Things to do

21 Perfect Things To Do In Medellin, Colombia

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Medellin is one of the most unexpected surprises in Colombia. It is a city that combines steel skyscrapers, lush mountains, and vibrant pueblo communities. Located in a valley inland, it's well worth the trip for its laid-back backpacker mood, lively nightlife, and lovely gardens.

Above anything, it offers tropical weather all year, earning it the name 'La Primavera Eterna'. Hence, to simplify your trip, we have listed some of the perfect things to do in Medellin Colombia.

1. Explore Parque Arvi

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Situated on the outskirts of Medellin, Parque Arvi is a sizable park and ecological natural reserve. Numerous hiking paths, streams, and even an archaeological site may be found there.

You'll be fortunate enough to explore Mercado Arvi if you're there on a weekend. Enjoy a locally produced lunch or purchase at this modest farmers market. It's a pleasant complement to your stay, and there are more than 40 stands.

Hiking is the most popular activity in Parque Arvi. The park is home to more than a dozen distinct paths, such as Ancestral, The Brooklet, and Trail of the Hill. Although they vary in length, nearly all of the paths are regarded as easy. In addition, you may visit Piedras Blancas, another wildlife reserve, and enjoy mountain biking and horseback riding.

2. Join A Comuna 13 Tour

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A visit to Comuna 13 is a must-do when in Medellin. Once one of the most dangerous neighborhoods in Medellin, this area is now quite the opposite, with gorgeous graffiti, city vistas, and a vibrant vibe.

Comuna 13 has been renovated and is now a secure tourist destination. Now, you can see some of the incredible street art and discover more about the area's past.

This is best experienced on a Medellin guided tour. Your guide will be able to tell you stories along the journey and show you the most fascinating places in this way.

3. Day Trip To Guatape

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The little vacation town of Guatape is close to Medellin. It is widely recognized as the most colorful town in Colombia. But in addition to its vibrant streets, Guatape offers a wealth of sights and activities. There are several activities to keep you occupied, such as boat cruises and scaling enormous rocks.

The easiest way to see Guatape is to go on a planned day excursion from Medellin. Guatape is almost two hours distant by bus, so even if you can utilize public transportation, you'll waste a lot of time waiting for buses and traveling to stations.

Climbing the rock El Penol and taking a boat ride on the lake are included in this specific day excursion from Medellin to Guatape. It will take up your entire day and last for more than eight hours.

4. Ride The Medellin Metro Cable

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Locals of Medellin use cable cars as a simple means of transportation up the city's steep slopes. They are a tourist magnet, though, and a great way to take in the city's stunning vistas. Although there aren't many well-traveled paths, riding the cable car up to Parque Arvi is advised.

To do this, take a cable car from Poblado to Acevedo Station. Your ticket should cover the first ride, and you must disembark at Santa Domingo at the finish.

Proceed to the next cable car, for which a new ticket is needed. Reaching Parque Arvi, this is the longest cable car. The entire city and the surrounding farms are visible.

5. Check Out Plaza Botero

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One of Colombia's most significant artists, Botero is likely to be seen across Medellin, the city where he was born, in his famous paintings and sculptures. Twenty-three bronze statues were presented to the city in 2002 and erected in Plaza Botero, a lovely square.

Plaza Botero, just a short distance from the Parque Berrio subway station, is a must-see for tourists. Take some incredible photos of these massive statues strewn over the area by bringing your camera.

Visit the neighboring Coffee Laboratory, a charming eatery where you can savor a variety of Colombian coffees and a satisfying lunch. You may enjoy a stunning view of the square from the patio.

6. Wander The Trendy Streets Of El Poblado

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One of Medellin's safest and busiest areas is El Poblado. It has some of the greatest stores, restaurants, and pubs, and it has great nightlife. The majority of tourists opt to stay in this part of Medellin.

Getting out and exploring the lively alleys of El Poblado is one of the finest things to do in Medellin. Take a stroll around Manila if you're looking for something to eat but aren't sure what you're craving.

There are eateries in this tiny section of the town to suit every taste and occasion. Manila offers upscale dining establishments, international cuisines, vegetarian selections, street food, and regional cuisine.

