MEDELLÍN
The city of the eternal spring
If you have a little extra time in Medellín, and care to explore, we didn’t want you to miss out on some great experiences. We put together a short list of things we love and recommend, so you can get a feel for the city while you’re here.
If you only have a few hours, there are plenty of things to experience right in the city. If you have a free day, a handful of beautiful towns are just a couple of hours away. And if you’re lucky enough to be staying longer in Colombia, there’s even more to see beyond Medellín.
THINGS TO DO IN MEDELLÍN
Comuna 13
Previously, this neighborhood was one of the most dangerous areas in Medellín, but today it’s a symbol of resilience and transformation. The streets are filled with murals and art that tell the story of its past and its change. Going with a local guide makes the experience even more meaningful, as they explain how art, music, and community-based projects completely reshaped life here.
El Peñol, Guatapé & The Brown Hotel (About 2 hours from Medellín)
2 hours outside of Medellín and worth a visit if you have a free day and want to see something completely different. La Piedra del Peñol is a giant volcanic rock with an observatory on top reachable by only, 700 steps to the top. The view of this man made array of lakes and islands is worth every step. 10 minutes away is Guatapé, a colorful town where every house is painted and decorated with murals. It’s one of the most photographed places in Colombia and really does feel like stepping into a painting.
While you’re there, make sure to visit Hotel Brown, whether for lunch or an overnight stay. It is spectacular, with beautiful design, a great spa, and a restaurant that serves some of the best food in the area. If you are lucky enough to have have enough time, staying overnight feels like a real retreat and truly recommended..
Museum of Modern Art
A small but creative museum with rotating exhibitions and an interesting building to explore. There’s also a rooftop terrace with views of the city, perfect for a short visit if you art and design is your vibe.
Arví Park
Reaching Arví is part of the experience, since you take the city’s cable car up the mountain and watch Medellín’s different neighborhoods open up beneath you. At the top you’ll find trails, fresh air, and weekend markets with local food and crafts.
Museum of Antioquia
Located in front of Plaza Botero, this museum is one of the city’s cultural landmarks. It houses an extensive collection of works donated by Fernando Botero, as well as exhibitions exploring Colombian and Latin American art.
The Botanical Garden
A calm and beautiful green space in the middle of the city. It’s a nice spot for a quiet walk through its gardens, and the restaurant inside is worth a visit too. Make sure to check out the Orquideorama, a striking wooden structure surrounded by orchids and tropical plants.
Comuna 13
This neighborhood used to be one of the most dangerous areas in Medellín, but today it’s a symbol of resilience and transformation. The streets are filled with murals and art that tell the story of its past and its change. Going with a local guide makes the experience even more meaningful, because they explain how art, music, and community projects completely reshaped life here.
THINGS TO DO IN MEDELLIN
MUSEUM OF MODERN ART
A small but creative museum with rotating exhibitions and an interesting building to explore. There’s also a rooftop terrace with views of the city, perfect for a short visit if you enjoy art and design.
ARVí PARK
Reaching Arví is part of the experience, since you take the city’s cable car up the mountain and watch Medellín open up beneath you. At the top you’ll find trails, fresh air, and weekend markets with local food and crafts.
MUSEUM OF antioquia
Located right in front of Plaza Botero, this museum is one of the city’s cultural landmarks. It houses an extensive collection of works donated by Fernando Botero, as well as exhibitions that explore Colombian and Latin American art.
THE BOTANICAL GARDEN
A calm and beautiful green space in the middle of the city. It’s a nice spot for a quiet walk, and the restaurant inside is worth a visit too. One of its highlights is the Orquideorama, a striking wooden structure surrounded by orchids and tropical plants.
El Peñol, Guatapé & THE brown HOTEL (ABOUT 2 HOURS FROM Medellín)
This isn’t in Medellín, but if you have a free day and want to see something completely different, we recommend it 100%. El Peñol is a giant rock with more than 700 steps to the top, and the view of the lakes and islands is worth every one. Right next to it is Guatapé, a colorful town where every house is painted and decorated with murals. It’s one of the most photographed places in Colombia and really does feel like stepping into a painting.
While you’re there, make sure to visit Hotel Brown. It is spectacular, with beautiful design, a great spa, and a restaurant that serves some of the best food in the area. If you have enough time, staying overnight feels like a real retreat and is something we truly recommend..
