Never bored in this city
I did a solo trip to Medellín planning to stay for 1 week. That’s how much time I thought I would need to execute the standard recommended tourist activities and visit the best places list.
I ended up staying for 3 years and I go back all the time – still with outstanding items on my Medellin hit list.
I could write a novel on all the city that make this place unique – the restaurants, the culture, the history, the music, the landscape, the indigenous communities, the environmental conservation efforts, the people…
but I’m going to start with a list of the 21 best things to do in Medellin, Colombia if you decide to visit in 2026.
Medellín is a city best experienced in motion. From its bustling plazas to hillside neighborhoods covered in murals, every corner feels alive with energy. What makes it special is how easy it is to move through — you’re never just observing from afar, you’re right in the middle of it.
For a more encompassing itinerary to Colombia, including Cartagena and Tayrona, check out this guide, and for a more expansive list on fun things to do in Colombia, as opposed to Medellin, see this article.
So what are the 21 best things to do in Medellín, Colombia in 2026?
This one is simple but fun. and good to start out with.
When you first get into Medellín, set out on foot and just wander around El Poblado. This is the main neighborhood where all the tourists (and most of the expats) spend the majority of their time.
It’s a self-contained square mile of swanky bars, restaurants, boutiques (like actual, ‘shop small’ boutiques), parks, fancy gyms, outdoor gyms, sidewalk markets, and outdoor eateries – everything you need to jumpstart your Medellin experience.
Orient yourself by thinking of the neighborhood as a rectangle with a top and a bottom. The ‘top’ is actually west and the bottom is actually east, but it’s on a steep hill, and I find it easier to figure out whether I’m going up or down than east or west.
How to walk around El Poblado
Mix food, drink, and shopping: Split 1 dish and 1 drink at a few different restaurants so you can experince more than 1. Hit up a few bars, and duck into all the local boutiques. We have a list of Medellín’s best restaurants, street food to look out for, and a shopping hit list to help you shape your route.
Tours available: If you’re one of those people who needs a tour for everything you’re in luck because, in Colombia, someone is always selling something – see here for El Poblado walking tours.
When all this cruising makes you hungry, stop by one of the outdoor seating areas anywhere that you see an easel or chalkboard that says ‘menu del dia.’
Colombia has a ton of really great food but this: is the menu of the day. It’s a very basic meal – kind of street food meets restaurant – but tastes great and does the job.
It’s a healthy platter – a protein, rice, plantains, salad, and fresh juice kind of deal, and it’s under $3 at the local joints. It’s all I eat when I’m with my Colombian friends.
Over the last few years the market has expanded to serve tourists’ high-maintenance tastes. It’s still a great deal and very good food, but now with vegan options, which I know Colombians aren’t eating – and costs more like $4 – a 25% increase!
It’s basic, healthy, filling, and a very Colombian experience.
Pro tip: don’t mess around with the vegetarian options unless you’re a vegetarian – chicken is always the best when it comes to menú del día.
And if you’re “like, that was great, glad I experinced it, but now I’m feeling more fancy,” check out one of Medellín’s 17 best restaurants.
How to do Menú del Día
Go during lunch: Menú del día is a lunch thing, which is nice, because you can save those fancy dinners for the nighttime.
Go local: While you can find some expat-oriented places in El Poblado, some even being vegan for you special people, the real menú del día is local. It’s in the back of a convenience store in a neighborhood where 90% of the residents don’t speak English.
I’m going to address the Pablo Escobar tourism issue right away because it’s actually a really touchy subject.
As you probably know, Pablo Escobar was one of the richest men in the world during his time in the late ‘80s, early ‘90s. He started selling drugs at age 15 and quickly became one of the most powerful dealers in the world. At his peak, he supplied 80% of the world’s cocaine, offered to pay off the county’s debt in exchange for total amnesty, and killed 3 prominent politicians and countless police officers and civilians.
Dark history is fascinating.
