Medellín: A City Worth Exploring
I spent a total of around 6 months in Medellín, and it’s one of my favorite cities in Latin America. What I appreciate about Colombia in general is its dedication to quality over quantity. Fresh fruits and vegetables are abundant, nature is preserved, and I found the people to be charismatic and community-oriented. Colombians also have a sharp sense of humor and enjoy having a good time.
Medellín itself is an interesting mix of big-city chaos and lush greenery. The surrounding mountains are beautiful, and even residential neighborhoods have enormous trees shading the streets. There’s a strong fitness culture, plenty of opportunities to dance salsa and bachata, and an excellent metro system that makes getting around relatively easy. Between the cable cars, hiking trails, parks, and viewpoints, nature is never too far away.
All of that puts the city on the list of some of my favorite places around the world.
WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT TO READ HERE
This isn’t a conventional Medellín itinerary or a ranking of the city’s biggest attractions.
It’s a collection of places to visit, things to do, foods to try, and experiences I enjoyed during my time there. Some are well-known, while others are a little more unexpected.
During my time in Medellín, I wasn’t constantly sightseeing. I was essentially living there, teaching English, cooking for myself, studying Spanish, meeting people, and getting to know the city at my own pace.
Whether you’re visiting for a week or settling in for a month or longer, I hope you’ll find a few things here that make your time in Medellín more interesting.
Try to read until the end if you can. Let’s get started!
1. Hike Cerro de las Tres Cruces and Work Out at the Top
Cerro de las Tres Cruces is one of Medellín’s popular urban hikes. The climb is steep enough to get your heart pumping, but not too long. At the summit you’ll find three crosses, panoramic views of the city, and an outdoor workout area.
It’s a great place to combine hiking with exercise while enjoying the surrounding mountains. Bring water, wear comfortable shoes, and consider going early in the morning before it gets too hot and crowded. I would definitely avoid going after any rain, as the trail will be very slippery.
Also, greet people as you cross paths with them. It goes a long way just saying good morning.
2. Discover the Art Galleries at Palacio Nacional
Centro Comercial Palacio Nacional is one of the more unusual shopping centers I’ve visited.
The lower floors of the beautiful historic building are filled with clothing and shoe stores with tons of fake shoes, but the upper floors are where things get interesting for me. You’ll find a surprising collection of art galleries displaying paintings and other works by local artists.
Take your time exploring the upper levels, then head to the rooftop café for a coffee and views over Centro. It’s a place you might easily overlook if you didn’t know what was upstairs.
3. Watch an Outdoor Movie at the Medellín Museum of Modern Art
The Museo de Arte Moderno de Medellín (MAMM), located in Ciudad del Río, hosts an event called Noche Extendida on the last Friday of each month.
During the event, the museum offers extended evening access, exhibitions, and an outdoor movie screening on a large screen in its plaza. Admission is generally free, with a voluntary contribution. Movies usually begin around 7 p.m., weather permitting.
It’s a nice alternative to the typical nightlife scene. Check the MAMM website for upcoming screenings.
4. Enjoy More Rooftop Views in Centro
Rooftop Bridge & Skywalk at Claustro Comfama
Another interesting discovery in Centro is Claustro Comfama, a historic cultural center near Plazuela San Ignacio. Inside, you’ll find courtyards, cultural spaces, exhibitions, and a rooftop terrace.
The rooftop is a scenic pedestrian bridge that spans over the street below. It links two wings of the Comfama campus. The path leads directly toward the building’s iconic, historic Clock Tower (Torreón del Reloj) and opens up to a large public terrace known as La Terraza del Zarzo.
Palacio de la Cultura Rafael Uribe
Located beside Plaza Botero, this striking black-and-white building is one of Medellín’s most recognizable architectural landmarks.
The Palacio de la Cultura houses cultural spaces and exhibitions, but my favorite part was going upstairs to look out over the busy streets surrounding the building.
From above, you get an interesting perspective on the bustling commercial activity of Centro, with a small pocket right next to the building being an open black market for the sale of goods, some of them being stolen, laid out on the ground.
Ask about access to the upper terrace when you visit, since availability may vary.
5. Attend a Language Exchange and Meet New People
If you’re spending several weeks or longer in Medellín, language exchanges are one of the easiest ways to meet both locals and other travelers.
