Medellin is one of the fastest growing tourist destinations in the world and with good reason. The city offers so much for visitors with delicious food, spectacular views, amazing music, exciting adventures, fascinating history and much more.
Originally from the UK, I have been fortunate enough to call Medellin my home for almost 15 years. When friends or family come to visit, these are 35 things I insist they simpy must do while they are here in the city of eternal spring.
Must See Attractions
➡️ Comuna 13
📍 San Javier, Medellín, Antioquia
Once one of Medellin’s most dangerous neighborhoods, Comuna 13 has been transformed to the center of urban music, art and culture.
The first escalator network of such scale used as free public transport was built in the neighborhood around a decade ago. The escalators helped locals up and down the steep hills but also brought interested visitors from elsewhere in the city and around the world. The local community has really made the most of this opportunity and have led the transformation of the barrio.
Multilingual guides give visitors a guided tour through the neighborhood, telling the story of urban warfare and mass murder as paramilitaries, guerillas, gangs and the military battled for control. They then explain how the community stayed together, focusing on the role graffiti, dance and music has played in sending a message of peace and perseverance.
As you travel around the comuna you will see dozens of exceptional graffiti pieces, rappers improvising verses about visitors, breakdances and vendors offering local snacks. There are also some really nice bars offering artisan beers and excellent DJs. On top of all of that you have an incredible view over the city and you can mix with very friendly locals who are keen to share their stories.
At the weekend many Colombians from elsewhere in the city also enjoy the fun, upbeat atmosphere in the comuna. It can be quite busy but for me this really added to the buzz of the place.
Why I recommend it:
- Learn the story of how one of Medellin’s most dangerous became one of its most popular and celebrated, directly from local residents.
- Enjoy some exceptional art, music and dance in a very typical setting – it is a chance to see another side of the city and connect with the people.
➡️ Plaza Botero
📍 Av. Carabobo, La Candelaria, Medellín, Antioquia
In the middle of the downtown area in front of the Antioquia Museum, Plaza Botero is a busy central square filled with 23 sculptures by one of the country’s most celebrated artists Fernando Botero.
Botero is internationally renowned for his sculptures and paintings which depict characters in large and exaggerated proportions. His art can be humorous, playful and also provide satire and commentary on important figures.
The square also has an excellent view of the Rafael Uribe Uribe Palace of Culture which is surrounded by tall, carefully topiaried trees and the passing metro line.
It is a great place to take some photos, admire the art and the views. You can grab a coffee at the Antioquia Museum and watch people come and go. While it is busy and lively in the day, it can suddenly get quiet and fairly unsafe in the evening. I would avoid walking around downtown at night.
Why I recommend it:
- It is a great place to admire some important art amidst a bustling downtown square
- You can take some excellent photos of the beautiful Palace of Culture building and the passing metro
➡️ Pueblito Paisa
📍 Calle 30 No. 55 – 64, Medellín, Antioquia
Pueblito Paisa offers a modern recreation of a classic paisa, the term used to describe the people and culture of Antioquia, a village from the late nineteenth century.
The square is located at the top of Cerro Nutibara, a hill that sits 80 meters above the city with excellent views. You can enjoy great traditional local food, an excellent view of the surrounding mountains and purchase local arts and crafts.
The architecture is that of a traditional Antioquia town with bright colors, a stone square, gardens and large fountain plus recreations of a church, a town hall, a school and a barbershop.
Why I recommend it:
- It provides the opportunity to very quickly get a feel of traditional paisa culture and style
- The view over the city is excellent and you can sample typical local food
Museums, Art & Culture
Medellin is a city full of important and impactful stories. There are a number of museums which can give real insight into the region as well as the cultural and artistic expression that has emerged over the past decades.
Alongside art and history, there are also excellent and inspiring scientific exhibits for visitors to enjoy.
➡️ Museo Casa de la Memoria (House of Memory Museum)
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📍 Parque Bicentenario, Cl. 51 #36-66, La Candelaria, Medellín, Antioquia
The House of Memory was created as an initiative to tell the stories of the victims of Colombia’s armed conflict and promote a dialogue to build a more peaceful future. The space focuses on acknowledging the past and ensuring the pain and chaos of the past is not repeated.