I was fascinated and when I first got to Medellin and my first tour was the Pablo tour. I was driven around by one of Pablo’s drivers / hitmen and we went to Pablo Escobar’s brother Roberto’s house, where we met him and some other old narcos that were sitting around talking and smoking like they didn’t have a care in the world (they don’t, btw).
It was like being on the set of the Netflix series, but without the threat of being murdered. It felt like a really cool experience until I realized that it’s deeply offensive and definitivly unethical tourism.
As I became more integrated into the culture and the history of Medellin I realized that I had paid the people who had murdered thousands of my friends’ uncles and brothers to take me on a tour showing me where they did it.
I went to the grave site where the guy who orchestrated the whole thing was memorialized like a saint. Kind of embarrassing in retrospect.
That being said – it’s only human to be interested in such dark tourism – so here’s what I recommend doing instead:
Hire a Local Guide
… not one of Pablo’s henchmen, to take you around for a few hours.
I met an Uber driver a few years ago and he’s become my ‘driver’ – I have him pick up and drop off people who are visiting Medellin, and he also takes them around to see the Pablo sites.
He has no affiliation with Pablo and is a really nice, hard-working family guy and I feel safe with my friends in his hands. I can pass on his info to anyone who is interested.
Hike to La Catedral
The ‘prison’ from where Pablo was allowed to come and go as he pleased, have parties with prostitutes, and continue the drug trade is known as La Catedral.
It was the most luxurious prison imaginable, complete with a football pitch, a giant doll house, a bar, a jacuzzi, a waterfall, and all of Pablo’s friends. It’s vacant now, after a short stint under the ownership of some Benedictine monks who found it a peaceful place to meditate (which is weird).
You can hire a taxi to take you there, or if you want to make it a thing, hike up to it. It sits on top of a mountain and the helipad has great views of the city.
The Pablo Escobar Museum (owned by Roberto Escobar) is located inside La Catedral but was shut down in an effort to stop tourists from funding retired narco-terrorists. The museum housed photos, letters from fans, and things like the AK-47s used by his bodyguards.
Walk by Monaco and Club Campestre
The building where Pablo lived with his family toward the end of his time and that was car-bombed in ‘88 (when he and his family were home), was demolished in February 2019. It was supposed to be replaced by a memorial for the victims, but I’m not sure what is there now.
You can watch it get demolished, below:
It’s located in Poblado, next to another point of interest. Club Campestre is a country club where Pablo, his cartel, and his victims all hung out. It still operates as a golf course and club, so you can either just walk by it while you’re out and about, or make a golf day out of it.
See the House Where Pablo Was Shot (or don’t)
Pablo’s Gravesite
I would skip this too. The simple act of people visiting the gravesite makes it a memorial. There were flowers on it and stuff and it just felt gross.
How to do respectful Pablo tourism
- Self-guided tour: Google the spots, ask Chat GPT about the history and go. Save money, don’t sponsor terrorsim, and get your steps in.
Hire a local guide: If you want I can put you in touch with my guy who can take you around to the spots. If you connect your own research and pop culture lure with his basic knowledge as a regular Colombian (they were all affected and, as an unfortunate result, know a lot about it), you can visit the sites with enough knowledge to get the point.
Do a tour: If the above two don’t suffice, tours can be found here. Keep it on the dl and don’t talk about it in public.
If you’re going to Colombia, check it these 33 best things to do in Colombia
You should do this bike tour of the city on the first day you’re in Medellín
My Paisa friend recommended this particular one to me and I’m a firm believer that there’s no better way to kick off a city than with food, beer, and bikes. Unlike being stuck behind the windows of a bus or trapped inside a car, biking puts you right in the middle of the city’s rhythm while still moving faster than you could on foot. You’ll cruise past plazas, murals, and parks with the wind in your face — able to stop whenever something catches your eye.
On this tour you pedal through neighborhoods, eat snacks, and stop for drinks along the way. There’s nothing better than mixing a little exercise with food and drinks.
