30 Best Things to Do in Medellin Colombia in 2025

Care to have the time of your life in Medellin, the city of eternal spring? From luscious food to sensational sights, we have covered almost everything to guide you to the best things to do in Medellin Colombia. 

Previously notorious and currently lit, this South American city has reinvented itself many times over, making it to the list of the most innovative and one of the best cities in the world. 

Find out more about Medellin, one of the most beautiful cities I’ve been to.

Why Should I Visit Medellin Colombia?

Medellin, the second-largest city in Colombia, is one of the most mesmerizing places in the world, fulfilling all your adventure desires with numerous activities to experience and wonderful landscapes to discover. 

The transformation of Medellin from “just another place” to “one of the best places” has occurred mainly due to its neighborhoods that offer a unique environment and atmosphere. You can stretch your trip to this city as long as you want without getting tired of the place. 

Go visit different neighborhoods and look for places to stay in Medellin to have a more fun time.

Best Things to Do in Medellin Colombia – Activities

For travelers, we have listed the 33 best things to do in Medellin, Colombia, categorized into Food and Restaurants, Places to visit, and Activities. 

1. Free Walking Tour

Free walking tours are one of the best ways to experience and understand the city. 

Medellin provides you with one of the most memorable walking tours because of its iconic streets filled with history. The most important thing to consider before leaving for a walk is finding a good guide who can help you make your leisurely walking tour more informative and exciting.

The guided tour lasts about 4.5 hours, but make sure you select a weekday. It runs twice on weekdays and only once in the morning on Saturday. Moreover, you need to make sure that you pre-book your place as they run out quite fast.

A free walking tour is a perfect way to meet people and make friends when traveling solo. Plus, with a free walking tour, you get tips from people who’ve been living there for years. I am a fan.

2. Travel on the MetroCable

MetroCables are the most affordable way of traveling in Medellin, and it is the only way to reach the hillside, as the roads are too steep for the buses and cars.

For the tourists, MetroCable is not only a transport, but it is a whole different experience. With mesmerizing city view from the top, it has six lines connecting Medellin’s downtown valley with different settlements. 

A single MetroCable trip costs around 2,750 COP ($0.70), which is very cheap. The best route is to go up in the hills with MetroCable and get amazing views of downtown Medellin.

3. Parque Arvi Hiking

Parque Arvi is located in the northeast of the city center, and you can quickly get there by using the L line MetroCable. 

The park has 56 miles of walking trails, so there’s plenty for you to do. You can go for short guided walks or opt for walks that take roughly 1 to 4 hours to complete.

It is considered a nature reserve because of the atmosphere and fresh air. There are biking trails, waterfalls, coffee shops, and more for you to experience. 

4. Salsa Dancing

How about learning some new dancing moves before heading back home? Salsa dancing is one of the most famous dancing styles practiced in Colombia, and Medellin is where you can get them. 

Go to Poblado in Medellin to get private or group classes while practicing your moves at the weekend party. We recommend Son Havana or El Eslabon Prendido for live salsa music and dancing practice.

5. Paragliding

Medellin is one of the best paragliding destinations. You can head to San Felix or Jerico to get the best altitude experience. 

We prefer Jerico paragliding, as you can watch the beautiful Aburra valley from the sky while passing through Medellin River, Picacho hill, and El Quitasol hill.

6. Horseback Riding

Horseback riding is an excellent way of experiencing all of the hilly areas in Medellin without testing your legs to their absolute limit by hiking and walking. 

The ride starts from El Poblado and takes about 4 hours to complete. It allows you to experience the Colombian countryside and magnificent landscapes, including mesmerizing waterfalls and jungle tracks.

7. Watch a Live Football Match at the Stadium 

Football lives in the hearts of people all over the globe, and Latin America is no exception. 

You will find die-hard fans that set up the atmosphere on the football grounds. Atanasio Girardot Stadium has its own charm that makes intense games and the crowds wild. Do not miss the chance to support your favorite team!

8. Tubing and Canyoning

Want to know about the best places to fulfill your tubing and canyoning desires? Head to San Rafael, a place filled with natural waterfalls and a pool ideal for tubing. 

However, to enjoy canyoning, you will have to move toward San Carlos, a little town that provides amazing canyoneering and trekking opportunities.

9. La Peña Rock Climbing

La Peña Abejorral is located to the north of Medellin. It takes about 5 hours to reach it. 

Please make sure that you plan your visit during the weekdays to get the best experience, as many tourists usually rush to this place during the weekend. 

You can book your stay at a beautiful country house in the mountains of Antioquia or Air Guest House to stay somewhere close.

10. Quad Biking

If you aren’t a fan of horseback riding, you can always go for quad bikes. ATV Is the company that offers 550cc quad bikes for you to ride around the whole Antioquian mountain. 

It is challenging to keep track of time and directions, so the company provides you with a guide who can help you with all those problems.

Things to Do in Medellin Colombia – Best Places to Visit

11. Guatape 

One of the most iconic sites in Medellin lies about 90 kilometers from the town. The place is known as El Penon De Guatape.

