6 minutes
Medellín, the second-largest city in Colombia after Bogotá, is often referred to as the “City of Eternal Spring.” The city has undergone a remarkable transformation from its dangerous past to a vibrant and safe present. It boasts fantastic food options, including many choices for vegetarians and vegans, and is known for its exceptional hospitality and service.
A unique aspect of Colombia is that many locals love to explore their cities and the rest of the country, especially as tourism has increased over the past few decades. Culturally rich and filled with attractions, museums, and a dynamic nightlife, Medellín was a delightful surprise during my trip to Colombia in December 2023. It quickly became my favorite city due to its wide range of cultural activities and raw energy. You can easily spend four to five days here without getting bored. Unfortunately, my visit lasted only three days, and it felt far too short. However, December is an excellent time to visit, as the weather is mild and pleasant. So, pack your bags and get ready for an unforgettable experience!
- STAY – I highly recommend finding accommodations in the trendy El Poblado neighborhood, whether it’s a hotel, hostel, or Airbnb. This area offers plenty of excellent restaurants, shopping options, and attractions to explore. During my visit, I stayed at La Campana Hotel Boutique in Medellín.
- SAFETY – Follow your hotel’s advice for travel safety. While Medellín has significantly improved and is much safer than in the past, it’s important to exercise extra caution during the evenings and at night. Our hotel recommended taking taxis or rideshares when it gets dark and advised against walking outside the hotel area, even for short distances. As a result, we often took short Uber rides to and from the hotel. Uber is quite affordable here; for instance, a 15-minute ride might cost around 18,000 Colombian Pesos (COP), which is roughly $4 to $5. An 8-minute Uber ride from El Poblado Hotel to the SOUL Korean Food restaurant in the same neighborhood costs about COP 11,450, or between $2 and $3. Keep in mind that fluctuating exchange rates may cause recent prices to be higher or lower than the amounts quoted. At night, it’s best to travel in a group and stay together and be aware of your surroundings.
- TRAVEL – Take the metro for transit (or for fun) during the daytime. Medellín features the only mass public transportation system in Colombia. It is fast, clean, and generally safe. Also, do check out the extension to the metro called the Metrocable. It’s an aerial cable car system and a very cool experience to see the city and Andes mountains from elevated above! Via the metro, you can also observe how local people travel and commute daily, allowing for more interaction with them.
- DANCE – Dance your heart out in Medellín. Colombia is known for dance and Medellín features lively nightlife including group dance classes for Salsa and Bachatha. Dancefree is a great place to dance for beginners, seasoned dancers, visitors, and locals alike. You can find other options in the city. Dancefree (link) offers private and group dance classes daily. The only cost is a nominal cover charge. It is fun and energetic but it also gets crowded. Freestyle dance follows the instructed dance class in rooms dedicated 100% to Salsa and 100% to Bachatha. It’s a welcoming space for all and while some dancers are professionals, it is a non-judgmental space and everyone is super friendly. “Everyone is welcome” is the motto. Language Exchange is offered some days before dance classes if language is more your thing than dance.
- EXPLORE – Don’t miss the free Comuna 13 walking tour with Zippy Tours. The tour is unfiltered and unadulterated and you’ll learn a lot about the history of Medellín, its revitalization, Comuna 13. The hilly neighborhood tour will also serve as good exercise and 10K steps. Street art, parks, local community and dance all a glimpse of what you’ll see and experience. Don’t forget to ride the electric escalator to explore the colorful and vibrant Comuna from high up at the end. The Comuna 13 tour is a great way to spend a few hours with a knowledgeable local guide. While the tour is free, tips (cash or credit) are appreciated by tour guides at the end. My favorite thing about the tour was the authenticity. There was no sales pitch or shopping traps to be found here. I highly recommend adding the tour to your trip itinerary.
- SMELL – Medellín is a mountainous city renowned for its flower culture. If you visit in August, be sure to check out the La Feria de Las Flores (Flower Festival) to experience this tradition on a grander scale. Outside of August, there are many flower farms in Santa Elena that welcome visitors for in-depth guided tours. The farms are located outside the main tourist areas and typically require about an hour’s drive each way. The trip is worth it and you will not be disappointed as you explore more of the region and its surroundings. Interestingly most visitors to the flower farm are Colombian, and our group was the only international one. It was heartwarming to witness the joy of touring one’s homeland.
- EAT – Comida! Food! I was surprised by the variety of options available for vegetarians and vegans in Medellín including diverse international options and traditional Colombian food full of flavor and spice. On our last night in Medellín, we decided to try Korean food at SOUL Korean Food. While not completely authentic, it was an interesting experience that felt like a melting pot moment. Enjoying Korean food in Medellín, Colombia – Let that sink in. I also recommend the trendy Florez Food Garden for vegetarians, non-vegetarians and vegans food lovers. Options include rice bowls, salads, pastas and desserts. A gastronomic experience.
- RELAX – Visit a rooftop terrace. The cool pleasant December weather in the Andes provides a great chance to enjoy a meal and beverage outdoors. Berlin Bar in El Poblado is a great place for socializing, featuring live music, pool tables, and an outdoor terrace. The atmosphere is hip and cool, making it a nice spot to visit before or after salsa dancing.
- VISUALIZE – Botero Art. Although Downtown Medellín wasn’t my first choice to visit, I was captivated by the outdoor artwork by Colombian artist Fernando Botero at the Plaza of Botero. His pieces feature larger-than-life depictions of people and life, often with exaggerated forms that are not proportional. The Museum of Antioquia is situated in the heart of Downtown Medellín and showcases additional works by Botero (and other Colombian artists such as Pedro Nel Gómez) beyond the pieces displayed outdoors for free. Downtown can get crowded so just be sure to stay alert and keep track of your personal belongings, as you would in any major city. I recommend a semi-private tour in a vehicle as attractions can be quite spread out in the Downtown area.
- ENJOY – Enjoy your travels, and take my tips and advice with a grain of salt. Travel fulfillment means different things to different people 🙂 This is just one person’s perspective— mine. I hope it helps you plan your trip and itinerary in Medellín.
Please subscribe to stay up-to-date on my posts.