How to do the Medellin food and bike tour
This one is easy – sign up here.
All this talk about what not to do when learning about Colombia’s civil war is a perfect segue into the House of Memory Museum – tourism dedicated to Colombia’s dark past – told from the victims’ perspective.
This museum is a great way to understand more about the country’s troubles, for which it is unfortunately well-known, without sensationalizing the villains.
Permanent exhibits about Medellín’s conflict, testimonies from victims, multimedia art installations, and rotating cultural programs. Most information is in Spanish, so if you’re not fluent I recommend booking this tour.
How to do the Museo Casa de la Memoria
Getting there: Take the metro to Parque Berrío or Universidad stations and grab a short taxi, or go directly by rideshare (15–20 minutes from El Poblado). The museum is located in the Boston neighborhood, near Parque Bicentenario.
Entry: Free admission (though donations are encouraged). Bring an ID to register at the entrance.
Time needed: 1–2 hours, depending on how fluent you are in Spanish.
Tours available: Some Medellín city tours include a stop at the museum. If not, book this tour if you want the full historical context.
Another way to do dark tourism responsibly is by touring Comuna 13.
Not long ago this barrio was one of the most dangerous neighborhoods in the world. Now it’s a cultural epicenter of hip-hop, graffiti, and Colombian youth.
Just 20 years ago Comuna 13 was also the Colombian military’s largest urban offensive against guerrilla supporters.
On October 16th, 2022, President Uribe – largely praised for his success against the FARC and other guerrilla groups – launched Operation Orion. Banded as an attempt to take out left-wing guerrillas using 3,000 troops backed by helicopters, it was controversial from the start, and ended with 18 dead, 34 wounded, and almost 250 arrests among the civilian population of Comuna 13.
The event is tragic and interesting and I highly recommend touring Comuna 13 if you want to learn more – and honestly be inspired.
The art is really impressive, the street food is fun to try, and the whole neighborhood feels oddly modern. You feel very safe. Everyone is nice and friendly. The srt scene is organized but grassroots. And there is a super modern escalator system going through the entire neighborhood.
How to do Comuna 13
Getting there: Ride the Medellín metro to San Javier station (Line B). From there, it’s a short walk or taxi to the base of the escalators.
DIY Tour: Follow the escalators upward through the murals — the path is clear and always full of visitors.
Tours available: It’s less than $20 for a 4-hour tour of the Comuna’s history, street food, and graffiti, or I can put you in touch with a private guide.
While you’ll probably spend most of your time in El Poblado, you should definitely check out downtown, at least once.
Real City Tours and a few other companies offer free, 4-hour walking tours of the city center at 10:00 AM every day. This is a great way to learn about the city and get your bearings before setting out on your own. The guides speak English and suggested tipping is $10.
After the free walking tour, or in lieu of it, visit some other parts of El Centro (downtown) for some gritty, authentic Paisa culture.
There are a lot of vendors selling street food in El Centro so take the opportunity to try out some traditional Colombian dishes such as empanadas with pique, and check out these main stops:
El Hueco
El Hueco literally means ‘the gap.’ But not like cool kid jeans in the 90s – more like a giant void in the earth full of junk.
iYou can find anything and everything here for super cheap. Not really the spot if it’s quality you’re after but if you’re looking for a game-day jersey, stolen electronics, or other one-time-use items, El Hueco’s gotchu.
Cable Cars
The cable cars are actually a pretty cool stop. It’s regular public transportation in Colombia, but for Americans, it’s like a ride at Disneyland, and one more thing to remind us that the US is so technologically backward compared to the rest of the world.
From the cable cars you can see the mountains and valleys and all the lower strata neighborhoods that house Medellin Proper’s 2.5 million people.
Plaza Botero
Fernando Botero is an internationally renowned artist whose work you’ll see all over the city / country.
His famous bronze sculptures are of ultra-voluptuous, nude people.