It features a 200-meter-high monolithic rock, from the top of which amazing views await you. Once you climb the rock, you can experience a 360-degree view of the town. 

There is a small shop on the top, so you can charge yourself up before moving back to the bottom. The tour operators offer this trip on a daily basis, or you can easily take public transport to get there.

12. Plaza Botero 

Plaza Botero is named after the famous hometown artist, named Fernando Botero. He gave up all of his sculptures and paintings in the name of his city, for which he was considered Medellin’s hero. 

Plaza Botero attracts a lot of photographers who admire exceptional artwork displayed on a double-story facility. 

We highly recommend you visit this place if you are a fan of art and sculptures.

13. Comuna 13 and Las Escaleras

Comuna 13 is one of the places that most tourists used to avoid, but local artists and the government have joined hands to make it a better place to live. You will see the streets filled with graffiti reflecting the history and difficulties people living there have gone through.

This place is now completely safe to visit because of the growing escalators in the area. They have made the place more approachable and enjoyable, as you will now find a lot of tourist groups roaming around the streets enjoying beautiful artwork.

14. Museum of Antioquia

The Museum of Antioquia contains works of famous international artists as well as hometown hero Fernando Botero. 

If you visit the place with a guide, he will start from the top floor where the journey of the famous artist Fernando began. Moving on to the lower sections, you will get to know about how his life turned and how he made his name among the famous Medellin artists. 

You can also find a courtyard and a small café where you can charge yourself for the journey ahead.

15. Medellin Museum of Modern Art 

This museum of modern art contains the works of some of the greatest Colombian artists, such as Beatriz Gonzales. 

To get the best museum experience, we recommend starting from the top floor and moving your way down to the basement. The building has five floors, each containing a set of different arts from some of the most legendary artists of all time.

16. Plaza Cisneros

Plaza Cisneros has lightsabers that look stunning in the nighttime when they glow to light up the sky. 

Each beacon is 24-meter-high spread throughout the whole area, but they are not the only ones enhancing the beauty of the place. 

The Plaza has some beautiful architecture that includes angular Biblioteca EPM and Plaza de Libertad near Avenida San Juan.

17. Medellin’s Oldest Church

One of the most iconic places in Medellin is the Basilica of Our Lady of Candelaria. Believed to be the oldest church in Medellin, it is located behind Parque Berrio and Roman Catholics have been visiting this church since 1649. 

You can enjoy the beautiful exterior from the outside near the Parque Berrio metro station platform.

18. Pueblito Paisa Village

Pueblito Paisa is a small, picturesque town above Nutibara Hill in the city center. It is considered the smaller version of Antioquian Pueblo because of its similar architecture. 

This village has become one of the most visited places in Medellin, so be prepared to get hit by a large crowd of tourists. A 20-minute walk up the mountain will give you an experience worth the effort. 

You can have an overview of the entire Medellin and the river that runs through it. Keep in mind that the village opens at 6 in the morning and can be pretty busy with tourists.

19. Casa de la Memoria Museum

If you want to know about the history of Medellin without spending money, Casa De La Memoria is the place to visit. It has information about how people went through a terrible civil war and fought with gangs and drug cartels to have a better future for the upcoming generations. 

You can get inside the Museum for free, making it worth visiting at least once throughout your trip.

20. Parque Explora

Parque Explora is a must-visit: the largest freshwater aquarium in South America. 

It offers other interactive exhibits, where you can also learn about science and technology and visit botanical gardens. It’s not only informative but also entertaining. The whole experience will especially be exciting and fun if your kids are with you.

21. Parque Lleras

Parque Lleras is surrounded by numerous bars, restaurants, and clubs. You will see many people sitting under tree shades during the day, but the real fun begins at night when youngsters drink and enjoy setting up the whole mood. 

Grab a drink and join them to experience how entertaining nightlife at Medellin can be.

22. Parque Berrio 

Parque Berrio is also known as the nucleus of the city, and it is the hub of different activities to enjoy and spend time with your family. 

You will see a lot of older men playing checkers in the park and vendors selling their goods. 

Parque Berrio was the main square before the nearby Catholic church was built in the 1640s. We advise you to get on top of the Parque Berrio Metro station platform to get a perfect view of the main square.

23. El Castillo Museum 

In the 1930s, a wealthy Colombian built a sensational-looking castle called El Castillo (The Castle) museum in Medellin. 

Only VIPs used to be allowed to experience the beautiful creation, but now, under government control, everyone is permitted to enter the castle, but only after paying the entrance fee.

24. Cerro Tusa

Cerro Tusa is considered the largest natural pyramid. 

The mountain is steep and sharp, but the views from the top are worth the risk. To reach the summit, you will need to get on a bus to Venecia and have a guide help you hike up the trail to the top.

25. Horizontes View 

We all wish we could fly, but unfortunately, that isn’t possible with humans yet. Horizontes is a panoramic place where you can spread your arms wide, making you feel like you are flying amid the beauty of nature. 

