The Best Things To Do In Medellin Now (2024)
Your comprehensive travel guide for exploring the best things to experience in Medellin, Colombia
TLDR
- Medellin, Colombia is a safe place to visit in 2024.
- Medellin is a huge city with a vast variety of incredible things to do
- Consider staying in less touristy areas than Poblado
Medellín, Colombia is one of the top destinations to visit for foreigners and for Colombians.
A city transforming from a war torn past of drugs & Pablo Escobar, the “city of Eternal Spring” is an amazing destination to choose in 2024.
Fine dining, low cost of living, vibrant nightlife, and an ideal climate that rivals any other city globally.
Here are all the things you should definitely do when in Medellin!
Some of the Best Things to do in Medellin, Colombia
Visit Communa 13 aka the Most Violent Barrio
Communa 13 is one of the most advertised and talked about places in Medellin.
For good reason, as it was once the most dangerous and now a center of change and hope.
Visit this for some amazing Colombian perspective and history
Consider Volunteering in Communa 13 as a real way to experience this community!
Day Trip to nearby Guatape
One of the best things to do in Medellin is get out of the city for an incredible day trip to Guatape!
You might know this city from pamphlets of an unmistakable giant rock aka el penon.
A day trip is worthwhile but an overnight stay is even better
Parque Arvi
Parque Arvi is a beautiful park situated in Santa Elena in the hills of Medellin.
This park is accessed from the cable cars at Acevedo Station.
Even if you don’t visit the park, the cable car ride up is worth every minute with it’s unbeatable view of Medellin!
Paraglide over Medellin
Paragliding is one of the most popular attractions for tourists when in the city of Eternal Spring.
Read my paragliding in Medellin guide to learn all about how to have one of the most unforgettable Medellin experiences of your lifetime!
Go to a Medellin Futbol Match
Experiencing a Colombian futbol match is unmistakingly one of the best experiences you can have while in Colombia.
Grab a match while you’re in town to see some of the most passionate fans around the country.
Related Read: 🌴 Salento’s Valle De Cocora Palm Trees
Experience a Medellin Festival
Festivals are a way of life in Colombia and Medellin has some damn good ones.
One of the most popular is the Flower Festival that turns the city into a major party that you should try to schedule your trip around.
Can't Miss Medellin Tours
Medellin Day tours are about as abundant as sand at the beach. Here are some of the best tours to experience while in Medellin:
- Pablo Escobar Medellin Tour
- Medellin Coffee Tour
- Exotic Fruits Tour
Free City Walking Tour
The Free City Walking Tour is a tour anyone and everyone should take when they arrive to Medellin.
It’s easily the most comprehensive tour I’ve ever been on and it’s an amazing way to understand the history of the city.
BOOK NOW!
Salsa in Medellin Fashion
Colombia is a country of characters that love to dance.
Although Cali is the Salsa capital of the world, Medellin has a wide array of spots that you must venture too while in the city.
Learn to Speak Spanish Fast
Colombians are said to be some of the best people to learn Spanish from so why not start now?
Check out the number of schools available to you or just start talking to the friendly Paisas around the city!
Sample Amazing Coffee
Colombian Coffee is damn good. I mean, really good.
Read all about where to find the Best Coffee in Medellin and take advantage of that caffeine kick to see the rest of these best things in the city of eternal spring!
Pueblito Paisa
Puebla Paisa is a Medellin tourist trap but the views from its peak are incredible.
This gem is well worth the journey from wherever you are, especially at sunset.
When the winds are strong expect a crowd flying their kites into the Medellin skyline.
Visit the Minista Market
Did you know that Colombia is home to some of the world’s most exotic and diverse fruits?
Well if you’re craving some exotic or typical local fruits, Minista Market is one of the best Free Medellin activities to consider.
This place has it all. It’s a wild ride roaming these market corridors & for those who want a sensory enhancement, make this a stop on your Medellin itinerary.
Easily accessible from the metro, I urge everyone and anyone to stroll through this Mercado.
Barrio Central Pub quiz
This tourist hot spot off of Carrera 70 hosts a pub quiz that’s very popular for tourists alongside tourists!
Highly recommend experiencing this for yourself.
Get active around Estadio Parque
This complex is a Mecca for anyone into fitness or sports. There is an outdoor gym, skatepark, volleyball court, baseball field, basketball courts, swimming pools & more.
The list is lengthy so come by for the daily array of organized or impromptu action.
You’re sure to find something that will get your heart rate up without spending a dime.
Parque Botanico
The Botanical Gardens are a perfect place to stroll, read a book and take in the sunshine.
Situated next to Universidad station, this is a great place to lose track of time or get your legs moving in a lovely setting.
