The Best Activities for Tourists Visiting Medellin, Colombia

Situated in Colombia’s north, the city of Medellin is an attractive destination for travelers with an array of experiences to explore. While visiting, tourists can explore the city’s rich colonial history through its wealth of local museums and galleries, enjoy the splendor of the scenic Andes mountains or indulge in the city’s vibrant nightlife.

No matter the reason for your visit, here are some of the best activities and attractions to savor while in Medellin.

Explore the City’s Local Museums & Galleries

Medellin is a popular destination for acknowledging Colombia’s past and celebrating its colourful local arts and culture. Start by exploring the Museum of Antioquia, situated on the second floor of the Pedro Nel Gomez Cultural Complex. Here, tourists can explore one of the largest collections of artwork by Colombian painter Fernando Botero. After perusing the halls of the museum, visitors may want to check out Botero Plaza, located nearby. The plaza houses 23 iconic sculptures and is situated adjacent to Berrio Park, a 19th century public park that opened in 1878.

After walking through the park, visitors may want to check out the Contemporary Art Museum of Medellin and the Museum of Modern Art. Visitors can tour The Museum of Modern Art seven days a week, where they can explore thought-provoking art, installations, videos and sculptures produced by a variety of local and international artists.

Take a Tour Through Medellin’s Colorful Streets

To delve into Medellin’s urban culture and soak in its animated atmosphere, tourists can partake in an affordable and unique tour through Comuna 13. Comuna 13 was once an unsafe neighborhood due to both guerrilla and paramilitary violence, however; the city has invested heavily in its revitalization. Today, it is a vibrant and colorful district where visitors can explore a number of public artworks including incredible graffiti murals that line its streets. Here, travelers can take part in many attractions such as cable car rides for beautiful views of the city below or plenty of cultural points; showcasing local dances, music, folklore tales and street art.

Tourists can also choose to explore Guatappé’s Instagrammable stairwells, which are a series of 365 steps comprising 169 landings that guide travelers through one of the most iconic neighborhoods in all of Colombia. An entire network of artistic stairwells has been created by various local graffitists, carpeted by vibrantly-colored murals depicting images of characters such as mermaids, aliens and mad scientists.

Shop Til You Drop

Medellin boasts some incredible shopping options; ranging from luxury designer stores and international retail chains to outdoor markets and vintage stores for one-of-a-kind finds. Some recommended shopping districts in Medellin include El Poblado, containing top designer stores, Colombia export stores with souvenir items and metropolitan streetwear stores, as well as La Calle 70 and Pedro Nel Gomez, two areas with plenty of residential boutiques scattered throughout.

To top off your shopping experience in Medellin, be sure to check out Onze boutique – an electronic store for eco-sourced design items or San Jose Market – a traditional market with plenty of unique shops from local designers.

Taste Authentic Local Cuisine

For those seeking authentic traditional Colombian cuisine while travelling around Medellin, be sure to pay a visit to El Cacao restaurant on Calle del Embudo; known for its local favorite – Bandeja Paisa. This hearty dish contains rice, plantains, cassava root, fried pork rinds and steak – a delicious staple dish not to be missed while in Colombia!

The city is also rich in international cuisine such as Italian, Mexican and Middle Eastern eateries – satisfying any craving. Be sure to try out Porque Si? – a Middle Eastern restaurant boasting a variety of vegan-friendly dishes – or Agape Vegetariano – a vegetarian restaurant coincidently located next door to it.

Experience Medellin’s Nightlife

Rather than hitting the same bars night after night on vacation, why not embrace the city’s nightlife scene by joining a unique Medellín Pub Crawl Party with Rooftop Access? Touted as one of the best party experiences this city has to offer; visitors will get entrance into four bars/clubs on Parque Lleras together with VIP table reservations for each spot. Additionally, travelers will have access to an open rooftop that overlooks the city – perfect for capturing those Instagram moments!

If going out isn’t your thing but you would still love to take in amazing views of Medellín at night, then Parque Explora would be ideal. Situated near downtown, this science park is illuminated nightly; affording excellent views of both the Botanical Garden lake and the Old Town below. What’s more – during festivals like Christmas fireworks season – this location gets quite busy with street performers and food vendors offering delicious local cuisine options.

So there you have it – an insight into some of the best activities for tourists visiting Medellín Colombia! Whether you choose to go shopping or party with friends, there’s something for everyone here in Medellín! Why not book your Medellín Pub Crawl Party with Rooftop Access today!