Best Things To Do In Medellin – You Must Know In 2023
Being a US citizen, I have traveled to many Spanish-speaking countries like Mexico and Cuba. But 2020 was the first time my family and I ever visited Medellin. Luckily we went there in January, before the COVID-19 pandemic situation. After March, I couldn’t travel anywhere as most of the countries were under nationwide lockdown.
I have always been fascinated by South American culture and the Spanish language. Even though the only two Spanish words I speak are Como Estas and muchas gracias. Now let me tell you about things to do in Medellin.
Medellin is one of the famous Colombia cities, these two places you should visit once in your lifetime. But, hold up! When you hear the name Colombia I bet the first thing that comes to your mind is Pablo Escobar.
Why Should You Visit Medellin?
Do not let that image of Colombia stop you from visiting the beautiful cities (Medellin). As cliche as it sounds, it is a place you need to visit before you die.
As I said previously, do not get intimidated by this place as you will be awestruck after seeing the beauty of this place, no doubt Medellin is ranked as one of the deadliest cities, globally but the city has undergone a massive transformation in the last decade.
From having ghettos throughout the city, the city has managed to do a complete 180 degree. It has transformed itself into a modern city, keeping its cultural heritage intact. It has become a tough competitor to places like Egypt and Paris.
As the city has become a lot safer, there are many things to do in Medellin. The residents must be very proud of this massive transformation. It has become one of the ‘the cities’ that you need to visit. Thousands of tourists flock to come and learn to do things in Medellin.
10 Things To Do In Medellin
I had spent a total of 4 weeks in Medellin, and there are a ton of things to do in Medellin Colombia. This is very famous as it is the capital of Colombia. Still, in this article, I will write about my experiences in Medellin as it is ‘the road not taken’ by most travelers.
1. Visit Guatape
While I was there with my family, I visited the Guatape, a small village locally known as a pueblo. You need to keep a day free as it is going to be a one-day trip. It is about a 2-hour car journey from the town.
We took a speed boat and went to see the attractions of the small village. We were having the time of our lives. But the thing which attracted us most was the El Penol, It’s a granite structure which has around 700 stairs on both of its sides.
It cost us only a thousand pesos. We climbed to the top of the El Penol and enjoyed the magnificent, beautiful 360-degree view. Whenever I visit a new city, I like boarding the metros and local transports of that city, and that’s what we did in Medellin apart from the number of other things to do in Medellin.
2. Visit Parque Arvi
This is a place which you must visit. It is a park-like place. It is beautifully situated amid the big mountains in the city. On the second week of our trip, my family and I went to Parque Arvi, and I am happy to say that I do not regret it. This beautiful park covers an area of 16,000 hectares.
If you plan on going all on your own, then I am sorry to disappoint as this is a guided tour. You will have to book yourself with some tour agency to gain entry. This tour’s cost should be between 5000-7000 pesos, which is approximately between $1.5 and $2.25. Do note that these prices were off the pre covid era. Now they might have hiked the price a little.
My family and I enjoyed the bird-watching tours. After having toured 45 cities from all around the world, I witnessed some of the best-looking birds on the planet. Some of the species’ names I can’t even pronounce.
3. Wander Around The Numerous Parks
I must say that Medellin has got one of the best climates in the world. It’s neither hot nor cold, kind of what you feel in the fall in the United States of America. My family and I spent some relaxation time in many plazas and parks.
However, there are two parks which you have to visit. The one that caught my eye was Parque Liers. Going to this place is certainly on the list of things to do in Medellin.
4. Visit A Soccer Match
Soccer, popularly known as ‘futbol’ or football in this part of the world, will make you go crazy. I highly suggest you try to visit a soccer match as the people of Colombia are crazy about soccer. This game unites all the people of this country. Medellín has two local club teams called Athletico Nacional en Independiente Medellín.
You should visit if there’s a game around the corner. Going to watch a soccer match should be on top of your list of things to do in Medellin.
5. Visit Jardin Botanico
This is a very popular botanical garden in the city. If you want to run away from the city’s hustle and bustle, you can consider visiting this place. Apart from being a botanical garden, it hosts musical concerts and different festivals throughout the year. The famous Spanish singer called Enrique Iglesias performed a musical concert at this place back in 2010.
6. Visit Museo de Antioquia
It is a museum located right in the middle of the city. Visiting this place is among the things to do in Medellin Colombia. I am sure that this palace is going to blow your mind. It is one of the most unique places on Earth. It’s also a heritage place that people can visit to take a sneak peek back into the past of Colombia.
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7. Visit Museo de Arte Moderno
Even though I have not visited this place personally, I have heard a lot of stories. However, I can’t tell for sure. Visiting this place is certainly on the list of things to do in Medellin. This is probably the least expected place in this beautiful city of Medellin. But I bet you that this place is going to charm you up in a lot of ways.
8. Visit Comuna 8
This part of the town used to be one of the poorest places in Colombia. If you want to see something different, you can consider visiting it to alleviate your things to do in the Medellin list. I happened to meet a Colombian-born US Citizen. His story brought a tear to my eye. He came here to visit his mother. He and my family hung around for quite some time. If you are into people watching, this is a place you need to be.
9. Visit Cementerio Museo de San Pedro
It was built in the 18th century. This is a cemetery cum museum of all famous Colombian people. Visiting this place will take you back to the past, and visiting this place can be on your list of things to do in Medellin. This place will take you back in time as it is one of the most popular heritage places on the planet.
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10. Visit Casa de la Memoria
I can say with a guarantee that it is the best museum in Medellin. It is situated right in the center of Poblado. It has got a very lively atmosphere.
The streets of this museum are filled with street vendors who sell you peanuts and coffee. You will be able to spot a lot of tourists, especially Americans, at this place.
Conclusion
These were the things to do in Medellin. This is a city filled with history and touristy things. Even though it might sound expensive, in reality, it is quite cheaper than you think, especially when compared to US standards. It is a very busy city. It has a very chill vibe to it, and no matter where you wander around, you will always come across friendly people.
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