This is a very important, informative and emotive experience which focuses on the stories of Colombians who became victims of the country’s violent past.
Why I recommend it:
- You will learn about the process of pain and progress that has helped build a more peaceful and stable society
- This is an important and necessary alternative and real perspective of the conflict in Colombia over the past few decades
➡️ Museo el Castillo
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📍 Cl. 9 Sur #32-269, El Poblado, Medellín, Antioquia
In Poblado amongst all of the modern apartment buildings you will find an unusual and impressive castle based upon designs from medieval Europe. In 1930 Jose Tobon Uribe commissioned the construction of his country residence, which he wanted to be built in the style of Valle del Loire in France.
The castle is filled with antiques and art from the early twentieth century with perfectly kept grounds and a beautiful view over the city. It is very unusual but an interesting place to spend the afternoon.
The museum is open 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday and 10am to 5pm on the weekends. Entry costs 20,000 COP (US$4.80) for adults
Why I recommend it:
- It is a very unique building and the castle is full of beautiful art
- You can take great pictures from the garden of the castle and overlooking the city
➡️ Museo de Antioquia
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📍 Cl. 52 #52-43, La Candelaria, Medellín, Antioquia, Colombia
The Antioquia Museum is a space to enjoy some of Colombia’s finest art, pieces from around the world and reflect on some of the key themes in the history of the country.
The museum has dedicated space for the works of Fernando Botero and international art as well as permanent exhibitions on modernity, decolonization dialogue, intercultural exchange and rethinking history.
The museum is open 10am to 5.30pm on Monday to Saturday and tickets cost 24,000 COP (US$5.80) for foreign visitors.
Why I recommend it:
- You can enjoy some of internationally renowned Fernando Botero’s finest paintings
- The museum provides a peaceful and thought-provoking escape from hectic downtown Medellin
➡️ Jardin Botanico
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📍 Cl. 73 #51d-14, Aranjuez, Medellín, Antioquia
The botanical garden is an excellent place to spend a sunny afternoon in Medellin. Entrance is free and there is a lot of open green space to relax, enjoy a picnic and read a book.
Within the garden there is a tropical rainforest area, a desert garden, a palmetum and a lagoon filled with fish. There is also a butterfly house where you can learn about different species in a space with hundreds of butterflies all around. There are also some really large iguanas wandering around greeting visitors and enjoying the grounds.
There is a very tasty and affordable restaurant cooking meat on the outdoor barbecue which is a delicious option for lunch.
Why I recommend it:
- An excellent free open green space to enjoy with friends on a sunny afternoon
- The butterfly house is a lot of fun and a really nice experience
Authentic Tours
➡️ Free Walking tour
📍 Metro Station Alpujarra, Cra.51 #41-43 Medellin, Antioquia
The free walking tour around central Medellin is highly recommended and it was something my mum really enjoyed when she visited.
There are daily tours available in both English and Spanish that begin at 9.30am. The very charismatic and knowledgeable guides take visitors around the downtown area of Medellin, telling the history of the city and the importance of key local landmarks.
El centro is the heart of Medellin but it is an area that many tourists avoid or really fail to connect with. This tour helps rectify that, you get an incredible insight and it really is a fascinating experience. You pass through all of the key squares of the downtown area, learn about churches and key buildings along the way.
The tour lasts around 3 hours and while it is officially free, a generous tip is expected and well-deserved. We gave 50,000 COP each (US$12) but it is of course up to you.
Why I recommend it:
- The perfect chance to visit the key sights downtown and learn about the history of the city
- The tour is the best way to safely explore downtown for the first time so you feel more comfortable and prepared to return
➡️ Soccer Match Tour
📍 Cra. 74 #48010, Laureles – Estadio, Medellín, Antioquia
Visiting the stadium to see either Independiente Medellin or Atletico Nacional play is something I would strongly recommend for anyone visiting the city. It has been a big highlight for friends and family who love and have no interest in soccer.
