Top experiences in Medellín, also known as the 'City of Eternal Spring.'

Once labeled the 'most dangerous city in the world,' Medellín has worked tirelessly to shed its violent past, overcoming its association with drugs, gang wars, and gun violence.

Affectionately known as the 'City of Eternal Spring' for its pleasant year-round climate, Medellín has transformed into a must-visit destination, offering everything from gourmet dining to trendy nightlife and, of course, some of the best coffee in the world.

Set against a backdrop of lush mountains and thriving coffee farms, the capital of Antioquia invites visitors to immerse themselves in the energetic, vibrant Colombian culture.

The journey to Colombia’s second-largest city, home to 3 million residents, is a spectacle in itself. Nestled in a valley, the city hugs the mountainsides, and flying through the mist that blankets its coffee plantations is a breathtaking experience.

The pandemic severely impacted Colombia, with major cities like Medellín and Bogotá hit hardest by the coronavirus outbreak.

Despite the challenges, Medellín offers plenty of open, scenic spaces, providing ample opportunities to leave the city behind and explore the great outdoors.

Continue reading for the top activities to enjoy, along with recommendations for dining and accommodation.

Getting familiar with Medellín’s culture.

While Pablo Escobar is undoubtedly the city's most infamous figure, Fernando Botero, the celebrated Colombian sculptor known for his signature oversized, exaggerated style, remains its most revered artist.

Botero's distinctive, voluminous artwork is spread across the city, with Botero Plaza being a lively square dedicated to his creations. For a deeper dive, the Museum of Antioquia features an extensive collection of his paintings.

No visit to Medellín is complete without encountering the legacy of Escobar, the notorious 1980s drug lord known as the 'King of Cocaine.' His influence on the city remains undeniable.

While there are tours focused on Escobar’s life, many locals disapprove due to the painful history. These tours can be insightful, but other guided experiences also touch on his story while offering broader cultural, social, and historical perspectives on Medellín.

One popular option is the free walking tour offered by Real City Tours. While the tour touches on the topic of drugs, it focuses on a broader history of Medellín, going beyond the era of Pablo Escobar and exploring the city’s evolution from its founding to the present day. As the company explains, 'Although Escobar may be mentioned, this is not a dedicated Escobar tour.'

The company also offers three paid tours: a food tour, an exotic fruits tour, and a 'barrio transformation' tour.

Exploring the city's stunning architecture.

Medellín has earned global recognition for its innovative use of infrastructure to transform once-dangerous, crime-ridden areas into vibrant, tourist-friendly neighborhoods.

One prime example of Medellín's impressive infrastructure is Comuna 13.

To visit, take a taxi to Cr 109 #36-63 and follow the crowds to the first 'escalera eléctrica'—one of the many escalators built at almost impossible angles into the hillside to improve social mobility and save residents the exhausting trek up the mountain to reach the city center for work.

The climb is long, but you’ll be rewarded with food and drink stalls lining the winding alleyways, and the panoramic view of Medellín’s valley from the top will make you want to linger for hours.

While the escalators gained international attention for their innovation and impact on the community, it’s the Metro system that truly makes 'Paisas'—the region’s locals—sing its praises.

Built in 1995, during some of the darkest years of Colombia’s 50-year conflict, the Metro quickly became a symbol of hope, resilience, and pride for the people of Medellín.

Although it’s over 25 years old, the Metro remains impeccably clean and free of graffiti.

For a truly unique experience, hop on the city’s cable cars, which will take you up to the northeast neighborhood of Santo Domingo, home to the award-winning Parque Biblioteca España. It’s an excellent spot for capturing stunning photographs, admiring vibrant murals, and sampling some of the city’s best street food.

From Santo Domingo, switch to the Line L metrocable, which will take you even further outside the city to Parque Arví (open Tuesday to Sunday, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.). Here, you’ll find lush forests and waterfalls just under 20 miles from the city center. At the cable car station, you can take a horse or bus to the Piedras Blancas entrance and explore the scenic trails around the lake.

What to eat

The El Poblado neighborhood is the main hotspot for tourists. Parque Lleras, a leafy plaza lined with discotecas, can get lively at night, but by day, it’s home to some great cafes that wouldn't seem out of place in Brooklyn.

High-quality coffee beans are no longer solely exported; independent roasters in the city are now brewing premium coffee using a variety of methods, from French press to siphon.

To truly appreciate Colombian coffee, a trip outside the city to the renowned Coffee Triangle (Eje Cafetero) is a must.

LandVenture Travel offers one-day and overnight trips to Concordia and Jardín, two of the most picturesque regions in Colombia.

Small groups, sometimes as few as two people, are guided deep into the coffee axis, with a local expert sharing insights as you journey through valleys, rivers, villages, and up to mountaintop vistas.

A highlight of the trip is picking your own coffee beans in the cloud-covered hills at the Don Modesto plantation and learning the art of brewing the perfect cup of coffee.

Back in Medellín, the El Poblado neighborhood has become a culinary hotspot. In recent years, Michelin-star chefs have flocked to this trendy district, opening upscale restaurants and modern dining spots to serve the city's growing foodie crowd.

For a truly special dining experience, book well in advance at Carmen, a Colombian-Californian fusion restaurant run by a couple trained at Le Cordon Bleu. The fresh fish of the day is sourced from the Pacific Coast, and diners enjoy their meals in a beautiful space with a view of the open kitchen.

OCI.Mde, an edgy urban favorite, specializes in slow-cooked dishes, with their glazed pork shank being the standout item on the menu.

Where to stay

El Poblado is the safest and most popular area to stay, offering everything from budget dorm hostels to five-star luxury. However, keep your guard up, as street crime has risen since the pandemic. Always keep your valuables out of sight.

For a trendy, upscale experience, The Charlee Hotel is the place to be. With a rooftop pool, a DJ, three levels of gym space, and a sushi bar, it attracts the young and fashionable. With just 42 rooms, the hotel focuses on quality, offering spacious, modern rooms, luxurious bathrooms, and plenty of space to continue the party.

If you prefer a more tranquil vibe, Patio del Mundo offers a peaceful retreat in a leafy neighborhood, just a short walk from the bustle of Parque Lleras. This seven-bedroom, family-run boutique hotel is a welcome escape from the city's hustle and bustle.

The lounge opens up to a stunning terrace, where guests can stroll down a winding path leading to an outdoor hot tub nestled at the bottom of the garden. Each room is uniquely designed, reflecting the French owners' extensive travels around the world.

Breakfast is served on the veranda, and as you sip freshly brewed local coffee, you might feel like you’re in a serene tropical retreat rather than a vibrant city.