Some places and events worth checking out include:
- DANCEFREE (language exchange and salsa class)
- Gringo Tuesdays (language exchange then party at Teatro Victoria in Provenza)
- Merli Rooftop Lounge (an event put on through Toucan Spanish School)
- Latino Vibes (hosted at Los Patios Hostel)
All the events are very social and welcoming environments. Even if you’re not actively studying Spanish, they’re a great way to make friends and get recommendations from people who know the city.
Check each organizer’s social media for current schedules and locations.
6. Join a Salsa or Bachata Class at Social Club Academia
Dance is an important part of Colombian culture, and Medellín has plenty of opportunities to learn.
One place I’d recommend checking out is Social Club Academia, where you can take salsa and bachata classes and attend social dancing events directly afterwards.
You don’t need to be an experienced dancer to participate. Taking classes is also a fun way to get more involved in the city’s social scene. You might end up pursuing dancing as a real hobby.
7. Hike the Trails Around El Salado in Envigado
The hills surrounding El Salado in Envigado offer some beautiful hiking opportunities, with lush vegetation, rivers, and waterfalls. I explored trails in this area that were free to access, making it a great way to escape the city and enjoy some of the region’s natural scenery.
These hikes are separate from Parque Ecoturístico El Salado, which is a ticketed recreational park with its own attractions and walking paths. Be sure to check current trail access and conditions before heading out, as some routes cross private property.
In my personal experience doing hikes around Antioquia, the department of which Medellín is the capital, crossing through private property on a hiking trail is as simple as walking around a gate and that is about it.
If you have a few extra days in Antioquia and want to escape the city, consider visiting Jardín, a colorful mountain town surrounded by beautiful scenery, hiking trails, and coffee farms. I spent three days exploring the area, and you can read about my experience in my three-day guide to Jardín, Antioquia.
8. Visit Museo Casa de la Memoria
Museo Casa de la Memoria is one of Medellín’s most meaningful museums. It left a lasting impression on me, and it’s one of several museums I’ve visited around the world that genuinely changed my perspective.
Through exhibitions, testimonies, photographs, and other displays, it explores Colombia’s armed conflict and the experiences of people affected during a notoriously violent period in Medellín’s colorful history.
I think what really stuck in my mind were the images of all the kidnapping victims, many of whom have disappeared forever. Seeing the old photographs honestly had me frozen for a while.
It’s an important place to visit if you want to understand more about Medellín and Colombia beyond their tourist attractions. Some of the material is emotional and difficult, but I found the experience impactful.
9. Ride the Metrocable to Parque Arví
Even if you don’t plan on spending much time at Parque Arví, the journey itself is worth experiencing.
Take the Metro to Acevedo, connect to the Metrocable toward Santo Domingo, and then transfer to Line L, which continues into the mountains toward Parque Arví.
The ride offers incredible views of Medellín before passing over lush forest on the way to the park.
Once there, you can explore walking trails, enjoy the natural surroundings, or simply spend a few hours away from the city. Check the cable car’s operating schedule before going.
10. Watch a Football Match at Estadio Atanasio Girardot
Football is a huge part of Colombian fandom, and watching a match in Medellín is a memorable experience. The city’s two major clubs are Atlético Nacional and Independiente Medellín, both of which play at Estadio Atanasio Girardot.
The atmosphere can be especially intense when the two teams face each other in the local derby, known as the Clásico Paisa.
If you enjoy sports, I’d definitely recommend experiencing a match. Check the official club websites for schedules, tickets, and entry requirements.
Attending a football match is just one of the many memorable experiences you can have in Colombia. For more inspiration beyond Medellín, check out my article on things to do in Colombia.
11. Try an Escape Room at Enigma Experiencias
If you’re looking for something different to do with friends, try an escape room at Enigma Experiencias.
They offer themed rooms where participants work together to solve puzzles, uncover clues, and escape within a time limit. Their Laureles location also has a bar and restaurant.
It’s a fun option for a rainy afternoon or an evening out. They also organize other social activities and game nights. Check their current calendar to see what might be happening during your visit to Medellín.
Reservations are required for the escape rooms.
On a side note, I particularly took a liking to wandering around this part of the Laureles neighborhood and even south towards Belén.
12. Visit Cerro El Picacho for Views of Medellín
Medellín’s surrounding mountains provide plenty of opportunities to see the city from above.