Horizontes is a tiny hilltop colonial town. Most tourists do not know about this heaven on Earth, so you will not find a crowd of people waiting for you at the top.

26. Rio Claro 

Another fantastic place with tons of activities to enjoy your day, Rio Claro has crystal clear water and a lot of greenery that combines perfectly to fill your heart with joy. The park’s activities include tubing, cave exploring, and ziplining.

27. Visit a Coffee Plantation 

Colombia is one of the largest coffee producers, but experiencing the whole process, from de-pulping to grinding, is worth your time. A coffee plantation zone is located at a 45-minute drive from Medellin. 

You can try and join a coffee tour. Here you can get a good knowledge of how coffee bean de-pulping, drying, fermenting, grinding, and roasting are done on a daily basis.

Things to Do in Medellin Colombia – Food and Restaurants

28. Search for the Best Menu del Dia

“Menu Del Dia” means “menu of the day.” It is available in almost all Colombian restaurants.

You only need to ask for their menu del dia, and they will present a 3-course meal containing a starter, a main meal, and a dessert for as low as 15,000 COP (3.96 USD). 

The culinary concept was first introduced when fascist dictator Francisco Franco wrote a law in Spain which set a fixed price on a complete lunch package.

29. El Poblado Coffee Shops 

Colombia is the world’s third-largest coffee producer, so you will get quality coffee regardless of the place you visit. 

El Poblado is a place with many restaurants and cafés, and the best of them all is Pergamino. 

Other good cafés include Café Velvet and Urbania Café. Apart from the great food and coffee that they provide, the experience is worth having at least once in your lifetime.

29. Mercado del Rio

For foodies who want all the best Colombian restaurants in one place, you can visit Mercado del Rio for a one-stop food tour. It provides you with an option to choose from 40 different restaurants. 

The whole food court has a lively atmosphere with people visiting different places to experience the luscious food. All the food varieties such as seafood, fast food, Mexican, vegan, and other Mediterranean dishes are available here.

30. Must-Try Dishes 

• Eat Bandeja Paisa – Bandeja Paisa is a must-try Colombian dish. The combination of meat, pork cracklings, plantains, rice, fried egg, refried beans, and avocado slices makes it one of the most savory dishes you will ever taste. 
• Eat Argentinian Empanadas – Flaky pastries with spicy fillings, empanadas are one of the most popular foods in Colombia. Different versions are available, but we loved the Argentinian empanada best. You can visit Salon Versalles in Avenida Maracaibo to try them.
• Arepas de choclo – This dish will completely change your idea of breakfast. These sweet corn cakes topped with creamy cheese go perfectly with a cup of coffee in the morning before you leave for a long trip. You can find the best arepas de choclo in Placita De Flórez.

Where To Stay in Medellin Colombia

Centro Hostel Medellin (Budget)

Centro Hostel, rated two stars, features a round-the-clock front desk and a communal kitchen. Along with family rooms, it also offers a terrace for guests to enjoy.

Ecohub Hotel (Mid-range)

EcoHub Hotel Medellin offers rooms with a fitness center, free private parking, a terrace, and a restaurant. Each room includes a desk and a private bathroom with a shower and complimentary toiletries. All rooms have a flat-screen TV and air conditioning, and some feature balconies.

Marquee Medellin (Luxury)

Hotel Marquee Medellín offers concierge services, non-smoking rooms, a terrace, complimentary property-wide WiFi, and a restaurant. Additionally, guests can enjoy amenities such as an outdoor swimming pool, hot tub, evening entertainment, and room service.

For more accommodation options, you may click on the map.

How To Stay Safe In Medellin Colombia

Here are some tips to help you navigate the city safely:

• Research Safe Neighborhoods: Medellín has transformed dramatically over the years, but safety can still vary significantly from one neighborhood to another. Areas like El Poblado, Laureles, and Envigado are popular with tourists and generally considered safe.
• Stay Sober and Alert: Enjoy the nightlife responsibly. Keeping control of your faculties is crucial for making safe decisions, especially in an unfamiliar environment.
• Respect Local Culture and Laws: Being a respectful visitor will help you blend in and stay out of trouble.
• Stay Vigilant in Crowded Areas: Be especially cautious in busy markets, public transport stations, and during festivals or events.
• Secure Travel Insurance: Make sure you have comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical emergencies, theft, and trip cancellations.
• Additionally, consider protecting yourself with travel insurance such as SafetyWing, which can cover medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and other unforeseen incidents during your stay. Use the widget below to snag the perfect policy for your needs and travel with peace of mind knowing you’ve got your back covered, no matter what adventures come your way!

Conclusion – Your Checklist of the Best Things to Do in Medellin Colombia

Enjoying the wide variety of fun activities this marvelous city offers can be endless. These tips on the best things to do in Medellin will help you organize, if not narrow down, those choices. 

So, choose wisely, soak it all in, and be sure to document the memories of your Medellin experience! 

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