Medellin, Colombia 7 Day Itinerary

Title: 7-Day Itinerary for Exploring Medellín, Colombia

Day 1: Arrival & City Orientation

  • Accommodation: Stay at a central hotel such as Hotel Nutibara or Patio del Mundo. These are conveniently located and offer comfortable stays.
  • Lunch: Visit El Eslabón Prendido in Laureles for modern Colombian cuisine.
  • Spend the afternoon getting acquainted with the city. Visit Parque Berrio, the heart of Medellín’s downtown area.
  • Dinner: Dine at Carmen, a popular restaurant offering traditional and creative dishes.
  • Things to know: Medellín’s weather can be unpredictable, so pack layers. Also, Poblado is a safe and vibrant neighborhood, perfect for your first night out.

Day 2: Explore Poblado & Comuna 13

  • Breakfast: Start the day at Pergamino Café for excellent coffee and pastries.
  • Visit Parque Lleras in Poblado, a bustling area filled with restaurants, bars, and shops.
  • Take a guided tour of Comuna 13, a formerly dangerous neighborhood transformed by public art and cable cars.
  • Lunch: Enjoy lunch at Andres D.C., a popular restaurant in Comuna 13 offering traditional Colombian dishes.
  • Spend the afternoon exploring more of Poblado, perhaps visiting the Botanical Garden or the Orquideorama.
  • Dinner: Try Fogón Cocina Abierta for creative, international cuisine.

Day 3: Art & Nature

  • Breakfast: Grab breakfast at Café Zorba in El Jardín, a historic park in the heart of the city.
  • Visit the Museo de Antioquia, home to works by renowned Colombian artist Fernando Botero.
  • Take a cable car ride up to Parque Arví for hiking and exploring the beautiful countryside.
  • Lunch: Enjoy lunch at Almaverde in Parque Arví, which offers local, organic dishes.
  • Spend the afternoon visiting Jardín Botánico de Medellín, a lovely botanical garden.
  • Dinner: Dine at La Puerta Falsa, one of the city’s oldest eateries serving traditional Colombian cuisine.

Day 4: Day Trip to Guatapé

  • Breakfast: Have breakfast at your hotel or grab something on the go before heading out.
  • Take a day trip to Guatapé, a colorful lakeside town about two hours from Medellín.
  • Climb El Peñol, a massive rock formation offering stunning views of the lake and surrounding countryside.
  • Explore the town, visit the local market, and enjoy lunch at one of the many restaurants along the lakefront.
  • Return to Medellín in the evening.
  • Dinner: Savor some street food or visit a traditional sushi restaurant such as Sakura in Poblado.

Day 5: Relax & Shop

  • Breakfast: Visit Café con Libros, a charming café and bookstore in Poblado.
  • Spend the morning shopping for souvenirs or exploring the vibrant street art scene in Poblado.
  • Lunch: Enjoy lunch at Cafe Perro, a popular restaurant in Poblado known for its quirky atmosphere.
  • Visit the Plaza Minorista, a large market selling everything from fruits and vegetables to electronics.
  • Spend the afternoon relaxing at one of Medellín’s many thermal pools, such as Termales El Jardín or Termales La Calera.
  • Dinner: Dine at Frida, a restaurant offering innovative Mexican cuisine in a vibrant atmosphere.

Day 6: Adventure & Culture

  • Breakfast: Visit Crepes & Waffles for a sweet start to the day.
  • Take a guided tour of the Cementerio San Pedro, a unique and fascinating place that showcases Medellín’s history and culture.
  • For adventure lovers, visit Parque Explora, an interactive science center with a large aquarium, or try canyoning in Santo Domingo.
  • Lunch: Enjoy lunch at El Cangrejo Loco in Poblado, known for its fresh seafood.
  • Spend the afternoon exploring more of Medellín’s vibrant street art scene, perhaps taking a guided tour.
  • Dinner: Dine at El Trigal, an upscale restaurant offering traditional Colombian cuisine with a modern twist.

Day 7: Departure

  • Breakfast: Enjoy your final breakfast in Medellín at a café of your choice.
  • Spend the morning shopping for last-minute souvenirs or exploring any sights you may have missed.
  • Depending on your departure time, consider visiting El Retiro, one of the world’s most beautiful libraries, before heading to the airport.
  • Lunch: If time allows, grab a quick lunch at La Macarena, a traditional Colombian restaurant located near the airport.