife.

Food and coffee

There are countless excellent restaurants and cafes to enjoy in Medellín, and delicious local dishes to sample in all of them. The top choice has to be the bandeja paisa – a traditional regional dish of meat, beans, rice, plantain and avocado – but there’s more to Medellín gastronomy than local favorites. Neighborhoods like El Poblado and Laureles are full of brilliant restaurants serving a variety of international fare, while cafes like Pergamino and Revolucion are known for serving the best Colombian coffee in town.

Amazing museums

Medellín is home to some of the finest museums and exhibition spaces in Colombia. The Museo de Antioquia has a huge exhibit dedicated to Fernando Botero (Medellin’s most famous artist), while the unique and interesting Carlos Gardel museum pays homage to the legendary tango singer who tragically died in a plane crash in the city. For a more immersive experience, the Parque Explora science and technology park is packed with interesting interactive exhibits, a 3D cinema, an aquarium and a vivarium.

The Flower Festival

The Medellín Flower Festival is the city’s biggest cultural event of the year: for over a week during the month of August, the city welcomes people from all over the world to celebrate the vast array of colorful flowers grown in the surrounding countryside. It’s a huge part of the city’s identity, and there are public events and flower displays all over Medellín in August. It all culminates in the famous silleteros parade when local flower growers march through the city displaying unique flower arrangements carried on their backs. It’s one of Colombia’s most unique festivals.

Top public transport

Getting around in Medellín is easy thanks to its innovative and extensive public transport network, which includes the Medellín Metro and the Metrocable cable car system. Locals take particular pride in their metro – it probably helps that Bogotá (a real rival for Medellín) doesn’t have a metro yet – and it is always spotlessly clean and well organized. Tickets are cheap too, meaning a day exploring the city doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg in taxi fares.

Colombians are pretty obsessed with football, and paisas are no exception. It also helps that Medellín is home to one of the country’s best football teams, Atletico Nacional, who have won the Colombian league 16 times and the continental Copa Libertadores competition twice. One of the most popular things for travelers to do in the city is to go and watch a live match in Atanasio Giradot Stadium. The atmosphere is always electric and if you’re a football fan it’s another excellent reason to visit Medellín.

Fernando Botero

Colombia’s most famous artist was born in Medellín and is inextricably linked with the city. There are Botero museums and exhibitions in other Colombian cities, but Medellín is the best place to discover Botero’s unique style. From the series of giant ‘exaggerated perspective’ sculptures in the Botero Park to the large exhibition in the Museo de Antioquia, Medellín’s connection to Botero is very strong.

It’s excellent value for money

With hostel beds available for as little as US$10, excellent-value food and drink, reasonable rent (if you’re considering moving to the city for a while ) and budget-friendly public transport, a visit to Medellín needn’t break the bank. Unsurprisingly, it’s not as cheap as traveling within rural areas but compared to other popular cities like Bogotá and Cartagena, Medellín is great value for money. It also helps that many of the most popular tourist attractions – such as Parque Botero, the Botanical Gardens and the Metrocable – are either free or very cheap.

To challenge your prejudices

Not everyone carries the same preconceptions about Medellín (and Colombia in general), but it’s very common to meet people who associate the city with nothing but violence and danger. Even people who are better-informed are often taken aback by the beautiful, friendly and innovative city which they discover when they visit. Perhaps the best reason of all to visit Medellín at least once in your lifetime is to see for yourself how much the city has reinvented itself.

Did you know – Culture Trip now does bookable, small-group trips? Pick from authentic, immersive Epic Trips , compact and action-packed Mini Trips and sparkling, expansive Sailing Trips .

Culture Trips launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes places and communities so special.

Our immersive trips , led by Local Insiders, are once-in-a-lifetime experiences and an invitation to travel the world with like-minded explorers. Our Travel Experts are on hand to help you make perfect memories. All our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

All our travel guides are curated by the Culture Trip team working in tandem with local experts. From unique experiences to essential tips on how to make the most of your future travels, we’ve got you covered.

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Medellín City Tour + Comuna 13 Tour

Medellín city tour details.

Our 5-6-hour Medellín City Tour will show you both sides of Medellín (the good and the improving). This private tour gives you the convenience of traveling both in a private vehicle and in our Metro system, so you get to see not just downtown Medellín but other sites that will give you a broader perspective of the city. We’re proud to offer a thorough tour of Medellín with a local guide that highlights the ongoing social advances and innovative nature of the city and its people.

