Curator’s statement
One of the things I love about Medellín is that it is a place that feels hopeful. Very few places in the world have felt like places trying to do better than their reputation may demand. Formerly one of the most dangerous cities in the world, Medellín holds a special place in my heart as a city where, as a woman traveling alone, I felt like I was being looked out for. Medellín has modern public transportation, which makes sightseeing a breeze, and local guides are plentiful and easily bookable. I loved that this Andean city boasts a bustling urban landscape nestled in a lush tropical rainforest.
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Things to do in Medellín
Photo by Jose Figueroa on Unsplash
Casa de la Memoria
This was my favorite museum in Medellín. Museo Casa de la Memoria is a museum of urban conflict in Medellín. Located a short walk from Buenos Aires’ tram station, this somber Spanish-language museum is worth spending an afternoon exploring. Many testimonials from Medellín locals about their firsthand experience with Medellín’s complex, violent history are subtitled in English.
Explore an exotic fruit market
Colombia boasts a wide variety of fruits not readily available in North America due to its unique and varied climates. Buyer beware, though, many of Colombia’s native fruits may require special preparation, such as juicing or peeling, in order to be edible. I would recommend lulo or mango harvested mere hours earlier. For the best selection, head to Central Mayorista de Antioquia by taking Metro Line A to Aguatacala.
Comuna 13
Formerly one of Colombia’s most dangerous neighborhoods, Comuna 13 has transformed into a colorful hub of tourism, thanks to its tradition of legal graffiti as well as infrastructure projects and enhanced social programs. I strongly recommend hiring a local guide or getting your guide to explain this neighborhood’s complex history of paramilitary violence and narcotics trafficking while you enjoy street art, friendly locals, and maybe sipping a drink atop the hillside this vibrant community sits upon.
Medellín Botanical Garden
You need ID to enter, so bring a copy of your passport. Petty crime is not unheard of in Medellín, so it is crucial that you do not bring your original passport with you. I spent hours here. You will want to check the forecast for the day and get there early to for the best chance of avoiding a midday downpour.
Take a day trip to Guatape
Guatape is a neighboring resort town in Antioquia, famous for its natural beauty and manmade reservoir. Hike to the top of Piedra del Peñol, a massive granite rock with breathtaking views. Enjoy lunch in the surrounding town and stroll along streets lined with brightly colored buildings. Guided tours with transfers from Medellín are plentiful.
Enjoy a siesta
One of the main benefits of solo travel is that you are not accountable to anyone else. Medellín often has midday rainstorms, and I loved that I could seize these as an opportunity to enjoy a coffee or a club Colombia, take a break from the heat, and read a book. I prioritized a hotel that had plenty of lounge areas and hammocks so that I could really luxuriate.
Places to eat & drink in Medellín
Photo by Kuiyibo Campos
Hatoviejo
This restaurant is excellent for Colombian food. It is a local chain with multiple locations and English-language menus. A generous portion of ajiaco (potato and chicken soup with corn on the cob) costs roughly $13.
Ammazza Gin Garden
Ammazza has really excellent craft gin and tonics, accompanied by Italian food. I dined here solo and thoroughly enjoyed the ambience. I even found that I was comfortable reading a book or people-watching over a cocktail. Ammazza has multiple locations, including one in the trendy neighborhood of Laureles.
El Cielo
El Cielo was founded by Michelin award–winning Colombian chef Juan Manuel Barrientos. It features a 15-course tasting menu with optional drink pairings inspired by Colombian and Latin American cuisine. Reservations are required for this experience.
Melonas Taquería
I loved Melonas Taquería and went back a few times during my stay in El Poblado for a quick, unfussy lunch or dinner. Melonas has a small menu of really delicious Mexican food at very reasonable prices. The taquería dining area is open to the street for optimal people watching, and they have a television if you are hoping to catch the local news while you eat.
Street food
Medellín is excellent for street food. I highly recommend stopping for a snack at a fruit cart or for sweet arepas with cheese. Street food is plentiful in most neighborhoods, but I recommend Communa 13 for variety.
Need to know
There are two airports in Medellín. When flying within Colombia, I try to use Olaya Herrera, as it is only a few minutes from El Poblado and other trendy neighborhoods for tourists via car. Jose Maria Cordova Int’l is located about 30 minutes away by car in Rionegro (the birthplace of Pablo Escobar).
Medellin is primarily associated in popular culture with the Medellín Cartel, and the Netflix series Narcos has significantly driven tourism to Medellín. However, for the people of Medellín, urban conflict is unfortunately still a very recent memory. Pablo Escobar tours and museums do exist, but in general, individual locals may not want to talk about a conflict that they have likely been touched by. There is so much more to discover about the City of Eternal Spring, including a rich tradition of legal graffiti, excellent food, and walkable neighborhoods.
Travel Advisor
Tessa Hartwick
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