What to do in Medellín, Colombia? Discover the best plans in the city

'Must see' in Medellín

To begin our insight into this intriguing city we are going via public transport. Significant and targeted investment in the connecting infrastructure gave the locals a sense of pride in, for example, their metro system. And our journey allows you to see just why. 

If you are staying at one of our hotels in Medellín, such as the NH Collection Medellín Royal, head north from the station closest to the hotel and appreciate the great care with which citizens treat this means of transport, and you will reach Alpujarra station. 

Upon exiting our first port of call is a visit to the old railroad station, where you check out how transport used to be in these parts, and it’s also a space to grab a coffee and catch up on your morning work messages, if need be. From the station, walk north up Bolivar until you reach one of the many green lungs of Medellín, Parque Berrio. 

Enjoy street performers while you stroll, and note some interesting works of art around you. This park continues onto Plaza Botero, an absolute must see in this guide of what to do in Medellin, Colombia, while you’re in town. 

It’s home to more than 20 striking sculptures by the local artist who gives his name to the square, and one in particular gets special attention. The naked man exhibit is believed to help you become pregnant if you rub him in a certain, now very shiny, area. For a wider collection of Botero, head into the nearby Museo de Antioquia. 

From the beautiful square we start our route south back towards the hotel and you may choose to grab a taxi rather than stroll between each stop. In saying that, stretching your legs down the well-known Carrera 52, an extension of the pedestrianized Avenida Carabobo, is an experience in itself. As well as a plethora of shops (including the national palace-turned mall) and refreshment stops along the way, you can also take in the wonderful examples of Medellín’s architectural heritage on route to Pueblito Paisa, including The Lights Park, a modern art installation dominating a wide-open public space. 

Sitting on top of the small hill Cerro Nutibarra is a delightful mock village, given the name Pueblito Paisa, clearly, this is one of the mandatory stops in this list of what to do in Medellin, Colombia. Complete with a small town square, a church, barbershop and single-roomed school, you can also take in a spectacular panoramic view of the city and take some pictures in front of the stone fountain. 

As you may have already gathered from just a few minutes inside our hotel, art is a key ingredient to the culture of Medellín and Colombia as a nation. For this reason, the city’s modern art gallery, with its striking concrete exterior on the banks of the Medellín River, is next on our list. 

With a permanent collection in place, fresh supporting exhibitions and a cinema, you can be kept occupied for as much time as you have available. It’s also a nice option if you’re looking to relax. 

From the museum, it’s best to jump in a cab to take you back past the hotel just a little, and we arrive at the final stop in our brief introduction to Medellín, the Castle museum. Surrounded by lush Loire Valley-inspired gardens, the art collection exhibits both national and European works. A very pleasant end before you stroll back to the hotel.

Best places to visit in Medellín

With so much beauty surrounding the city, why not aim to get to see a little more of it by spending an extra night. Take Parque Arví, as an example, a huge green area to the north of the city that provides a real escape from the urban commotion. 

Another original plan within this guide on what to do in Medellin, Colombia, is to take the Metrocable (like an eight-seater gondola) that takes you into the heart of the park rides high over the sub-tropical forest below. Inside there are various trails, eating points, and plenty of nature to take in while your mind switches off. 

As you’ll quickly notice upon arrival in the city, Colombians value dressing well. So if you feel inspired to pick up a few items to impress back home, head along to the Santa Fe shopping mall and be met by multiple mainstream brands as well as a wide selection of local chains and boutiques. It’s close by the hotel and truly has something for everyone. 

We’ve already mentioned him, and he is still a man closely related to the city of Medellín, despite the vast changes that have taken place since his demise. If the story of Pablo Escobar does interest you, then join a tour of some of the drug cartel’s famous locations, while gaining a personal insight into the fascinating story of the notorious criminal. If you are looking for a different activity, this may be a good option. 

Another break from the city is a short trip to the Joaquín Antonio Uribe Botanical Gardens. You’ll be forgiven for thinking you had stepped into a different world when you switch the bustle of the city for the tranquility of these gardens. Enjoy the flora and fauna and take a stroll through the butterfly house while enjoying this Colombian adventure. Again the all-year round pleasant temperature is likely to help.

Dining the Colombian way

Continuing with this guide on what to do in Medellin, Colombia, and depending on how accustomed you are to Colombian food may determine how adventurous you get when dining out in the city. Our advice would be to use the length of the day to try various local delicacies – including the obligatory bandeja paisa – to ensure that the culture forms part of your sustenance… 

Best places to have breakfast

You’re in Colombia so, unless you have an aversion to 'the special bean', you’ll want to savor the glorious coffee taste as often as possible. Note that as you walk around the city you are likely to come across one of the many Juan Valdez Cafés, the nation’s answer to Starbucks. Several other more independent cafés, including the very trendy Pergamino Café. 

Best spot for lunch 

The aforementioned bandeja paisa is certainly what you will want to track down if you know that your next meal may be some time away (it’s very filling!) One such lunch venue that will prove satisfying is El Taxista, where local ingredients are offered up to a wide assortment of customers, many of who are regulars who can’t help but return.

Best dinner restaurants

In Situ lies within the grounds of the botanic gardens that we talked about earlier and offers a lovey natural ambience along with some tantalizing dishes. You’ll be presented with a selection that takes Colombian flavors as its base but gives them an exotic and original twist.

When heavenly food is desired, El Cielo: based on molecular cuisine, chef Juan Manuel Barrientos will mesmerize your eyes as well as your taste buds with an incredibly creative menu.

No matter your tastes or the type of dining experience you are looking to achieve in this guide on what to do in Medellin, Colombia, this city can almost certainly cater for it. Our hotel staff can point your appetite to the perfect table, as well as taking care that a reservation is made for you and your group.

Medellín nightlife

If you’re looking for an area to chill out or for a scene to let your hair down, both options are available at the nearby district of Parque Lleras. The streets and squares have bars and clubs in abundance, as well as restaurants if food has not yet been conquered. 

Wander around and pop into any establishment that takes your fancy, choosing from an eclectic array of venues awaiting your presence. Note that most people you see will be dressed to impress for the night ahead, so get your glad rags on and get down. 

For a unique nighttime experience, get yourself along to Fonda Dulce Jesús Mío, where the décor and ambience transports you from downtown Medellín to a small Colombian village. It’s really popular and a lot of fun, with live music keeping the vibe going late into the next morning. 

South America and exotic dancing go hand in hand, and you can feel the rhythm of some traditional salsa at the wonderful Eslabón Prendido. Live music and a relaxed atmosphere make for the perfect welcome, whether you know the moves or not. Watch and learn, or give it a go yourself. 

This guide on what to do in Medellin, Colombia, has only scratched the surface of the possibilities that await you on your trip and more can be discovered by speaking to our knowledgeable local hotel team. One word of warning, though, the Colombian tourist board ran a campaign where the commercials ended with the phrase, 'El riesgo es que te quieras quedar', translated as, 'The risk is that you’ll want to stay'. The city’s charms can really get a hold of you…

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.