Medellín City Tour Highlights

Among the Medellín City Tour highlights are Comuna 13, the Metro’s cable car, Plaza Botero, Parque de Inflexión, the Botanical Garden, and the Poblado area.  However, we will be glad to be flexible and accommodate personal requests and visit other sites such as the Plaza Minorista which is one of Medellin’s most interesting produce markets. 

Additional charges may apply depending on the itinerary changes for the tour.

Metro Cable

Pueblito paisa, plaza botero, parque de los pies descalzos, botanical garden.

Medellín City Tour Includes:

• Pick-up at your hotel in Medellín*.
• English-speaking guide/driver. Plus local guide in Comuna 13.
• Visiting the following attractions: Poblado area (Via Primavera, Provenza, Memorial Park / Parque de Inflexión, and Golden Mile), Plaza Botero, Comuna 13 or Constelaciones (one or the other), Wishes Park, Botanical Garden, and Barefoot Park.
• Entrance tickets to the Metro system's cable-car .
• Drop off at your hotel after the tour.

Approximate duration:

Fitness level:, usual pick-up time:, what to bring:.

sunscreen, hat, sunglasses. We recommend not wearing fancy watches and jewelry.

• - 1 person (All Ages): $189 USD

Price per person

• During the Medellín City Tour, we will be glad to share our insight about other things to do in Medellín.

As of May 2024, 1$ USD = $3,905 COP approx.

Medellín City Tour Description:

Explore the beauty of Medellín with our splendid Medellín City Tour, the place was once known as one of the world’s most dangerous cities, but much has changed since those dark days in the 1990s, and it has recently become a hugely popular tourist destination.

Medellín is situated in a bowl in the Andes Mountains, which means that no matter where you go while on the Medellín City Tour , you will be treated to views of mountains and breathtaking scenery. 

Diversified City Tour:

The Medellín City Tour will give you the chance to stroll around the Botanical Garden and enjoy the city’s many beautiful parks and gardens. 

Medellín is not only an inventive urban landscape, but it’s also home to some magnificent nature. You might also like to explore the local food in Medellín, where there are some excellent restaurants and cafés to choose from, all of which serve delectable local cuisine.

"Please note that we do not offer a Pablo Escobar tour or anything related to one of the worst criminals in Colombia's history, with the exception of visiting the Memorial Park which honors the victims and not the perpetrator, as we prefer to focus on the positive present than on a painful past".

More Tours by LandVenture Travel

Río claro tour, jardín coffee region tour, guatapé and rock of el peñol, coffee farm adventure tour.

For last minute requests to this Medellín City Tour + Comuna 13 Tour  more ways to customize and combine this experience with other tours out of Medellín, please send us a text message through WhatsApp or email us and let us know which dates would work for you, how many more people are traveling with you and where would you like to be picked up.

We will try to answer you within 24 hours of receiving your message.

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Medellín or Bogotá: which Colombian city is for you?

Feb 13, 2023 • 7 min read

What’ll it be: Medellín’s friendly vibes, or Bogotá’s sophisticated scene? © iStock; Shutterstock

International visitors are finally catching on to Colombia .

You could spend years exploring its mountain valleys and sprawling beaches , taking vigorous hikes and thrilling road trips , savoring a zesty culture born of its Afro-Caribbean, Indigenous and Spanish communities. 

And then there are its cities – dynamic centers of business, magnets for the arts and examples of urban regeneration looked to by planners around the world. Among Colombia’s urban areas, Medellín and Bogotá stand out. But what if you had to choose just one to visit? We asked two Colombia-based contributors to…go to town on arguing for their pick.

There’s no place like Medellín

Alex Egerton is a journalist based in the rural Zona Cafetera , south of Medellín – but travels to the city regularly for a bit of big-town action, like watching a game of football or getting something fancy to eat.

If you plan on visiting just one city on your Colombia trip, it has to be Medellín .

There’s no other city like it – not just in the country, but around the globe. Medellín’s transformation from the troubled epicenter of a narco empire to a modern, innovative metropolis is nothing short of remarkable. But there’s so much more to the city than just a reformed image and a new sense of security.

