Best Things to do in Medellin Colombia + Comuna Tours

Medellin is the second biggest city in Colombia and capital of the Antioquia province.  It’s also said that the Spanish spoken in Medellin is the most beautiful to listen to.  I recommend you stay choose a hotel in the El Poblado area of Medellin.  It’s worth nothing that Medellin is famous for its eternal spring climate therefore you can visit anytime of year and experience good weather.  Now, here are the best things to do in Medellin Colombia;

El Poblado – Free Things to do in Medellin

You may find that the best area in the city to stay is El Poblado, you’ll feel safe during the day and night here.  Also from El Poblado it is easy to get to the metro and go to other parts of the city.  There is a park called Parque Lleras and around here you’ll find lots of restaurants, bars and discos.  Additionally, there are shopping malls and all kinds of city life.  Furthermore, the El Poblado skyline is an impressive point of interest of Medellin too.

Plaza Botero – What to Do in Medellin

You can easily take the metro from El Poblado to downtown Medellin.  Take note that you should only visit downtown in daylight hours, it doesn’t feel too safe.  On the other hand, there are lots of tourists who choose to stay downtown.  The famous Plaza Botero is located in the center of downtown Medellin.  In Plaza Botero you’ll find larger than life sculptures of famous Botero paintings.  Of course, Fernando Botero was born in Medellin, for this reason they celebrate his unique artwork here.  Lastly, the free walking tour normally starts from around here.

Parque Explora – Medellin Tourist Attractions

The largest fresh water aquarium in South America is located inside Parque Explora.  As a result, one of the top activities in Medellin.  What’s more, they often have different exhibitions.  When I visited there was an interesting Charles Darwin exhibition.  Visit the Parque Explora official site to see what’s showing when you visit.

Antioquia Museum / Museo de Antioquia – Top Things to do in Medellin

As with the Parque Explora, the Antioquia Museum is often showing different exhibitions.  One exhibition which is always there however is the Botero collection which is located in the Pedrito Botero room.  For the latest exhibitions visit the Antioquia Museum official site.

Modern Art Museum – Museo de Arte Moderno

The Modern Art Museum of Medellín (MAMM) is a vibrant cultural hub that showcases contemporary art from Colombia and beyond.  Located in the dynamic Ciudad del Río district, the museum features an impressive collection of modern and contemporary works, including paintings, sculptures, photography, and multimedia installations.

Botanical Gardens – Jardín Botánico – Things to See in Medellin

Located alongside the Parque Explora are the Botanical Gardens of Medellin Colombia.  It’s worth taking a walk through these gardens as you’ll see some colorful flora and fauna.  In addition, it’s likely you’ll see, butterflies, squirrels as well as small turtles.  For more information and latest events visit the Botanical Gardens official site.

Memory House Museum – Casa de la Memoria

This museum is dedicated to honoring the victims of the armed conflict in Colombia and serves as a space for reflection and remembrance.  Inside, you’ll find powerful exhibits and displays that shed light on the country’s history and promote peace and reconciliation.  It’s a meaningful and educational experience that shouldn’t be missed during your time in Medellin.

Comuna 13 – Medellín Attractions

Definitely one of the hot spots in Medellin Colombia.  Comuna 13 is a neighborhood known for its vibrant street art and powerful history of transformation.  Once one of the city’s most dangerous areas, it has become a symbol of resilience and community spirit.  Thus, attracting visitors with its colorful murals, innovative urban projects, and cultural tours that tell the story of its remarkable change.  Alternatively, Comuna 8 is another popular area to visit.

Metrocable to Aburra Valley and Arvi Park

As Medellin is a located in a valley it’s not possible to build a metro up the hills.  The solution to this problem was resolved by building a Metro cable, essentially a cable car which climbs the hill.  Commuters use this metrocable to connect to the city.  Tourists however, use the metrocable for a panoramic view over Medellin.  When you reach the first station, there are a couple of restaurants but you’re more or less in a favela.  I don’t recommend walking too far away from the metrocable station! If you take the metrocable to final station however, there’s Arvi Park and restaurants there.

Parque Arvi – Adventurous Things to do in Medellin

Parque Arví is located in the hills above Medellín. Ultimately, a vast ecological nature reserve offering a serene escape from the city.  Known for its lush forests, diverse flora and fauna, and well-maintained trails, the park is a popular spot for hiking, picnicking and birdwatching.  Additionally, Parque Confama features outdoor activities including adventure sports, ATV tour, paragliding, horseback riding and a zipline.

Watch a Soccer Match

Atletico Nacional is the most popular soccer team in Medellin.  Check if there’s a game on when you’re in town. Indeed, watching a game is an interesting form of Medellin tourism!

Day Trip to Rock of Guatape – El Peñol

The rock of Guatape is a 2 hour bus ride from Medellín.  As you can see from the above photo, it’s a worthwhile journey just for the views from the top of the rock.  From the terminal del norte bus station, take a bus to Guatapé and get off when you see the rock.  Alternatively, you can visit Guatape on an organised tour.

There are 650 steps to ascend to the top of El Peñol.  You don’t have to count them however as every 50th step is numbered.  Enjoy the scenic landscapes of the surrounding Antioquia mountains from the top.  Returning from the rock, just stand at the opposite side of the road to which you got off and flag the next bus to Medellin down.  In contrast, you could make your way to the colorful town of Guatape which is less than 10 minutes away.

Guatapé

Guatapé is a small Colombian town which is perfect for Instagram photography.  There are several Spanish colonial buildings which are in perfect condition. Additionally, these buildings are some of the most colorful in Colombia!  As a result, definitely one of the best Medellin Colombia activities!

What are Fun Things to do in Colombia? Day Trip to Hacienda Napoles

What is Medellin known for? Pablo Escobar. Indeed, Hacienda Napoles is the former home of the famous drug lord Pablo Escobar.  It’s possible to visit Hacienda Napoles on a day trip from Medellin by taking a Coonorte Bus from terminal del norte to Doradal.  From the Doradal bus station you must call for a rickshaw to pick you up and take you Hacienda Napoles.  Make sure you stop at the gates to get a photo at the famous entrance (above).

I highly recommend you hire a rickshaw for the day which is around 50,000 pesos.  The hacienda is huge and it can get quite hot so being driven around helps.  Additionally, it will pick you up from the bus station, take you all around the park and back to the bus station in Doradal afterwards.

In the park, the rickshaw driver can take you anywhere you want, he can suggest a route, or you can plan it with him.  As he works there everyday he has a good idea of the best route to take to see everything in the time frame you have.

In the park you will find:

• Pablo Escobar’s house
• Family and friends houses
• Pablo Escobar’s dinasaur collection
• Mini airport and landing strip
• Pablo Escobar’s Hippos
• Zoo
• Water park
• Butterfly enclosure
• Hotels
• Restarants
• African museum (In Pablo Escobar’s converted bull ring)

Hacienda Napoles is definitely worth a visit, be it on a day trip from Medellin or on an overnight stay on the way to Bogota.

Enjoy the Best Things to do Medellin Colombia – Next Medellin to Cali Bus

To get to Cali you can take a Bolivariano bus service, from terminal del sur bus station.  There are 2 bus stations in Medellín, generally buses going south leave from terminal del sur, and those going north or east leave from terminal del norte.  The journey time is around 9 hours and should be around 50,000 pesos.  Remember, you can bargain the bus prices in Colombia, especially if it’s quiet and other companies are running the same route.  Check out these headphones to listen to music on the bus.

Cali to Bogotá