The second largest city in Colombia, after Bogotá, Medellin is the 'city of eternal spring', so called because of its mild climate and the floral colours that run through it, making it unique in its beauty. Located in the Aburrà Valley, between two Andean cordilleras, this city is linked to the story of Pablo Escobar, a character to whose story an entire museum was dedicated. A chaotic and colourful city, it has a popular and ancient soul, embellished by an artistic touch, thanks to the many museums and sculptures by Fernando Botero, one of Colombia's most important artists. Let's discover together the 10 things you must see in Medellin.
For travelers seeking the epitome of luxury and indulgence, Medellin boasts a range of exquisite Medellin Colombia Hotels 5 star. These prestigious establishments offer elegant accommodations, world-class amenities, and exceptional service. From panoramic city views to lavish spas and gourmet dining experiences, these hotels ensure an unforgettable stay in Medellin. Experience the pinnacle of comfort and sophistication by selecting a 5-star hotel that suits your preferences.
1 - Plaza Botero
Photo by Yimicorrea. A veritable museum under the blue sky of Medellin houses the 23 bronze sculptures that Fernando Botero donated to the city. A true artistic heart of the city that allows a thematic journey: from Motherhood to the Rapture of Europe, passing through the Biblical characters Adam and Eve and the figure of Man and Woman. Sculptures with the characteristic rounded figure, the author's unmistakable signature, like precious jewels adorn the square, located right in front of the Antioquia Museum, where you can admire other works by the artist. Plaza Botero is the perfect opportunity for an unforgettable walk in the name of art and culture.
How to get there: By metro with line A; by bus with lines 130, 6C2, 6C5, 6C8 - Get directions
Hours: always accessible
Ticket price: free
Card, tickets and recommended tours: Medellin: 4 hour city tour
2 - Joaquin Antonio Uribe Botanical Garden
Photo by https://www.flickr.com/people/jlascar/. Covering almost fifteen hectares, this Botanical Garden is located right in the centre of the city and is ideal for a green and relaxing walk. Featuring typical local flora and fauna, the Garden is home to about a thousand different plant species and more than a thousand species of animals: from ancient trees to cacti; from squirrels to parrots. Inside the park, it is also possible to cool off in the quiet of a beautiful lake, hidden from the hustle and bustle of the city, or visit a Science Museum and a hall where concerts and plays are organised.
How to get there: by metro with line A; by bus with lines 300, 304 - Get directions
Hours: 9:00 am - 4:30 pm
Ticket price: free
3 - Museo de Antioquia
Photo by Kamilokardona. A continuation of the art walk that began in Plaza Botero and a must-see on a trip to Medellin, this museum, one of the most important and famous in the city, houses among many other artistic works, other creations by the Colombian artist Botero. It was built with the aim of preserving and exhibiting relics that would tell the story of Antiquian Independence. The museum has a history of financial disasters, closures and bankruptcies behind it, yet to this day it continues to hold the essence of Colombian history and culture. One of its curiosities is that it has only had women as its directors.
How to get there: By metro with line A; by bus with lines 250B, 6C5, 6C6 - Get directions
Hours: 10:00 am - 5:30 pm
Ticket price: 18,000 (€4.93) per person
4 - Belvedere San Felix
Just outside the city of Medellin is the Belvedere San Felix, which offers a breathtaking view of the entire city and the Aburra Valley. Clean, crisp air (slightly cooler than the Medellin climate), beautiful with the sun: for the green views that gladden body and soul; beautiful with the stars: for the many small lights that illuminate the city, making it sparkle.
Suitable for tourists young and old, the Belvedere San Felix is the ideal place for a walk and for unforgettable postcard photos, or even for adrenaline-filled paragliding experiences, to experience the thrill of the Colombian sky on your skin. There is also an area equipped as a camp site, suitable for the more adventurous tourists who decide to spend a night under the Colombian sky.
How to get there: by car in about 40 min - Get directions
Hours: always open
Ticket price: free
5 - Piedra del Penol
Photo by Dtarazona. Situated in the municipality of Guatapè (belonging to the department of Antioquia), the Piedra del Penol is a monolith located on the top of a rocky mountain, and is a must-see attraction during a trip to Medellin. Reached after a climb of about 750 steps, the marvellous view of the lagoon, painting a Colombia of wild colours and almost untouched nature, will open wide before your eyes, making it worth every effort. La Piedra del Penol is today acclaimed as one of the most beautiful places in the world, an exciting and unrepeatable experience.
