Medellín Travel Guide: What to See, Eat & Do

The first time I flew into Medellín, I saw it as it’s meant to be seen: at night. As the plane descended through the clouds, the Aburrá Valley opened up below, a breathtaking bowl of a million glittering lights. It felt less like a city and more like a fallen constellation. I had arrived with a head full of headlines and history, of stories about its troubled past. I left, months later, with a heart full of its vibrant, innovative, and profoundly resilient present.

Medellín is a city that gets under your skin. It’s in the perfect, 75-degree air that gives it the nickname “The City of Eternal Spring.” It’s in the genuine warmth of the Paisa people, who greet you with a smile and an infectious pride for their home. This is not just another stop on the tourist trail; it’s a living, breathing case study in transformation. It’s a city that chose to build libraries and cable cars instead of walls, a city that invested in its most vulnerable communities and, in doing so, reinvented itself for the world.

This is the Medellín travel guide I wish I’d had on my first visit—one that goes beyond the surface to the true heart of this incredible place.

Quick Facts About Medellín

• Nickname: La Ciudad de la Eterna Primavera (The City of Eternal Spring), thanks to its near-perfect, year-round climate.
• Location: Nestled in the lush, green Aburrá Valley in the mountainous department of Antioquia, Colombia.
• The People: The residents of Medellín and the surrounding region are known as Paisas. They have a distinct cultural identity and are known for their entrepreneurial spirit, warmth, and a particular pride in their heritage.
• A Symbol of Transformation: The Medellín Metro system, including its iconic Metrocable cars, is more than just public transport. It’s a symbol of social inclusion, connecting the city’s poorest hillside communities to its economic centre and serving as a source of immense civic pride.

Safety in Medellín: What Travellers Should Know

Let’s address the elephant in the room. The Medellín of the 1980s and 90s, the city portrayed in shows like Narcos, is a ghost of the past. The city you will visit is one of the most innovative and forward-thinking in South America.

From my personal experience living and working here, I have felt overwhelmingly safe by taking the same precautions I would in any major city. The key is to be smart and aware. The most crucial piece of local wisdom is the saying “No dar papaya” (literally, “don’t give papaya”). It means don’t make yourself an easy target. Don’t flash expensive phones or jewellery on the street, don’t walk alone in unfamiliar areas late at night, and be aware of your belongings in crowded places.

A few honest Medellín travel safety tips:

• Avoid the risky nightlife behaviours that can attract trouble. The drug and prostitution scenes are dangerous and exploit vulnerable people. Do not engage.
• Stick to recommended neighbourhoods, especially after dark.
• Use ride-sharing apps like Uber or InDrive at night instead of hailing street taxis.
• Be aware that, like many places, gentrification is a sensitive topic. Be a respectful visitor, support local businesses, and be mindful of your impact.

By travelling with common sense and respect, you will find Medellín to be an incredibly welcoming place.

Getting to Medellín

Most international visitors will fly into José María Córdova International Airport (MDE), which is located in the nearby town of Rionegro, about 45-60 minutes from the city.

• Airport Transfers:
  • Official Airport Bus: The cheapest option. It takes you to the San Diego Mall, from where you can take a short taxi to your accommodation.
  • Taxi/Uber/InDrive: The most convenient option. A registered white airport taxi or a ride-share will take you directly to your door for a fixed price.
• Domestic Travel: Medellín is a major hub. You can easily find affordable domestic flights from Bogotá, Cartagena, and Cali on airlines like Avianca and LATAM. Long-distance buses are also an option, but be prepared for long, winding journeys through the mountains.

Where to Stay in Medellín: A Neighbourhood Guide

One of the most important decisions you’ll make when planning your trip to Medellín is choosing your home base. While the city is full of stunning places to stay, many travelers end up in El Poblado by default.

My advice? Dare to be different.

I discovered the true soul of Medellín in neighborhoods like Laureles, Belén, and Envigado, which offer a far more authentic experience than the main tourist hub. I found El Poblado could be overwhelmingly loud and crowded, and it often missed that genuine cultural aspect I travel for.

Wherever you choose, travel smart. Be vigilant, especially at night, and please, for your own safety, do not invite people you don’t know back to your apartment. It’s a common way travelers get robbed or put in dangerous situations.

• El Poblado: This is the undisputed tourist hub. It’s beautiful, leafy, and filled with the city’s best cafes, international restaurants, and nightlife. It’s convenient and a great place to start, but it’s also the most expensive and least Colombian-feeling neighbourhood.
• Laureles: A more relaxed, flat, and traditionally middle-class neighbourhood. It has a fantastic local food scene, tree-lined streets, and a more authentic vibe than Poblado, while still being very safe and welcoming.
• Envigado & Belén (My Personal Recommendations): Technically, Envigado is its own municipality, but it blends seamlessly with Medellín. Both Envigado and Belén offer a truly authentic glimpse into local Paisa life. They are quieter, more affordable, and far less touristy. I preferred living here because I could build a routine, shop at local markets, and feel like a part of a real community. The trade-off is that you’ll need to use the metro or a taxi to get to the main attractions, a small price to pay for a more genuine experience.

