If you’re looking for the best things to do in Medellín, Colombia, you’ve found the most complete list.
I planned to stay a couple days in Medellin and ended up extending to 4. There was too much to do!!
If you’re like me, you’re not a big city person but recognize a cool one when you find it.
Medellin hits that on the nail. You can explore what was once the most dangerous barrio in South America (Comuna 13), take a walking tour of the more modern centro, have rooftop drinks at Piso 10, take salsa classes, and even paraglide over the city.
You’re probably getting the idea already that this city is going to rock your socks off.
Below is everything I’d actually recommend, including the top things to do / places to see in Medellin and some lesser known unique things to do in Medellin.
Vamos!
My Quick Picks – Favourites in Medellin
These are the four things I’d tell a friend to prioritize, all firsthand:
- 💃 Comuna 13 tour: tour an old favela, my single favourite thing I did in Medellín.
- 🏢 Downtown walking tour: the essential second half of Comuna 13’s story. How the Medellin cartel impacted the whole city and a look at what modern life looks like now.
- 💦 A rooftop pool afternoon: the day I did nothing and loved it more than almost anything else I did. I stayed at Los Patios in El Poblado and their rooftop pool is STUNNING!!
- 🍷 Dinner at Piso 10: rooftop restaurant with insane views and the prettiest bathroom you’ll ever see. Go around sunset so you catch the city both during daylight and lit up at night.
Everything else below fills in the rest of your trip, from some of the best tourist attractions Medellín has to markets, food, and the bigger adventure day trips this destination is known for.
23 Epic Things to Do in Medellin, Colombia
1. Explore Comuna 13 on a walking tour
This was my favourite thing I did in Medellín, and I’d recommend it to everyone visiting.
Only 25 ish years ago, Comuna 13 was one of the most dangerous neighborhoods in South America. Filled with cartel violence and war.
Now it’s covered in graffiti and street art, with generations of family homes flourishing under the new peace and increased tourism.
The tour walks you through both the history (cartels, Pablo Escobar, the violence that defined the area for decades) and the truly dramatic transformation that’s happened since.
I did an afternoon tour starting at 4:30 p.m. It ran about two hours. I recommend this time, because you catch the neighborhood in full daylight with street dancers and daytime energy, and then you watch it light up after sunset (around 6:15 p.m. when I visited).
I stayed afterward to shop and felt completely comfortable walking around alone once the tour ended. My guide reassured me it was fine given how many people were still out.
If you want to negotiate at any of the souvenir stalls, bargaining is normal here. (You can find more useful info like these in my full guide to Medellin)
⭐ Check out the Comuna 13 Street Art tour I did and loved
2. Get a vibe for modern Medellin on a Downtown walking tour
Medellín truly warrants two separate walking tours, and this is the second one.
The downtown tour gave a completely different side of the city than Comuna 13 did. It’s much more a modern, local-life view of the city center. With the historical context layered in.
I started by taking the metro from El Poblado into downtown. The ride itself was scenic, with good views of the skyscrapers set against the mountains.
Some of the best stops of the tour include:
- Plaza San Antonio — where you can see a Botero statue that was damaged during cartel violence.
- Plaza Botero — funny-looking bronze sculptures by the famous Colombian artist Fernando Botero.
- Pedestrian streets Calle Junín and Carabobo Street
I’m not usually someone who cares about statues, but the 23 bronze Botero sculptures scattered across Plaza San Antonio actually caught my interest. There’s food sampling built into the route as well.
⭐ Check out the walking tour of downtown Medellin
3. Sunday brunch at Palma Pitón
If you’re in Medellín on a Sunday morning, you HAVE to get brunch at Palman Piton.
It’s a rooftop garden restaurant on top of the Somos Bold Hotel in El Poblado. It has the gorgeous pink stairwell with plants draped over it, and stunning vines and gardens throughout the entire restaurant.
There were even birds chirping that had made a home in one of the rooftop’s many gardens.
The brunch is also delicious. A bit on the small side, but yummy and worth it for the atmosphere of the place. Some people say the service is a bit slow, but just expect it and it won’t bug you, like it didn’t for me.
I recommend a reservation. I could have gotten away without one, there were lots of open tables, but I got one of the better situated ones with my reservation. Also I was in Medellin in a slightly slower season so in summer months, definitely book to make sure.
💡 You can make your brunch reservation at Palman Piton here.
4. See Colombian art at the Museum of Antioquia
For art and culture lovers, this museum is it!!
The Museum of Antioquia holds the largest collection of the famous Colombian artist Fernando Botero‘s work. And has historical and more modern art that display Colombian heritage.
