The BEST Things to do in Medellin for First-Time Travellers
Discover the best things to do in Medellin, Colombia’s second-largest city and popular travel destination. From the best museums in the city to the best outdoor spaces, we’ve got you covered.
Medellin Colombia has recently become one of the most popular cities in Colombia and for good reason. It’s a melting pot of cultural activity, history and a tremendous restaurant, cafe and nightlife scene. Exploring Medellin’s leafy, jungle-like neighbourhoods, visiting museums and coffee farms, taking cultural tours and trying its amazing food and bar scene are all musts in this hilly, verdant city.
In the last few years, it’s also become a digital nomad hotspot due to its amazing tech and internet infrastructure, affordability and a variety of amazing cafes and places from which to work. If you’re planning to visit and spend time in one of Colombia’s major urban areas, make sure it’s Medellin.
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THE BEST TIME TO VISIT MEDELLIN
Medellin is famous for being the city of eternal spring with comfortable temperatures all year round, making it a warm destination to visit during any month of the year.
Temperatures are stable all year round with highs of 22°C/71°F and lows of 13°C/ 55°F so you’ll need to make sure to pack some light clothes as well as long pants and a jacket for the chiller evening.
When it comes to rainfall things vary quite a bit more. Medellin in general is quite a cloudy and rainy city with the most rain falling in April and May and also October and November, so if you’re not one for the rain then avoid these months. The months that see the least amount of rain are December, January and February- the high season for travelling in Colombia.
WHERE TO STAY
Landmark Medellin
One of the newest additions to the Medellin skyline, the Landmark is a space made with the modern traveller in mind. Located in the Manila neighbourhood a lovely chilled area right next to El Poblado, this property features a bright, airy and beautifully designed lobby, cosy, swoon-worthy rooms and a heated rooftop pool, jacuzzi and terrace with glorious views of the city. It has everything you need to relax after a day of exploring Medellin.
Each design-focused room has brand-new modern facilities, a small balcony, a work area, fast wifi and some of the most comfortable beds we slept in in Colombia. Landmark is easily my favourite place to stay in Medellin.
Check availability and rates here
The Somos Hotel
Another great option for travellers wishing to stay in El Poblado, The Somos is a super hip space that allows travellers to rest, work and relax.
With a real trendy industrial feel, rooms still feel cosy and comfortable and have everything you need for a great stay. There’s also a beautiful rooftop bar and a downstairs cafe giving guests a variety of places to relax outside their rooms.
Check availability and rates here
The Click Clack Hotel
Cutting-edge architecture, exceptional service and design-focused spaces are just some of the things you can expect from the Click-click hotel, one of Medellin’s trendiest hotels. Located in the heart of El Poblado, this hotel has everything you need for a beyond-comfortable stay from large, luxury beds to an excellent breakfast.
Even if you’re not staying here I highly recommend coming into the cafe for a drink when wandering around El Poblado as it’s one of the most instagrammable places in Medellin, especially for the design-obsessed.
Check availability and rates here
WHERE TO EAT
There’s no doubt that Medellin has some of the best restaurants in Colombia, especially when thinking about healthy and plant-based food. For some of the best eats in the city, you’ll want to base yourself in El Poblado, where most of the most amazing cafes, restaurants and bars are.
Azai Natura
For the best breakfast and brunch in town, head to Azai Natura, a simple cafe in the Manila neighbourhood. If you’re staying at the Landmark, then you’re in luck because this amazing place is just opposite- making it the perfect choice for breakfast each day.
Their menu is full of acai bowls, avocado toast, syrupy pancakes, decadent waffles, banana bread french toast as well as coffee, juices, adaptogen lattes and smoothies and kombucha. They also have a range of egg dishes and while it’s not 100% plant-based everything on the menu can be made vegan- just ask for the vegan version of the pancakes and waffles.
Restaurante Kai
Restaurante Kai or Kaime as they are sometimes known are leaders in the plant-based, conscious cuisine scene in Medellin. Their food and concept are conscious, sustainable, creative and beautifully presented to make you feel elevated and high on life.
Their menu of modern fusion cuisine is full of amazing entrees to share with friends, healthy and nutritious bowls as well as a wide range of burgers if you feel like something a little more filling. Everything is 100% plant-based and super creative. The restaurant itself is modern and beautifully decorated. This was one of my favourite restaurants in Medellin.
Café Zorba
To get your Italian and pizza fix when in Medellin, head straight to Cafe Zorba for a romantic candle-lit dinner. This place is always super popular and packed but it does have some of the best pizza in town.
Their menu is short and sweet with only ten pizzas (three of which are plant-based), three entrees and a long drinks menu. You’ll want to order the hummus to start -they are famous for it- followed by a pizza of your choice. I got the Espinaca (spinach) pizza and it was amazing.
Helecho Vegan Sushi
A small Japanese eatery specialising in plant-based Japanese classics and sushi, Helecho is definitely worth visiting while in Medellin. Located just one block off Parque de El Poblado their simple menu features the most amazing vegan gyoza, creative sushi rolls, a variety of different soups and other entrees including teriyaki tofu and sweet and sour cauliflower.
Alambique
A super popular multi-tiered restaurant, Alambique brings slow food back to El Poblado. Set in a gorgeous, jungle filled, creative space with one of the best rooftop bars in Medellin, this is a place to come with friends and family and share an evening together along with some great food and drinks.
On the menu, you’ll find entrees like stuffed avocados and tacos as well as mains that feature highly in meats and seafood. It’s not too veggie-friendly but it does have some vegan options on the menu.
BEST THINGS TO DO IN MEDELLIN
Explore El Poblado
I’m pretty sure there is no neighbourhood in the world quite like El Poblado and one of the best things to do in Medellin is just to walk around and explore, both day and night.
El Poblado feels like a city that suddenly grew out of the surrounding jungle. It’s one of the greenest neighbourhoods in the world with giant trees and leafy plants growing on the sidewalks and there’s even an actual river running through the neighbourhood too.
The area is full of cafes, restaurants and bars as well as classy hotels, boutiques and local markets and one of the best things to do in Medellin is just to walk around and peek into everything. You’ll find all you need here and there really is little reason to go anywhere else in the city.
Some of my favourite businesses in El Poblado which I highly recommend seeking out are Pergamino Coffee, a great place for coffee and a spot of laptop time and the Click Clack Hotel for a drink at their cafe and to admire their design.
Visit Plaza Botero
Plaza Botero is Medellin’s most picturesque and famous square. Located in the commercial center of the city, Plaza Botero and the area around it is a bustling hub of commerce and activity.
In Plaza Botero itself, you’ll find several sculptures by Colombia artist Fernando Botero who is famous for his round, overly plump forms. You’ll be able to find sculptures scattered all over the square from human figures to animals.
On the plaza, you’ll also see the Antioquia museum and the rather prominent Palace of Culture Rafael Uribe Uribe, known for its distinct gothic-revival style. The building serves as a cultural center and I highly recommend going inside not just to see the building itself but to also check out the museum, art gallery and cafe.
Safety tip: While Botero Square itself is safe for travellers, the area directly north of Plaza Botero isn’t very safe so avoid strolling around. The square itself has a lot of police presence. Walking from the metro station to the Plaza is also fine but try to avoid this area at night.
Visit the Jardin Botanico
Medellin is known for its spring-like climate and its outdoor spaces and if you’re going to visit just one- make sure it’s Medellin’s Botanical Gardens. Medellin itself is so green and jungle-like but this might just be one of the best city parks we’ve visited.