The rhythm of the songs will stay with you for days and weeks after the game. The passion of the fans is incredible and you are really carried by the emotion of the incredible spectacle. Expect huge banners and flags, fireworks, flares, smoke, drums, trumpets and tens of thousands of fans singing in perfect unison. You get all of that before a ball is kicked.
While you can easily purchase tickets online for games, a very popular way to experience all of this is with the Medellin Football Tour. This tour includes pre-game drinks, face painting, tickets and a guide to explain the significance of everything in and around the ground.
This can take away some of the stress of acquiring tickets, give a unique insight and help you to share the experience with other visitors.
Why I recommend it:
- The perfect way to experience the incredible passion and atmosphere of the city’s most important passtime
- Great way to mix with foreign visitors and locals supporting one of the two big Medellin clubs
➡️ Guatapé
📍 Cl. 32 #29-61, Guatapé, Antioquia
This is a small town which is around 2 hours from Medellin. The town itself is beautiful, with each quaintly decorated house painted in bright colors and a nice central square.
What makes the area so famous is El Peñol, a huge rock perched atop a mountain overlooking a spectacular view. The rock has 708 steps built into the side which allow visitors to climb to the top where they take some amazing photos and enjoy a well-earned drink.
The surrounding landscape is a mix between rich green hills and fresh blue water. The land was flooded in the 1970s when EPM constructed a dam to be used to generate hydroelectric energy. It really is a very unique and special vista to enjoy.
You can get a bus to the rock and tuk tuks are available to take you the 10-15 minute journey into the town. Water sports and boat rides are available and the local trout is highly recommended for lunch.
Why I recommend it:
- Incredible, once in a lifetime views from the top of the rock
- The town is a great place to spend a relaxing afternoon or weekend
‘Wow’ Experiences
If you are feeling a bit more adventurous or are looking for some truly incredible adventures, then there is plenty on offer in and around Medellin.
The city sits within a valley with high mountains on either side. This means you are never short of amazing views within Medellin plus there is a lot of spectacular and varied nature on offer as soon as you venture outside the valley.
➡️ Paragliding
📍 Kilometro 6, Vía San Pedro De Los Milagros, San Felix, Bello, Antioquia
Medellin is a great place to experience paragliding with elevated points around the city and incredible views and excellent conditions most days.
You can paraglide from San Felix, less than 30 minutes from Medellin, Guatapé, two hours from the city but with crazy views, and Cocorna, a town around 90 minutes from Medellin with an array of fun activities.
Flights usually last around 20 minutes and you can purchase GoPro footage of the whole experience. The views are incredible and the flight is thrilling. Prices should start from around US$40 with packages also available including video and transfers.
Why I recommend it:
- Amazing views of Medellin and Antioquia as you soar through the sky
- An exciting take-off running down the hill and consistently good weather conditions
➡️ Helicopter in Guatapé
📍 Km 10 via, El Peñol-Guatapé, Antioquia, Colombia
El Peñón de Guatapé is one of the most special places I have ever been and the only way to beat the views from the top is to take a flight around the area on a helicopter.
It is possible to book a helicopter ride for 6 minutes for US$75 or do a flight as part of a tour with lunch, transfers and a boat trip for about US$370.
Why I recommend it:
- Spectacular views of the rock and the beautiful surrounding region
- The thrill of a helicopter flight is something many dream of doing and this may be the perfect chance
➡️ San Carlos Waterfall
📍 San Carlos, Antioquia
Around 2 hours from Medellin by bus you can visit San Carlos which has one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the region. With two drops of 30 and 12 meters respectively, you can enjoy the fresh air and cool off in the water.
There are also other waterfall options closer to the city such as Salto del Angel in Envigado, La Cascada in Santa Elena, Cascada El Hato in Bello and Cascada Tequendamita in El Retiro.
