NEW EPISODE:“Skaneateles: All-American Legacy & Lake Life”
NEW EPISODE:“Skaneateles: All-American Legacy & Lake Life”
MedellÃn is a city that refuses to be defined by its past. Once known for its troubled history, today it stands as a vibrant, innovative metropolis brimming with art, culture, and breathtaking landscapes. Nicknamed the City of Eternal Spring for its perfect year-round weather, MedellÃn is a place of transformation, where the scars of the past coexist with a spirit of reinvention.
During my visit, I experienced MedellÃn’s resilience firsthand—through its street art, its people, and its remarkable public spaces. From riding the Metrocable high above the city to wandering the lively streets of Comuna 13, from tasting exotic fruits at Plaza Minorista to learning about Colombia’s complex history at Casa Museo de la Memoria, this city left its mark on me in ways I never expected.
Whether you’re here for the rich coffee culture, stunning landscapes, or vibrant city life, this guide will help you plan the perfect trip to MedellÃn.
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Walking into Alambique feels like stepping into a hidden jungle hideaway. With lush greenery, moody lighting, and a vintage aesthetic, this restaurant offers some of the best creative Colombian cuisine in the city. The cocktails are just as stunning as the food, and the entire experience is effortlessly cool. What to try: Braised pork belly, ceviche with a modern twist, and their signature smoky mezcal cocktails.
One of MedellÃn’s most celebrated restaurants, Carmen blends traditional Colombian flavors with innovative techniques. The ambiance is elegant yet welcoming, and the tasting menu is a must for any serious foodie.What to try: The seven-course tasting menu paired with Colombian wines or their legendary pork belly bao buns.
If slow-cooked meats and Colombian comfort food with a modern twist sound appealing, Oci.Mde is the place for you. Warm, inviting, and deeply rooted in MedellÃn’s flavors, this restaurant is a must-visit for hearty, beautifully plated dishes. What to try: The braised short ribs and homemade arepas.
Trendy, vibrant, and full of life, Mamasita Medallo is the perfect mix of traditional and modern Colombian flavors. This is the kind of place where you order a cocktail and stay for hours soaking up the atmosphere. What to try: The ajiaco-inspired dishes and aguardiente-based cocktails.
A classic spot for traditional Paisa cuisine, Hato Viejo serves up authentic bandeja paisa, sancocho, and other home-style Colombian dishes. If you want a true taste of MedellÃn’s food culture, this is the place to go. What to try: The bandeja paisa, Colombia’s national dish, and empanadas with ajà sauce.
If you want high-quality Colombian coffee in the heart of MedellÃn, Pergamino is the place. It’s a local favorite and a great spot to sample some of the best beans in the country (which is a rarity, as you’ll learn in the Coffee Axis episode). What to try: Their pour-over coffee, along with a freshly baked pastry.
If it’s your first time in MedellÃn, El Poblado is the most convenient and tourist-friendly area. It’s packed with trendy restaurants, cocktail bars, boutique shops, and vibrant nightlife. While it’s the most expensive area in the city, it’s also safe and walkable, making it a great choice for travelers who want comfort and convenience. Pro Tip: Stay in Provenza or Manila, two of El Poblado’s most charming areas, with tree-lined streets, artisan cafes, and relaxed yet trendy energy.
For a more laid-back, local vibe, Laureles is one of MedellÃn’s best-kept secrets. This residential neighborhood is home to tree-lined streets, family-owned bakeries, and a strong local community feel. It’s also where the famous Estadio Atanasio Girardot (MedellÃn’s soccer stadium) is located, so you’ll find an authentic, lively atmosphere without the touristy hustle of El Poblado.
El Centro is the cultural and historical heart of the city, home to Plaza Botero, Museo de Antioquia, and the iconic Palacio Nacional. This area is packed with history but is also busier and grittier than El Poblado or Laureles. El Centro is best for daytime exploration—if staying here, be cautious at night, use rideshare apps instead of walking, and stick to well-lit areas.
If you want an ultra-local, relaxed experience, Envigado and Sabaneta are fantastic options. These neighborhoods offer a quieter, traditional Paisa vibe and delicious local food, but they’re farther from the tourist hubs. Pro Tip: Sabaneta is a foodie paradise—spend a night here to experience authentic Paisa flavors away from the crowds.
There’s a lot more to discover about MedellÃn on the Globocurious podcast. Listen now!
