A complete guide to Medellin, Colombia, covering the remarkable urban transformation of Comuna 13, the Botero sculptures of Plaza Botero, lush botanical gardens, innovative cable car transit, and the eternal spring climate that makes this city one of the most livable in South America.
A public square filled with 23 oversized bronze sculptures donated by Fernando Botero, Medellin's most famous artist. His signature style of voluminous, rounded figures fills the square with playful art. The adjacent Antioquia Museum (COP 18,000) houses more Botero works plus other Colombian artists. The outdoor sculptures are free to see at any time. Go in the morning for fewer crowds.
See the 23 Botero sculptures in the plaza
Visit the Antioquia Museum
Tour Comuna 13 and its street art
Once the most dangerous neighborhood in Medellin, Comuna 13 has been transformed through outdoor escalators (free public transit), vibrant street art, and community programs. Walking tours (free/tip-based, 2-3 hours) explain the neighborhood's history and the meaning behind the murals. Real City Tours and Zippy Tours are well-regarded. This is the most powerful cultural experience in Medellin.
Take a guided walking tour
Ride the outdoor escalators
See the murals and street art
Ride the Metro Cable car system
Medellin's innovative cable car lines connect hillside neighborhoods to the metro system. Lines J, H, K, and L are public transit (COP 2,950 per ride) offering aerial views of the valley and mountainside barrios. Line K to Santo Domingo is the most popular for tourists. The cable cars were a pioneering solution to connecting underserved hillside communities.
Visit the Museum of Memory (Museo Casa de la Memoria)
A moving museum documenting Medellin's decades of conflict and the path toward reconciliation. Interactive exhibits feature personal testimonies, art installations, and documented history. The museum handles the difficult subject with sensitivity and hope. Free entry. Located near the Botanical Garden. Allow 1.5-2 hours. An essential visit for understanding the city's transformation.
Parks and Nature
Explore the Botanical Garden (Jardin Botanico)
A 14-hectare garden in the heart of the city with a stunning orchid exhibit (over 4,500 species), a butterfly house, and a lake. The Orquideorama, a massive wooden flower-like structure, is an architectural landmark. Free entry. Open daily 9 AM to 5 PM. Adjacent to the Explora science park. A peaceful retreat from the busy city streets.
See the Orquideorama structure
Visit the orchid and butterfly exhibits
Hike in Parque Arvi ecological reserve
A vast nature reserve in the mountains above Medellin, reachable by Metro Cable from Acevedo station (Line L, COP 7,200 round trip). The park has hiking trails, a butterfly farm, a pre-Columbian archaeological site, and a weekend artisan market. The cable car ride alone (15 minutes over mountains and valleys) is worth the trip. Bring a jacket as temperatures are cooler at the higher altitude.
Ride the Metro Cable L to the park
Hike the forest trails
Walk along Parque Lleras and El Poblado
El Poblado is Medellin's most upscale neighborhood, with Parque Lleras as its social center. Tree-lined streets, international restaurants, craft cocktail bars, and boutique hotels surround the park. The nightlife here is the most active in the city. Restaurants range from Colombian to Japanese to Middle Eastern. A good base for visitors, though prices are higher than other areas.
Food and Coffee
Eat bandeja paisa, Medellin's signature dish
An enormous platter of red beans, white rice, ground meat, chicharron (pork belly), fried plantain, avocado, arepa, and a fried egg. Hatoviejo and Mondongos are traditional restaurants serving massive portions. A full bandeja paisa costs COP 25,000-40,000. It is a single-meal-per-day kind of dish. This is Antioquia's culinary pride and eating it here is the authentic experience.
Visit a specialty coffee shop
Medellin's coffee scene has exploded in recent years. Pergamino, Hija Mia, and Rituales are among the best specialty cafes. Many offer cuppings and coffee education sessions. A quality specialty coffee costs COP 8,000-15,000. The Antioquia region produces some of Colombia's finest beans, and these shops source directly from local farms.
Explore Minorista Market
Medellin's largest traditional market, with an overwhelming selection of tropical fruits, vegetables, meats, and prepared foods. The juice stands blend exotic fruits like borojó, zapote, and tomate de arbol. A full lunch at one of the market's comedores (food stalls) costs COP 8,000-12,000. Go in the morning for the most vibrant atmosphere. Located near the Alpujarra metro station.
Day Trips
Day trip to Guatape and El Penol
A colorful lakeside town about 2 hours east of Medellin. The main attraction is El Penol, a 220-meter granite monolith with 740 steps to the summit, offering 360-degree views of the reservoir and surrounding hills. The town itself has brightly painted zocalos (lower walls) on every building. Buses from Terminal del Norte cost COP 15,000 each way. Start early to beat the afternoon clouds.
Climb the 740 steps of El Penol rock
Walk the colorful streets of Guatape town
Visit Santa Fe de Antioquia
A beautifully preserved colonial town about 80 km northwest of Medellin, founded in 1541. The warmer climate (compared to Medellin) and cobblestone streets with white colonial buildings make it a popular weekend escape. The Puente de Occidente suspension bridge and the main plaza are highlights. Buses from Terminal del Norte take about 1.5 hours.
Visit a coffee farm in the Antioquia hills
Several coffee farms (fincas) within 1-2 hours of Medellin offer tours of the growing, harvesting, and processing stages. Tours typically last 3-4 hours and cost COP 60,000-100,000, including tasting and sometimes a meal. Finca San Pedro and Finca El Pinal are popular options. Seeing the entire journey from cherry to cup gives new appreciation for Colombian coffee.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Medellin safe for tourists?
Medellin has transformed dramatically from its violent past. Tourist areas like El Poblado, Laureles, and the city center are generally safe during the day. Use common sense: avoid flashing valuables, use ride-sharing apps at night, and do not venture into unknown barrios alone after dark. Comuna 13 is safe to visit on a guided tour during the day. Most visitors have very positive experiences.
How many days do I need in Medellin?
Three to four days covers Comuna 13, the city center museums, the Botanical Garden, a cable car ride, and the food scene. Add a day for a Guatape day trip (highly recommended). Two days is tight but possible for the highlights. Many visitors extend their stay because the comfortable climate, friendly culture, and low cost of living make the city very easy to enjoy.
What is the weather like in Medellin?
Known as the City of Eternal Spring, Medellin has a consistently mild climate with temperatures around 22-28°C year-round. The valley location means warm days and cool evenings. Rain showers are common, especially from March to May and September to November, but they are usually brief afternoon downpours. A light jacket and umbrella cover you for any conditions.
How do I get around Medellin?
The metro system is clean, safe, and efficient, with two train lines and four cable car lines. A single ride costs COP 2,950. Uber, Didi, and InDriver are widely used and very affordable (most rides COP 8,000-15,000). The city is also walkable within neighborhoods, though the hills make some walks strenuous. Taxis are fine but insist on the meter.