There are also archaeological relics, colonial-era paintings and art, and then historic items from when Colombia fought for it’s independence.
5. Explore more recent history at Museo Casa de la Memoria
If you’d rather spend your museum time on Medellín’s recent history instead of art (or both!), Museo Casa de la Memoria is the next best option.
It’s a free museum focused on the armed conflict and its victims that took place over cartels around the 70’s to the early 2000’s. It accounts the cartels, paramilitary actions, guerrillas, and the impact it all had on the citizens. All the way up to the “2002 Operacion Orion,” which was when the government took sweeping action against the guerillas in Comuna 13.
If the history you learned on Comuna 13’s walking tour leaves you wanting to know more, this is the spot.
6. Spend an afternoon at a rooftop pool
I’m normally someone who needs to be constantly moving, but I spent an entire afternoon lounging at one of Medellin’s rooftop pools.
The views are from rooftops in Medellin are just too breathtaking and I wanted to spend as much time on one as possible.
There are a good number of hotel options in Medellin that have rooftop pools (I’ve recommend some here). I stayed at Los Patios, a hostel in El Poblado.
They have 2 buildings around the corner from each other, one with the big pool. I highly recommend staying here, they also have tons of amazing tours like exotic fruit tasting, bike tours, and more. There’s also their hotel location, not hostel, in Laureles called “Cool Living” that also has a big rooftop pool.
⭐ Check out Los Patios in El Poblado for it’s Stunning Rooftop Pool with Views
7. Dinner at Piso 10
Piso 10 was on my must-do list before I even landed, and it fully lived up to the hype. It’s a rooftop restaurant on the 10th floor of a hotel, and it delivers exactly what you’d want: really great nighttime city views and good food.
The detail that actually surprised me was the bathroom, which was unexpectedly one of the best parts of the whole visit. Go for it.
⭐ Go around sunset if you can, so you catch the city in daylight first and then watch it light up. I went as a solo diner on a Saturday night and didn’t need a reservation, but if you’re going as a pair or a group, or during peak season, book ahead.
8. Get a thrill paragliding over Medellin
Launch site: San Felix, 40 minutes outside the city
Paragliding is the most epic way to get the highest views over Medellin.
They are all tandem flights, which means an expert guide flies the thing and you get to sit and enjoy the ride.
Paragliding in Medellín starts at the San Felix launch site about 40 minutes outside the city. Tours typically include transportation to and from the city and then about 15 – 20 minutes in the air. You can also pay to get photos taken from a go pro.
I didn’t personally do paragliding in Medellin, because last time I did it in France I threw up on my instructor!! Lol. So side note, I’d take anti-nausea pills if you’re easily motion sick.
But I’ve paraglided twice before elsewhere (the first time I successfully managed not to throw up on any other people), and they are soooo fun. The air currents that pull you up, the adrenaline of being so high up, and there views are always breathtaking.
So I can only imagine how epic the flights over Medellin, a gorgeous city, must be.
⭐ Check out Paragliding Over Medellin
9. Stroll through the Jardín Botánico
A personal highlight of my entire time in Colombia was the completely exotic nature. The tropical plants, the big bright flowers I’d never imagined, the butterflies, the hummingbirds.
I got to witness that all as I traveled through the country for an entire month, in wild and remote places.
If you don’t have that time or itinerary, then the Jardin Botanico is your next best shining option. It is a 33 acre property with over 1,000 plant species.
They have a tropical forest section and a butterfly farm.
The centrepiece is the Orquideorama, a huge open-air structure built to look like a canopy of flowers from above.
Entry is free thanks to a city arts program, and it’s open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
10. Try granadillo and other exotic fruit at the Mayorista Market
Adding onto the above comment about how exotic Colombia’s ecosystem is, that applies to their fruit too.
I tried several new fruits I had never had before in Colombia. Granadillo, pink guayaba (guava), uchuva berries, curuba, and the giant guanabana which is nicknamed “Sour slop.”
You can look out for new fruits as you navigate the city or you can head to one of the city’s produce markets like Mayorista. You’ll see rows and rows of weird and wild looking fruits and veggies.
And the stand owners will offer you samples galore.
There are also exotic fruit tastings and tours that help with you with the translation to English. You’ll get a lot more info into what you’re eating and they’ll take you to the best spots for the freshest fruit.
⭐ Check out Medellin’s Exotic Fruit Tasting Tours
11. Watch the sunset over the valley from Mirador Las Palmas
Mirador Las Palmas is a restaurant on a famous lookout point about an hours drive outside the city. It overlooks the entire valley filled with Medellin and it’s neighbouring districts.
