Almost every person that I know who comes from Colombia say that Medellin is their favourite city there. It is full of so much life and there is so much to see and do!
Fun fact- Medellin is known as the city of eternal spring. Can you figure out why?
Man made things to do
Visit Comuna 13
Previously known to be the most dangerous part of Medellin, it is now one of the safest areas for tourists and the people absolutely love it when you go to visit. It is such colourful area and you can really tell how close everyone are there.
They have lots of art on the walls painted by their communities’s artists that each spread a powerful message, there are lots of little stalls of things the locals have made, there are little shows that the locals put on for you such as raps and dances (“payment” is optional, they come round with a little hat) which are so lovely to watch and really add to the experience.
Anything you give to the locals will help go towards the community. They are driving to become better and better and they are very thankful for tourists as they are helping them do so. They no longer want to be associated with their past and they work hard to spread that message and make it a better place to live in.
I would recommend getting a local guide from the community itself as they will take you to good local places, most of the time you won’t miss the shows and they can explain the meaning behind some of the art. They will really help explain the message that they are trying to spread and they are so lovely. There are a few that can talk English, so be sure to either take a translator or choose one who can talk English. You could ask your accommodation to help you find out how to do this or you can find tours on the internet from $20 USD/ €18.30/ £16.05!
Please do not walk up or down the escalators as they are trying to preserve them due to them being one of the little expensive things they have in their community. If you go on them, just stand and wait patiently until you reach the top!
Visit Botero Plaza in Medellin
The church there is absolutely gorgeous; part of it is made from black and white tiles and the inside is also beautiful. Be sure to respect the church rules (dress appropriately etc…) when visiting. The square around this church has cool statues made by a famous Colombian artist (Botero) which send powerful messages to the locals and really inspire them. The locals love showing off the art and letting you know that there are some of the artist’s work in other places around the world, such as Spain.
Be careful you don’t stray to far away from this square as you may find yourself in a rougher area that you might feel unsafe in. There can be a lot of drug use and unhinged people there. I would recommend going straight to the metro and going to your next destination.
Long metro ride through Medellin
This is a good way to see the whole city without having to walk everywhere and feel unsafe. To do this, you can catch Line A (north to south) which has 21 stops overall. The standard fare for a metro ride is 2,750 pesos ($0.81 USD, €0.74, £0.66).
The only issue with this is that the metros tend to be very busy, therefore I would recommend going between 9am-3pm as you would avoid the general work rush hour, and try to get on from the end of the platform as it seems to be less busy there. If you have an issue with lots of people/claustrophobia, I wouldn’t recommend giving this a go at all.
Cable car Line H
This is a lovely cable car ride that allows you to see a great view of Medellin from above, you can people watch and see the living standard of the area. I recommend staying on until the cable car goes back down to where you started as the place it ends, I’ve been told, is a more dangerous area. The cable car can get pretty hot in summer, so as long as you don’t mind heat and heights you will enjoy it! Fares for this can vary, but you can get it included with the metro price at the ticket booth. It will be cheap either way, you definitely don’t have to worry about that!
Pablo Escobar
Some of you may know that Pablo Escobar was the leader of the Medellin cartel, meaning there is a mass amount of history about him in that area. You can learn all about him and his influence on Medellin in the Pablo Escobar museum. The entrance is just under 6 euros per person!
You can also get tours to see some of his houses, the picture below shows one of his houses just a few hours outside of Medellin.
Natural things to do
Honestly, there aren’t many natural things that you can do there; There are many things just outside of Medellin, 3 of which I have mentioned, but it’s a challenge to find much in Medellin itself.
Visit the Jardín Botanicó de Medellin (botanical garden)
To see pretty sculptures from flowers, some animals and other lovely plants, go there! Entrance to the Botanical Garden is typically around 18,000 Colombian pesos (around 5 USD/ 5 EUR/ 4 pounds) per person.