One viewpoint worth checking out is Cerro El Picacho, especially for the views of Medellín illuminated at night.
If you’re planning an evening visit, research the current access conditions and arrange reliable transportation. It’s better to go with people who know the area rather than improvising a nighttime hike.
13. Eat Your Way Around Medellín
Taste the Tropical Fruits
Colombia has an incredible variety of tropical fruits, and I encourage anyone visiting to try as many as possible.
Some of my favorites are cherimoya, mangosteen (mangostino), granadilla, níspero, and mamoncillo.
I also love guanábana and guayaba (guava), although I usually enjoy those in juices or smoothie bowls.
You’ll find fruits at neighborhood fruterías, and traditional markets that I will detail for you further along in this guide.
Some fruits are seasonal or harder to find than others. If you’re curious about what’s available, check out this guide to tropical fruits in Medellín.
Eat Some Local Dishes & Snacks
There are a few Colombian dishes I especially enjoyed during my time in Medellín.
Cazuela de frijoles con chicharrón is a hearty bean dish served with crispy pork belly. Tamal is another traditional favorite, made with seasoned ingredients wrapped and steamed in leaves. I also particularly enjoyed sudado de posta, a Colombian-style beef stew.
For snacks and sweets, try an arepa quesuda, a chocolate-filled buñuelo (buñuelos rellenos de chocolate), or migao, a comforting mixture often made with bread, milk, and cheese. Santaleña is one café worth checking out for migao.
Chocolate-filled buñuelos can be surprisingly difficult to find, but they’re worth looking for!
Visit My Favorite Cafés, Restaurants, and Rooftop Spots
A few memorable meals I had in Medellín weren’t necessarily traditional Colombian dishes.
At Betty’s Bowls in El Poblado, I loved the smoothie bowls, local coffee, and feta avocado toast.
Another discovery in the area was Azai Praia Lovers on Vía Primavera, where I had a breakfast bagel with egg, turkey, Gouda cheese, spinach, green sauce, and vegan mayo. The optional bacon marmalade makes the sandwich something else. You must add it! It was possibly one of the best sandwiches I’ve ever eaten, and I’ve definitely added it to the list of some of my memorable meals.
In the neighborhood of Laureles, the Cacerola Italiana and cold brew from Kratos Coffee & Brunch were excellent.
For ice cream, check out Antonio’s Gelato & Café in Envigado and Amoracuya in El Poblado. If you want a traditional Colombian flavor, try ron con pasas (rum and raisin).
Finally, if you’re looking for restaurants with spectacular views, consider Ritual or Mamba Negra. Both are on the expensive side, and in my experience, the food was just okay. You’re mainly paying for the atmosphere and views.
I’d recommend making a reservation and requesting a table with the best possible view to make the trip worth it.
14. Join a Rollerblading Group and Explore Medellín on Wheels
Rollerblading and roller skating have a lively following in Medellín, with local groups organizing skating classes, social gatherings, and nighttime rides through the city. It’s a fun way to get some exercise, explore different neighborhoods, and meet locals outside the usual tourist scene.
Some communities organize group skating sessions, classes for different skill levels, and free nighttime skating routes. You don’t have to be an expert to get involved!
Another interesting place to check out is the Patinódromo Guillermo León Botero, a dedicated roller-skating facility near Atanasio Girardot Stadium in Laureles. It’s used by local skating clubs for training and competitions, and it’s a cool place to watch some talented skaters in action.
On the underground side, Skatepark del Puente de la 4 Sur, a large skatepark built directly underneath a massive bridge connecting Guayabal and El Poblado, is an interesting place. It’s a pretty unique urban setting, with concrete ramps, rails, and obstacles for skateboarders, BMX riders, and inline skaters. Even if you don’t skate, it’s a cool place to see Medellín’s alternative youth culture.
A word of caution: The area underneath the bridge has a reputation for partying and drug consumption, so keep an eye on your belongings and consider visiting during daylight hours or with a local group. I wouldn’t recommend wandering around the bridge alone late at night.
15. Explore Sabaneta and Envigado
Two places south of Medellín that I particularly enjoyed exploring were Sabaneta and Envigado.
Sabaneta has a lively and lush central square, traditional restaurants, and an enjoyable evening atmosphere. It’s a great place to sample local food and experience a different side of the metropolitan area.
