Medellín: 5 Must-Try Activities
Translated from French by Meghan McCallum
With a population of nearly three million, Medellín is the second-largest city in Colombia after the capital, Bogotá. The city is nestled in a valley and surrounded by hills. It’s easy to get around Medellín thanks to two main modes of transportation: the subway (one of the cleanest I’ve ever seen!) for longer excursions, and cable cars (like skiing gondolas, but without the snow) to go up in the hills.
Medellín has everything: colors, museums, shopping centers, nature, and history. Colombia’s history of drugs and violence is still evident, but the city really showcases the resilience of its people here and how it has overcome violence.
To learn more about different parts of the city, here are my 5 must-try activities in Medellín:
Take a Free Walking Tour
As always, I recommend a Free Walking Tour as the BEST way to visit the city and get recommendations for museums, restaurants, and neighborhoods. So the sooner you do it, the sooner you can choose what to do on your trip.
I recommend the central tour, where you can see parks, markets and streets, churches, and interesting places full of history – including the Parque de las Luces or “Park of Lights,” where giant light pillars were installed to prevent crime; San Antonio Park with two sculptures (one of which was blown up by a bomb, but was kept in remembrance… and a copy of it made by the artist and given to the city); Plaza Botero with lots of sculptures, and Alpujarra Administrative Center – with even more huge sculptures!
This tour is on foot and takes about three hours, but you will also take the subway to see more of the city (remember to bring change for your ticket). The guides explain the city’s history, its transformation, and its current situation. They are always very knowledgeable, so don’t be afraid to ask questions!
Explore Comuna 13
This area of the city is entirely set into the Medellín hillside. It was established primarily by people escaping the countryside, which had become too dangerous in the 1970s due to drug trafficking.
In turn, this neighborhood became very dangerous with gang activities. But in time, with work by the city and its residents, peace was restored. Today the neighborhood is full of graffiti art, murals, food vendors, music, and hip-hop dancing. There’s also an escalator, which was installed by the city to help the locals get around Comuna 13. You can get there with the subway and the cable cars (line J), and visit with a guide — often a local — who has lived through the transformation of the neighborhood and will have touching and impressive stories to share.
Be aware, it’s all uphill! The tour is slow enough to check out the art and watch (or participate) in dance demonstrations. And once you’re up top, the mirador gives you a stunning view of the city and the hills on the other side.
Visit the Museo Antioquia
Located in Plaza Botero in the heart of the city, the Antioquia Museum (named after the province where Medellín is located) boasts the world’s largest collection of works by the Colombian painter and sculptor Fernando Botero. It also has other local and international artworks from the 20th century including abstract and figurative art. The museum is big, so take your time!
In my photo collage you’ll see works by Ethel Gilmour (Colombian), Francisco Botero (Colombian), Lwdin Franco (Armenian), Rafael Canogar (Spanish), and Pedro Alcántara Herrán Martínez (Colombian).
discover Parque Arví
This park provides a breath of fresh air after spending several days in the busy city of Medellín! Leave early to give yourself enough time to get there – this park is located up in the hills just outside of town, so you need to take the cable car (line K) to get there. You’ll probably take the subway also, depending on where you’re staying in Medellín.
There’s a little market at the entrance, a restaurant with a beautiful view, and the forest is incredible!
During our visit, we were able to do a bike tour (electric bikes are available, if necessary) and a mini hike. Heads up for your planning: there is only one route that you can do on your own. For the others, you have to register for guided activities. Entry into the park costs just under 10 dollars.
Climb the Piedra del Peñol
Put on a good pair of shoes and mentally prepare yourself to climb up the 675 steps of this huge rock! The view from the top is totally worth it.
Day tours – which are available from several different operators – will often include the bus ride (about two hours), a boat tour in the Guatapé Lagoon, the climb up Piedra del Peñol, and lunch, as well as time to explore the town of Guatapé. It’s a small, colorful town, and it’s nice to stroll the streets and Zocaló Square.
It’s a really unique experience!