Guatapé and Piedra del Peñol
Located 2h out of Medellin , if you have a full day to spare, visit the charming town of Guatapé. It’s known for its colourful houses and vibrant streets! A lot of people call it “the most colourful town in Colombia”
When you are there, you can also climb the iconic Piedra del Peñol, one of the tallest rocks in the world, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding lakes and landscapes. A day tour to Guatapé and Piedra del Peñol starts at around 120,000 Colombian pesos (approximately 34 USD/ 31 EUR/ 27 pounds) per person, including transportation and guide.
Coffee Farms
Located out of Medellin, you can find guided tours where you can explore coffee plantations and learn about the cultivation, harvesting, and processing of coffee beans. You can usually get to experience a coffee tasting session to savour the rich flavours of Colombian coffee too! This was one of my core memories from my trip, I loved everything about it!
Waterfall Hiking in Rio Claro Nature Reserve
Located 3h 30 mins out of Medellin, you can hike in Rio Claro and discover stunning waterfalls, crystal-clear rivers, and limestone formations. You can also enjoy fun activities like swimming, kayaking, caving, and zip-lining etc… in the natural beauty. Full-day tours to Rio Claro Nature Reserve start at around 250,000 Colombian pesos (approximately 70 USD/ 64 EUR/ 55 pounds) per person, including transportation, guide, and activities.
Must-do
I can’t recommend Communa 13 strongly enough, it is truly such an amazing experience and you might find yourself wanting to spend more than just a day there. If you have the time, I would definitely look into going to Guatapé and most definitely a coffee farm too! (See Guatapé below)
Dining experience
Dining wasn’t my best friend in Medellin at all, personally as a vegetarian I found it pretty hard to find some decent food. However, I found places which are well priced, have good reviews and also are vegetarian friendly places, so here is where I would recommend giving a go:
- Verdeo- A trendy and stylish restaurant that focus on fresh, organic ingredients and provide a healthy and flavourful dining experience.
- Ocio- A cozy restaurant known for its relaxed atmosphere and creative international cuisine. It offers a range of options; their menu features salads, pasta, gourmet sandwiches, and innovative vegetable-based dishes that are popular with the public.
- Al Alma- A popular restaurant with a vibrant ambiance and a menu inspired by Mediterranean and Colombian flavours. They also have a selection of freshly made juices and cocktails.
- Herbario- They offer a mix of international and Colombian dishes making it perfect for whatever type of food you fancy!
Where to stay
Below budget
- Hotel San Fernando Plaza- Located in El Poblado, Medellín, this hotel offers luxurious accommodations for an amazing price with a heated outdoor pool, spa facilities, and a fitness center. Amenities include free WiFi. The hotel has an average rating of 8.7 based on 4,872 reviews. Price PER PERSON* per night: 88 USD/ 81 EUR / 69 pounds.
- Los Patios Hostal Boutique- Friendly and helpful staff, social atmosphere, great location, airport shuttle, free WiFi, a bar, restaurant, 24-hour front desk, a fitness centre, and a terrace. Average rating of 9.4/10 from 1,404 reviews. Price PER PERSON per night*- 25 USD/ 23 EUR/ 20 pounds.
- Selina- these hostels are very well known within the younger travelling community due to their highstandars and great atmosphere. They almost seem like they aren’t hostels. They have an airport shuttle, free WiFi, a bar, a restaurant, a 24-hour front desk, a fitness centre, and a shared lounge.The location is great, the staff are friendly, and they have comfortable and clean facilities. Price PER PERSON per night*- 100 USD/ 92 EUR/ 79 pounds.
Within budget
- Celestino Boutique Hotel- Located in El Poblado, Medellín, this hotel offers free WiFi and is located within a block of Lleras Park. The hotel has an average rating of 8.7 based on 1,755 reviews. Price PER PERSON per night*- 118 USD/ 108 EUR/ 92 pounds.
- Viaggio Medellín Grand Select- Located in El Poblado, Medellín, this hotel is situated on Poblado Avenue and is 0.6 mi from Lleras Park. The hotel has two on-site restaurants and offers free private parking. The hotel has an average rating of 8.4 based on 2,127 reviews. Price PER PERSON per night*- 101 USD/ 93 EUR/ 80 pounds.