RESTAURANTS
El Cielo
Colombian Cuisine
El Poblado, Medellín
Carmen
Contemporary Colombian Cuisine
El Poblado, Medellín
Moshi
Asian Cuisine
El Poblado, Medellín
Don diablo
Steakhouse
El Poblado, Medellín
X.O (grupo carmen)
Contemporary Colombian Cuisine
El Poblado, Medellín
Esencia
Mediterranean Cuisine
El Poblado, Medellín
Zombra
Latin, Spanish, Contemporary
El Poblado, Medellín
Test kitchen
Colombian Cuisine
El Poblado, Medellín
Ocio / Oci.mde
Contemporary, Colombian
El Poblado, Medellín
Ocio / Oci.mde
Contemporary, Colombian
El Poblado, Medellín
MARZZANO MASAS LIBRES
Italian Cuisine
El Poblado, Medellín
Niku
Nikkei Cuisine
El Poblado, Medellín
Relato
Latin, Mediterranean, Asian
El Poblado, Medellín
Oni
Nikkei Cuisine
El Poblado, Medellín
El Zarzo / Cocina 33
Contemporary Colombian Caribbean Cuisine
El Poblado, Medellín
Click Clack
Contemporary Cuisine
El Poblado, Medellín
Pergamino (Bioliving)
Brunch & Coffee
El Poblado, Medellín
Hija mía
Brunch & Coffee
El Poblado, Medellín
Seré
Contemporary Cuisine
El Poblado, Medellín
Ojalá
Healthy Artisan Bakery
El Poblado, Medellín
Ganso y Castor
Traditional French Cuisine
El Poblado, Medellín
Azul Selva
Brunch & Coffee
El Poblado, Medellín
Sala de Despecho
Latin pop music, tequila-forward cocktails, and Mexican food
El Poblado, Medellín
Mala Audiobar
Cocktails and Creative Cuisine
El Poblado, Medellín
Siete Pulgadas
An intimate bar with cocktails, whisky, and vinyl records
El Poblado, Medellín
El Zarzo
Creative cuisine and rooftop bar
El Poblado, Medellín
Mamba Negra
Grill rooftop with Afro-Spanish cuisine
El Poblado, Medellín
Sirena
Rooftop with pool, cocktails, and panoramic views
El Poblado, Medellín
NDN
Sushi, fusion cuisine, and cocktails on a rooftop with a great atmosphere
El Poblado, Medellín
La Deriva
Seafood cuisine and cocktails on a terrace
El Poblado, Medellín
Mosquito
Rooftop with cocktails, casual dining, and a view
El Poblado, Medellín
Scii
El Poblado, Medellín
Salón Amador (Techno)
El Poblado, Medellín
Perro Negro (Reggaeton)
El Poblado, Medellín
Teatro Victoria
El Poblado, Medellín
RESTAURANTS
El Cielo
Colombian Cuisine
El Poblado, Medellín
Carmen
Contemporary Colombian Cuisine
El Poblado, Medellín
Moshi
Asian Cuisine
El Poblado, Medellín
Don diablo
Steakhouse
El Poblado, Medellín
X.O (grupo carmen)
Contemporary Colombian Cuisine
El Poblado, Medellín
Esencia
Mediterranean Cuisine
El Poblado, Medellín
Zombra
Latin, Spanish, Contemporary
El Poblado, Medellín
Test kitchen
Colombian Cuisine
El Poblado, Medellín
Ocio / Oci.mde
Contemporary, Colombian
El Poblado, Medellín
Ocio / Oci.mde
Contemporary, Colombian
El Poblado, Medellín
MARZZANO MASAS LIBRES
Italian Cuisine
El Poblado, Medellín
Niku
Nikkei Cuisine
El Poblado, Medellín
Relato
Latin, Mediterranean, Asian
El Poblado, Medellín
Oni
Nikkei Cuisine
El Poblado, Medellín
El Zarzo / Cocina 33
Contemporary Colombian Caribbean Cuisine
El Poblado, Medellín
Click Clack
Contemporary Cuisine
El Poblado, Medellín
Pergamino (Bioliving)
Brunch & Coffee
El Poblado, Medellín
Hija mía
Brunch & Coffee
El Poblado, Medellín
Seré
Contemporary Cuisine
El Poblado, Medellín
Ojalá
Healthy Artisan Bakery
El Poblado, Medellín
Ganso y Castor
Traditional French Cuisine
El Poblado, Medellín
Azul Selva
Brunch & Coffee
El Poblado, Medellín
Sala de Despecho
Latin pop music, tequila-forward cocktails, and Mexican food
El Poblado, Medellín
Mala Audiobar
Cocktails and Creative Cuisine
El Poblado, Medellín
Siete Pulgadas
An intimate bar with cocktails, whisky, and vinyl records
El Poblado, Medellín
El Zarzo
Creative cuisine and rooftop bar
El Poblado, Medellín
Mamba Negra
Grill rooftop with Afro-Spanish cuisine
El Poblado, Medellín
Sirena
Rooftop with pool, cocktails, and panoramic views
El Poblado, Medellín
NDN
Sushi, fusion cuisine, and cocktails on a rooftop with a great atmosphere
El Poblado, Medellín
La Deriva
Seafood cuisine and cocktails on a terrace
El Poblado, Medellín
Mosquito
Rooftop with cocktails, casual dining, and a view
El Poblado, Medellín
Scii
El Poblado, Medellín
Salón Amador (Techno)
El Poblado, Medellín
Perro Negro (Reggaeton)
El Poblado, Medellín
Teatro Victoria
El Poblado, Medellín
TRAVELING AROUND COLOMBIA
Bahía Solano (45-MIN FLIGHT)
Bahía Solano is a different kind of plan on the pacific side of Colombia, Quiet, simple, and perfect if you want to fully disconnect. Hotel Solana (developed by Jorge’s cousin!) sits right on the beach, with a warm and welcoming atmosphere. From there you can walk along the shore, visit hidden waterfalls, or just relax. It’s also happens to be a great whale-watching spot; however, March is just outside of season so you might need some luck. Hotel Solana offers amazing offshore fishing, some of the best in the world, for tuna, wahoo, mahi, and many other species of fish. Just remember to book in advance since spots fill quickly.