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Once one of the most dangerous neighborhoods in the world, Comuna 13 has undergone a complete transformation. Today, it’s a vibrant community known for its powerful street art, hip-hop performances, and innovative public escalators that make the steep hills accessible. Pro Tip: Take a guided tour to hear firsthand stories from local residents and artists about the neighborhood’s past and present.
This museum is one of the most important cultural spaces in MedellÃn, offering a deeply moving look into Colombia’s armed conflict and the resilience of its people. The exhibits include personal testimonies, interactive displays, and historical artifacts. Why Visit? It’s part of the Colombian government’s legal reparations for victims of the conflict, making it a vital piece of the country’s history.
SImply referred to by locals as “La Minorista,” Plaza Minorista is a bustling market filled with exotic fruits, vegetables, and traditional Colombian street food. The sheer variety is staggering, and sampling the local produce is an experience in itself. What to try: Chontaduro (palm fruit), lulo, and the creamy, unexpected guanábana (soursop). Pro Tip: Take a guided tour of the city’s three most popular fruit markets, including La Mayorista, La Minorista, and Placita Florez, to get the insider details and a well-rounded tasting of the fruits on display.
Plaza Botero is an open-air gallery featuring 23 oversized bronze sculptures donated by MedellÃn’s most famous artist, Fernando Botero. Surrounded by Museo de Antioquia and the striking Palacio de la Cultura Rafael Uribe, it’s a cultural hub where art, history, and daily city life collide. While exploring, be mindful of your belongings and take time to visit the museum to see more of Botero’s work.
A chaotic yet thrilling shopping district, El Hueco is where locals go for bargains on everything from clothes to electronics. What started as an informal street market has grown into a vast commercial maze of over 15,000 stalls, shops, and underground alleys. It’s an authentic look at MedellÃn’s street economy, best explored during daylight hours with a sharp eye for deals and a secure grip on your belongings.
Cerro Nutibara offers breathtaking panoramic views of MedellÃn and is home to Pueblito Paisa, a replica of a traditional Antioquian village. The hill is named after Cacique Nutibara, an indigenous leader who fought against Spanish colonizers. You can hear more about his story in the Medellin episode of the Globocurious podcast. Today, visitors come here to soak in the region’s history, explore artisan shops, and enjoy a peaceful sunset over the city.
MedellÃn’s public transportation system is one of the most efficient and innovative in Latin America, making it surprisingly easy to navigate the city. Whether you’re taking the Metro, hopping on a cable car, or using rideshare apps, there are plenty of ways to explore MedellÃn safely and affordably. Here’s what you need to know:
The MedellÃn Metro is the only metro system in Colombia, and it’s the fastest, cleanest, and most reliable way to get around. It consists of two main train lines (Line A and Line B) that connect much of the city, with transfer points to Metrocables (cable cars), buses, and tramways. Pro Tip:If you plan to use public transit often, grab a CÃvica card at any Metro station—it saves money and speeds up boarding.
While taxis are abundant, they don’t always have meters, so it’s best to use rideshare apps for transparency. Use apps like Uber, DiDi, and Cabify for safer, fixed-price rides. You can also order a taxi through Uber, which I consider to be the safest option. If taking a street taxi, negotiate a fare in advance or ask the driver to use the TaxÃmetro (meter). Side Note: Uber is technically not legal in Colombia but still widely used, so it’s common for Uber drivers to ask a passenger to sit in the front seat in order to avoid police attention.
MedellÃn’s Metrocable system was built to connect hillside communities to the city center, but it’s also one of the best ways to take in stunning aerial views of the city. Lines to Know: Line K goes to Comuna 13, a must-visit for street art and history. Line L takes you up to Parque ArvÃ, an eco-reserve perfect for a day trip.
Metroplús is a rapid-transit bus system that integrates with the Metro and offers a comfortable ride through main corridors. TranvÃa (Tramway) is a scenic electric streetcar that runs through El Centro and connects to Metrocable stations.
MedellÃn is a walkable city in neighborhoods like El Poblado, Laureles, and Provenza, but caution is advised in some parts of the city center, especially at night. Stick to well-lit, populated areas and avoid displaying valuables no matter where you are. There’s a saying in Colombia: “no des papaya”, which essentially means “don’t give them a reason.”
Ready to dive deeper into MedellÃn? Listen to the Globocurious podcast, where I immerse you in the city’s history, food, and cultural revival firsthand.
And for even more personal stories and insider travel tips, join me on the Globocurious Substack!
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