Hello! If you’re traveling through Colombia and looking for the best things to do in Medellín, we have an itinerary for 3, 4, and 5 days that includes the must-see places in the paisa capital. Get ready to discover the most fascinating side of the City of Eternal Spring.
This travel guide is written from our personal experience, and in it, we will show you what to do in Medellín. Additionally, we will give you some tips and recommend accommodations, tours, and activities to complement your experience.
Let’s start planning your trip!
Places to visit in Medellín, Colombia
Day 1: Explore downtown Medellín and Plaza Botero
We start this list of things to do in Medellín in the city center: the historical, commercial, and cultural heart, where you can experience firsthand the resilience of the people of Medellín and its transformation from an industrial city to a Colombian example of an inclusive urban development model.
You can start the tour at Calle Junín, one of Medellín’s most iconic pedestrian streets, which has been the center of social life. From there, you can walk to Parque Berrío and Plaza Botero, passing by the murals of Pedro Nel Gómez and the Iglesia de La Candelaria, the oldest church in the city.
The Plaza Botero is one of the best places to visit in Medellín. There you will find sculptures by the master Fernando Botero, one of the most recognized Colombian artists. Also, you will find the Museo de Antioquia and the Palacio de la Cultura Rafael Uribe Uribe, one of the most beautiful buildings in the city.
From Plaza Botero, you can visit other tourist sites in Medellín, such as the Palacio Nacional, the Parque de Las Luces, the Centro Administrativo La Alpujarra, and the Monumento a la Raza. Keep in mind that the city center holds many secrets, so if you want to learn about its history and present, we recommend joining this free tour based on tips.
Hotels in Medellín: The city has several areas and neighborhoods that are ideal for accommodation. For example, El Poblado is one of the most touristy areas, known for its nightlife, Parque Lleras, and Provenza. There, you can stay at: Lettera Hotel, Vibes Hostel, 574 Hotel, or Sui Boutique Hotel.
Another recommended area is Laureles, a bit less touristy but still with excellent dining options, parks, and bars for going out at night. There, we recommend staying at: Indie Universe Creative Hotel, Barcelo Coliving, or Hotel Laureles Loft.
Click here to secure your spot on the free tour of the city center
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Tips for Booking Good, Cheap, and Cheerful Accommodation: If you wait until the last minute, it’s very likely that the best and most economical accommodations will already be booked, and you’ll have to settle for what is available.
Booking.com is our preferred website for booking accommodations without having to pay in advance. If you click here, you can get a discount of 15% or more. After entering your destination and travel date, you can filter by price, location, accommodation type, and read reviews from other travelers.
By frequently booking through Booking.com, you can access exclusive discounts, enjoy free breakfasts, and receive better rooms at no additional cost. This will help you secure more economical rates and additional benefits that will allow you to save on your trip.
Click here to book accommodation with a discount of 15% or more!
Top activities in Medellín – Day 2: Graffiti tour in Comuna 13
One of the must-do activities in Medellín is the Graffiti Tour in Comuna 13 (you can book your spot here). This experience will allow you to learn about the profound social, cultural, and economic transformation of a historically marginalized area through urban art and other cultural expressions.
Comuna 13 was one of the most dangerous areas in Medellín during the 1980s and 1990s. During this period, the area was marked by violence between drug traffickers, guerrillas, and paramilitaries, making it one of the epicenters of the armed conflict in Colombia.
In 2002, the situation reached a critical point with Operation Orión, a controversial military intervention aimed at regaining control of the area. While it managed to displace some armed groups, it also left deep scars on the community and numerous reports of human rights violations.
In recent years, Comuna 13 has transformed into a safe and hopeful place, thanks to the efforts of the local community and government. Social programs and infrastructure investments, such as the construction of outdoor escalators, have been key to this process. Witnessing this change is undoubtedly one of the best things to do in Medellín.
Book now for the free tour in Comuna 13!
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If you are visiting Medellín, one of the must-do activities is this free tour of Comuna 13. You will have the opportunity to explore an area that has transformed its painful past into a present full of diversity and social reclaim, while admiring the graffiti that decorates its streets.
