Medellin , the vibrant capital of Colombia's Antioquia department, is known as the "City of Eternal Spring" due to its year-round temperate climate. Surrounded by green mountains and crossed by the Medellin River, this city is a place full of life, culture, and possibilities for adventure. If you find yourself in Medellin during a holiday, you have the perfect opportunity to explore its diverse attractions, enjoy its unique cuisine, and immerse yourself in the cultural wealth this city has to offer.
1. Start your day with a Paisa breakfast
There's nothing better than starting the day with a good traditional breakfast from the region. A typical paisa breakfast can include arepas, huevos pericos (scrambled eggs with tomato and onion), chorizo, beans, and freshly brewed Colombian coffee. You can head to one of the traditional cafes in the El Poblado neighborhood, such as "Pergamino Café" or "Hija Mía Coffee Roasters," where in addition to enjoying a delicious breakfast, you can try some of the best coffees in the region.
2. Explore the City Center
After a satisfying breakfast, head into downtown Medellín to immerse yourself in the city’s history and culture. Start at Plaza Botero, a landmark that houses 23 sculptures by famed artist Fernando Botero, known for his voluminous figures. The plaza is located next to the Museo de Antioquia, where you can explore an impressive collection of Colombian and Latin American art, including more of Botero’s work.
Right next to the square is the Rafael Uribe Uribe Palace of Culture, a Gothic-style building built in the early 20th century. You can walk through its halls and enjoy temporary exhibitions or simply admire the unique architecture of the place.
3. Visit the Explora Park and the Botanical Garden
Next, take the metro to Universidad station and visit Parque Explora, an interactive science and technology park that's perfect for adults and kids alike. The park features an impressive aquarium, exhibits on biology, physics, and more, all designed for interactive learning.
Right next to Parque Explora, you'll find the Joaquín Antonio Uribe Botanical Garden, an oasis of tranquility in the middle of the city. This natural space is home to a wide variety of plants and flowers, including an impressive collection of orchids. It's a perfect place to relax and enjoy nature.
4. Have lunch at a traditional restaurant
For lunch, there's nothing better than trying an authentic bandeja paisa, the region's signature dish. This hearty dish includes beans, rice, ground beef, pork rinds, chorizo, ripe plantains, fried eggs, avocado, arepa, and blood sausage. Some of the most recommended restaurants to enjoy a good bandeja paisa are "Hacienda" in Laureles or "El Cielo", a restaurant with a more modern and gourmet approach located in El Poblado.
5. Climb to Cerro Nutibara and Pueblito Paisa
After a hearty lunch, head to Cerro Nutibara, a hill that offers a stunning panoramic view of Medellín. At the top, you’ll find Pueblito Paisa, a recreation of a traditional Antioquian village with colorful houses, a church, a fountain, and a small plaza. It’s an ideal place to learn about the architecture and culture of the region, as well as take spectacular photographs of the city from above.
6. Discover Commune 13
One of the most iconic places in Medellín is Comuna 13, a neighborhood that has undergone an impressive transformation in recent decades. This place, which used to be one of the most dangerous in the city, is now a symbol of resilience and urban art. You can take a guided tour to learn about the history of the commune, see the impressive street art murals, and use the escalators that facilitate access to the highest parts of the neighborhood.
In Comuna 13 you can also find a vibrant cultural scene, with breakdancing, hip-hop, and other street performances that reflect the energy and creativity of its inhabitants. It is an ideal place to understand the recent history of Medellín and see firsthand how art and community can transform an urban area.
7. Relax in Arví Park
If you prefer to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city, a great option is to visit Arví Park, a nature reserve located in the mountains east of Medellín. To get to the park, you can take the Metrocable from the Acevedo station, which will allow you to enjoy a spectacular aerial tour with views of the city and the surrounding nature.
Arví Park is perfect for hiking, biking, or just relaxing in the middle of the forest. Additionally, the park has designated picnic areas, so you can bring some food and enjoy an outdoor lunch surrounded by nature. There are also guides available who offer interpretive tours to learn more about the flora and fauna of the region.
8. Enjoy the sunset at the Mirador de Las Palmas
You can't leave Medellín without enjoying a sunset at one of its most famous viewpoints. The Mirador de Las Palmas, located on the Las Palmas highway that connects Medellín with the José María Córdova International Airport, is the perfect place to end your day. From this point, you can have a panoramic view of the entire city as the sun sets behind the mountains. It's a popular spot among locals and tourists, and there are several food and drink outlets where you can enjoy a snack while you wait for the sunset.
9. Dinner and Nightlife in El Poblado
To conclude your holiday in Medellin, head back to the El Poblado neighborhood, the most cosmopolitan area of the city, known for its lively nightlife. Here you will find a wide variety of restaurants, bars, and nightclubs. For dinner, you can opt for one of the many restaurants that offer everything from traditional Colombian food to high-end international cuisine.
After dinner, if you still have energy, explore Medellin's nightlife. The streets of El Poblado, especially in the area known as "Parque Lleras", come alive at night, with live music, DJs, and a festive atmosphere that attracts locals and tourists alike. From laid-back bars where you can enjoy a cocktail, to clubs where you can dance salsa and reggaeton until late at night, there are options for all tastes.
Medellín is a city that has managed to reinvent itself over the years, becoming an example of urban and social transformation. A holiday in Medellín offers the opportunity to get to know this city full of contrasts, from its natural spaces to its vibrant urban life, as well as its rich cultural and gastronomic offering.