
After a week in Medellín, I found myself scrambling to use Google Translate in an attempt to extend my stay. Sadly, I was not successful. A city filled with museums, bars, restaurants, clubs — I could easily spend a month in Medellín and it still wouldn’t be long enough. Check out my list of the top five things to do in Medellín, Colombia’s second largest city.
1. Visit Mercado del Río
With a ton of selections, this market caters to a wide palate. Enjoy Peruvian, Italian, Mexican, traditional Colombian cuisine, and many others. Whether you want to eat, enjoy drinks with friends, or catch a fútbol game, Mercado del Río is the place to be.
2. Prepare to be mesmerized by Comuna 13
Once plagued by violence, Comuna 13 is now a vibrant area where tourists flock to enjoy colorful street art. Hop on the outdoor escalators and enjoy the ride to the top of the hill where you will be greeted by more murals, performances, street food, and an amazing view of the city.
3. Enjoy an aerial view of Medellín from the cable cars
Both a tourist attraction and a huge part of daily life for residents, the cable car is a great way to take in the city. A relatively new addition to the city, it provides a way for people living in the Medellín hills to get to and from work. There is also a line to Parque Arví, which many tourists visit.
4. Relax at Museo El Castillo
This Gothic-style castle provides a great way to take a break from the usual hustle and bustle of visiting a new city. After exploring the museum, venture to the gardens where you can enjoy drinks with friends or a romantic lunch. Pack a camera because Museo El Castillo provides great backdrops for Instagram-worthy pictures.
5. Take a trip to Guatapé
A trip to Medellín would not be complete without a visit to Guatapé. Not part of Medellín, Guatapé is located two hours outside of the city. Filled with colorful streets, the main attraction is climbing 600 steps up La Piedra del Peñol. Trust me, it is worth the hike!
If you ever book a flight to Colombia, do yourself a favor and visit Medellín. Friendly locals, great food, affordable cost of living…I can definitely see myself spending a few months in Medellín.
Happy travels,
Marissa
Medellin looks amazing. I would love to ride those cable.cars and to explore that beautiful street art. I also think that market looks amazing.
Medellin really is amazing!! I really enjoyed that trip!
I didn’t know much about Colombia before this year, but now I’m desperate to go. Medellín is definitely on the list now! The food just sounds incredible!
It really is incredible. I hope you make it to Colombia soon! I’m still not sure how it ended up on my wanderlist, but I’m glad it did.
Wow! I’ve heard of Medellin from Pablo Escabar but didn’t realise that today it’s so colourful and pretty. You’ve definitely inspired me. Thanks for sharing.
Sophie | http://thirdeyetraveller.com
Yes, it’s so colorful and vibrant! You should definitely add it to your list of places to visit.
Ohhh I love Cable cars! Medellín sounds fabulous, I will definitely have to add it to my ever-growing bucket list! xx
Yes, please add it!! I hope you’re able to check some places off your list soon 🙂
Great list! I’ve never been to Colombia, but I’ve read a number of articles on Medellin recently and it sounds like so much fun! Gautape is a place I haven’t seen on similar lists though – it sounds awesome and off the beaten track. Thanks for sharing!
I highly recommend adding Colombia to your list of places to visit. Guatape is amazing…super colorful with great views.
The aerial view is amazing!
Yep, it was a cool view of the city!
I’m adding this city to my list of places to visit. There are so many things to see and do. That areal view is amazing!
You should definitely add it to your list! Medellín is great; I can’t wait to go back!
I am living in Medellin for 6 months and I’ve done most of those things and you’ve covered my favourites!
~Reese – BloggingWithReese
You live in Medellin?! That sounds amazing!! I was just saying that if I wouldn’t mind living there 🤔
Yeah, it’s pretty cool! 🙂
This place looks beautiful. I’d love to visit someday.
You definitely should! I love Medellin…such wonderful vibes!
Wow! Great post! I’ll have to visit the Museo de Castillo and the Mercado del Rio next time I’m out there. It amazes me how much there is to do in Medellin! If you ever go back, I also made a few list of activities to do there as well: https://littlecatposts.com/2019/05/30/6-reasons-why-traveling-to-medellin-colombia-is-a-must/. Can’t wait to see where you travel to next!
I definitely plan to visit Medellin again. So I’ll add these activities to my list.
Oh wow, Columbia is beautiful! Cartagena is pretty much at the top of my travel bucket list.
I absolutely love Colombia! I need to go back soon.