Things to do in Medellin: A travel guide

Medellin is quickly becoming a popular tourist destination in South America, with plenty of things to do and experiences to discover here. 

In this guide, we invite you on a tour of its must-see attractions, from Botero Plaza with its iconic sculptures to Comuna 13 and the traditional Pueblito Paisa, featuring its unique architecture and handicrafts.

And if you need a reliable way to stay connected during your trip, get a Holafly eSIM for Colombia and enjoy unlimited data and 24/7 customer support throughout your stay.

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Must-see places in Medellin

Let’s take you through some of Medellin’s tourist attractions, from plazas brimming with art and neighborhoods that have risen from the ashes to museums, parks, and picturesque communities. 

Botero Plaza and the Rafael Uribe Uribe Palace of Culture

• Location: in the center of Medellin, next to the Museum of Antioquia and the Rafael Uribe Uribe Palace of Culture.
• How to get there: by metro, to the Parque Berrío station, or by taxi. 
• Entrance fee: free.

Plaza Botero is an open-air museum located in the heart of Medellin. It houses 23 monumental bronze sculptures by Colombian artist Fernando Botero.

These works were donated by the artist himself and are characterized by their exaggerated volumes and rounded forms. Although the square is open 24 hours, we recommend visiting it between 9:00 and 16:00, as there is a greater police presence during the day and a safer and quieter atmosphere. 

While you’re here, take the opportunity to visit the Rafael Uribe Uribe Palace of Culture, a gem of Gothic architecture that houses Colombia’s cultural institutions. Its interior is as impressive as its exterior, with stained-glass windows, marble, and a grand central staircase.

The Palace is open Monday to Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Saturdays from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Admission is free; simply register upon arrival. During the visit, you can go up to the rooftop terrace for a panoramic view of Botero Plaza and its surroundings. 

Pueblito Paisa

• Location: Pueblito Paisa neighbourhood, Cerro de Nutibara
• How to get there: Taxi or bus to Cerro de Nutibara or metro to the Exposiciones station.
• Entrance fee: Free

Pueblito Paisa, located atop Cerro Nutibara, is a replica of a traditional 20th-century Paisa village. Highlights include the central plaza, the church, the town hall, and the houses with balconies overflowing with flowers.

This place reflects the history and culture of Antioquia with its cobblestone streets and colonial architecture. Admission is completely free, and it is open every day from 5:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.

You can enjoy the best panoramic views of Medellin from the town’s viewpoint, whose beauty is enhanced at sunset. You can also visit the church, explore the artisan shops with local products, and sample Antioquian local cuisine at the outdoor stalls and restaurants.

To get to Pueblito Paisa, take a taxi or bus to the base of Cerro de Nutibara. Alternatively, you can take the metro to the Exposiciones station and then walk or take a taxi to the base of the hill.

Explora Park

• Location: Carrera 52 # 73-75, Aranjuez district. 
• How to get there: By metro to the Universidad station.
• Opening hours: Tuesday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., with the ticket office open until 4:00 p.m. Weekends and holidays from 10:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., with the ticket office open until 5:00 p.m. 
• Entrance fee: From 55,000 COP (~$14 USD) for a single ticket with access to all areas of the park. 

Explora park is an interactive science and technology museum that houses numerous exhibits on physics, chemistry, biology, and other disciplines. 

At the same time, the park has a planetarium with immersive projections about the universe, as well as the largest aquarium in Latin America. 

The aquarium’s tanks recreate Colombian aquatic ecosystems, such as the Amazon River and coral reefs. There, you can observe more than 4,000 fish of 250 different species, including piranhas, catfish, and electric eels.

Park of Lights and Monument to the Race

• Location: Plaza Cisneros, Downtown Medellín
• How to get there: Take the metro to the San Antonio station.
• Entrance fee: Free

In the heart of Medellin lies the Park of Lights, also known as Plaza Cisneros. It is characterized by its 300 light poles, each 24 meters tall, which create a particularly striking light show at nightfall.

Just a few meters from the park, you’ll see the Monument to the Race, a 38-meter sculpture that pays homage to the ethnic diversity of Antioquia. This work, created by the artist Rodrigo Arenas Betancourt, has become an icon of the city and a landmark for visitors.

Its construction dates back to the 1980s as part of an urban renewal project that sought to transform the city center and give Medellin a new look. Its design symbolizes the mix of cultures that have contributed to Antioquia’s identity.

To get there, take the metro and get off at the San Antonio station. Both the Parque de las Luces and the Monumento a la Raza are open spaces with free admission. However, it is advised to visit them between 9:00 and 16:00, as the monument is located within the Alpujarra Administrative Center and access may be restricted outside of those hours.