7. Enjoy Drinks At A Rooftop Bar

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In Medellin, rooftop bars are the ideal place to watch the sunset. Los Patios, Hostel Bar is the best spot to visit. This enormous hostel boasts a stunning rooftop bar with some of Medellin's greatest views.

To obtain a wristband and entry to the rooftop bar, simply stop by the reception area when you arrive. The rooftop bar is free to use if you stay at Los Patios. Savor a stunning sunset with a city view here, along with a fantastic social scene.

Envy Rooftop, Panorama Rooftop Bar, and La Zotea are a few more rooftop bars if you don't like the hostel bars. These establishments are situated in El Poblado and are a bit trendier.

8. Go For Paragliding

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Paragliding is the ideal adventure sport if you're looking for a little experience while in Medellin. You may soar over the Medellin mountains while paragliding with a qualified instructor for just approximately $60.

It is unquestionably an adventurous pastime, but it is also quite picturesque. You should definitely add paragliding to your list of things to do in Medellin as it's undoubtedly one of the most well-liked activities there.

9. Experience A Culinary Tour

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There is no question that Medellin has the greatest food in Colombia. To truly taste them all, you would have to stay there because there are so many distinct flavors and types.

You will sample the greatest Colombian traditional dishes and beverages on this particular cuisine tour, and an expert guide will tell you more about their coffee. Transportation, refreshments, soft and hard beverages, and cuisine tasting are all included on this 4-hour trip.

While they will follow you and assist with ordering food and beverages, your tour guide's primary objective is to make you feel comfortable in each pub and restaurant. One of the finest things to do in Medellin, hands down.

10. Attend A Football Game

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Football in Medellin, Colombia, is a popular sport and is the best venue to watch a match because of the city's regular games and passionate fans.

Although you must arrange this specific activity around the times of scheduled games, it shouldn't be too difficult because they happen frequently.

One option is to go to the stadium on your own and purchase a ticket there. If not, you can reserve a tour that will arrange group transportation and obtain your ticket.

11. Go To The Museo De Antioquia

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The magnificent Museo de Antioq museum is located just in front of Plaza Botero in the center of Medellin. Depending on the exhibitions, you should be able to explore the entire museum in two hours with a $5 ticket.

More of Botero's distinctive artwork as well as several pieces by other Colombian artists may be found within. You may learn a lot about Colombia's history and all the significant events that led to its independence 200 years ago, plus there are some amazing paintings from the early 1900s.

In addition to the more than 5,000 objects that are always on display at the museum, there are also temporary displays by regional artists and collectors.

12. Get Gorgeous View At Pueblito Paisa

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Pueblito Paisa is a charming tiny village with breathtaking views of Medellin perched on a mountain. The village is a recreation of a colonial Colombian town from the sixteenth century when the Spanish Empire dominated the country. You may taste local cuisine, stroll the charming streets, take some amazing pictures, and enjoy the city as a whole.

You may walk a short distance down 33rd Avenue till you reach the sign for Cerro Nutibara (Nutibarra Hill) after taking the metro to the Exposiciones station. Many people use this excellent hiking location to work out in the morning, and it's only a mile's walk to Pueblito Paisa.

This Medellin Private Tour offers a guided experience. A licensed guide will show you Medellin's greatest sites, culminating at the summit of Nubitara Hill at Pueblito Paisa, for $89 per person.

13. Visit San Alejo Handicraft Market

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It's always enjoyable to go shopping when on vacation, especially if you're going somewhere where you can buy something you wouldn't find anyplace else. Every month on the first Saturday, hundreds of craftspeople congregate at Parque Bolivar to sell their one-of-a-kind creations created from the strangest materials imaginable.

To add even more color to the market, circus performers are strolling about. Since everything is created by regional artists, it's the perfect spot to buy presents and mementos for your loved ones back home.

A personalized piece of jewelry can even be created in front of you. If you go to Medellin, you must not miss this very enjoyable experience.

14. Discover The Past At Salon Malaga

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You only need to enter Salon Malaga to get a sense of Medellin in the 1950s. If it weren't for the large flat screens in this odd small tavern where people watch football games virtually every day, you would think you were in an old movie. One of the things that most people seem to enjoy about this restaurant is that the music is played from actual vinyl.

