Tucked into the lush Aburrá Valley, Medellin is a city that pulses with color, rhythm, and reinvention. Once known for its turbulent past, today, it’s a place of transformation, where modern innovation meets the warm Colombian spirit.
Imagine sipping coffee on a sunlit terrace surrounded by emerald mountains, riding cable cars that glide above vibrant barrios, and dancing until dawn to live salsa. Medellin isn’t just a destination—it’s a feeling, an experience that wraps around your heart and refuses to let go.
Here are ten unforgettable things to do in Medellin, Colombia, that capture its irresistible soul.
10 Wander El Castillo
Rising above the Aburrá Valley in El Poblado, Medellín Castle, officially known as El Castillo Museo y Jardines, is a unique landmark that blends history, architecture, and city views. Built in the 1930s by industrialist Diego Echavarría Misas, the castle reflects Medellín’s early industrial prosperity and was inspired by French Gothic design. Its stone towers once symbolized wealth, ambition, and security during a period of rapid growth. After Echavarría’s death, the estate became a public museum, preserving art, furniture, and gardens from the era. Today, the castle connects visitors to Medellín’s social past while overlooking a vibrant, ever-evolving city.
9 Take a Coffee Tour in the Hills
Colombian coffee isn’t just a drink—it’s a story in every sip. Head just outside Medellin to family-run fincas (coffee farms) nestled in the surrounding hills. Walk through coffee fields, learn how beans are hand-picked, and try your hand at roasting your own cup. The aroma alone is worth the trip, but it’s the people—smiling, humble, and proud of their craft—who make it unforgettable. Savor a cup with a view of rolling green mountains stretching endlessly into the distance.
8 Taste Medellin’s Traditional Food
Pandebono, bunuelo, and arepa de chocolo
Food in Medellin is a love language, and every dish tells a story. Start with bandeja paisa, a hearty platter piled with beans, rice, avocado, fried egg, and chicharrón. Sample arepas, those golden corn cakes that accompany almost every meal. Try mondongo, a rich tripe soup, and wash it all down with a glass of sweet guandolo. For dessert, reach for brevas con arequipe—figs stuffed with creamy caramel. Whether in a high-end restaurant or a corner eatery, Medellin’s flavors are pure comfort.
7 Ride the Metrocable to Parque Arví
Glide above the city on Medellin’s Metrocable and watch the urban sprawl give way to green hills and misty pine forests. The ride itself is a breathtaking experience, offering panoramic views that reveal how this city has beautifully adapted to its mountainous geography. When you reach Parque Arví, step off into a peaceful nature reserve where locals picnic under tall trees and artisans sell handmade goods. Take a guided walk through the forest, breathe the crisp air, and feel the heartbeat of Antioquia’s natural beauty.
6 Enjoy the Vibe at Parque Lleras
Parque Lleras in El Poblado is the heart of Medellin’s nightlife—a swirl of music, laughter, and energy. By day, it’s a leafy square surrounded by cafés and boutiques. By night, it transforms into a lively hub of bars, rooftop lounges, and street performers. Sip a craft cocktail, dance to reggaeton, or simply people-watch as the city comes alive around you. This is where locals and travelers meet to celebrate life, Colombian-style.
5 Discover Pueblito Paisa
Perched atop Cerro Nutibara, Pueblito Paisa is a charming replica of a traditional Antioquian village. Its cobblestone plaza, whitewashed chapel, and flower-filled balconies make it the perfect spot to capture panoramic photos of Medellin’s skyline. Stop by a local stall for a sweet buñuelo or creamy oblea, and imagine what life was like in Colombia’s rural towns decades ago. As the sun sets, the city below begins to sparkle, reminding you how far Medellin has come.
4 Visit Plaza Botero
Fernando Botero, Medellin’s most famous artist, left his mark all over the city. At Plaza Botero, his signature voluptuous bronze sculptures lounge playfully in the sun, surrounded by buzzing street life. Across the plaza, step inside the Museo de Antioquia, where Botero’s paintings share space with international and Latin American art. It’s a glimpse into Medellin’s creative soul—where humor, sensuality, and history collide. Linger at the museum café with a tinto (Colombian coffee) and watch artists sketching beneath palm trees.
3 Visit Guatapé and El Peñol Rock
Just a two-hour drive from Medellin, Guatapé feels like stepping into a watercolor painting. Its brightly colored houses are decorated with hand-carved murals that tell stories of the families who live there.
Climb the 740 steps of El Peñol Rock, a towering granite monolith, for one of Colombia’s most jaw-dropping views—the shimmering blue lakes stretching to the horizon. Reward yourself with a lakeside lunch of fresh trout and a cold beer as boats drift by.
2 Explore Comuna 13
Once one of Medellin’s most dangerous neighborhoods, Comuna 13 is now a global symbol of resilience. Its streets are alive with murals that tell stories of struggle, hope, and transformation. As you ride the outdoor escalators that link the steep hillsides, you’ll see artists painting new pieces, children playing soccer, and locals sharing their pride. Take a guided tour with a local who lived through the area’s history—they’ll show you the heart behind every color. End your visit with a fresh mango michelada and an unforgettable view of the city below.
1 Salsa Immersion with Somoloco
For those wanting to feel Medellin’s rhythm at its purest, Somoloco offers an unforgettable salsa immersion. This isn’t just a dance class—it’s a full cultural experience where you learn the steps, the history, and the passion behind Colombian salsa. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned dancer, local instructors guide you with warmth and energy. By the end, you’ll not only dance confidently but feel connected to the heartbeat of Medellin, leaving with memories that pulse long after the music stops.
Here’s my personal story of my week-long Somoloco salsa immersion!
You may be interested in: Salsa Dancing Benefits: Boost Mood, Balance & Cognitive Health After 50
INSIDER TIP: Want to learn salsa in 5 days? Get dates and availability for Somoloco here. Use code PATTI70 and receive one night’s free stay in Medellin.
Conclusion
Medellin is more than a destination—it’s an emotion, a city that teaches you to move, taste, and feel deeply. Whether you’re exploring its art, nature, or nightlife, every moment hums with warmth and vitality. Come once, and you’ll leave already planning your return.
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Disclosure: The author was honored to be the guest of Somoloco during her stay, but as always, the opinions, reviews, and experiences are her own.
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About the Author
Patti Morrow
is a travel influencer and founder of the award-winning international blog Luggage and Lipstick. TripAdvisor called her one of the “20 Baby Boomer Travel Bloggers Having More Fun Than Millennials” and she was named one of the “Top 35 Travel Blogs” in the world.
She is also the star of the upcoming TV series “Destination Takeover” which is scheduled to premiere in the near future.
Patti is the author of the book “Girls Go Solo: Tips for Women Traveling Alone,” and has over 150 bylines in 40 print and online publications, including The Huffington Post, International Living Magazine, Washington Post Sunday Travel, Travel Girl, Travel Play Live Magazine, and Ladies Home Journal. She has traveled extensively through six continents looking for fabulous destinations, exotic beaches, and adventure activities for her Baby Boomer tribe.
Disclosure: The author was honored to be the guest of Somoloco during her stay, but as always, the opinions, reviews, and experiences are her own.
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