MEDELLÍN

Where spring is eternal

 Medellín is the second city of
Colombia, has transformed itself perhaps more than
any other city in the world. Though its violent,
tumultuous past is well-known, today the city is
modern, innovative, and just generally lovely.

Medellín has just as much to offer. The city is jam-

packed with museums, restaurants, bars and clubs to
keep you entertained during your visit.

Check out the top  things to see and do in Colombia’s second largest
city
Country Colombia
Region Aburrá Valley
Department Antioquia Department

Founded March 2, 1616

Climate range from 15 to 30 °C

Area 
Municipality 380.64 km2 (146.97 sq mi) 
Metro 1,152 km2 (445 sq mi)

Elevation 1,495 m (4,905 ft)

Population (2018) 
Municipality 2,427,129[1]
Metro 3,731,447[2]
Metro density 6,925/km2 (17,940/sq mi)

Demonym(s) Medellinense - Paisa

 The Top
Things To Do
and See in
Medellin
Museo de Antioquia

A former city hall turned museum, this place houses a great

collection of works by Fernando Botero. He’s one of
Colombia’s most famous artists, and he had a penchant for
painting all things chubby. Born in Medellín, the artist
patronized his hometown museum by donating many of the
works himself.
 
The museum also houses works by international artists and
offers an audio guide if you want to learn even more.
 
There’s a small cafe and courtyard here where you can take
a break.
 Plaza Botero

The sculptor Fernando

Botero Angulo hails
from Medellin and the
Plaza Botero is the
best place to see his
larger-than-life
figures.

Centrally located in
the “old quarter” of
the city, it can be
reached via the
nearby Parque Berrio
metro station.
Comuna 13 and Las Escaleras

The addition of colorful artwork, escalators, and

increased safety measures have opened the
neighborhood up to tourism and brought the community
closer together.
 
Comuna 13 used to be so dangerous that only its
residents would think of climbing the steep slopes to
enter, but the addition of escalators as a form of
social and democratic infrastructure have made it
more approachable.

Visit to see the many murals, people, police

officers, colorful hillside homes, and transformation
that has taken place here.
 Take the Metrocable Up to Parque Arvi

The metro and metrocable system you can get all

over the city with your metro ticket, and if you
want to venture up for great views and fresh air,
pay a little more to take the metrocable from
Santo
Domingo to Parque Arvi.
 
The 15-minute ride provides great views of the
city and neighborhoods below.
 
At the top, there are places to stop for some
snacks made from local Colombian products (like
grilled mushrooms) while you enjoy the views.
 
Check out the tents and street vendors selling
trinkets and then head out onto the walking trails
of the park.
Eat Colombian Food, Especially Bandeja Paisa

If you don’t know much about Colombian food, Medellín

is the perfect place to get acquainted.
 
From the many exotic fruits to mondongo (tripe soup)
to cheese-filled arepas, you’ll have no shortage of
options.
 
The one thing you must try here is the local
specialty, bandeja paisa, a gut-busting combination of
meats like sausage and pork cracklings alongside
beans, plantains, rice, a fried egg, and a few avocado
slices they’ve thrown in for good measure.
Salsa Dancing

While Cali might be the salsa capital of Colombia,

Medellín can get you started with salsa lessons or
local bars and clubs filled with salsa music and
dancing.
 
DanceFree in Poblado is a super popular place for
private or group classes, and on the weekends they
have a bar with dancing too.
 
For live salsa music and dancing (with locals and
tourists alike showing off), check out the Son Havana
or El Eslabon Prendido or Tibiri bar.
Come to
Medellin

By Catalina Duque Cárdenas