Envigado, meanwhile, has a charming town-center atmosphere, with older buildings, local businesses, and streets that I enjoyed walking around. It felt particularly pleasant and relaxed during my visits. Seeing the elderly folks hanging out in the main square gave me a real sense of community.
16. Explore Plaza Botero and the Historic Center
Plaza Botero is famous for its collection of oversized bronze sculptures gifted to the city of Medellín by the legendary Colombian artist Fernando Botero (one of my favorite artists).
From there, wander through the massive open-air market and surrounding streets, including Avenida Oriental, where you’ll encounter busy commercial areas, street vendors, shops, and everyday life in the city center.
I’d consider taking a walking tour around centro to learn about Medellín’s history and the significance of its landmarks. You can also return independently to explore at your own pace.
A lot of locals in Medellín do not particularly like Centro, but it’s a place I think you should visit as a tourist, even though it’s not the friendliest place. I’d advise you to visit in the late morning or early afternoon.
17. Visit the Botanical Garden of Medellín
The Jardín Botánico de Medellín is a beautiful green space near Universidad Metro station.
It’s a relaxing place to walk around, admire tropical plants, and observe wildlife. Keep an eye out for colorful birds, including macaws, which can sometimes be spotted around the grounds. I saw a flock of them while I was there!
The garden is a good reminder of Colombia’s incredible biodiversity, even in the middle of a large city.
18. Experience Medellín’s Traditional Markets
If you enjoy wandering through markets (indoor), there are several worth visiting.
Placita de Flórez is a traditional market known for its flowers, herbs, produce, and food stalls.
Plaza Minorista José María Villa is a much larger, bustling marketplace where you’ll find an enormous variety of fresh foods and other products.
I also recommend Plaza de Mercado La América, located in Laureles.
Markets are some of my favorite places to explore because they offer a glimpse into everyday local life, along with opportunities to discover unfamiliar ingredients and foods, like tropical fruits you may not have tried before.
19. Work Out at Medellín’s Free Outdoor Gyms
One thing I appreciated about Medellín was the city’s strong fitness culture.
Throughout the city, you’ll come across outdoor exercise areas with equipment for bodyweight exercises, pull-ups, and other workouts.
If you’re staying for a while, these are a convenient way to exercise without purchasing a gym membership.
They’re also part of the everyday social atmosphere of Medellín, where parks and recreational spaces are used regularly by local residents.
20. Explore Comuna 13
Comuna 13 is one of Medellín’s best-known neighborhoods, famous for its colorful murals, outdoor escalators, street performances, and history of social transformation.
You can explore independently or join a guided tour. A guide can provide valuable context about the neighborhood’s difficult past and how the community has changed over time.
One tour operator worth considering is Beyond Colombia, which offers a Comuna 13 tour.
Take your time exploring, supporting local businesses, and appreciating the neighborhood beyond its most photographed attractions. I’ve visited Comuna 13 on more than one occasion, and there’s much more to this neighborhood than its colorful murals and famous outdoor escalators. You can read more about it in my guide to visiting Comuna 13 in Medellín.
21. Walk Around Parques del Río
Parques del Río is a landscaped public space along the Medellín River, with walking paths, greenery, bridges, and areas to relax.
It’s a nice place to spend some time outdoors, especially if you enjoy exploring cities on foot.
The park also illustrates how Medellín has transformed portions of its urban landscape into recreational public spaces.
22. Explore the Estadio Sports Complex and Go Swimming
The area surrounding Estadio Atanasio Girardot is also home to an extensive collection of public sports facilities.
You’ll find running areas, courts, recreational spaces, and the Complejo Acuático César Zapata, which has swimming pools used for training and recreation.
If you’re staying in Medellín for an extended period, it’s worth checking the current public swimming schedules and registration requirements.
It’s another way to experience the city’s strong fitness culture.
Final Thoughts on Medellín
Medellín is a city with plenty to offer beyond its most famous attractions. Whether you’re hiking in the surrounding mountains, exploring a local market, learning to dance, or simply wandering through a new neighborhood, there’s always something interesting to discover.
After spending six to seven months here, I can say that some of my favorite experiences came from everyday life and recommendations from locals. If you have the time, explore beyond the usual tourist spots, meet people, and see where the city takes you. You never know what you’ll stumble upon!