Why I recommend it:
- Really nice views and a good excuse to explore nature close to Medellin
- You can swim in many of the waterfalls and cool off in the fresh water
➡️ Cerro Tusa
📍 Venecia, Antioquia
Known as the world’s largest natural pyramid, Cerro Tusa is an almost perfectly pointed mountain 90 minutes from Medellin. The site is considered a revered sanctuary by the indigenous Zenufana people and is now part of the national archeological park.
If you are feeling very brave and very fit, it is possible to hike to the top of Cerro Tusa.You can get a bus from the South Bus Terminal to Venecia where you can climb to the top with a guide. It is a challenging and potentially dangerous ascent, so only one for experienced climbers. It is very steep at points and potentially slippery.
Why I recommend it:
- It is an incredible spectacle to admire from the ground with great local significance
- If you are able and prepared to climb to the top, the view is even more remarkable and it is a real challenge to overcome
➡️ Cerro Tres Cruces (The Hill of Three Crosses)
📍 Cl. 8 #84f-25, Altavista, Medellín, Antioquia
This is a very popular option for Colombians looking for a physical challenge, amazing views and some fresh air at the weekend. The area covers 103.8 hectares and is located to the southwest of Medellin.
You can climb to the top in around 1 hour and 30 minutes, depending on the weather and your level of fitness. The total distance from the start of the trail to the summit and back again is 2.3km. At the top there is public gym equipment and many will include this in their weekend fitness routine.
Why I recommend it:
- An excellent workout with a moderate level difficulty
- Your efforts are rewarded at the top with an beautiful view over the city
Delicious Food & Drink
Medellin has an excellent range of local dishes, snacks, fruits and juices to try. You will get the chance to try things you have never even heard of or local tweaks to established international classics.
➡️ Bandeja Paisa at Hacienda Junín
📍 Cra. 49 Junín #52-98, La Candelaria, Medellín, Antioquia
The bandeja paisa is the most important traditional meal in Medellin and the Antioquia region of the country. Combining indigenous and European favorites, the hearty meal dates back to the 1950s and was a favorite with agricultural workers looking to fuel up during a hard day’s work on the farm.
The huge plate includes beans, rice, ground meat, chicharon (fried pig skin), a fried egg, chorizo, arepa, plantain, avocado and morcilla (similar to black pudding). Safe to say it is a significant meal and you might need to schedule a siesta to recover but it is also delicious and something you should try.
Hacienda Junin is an excellent option for class Medellin dishes. The restaurant is traditionally decorated and a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of downtown Medellin.
Why I recommend it:
- The bandeja paisa is delicious and will give you a chance to sample a range of essential local ingredients
- The restaurant has a really nice atmosphere and embodies the classic paisa style
➡️ Anything you fancy at Mercado del Rio
📍 Cl. 24 #48-28, El Poblado, Medellín, Antioquia
Mercado del Rio offers excellent variety, a lively atmosphere, music and live performances.
There are 30 different restaurants offering food from around the world. Once a nineteenth century soap factory, the space has been transformed into a buzzing culinary center for the city.
You will find traditional table service upstairs with market style offerings on the ground floor plus desert stalls and bars.
Why I recommend it:
- A great way to try a range of food from around the world
- The space has a great atmosphere with live music, dancers and performances
Kids & Families
Medellin is increasingly a great place for kids to visit and have a great time. There is an excellent variety of activities on offer all over the city and younger visitors will never be short of something to do.
➡️ Summit Adventure Park
📍 Cl 10 #50-267, Guayabal, Medellín, Antioquia
Located just across the river from Poblado metro station, Summit Adventure Park is the perfect option for children to have fun and burn off some excess energy.
The huge space includes over 3,000 meters of fun activities including trampolines, ninja warrior assault course, free fall area, rotating wipeout obstacles, giant airbags, dodgeball, climbing walls, zip wires, trampoline basketball and many more activities.
It really is a huge amount of fun and kids will absolutely love it.