If you’re downtown you should stop by Plaza Botero and appreciate his work.
Keep in mind that nudity or public masturbation is not allowed inside the park.
How to do El Centro
- Getting there: Take the metro to Parque Berrío station — the plaza is right outside. A taxi or rideshare from El Poblado takes 20–25 minutes.
- What to do:
Start in El Hueco. Wander Medellín’s legendary discount market. Keep small cash handy and watch your stuff.
Then walk through the plaza, take photos with the sculptures, and pop into the Museo de Antioquia or Casa de la Memoria if you want to see rotating exhibitions and Plaza Botero.
Ride the cable cars: From downtown’s San Antonio station, connect to Acevedo station and hop on Line K up to Santo Domingo. The ride gives you sweeping views of the valley and the comunas climbing the mountainsides. If you’ve got more time, continue on Line L to Parque Arví for fresh air and hiking trails.
Something that I find incredibly boring but most people like are botanical gardens. If you’re of the latter camp, check out the Jardín Botànico.
The gardens feature over 4,000 species of plants from all over Colombia as well as other parts of Latin America. There are hiking trails through the park along with a bird aviary.
How to do the Botanical Gardens
Getting there: Take the Medellín metro to Universidad station — the gardens are right across the street. A taxi or rideshare from El Poblado takes 15–20 minutes.
Explore inside: Walk through themed areas like the cactus garden and butterfly house, check out the lagoon, and don’t miss the iguanas sunbathing on the paths.
Eat & drink: Bring your own snacks for a picnic, or try the on-site restaurant In Situ, one of the city’s better fine-dining spots in a leafy setting.
Check for events: The gardens host cultural festivals throughout the year, most famously Orquídeas, Pájaros y Flores, Medellín’s orchid and flower fair.
Tours available: Tours combined with things like Parque Arvì can be found here.
Just a 2-hour drive from Medellin is a cute little pueblo with one of the largest (albeit manmade) lakes in the country.
Guatapé feels very different from Medellin and is a good way to get a glimpse at where many of the Paisas’ roots are from, cruise an authentic Colombian town, eat some traditional Colombian Street food, and check out street art murals.
The main attraction in Guatapé is El Peñón – a 1,143-foot-tall rock (one of the tallest in South America) that you can climb. Or walk up, because it has steps.
Apparently some guys climb-climbed it using wooden planks in the ‘50s but then they decided to install a staircase in the crack that extends from the top to the bottom of the rock. So now you don’t need to hold techinical gear, which means your hands are free to drink mango micheladas at the top.
The 600 stairs take about ½ hour to conquer and it’s crowded during high season. But it’s one of those things that you kind of have to do if you go all the way to Guatapé.
As for as making it an overnight trip, you must book the Bosko hotel. It’s a full digital detox, ultra relaxing luxe resort that we loved. More on that here.
How to do Guatapé
Go by bus: From Medellín’s Terminal del Norte, direct buses leave every 30 minutes. The trip takes about 2 hours and drops you either in town or at El Peñol.
Book a tour: Countless agencies in Medellín run day tours that include round-trip transport, El Peñol climb, and lunch in Guatapé. It’s the easiest option if you don’t want to deal with logistics — check options here.
Go on your own (by car): Rent a car in Medellín and drive 2 hours east. This gives you the most flexibility to stop at viewpoints, swim, or detour to a finca. Parking is available at both El Peñól and in town.
Spend the night (my favorite way to do Guatapé): Staying over transforms Guatapé from a busy day-trip spot into a peaceful lakeside town. Book a hotel or lakeside cabin and enjoy kayaking, boat rides, or just quiet streets once the tour buses leave. BOSKO is the best hotel there, if it’s in your budget (pictured above), and you can check out more Guatapé hotel options below, as well
Fincas are to Colombians what cabins are to Americans.
Originally traditional farmhouses, they’re now more like a weekend getaway / second home for wealthy Colombians. They’re also a common place for Colombians to hold weddings.