Only a fraction the size of Bogotá, Medellín punches well above its weight. It’s a friendlier and more fun city than the capital – and way easier to get around, too.

Located at the bottom of a steep valley, the city is surrounded by imposing mountains, making it feel like a lost magical realm cut off from the world beyond.  As you cross the cusp of the ridge on the drive in from the airport, the bucolic mountain scenery suddenly gives way to gleaming modern towers running along the valley floor, while colorful neighborhoods defy the gradient and spread up the mountainsides like an enormous mosaic.

Medellín is fetching during the day and even more so in the evening, when the twinkling lights of the city reach upward toward the night sky. It’s a panorama that instantly enamors, invoking a desire to get to know the city in greater detail.

Fortunately, Medellín is home to Colombia’s most gregarious and outgoing residents, the paisas , who welcome visitors with open arms. Paisas love their city – and want to be sure that every traveler does, too. This means you’re sure to make a bunch of new friends in no time at all. In Bogotá, by contrast, everyone is rushing madly and always too busy to even give you the time of day.

Unlike their often bashful brethren in the capital, residents of Medellín don’t shy away from the city’s tumultuous past. It’s an integral part of their story, one that they are more than willing to share in order to show just how far their hometown has come.

Visitors can take a trip to La Comuna 13 , once off limits due to the presence of violent armed groups, to hear firsthand accounts of how the neighborhoods have changed, and to check out the vibrant urban art and music scenes at the forefront of the renewal. Medellín also has the best museum in the country dedicated to the armed conflict, the Museo Casa de la Memoria , which portrays the upheaval through the words of those who have lived through it.

And then there’s the weather, Medellín’s perpetually pleasant weather has earned it the nickname of the City of Eternal Spring. Bogotá, on the other hand, with its usual cold and gray weather? It’s known to many Colombians as “the freezer.”

Medellín’s agreeable climate makes it a joy to explore the many outdoor attractions around town – like Plaza Botero, which showcases the larger-than-life bronze sculptures of local icon Fernando Botero, or the peaceful Jardín Botánico , a verdant oasis in the middle of the city.

The mild afternoons are also perfect for just taking it easy and enjoying a cup of locally grown gourmet coffee at an outside table at one of the hip cafes in the leafy Provenza district.

There’s a lot to see – and it’s easy to get from attraction to attraction. With the only metro system in the country and integrated cable cars that climb up the mountainsides, getting around Medellín is a breeze. Which means instead of spending hours stuck in traffic wearing a snow jacket in Bogotá, you could be enjoying the stellar dining scene, buzzing nightlife and cosmopolitan atmosphere of Colombia’s most entertaining city.

Join team Bogotá

Manuel Rueda is a freelance journalist based in Colombia who has traveled across and written extensively about the country. A Bogotá resident since 2015, he likes to start his mornings with a strong coffee and a hike up the city’s hills. 

Bogotá may not have Medellin’s balmy weather. But there’s no other city in Colombia that packs so much of the country’s character, its natural beauty and its history within such a small radius. So let me tell you about Colombia’s underrated capital.

Do you like outdoor activities? You can start your day early with a hike along one of the trails that cross the cerros orientales , the emerald-green mountains that loom over the skyline. One of the most popular options is Quebrada La Vieja , a three-mile (5km) trail that starts just a short walk away from the financial district and will take you through a cloud forest with towering pine trees and sweeping views of the city. If you’re staying closer to downtown, climb Cerro de Monserrate , where you can finish your hike with a hearty breakfast of fruit juice, arepas and chorizos at one of the many food stands near the funicular stop at the top.

Take the teleférico back down the mountain and walk to the nearby neighborhood of La Candelaria for a taste of Colombia’s history. The narrow streets here are lined by two-story buildings with clay roof tiles and large wooden windows that have changed little since the 18th century.  You will be hard pressed to find something similar in Medellin, where most architecture from Colombia’s early days has been replaced with concrete towers.

But Bogotá’s historic district isn’t just about appreciating the past. Some of the city’s colonial-era buildings now house trendy coffee shops, hostels and reggaeton-thumping bars frequented by college students. And others have been turned into museums.

The stately Casa de Moneda , for example, houses the nation’s largest coin collection. Adjacent to it is a museum with more than 100 paintings by Colombian artist Fernando Botero , famous for depicting people in large, colorful and exaggerated form. Entrance to both places is free of charge.