A Note on Intentional Living: While Airbnbs are plentiful, be mindful of their impact on gentrification and the local housing market. Consider staying in locally-owned boutique hotels or “aparta-hoteles” to ensure your money directly supports the local economy.

Getting Around Medellín

Navigating the city is a joy, thanks to its world-class public transport.

• The Metro: This is the pride of Medellín. It’s impeccably clean, efficient, and cheap. It runs north to south through the valley and is the best way to travel long distances.
• The Metrocable: The cable cars are an extension of the metro, connecting the hillside communities. Riding them is both a practical way to get around and a breathtaking tourist attraction in itself, offering stunning views of the city.
• Buses & Taxis: The bus system is extensive but can be tricky for newcomers. Taxis are plentiful, but I recommend using ride-sharing apps like Uber or InDrive for safety, fixed pricing, and ease of use.
• Walking: Medellín is a hilly city! While neighbourhoods like Laureles are flat and walkable, be prepared for steep inclines when exploring other areas.

While ride-sharing apps are available, the heart of Medellín’s public transport is its world-class metro system. For seamless travel, be sure to purchase a metro card upon arrival. The initial investment is minimal at around 12,000 COP, and it drops the price of a single journey down to just 3,500 COP. The best part is how easy it is to use; a quick look on Google will give you all the station info, routes, and times you need to explore the city with confidence.

Things to Do in Medellín: A Mix of Culture, Nature & Transformation

This is a city that rewards curiosity. Here are some of the essential experiences.

Cultural & Historical Highlights

• Plaza Botero: An iconic outdoor plaza in El Centro filled with dozens of large, bronze sculptures by Medellín’s most famous artist, Fernando Botero. It’s a must-see.
• Museo de Antioquia: Located right on Plaza Botero, this is the region’s most important art museum, with a vast collection of Botero’s work and other Colombian artists.
• Pueblito Paisa: A charming, small-scale replica of a traditional Antioquian town located atop Nutibara Hill (Cerro Nutibara). It offers fantastic 360-degree views of the city.
• El Castillo Museo y Jardines: A beautiful, French-inspired castle from the 1930s with stunning gardens. It feels like stepping into a European fairy tale in the middle of the city.
• Museo Casa de la Memoria: A powerful and essential museum dedicated to honouring the victims of Colombia’s decades-long urban and armed conflict. It’s a sombre but necessary visit to understand the city’s journey.

Transformation & Community

• Comuna 13 Tour: This is a non-negotiable Medellín experience. Once one of the most dangerous neighbourhoods in the world, Comuna 13 has transformed itself through art and community. Take a tour with a local guide to see the incredible street art, ride the famous outdoor escalators, and hear the inspiring stories of resilience and hope.
• Ride the Teleférico (Metrocable): Take the K-Line from San Javier station (the same one for Comuna 13) up to La Aurora. The ride provides a humbling and spectacular view of the sprawling hillside communities, showcasing the true scale of the city and the impact of this innovative transport system.

Nature & Outdoors

• Jardín Botánico (Botanical Gardens): An oasis of peace in the city. It’s a wonderful place to spend an afternoon walking, seeing the impressive “Orquideorama” structure, and spotting the resident iguanas.
• Parque Arví: Escape the city entirely by taking a second cable car (Line L) from Santo Domingo station. This massive nature reserve offers miles of hiking trails, fresh mountain air, and a glimpse into the region’s biodiversity.
• Explore the Nearby Pueblos: The countryside of Antioquia is stunning and dotted with beautiful small towns. Taking day trips to places like Guatapé (with its giant rock, El Peñol), the charming coffee town of Jardín, or the historic town of Jericó is a fantastic way to see more of the region.

Medellín Food & Drink Guide: Suggestions for the Curious Traveller

Exploring Paisa cuisine is a delicious adventure. My approach is to suggest what you should try, but always with a note of caution and preparation.

A Traveller’s Note on Food Safety: Eating street food is a part of the experience, but it comes with risks. Your stomach may not be accustomed to the local bacteria. This isn’t because the food is “bad,” but simply because it’s different. I always travel with medicine for upset stomach and food poisoning, just in case. The safest and often most delicious way to eat is to do as the locals do: find a busy, clean-looking restaurant serving a “menu del día.”

Dishes to Try

• Bandeja Paisa: The iconic, gut-busting platter of the region. It typically includes steak, ground beef, crispy pork belly (chicharrón), sausage, rice, beans, a fried egg, avocado, and an arepa. Come hungry, and consider sharing!
• Sancocho & Mondongo: These are two of the most beloved hearty soups. Sancocho is a rich stew made with chicken or beef, potatoes, yuca, and corn. Mondongo is a tripe soup that is a true local delicacy.
• Arepas: You will find arepas everywhere, but the Paisa version is typically a simple, thin corn cake often served with butter and cheese. Look for the sweeter, thicker arepa de choclo.