The place is quite adorable, with ancient phones and gramophones all over the place, old photos on every wall, and a working jukebox that has been expertly restored.

Since it's in Medellin's center, make sure to check out the other sights there, such as Plaza Botero. From Poblado train station, you may conveniently take the train here, disembarking at Parque Berrio or San Antonio.

15. Take An ATV Ride

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Medellin is surrounded by stunning mountains, which are best explored on an ATV excursion. With lots of hills, gravel roads, and breathtaking city vistas, the paths are ideal.

You will have an amazing experience driving through the mountains with a knowledgeable guide on this private half-day quad trip.

Although the excursion costs more than $170 per person, it comes with all the equipment you need plus a typical Colombian lunch at a trout farm. You may pause at any time during the five-hour journey to take photographs or just relax and enjoy the mountain air.

16. Do A Coffee Tour

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Colombia produces some of the world's greatest coffee beans, as everyone is aware. They value their coffee, and they know how to make you value it too.

It makes sense to take a coffee tour from Medellin because there are so many coffee bean plantations in the area. You may learn everything there is to know about producing and roasting coffee on this private coffee farm trip, which is the best.

Transportation, refreshments, coffee, and a guide just for you and your group are included in this 4 to 5 hour excursion. This journey will help you enjoy this product like never before, from selecting the beans yourself to learning how to create their classic tintico.

17. Study The History Of Pablo Escobar

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Despite being the most well-liked tour in Medellin, this one is also the most contentious. It is crucial to keep in mind that Pablo Escobar was not a good guy. Many Medellin residents have anecdotes of dreadful events that have happened to them or someone they know.

Those who are interested, however, may undoubtedly sign up for a tour and hear from a local guide about his background and how it has impacted the nation.

This particular trip will teach you about his influence on the city and take you to many of the locations in Medellin that were significant to the trafficker, including his cemetery.

18. Have A Vegetarian Pizza At Cafe Zorba

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Who doesn't enjoy sampling regional cuisine and checking out unique takes on well-known cocktails? The greatest vegetarian pizza in town can be found at Cafe Zorba. You may also get papas bravas if you'd like. Whether you're a vegetarian or not doesn't really matter because this pizza is delicious and full of flavor.

Every week, they also play vintage films, so you can settle in, have some delectable food and beverages, and watch a great movie in comfort at your table. Every month, they also host displays of experimental art and live jazz music. The pricing at Cafe Zorba is excellent, and the atmosphere is fantastic.

19. Study Salsa Dancing

One of the best places to learn salsa dancing is Medellin. Anyone you ask at a salsa club will be more than ready to teach you the fundamentals, and the majority of individuals there begin dancing when they are young.

One of the greatest places to learn salsa dancing is Son Habana. Listening to live salsa music is a great way to be motivated to learn. Once the beat becomes ingrained in your body, the motions will ultimately come to you, even if you have never danced salsa before.

You may enroll in a program that covers both bachata and salsa for a crash lesson. The price is $20 per person.

20. Experience The Dream Hammocks

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Not everyone enjoys high-strung hammocks and ziplines. However, you shouldn't pass it up if you're an adventurous person. For $200 per person, you may reserve this Dream Hammock tour if you're ready for the task.

You will explore and trek a stunning waterfall, use the ziplines, and test your nerves on one of these hammocks during your about eight hours at La Ceja Nature Reserve.

Transportation, a guide, all of the previously listed activities, and insurance are all included in the tour. You must, however, bring your own food and snacks as well as drinks.

21. Play Tejo

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If you enjoy learning about the history and customs of a region, playing Tejo is one of the Medellin activities you won't want to miss. Or, if you just like games and beer, you'll adore this.

Throwing a disc at a target that holds gunpowder is the object of the traditional game Tejo, which is played in a long alley. The team that scores 27 points wins.

To get the most out of the game and your day, it is advised that you play Tejo during your personalized tour. Keeping score and understanding how to play might be a little challenging. You will learn about Medellin's culture while enjoying a day of fun and beer.