I wouldn’t necessarily recommend renting one by yourself unless you really love being alone, but if you make friends with a Colombian and you hear mention of “going to the finca,” do anything you can to subtly (or overtly) invite yourself.
If you’re my age, a weekend at the finca will be a relaxing getaway and a chance to get to know some Colombians on a more intimate level. There’s usually a full staff, and a lot of pampering.
If you’re younger, or if you’re doing a VIP Medellin trip or bachelor trip, you might find yourself at a really wild party, probably with some beautiful but out-of-place women, you know what I mean?
Either way you should go.
How to hang out at a finca
Get invited: The classic way is through locals. Colombians love hosting, and fincas are where birthdays, weddings, and big parties happen. If you make friends in Medellín, there’s a good chance you’ll end up at one.
Rent your own: With friends or fellow travelers, you can rent a finca for a weekend. Sites like Airbnb list dozens around Medellín and Guatapé — some come with pools, jacuzzis, or private cooks.
Where: The most popular finca areas near Medellín are Envigado, Rionegro, San Jerónimo, Santa Fe de Antioquia, and Guatapé. Each is about 1–2 hours’ drive from the city.
Cerro de las Tres Cruces means “Hill of the 3 crosses” in English. It’s a 45-minute, mile-long hike straight uphill, and is kind of an event in itself.
If you go early enough you’ll see the creme-of-the-crop Paisas who take their appearance very seriously, and you’ll take their appearance very seriously, too.
I usually go around 11, with all the other lazy people.
The surrounding area has been developed a lot since I started going on this hike. When I first started going, there was just a few people selling water in bags and a prison gym at the top.
Today, there are smoothie places, drink stands, and a little bodega restaurant at the top. It’s very basic but the nature and the views are what we’re here for. And the pump. And the hot Paisas.
How to do Cerro de las Tre Cruces
- Getting there: The trailhead starts in the Belén/Altavista area of Medellín. Most visitors take a taxi or rideshare directly to the base (search “Cerro de las Tres Cruces Medellín” on Google Maps)
- The hike: It’s short but steep, with dirt paths, steps, and some rocky sections. Wear proper shoes, bring water, and expect to sweat.
- When to go: Early morning (5–8am) is safest and most popular — you’ll find crowds of locals exercising, which also reduces security concerns. Avoid hiking alone late in the day because the mountain does back up to some more gritty neighborhoods.
Pro tip: Don’t go in bad weather. Medellin is a very electric city and if there’s rain there’s probably also thunder and lightning. Lighting struck the crosses when I was up there one time and the ground was so slippery from the rain that it looks us 3 hours to get down (it normally takes 20) – we had to basically slide down on our butts the whole time.
How to do Pueblito Paisa
Go on your own: Take a taxi or rideshare straight up to Cerro Nutibara. It’s a 10–15 minute ride from El Poblado or Laureles. You can also walk up from the Industriales metro station in about 20 minutes if you don’t mind the hill.
Explore on foot: Wander through the small plaza, pop into the artisan shops, and visit the little museum. The main draw is the view over Medellín.
Eat & drink: Try traditional Antioquian snacks at the restaurants and food stalls.
Tours available: Join a guided Medellín city tour that includes Pueblito Paisa (many combine it with Comuna 13 and Plaza Botero). Check options here.
How to paraglide
- Book a tandem flight with a licensed operator and snow up.
This city has a thriving skate scene, and has invested in public skateparks that mix bowls, ramps, and street obstacles with the local hip-hop and graffiti culture.
Where to skateboard in Medellín
- Belén Skatepark – Inside the Unidad Deportiva de Belén, this is one of the most complete skateparks in Medellín with bowls, rails, and ramps. Popular with young skaters and a great place to meet the local community.
Carlos Vieco Skatepark (Laureles) – Near the Carlos Vieco theater, this park combines street-style obstacles with small bowls. A solid everyday skate spot in the Laureles neighborhood.
