They call Medellin the land of eternal spring, because the weather is always perfectly sunny. So, you can imagine, its easy to fall in love with the city.
Once considered one of the most deadliest cities in the world, its fought hard to shake an outdated reputation, forged in the 90’s. Now, not only is it a super-hub for digital nomads and expats, but it recently took 3rd place in the Forbes ‘Best cities in world’ list.
Ranking 90% on Nightlife (I can attest to that), and 97% on food and drink. I spent 5 months in the beautiful city, allowing me to compile a list of the top things to do in Medellin.
Botanical Gardens
Take a break from the beautiful chaos of the city and visit Medellin’s peaceful flower sanctuary. This natural park is home to over 4,500 different tropical flowers and plants, and 139 bird species.
Coming from the concrete jungle of London, it was incredible to see the variety of unique life the park hosts, from furry plants to giant iguanas and turtles. I was particularly blown away by the beautiful butterfly sanctuary.
Cl. 73 #51d-14, http://www.botanicomedellin.org/, Open 9am – 4pm Tuesday to Sunday, Closed on Mondays, Admission is free
ATV Through The Mountains
ATV through the mountainous countryside of Medellin.
The bilingual instructor will provide all the protective gear you need, and take you on a tailor-made route through some stunning rural sceneries. Be prepared to get extremely muddy and take some very badass photos.
- Medellin Adventure Trails medellinadventuretrails.com
- Cuatri Tour ATVs cuatri-tour-atvs.negocio.site
- Medellin Sport Rentals medellinscooterrentals.com
Experience a Football Match
Football (soccer) is a massive deal in Colombia; a truly electrifying event, so if you have the chance to see a match, do not hesitate. Matches are on Wednesday, and Saturday or Sunday, and draw in huge crowds to the home stadium: Estadio Atanasio Giradot
Tickets can be bought online, but the whole thing is a bit of an ordeal. So, I ended up going to the stadium at the time of the match and bought a ticket from one of the vendors. Seats are assigned but in true Colombian style, people just sit anywhere, however the chaos was all part of the experience.
Visit AtlNacional.com.co/boleteria. for tickets for Atlético Nacional, and download the DIM Plus App, so see Independiente Medellín play
Go On a Food Tour
Taste your way through the city, with a local food tour. Your foodie tour guide will take you through Medellin’s coolest neighbourhood, allowing you to try some traditional Paisa dishes and drinks.
- Real City Tours, duration 3hrs, ($25 USD)
- The 10 Tastings of Medellin, duration 3hrs, ($23USD)
Visit Guatape
Guatape is a colourful Colombian town, located 2hrs from Medellin. It’s famous for it’s turquoise lake, dotted with mini green islands, and the picturesque landscapes.
It’s the best place to taste the national dish Bandeja Paisa, as well as climb the infamous giant rock ‘El Penol’. If you’re looking for a fun day trip from Medellin, hop on a bus from Terminal Norte for $4, or book one of the many day tours. I preferred making my own way there, as the journey is so simple, and you have the freedom to go at your own pace.
Top tip: If you go it alone book your return ticket as soon as you arrive at the bus terminal in Guatape. That way you won’t be stuck waiting 2 hours for a ticket to me.
Free Communa 13 Walking Tour
Many people associate Colombia with the cartel wars of the 80’s and 90’s.
For the most part, they are now a things of the past. This tour explains in incredible details how Colombia rose from the ashes to become a more peaceful country, through the memories of the people that lived through the violence.
The tour guides are not only local but also residents of the barrio. A place that was once the most violent and poverty stricken area in the city. You’ll be whisked around the neighbourhood, your guide intricately weaving the comuna 13 story, not only through their own incredible experiences, but also the stunning graffiti art and pioneering local businesses.
Zippy hosts one of most highly rated Comuna 13 tours
Go Paragliding
Medellin is one of the most beautiful cities in the world, and even better from an aerial views. It may sounds a little scary at first but I promise the cruise is so relaxing.
The action takes place in San Felix, for which your instructor will likely organise transport to. Prices range from around $30 (USD) for 15 minutes to $50 (USD) for 30 minutes, photos and videos are an extra $10
‘Parapente San Felix‘ is the most popular and respected paragliding operator in Medellin
Party At A festival
Colombians seriously know how to party, and hold some really fun festivals throughout the year. If you happen to be in Medellin at the right time, you might just catch one.
Negrofest Medellin
Celebrating the best of Afro-Colombian youth culture with a showcase of artisanal vendors, tattoo artists, hairstyling, natural products, jewellery and fashion.
The main stage is kept busy all weekend with music performances that continue late into the night.
See instagram.com/negrofestco for dates and location
Feria de Las Flores
One of Medellin’s most important and oldest festivals, it includes antique cars, a pageant, and musical performances. Usually held around late July/ August, the weekend is filled with huge parades and street parties.
See feriadelasfloresmedellin.gov.co for dates and location
Learn to Salsa
Colombia is a world leader in Latin dance, and an even better place to learn some moves. So if you don’t want to be in the club stepping on your dance partners toes, like me, get the salsa basics down with a dance class.
- Bachata with Deiber & Viviana
- Latin Dance classes and club night @ Social Club
Beautify Yourself
With some of the most high level and affordable cosmetic practitioners in the world, why not beautify yourself while you’re in town.
Make sure you always do tones of research. Read genuine reviews, get first hand customer opinions, and ensure your licensed professional speaks a language that you can understand. I had some basic dental work done at International Smiles, and it was the best dental experience I have ever had. The staff had a vast expertise and were super nice.
- International Smiles, Surgical and Cosmetic dental care, Cl. 11 #30 A 21
- Alta lash and beauty, Eyelash Extensions
- Oh Nails Studio, Nail Salon, Cq. 2 # 72-50