Why I recommend it:
- There is so much fun to have and children will bounce until they are exhausted
- A huge variety in activities on offer all under one roof
➡️ Parque de las Aguas (Waterpark)
📍 Kilometro 23, Autopista Norte, Barbosa, Antioquia
The waterpark north of Medellin is another excellent option for kids and adults alike. The park is located on the road to Barbosa, close to the city but also with a spectacular 360 view of nature and mountains.
By taxi it will take around 45 minutes from Poblado if you avoid rush hour or you can get the metro to Nequi station and from there a bus towards Barbosa. The bus also runs regularly back to Medellin from in front of the waterpark.
The water park has thrilling and slightly terrifying slides, a lazy river, a wave pool and zip wires. At the weekend it is completely packed but during the week and outside of school holidays there are often more staff than visitors. They have lunch and lockers available.
You will need to wear lycra swimming costume and cap to use the slides but there are plenty of people outside selling these in the car park at reasonable prices if you don’t have these.
When the sun is shining this is really a great and surprisingly unknown option.
Why I recommend it:
- Lots of exciting slides and activities available at the park
- A nice place for the parents to relax in the country soaking up the sun
➡️ Parque el Salado
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📍 Vereda el Vallano, Envigado, Antioquia
Located up in the hills of Envigado, just south of Medellin, Parque el Salado is another great place to spend the afternoon. The park runs down a hill with zip wires running high up in the trees, a climbing course and the chance for children to play in the river.
It is a safe, accessible and compact slice of the countryside within 30 minutes of Poblado.
Why I recommend it:
- The canopy zip lines are really fun and the route goes from the top to the bottom of the park and back again
- It is a nice place to relax and enjoy nature with the calming sounds of the stream
➡️ Parque Explora
📍 Cra. 52 #73-75, Aranjuez, Medellín, Antioquia
Parque Explora is the city’s interactive science museum and aquarium.
The aquarium is the biggest in South America with over 2,000 fish of 250 different species in a space over three floors. They also have an impressive vivarium as well as interactive spaces exploring the brain, music, time and communication.
Parque Explora is close to Universidad Metro station and is open from 8.30am Tuesday to Friday and 10 am to 6.30 pm on the weekend and national holidays.
Parque Explora is perfect for a really fun and educational afternoon for adults and children alike.
Why I recommend it:
- The exhibits are really enjoyable and the focus on interactivity and immersion is great
- It is a lot of fun to look at all of the species of fish and a good option if you want to get inside on a rainy afternoon
Going Local
➡️ Colombian cooking class
📍 Cl. 51a #28-17, Buenos Aires, Medellin, Antioquia
As I mentioned above, Colombia has a range of delicious foods and snacks which will be new to many visitors. When in Medellin you can sample some of these foods and even learn how to prepare some yourself.
There are many cooking classes available but this one which is based in the Buenos Aires neighborhood is great, combining food with local culture and development. Buenos Aires is a barrio up the hill from downtown which has been transformed by the construction of a tram and cable car system alongside local projects.
This option includes a tour of the neighborhood as well as classes on how to prepare food and lots of insight into local ingredients.
Why I recommend it:
- You can taste and learn to prepare some of Colombia’s most popular dishes
- The tour also includes a guided insight into the transformation of a typical Medellin neighborhood
➡️ Coffee brewing workshop
📍 Cl 9c #15 165, El Poblado, Medellín, Antioquia
Colombia is known as one of the world’s coffee capitals. You can spend the afternoon learning about the process, preparing and sampling coffee with experienced baristas.
Avoeden Cave in Poblado offers a workshop for a small group of visitors in a stylishly decorated space full of modern art. You will learn all about and how to prepare espressos and cappuccinos from experienced local experts.
Why I recommend it:
- It is a great chance to learn about Colombia’s coffee culture
- The perfect excuse to enjoy lots of delicious coffee and choose your favorite
➡️ Dancefree – Salsa and Bachata classes
📍 Cl 10A #40-27, El Poblado, Medellín, Antioquia
Music is huge in Colombia and whenever you go out you will be immediately struck by the effortless style with which the locals move to a range of music.
While the locals will have the benefit of growing up with the music and learning from their parents, as a visitor you are going to have to put in the work. Fortunately, this can be a huge amount of fun and a great chance to meet new people.
