Anyone who has been to Medellín will tell you the same thing: this city does not resemble Bogotá even in the whites of the eyes, and it has nothing to envy to the exotic Cartagena de Indias . This city is enjoyed at street level, and it is lived from above, although there are also some points of artistic and historical interest at ground level that you cannot miss.
What to see in Medellín
In order not to leave anything interesting in the pipeline, it is best to follow our list of suggestions, which brings together everything there is to see in this city of fun and hidden pleasures.
Museum of Antioquia and Plaza Botero
The Antioquia museum brings together some of the best works by one of the most prominent Colombian artists, Fernando Botero. The square that preludes the entrance is full of sculptures of himself. In addition, the atmosphere is unbeatable, since young people usually meet there to play music and enjoy the good weather.
You can visit the museum from Monday to Saturday, from 10 in the morning to 5:30 in the afternoon, and the rate is 18,000 Colombian pesos.
Terrace of the Palace of Culture
Located in the aforementioned Botero Square, is the Rafael Uribe Uribe Palace of Culture, which is now an art gallery whose terrace houses one of the most amazing views of the city center . You can enter without paying anything for it, although you must visit it at the stipulated hours: Monday to Friday, from 8 in the morning to 5 in the afternoon; and Saturdays from 8 to 2 in the afternoon.
Berrío Park and La Candelaria Church
This is the main node of the metropolis, and serves as a reference for the locals in their meetings. Although it has suffered several fires throughout the last century, it has currently been transformed and integrated into the financial center . It still has shades of the past that give it a timeless appeal.
Also noteworthy is the Basilica of Our Lady of Candelaria (not to be confused with the Church of Our Lady of Candelaria, in Bogotá), one of the most important monuments, and a must-see if you like religious temples . Although the square where it is located does not accompany it in aesthetic terms, its impeccable white stands out from the rest of the complex. The colonial style is well recognizable.
As a curiosity, you should know that one of the neighboring streets has become a popular point for porn consumers, who buy videos in stands and makeshift establishments.
Murals by Pedro Nel Gómez
Halfway between Plaza Botero and Parque Berrío, there is a 20-piece mural by the artist Pedro Nel Gómez , a native of Antioquia. It represents the history of the people of this land, from the indigenous settlers to the most recent autochthonous ones.
If you hire a Free Tour you will be able to better understand the symbolism of the work, otherwise you can always make your own film, or be well supplied with a detailed guide to the city.
Lleras Park and El Poblado
El Poblado is the most exclusive neighborhood in the city, that is, where the wealthiest people live. It is also a perfect place to find accommodation , especially due to its proximity to Lleras Park, a benchmark for leisure at the local level. In the surrounding streets there is nightlife and restaurants in abundance, so it is not strange to see this area busy day and night.
Whether you like the party or not, it is highly recommended that you take a walk around the Park to get to know another reality of the city, and an urban environment dotted with the green of nature.
Pueblito Paisa
With amazing views of the entire valley, in the highest part of Cerro Nutibara, we have the Pueblo Paisa, a reproduction of a Paisa people as they were in the past . It is actually a small group of carefully painted traditional houses and a few merchandising shops. In itself, the town is not very attractive, but the perspective that is obtained is well worth the climb, regardless of anthropological interest, of course.
Metrocable to Santo Domingo
The rugged geography where the city is located will be, once again, a great ally to achieve impressive views. If you take the metrocable that takes you to the Santo Domingo neighborhood, you can enjoy all of Medellín from above .
The good news is that the ticket necessary to take this transport is included in the metro ticket, so you only have to buy a ticket and you can enjoy the experience for your face.
Las Palmas viewpoint
It is an essential viewpoint, which uses height to reconfigure your perception of Medellín. The worst thing is that the only way to get there is by taxi; Also, you may find it cloudy, so that you will not be able to see anything. We do not recommend that you go in the morning, when the probability of clouds is higher . The best thing is to go there at sunset. Even the most daring, go there at night to see the “hype of the city” from above.
It is located on the highway that connects Medellín with the airport. It is possible, taking this into account, that you can take advantage of one of the trips to get to know this basic place.
What to do in Medellín and surroundings
If you still want to get to know the city and its surroundings, we recommend the following excursions.
Excursion to El Peñol and Guatapé
One of the top sales tours from Medellín, and a great plan if your stay in the city exceeds two days. El Peñol is home to a viewpoint with spectacular views. From there you can see the streets of Guatapé . The town is worth a visit, but it should be noted that it is packed with tourists due to its growing fame. It’s up to you.
Excursion to Santa Fe de Antioquia
This town is an attractive visit that overflows with culture on all four sides . The colonial environment is well preserved and is the main attraction of the excursion. The Cathedral of Santa Fe de Antioquia and the Church of Santa Bárbara are two magnificent temples that feed on the green of the mountain to shine more prominently.
Visit to a coffee farm
In case your trip to Colombia does not go through the Coffee Axis, visiting a typical coffee farm from Medellín can be a great way to take some of this topic so much his. Throughout the itinerary you will be able to see what the plantations are like and learn some secrets of coffee, and of the people who make a living from this product.
Pablo Escobar’s tour
Finally, Pablo Escobar’s tour will put you fully into the Narcos universe. The character that motivates this excursion, and also the media phenomenon, did terrible things “along the way”, but if his historical figure attracts you, this tour has been designed for you.
Medellín offers alternatives for all tastes. Create your route based on the time you have, and if you can visit all the places mentioned, as well as take all the excursions proposed, all the better.
