Medellin is Colombia’s second-largest city, after Bogotá. Located in the center of Colombia in el Departmento of Antioquia (best translated as a state). Medellin offers rich vibrant culture, creative expression, art, fashion, and music.
Medellin has been transformed from its past in the last two decades, and was recognized as the “The Most Innovative City” by the Wall Street Journal.
Medellin has a very cosmopolitan vibe with an array of art and history museums, theatres, restaurants, and several sports complexes! Days can be spent on walking tours exploring the city, learning about its culture and history, and jumping on the cable car to head up into the mountains for hiking. Nights here are filled with salsa dancing and partying until sunrise.
Must do attractions in Medellin include visiting Guatape, Pueblita Paisa colonial monument, Plaza Botero, experiencing views from the Metrocable, Antioquia Museum, Paragliding, Comuna 13, and many more!
Accommodation:
Medellin has an extensive variety of hostels, airbnbs, and hotels to choose from. However, the hostel scene has dramatically improved throughout the years and continues to be the best way to travel. Hostels in Medellin provide quality, modern design, safety, and affordable prices. You’re sure to find excellent locations, great rooftops, great people, and amazing vibes.
Some of the best areas to stay in Medellin include El Poblado, Laureles-Estadio, and La Candelaria. Hostelmatch is a great platform that allows you find the best hostels that match your vibe.
El Poblado is known as the backpacker hub and is the most popular area for travellers and tourists. It is one of the safest parts of Medellin and is located close to restaurants, transportation, and nightlife. You’ll also notice there is an equal mix of tourists and locals.
Night-Life
The nightlife in Medellin is famous worldwide and one of the reasons why most people want to visit the city. Medellín is the birthplace of famous Reggaeton and pop artists J Balvin, Karol G, and Maluma, so naturally, music and dancing is a huge part of the culture.
Here are the top 3 neighbourhoods for the best nightlife in Medellin!
El Poblado is known for offering a variety of bars, nightclubs, and restaurants. Here you will also find Parque Lleras which is a tree-lined square filled with people, music, and mischief. It is the beating heart of Medellín's nightlife, with a high density of clubs and bars. At night, the atmosphere is electric. Provenza is a smaller locality, situated within el Poblado. Just a stone’s throw from Parque Lleras, Provenza is definitely the place to see and be seen. Expect classier vibes compared to Lleras. From hipster hole-in-the-wall bars to three-storey clubs, there is something for everyone in this trendy neighbourhood.
Laureles is great for an authentic Colombian fiesta. If you're looking for something less touristy, then head to Laureles. Here you are sure to find lots of locals, salsa music, lights, and dancing! This is also a great and affordable spot for bar hopping.
Las Palmas: If you're looking for a more exclusive experience, we recommend a night out in Las Palmas. Not too far from El Poblado, Las Palmas is in a great location with surrounding villas and apartments. This hilltop neighbourhood is home to some of the most extravagant nightclubs and bars in the city. Its location means that it offers some of the best night views of the city.
Price
The currency in medellin is the Colombian Peso (COP). The average cost of a cup of coffee is around 4,000 COP, equivalent to $1.10 USD.
Overall, Medellin is a very budget-friendly destination. If you’re looking to visit Medellin on a budget, you can get by with as low as around $30-$40 USD a day. This would mean staying in a hostel dorm, using public transportation, attending the free activities the city has to offer, and sticking to local food and drinks. For a bit more comfort, you can also stay in a private hostel, hit a museum or join a tour, and go out for a nicer meals and drinks, with a budget of $50-$60 USD a day.
E-Sim
E-Sims are great to get connectivity during your travels without having to worry about local sims and connections. E-sims are much cheaper, easy to activate and do not create a dent in your wallet.
Get the best E-Sim for your next trip with Airalo.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is one of the most important requirements as a traveller. Medical bills, Lost Baggage or cancelled trips are costly and you don't want to be stuck with a huge bill from your travels. Always be prepared with travel insurance and make sure to have one that covers you well.
Safetywing is one of the best travel insurance providers for Digital Nomads and Solo travellers.
Colombian Visa
Lastly, be aware of the Colombian visa rules if you plan to stay in Colombia for more than 90 days. The Colombian Area allows visa-free travel for up to 90 days for American & Canadian citizens. If you wish to stay longer, explore other options like applying for an e-visa or alternating between neighbouring countries.
Travel Seasons - High vs Low SZN
High Season
Medellin is known for its festivals, ranging from Fashion Week, the famous Flower Festival, the International Jazz Festival, and the most spectacular Christmas light displays in December. There is rarely a dull moment in Medellin.
The Flower Festival is the biggest and most important cultural event of the year in Medellin and takes place in August. For one week, the city welcomes people from all over the world to celebrate the beauty of its flowers and the diversity of the country
Low Season
Overall, the best time to avoid crowds and save some money would be the shoulder seasons leading up to the high season and following on from it: November, February and March are the best months for a magic combination of drier weather, fewer crowds and better prices.
Weather
Medellin has a tropical climate with warm temperatures year-round. The average temperature in Medellin ranges from 65-80 degrees fahrenheit, or 18-27 degrees celsius. The great weather makes Medellin the perfect destination to have some fun at night with friends and family.
As for rain, Medellin has moderate and occasional rainfall. The southern part of the city gets the most rain. Despite the occasional rain, you won’t find the city cold or gloomy!
December, January, June, and July are the hottest and driest months of the year. Temperature can rise up to 30 degrees celsius or 86 Fahrenheit.
