So, you’ve made it to Medellín. Congratulations: you picked the City of Eternal Spring, which basically means the weather is so perfect that locals complain if it rains for 5 minutes. Medellín is colorful, chaotic, absurdly photogenic, and sometimes confusing… but don’t worry, I’ve got you covered. Let’s break down what you really need to see, eat, and drink. And just so you know: the best way to experience it is with a local (yes, like me 👀). Check out my tours before heading out to explore aimlessly.
🎨 Must-See Spots
Plaza Botero
Big. Voluminous. Beautiful. That’s Plaza Botero. Here you’ll find 23 bronze sculptures by the legendary Fernando Botero. Yes, everything is “chubby”: cats, birds, people… whatever you can imagine. And no, you don’t have to touch them for good luck, but tourists always do.
💡 Pro tip: Book my Medellín City Tour — we stop here, and I’ll tell you the real stories behind Botero’s art.
Arví Park 🌿
Need an escape from the city chaos? Arví Park is your dose of oxygen. The metrocables take you straight to a green paradise where you can hike, have a picnic, and pretend you’re a nature influencer.
Pueblito Paisa 🏡
It’s basically a mini Antioquian town on top of a hill. Pretty streets, traditional vibes, and an incredible view of the entire city. And watch out for the trovadores: I’d choose my outfit very carefully around them, because if not… they’ll roast you without mercy. Perfect for those “casual but Instagrammable” photos.
Botanical Garden 🌺
Medellín’s jungle right in the middle of the city. Butterflies, orchids, and locals relaxing as if it were their backyard.
Metropolitan Cathedral ⛪
Fun fact: it’s the largest brick church in the world. Yes, more than a million bricks. Definitely worth a stop, especially if you like architecture or want to feel like you’re inside a telenovela.
Provenza 🍸
Think Miami, Medellín-style. Trendy bars, stylish restaurants, and the place where you’ll find the “Instagram elite” sipping cocktails. Even if you’re not into partying, come see the city’s most glamorous side.
Guatapé and El Peñol Rock 🏞️
Imagine a colorful town where every house looks like a mural, and next to it, a giant rock with 740 steps. Yes, 740. Your legs will suffer, but your camera will thank you.
👉 Don’t do it alone: my Guatapé and El Peñol Tour takes care of transportation, lunch, and the stories — you just focus on surviving the stairs.
Comuna 13 🎨
From one of the most dangerous neighborhoods to one of the most inspiring. Comuna 13 is living art: murals, hip-hop, street performers, and outdoor escalators climbing the mountainside. It’s Medellín’s resilience at its finest.
👉 Book my Comuna 13 Tour to hear the real stories (and avoid the generic tourist explanations).
🍽️ Where to Eat
Traditional Colombian Restaurants
Mondongo’s 🥘 – The ultimate place for bandeja paisa (and no, you probably won’t finish it on your own).
Hacienda Junín 🍛 – Cozy atmosphere and traditional flavors.
El Cielo 🍽️ – Fine Colombian dining: elegant, delicious, and yes, you’ll want photos of every plate.
La Octava Maravilla – In Sabaneta: amazing views, excellent food, and a very local experience.
Elegant Fusion and International Cuisine
Carmen 🍷 – Colombian fusion at its finest. Expensive, but every bite is worth it.
La Pampa 🥩 – Argentine steakhouse. Period.
Medellín Burger Company 🍔 – No debate, one of the best burgers in the city.
Vegetarian Options
Saludpan 🥗 – Organic, healthy, and guilt-free.
Verdeo 🌱 – Creative plant-based cuisine that even meat lovers enjoy.
🍹 Bars and Nightlife
Provenza 🎷 – Rooftops, cocktails, and the vibe you see on TikTok.
Teatro Victoria – Right in the heart of Provenza. Four rooms with different music genres and, for my single friends, a great place to meet paisa women.
Dulce Jesús Mío 🎡 – Imagine Disney, but as a Colombian bar. Neon lights, music, and chaos.
Son Havana 💃 – Salsa paradise. Take a class or pretend you know how to dance — nobody cares.
La Octava 🎸 – A bar with a giant ball pit. Yes, for adults.
El Deck 🎧 – Reggaetón + electronic music = this week’s cardio.
La House 🎶 – All genres, all the fun.
Perro Negro 🎵 – Indie rock + cocktails. An underrated gem.
⚠️ Important tip
Attention, my foreign visitors: women in Medellín are extremely beautiful, but they can also be dangerous. Be careful when bringing them back to your place and follow the same recommendations as in Bogotá: never follow them to suspicious hotels, bars, or houses. Stay safe.
✨ Final tip: Don’t just visit Medellín, live it
You could spend weeks here and still barely scratch the surface. But if you want to experience the real Medellín without wasting time:
👉 Join one of my tours:
🚶 Medellín City Tour (history + must-see spots)
🎨 Comuna 13 Experience (art + resilience)
🏞️ Guatapé and El Peñol Rock (views + vibes)
Trust me: you’ll thank me later.
