Known as the “City of Eternal Springs,” Medellin the capital city of Colombia’s Antioquia province, is famous for its annual Flower Festival. The festival’s the best time to visit Medellin. Additionally, it’s blessed with temperate weather. The modern metro-cable network offers breathtaking scenic views of the Abutta Valley below. The cultural atmosphere in the city offers some of the best things to do in Medellin, Columbia. Known for the arts and excellent parks and gardens, there’s plenty to do in the city.
These include the Antioquia Museum and Explora Park. Certainly, you don’t need to look far to enjoy nature in and near the city. Definitely, the Arvi Park Medellin Colombia or the Joaquin Antonio Uribe Botanical garden deserve a place on your must-see list. Read on and find more about the top things to do in Medellin, Colombia.
[booking_product_helper shortname=”medellin”]
Joaquin Antonio Uribe Botanical garden
1
To escape the noise and chaos of the busy city, one of the best things to do in Medellin is a visit the Joaquin Antonio Uribe Botanical garden. Absolutely, it’s an adventure worthy of your bucket-list. Originally, established as an institution dedicated to cultural labor, many functions include education. Additionally, scientific research and recreation are catered for. Plus they preserve and conserve Colombian flora.
Find a beautiful lake that lies in the eastern area of the gardens. There, keep a lookout for birds and squirrels. Alternatively, sit at one of the picnic benches and the restful natural setting. People also enjoy browsing around the Orchid Exhibit. The best time to plan your visit to the 35-acres (14.2-hectare) garden is in August during the flowering season.
Guatape
2
One of the best places to enjoy the breathtaking vistas near Medellin is at the resort of Guatape. Ideally located for a day trip, find it just 79 km (49 mi) from Medellin. For those who love the outdoors, this should be one place you visit. This picturesque settlement’s best known for its beautifully decorated houses.
To the southwest, lies the popular giant rock named El Peñón de Guatapé. There are hundreds of steps leading to the top. On the rock, find tables overlooking an almost infinite vista. Food vendors sell delectable items to keep you fueled. Buy a memento at one of two gift shops. Or, take some Instagram-worthy photos from the special viewing area.
Two local monasteries also provide an interesting visit. Alternatively, the nearby lake provided ferries. From there, explore the islands, or engage in water sports. If you are wondering what do in Medellin, this full-day trip to Guatape should be on top of your to-do list.
Casa de la Memoria
3
Located in Medellin, free entrance makes it worth a visit. Created in 2006, photos and the arts aim at understanding and preventing armed conflict. Intended as a symbolic mission, it assists in the cultural transformation of the people. Hopefully, it cultivates a nation of peace with a bright future in this conflict zone.
Actually, you can discover both indoor and outdoor exhibits. Special presentations include things like talks and exhibitions through the 70s to 90s. Disturbing in many ways, you’ll enjoy a thought-provoking look at how conflict impacts society.
The living museum’s open from Tuesday to Friday from 9 am to 6 pm. On Saturdays, Sundays and holidays opening times are from 10 am to 4 pm. Request a tour in English if required. Self-guided tours come on an App, with headphones.
Parque arví
4
Arví Park brings the opportunity to enjoy ecotourism. Northeast of Medellin, discover both a wilderness preserve and a Pre-Hispanic archeological site. Situated on the eastern slopes of Aburrá Valley, discover over 50 miles of hiking trails. Cyclings popular here as well. Also, keep a sharp eye out for the various butterflies in the park. Afterward, stop off at the outdoor food market next to the gondola station.
Easy to find, get there via the Metro from Medellin. Take line L on the Metro to Arvi. From there, metro cables go directly to the park. Park Arvi’s included in a tour of several places of interest in Medellin. You’ll spend two hours in the park.
Metropolitan Cathedral of Medellín
5
Known for its unique design, the Metropolitan Cathedral of Medellin is a popular tourist site. The completion of the cathedral took close 50 years. This beautiful Romanesque cathedral is constructed from beautiful bricks and features two towers. Designed by Emile Charles Carre, it’s recognized as an architectural beauty.
People love the impressive appearance. If you’d like to attend a mass there, it’s possible to go in the morning. With hundreds of beautiful stain-glass windows, it’s got an ethereal light to it. Opposite, the cathedral, the newly renovated El Parque Bolivar provides a peaceful setting in the middle of the city.
Rafael Uribe Uribe Palace of Culture
6
Next on our list of the top 10 things to do in Medellin, is the Rafael Uribe Uribe Palace of Culture. Built in1925, tourists visit it frequently. The Palace overlooks the famous Botero Square. Notably, the building’s unique Gothic Revival architectural building design makes it easily identifiable.
Situated at Carrera 51 #52 01 Medellín Antioquia 050012, it closes on Sundays. Opening hours during the week are from 8.00 am to 12 and then they close again until 2.00 p.m.