Where to Eat

• Local Cookshops for “Menu del Día”: This is the best way to get a taste of authentic, everyday Colombian food. For a fixed, affordable price, you’ll get a soup, a main plate with a choice of protein, a drink, and sometimes a small dessert.
• Mercado del Río: A modern, upscale food hall with dozens of vendors offering everything from traditional Colombian food to sushi and pizza. It’s a great place to go with a group.
• The Café Culture: Medellín has a world-class speciality coffee scene. Spend an afternoon at cafes like Pergamino, Velvet, or Urbania to taste some of the best coffee in the world, often sourced from nearby farms.

While we absolutely encourage you to get out and explore, it’s worth knowing that Medellín’s amazing food scene can also come to you. The city is filled with countless restaurant options, and many are available on delivery apps like Rappi and DiDi. These services are a lifesaver for ordering food or even groceries, delivering everything right to your door with the flexibility to pay by cash, credit, or debit card.

Medellín for Digital Nomads

The city is a top-tier destination for remote workers, and for good reason.

• Cost of Living: While rising, it remains affordable. A comfortable monthly budget can range from 1,200 to 1,200 to 2,000 USD.
  • Accommodation: 400−400−1,200+ for a one-bedroom apartment.
  • Meals: 3−3−5 for a menu del día, 10−10−20 for a meal in a trendy restaurant.
  • Coworking: 100−100−250 per month.
• Co-working & Cafes: There is a thriving ecosystem for remote work. Spaces like Selina, La Casa Redonda, and Atom House are popular, and countless cafes have strong Wi-Fi and a work-friendly atmosphere.
• Community: It’s incredibly easy to connect with a large and active community of expats, digital nomads, and friendly locals.

Practical Tips for Travellers

• Money: The currency is the Colombian Peso (COP). Carry a mix of cash and cards. ATMs are widespread, but it’s wise to use ones inside malls or banks.
• Visa: Most tourists get a 90-day visa on arrival, which can be extended online for another 90 days. For longer stays, Colombia now offers a Digital Nomad Visa.
• Connectivity: Get a local SIM card from Claro or Tigo for the best coverage. Alternatively, an eSIM from a provider like Keepgo is a convenient option.
• Packing: Light layers are key. Pack a light jacket for the evenings and a small umbrella, as afternoon showers are common. Comfortable walking shoes are non-negotiable.
• The Strata System: You’ll notice neighbourhoods are classified by a strato (stratum) from 1 to 6. This is a socio-economic ranking that determines how much residents pay for utilities (lower stratas pay less, higher stratas pay more to subsidise them). It’s a unique and visible aspect of the city’s social structure.

Sustainable & Intentional Travel in Medellín

To truly appreciate Medellín, travel with respect and curiosity.

• Support Local: Eat at family-run restaurants, buy souvenirs from local artisans, and hire local guides, especially in places like Comuna 13.
• Be Mindful of Your Impact: Understand that your presence as a tourist or nomad affects the local economy and housing. Be a respectful neighbour.
• Travel Slowly: Don’t just rush between attractions. Spend an afternoon in a quiet park, practice your Spanish with a shopkeeper, and allow the city’s rhythm to reveal itself to you.

Final Reflections: The Heartbeat of Medellín

I came to Medellín expecting to find a city defined by its past. I left having fallen in love with a city defined by its future. It’s a place that taught me about resilience, the power of community, and the beauty of a shared dream. It’s a city that doesn’t just welcome you; it inspires you. I invite you to explore it not with a checklist, but with an open heart. Let its story, its energy, and its eternal spring-like spirit captivate you as it has for me.

Ready to continue your Colombian journey?

• See how Medellín fits into a larger trip with my 15-Day Recommended Colombia Itinerary.
• Planning a longer stay? Dive deep with my Complete Digital Nomad’s Guide to Colombia.
• Get my free Nomad Journal to help you plan your own intentional travels.

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Are You Planning Your Next Trip? Here’s What I Use

These are the tools I rely on to make every trip smoother, safer, and more meaningful. If you use the links below, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting this blog and my journey as a full-time traveller 💜

1. Learn the Local Language

I use Babbel to practice Spanish, French, and Portuguese while travelling. The app makes it so easy to learn useful phrases on the go.

2. Travel Insurance is a Must

I never leave home without SafetyWing — they’re affordable and ideal for frequent travellers or digital nomads.

3. Book Your Tours & Experiences

For unique local tours and must-see experiences, I use:
→ Viator
→ Get Your Guide

4. Always Stay Connected

No matter where I go, Keepgo helps me stay connected with international data SIMs and eSIMs that actually work. A lifesaver when Wi-Fi fails!

5. Organise Your Itinerary

I use Tripsy to plan and store my itineraries, documents, and bookings in one clean app. It’s perfect for keeping track of everything in one place.

Until next time, travel softly,

Destiny