If you want something edgier, take a graffiti tour of the city center, where you will see how the facades of some of the old buildings in La Candelaria have been covered by colorful murals that depict modern-day political and environmental themes. Or go back in time with a visit to the Museo del Oro , which is home to more than 30,000 stunning works in gold, all crafted by Indigenous Colombian artists before the arrival of Europeans.

When you’re hungry, check out La Perserverancia market in the neighborhood of La Macarena to sample typical dishes from different parts of Colombia. If you want something more worldly, the same neighborhood has a smattering of cozy restaurants serving European, Asian and Latin American cuisines.

At night, the city’s bars and clubs blast out all kinds of rhythms, with some specializing in genres like salsa, vallenato or rock en español .

But the one place you don’t want to miss out on is Andres Carne de Res , a restaurant teeming with kitschy decor, whose dining room turns into a sensational dance party as the night progresses. Colombians enjoy this place so much that the owners had to open a branch in – yes – Medellín for those who can’t travel to the capital.

Bogotá also came up with the Sunday ciclovia , a weekly ritual in which the city’s main avenues are shut down and turned over to cyclists and walkers. You also won’t want to miss the colorful weekend market in charming Usaquén .

The weather in Bogotá can get cold and gray sometimes, keeping sun-seeking visitors away. Yet those who come here will find a city that has substance – and also knows how to party. The city is akin to a friend with whom you can have a fascinating conversation over coffee, and then dance and sing with late into the night.

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Frugal Traveler

Where to Get the Most Bang for Your Buck

American travelers going abroad this summer will find their money buys more in some unexpected countries, including Japan and Australia.

By Elaine Glusac

Elaine Glusac is the Frugal Traveler columnist, focusing on budget-friendly tips and journeys.

It’s the backpacker’s call to India, the sunseeker’s attraction to Mexico, and the digital nomad’s drive to get to Thailand: Go where the dollar buys more.

The evergreen budget travel strategy is getting a boost this summer: The dollar has surged against a number of foreign currencies, including the Japanese yen, thanks to high interest rates offered by the Federal Reserve — attracting foreign investment, which bolsters the dollar.

“A destination’s weaker currency spells greater value for U.S. tourists,” said Erina Pindar, the chief operating officer and managing partner at SmartFlyer , a global travel agency based in New York City.

“This economic advantage could make far-flung bucket list destinations in Asia, such as Indonesia, Vietnam and Japan, or in South America, like Peru, Argentina and Chile, more accessible than ever before,” she added.

Distant destinations are usually more expensive to fly to, which, along with the physical toll of jet lag, helps make the case for the country’s North American neighbors, Canada and Mexico , where the exchange rates have long favored the dollar’s buying power.

But this year there are some new contenders with attractive exchange rates to consider, including the following destinations.

Currently, the U.S. dollar is worth about 1.50 Australian dollars, up about 16 percent over the last three years.

The hurdle, of course, is the long flight, which can easily run over $1,000 round trip. But the travel search engine Kayak lists some attractive summer round-trip fares between the West Coast and Sydney starting at $770, with the best availability in August.

Getting around Australia by air isn’t cheap either, especially since the recent collapse of the low-cost carrier Bonza. Jetstar offers lower fares, including, recently, $50 one-way tickets between Melbourne and Adelaide.

Camper vans can be an affordable way to take an Australian road trip, with companies like Jucy , Britz and Apollo offering vehicles that include beds and cooking facilities. Jucy recently priced a two-person van rented for a week in July at about $53 a night.

The Northern Hemisphere summer is Australia’s winter. If you’re planning a ski vacation in the Australian Alps, Tourism Australia suggests avoiding mid-July when schools are on break and many families head to the slopes.

Australia does not have a culture of tipping, potentially saving travelers 20 percent on restaurant meals, according to Craig Bradbery, the chief operating officer of Baillie Lodges, which includes the newly rebuilt Southern Ocean Lodge , a luxury property on Kangaroo Island.

Bali, Indonesia

Many destinations in Southeast Asia, including Thailand, Vietnam and Cambodia, offer compelling exchange rates. In Indonesia, the rupiah is at a four-year low against the dollar.