To book the graffiti free tour of Comuna 13, simply click here, select your preferred date and time, and indicate the number of people attending. It is important to note that the activity is available every day and lasts for 2.5 hours, and is based on tips.
Book the free tour of Comuna 13 now!
Day 3: Climb the Piedra del Peñol or visit Santa Fe de Antioquia
This travel itinerary wouldn’t be complete without including day trips from Medellín. On this occasion, we recommend two of the most interesting places to visit if it’s your first time in the Antioquian capital: Guatapé and Santa Fe de Antioquia.
One of the best places to visit near Medellín is Guatapé, especially if you’re a traveler passionate about breathtaking landscapes. On the way, you can climb to the top of the Piedra del Peñol and stroll around the reservoir. In the town, you’ll get to know the zócalos, beautiful decorations that adorn its houses.
Guatapé is 2 hours away from Medellín, and you can get there by public transport or join this tour that includes a stop at Piedra del Peñol and a boat ride on the reservoir. If you decide to spend the night in the town or its surroundings, consider staying at: Viajero Hostel & Lake Club, Hotel Casa Verde, and Hotel Guatatur.
Santa Fe de Antioquia is one of the fascinating towns near Medellín. It is one of the Most Charming Heritage Towns of Colombia. There, you can stroll through its historic center, admire its colonial architecture, visit the Juan del Corral Museum, and learn about the fine art of filigree. Outside the town, visit the Puente de Occidente.
To reach Santa Fe de Antioquia, you can book this guided tour; the land journey from Medellín takes only 1 hour. If you prefer to travel on your own and spend the night in this beautiful town, we recommend considering: Encomendero Hotel, Hotel Boutique Al Alma, and Hotel Mariscal Robledo.
Other tours in Medellín that may interest you:
See all available activities and tours
How to book the tour to Guatapé and the Piedra del Peñol? It’s very easy! Just click here to see the detailed plan description, price, what’s included, and reviews from other travelers. Then, select your preferred date, the number of people, and click on the "See availability" button.
Note that the one-day tour to Guatapé and the Piedra del Peñol starts at 7 a.m., and is available every day of the year. The tour includes round-trip transportation from Medellín, meals, a boat ride, transfer to the rock, and an English-speaking guide.
The advantage of booking any of these tours in Medellín is that, once you make the reservation payment, you receive immediate confirmation. Also, in case of any inconvenience or if you need to cancel or reschedule, you can request a refund up to 24 hours before the activity.
Check prices and tour details now to reserve your adventure!
Where to go in Medellín – Day 4: Visit the best museums in the city
Now that you know what to do in Medellín in 3 days, if you have more time available, we recommend dedicating an entire day to immerse yourself in culture and history at some of what we consider the best museums in the city: the Museum of Antioquia, the Museum Casa de la Memoria, and Parque Explora.
The Museum of Antioquia is one of the oldest museums in Colombia. Located in Plaza Botero, it houses an extensive collection of artworks, including many donations from Botero, as well as colonial art, modern art, contemporary art, and works by other Colombian artists.
The Museum Casa de la Memoria is a space dedicated to preserving the history of the armed conflict in Colombia, with a focus on Antioquia. Here you will find deeply moving spaces aimed at honoring the victims of violence and providing a place for dialogue, reconciliation, and peacebuilding.
Parque Explora is one of the best places to visit in Medellín with family, as it is a center for science, technology, and innovation. Its main attractions include the aquarium, the planetarium, and interactive rooms. Additionally, right next door is the Botanical Garden, a beautiful free space!
Tip: If you’re planning to travel to Colombia from abroad, with this Holafly eSIM, you’ll have unlimited data and keep your number for calls and WhatsApp without worrying about expensive roaming fees. Also, remember to get international medical insurance.
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Tip: Save time and money by booking on platforms like GuruWalk, Civitatis, or Denomades. We recommend these sites because, in addition to being secure, they allow you to compare prices, read reviews from other travelers, learn about the itineraries in detail, and know exactly what each tour includes.