Laureles Second Park Skate Spot – More plaza-style than a full skatepark, but it’s a chilled-out spot in Laureles with rails and ledges, good for casual sessions.
Parques del Río – The riverfront park has smooth pavement and urban features perfect for cruising and practicing street tricks. Skaters gather here in the afternoons and weekends.
Comuna 13 Skate Spot – DIY ramps and community-built skate areas mixed with graffiti and street art in San Javier. It’s more grassroots than polished, but gives you a taste of Medellín’s skate culture tied to Comuna 13’s transformation.
👉 If you want just one to hit: go to Belén Skatepark — it’s the largest and most established.
Another reco that I haven’t actually done – the Antioquia Chess League holds games and tournaments in a tower next to the Atanasio Girardot Stadium, and I always wanted to go over and play with one of the old men that’s always there but I was too scared.
Now, after watching Queen’s Gambit I want to do it even more but still probably won’t.
How to play chess with professionals in Medellín
I don’t know. Sorry I never figured it out but I found this Fb post that might be helpful and would love to hear if get any father than I did.
If you want to check out the action but in a more voyeuristic kind of way, grab a beer and head over when there’s a tournament, or just anytime and watch them do their thing.
There’s is women’s roller derby there sometimes which is another thing I’m too scared to do.
Every Tuesday and Thursday night from 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM and Sunday AM, city officials close down the freeway for pedestrians. You can walk, run, bike, rollerblade, skateboard, cartwheel, or whatever sets your heart on fire.
How to do Ciclovia in Medellín
#1. Get a bike, skateboard, or rollerblades – of you can just use your Cheverolegs. It’s hard to rent bikes, rollerblades, and skateboards. I ended up buying the former 2 when I lived there. I think now there may be more options for renting though, so don’t give up too easily.
#2. Crossing the frontage road between El Poblado and the freeway is a little dicey. I’ve definitely almost gotten hit by multiple cars.
The Sunday ride is much more accessible.
I recommend at least walking it, if you don’t feel like doing the work to get wheels. It’s a vibe, and it’s exercise that you’ll need if you’re doing Medellin the right way.
One of the most Colombian experiences I’ve ever had was going to a soccer match between rival teams Colombia Nacional and Atlético. I wasn’t aware when I bought the tickets that there are ‘safer areas’ and ‘you might die’ areas. I accidentally bought it in the ‘you might die’ area and it was wild.
It was pouring rain and the fans were jumping up and down on 3-inch wide handrails, 30 feet up. At one point a guy fell off and had to be carried out by his friends. He didn’t seem okay – it was kind of disturbing.
They don’t serve alcohol inside the stadium and I was upset when I arrived but I understood why by the time I left.
Overall, I would say go at your own risk. I would go again but I’m stupid.
How to do a soccer game in Medellín
- Watch ESPN’s 30 for 30 documentary Two Escobars for some historical background on the sport and the fanaticism
- Know that you won’t be able to drink inside any of the stadiums in Colombia, so pregame if you need to.
- Buy a ticket if you still want to go. This can be harder than it sounds because the seating charts are confusing and one side is scarier with more crazy fans. Here are some ways to do this:
Official way: Buy through TuBoleta (the official ticketing site for Atlético Nacional and DIM matches) or at TuBoleta physical points of sale around the city (often in shopping malls or supermarkets).
At the stadium: Tickets are also sold at the Atanasio Girardot Stadium box office, but for big games (especially Nacional vs. DIM), they sell out quickly, and beware of scalpers.
With a tour: Some companies and hostels offer soccer game experiences — they buy tickets in bulk and include a guide, transport, and even a jersey or beers. It’s pricier but safer and easier if you don’t speak Spanish.
The nightlife in this city is thriving and many people come for the sole purpose of doing the things that only night owls do.
I can speak more to the evening life – dinners and earlier visits to the bars around El Poblado, but there are plenty of options for younger, spicier people.