Dancefree offers, as you may have guessed, free dance classes in Poblado. You can learn the quick paced and expressive salsa or sultry and smooth bachata. The group also offers paid private classes and parties.
Why I recommend it:
- A great way to have fun and meet new people
- Necesarry preparation for a night out in Colombia – really put in the work and might one day get to the “you aren’t actually that bad!” level.
➡️ Pub Crawl
📍 El Poblado, El Poblado, Medellín, Antioquia
A pub crawl around the Poblado neighborhood can be an excellent way to meet new people and get a feel for the party scene in Medellin.
The routes will usually focus on Manila, Parque Lleras and Provenza with many including access to different bars, complimentary drinks and a tour. This can help you get a feel for the places you like plus many of the bars included in these crawls have excellent views of the city.
Why I recommend it:
- Great opportunity to make friends with other visitors to the city
- A nice way to sample different options and plan future nights out in Poblado
At Night
Medellin has an amazing party and music scene. The city is one of the global capitals of reggaeton music plus you have clubs specializing in salsa, merengue, electronica, hip hop, dancehall, afrobeat, rock, vallenatos, rancheros and many with a mix of all of the above.
A visit to Medellin is not complete without some rum or aguardiente (local fire water) and a bit of a dance. Hagale pues!
➡️ Rooftop Cocktails
📍 Cl. 9A #37-16, El Poblado, Medellín, Antioquia
Poblado is the most popular neighborhood with visitors and it is located on a hill within the valley. This means the tall hotels and hostels have spectacular views from the upper floors and this means amazing rooftop bars.
Envy is an excellent choice with incredible views and delicious cocktails. Ene on the corner of Provenza is superb with high quality hookahs, great food and once again amazing cocktails.
I am personally a big fan of Mosquito rooftop and Jo&Joe rooftop where DJ Kubha regularly plays the best afrobeat, hip hop and dancehall mix.
Why I recommend it:
- Amazing views of the city in the early evening
- Perfect way to stay your night out and enjoying great music
➡️ Partying in Provenza
📍 Cra. 35 #8A-109, El Poblado, Medellín, Antioquia
While there are many areas to head to after some early evening cocktails, Provenza is a consistently strong option. Most of the street has been closed to cars and is now filled with bars, small restaurants and some bigger clubs.
Made internationally famous by the Karol G song, the area is now the best option for a night out in Poblado. Teatro Victoria is a strong option with three floors dedicated to different music while Perro Negro is the best place for an intense underground reggaeton experience.
Why I recommend it:
- Lots of variety from relaxed rooftop cocktails to underground reggaeton grinding
- A lively music of foreigners and locals having fun
➡️ Night out on a Chiva bus
Chivas were once a useful but slightly uncomfortable way for Colombians to travel around and between rural villages. They are now more likely to be seen in major cities packed full of drunk people singing, dancing and trying not to fall over as they wind through tight Colombian streets.
If you feel you can stomach it, chivas can be a lot of fun. With a loud sound system, flashing lights and lots of excitable passengers, a night on chiva can be a real experience.
Why I recommend it:
- A memorable experience with friends as you drink, sing and dance together on the bus
- Fresh air and some nice views as you a whisked around Medellin at night
Shopping
Whether it is bargain hunting and looking for hidden treasures downtown or parusing the stylish and fancy malls of Poblado, there are some great shopping options in Medellin.
Medellin malls are also a great place to hang out, go to the cinema, meet for lunch, play soccer and enjoy seasonal activities.
➡️ El Hueco
📍 La Candelaria, Medellín, Antioquia
El Hueco, loosely translated to the hole or the hollow, is the central downtown shopping area of Medellin. They have a huge range of products such as clothes, jewelry, electronics, furniture, appliances, plates etc etc. Essentially, if you can’t find it in el hueco then it doesn’t exist.
This is generally where you will find the best prices and it is possible to haggle in many of the stores. There are thousands of small stores and all are offering the chance of a bargain. Be aware that most of the branded clothing is less than authentic although, given the prices, I imagine you would have guessed.