The Castle Museum and its gardens

• Location: Calle 9 Sur # 32-269, Barrio El Poblado, Medellin.
• How to get there: Take the metro to Poblado station and then a taxi. You can also take a taxi directly from your starting point.
• Opening hours: Monday to Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (on Fridays, entry is exclusively for visiting the gardens). Weekends and public holidays from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. 
• Entrance fee: 24,000 COP (~$6) for a guided walking tour of the castle and gardens. If you only want to enter the gardens, the price is 20,000 COP (~$5). 

The El Castillo Museum is a Gothic-style mansion, built in 1930, that offers a glimpse into the life of Medellin’s high society in the early 20th century. It’s comprised of five floors showcasing the architecture, decor, and art collections and objects that belonged to the Echavarría Misas family. 

The gardens surrounding the house are a haven of peace, and from the museum terrace you can appreciate a beautiful view of the Aburrá Valley. 

Without a doubt, the El Castillo Museum is one of the best places to visit in Medellin if you want to connect with the history and culture of the city.

El Poblado, Medellin

• Location: El Poblado neighbourhood, central Medellín
• How to get there: Take the metro to the Poblado station.
• Entrance fee: Free

El Poblado is one of the city’s most vibrant neighborhoods and the epicenter of tourism in Medellin. It is distinguished by its cosmopolitan atmosphere and its diverse offerings of entertainment, gastronomy, and shopping. 

This area attracts both tourists and locals looking to enjoy urban life in a modern and sophisticated setting. It’s easily accessible by metro (Poblado station), taxi, or bus.

Once you’ve arrived, what is there to do in El Poblado?

• Explore Provenza Street: this pedestrian street is home to designer boutiques, cafes, fine dining restaurants, and bars with terraces.
• Visit Lleras Park: surrounded by bars, nightclubs, and restaurants, it is the center of nightlife in El Poblado.
• Go shopping at the Santafé Shopping Centre: it houses stores of national and international brands, cinemas, and a street food court where you can get a food tour of the best local and international meals.
• Strolling through green areas: for those seeking a respite from the city, El Poblado has spaces such as the La Presidenta Linear Park with pedestrian paths and play areas.

Commune 13

• Location: San Javier, East Medellin
• How to get there: Take the metro to the San Javier station.
• Entrance fee: Free

Comuna 13, a neighborhood once marked by violence, is now synonymous with resilience. Its streets, formerly the scene of conflict, are now adorned with color and creativity thanks to the graffiti and murals that tell the community’s story and express its spirit of overcoming adversity.

Join a free walking tour in which you explore the graffiti and other street art, explore the hillsides of the commune, and listen to the stories of the inhabitants. 

In addition to graffiti, in Commune 13 you will find art galleries, cultural spaces, and a growing local gastronomic culture.

While it’s a must-see tourist attraction, keep in mind that the town is quite busy, especially on weekends. If you prefer a quieter experience, we suggest going during the week or early in the morning.

Guatapé and the Rock of El Peñol

• Location: Two hours East of Medellin
• How to get there: Book a tour or rent a car.
• Entrance fee: 25,000 COP ($6.50) to 100,000 COP ($26), depending on activity.

Guatapé, located two hours from Medellin, is a popular destination for a day trip. This town is famous for its public squares, with the facades of the houses decorated in vibrant colors and traditional designs.

Just outside of the town, the Piedra del Peñol rises up, a giant monolith that defies gravity. To reach the top, you’ll have to climb 740 steps, but the effort is well worth it. Once you’re up there, you can admire the beauty of the Guatapé reservoir, with its islands and islets, and enjoy a unique perspective of the landscape surrounding the town.

There are several things to note for your visit:

• Climbing to the top of the rock costs 25,000 COP (~$6.50).
• Opening hours are from Monday to Sunday between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.
• Prices for a day tour from Medellin start at 100,000 COP (~$26). They generally include round-trip transportation, a tour guide, lunch, a tour of the town, and other activities. 

Santa Fe de Antioquia

• Location: 80km Northwest of Medellin
• How to get there: Book a tour or rent a car.
• Entrance fee: Free

Located 80 km from Medellin is Santa Fe de Antioquia, a city that seems frozen in time. Founded in 1541, it was the first capital of Antioquia, and its colonial legacy is preserved in every corner. 

Its cobbled streets, houses with wooden balconies, and imposing churches take its visitors back to the time when it was a political and economic center.

Declared a National Monument, Santa Fe de Antioquia has a rich architectural heritage, with buildings dating back to the 16th century.