GuruWalk: Exclusively for free walking tours worldwide. Civitatis: Offers a wide variety of tours, guided visits, and excursions in hundreds of destinations. Denomades: Specializes in nature and adventure activities in Latin America.
On these platforms, you can book at very competitive prices, sometimes even better than at the destination! Plus, they offer a great variety of payment methods and, in many cases, have flexible cancellation policies that allow you to get a refund up to 24 hours before the activity starts.
Discover your next free tour on GuruWalk
Check out available activities on Civitatis
Book the best tours in Latin America on Denomades
Fun things to do in Medellín – Day 5: Arví Park or Coffee Farm
To close this 5-day Medellín travel itinerary, we want to dedicate the last day to exploring nature. We suggest visiting Arví Park or a coffee farm; both destinations offer unique experiences by combining nature, culture, and history, and represent a perfect escape near the city.
Arví Park is one of the best attractions in Medellín! It is a vast nature reserve located in the Santa Elena district. There, you can walk along its trails and forests, rent a bike to cycle through its mountain paths, go birdwatching, or have a picnic.
To get to Arví Park, you will need to take the Metrocable. From any Metro station in Medellín, you should go to the Acevedo station and switch to Line K of the Cable metro until you reach the Santo Domingo station, where you will transfer to Line L of the Arví Cable. The last stretch takes about 20 minutes.
Another activity near Medellín is visiting a coffee farm in nearby districts. You can learn up close about the coffee production process, from harvesting the beans to tasting a freshly brewed cup. Take this tour to experience it to the fullest.
Now that you know how to spend 5 days in Medellín, we leave you some other travel guides that will undoubtedly be very useful:
What to do in Cartagena de Indias
Tayrona Park: How to get there from Santa Marta
What to see in Bogotá: 5 Must-Do Plans
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How to Find Last-Minute Cheap Flights? While it is important to plan your trip in advance, we understand that it’s not always possible. So, if you are looking for affordable tickets to travel soon and save some money, we recommend using Skyscanner.
Skyscanner.com is a tool that allows you to compare flights from different airlines to find the best rates. To use it, click here, enter the departure and destination cities, and the travel date. With this information, it will search for the most affordable options, and you can choose based on price or layovers.
Is it safe to buy flights on Skyscanner? It depends. After selecting a flight, you’ll see a list of links from various airlines and agencies. The safest way is to purchase your tickets through the airline´s link. If you decide to buy from an agency, you should be a bit more cautious.
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Some organized trips that might interest you:
Recommended Guided Tour: Amazon, Mocagua, and Puerto Nariño - 4 Days / 3 Nights
On this adventure, you’ll explore the jungle, visit Puerto Nariño, and sail along the Amazon River in search of dolphins, piranhas, and wild birds. You’ll also visit the Peruvian community of San Antonio to learn about a responsible tourism project focused on the conservation of sloths and the Victoria Regia water lily.
The package includes boat transfers from Leticia, accommodation in a private room for couples, meals, pink dolphin watching, a night walk in the jungle, and tours of Mocagua, Puerto Nariño, Tarapoto Lakes, and San Antonio (Peru).
This tour is available every day from Leticia!
Price per person: $1,780,000 COP
Recommended tour: Ciudad Perdida from Santa Marta - 4 days / 3 nights
This 4-day trip to Ciudad Perdida includes 4x4 transportation from Santa Marta. We can pick you up in the historic center, El Rodadero, Taganga, or downtown Minca, and drop you off at the entrance of Tayrona on the way back.
The tour also includes accommodation in local campesino and indigenous camps, all meals, hydration, a bilingual guide (English and Spanish), a guided tour, entrance fees, and medical assistance insurance.
Guaranteed departures every day!
Discounted price per person: $1,800,000 COP
Sale valid for travel until December 31, 2024. After that, the regular rate will be $2,150,000 COP.
We hope you enjoyed this travel guide! If you found our information helpful, consider supporting our work by booking accommodations, tours, and services we recommend, or directly through the following affiliate links:
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