Medellin, Colombia: A Short Travel Guide

Medellin is located in the Aburrá Valley of Colombia, a central region of the Andes Mountains. The city has undergone a remarkable transformation in recent years. Once known for its troubled past, it now stands as a vibrant metropolis renowned for its innovation, culture, and stunning landscapes. Nicknamed the "City of Eternal Spring," Medellin also boasts a pleasant year-round climate. In this travel guide, we share our top things to do in Medellin as well as great places to stay, eat, and drink.

View from Comuna 13

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Check out our video about Medellin to see the best things to do through our camera!

Best Things To Do In Medellin

• See the Castle Museum

• Ascend Parque Arví

• Check out Pueblito Paisa

• Stroll around Jardín Botánico

• Hike Cerro de las Tres Cruces

• Go paragliding

• See the statues at Plaza Botero (& visit the Museum of Antioquia)

• Explore the historic center (Go on a guided walking tour)

• Stroll around Parques del Río

• Day trip to Guatapé (Go on a guided tour from Medellin)

• Enjoy El Poblado (Do a street food tour)

• Tour Comuna 13 (Do a guided tour)

Check our list with Medellin experiences

Download our Google Map with all the places to go, eat, drink, and stay here.

Comuna 13

Places To Stay In Medellin

• Landmark Hotel ($$ - where we stayed in El Poblado): This is the best place we stayed at during our entire Colombia trip. The rooms are clean, modern and have great facilities. There is a nice rooftop pool and jacuzzi. The restaurants downstairs serve fantastic food, including healthy food options.

• Beminimal Hotel ($$ - Laureles): Beautiful hotel in a nice and hip area that is less touristic. Located near Parques del Río.

• Masaya Hostel ($$ - El Poblado): Very fun hostel with a good atmosphere, lots of activities, and great facilities. Has a rooftop pool and bar. There are also cheaper dorm options available.

Landmark Hotel

Places To Eat And Drink In Medellin

El Poblado:

• 37 Park Medellín

• AMA - Vegan Restaurant

• Ammazza | Pizzeria & Gin Garden: nice Italian food & cozy atmosphere

• Arepas Rellenas (street food)

• General Cafe Bar: nice breakfast and coffee

• Gyro Express: Greek fast food

• Los Birria Express: great margarita's and tacos

• Masaya Medellin: rooftop bar with cocktails and great views

• NDN Rooftop: rooftop with good food and excellent traditional and signature cocktails

• Porton de Provenza: entrance to party street

• Smash Avocaderia Manila: healthy breakfast, salads, and bowls

• Vegan & Veggie: tasty vegan bowls

Historic Center:

• Restaurante Hatoviejo Centro: great traditional Colombian cuisine (also vegetarian versions)

• Salón Málaga: nice bar with local atmosphere

• Terraza Sophía: nice café inside the Antioquia Museum

Laurales:

• La Tienda de la 70: great Colombian food

• Mondongo's: also great local spot

• La 70: the happening street with lots of local bars and restaurants

Map Medellin, Colombia

Find all the places to go, eat, drink, and stay in Medellin on Google Maps, follow and save the list, do the following:

1. Tap on the link to open it (click button below)

2. Tap Follow. This list will now be added to the group of lists you follow.

3. Optional: To unfollow a list someone shared with you, tap the list Saved.
   

If you follow the list we made, all our saved places of Medellin will show up in Your Places. The places will also appear as suggested locations in Google Maps.

Save Google Maps Places

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Use These Websites To Save Money On Your Trip To Medellin

• Booking.com for places to stay

• Skyscanner for cheap flights

• GetYourGuide for local tours

• Rentalcars.com for affordable car rentals

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Need more travel inspiration? Check out our other destinations and articles about Colombia:

• Is Colombia Safe?

• Bogota

• Salento

• Cartagena

• Colombia Top 15