This viewpoint is fantastic for sunset and seeing the city lit up at night. But the restaurant also has a cozy vibe with small campfires, marshmallows to roast, and hot drinks.
💡 There’s a big caveat with this one. I only recommend doing this if you take the tour. I tried to hack my way into a cheaper option, just Ubering the 50 minutes there and figuring it out when I got there. But the Uber driver warned me that there is no service at the viewpoint.
In the Uber, I was quickly looking at reviews to see if anyone mentioned the restaurant helping them book a taxi. There were several references to the taxis being kind of sketchy and not safe, so I got my driver to turn me around.
The tours however, cover all the transportation logistics for you. And they get amazing reviews.
Next time, I would have just booked the tour.
This tour here runs private for your group and has a second viewpoint (Mirador El Picacho) included too! And the campfire snacks are included.
⭐ Check out the campfire viewpoint tour of Mirador Las Palmas
12. Go ATVing around Medellin’s mountains
Medellin is located in the tropics of the Andes, which means its surrounded by mountains. One of the coolest, bucket-list worthy ways to explore them is by ATV.
The ATV tours get you geared up and confident driving the ATV and then head off. You get to pass through small towns and farms and ride on off-road trails.
This tour I’ve recommended also ends with a local style lunch and a visit to a trout farm. Trout is super popular in Medellin because the rushing mountain streams are perfect for trout farming.
⭐ Check out the epic ATVing tour of Medellin’s mountains
13. Take a salsa (or bachata) class
I did a salsa class on the roof top of Los Patios and it was such a vibe. It turned into a blend of salsa, bachaa, and some reggaeton. And then a full on party at the end.
If your hostel or hotel doesn’t offer salsa classes to join, then I also really recommend this salsa nightlife tour with a local dancer.
The guy takes you to real salsa bars, where a live band plays and the whole crowd dances salsa. But then you get to actually learn the steps in the real environment. If I hadn’t done it through my hostel, that’s what I would have chosen.
⭐ Check out the salsa nightlife tour with a local dancer
14. Play Colombian’s crazy sport Tejo
Tejo is Colombia’s national sport and involves throwing metal discs at small packets of gunpowder. The goal is to hit the target and set one off. And I’m pretty sure drinking is a rule-enforced requirement haha.
You can find them in some local bars, but the easiest and best way to play as a tourist is at “Tejo in Medellin.” It’s a tejo spot meant for tourists, so you get a lesson, drink tickets, and time to play.
It is filled with other tourists, so you can definitely just roll up and join a game if you’re by yourself.
15. Feel the energy at a local football (soccer) game
Like a lot of South American countries, Colombian LOVES football (soccer for my US and fellow Canadian readers). And Medellin is the home base of two big teams: the Atlético Nacional and Independiente Medellín
Their main stadium is called Estadio Atanasio Girardot. It’s one of the most intense and energetic atmospheres you’ll find in the city.
You can buy your tickets either at the Stadium ticket windows, through some club stores, or through the FANKI app.
Between tejo, football, and salsa, these are some of the most social Medellín activities you’ll find outside the standard tour activities.
16. Experience Medellin’s wild nightlife
Medellin’s nightlife is huge. Their clubs and bars are super fun. And there are a lot of party buses and even “Chiva Rumbera” tours.
Chivas are these old school, brightly painted, open-air buses that used to be for rural transport. Now they’ve been converted into party buses with real live DJ sets on board. Some tours like this one also include stops for street food.
The buses typically start pretty late, around midnight, and take you between some of the hottest clubs and bars in Provenza and on El Poblado’s nightlife strip.
💡 Important tip: Keep a close eye on your phone and your drink while partying in Medellin. A girl in my hostel dorm got her phone stolen out of her purse on a night out and it was a bit of a nightmare.
⭐ Check out: Medellin’s best nightlife tour on a Chiva Rumbera Bus
17. Hike the Cerro El Volador
Distance: 1.8-mile (2.9 km) loop trail
Elevation gain: 354 feet (108 meters)
Length of time: The hike takes about 45 to 60 minutes,
Cerro El Volador is the largest natural park inside Medellín’s city limits. It also has a full 360-degree view of the valley.
The hill rises high above the city and is also a popular sunset spot among locals. It’s usually more filled with local joggers rather than tourists, so a great outdoorsy thing to immerse yourself in local life.
It’s free too!
18. Take a Pablo Escobar Tour
Pablo Escobar was one of the most infamous cartel leaders in the world. He was the founder and leader of the Medellin cartel and a complicated man.
His life is deeply intwined with the history of Medellin. He was once beloved by poor communities, but also reigned terror on the city.
