Top Things to Do in Medellin

About the City

Nestled in a valley and flanked by green mountains, Medellin, Colombia bursts with vibrant culture and the resilient spirit of its inhabitants, known as Paisas. The city's transformation from a once troubled past to a hub of innovation and urban development marks a story of triumph. Visitors cannot help but feel the contagious energy pulsing from the colorful street art, public parks, and innovative libraries. The local cuisine serves as a delicious exploration of flavors, with dishes like 'bandeja Paisa' promising a culinary adventure. Beyond its beauty, however, Medellin grapples with rush-hour traffic that can turn the simplest journey across town into a prolonged affair. It's also home to underprivileged neighborhoods where challenges persist, despite the progress seen elsewhere. With its year-round spring-like climate, Medellin's weather rarely disappoints, though the rainy season can dampen outdoor activities unexpectedly. On the upswing, the city's fervor for festivities like the Flower Festival showcases a parade of blossoms and traditional music, enchanting both locals and tourists alike. Yes, Medellin is a city of contrasts, where the warmth of its people shines brightly against the backdrop of its complex history.

Things to Do in Medellin

Empanaditas!

Food & Drink

Not that hungry but still want to eat something? Well, this small version of empanada might just be what you're looking for. It can be find walking on the street of some villages, they're homemade and...

Mondongo!

Food & Drink

The mondongo is a south american dish made with dice tripe and intestine of cow or pig! Dare to try? It also comes with potatoes, carrots, onions, celery and garlic.

The Medellin Derby!

The Unexpected

It's not a "normal" football match! In fact this is the "Clasico Paisa", the clash between the two football clubs in Medellin! Not only for football fans! In fact, amongst over 40 thousands people (al...

Learn how to play Colombian music instruments!

The Unexpected

What an experience learning to play characteristic instruments with two lovely local artists! These two intruments are called Sicuris (the pipes) and Maracon (the Maracas) . The first one is used from...

Street art challenge!

Outdoors

Spot the most beautiful graffiti in Medellín or anywhere! Medellín's Comuna 13 became really famous in street art, becoming in a few years a world wide capital in graffiti!

Mango Biche!

Food & Drink

Mango Biche is a real colombian delicacy! It is a mix of unripe mango with lemon juice, salt, black pepper and condensed milk. His fresh and acid taste got me! Perfect to eat during the warmer hours o...

Bandeja Paisa!

Food & Drink

Try the original Bandeja Paisa, the most famous dish in all Antioquia, Colombia. It just has everything: Beef, Chorizo, Pork, Eggs, Avocado, Beans, Potatoes, Rice, Banana. 😋😍

Salchipapa!

Food & Drink

Man vs Food Challenge! This latin american fast food is just crazy. The original one is with french fries and sausages but it's common to add waaay more ingredients such as bacon, chicken, beef, pork,...

Live it up at Plaza Botero

Sights

Seriously, if you skip Plaza Botero, did you even go to Medellín? This spot is chock-full of Fernando Botero's plump sculptures – a real treat for art buffs and selfie hunters. Strike a pose with the ...

Jardin Botanico Joaquin Antonio Uribe

Sights

Imagine chilling in a lush, green oasis smack in the middle of the urban hustle. That's Jardin Botanico for ya! It's named after a famous botanist and packs a whopping 13.2 hectares of green goodness....

Mastering Metrocable

Sights

Why trudge up the mountains when you can ride on air? The Metrocable system is not only a wicked way to get around but also a unique chance to see the city from a bird's-eye view. Glide over the barri...

Pueblito Paisa Perks

Sights

Get a taste of traditional Antioquian life without stepping out of the city! Pueblito Paisa sits pretty on top of Nutibara Hill, offering Instagram-worthy views and a quaint replica of a colonial vill...

Cable Car Capers

Sights

Ditch the traffic and sail the skies in Medellín's iconic Metrocable. Ride the cable cars for funsies and get a bird's-eye view of the city's hills and barrios. It's cheap, it's scenic, and you'll alm...

Mountain Bike the Andes

Outdoors

Gear up and get those legs pumping as you mountain bike through the mighty Andes around Medellín. Zigzag on dirt trails, squeeze through lush forests, and race across open fields as you feel the thril...

Botanical Garden Butterfly House Visit

Outdoors

Enter a world fluttering with color at Medellín's butterfly house! Walk among hundreds of delicate and dazzling butterflies in their natural garden home. Bring your camera and snap some beauty shots, ...

Medellín's Public Art Trail

Outdoors

Stumble upon the eclectic and gorgeous public art scattered through Medellín's parks and streets. Play a real-life 'Where's Waldo' finding sculptures and murals, showcasing the vibrant culture and his...

Kayak the Calm Waters

Outdoors

Dip your paddles into the tranquil lakes near Medellín. Glide across peaceful water, with the Andes surrounding you, in a kayak built for two (or one, you do you). Perfect for those who want to escape...

Up Up and Away in a Hot Air Balloon

The Unexpected

Get ready to tickle the clouds in a hot air balloon! Rise above Medellín and feast your eyes on the city from a new vantage point as the sun paints the skies with its morning palette. Just make sure y...

Underground Wonder: Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá

The Unexpected

Sneak away from Medellín for a day trip to the subterranean marvel of Zipaquirá. Carved deep into the salt mines, this cathedral will leave you salty—in a good way—with its incredible architecture and...

Twist and Shout at a Vinyl Shop

The Unexpected

For the music lovers who like their tunes old-school, swing by Medellín's vinyl shops. Dig through stacks of records, chat up the shop owners, and maybe even catch an impromptu DJ session. It's a spin...