You can get a taxi to Parque de las Luces to get to El Hueco or take the metro to Cisneros or San Antonio station. The area has improved a lot over recent years but it is important to take care of pickpockets during the day and avoid the area completely when the sun goes down.
Why I recommend it:
- Great place to find bargains and experience the lively downtown atmosphere in the heart of Medellin
- As long as you aren’t overwhelmed, the slightly hectic feel is really quite endearing
➡️ El Tesoro Mall
📍 Cra. 25a #1a Sur 45, El Poblado, Medellín, Antioquia
Situated at the top of the hill above Poblado, El Tesoro has excellent views over the city and a superb array of high end stores. There is also a nice cinema, children’s play centers, nice restaurants, soccer pitches and coffee shops.
Why I recommend it:
- Excellent views of the city
- All of the famous brands you would expect in a high quality modern mall
➡️ Santa Fe Mall
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📍 Carrera 43A, Cl. 7 Sur #170, El Poblado, Medellín, Antioquia
Another really nice mall in Poblado is Santa Fe, which is on Avenida Poblado towards Envigado. Once again, the mall has a good selection of stores over four floors with a cinema and restaurants.
The central plaza also has a roof which opens and automatically closes when rain is registered. During the city’s annual festival the feria de las flores, the central plaza of the mall has an amazing design made of flowers.
Not many people seem to have realized but also on the bottom floor of the car park there is a really fun karting track where you can race against friends.
Why I recommend it:
- A nice, modern and easily accessible mall with a great design
- Lots of good entertainment options including a cinema and karting track
➡️ Viva Envigado
📍 Cra. 48 #32B Sur-139, Zona 1, Envigado, Antioquia
Viva is one of the newer malls and is situated in Envigado, a municipality of Medellin close to Poblado on Avenida Las Vegas.
Once again, lots of shopping in the huge mall plus a massive cinema with VIP seating options and the only IMAX screen in Medellin. On the roof you will also find fairground rides and soccer pitches.
Why I recommend it:
- Probably the best cinema in Medellin with half price tickets on Wednesdays
- A really spacious mall with a nice variety of food options
Outdoor adventure activities
Medellin is surrounded by rich and varied nature as well as hundreds of small towns and villages. The climate and environment changes dramatically depending which direction you travel.
This means there are many perfect locations for exciting and adventurous activities on a day trip from Medellin.
➡️ Mountain Bike
📍 Sector el Rosario, Vereda Barro Blanco, Santa Elena, Medellín, Antioquia
There are many different mountain bike tours around Medellin with options to suit the riders level and preference.
A day trip to Amaga is available which includes passing old train stations, traveling across a 260 ft high metal, riding alongside waterfalls and enjoying spectacular views. This is a picturesque option which doesn’t require a high level of skill.
On the other hand companies such as Sueltele offer challenging downhill rides with vertical drops, jumps, berms and rock gardens. The Sueltele route travels from a village called Llano de Ovejas out towards San Jeronimo.
Why I recommend it:
- The perfect way to enjoy nature and spectacular views
- A thrilling downhill challenge or a leisurely afternoon cycle depending on your level and preference
➡️ Medellin ATV
An alternative to cycling the Antioquia countryside is speeding around on an ATV. Half day excursions are available which include transfers, a 3 and a half hour ride up and down the mountains and a guide to show you where to go.
Why I recommend it:
- A fun and thrilling activity to enjoy with friends
- Beautiful views of the Colombian countryside
➡️ Rafting
📍 Paseo Fuente del Príncipe, Segovia, Antioquia
Finally, there are a number of perfect rivers to enjoy white water rafting around Medellin.
One example is the Calderas river which includes category 1 to 4 level rapids. Calderas is around 2 hours from Medellin and guided tours are available. It is possible to book single places or arrange a private group rate just for your friends.
Why I recommend it:
- Exciting and challenging rafting experience
- A chance to enjoy the fresh air out in the Antioquia countryside