The tour takes to:
- the cemetery where his body is
- the roof where he was shot and killed
- the museum dedicated to him in Comuna 13
- and memorials dedicated to the victims of the cartel violence.
⭐ Check out the most popular Pablo Escobar tour in Medellin
19. E-bike around Medellin
Another really fun way to explore the city is by bike. Medellin can be very hilly in spots, so an e-bike is a super fun solution.
There are e-bike tours that take you to key look out points. You get to bike through neighbourhoods like Conquistadores, San Antonio, Laureles, and San Joaquin. You also cover a lot of great spots in one tour like:
- Pueblito Paisa – a traditional square where you can taste local beers
- Parques del Rio – a beuaitufl modern park in Medellin
- Parque de los Pies Descalzos
- Parque de las Luces
- Plaza Botero – has intersting statues from Colombia’s famous artist Fernando Botero
- Medellin’s big football stadium
The tours run in small groups of 15 so you can keep together well.
⭐ Check out the e-bike tour to viewpoints in Medellin
20. Take a day trip to Guatapé
So many people consider this tour a must do in Medellin. I missed it and regretted it so much. All the girls in my hostel dorm went and loved it.
Guatape is a small town about 2 hours from Medellin. The town is colourful and quaint, but the main attraction is the big boulder/monolith that rises high above the lake-filled area.
The monolith is called Piedra de Penol. You can climb the 740 steps to the top for amazing views. It takes about 15 – 20 minutes apparently.
Make sure to book a tour that also includes a boat ride through the lakes surrounding Guatape.
⭐ Check out this Guatape tour that includes a boat ride
21. Take the Metro cable car to Parque Arví
Medellin has 6 metro cable car lines that run above the city for local public transportation. And Line L is the most scenic. It has great views of the city and then runs through forest.
The cable car ride takes 25 minutes and drops you off in Parque Arvi. The park is super peaceful and uncrowded.
There are several hiking trails and you can stop at the info centre to get information on which ones you want to do. They have guides available if you want, but most only speak Spanish.
Having a picnic there is also really popular and there is even a picnic service where you can purchase all you need for one.
💡 Also speaking of the Metro cables, you can find more info on how to get around Medellin here.
22. Visit a coffee farm
If you are venturing on from Medellin to anywhere in the coffee region like Pereira, Manizales, or Salento, then I actually recommend saving the coffee farm tour for there. I did my coffee farm tour near Manizales at Hacienda Venecia.
But if you are heading up to the coast or sticking to Medellin, then I still think the ones near Medellin are 100% worth doing. Any coffee farm in Colombia will be good to visit.
To visit one, you join a tour that drives you about an hour outside of Medellin into the mountains. There you will visit a farm run by a local family. The tour I recommend below visits La Finca La Arrinconada and also comes with a traditional Colombian lunch on the farm.
You get to taste different coffees, learn about what makes each one different, and then walk the farm. You’ll see where the coffee plants are grown and even the processors preparing real coffee to get sent out in the world.
With the country’s coffee reputation, it’s kind of a must experience on a trip to Colombia.
⭐ Check out the coffee farm tour from Medellin
23. Go horseback riding in the mountains
Another activity I recommend doing at some point in Colombia is horse back riding. It’s such a popular thing to do across the country.
I did my horseback riding tour in Salento, but I would actually change that to do it from Medellin instead if I could go back. The one I did in Salento was really nice, but I think the mountains around Medellin are better for the views.
You get to ride for about 3 hours through the countryside and truly learn how to direct your horse. The horses are really well-tempered and many tours also include some local kraft beers.
⭐ Check out horseback riding in Medellin
FAQs About Things to Do in Medellín
How many days do I actually need in Medellin
3-4 days in Medellin is ideal. You can cover a lot of the things on the above list, but you could easily spent a week there too.
What are some free things to do in Medellín?
There are plenty I mentioned above. Wandering El Poblado, hiking Cerro El Volador, walking through Plaza Botero, Jardin Botanico.
What are the top things to do in Medellín, Colombia?
If you only have a couple of days, prioritize the Comuna 13 tour and a downtown walking tour, then add a rooftop pool afternoon or dinner at Piso 10 if you have room.
Planning Your Trip to Medellín
There’s no shortage of activities in Medellín, Colombia, and your next step is to put it into a Medellin itinerary. My Medellin itinerary lays out exactly how I’d sequence the best of these activities across 3 days.
You can also check out the best places to stay in Medellin – I highly recommend El Poblado and go over what the pros and cons.
Happy adventuring!
Read More About Travel in Medellin, Colombia
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