The Gardens host a range of activities year-round, so check the schedule and see if there is something while in town.
Ride the free Medellin Metro Cable Cars
If you don’t exit the metro station at the 3 metro cable stops, you can ride them up and down for free.
These are A MUST do while exploring Medellin as they give you a glimpse of life up in the poorer barrios as well as an outstanding perspective of the city.
Where to Stay in Medellin Colombia
Poblado - Tourist Central
Poblado is the highest concentration of tourists and nightlife in Medellin.
This is also one of the most expensive areas to live in the city and for good reasons.
I stayed a few days here and loved it but those who don’t want to be swarmed with other tourists look for other parts of the city.
Laureles/Estadio
Want a bit more culture but still surrounded by tourists/ex-pats?
Laureles is the place you want to be. Central location + a great area of cafes and bars, you will enjoy your time here!
Read all about Medellin’s Laureles
How to get around Medellin Colombia Safely
Metro de Medellin
Medellin’s Metro can get you all over the city safely and efficiently. It’s the ONLY metro system in all of Colombia and is quite safe & clean.
Prices are cheap to ride and provide a very comfortable way to see the city
Travelling in rush hour times can be frustrating if you hate large crowds.
Medellin Taxis
Taxis are generally safe and a good way to get around.
However, if you’re being a gringo you might get charged like a gringo.
Have some confidence and some Spanish to help facilitate a smooth transaction.
Where to Eat and Drink in Medellin
Envy Rooftop - Sunset and Drink
Envy Rooftop is one of the best places to catch a sunset in Medellin.
This is a popular rooftop bar in Medellin amongst tourists and locals.
Parque Lleras, Poblado's main nightlife center
Tourist party hotspot. Choose from the infinite bars/clubs or grab alcohol from the corner stores and hang out with everyone else in the park.
Tourists should experience at least one night here while some will never leave this area.
Calle 9+1 for the electronic music lovers
Octava - Poblado
Instagram hot spot in the ball pit of this electric nightlife spot!
Cafe Zorba - Poblado
Pizza + italian food in this swanky Poblado restaurant. Low lit and intimate, this is a great place for some of Medellin’s best pizza
Menu Del Dias - Citywide Lunch Specials
The best way to save money in Medellin and eat well is with Menu Del Dia’s.
These consist of a protein, salad, soup, drink and dessert.
They range from about $1.5-4 and are something that will keep both your pockets and belly full.
Bandeja Paisa
Find Medellin’s most infamous dish, Bandeja Paisa.
Props to those who can finish the massive serving of Eggs, Chicharrón, beans, rice & Avocado.
Some Things you will constantly see in Medellin
After living in Medellin for 3 months, there a number of things that you will learn to embrace or hate.
Here are some of those daily doses:
Futbol Uniforms – A popular wardrobe choice and a huge affinity for the sport, these uniforms are sold everywhere.
Ques – Medellin is a HUGE city and there are a ton of people. Get used to waiting in lines for things.
Arepas & Empanadas – It’s impossible to go 5 minutes without seeing these Colombian staple foods.
Tours – Since tours are so popular, you will either see them or see advertisements everywhere for them. Learn to love it.
Street Performers – These guys are legit. Like BEST I’ve ever seen good. Word to the wise. If you stop and watch, you owe the performer. If you don’t want to pay, don’t watch!
Aguardiente – This is Colombia’s Liquor of choice. I can GUARANTEE if you’re a foreigner, you will be asked to take a shot of this at some point in the near future.
Crazy Driving – The drivers in Medellin are straight nuts. I highly recommend wearing a seatbelt whenever possible.
Other Great Places to know in Medellin
Park 37 is a great spot for dinner or roam around and find what looks tasty.
Enjoy the Poblado Nightlife as there is tons to choose from in the area. One place that you should definitely check out is Mad Records.
Friday night in Poblado. Head to Parque Lleras, Poblado’s main nightlife center, and embrace the chaos that will be found around every corner.
Grab a bottle of Colombia’s favorite, Aguardiente & have your pick at one of the many bars/discotecas at your disposal.
Safety in Colombia - How Safe is Medellin in 2024?
This might be the most asked question about anyone planning a trip to Colombia. Is Medellin Safe in 2024?
Is Colombia safe to visit now? Long story short, YES.
Don’t let the fear and news keep you away from this amazing country.
Bad things can happen anywhere but this place is fine to explore without worrying too much.
Yes there’s issues but keep your head on a swivel and you will be more than fine.
More of the Best Things to do in Colombia
There you have it! The top things to do in Medellin this year.
There are a plethora of other things, but this will set you up for great success.
Stop wasting time, read more of my informative travel resources in Colombia:
🚴🏻♂️ Colombia’s Outdoor Capital: San Gil