Ultimate Travel Guide for Medellín, Colombia 🇨🇴

Welcome to Medellín, the City of Eternal Spring! This vibrant and innovative city in the heart of Colombia offers a unique blend of history, culture, art, nature, and modern urban life. This guide will help you navigate and make the most of your stay in this extraordinary destination.

🏝️ Places to Go

1. Parque Arví: A vast natural reserve with hiking trails, zip-lining, and a cable car offering breathtaking views of Medellín.
2. Comuna 13: A formerly dangerous neighborhood transformed into an open-air museum through street art and urban renewal projects.
3. Plaza Botero: Admire the works of Colombia’s most famous sculptor, Fernando Botero, in this beautiful city square.
4. Jardín Botánico de Medellín (Botanical Garden): A lush green oasis featuring a variety of Colombian flora and fauna.
5. El Peñol (Rock of Guatapé): Climb the 659 steps to reach this monolithic rock and enjoy stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
6. Piedra del Peñol (Guatapé): Visit this picturesque town famous for its colorful “Zocalos” and boat tours on the Guatapé Reservoir.
7. Parque Explora: An interactive science museum offering fun and educational experiences for all ages.
8. El Castillo Museum: Learn about Medellín’s history, art, and culture in this beautiful castle-like building.
9. Poblado: The trendy neighborhood filled with restaurants, bars, and shops. Don’t miss Plaza Lourdes!
10. Cerro Nutibara: Visit the top of Medellín for panoramic views of the city at sunset.

🍲 Where to Eat

1. El Cangrejo: Try the traditional Colombian seafood dish, Coconut Crab, in this charming restaurant.
2. Café Zeppelin: Enjoy a delicious brunch while overlooking Parque Lleras in Poblado.
3. Andres Carne de Res: Experience this unique culinary adventure in the countryside of Chia (worth the day trip!).
4. La Olla: Taste authentic Colombian food in a cozy atmosphere, with several locations throughout Medellín.
5. Almazán: Savor traditional Antioquian cuisine made with fresh, locally-sourced ingredients.
6. Carmen: Dine on Mediterranean dishes in this elegant restaurant overlooking the city.
7. Fondas: Small, family-run eateries offering traditional Colombian food at affordable prices.
8. Chiva Tour: Enjoy a night of music, dance, and food aboard a traditional Colombian “chiva” bus.

🏨 Where to Stay

1. Patio del Mundo: A boutique hotel with comfortable rooms, a rooftop pool, and an on-site restaurant.
2. Charlee Hotel Boutique: A stylish hotel located in the heart of Poblado, with a rooftop bar offering stunning views.
3. Eljay Palace: An upscale hotel offering luxurious suites, a spa, and a restaurant.
4. Casa Kiwi Hostel: A budget-friendly option perfect for solo travelers or backpackers looking to socialize.
5. Posada San Antonio: A charming bed & breakfast located in the historic El Centro neighborhood.

🌐 Things to Know

1. Spanish is the primary language, but many people understand basic English.
2. Colombian pesos (COP) are the official currency. Credit cards are widely accepted in restaurants and shops, but it’s always good to have some cash on hand.
3. The city’s average temperature ranges from 64°F (18°C) at night to 75°F (24°C) during the day.
4. Tap water is not safe to drink, so it’s best to stick to bottled water or filtered water when you’re out and about.
5. Medellín is located in a mountain valley, so altitude sickness may affect some travelers. Drink plenty of water and rest if needed.
6. Security is always a concern in Medellín, but the city has made significant strides in improving public safety in recent years. Stay aware of your surroundings, especially at night, and avoid carrying large amounts of cash or valuable items.
7. The metro system (Metro de Medellín) is an efficient and affordable way to get around the city. Taxis are also widely available, but make sure to use a reputable service.
8. Medellín is famous for its flower festival (Feria de las Flores), which takes place annually in August. Plan your visit during this time if you’d like to experience the vibrant celebrations.
9. Colombia has two time zones, and Medellín is located in the Central Time Zone (UTC -5).
10. Colombia uses a 220V electrical system, so make sure to pack an adapter if needed.

🚗 Transportation

1. Metro de Medellín: The city’s metro system is clean, safe, and affordable. It consists of three lines (A, B, and C) that cover most of the city.
2. Taxi: Taxis are readily available in Medellín. Always use a reputable service like Taxi MSI or SiTaxi.
3. Uber: Uber operates in Medellín, offering an affordable and convenient alternative to taxis.
4. Metrocable: This cable car system provides access to some of the city’s most underserved neighborhoods and offers stunning views along the way.
5. Rideshare: Shared rides are becoming increasingly popular in Medellín, with services like Didi providing affordable transportation options.
6. Buses: Local buses (colectivos) are a cheap but sometimes crowded way to get around the city. Make sure you know your destination and have small bills for fares.
7. Metroplus: This electric bus system connects several neighborhoods, offering an eco-friendly alternative to traditional buses.
8. Walking: Medellín is a walkable city, with many of the main attractions located in close proximity. Don’t forget to explore on foot!

💡 Tips

1. Respect local customs and traditions, and always ask permission before taking photos of people or private property.
2. Try as many Colombian fruits and street foods as you can – they’re delicious!
3. Explore the nightlife in Poblado, but be mindful of your belongings and always stay with friends or trusted companions.
4. Take a salsa class to immerse yourself in the local culture and learn some new dance moves.
5. Be open-minded and ready for adventure – Medellín has something for everyone!
6. Remember to tip service staff, as it’s customary in Colombia.
7. Always carry a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated and help reduce waste.
8. Embrace the Paisa way of life and enjoy every moment of your time in Medellín. ❤️🇨🇴

Now that you’ve got the essentials, it’s time to start planning your unforgettable adventure in Medellín! Safe travels, and we hope you fall in love with this magical city as much as we have. ✨🌱️