When I first visited Medellin in 2019, it was my first stop in South America.
I still remember sitting in El Poblado as I began writing this… drinking a limonada de coco, watching the world go by and trying to process just how much I was enjoying the city. Looking back now, after travelling to more than 80 countries, that memory has really stuck with me.
At the time, Medellin was somewhere I didn’t know much about beyond its complicated history. Like many travellers, I’d heard stories about Colombia’s troubled past, but what I found was a city full of energy, creativity and people who made me feel incredibly welcome.
While practical information may have changed since my visit, these are the experiences that stood out most from my time in Medellin and the places I’d still recommend adding to your itinerary.
Stay in El Poblado
If it’s your first time visiting Medellin, I’d recommend basing yourself in El Poblado.
This is where I stayed during my visit and it’s the area most travellers gravitate towards thanks to its abundance of cafes, restaurants, accommodation options and nightlife. It’s also a great place to simply wander the streets, settle into a local coffee shop and get your first feel for the city.
While Medellin has several neighbourhoods worth exploring, El Poblado felt like an easy and comfortable base for a first-time visitor. After long days exploring the city, I always enjoyed returning here for dinner and an evening stroll.
Today, many digital nomads and long-term travellers also choose to stay in El Poblado, making it one of the most popular areas for visitors to Medellín.
Visit Plaza Botero & the Museum of Antioquia
Take a local bus to the city centre, wander around, see the Botero Park and the Palace of Culture Rafael Uribe Uribe.
Take a look through the Museum of Antioquia to see more of Botero’s intriguing art!! His play on proportions and volume reflecting his life growing up in Colombia is truely not to be missed!
Metro Cable
It was so fascinating to learn all about the metro cable, which was built in 2006, connecting the lower income settlements up in the hills to the city centre! This made working in town much more accessible and affordable (you only have to pay 2.200 COP ($0.81AUD) flat rate for the entire metro system, including the cable cars!). The cable cars also strip hours from the commute which would can take up to 4 hours on a bus!! This entices people to get a full time job in the city instead of relying on crime for income!
Comuna 13
After taking in the stunning views from the top platform of the cable cars, it was time to visit comuna 13! Comuna 13 used to be the most dangerous neighbourhood in Medellin however throughout the last decade it has undergone a complete transformation and is now safe to visit! Not only is it safe, its beautiful!! The streets are full of art depicting many stories of Colombia!
Day trip to Guatape!
If you’re wanting to get away from the hustle & bustle of the city, a day trip to Guatape is definitely what I’d recommend! I joined an organised tour for a full 12 hour day trip from Poblado! Guatape is about a 3 hr drive away from Medellin, and traffic can be unpredictable! But that’s just a part of traveling! The first stop on the tour was to a little town called Marinilla, it was a Sunday so it was beautiful to see all the local families out together celebrating the weekend!
The next stop was the Guatape rock! Otherwise known as Piedra del peñon! Tickets were 18.000 COP (About $8 AUD in 2019) and then its a joyous 740 steps to the top!! Not to mention you’re already at an altitude of over 7000ft where the air is definitely a little thinner, so you can bet I had to take a few rest breaks before making it to the top! But oh my is it worth it!! The views from the top are just stunning!
After descending the rock (in much less time than it took me to get up) the group had lunch, where I tried the local dish of the area which included lots of beans, rice, plantain, meat and salad!
On our way back to Medellin we stopped through Guatape town, the most colourful town ever!! I was a little disappointed to find out the only reason the town is so colourful was for tourism, but I appreciated it nonetheless!
Things to Know Before You Go
- I visited Medellin in 2019, so always double-check prices, opening hours and transport information before your trip.
- While Medellín has changed dramatically over the years and is one of Colombia’s most popular destinations, it’s still important to stay aware of your surroundings and follow current local safety advice.
- Ride-share apps and the metro system make getting around the city relatively easy.
Final Thoughts
Medellin was my first stop in South America and, looking back, it was the perfect introduction to the continent. While many travel memories fade with time, this city has remained surprisingly vivid. Between the colourful streets of Comuna 13, the views from the Metrocable and a day spent exploring Guatapé, it’s a city that’s stayed with me long after the trip ended. Even now, after travelling to more than 80 countries, editing this draft I started 7 years ago, I’m daydreaming about returning…
Alexx
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