“I would send clients to Bali, Indonesia,” said Rob Huie, the owner of Luxury Travel Services by Rob , based in Millsboro, Del., noting that the cost of living is low on the island. “The caveat is a higher upfront cost to fly there, but once you’re there you are able to stay at three- and four-star hotels at very affordable rates, have meals for $10 to $25 per day and massages for $10 to $30.”

Travelers with Marriott loyalty points can cash them in at the Four Points by Sheraton Bali, Kuta (rooms from $57 a night). IGH Reward members can spend or earn points at Hotel Indigo Bali Seminyak Beach (from $138).

Tripadvisor’s list of the top budget hotels in the central highlands around Ubud includes options under $100.

Bali is a good place to look for a vacation rental, according to the home rental platform HomeToGo . Its data shows the median per-night price for a rental property on Bali this summer is $86, compared to the median price of a rental in the United States at $388.

“Despite the strength of the U.S. dollar on a global scale, prices across the states continue to rise, prompting travelers to look to international destinations where their dollar can stretch further,” said Eleanor Moody, a travel expert at HomeToGo, who added that searches for rentals in Indonesia have more than doubled in the past year.

South America — including Argentina where inflation has spiraled, and Peru where the sol has softened against the dollar — is another place to look for value.

“Stop going to Europe,” said Cecile Blot, the owner of the travel agency Boundless Travels in Washington, D.C., praising “destination dupes” in South America. “Many of the countries on the southern continent offer the entire package — history, culture, nature, culinary delights, world-class accommodation — at a fraction of the price.”

One of these is Colombia , where the dollar recently equaled about 3,935 pesos, a gain of roughly 20 percent over the past five years.

“Colombia has something for everyone,” said Stefanie Pichonnat, the owner of AAV Travel , based in Terre Haute, Ind., citing Cartagena on the Caribbean as a budget-friendly substitute for a European capital, and coastal Tayrona National Natural Park as a cheaper alternative to Costa Rica.

“Coffee aficionados can spend days touring the coffee fincas, passionate hikers can challenge themselves with a trek to the páramo desert and bird watchers will find an abundance of options to explore,” she added.

Air service is frequent and affordable. A recent search for round-trip fares from the New York area turned up summer departures starting from about $290 to the capital of Bogotá and $320 to coastal Cartagena.

From Bogotá, visitors can reach Chingaza National Natural Park in the eastern Andes or spend a few days in the laid-back colonial city of Villa de Leyva . But Colombia’s mountainous terrain and perilous roads often require travelers to fly domestically to see other areas.

Among tour operators that do the planning for you, Responsible Travel , based in England, offers a customizable 12-day trip to Colombia that visits Bogotá, Medellín and the central coffee country, including the lush Cocora Valley with its nearly 200-foot-tall wax palm trees (from $2,990 a person).

The U.S. dollar is currently worth about 156 Japanese yen, a gain of more than 11 percent over the past year.

Demand for Japan was already booming when the economic picture improved. BWH Hotels , which includes Best Western Hotels, said occupancy and rates have grown steadily for the past two years because of demand and a shortage of employees, especially in popular destinations like Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto and Hokkaido.

But with careful planning, Americans can still exploit the exchange rate. IHG Hotels & Resorts , which operates hotel brands in the country from the design-focused Voco to the high-end InterContinental, suggested traveling by early July for the best rates (an overnight at the Voco Osaka Central starts at $135).

The Japanese-owned Hoshino Resorts tend to be upscale, but their OMO line offers more entry-level accommodations, from capsule hotels to full-service locations. The OMO5 Kyoto Gion , for example, offers rooms that sleep up to six people and include kitchens, starting at 24,000 yen, or about $153. Staff guides offer free tours to temples in the area.

While many temples, parks and shrines are free, travelers in the capital can get the Tokyo Museum Grutto Pass for 2,500 yen (about $16) that includes admission to more than 100 museums and attractions around town.

Among its tips for budget travelers, the tourism office of Japan recommends making lunch your big meal as many restaurants offer midday specials.

There are a number of cost-conscious ways to get around Japan, including trains (a Japan Rail Pass starts at 50,000 yen, or about $320, for seven days), low-cost airlines like Peach and Zipair and overnight buses .

