Things to do in Medellin

Why go to Medellin

• Comuna 13 Graffiti Tour

  A stunning open-air gallery of murals and hip-hop culture climbing outdoor escalators through a neighborhood that reinvented itself.

• Parque Arví

  A vast cloud-forest nature reserve reached by a breathtaking cable car ride over the city, perfect for hiking and market food.

• Plaza Botero & Museum of Antioquia

  Twenty-three monumental bronze sculptures by Fernando Botero fill the plaza, with his finest paintings steps away inside the museum.

• El Peñol Rock (Guatapé)

  Climb 740 steps carved into this towering granite monolith for jaw-dropping reservoir views just two hours from the city.

• Pueblito Paisa & Nutibara Hill

  A hilltop replica colonial village with panoramic 360-degree views of Medellín's sprawling valley basin.

Good to know in Medellin

• The Metro and Metrocable system is safe, fast, and costs under $1 per ride, use it to reach Arví, hillside barrios, and cross the city; InDrive and Cabify apps beat Uber for cheaper moto or car rides.
• Tipping is not mandatory but rounding up to 10% is appreciated at sit-down restaurants; many bills include a voluntary 'propina' line you can decline.
• Tap water in Medellín is among the safest in South America and is officially drinkable, locals drink it, saving you money on bottled water throughout your stay.
• The Museum of Antioquia and several city museums offer free admission on the first Saturday of each month, and Parque Arví's hiking trails are always free without the cable car.

Trip essentials