El Doradal and Hacienda Nápoles

• Location: Kilometer 165 of the Medellin-Bogotá highway, Puerto Triunfo, Antioquia.
• Opening hours: Wednesday to Sunday and public holidays from 8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
• Ticket price: from 67,000 COP (~$17.50). 

El Doradal is a small town located in the municipality of Puerto Triunfo, four hours from Medellin. It is home to Hacienda Nápoles, a sprawling theme park that once belonged to the drug lord Pablo Escobar. Today, some remnants of that past are preserved as part of the attractions. For example, the airstrip, the bullring, and the collection of classic cars.

Hacienda Nápoles offers a wide variety of activities and attractions for tourists and local residents of all ages:

• Water park: with slides, wave pools, and lazy rivers, ideal for a fun family day out.
• Zoo: It houses species such as hippos, lions, tigers, and elephants in large spaces that simulate their natural habitats.
• African Museum: exhibits a collection of objects and photographs that document the history and cultural diversity of Africa.
• Tour of the old estate: focuses on telling the history of the estate and showing some of the places that Pablo Escobar frequented.
• Butterfly Garden: In this space, you can observe different species of butterflies in a controlled natural environment.

To fully enjoy Hacienda Nápoles, it’s best to plan a two-day stay. This way, you’ll have enough time to explore all the attractions, swim in the pools, and relax in the natural surroundings.

Hacienda Nápoles has hotels within its grounds, allowing you to stay in a comfortable and safe environment without leaving the property.

Best tours or experiences outside of Medellin

It’s clear that there are many things to do in Medellin. Even so, you can’t miss the opportunity to explore the surrounding areas of Antioquia for a few days throughout your stay.

Just a few hours from the city, you’ll find charming towns, lush landscapes, and activities to complement your trip. Check out our Colombia travel guide for more travel inspiration.

Best time to travel to Medellin

Medellin offers a pleasant climate that has earned it the nickname of the city of eternal spring. Thanks to its geographical location and the influence of the Andes Mountains, average temperatures range between 16°C and 28°C throughout the year. 

To help you plan your trip more accurately, here is a summary of the weather in Medellin by season:

While any time of year is suitable for travel, August and December are considered to be the best times to visit Medellin. 

In August, the city bursts into color with the Flower Festival, an event where farmers create beautiful floral arrangements that they carry on their backs in silletas (flower-carrying baskets). With parades, music, and dancing, the city vibrates with the energy of this tradition.

December sees the city light up with spectacular decorations and illuminations to celebrate Christmas, all while offering a warm and pleasant weather at the start of the dry season.

Is Medellin worth visiting? Final tips

• Plan your itinerary: decide what interests you most and group visits by area. For example, you could dedicate a morning to exploring the historic center and in the afternoon, visit Explora Park, which is nearby. This way, you’ll avoid unnecessary travel and make the most of your time.
• Interact with the local culture: talk to the “paisas,” as the inhabitants are known, participate in cultural events, watch street performers, get familiar with Colombia’s famous artists, take salsa classes, visit local markets, and sample the region’s delicious cuisine from local street vendors.
• Explore beyond the tourist spots: venture out to discover lesser-known neighborhoods, such as Laureles or Envigado, to people-watch and experience the city’s everyday life.
• Stay connected: Reliable mobile internet is essential in Colombia for navigating maps, searching for information, and sharing your photos. Get a Holafly eSIM for Colombia, which provides unlimited data for your entire stay. If you don’t have an eSIM-compatible phone, consider other alternatives, like a tourist SIM card for Colombia or a pocket WiFi for Colombia.
• Exchange your currency for Colombian pesos at authorized exchange bureaus or ATMs within the city, as they usually offer better rates than at the airport or hotels. Avoid exchanging money on the street, as you could be scammed.
• Pack light: Medellin has a pleasant climate, so you won’t need a lot of clothes. Bring light and comfortable garments, as well as a raincoat or umbrella. Don’t forget chargers and accessories for your electronic devices. 
• Is it safe to travel to Medellin? Yes, but as with any large city, it’s important to take basic precautions. Avoid displaying valuables, don’t walk alone in deserted areas at night, and be cautious with dating apps like Tinder or Bumble.
• Negotiate prices: In tourist areas, it’s common for vendors to inflate prices. Don’t hesitate to ask and negotiate before buying anything.
• Learn about visa requirements: Depending on your nationality, you may need a visa to enter Colombia. Check the requirements on the Colombian Ministry of Foreign Affairs website.

To stay connected in Medellin, look no further than Holafly. Get short-term eSIM plans for as little as $3.21/day, which gets you unlimited data, 24/7 customer support, and hotspot sharing.

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