Enjoy concerts and art exhibitions. But the biggest drawcard, is the view from the top floor. The entrance is free. As you’ll be visiting Botero Plaza anyway, you may as well get up there for some skyline shots of the city.
Festival of The Flowers
7
Late February and early March are the best times to visit Medellin. This is when the famous Festival of The Flowers takes place. This spectacular festival lasts for three weeks where you get to enjoy spectacular parades, concerts, and amazing theater performances.
Enjoy the parades, exhibitions, and an abundance of flowers. The orchid exposition is particularly popular. This festival means a lot to the locals as it represents the independence of Antioquia.
For one of the best ways to experience this festival, try the Festival of Flowers (Feria de las Flores) Medellin – Santa tour.
Telemedellin Canal Parque
8
The Telemedellin Canal Park’s located at Carrera 43f 18 60, Medellin. Ideal for kids, it’s a quiet and safe location for family enjoyment. Small, it nevertheless makes for a pleasant spot for a picnic. If you go along on a Sunday, you’ll discover a farmers market.
The kids will love the bamboo forest and plenty of squirrels. A min-ecological park, it comes with plenty of exhibits. Cool and shaded by trees, there are lots of things for the kids to do and play on. Telemedellin Parks’ located on the grounds of a TV station.
The natural forest preserve now comes with food stands to fuel up, and the kids can kick around a ball on a soccer field. Entry is free, so it’s nicely affordable for family groups. Opening hours: 6.00 am to 7.00 pm seven days a week.
Parque Explora
9
Parque Explora, an interactive science museum in Medellín, is similar to San Francisco‘s Exploratorium. Here, you’ll find a large freshwater aquarium. In the museum, more than 300 interactive exhibits fascinate the young at heart. Apart from that, discover the 3D auditorium, a TV studio, and their planetarium.
Located at Carrera 52 No 73-75 in Medellín, the museum opened in 2008. Even young kids are catered for here. Look for the Children’s Room designed for little kids under the age of five. There, they can pretend to be builders or experiment with their budding desire to become an explorer. Additionally, the Physics Under The Sky section brings a fascinating hands-on journey into weight lifting, and other examples working with science in our everyday lives.
El Castillo Museo y Jardines
10
French-inspired, the El Castillo Museo Y Jardines castle boasts magnificent fountains, a meadow-like garden, and beautiful pathways. Originally contrusted in in 1930, in 1971, it underwent conversion into a museum. Containing nine rooms of exhibits it brings displays of stained glass, porcelain, many antiques, paintings, and more.
Closed on Sunday’s, it opens from Monday to Friday between 9.00 am and 6.00 pm. Saturday’s opening hours are from 10.00 am to 5.00 pm. Mainly dedicated to the arts, they also boast exhibitions and an art school. Paid breakfast and picnics are available but check first to book the best time to visit this Medellin activity.
Just So You Know:
- Medellin was the first city in the world to use cable cars for mass transit.
- The “City of Eternal Spring” is one of the most beautiful cities in the world.
- Medellin is in fact, home to Fernando Botero, one of the most famous artists in the world.
- It is one of the biggest flower exporters in the world. Uniquely, one of the main festivals is dedicated to flowers.
- The city hosts one of the largest fashion events to take place in South America
Where to Stay:
- ⭐⭐⭐ Ibis Medellin – Perfectly situated, this hotel is just minutes from the financial district, restaurants, shopping centers, and bars.
- ⭐⭐⭐⭐ La Quinta by Wyndham Medellin – One of the most recommended hotels. It offers accommodation with a restaurant and a bar. Additionally, it comes with and a fitness center. Conveniently, it’s located an easy 10 minutes’ drive to Lleras Park and Pueblito Paisa
- ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Hotel Dann Carlton Medellín -Top of the class hotel known for offering celebrity treatment. Luxurious, it offers spacious seating areas and an outdoor pool and spa for guests to enjoy.
Get Some Culture:
- Museo El Castillo – Museo El Castillo is not only an architectural piece of art but also a home to collections of art. It is located in the heart of Medellin. Previously, it was and was once home to wealthy families in before its conversion into a museum.
- Antioquia Museum – The Antioquia Museum or Museo de Antioquia is an architectural marvel founded in 1881. Diversely, the Museo de Antioquia is home to over 100 pre-Colombian exhibits. In fact, they were donated by both international and nationally famous artists. Possibly, it’s one of the best things to do in Medellin.
Grab A Bite:
- Restaurante Barcal – A fine dining restaurant known to offer a mega-diversity of Colombian cuisine. Famous for is 1 –course menu filled with authentic Colombian dishes.
- El Rancherito – A popular chain restaurant serving authentic Colombian cuisines.