In the El Poblado area you can’t walk more than a few feet without running into a bar or club, and they’re always changing hands, so the hot spots move on a monthly basis. I would ask a local or the Medellin Expat group on Facebook – or just Google “Medellin Colombia travel Reddit” if you want the most up-to-date information on how to get into some after-hours trouble in Medellin.
Two low-hanging fruit options to start your night out – the parks:
#1. Parque Lleras: This is an actual park. It’s really tiny, but what you’re going to see is the surrounding area – tons of bars, restaurants, and clubs. You basically use the park as a landmark to have your cab drop you off, and as a spot to chill out for a minute and drink your beer between clubs. Be advised, however, that open containers are illegal now and that, because Parque Lleras is such a tourist hotspot, it’s naturally the target of bad actors. Watch your pockets and be aware of your surroundings.
#2. Parque Poblado: This is the more local version of Lleras, although they’re both in Poblado, so you’ll find tourists in both parks.
Two things you should be aware of before going out in Medellin:
#1. You should go to a Fonda: A fonda is basically a bar / hotel you would find in the countryside, where people traveling would stay to rest between days. In Medellin, there has been a renaissance of these traditional watering holes. Last time I went to one there were 10 women ages 65+ dancing on the stage with the stripper pole. It was wild in the most wholesome way possible.
If you’re looking you’ll definitely notice the fondas because they’re super colorful and you’ll see a lot of flashing lights and hear traditional music like guasca coming from inside. The one I know of in El Poblado is Fonda La Chismosa La 10 but others are popping up, just keep your eye out.
#2. Escopolamina (scopolamine): If you Google “travel warning Medellin Colombia” you’ll find sensationalized, often outdated warnings of murders and kidnappings. I’m not saying that those don’t happen, it’s just that they don’t happen as often as your Uncle Jim from Ohio thinks they do.
Medellin has always felt very safe to me, even as a woman.
However, the most common thing that I hear about from people I know, or friends of friends, is Colombian women drugging male tourists and bringing in their teams to rob them.
Sometimes it’s a sedative and sometimes its Escopolamina, which basically hypnotizes you and you’ll do whatever people tell you to do. I can’t tell you how often I hear about this happening and in fact, at my first day of Spanish class at Nueva Lengua (recommended), the first thing the director told us at orientation is that if a woman who is out of your league is talking to you, it’s not because you look really good that day.
My enthusiastic personal recommendation is for men to steer clear, as hard as this may be. If you know you’re going to risk it, only take out a credit card with a low credit limit, or just cash.
Here’s an article about the safety risks of traveling to Colombia and how to keep from falling victim to them.
How to do Medellin's nightlife
#1. Practice your pickup lines in Spanish (they just don’t have the same ring when you stutter)
#2. Treat yourself to a really nice dinner. You want to pad that stomach lining, and also the food is a thing here because the restaurants are really fancy, and really cheap. In other words, you can’t afford not to go to the top spots in Medellin, listed in the next section.
#3. Choose a safe hotel with 24-hour security to come back to.
Even if you’re not hitting the streets of Medellin after hours, treat yourself to a fancy dinner while you’re here.
Medellín’s dining scene has exploded in recent years, with chefs blending traditional Colombian flavors with international influences. They incorporate what many Americans view more as street food – arepas and empanadas – into polished tasting menus that rival anything you find in the US but at 1/3 of the cost.
If you’re not here to spend your life saving on fancy food that’s fine, too. This city offers something for every appetite and budget, from the casual cafés and most ambitious fine-dining spots to local joints, where you can get more tradition and less pomp and circumstance.
For an upscale experience, Medellín has world-class restaurants that rival Bogotá. Places like El Cielo, led by celebrity chef Juan Manuel Barrientos, or Carmen, known for its modern Colombian fusion, offer tasting menus that highlight local ingredients in creative ways. Meanwhile, casual gems like Mondongos serve hearty Colombian staples such as bandeja paisa in a more down-to-earth setting.