Cartagena (1 hour flight)
Cartagena is a historic city on the Caribbean coast, known for its colorful colonial streets and lively atmosphere. Inside the old walled city you’ll find cobblestone streets, balconies covered in flowers, and plenty of restaurants and cafés. It’s easy to spend hours just walking around, stopping for coffee or dinner in a courtyard. The city is also right by the water, so taking a boat to the nearby islands for a day at the beach is another popular plan.
Santa Marta (1 hour flight)
Santa Marta is another city on the Caribbean coast, smaller and calmer than Cartagena. It’s a good base for exploring the north of Colombia. From here you can visit Tayrona National Park, which has some of the most famous beaches in the country, or go up to Minca in the mountains, where you’ll find coffee farms, waterfalls, and cooler weather. For those looking for adventure, Santa Marta is also the starting point for the multi-day trek to the Lost City. The city itself has beaches and a historic center, and the vibe is relaxed.
Jardín, Antioquia (2.5 hours from Medellin)
Jardín is a mountain town a few hours from Medellín. It’s surrounded by coffee farms, green hills, and waterfalls. The main square is the heart of the town, lined with cafés where people sit outside to drink coffee and watch the day go by. It feels calm and authentic, with colorful houses and a slower rhythm of life. You can take hikes to nearby waterfalls, ride the cable car up the mountain for views of the valley, or visit local coffee farms. It’s a good option if you want to experience small-town Antioquia life.
Jericó, Antioquia (2 hours from Medellin)
Jericó is another mountain town in Antioquia, smaller and quieter than Jardín, with a very special atmosphere. The town is filled with colonial houses painted in bright colors, artisan shops, and churches. It’s set atop a mountain, so there are incredible viewpoints overlooking the mountains and valleys. The town is also known as a paragliding mecca for those that dare to soar through the skies. Jericó is a place to slow down, walk the streets, and connect with local life. People describe it as more introspective and peaceful, with a strong cultural identity. For anyone who wants a more reflective and calm experience,
TRAVELING AROUND COLOMBIA
Bahía Solano (45-MIN FLIGHT)
Bahía Solano is a different kind of plan. Quiet, simple, and perfect if you want to fully disconnect. Hotel Solana sits right on the beach, with a warm and welcoming atmosphere. From there you can walk along the shore, visit hidden waterfalls, or just relax. It’s also one of the best places to spot whales, though outside of season you might not see them. Either way, it’s a place we recommend 100%. Just remember to book in advance since spots fill quickly.
Cartagena
Cartagena is a historic city on the Caribbean coast, known for its colorful colonial streets and lively atmosphere. Inside the old walled city you’ll find cobblestone streets, balconies covered in flowers, and plenty of restaurants and cafés. It’s easy to spend hours just walking around, stopping for coffee or dinner in a courtyard. The city is also right by the water, so taking a boat to the nearby islands for a day at the beach is another popular plan.
Santa Marta
Santa Marta is another city on the Caribbean coast, smaller and calmer than Cartagena. It’s a good base for exploring the north of Colombia. From here you can visit Tayrona National Park, which has some of the most famous beaches in the country, or go up to Minca in the mountains, where you’ll find coffee farms, waterfalls, and cooler weather. For those looking for adventure, Santa Marta is also the starting point for the multi-day trek to the Lost City. The city itself has beaches and a historic center, and the vibe is relaxed.
Jardín, Antioquia
Jardín is a mountain town a few hours from Medellín. It’s surrounded by coffee farms, green hills, and waterfalls. The main square is the heart of the town, lined with cafés where people sit outside to drink coffee and watch the day go by. It feels calm and authentic, with colorful houses and a slower rhythm of life. You can take hikes to nearby waterfalls, ride the cable car up the mountain for views of the valley, or visit local coffee farms. It’s a good option if you want to experience small-town Antioquia life.
Jericó, Antioquia
Jericó is another mountain town in Antioquia, smaller and quieter than Jardín, with a very special atmosphere. The town is filled with colonial houses painted in bright colors, artisan shops, and churches. It’s set on a hillside, so there are incredible viewpoints overlooking the mountains and valleys. Jericó is a place to slow down, walk the streets, and connect with local life. People describe it as more introspective and peaceful, with a strong cultural identity. For anyone who wants a more reflective and calm experience, Jericó is a great choice.