A weekend in Medellín

Day one: See the sights downtown

Start your weekend off on the right foot by rising early and heading out for breakfast. If you’re feeling traditional, sample a plate of Colombian calentado, a common breakfast dish of reheated beans and rice with an egg, sausage and arepa -- it’s a hearty meal that will definitely keep you going! Wash it down with a cup of Colombian coffee or a delicious hot chocolate.

Then, dedicate your day to sightseeing. Medellín is home to several of Colombia’s national monuments along with a variety of popular tourist spots and one of the best ways to maximize your time is to join a city walking tour -- most are free so you can benefit from the knowledge of a local guide as you explore. Just some of the must-see sights include:

• Plaza Botero 

This is a busy and popular city square which functions sort of like an outdoor museum; dotted around the square are a selection of Medellín-born artist Fernando Botero’s signature “fat” bronze sculptures, which are an iconic image of the city. From here, you can also admire the eye-catching Rafael Uribe Uribe Palace of Culture, located just to the edge of the square.

• Museo de Antioquia 

Just next to Plaza Botero we find another of the city’s unmissable stops for art lovers, the Antioquia Museum. Many of the pieces here actually came from Botero’s own collection.

• Catedral Basílica Metropolitana de Medellín

Awarded its status as one of the National Monuments of Colombia in 1982, the Medellín Metropolitan Cathedral is a Romanesque construction situated around ten minutes away from Plaza Botero and close to Parque Bolívar.

• Pueblito Paisa 

Found at the top of Nutibara hill in Medellín, Pueblito Paisa is a charming replica Colombian village with colorful colonial-style houses, handicraft stalls and some stunning views of the city.

When hunger strikes throughout the day, continue your Colombian experience and challenge yourself to a traditional meal in Medellín and the Antioquia region. Bandeja Paisa is a substantial dish of rice, beans, chorizo, pork rind, meat, black pudding, egg, avocado and arepa that will put even the biggest of appetites to the test! If you fancy just a quick snack while exploring instead, opt for delicious street foods such as empanadas and arepas.

In the afternoon, continue your tour of Medellín by visiting Comuna 13. Once known as one of the city’s most dangerous neighborhoods, street art was part of what brought about positive social change here. Joining a walking Graffiti Tour is without doubt the best way to get to the heart of the district; this 4-hour tour shows how the city has transformed itself since the era of Pablo Escobar and includes a trip on the metro and the Metrocable, the experience of the iconic outdoor escalators, and even some delicious mango ice cream as you explore. The knowledgeable guides will tell you everything you need to know about this fascinating area of Medellín. It’s a must on any visit to the city!After an action-packed day, head over to the upper-class Provenza neighborhood in El Poblado for an evening of dinner and drinks. Whatever you’re craving, you’re sure to find it here –- the array of restaurants and cafés serve everything from American favorites to Latin flavors to fusion cuisine! Afterwards, a cocktail or craft beer in one of the bars will be the perfect way to round off the night in style.

Day Two – Get active

On day two, it’s time to shake off the night before with some fresh air and exercise. And in Medellín, you’re in luck! The city, like many across Colombia, is home to a Ciclovía on a Sunday, which aims for residents in the city to get some exercise by shutting off the main streets to traffic, opening them up for people to get out running and cycling instead. Join the residents and visitors out getting their heart rate up on a Sunday morning and combine sport with city sights!

In the afternoon, we continue our theme of exercise with a trip out to Arví National Park, 30 km from Medellín. To get there, choose the metrocable, an iconic form of public transport originally built to connect the city’s various neighborhoods which has truly become a tourist attraction in itself. Sit back and enjoy the stunning bird’s-eye views of Medellín and watch as the city merges into the trees and mountains of the surrounding areas.

Once you reach Arví National Park, the best way to explore is to join a guided trekking group to venture along one of the many nature trails and keep an eye out for the area’s distinctive flora and fauna as you go. Nature lovers can also opt to spend some time in the watchtowers observing some of the diverse species of birds, while there are also craft stalls to be found, arts activities to take part in and a handful of eateries where you can take some time out to enjoy the atmosphere.

Come the evening, the neighborhood of Provenza will be as appealing on the second night as on the first, giving you the chance to try a restaurant you didn’t choose the night before! After all, there’s no better way to end your weekend in Medellín than with good food and music.

Author: Ricardo Gutierrez Congote

Director at NH Collection Medellin

I have forged over 30 years of experience in the hospitality sector. After completing my studies in marketing, I began my professional career in the aviation industry, gaining a global perspective on service. Subsequently, I held positions in food and beverage before finally embarking on my great passion: hospitality. During my more than six years living in Medellín, I’ve had the opportunity to explore its hidden corners, and I am continually amazed by the virtues and beauty that ‘The City of Eternal Spring’ offers. Medellín is on the list of the most beautiful cities to visit, thanks to its stunning landscape, surrounded by beautiful mountains, the kindness of its people, the gastronomy of the Antioquia region, and the enviable climate that persists throughout the year.