Medellin has a lot to offer travelers, from historic sites to fun activities. This is a city where visitors can experience everything from museums to scenic hikes.
A Medellin tour with a local is the best way to get a feel for this vibrant city. It’s a great introduction to Colombian culture and also includes a trip to the Pablo Escobar museum, where you’ll learn about his life.
Museum of Modern Art of Medellin (MAMM)
The Museum of Modern Art of Medellin (MAMM) is an important cultural center and an excellent place to see local artwork. It houses world-class art pieces as well as public spaces in a striking building.
MAMM is one of the most popular museums in Medellin and is known for showing contemporary works. It also has a restaurant and a gift shop.
Located in the former smelting plant in Ciudad del Rio, MAMM is a popular gallery that embraces a wide range of art forms and showcases contemporary artists from Medellin. It's one of the most visited galleries in the city and has regular exhibitions, DJ nights, and even sound-based art.
MAMM has an expansion planned for the next year which will extend the building and create more public space. Peru studio 51-1 Arquitectos and Colombian architects Ctrl G won a competition to design the new addition. The winning design is inspired by the brick structures that settle in the barrios of Medellin.
Plaza Cisneros
Plaza Cisneros is located between the EPM Library, the Vasquez and Carre buildings in Medellin and is home to a number of small restaurants and vendors. It is included in the Real City Walking tour.
Medellin has one of the most cosmopolitan vibes in all of South America. It’s a hub for digital nomads and remote workers who are drawn to its modern amenities, mild climate and thriving business culture.
There are so many things to see and to do in Medellin that it can be difficult to decide where to start. However, one of the most unique trips out of the city is to Guatape, a fun and colorful town about 90 kilometers northwest of the city.
Arvi Park
Arvi Park is a large natural reserve and a popular getaway spot for Medellin residents. It's known for its wildflowers, nature tours and more than 54 miles of hiking trails.
If you want to explore the park and learn more about its history, it's best to take a guided tour with a knowledgeable guide. The tours run every 30 minutes and last anywhere from 1 to 4 hours depending on the trail you choose.
Another popular option is to hike through Parque Arvi on your own, as long as you follow biosafety protocols and don't venture into the protected areas. Hiking is not difficult and the scenery is amazing.
Plaza Botero
One of Medellin's most striking outdoor art galleries, Plaza Botero is home to 23 lovably rotund sculptures by local-born Colombian artist Fernando Botero. The collection, which took years to create and adorns over 8000 square metres of public space, was donated to the city by Botero under strict conditions; that his pieces would be maintained and kept in good condition on a regular basis.
A key fixture on most Medellin tours, Plaza Botero is a fun place to spend an afternoon with kids, teens and adults. Whether you're on foot, on a Segway or on a hop-on, hop-off bus tour, it's worth visiting as a day trip from the city.
Metrocable
Getting around Medellin is half of the fun, and the city has spent years developing an integrated public-transit plan called Movilidad Inteligente. It includes a sparkling metro set-up, a gondola system rising into the Andes Mountains and modern trams, among many other transport options.
In 2006 and 2008, the city of Medellin added two Metrocable lines to its elevated metro network. These soaring cable cars travel deep into the far-flung and formerly difficult-to-reach favelas (shanty towns) that are located in the surrounding hills.
Since then, Metrocable has significantly reduced commute times for these hill-dwelling Antiquenos and helped them gain access to jobs and opportunities. It has also helped rehabilitate neighborhoods, reduce homicide rates and increased citizens’ trust in government.