Or consider walking the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage route that connects sacred shrines in the Kii Mountains. Walk Japan has a self-guided seven-day trip, including accommodations and most meals, starting at 224,000 yen.

Follow New York Times Travel on Instagram and sign up for our weekly Travel Dispatch newsletter to get expert tips on traveling smarter and inspiration for your next vacation. Dreaming up a future getaway or just armchair traveling? Check out our 52 Places to Go in 2024 .

Open Up Your World

Considering a trip, or just some armchair traveling here are some ideas..

52 Places:  Why do we travel? For food, culture, adventure, natural beauty? Our 2024 list has all those elements, and more .

Port Antonio, Jamaica:  The Grammy-nominated D.J. and music producer Diplo recommends spots in a city he loves  on Jamaica’s northeast coast. A dance party makes the cut.

New Mexico:  The Gila Wilderness, home to wolves, mountain lions and other wildlife, marks a century as a “land lab,”  where nature thrives as far as the eye can see.

Greece:  Is Serifos the perfect Greek island? A writer’s checklist included ferry service, great beaches and good local restaurants.

Brooklyn:  This 36-hour itinerary  skips the most touristy and overdeveloped areas, including Williamsburg and Dumbo, and requires no restaurant reservations or advance planning.

Costa Rica:  Travelers are signing up for phone-free tours to try to escape technology’s tether on daily life. But would it make for a better experience ?

Travel City

Nuestros Planes

Encuentra tu plan perfecto, los mejores planes.

From overlooked roadside attractions to offbeat museums and obscure natural wonders, Local Hidden Gems will showcase some of the unique and unexpected treasures that make America extraordinary. We will emphasize charm, surprise and delight.

Local hidden gem:  Dixon Gallery & Gardens, Memphis, Tennessee.

After Graceland, this is perhaps Memphis' most visited former private home. And, unlike Graceland, you can tour this house and its gardens for free.

The Dixon Gallery & Gardens sits in the heart of East Memphis at Cherry Road and Park Avenue, across from the much larger Memphis Botanic Garden . While the Dixon, which opened in 1976, sits just off a busy street across from Audubon Golf Course, it is often overlooked on any list of Memphis places to visit.

"The Dixon is kind of a hidden gem and has a variety of wonderful things to experience, including world-class galleries and education programs," said Kevin Sharp, director of the Dixon. "And we are a 17-acre park that is absolutely gorgeous in the heart of the Memphis. Given how many great things Memphis has, from Graceland to Sun Studio to Beale Street, the things that are top of the mind to visit, we'd like (people) to think about the Dixon."

Local hidden gems: A spotlight on the American treasures in our backyards

Sharp says the museum has traditional Old Masters' artwork, including a Renoir, and contemporary pieces, with a strong Memphis tint that represents the city's "visual arts community."

Dixon's Gardens shine year-round, but Sharp says spring showcases an explosion of tulips. He also noted the impressive hardwood forest. A cutting garden near the Dixon greenhouse serves a dual purpose: Workers get the rotating collection of fresh flowers inside the museum while visitors see a variety of perennials they could grow in their gardens. In addition, the garden includes a pavilion and outdoor area for weddings and receptions, available for rental.

How did the Dixon Gallery & Gardens start?

Sixty-six years ago, cotton merchant Hugo Norton Dixon established The Hugo Dixon Trust, a charitable and educational foundation. After Dixon and his wife, Margaret Oates Dixon, died in 1974, the Trust received the couple’s residence, their 17-acre property, art collection, financial assets and the rest of their estate. The Trust was later re-established as a foundation.

The original 1941 residence designed by Houston, Texas, architect John Staub and the gardens designed by Mr. Dixon and his sister, Hope Crutchfield, became the Dixon Gallery & Gardens. The Dixon was chartered as a not-for-profit corporation and opened in 1976.

The 26 paintings in Margaret and Hugo Dixon’s private collection became the start of the museum’s permanent collection. In 1977, eight new galleries on the east side of the residence were completed and opened that same year. The museum further expanded in 1986, adding 15,030 square feet, a museum shop, and a 250-seat auditorium. A year later, additional office space and a multi-purpose room totaling 2,500 square feet were added.

Where: 4339 Park Ave, Memphis, Tennessee

Mark Russell is executive director of The Commercial Appeal. You can reach him at [email protected] or 901-288-4509.