Here are some heavy-hitters to help begin your search and whet your appetite:
- El Cielo
- OCI
- Carmen’s
- … see the full list here.
How to treat yourself in Medellín
- Make a res. Medellín has become very crowded so you’re not guaranteed to get in where you want.
- If the restaurants are our of your budget, check out all the amazing street food that we have here at a fraction of the price.
If you’re into learning vacations, Spanish and salsa are the best disciplines to spend your time and money on in terms of ROI; particularly if you’re looking to engage with the opposite sex. (There’s nothing like being a non-Spanish-speaking gringo who can’t dance to kill your vibe.)
Toucan and Nueva Lengua are the top two schools in Medellin. They’re about $200/ week, but they have a lot of events and they incorporate learning other things, like dancing, cooking, and Colombian history and culture into the Spanish lessons.
The only downside is that you’re positioning yourself to spend your time in Medellin with other tourists.
In the ideal world you would take classes while you get some basics down and orient yourself in the city, and then go off and make some Colombian friends that don’t speak English. But not everyone has time for that.
How to do Spanish & Salsa dancing lessons
Where: Dance schools like Santo Baile, Son Havana, or local studios in Laureles and El Poblado.
Cost: Around $10–$15 USD per class, or less if you buy a package.
Tip: Pair your lesson with a night out at a salsa club for the full, immersive experience.
Tejo is basically Colombian horseshoes, but it’s played with explosives. Rumor has it, it used to be played with gold, but the Spanish came and took all the gold and left gunpowder so that’s how it’s played now.
My friend owns the Tejo in Medellin, which is the main company for tejo tourism. He’s pretty fun, and the only gringo that plays in competitive leagues. He’ll tell you about the history and teach you how to pay. It costs $7 to play for like 3 hours and I considered it a must-do in Medellín.
How to play Tejo
- We dark colors – the clay gets everywhere and is hard to get off but that’s part of the fun.
- Buy some beer – if you don’t drink thats fine but if you do this is a must-have-beer kind of event.
- DM Chris on Instagram and set up an appointment, or set up a tour with beer.
If none of these are your jam you can search more activites here:
And check out Medellín flights below:
My recommendation for Medellín tourist activities is to start with this list, and then go meet locals and see what happens. Medellin is a city of magic and possibilities, so keep an open mind and schedule.
As always, if you have any questions or want specific recommendations leave them in the comments and I’ll respond.
If you want to message me privately, I’ll respond on Instagram @Le_Gipset
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SafetyWing is affordable, easy to set up, and made for travelers like us. Give yourself the freedom to 21 best things to do in Medellín — knowing you’re covered if anything goes sideways.
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I am planning a trip to Medellin soon and this is so helpful! Can you share your uber driver/tour guide info? Thank you!!
Hello! My original driver moved to Europe but he gave me his trusted contact, and I’ve used him. His name is David Ruiz and his Colombian number is +57 300 6093073. He’ll ask for your passport number – that’s normal it’s because he has a tourism license and if he has your passport your his official customer under that license if the police pull you over they can’t give him a ticket for doing Uber illegally 🙂
Hi, thank you for this very informative article. Do you know if David does longer distance trips and can he also act as a guide or should I hire a separate guide/tour company?
He took us to Guatape and picked us up the next day but his English is a little limited so if you want a guide I can ask Carlos (the original driver) or my guy from Comuna 13 to find one. Where are you trying to go?
Very interesting post. To continue on the salsa classes, I would suggest this website: http://www.heymedellin.com. There is a complete listing of dance schools (+21 schools).
Awesome post.
Thanks for the reco!!
Really Amazing!!
This has been one of the most informative guides I’ve read about Medellin, or Colombia ever! I hope you got paid for this shit. Thank you!!!
(Please send me your driver’s contact)
Thank you! Of Course – Carlos is the driver – he is the best person ever and his number is +57 (300) 413-5335