Language
Spanish is the dominant language spoken in Medellin. Most locals, known as Paisas, don’t speak much English, but despite the language barrier, Medellin is known for having some of the friendliest people. It makes it easy to meet new friends while you are in the city. Colombians are very warm and welcoming people, and having friendly people makes for a fantastic vacation!
Transportation
The city has an extensive public transportation system that includes the subway and the aerial cable (MetroCable). This makes it easier to get around the city, and it is a great way to experience the culture. The above-ground two-line system connects the north with the south, and the downtown with the west.
Pro Tip: Get a Civica card. Even if you’re only staying in the city for a few days, it’s worth it to get a Civica card. They don’t cost anything; you just need to show your passport and fill out a form to get one. These cards get you cheaper rides on the metro and you can skip the line to buy tickets. Time is money, after all.
Taxis are also available, but should not be called on the street. It is much safer to ask your hotel or hostel to call for a taxi on your behalf. But the SAFEST option is using rideshare apps like Uber.
Explore flights with Expedia.
Safety
If you are staying in El Poblado or other touristy neighbourhoods, it is generally safe to walk around. However, you should avoid flashing anything valuable while you’re out. Some areas of Medellin still have pick-pocketers.
Food
The best way to get to know a place is by trying its food. The most iconic dish is called Bandeja Paisa (pronounced “Ban-deh-ha”), which is a dish that is served with ground beef, rice, beans, plantain, avocado, eggs, arepa (corn cake), avocado, and chicharron (fried pork belly). Walking through Medellin you’ll see many different restaurants to pick from.
There are a few food delivery services available, the most popular being Rappi and DiDi Food. Many hostels don’t allow them so enquire in advance whether your accommodation is happy to allows you to order food for your door.
5-Day Itinerary
Whether it’s the bouncing nightlife, or beautiful nature walks that you are after, you will have no problem finding something fun to do! This guide is sure to help you plan your next trip and itinerary for Medellin.
Day 1: Exploring the Vibrant City
MORNING
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at El Cielo, known for its innovative cuisine. After breakfast, head to Plaza Botero to admire the impressive collection of sculptures by Fernando Botero. Take a stroll through the nearby Antioquia Museum to learn more about the region's history and art.
AFTERNOON
For lunch, visit El Herbario, a charming restaurant that offers a variety of Colombian dishes with a modern twist. After lunch, take a ride on the famous Metrocable to enjoy panoramic views of the city and explore the Pueblito Paisa, a replica of a traditional Antioquian village.
EVENING
In the evening, indulge in a fine dining experience at Carmen, known for its innovative Colombian cuisine. After dinner, explore the vibrant nightlife of Medellin by visiting Lleras Park, where you'll find a variety of bars and clubs to choose from.
Day 2: Nature & Culture
MORNING
Start your day by visiting the Medellin Botanical Garden, a peaceful oasis in the heart of the city. After exploring the gardens, head to Explora Park to engage in interactive science exhibits and enjoy a planetarium show.
AFTERNOON
For lunch, try Il Forno, a cozy Italian restaurant known for its delicious wood-fired pizzas. After lunch, take a guided tour of the Comuna 13 District to learn about its transformation through street art and enjoy a cable car ride for panoramic views.
EVENING
Enjoy a relaxing evening at Oci.Mde, a rooftop bar with stunning views of the city. Sip on craft cocktails and savor the ambiance. For dinner, visit Julia Pizzeria Gourmet and indulge in their gourmet pizza creations.
Day 3: Visiting Guatapé for adventure
MORNING
Embark on a full-day tour to Guatapé (Pueblo de Zócalos) and El Peñol. Enjoy a scenic boat ride, climb the iconic rock of El Peñol, and explore the colorful streets of Guatape. Breakfast and lunch will be provided during the tour.
AFTERNOON
Continue exploring Guatape by visiting La Rueca Restaurant, a local gem known for its traditional Colombian cuisine. After lunch, take a leisurely stroll along the waterfront and soak in the charming atmosphere of the town.
EVENING
Head back to Medellin and enjoy a delightful dinner at Fuego, a restaurant specializing in grilled meats and traditional Colombian dishes.
Day 4: Historical & Cultural Delights
MORNING
Start your day by visiting the San Pedro Cemetery Museum, a unique museum that showcases the history and culture of Medellin through its elaborate mausoleums. Afterward, visit Jardín, a picturesque town known for its colorful facades and beautiful gardens.
AFTERNOON
For lunch, try Hato Viejo, a traditional Colombian restaurant that serves authentic dishes from the region. After lunch, explore the Medellin Modern Art Museum to admire contemporary artworks by local and international artists.
EVENING
Experience a traditional Colombian dance performance at Santo Domingo Savio Library. Afterward, enjoy a delicious dinner at Pacífico, a restaurant that specializes in seafood dishes.
Day 5: Colonial Charm
MORNING
Take a day trip to Santa Fe de Antioquia, a charming colonial town located near Medellin. Explore the cobblestone streets, visit the El Castillo Museum, and admire the beautiful architecture. Enjoy breakfast at a local cafe in the town.
AFTERNOON
For lunch, try Elcielo, a restaurant that offers a unique dining experience with innovative Colombian cuisine. After lunch, relax by the pool at a local hotel or explore more of Santa Fe de Antioquia at your leisure.
EVENING
Head back to Medellin and end your trip with a farewell dinner at Pacífico, where you can savor delicious seafood dishes and reminisce about your adventures in Colombia.
We hope this travel guide helps your next trip to Medellin, Colombia!
Ready to book your next adventure? Explore the best hostels with Hostelmatch!
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