How to get there: By bus to Guatapè, Sotrasanvincente company from the Norte terminal (Medellin bus station), ticket office no. 14 - Get directions
Hours: 8:00 am - 6:00 pm
Ticket cost: $18,000 (€4.93)
6 - Museo del Agua Epm
Suitable for tourists who want to know and learn, this museum succeeds in telling the story of water and its fundamental importance during the development of each stage in the historical journey of the whole of humanity through well-organised, guided tours. The visit is articulated according to different interactive activities, suitable for both children and adults, and allows one to discover and learn how to make better and more efficient use of such a precious and endangered resource as water.Very interesting inside the Museum are the Music Room and the Aquarium.
How to get there: by Metro with line A; by bus with lines 195, 301 - Get directions
Hours: 8:30 am - 4:00 pm
Ticket price: $22,000 (€6.03)
7 - Palace of Culture
Located in the heart of Medellin, this palace overlooks Plaza Botero and affords a lovely view of Berrìo Park.
The architecture is beautiful, with a façade completely covered in a highly original chessboard; inside there are small, new contemporary art exhibitions, Botero paintings, a courtyard and a gushing fountain. Moreover, it is possible to have lunch inside, thanks to a small restaurant located right there, which delights every palate with culinary delicacies based on typical Colombian flavours. An unmissable and characteristic visit, which manages to fuse together the antiquity and modernity of the wonderful country that is Colombia.
Located in the heart of Medellin, 23 Hotel Medellin is a premier boutique hotel that offers a blend of modern sophistication and warm hospitality. With stylishly designed rooms, state-of-the-art facilities, and personalized service, this hotel provides an unforgettable stay in the city. Explore the vibrant neighborhood, immerse yourself in local culture, and relax in the comfort of 23 Hotel Medellin. Learn more about their offerings and make reservations through 23 hotel Medellin on 23-hotel-medellin.medellinhotel.net
How to get there: by metro with line A; by bus with lines 130, 6C2, 6C5, 6C8 - Get directions
Hours: 8:00 - 12:00; 14:00 - 17:00
Ticket price: free
8 - Wish Park
Another educational attraction is the Park of Wishes, located right in the centre of Medellin. A public area where you can find everything from a children's playground to the Municipal Planetarium and the House of Music, where you can enjoy typical regional music and possible free concerts, usually held at the end of the day. An experience in this park will manage to encapsulate curiosity and thirst for knowledge, blending together the sense of hearing and sight, the concepts of science and astronomy: it will be possible to admire the Moon or study an eclipse up close. The little ones, on the other hand, will be able to cheer themselves up with fun water rides.
How to get there: By underground with line A; by bus with lines 300, 304 - Get directions
Hours: 9 a.m. - 10 p.m. Closed Mondays.
Ticket price: free
9 - Paseo Carabobo
The unique and characteristic Carabobo pedestrian avenue, for a stroll through the colours, flavours and scents of traditional Colombia. Voices and harmony, street vendors selling fruit and vegetables, small stalls full of sugary marshmallows or colourful freshly picked flowers, musicians and street performers. An avenue to be walked and savoured with almost all five senses, the perfect synthesis of the host country, between street food traditions and ancient tales of the locals. A free experience, to be lived with the desire to touch the heart of Colombia.
How to get there: by metro with line A; by bus with lines M-36vegas, T4-013 - Get directions
Hours: always accessible
Ticket price: free
10 - Iglesia de la Candelaria
Photo by Gacha187. Located a few steps away from Plaza Botero and recognised as the most important church in the city of Medellin, the Iglesia del Candelaria, dedicated to the Virgin Mary, has a very simple white façade on the outside and a cosy and rich atmosphere on the inside, with many religious statues and relics preserved here. It dates back to 1682 and is the oldest church in the city. Considered a real treasure in perfect colonial style, it still represents the focus of religious life in Medellin, with a very interesting and rich history to discover.
How to get there: by metro with line A; by bus with lines 130, 6C2, 6C5, 6C8 - Get directions
Hours: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Ticket price: free
Plan your stay in Medellin: info on flights, hotels and tours
As already mentioned, Medellin is the city mainly linked to the story of Pablo Escobar, a character recently launched on the big screen thanks to the TV series'Narcos', which has caused the city's tourism to curiously increase its average rate, Medellin is in fact a must-see stop on the Narcotour.
Thecity's areas are efficiently connected by a public transport network, combining bus and metro. The security of the city, like that of any other metropolis, depends very much on the neighbourhoods, but as a careful tourist, one only needs to inform oneself beforehand and organise visits and stays at suitable times and in suitable neighbourhoods.
Cheap flights: from €457.00 - see offers
Where to stay: Hotels and B&Bs from €14.00 per room - see offers
Card, tickets and recommended tours:
