Medellin Won Me Over: What to Do, Eat, and Ride in Colombia's Greenest City
Medellin stole my heart. Colombia's vibrant cultural hub has an amazing food scene, some of the friendliest people I have met anywhere, and greenery woven through the whole city. It is one of the greenest cities in Colombia, and you feel it on every street.
The quick take: split your time between art (Plaza Botero), history (Comuna 13), neighborhoods (El Poblado and Manila), and one big adventure day outside the city. And ride the cable cars: the views are unreal and they cost almost nothing.
Watch: My Medellin Highlights
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My Favorite Things to Do
- Plaza Botero: Fernando Botero's oversized bronze sculptures fill an entire plaza downtown. Free, joyful, unmissable.
- Comuna 13: the neighborhood's transformation story told through street art, escalators, and music. Go with a local guide to hear it properly.
- An adventure day in Guarne: about 40 minutes from the city, we did an ATV ride with Rutas y Aventura out to Ancestros Glamping for lunch, ziplining, and spa time in the hills. Best day of the trip.
- El Poblado: the leafy neighborhood where you will probably stay: restaurants, cafes, and nightlife on walkable streets.
- Manila: my favorite pocket for walking and shopping small boutiques.
- Cable car rides: part of the public transit system, with stunning views over the valley.
Where to Eat
- Capitulo: my favorite pasta night of the trip.
- Relato: for a serious steak dinner.
- Pergamino: the essential Medellin coffee stop.
- Alambique: lively, delicious, and very Medellin.
FAQ: Medellin Trip
What should you not miss in Medellin?
Plaza Botero, a guided visit to Comuna 13, a cable car ride over the valley, and at least one adventure day in the surrounding hills, like an ATV and glamping day in Guarne.
Where should you stay in Medellin?
El Poblado is the classic choice: green, walkable, and full of restaurants and cafes, with the Manila area nearby for boutique shopping.
Is Medellin good for food?
Very. From Pergamino's coffee to dinners at Capitulo, Relato, and Alambique, the food scene alone justifies the trip.
Keep Exploring
More travel diaries: a week in Japan, Amsterdam's canals, and London by teacup. My Miami adventures live in the Activities section.