- Novotel Medellin El Tesoro- Located in El Poblado, Medellín, this hotel offers clean, friendly accommodations and is set in a very good location. The hotel has an average rating of 8.7 based on 1,628 reviews. Price PER PERSON per night*- 136 USD/ 125 EUR/ 107 pounds.
No expense spared
- Landmark Hotel- Located in El Poblado, Medellín, this hotel offers an outdoor swimming pool, fitness center, terrace, and restaurant. The hotel also features a hot tub and a bar. Price PER PERSON Per night*- 427 USD/ 391 EUR/ 336 pounds.
- Hotel York Luxury Suites Medellin- Set in Medellín, this hotel offers an outdoor swimming pool, fitness center, bar, and a shared lounge. The hotel provides airport transfers and free WiFi. Price PER PERSON Per night*- 504 USD/ 462 EUR/ 397 pounds.
- Lettera Hotel- Located in El Poblado, Medellín, this 4-star hotel offers a garden, free private parking, terrace, and a restaurant. The hotel provides airport transfers, room service, and free WiFi. Price PER PERSON Per night*- 437 USD/ 400 EUR/ 344 pounds.
*The prices I have found are for the 8-11th February 2024. Prices will vary depending on when you book, what time of year you book for and how many people.
Transportation
The metro is one of the most efficient and reliable modes of transport in Medellin. It offers a safe and convenient way to navigate the city, including El Poblado. The metro system is well-maintained, with trains running frequently. The fare for a single journey is typically around 2,600 Colombian pesos (approximately less than 1 dollar/euro/pound).
The Metro Cable is an extension of the metro system that provides transportation to hilly areas, including some neighbourhoods in El Poblado. It offers stunning panoramic views of the city. As I mentioned before, the fares for the Metro Cable are integrated with the metro system, so the same ticket used for the metro can be used for the cable car.
Taxis are a convenient option, especially for short distances or when you have heavy luggage. Please make sure that you use authorised taxis with meters!! It’s also very advisable to confirm the fare with the driver before starting the trip.
Public buses are available in Medellin, but they might not be the most convenient option for visitors due to language barriers and complex routes. However, if you’re comfortable with using public transportation, buses can be a budget-friendly choice. Fares vary depending on the distance traveled.
Key things to pack
Medellin is known as the “City of Eternal Spring” due to its all year round mild climate and all of its plants (did you guess right?). However, the weather can vary throughout the day, with cooler mornings and evenings. Pack layers and be prepared for occasional rain showers, even during the dryer season.
I would always be ready with suncream and something warm, you really can’t pinpoint its weather or label it to specific seasons as it differs. Be sure to check the climate before you pack to see what it tells you it’ll be like!
You will also need to take an adapter if you are outside of the US or Canada!
Need to know before you go
The official language in Medellin is Spanish. While some people in tourist areas may speak English, it’s beneficial to learn a few basic Spanish phrases or carry a translation app to communicate with locals and navigate the city more easily. I found myself having to step in a lot of the tie when my group had interactions with people as were I went the English was very minimal, so it helped a lot with me being Spanish.
The currency used in Colombia is the Colombian Peso (COP). It’s advisable to exchange some currency before your trip or withdraw cash from ATMs upon arrival. Major credit cards are widely accepted in most establishments, but it’s always good to have some cash for smaller vendors or places that don’t accept cards.
Consider using official taxis with meters and agree on the fare before starting the trip. Familiarise yourself with the routes and transportation options to plan your journeys accordingly
Cultural Etiquette- Colombians are generally warm and friendly people. It’s customary to greet people with a handshake and maintain eye contact. Respect local customs and traditions, and be aware of cultural sensitivities. It’s also polite to ask for permission before taking someone’s photo.
It’s also recommended to drink bottled or filtered water and avoid street food to minimise the risk of food-borne illnesses.
Please don’t under estimate the strength of the sun! Make sure to have plenty of suncream, and some aftersun just in case.
Check for the vaccinations that are recommended before traveling to Colombia to see if you are missing any/would like any!
The best time to visit Colombia is meant to be between December to March.
To continue reading my blogs, click here. Happy travelling!
