Antioquia, Aburrá Valley · Colombia
The City of Eternal Spring, once notorious, now a hillside metropolis of cable cars, street art, Botero sculptures, cafés and hopeful energy.
Medellín, in the Aburrá Valley of the Andes at about 1,500 metres, is Colombia's second city, home to about 2.5 million people. It is nicknamed the City of Eternal Spring for its mild climate, with daytime temperatures around 25°C for most of the year. In the 1980s and early 1990s the city was known as the base of the Medellín Cartel and among the most violent in the world. Since then, it has transformed, through investment in public transport, libraries and parks in poorer neighbourhoods, and has won awards as one of the world's most innovative cities.
The best symbol is the Metrocable, a cable car network connected to the metro that links hillside barrios to the city, and the outdoor escalators of Comuna 13, once one of the most dangerous areas, now a hub of street art, hip-hop and tours led by residents. In the centre, Plaza Botero displays 23 bronze sculptures by Medellín-born Fernando Botero, and the Museum of Antioquia holds more of his works.
The city is also a comfortable base: El Poblado and Laureles have restaurants, cafés and nightlife, Parque Arví offers nature on the edge of the city, and Guatapé and coffee farms are within easy day trips. Three days is ideal, and visitors should be alert to safety, especially with drinks and strangers, and avoid the cartel-era tourism that glorifies violence.
Why visit
Medellín is a pleasant, dynamic city that shows how much Colombia has changed.
Transformed by art and community.
Public transport as a sightseeing ride.
Plaza Botero.
Mild all year.
El Poblado and Laureles.
Main attractions
Sights are spread around the valley, linked by the metro.
A hillside neighbourhood of murals, outdoor escalators and food stalls, best seen with a local guide who explains its history.
Tip Book a guided tour.
A cable car line that links hillside communities to the metro, and a highlight for views of the city.
Tip Use the metro card.
A public square with 23 bronze sculptures by Fernando Botero, next to the Museum of Antioquia.
Tip Visit in daytime.
The city fills the valley, best seen from viewpoints such as Pueblito Paisa or the Metrocable.
Tip Go at dusk.
A nature reserve on the city's edge, reached by cable car.
Tip Good for a picnic.
The upscale district with cafés, restaurants and nightlife.
Tip Base yourself here.
Things to do
Medellín is about neighbourhoods, food and views.
With a local guide.
Tip Buy from residents.
Views over the valley.
Tip Go in the afternoon.
Visit a nearby farm.
Tip Book ahead.
At San Felix.
Tip Choose a reputable operator.
In Laureles.
Tip Go with friends.
In August, a flower festival.
Tip Book far ahead.
Local food
Paisa food is hearty.
The huge Antioquian platter.
Where to try it Traditional restaurants.
With cheese.
Where to try it Cafés.
Hearty soup.
Where to try it Markets.
Fried cheese doughnuts.
Where to try it Bakeries.
Antioquian beans.
Where to try it Cafés.
Accommodation
Choose El Poblado or Laureles.
Transport
Medellín has an airport and buses.
The metro is efficient.
When to go
Medellín is mild all year.
Drier.
Wet.
Drier, with the flower festival.
Wetter.
Worth planning around: October rains.
Itinerary
Culture, art and views.
Botero.
Art and community.
Guatapé.
Travel tips
A few tips help you plan.
FAQ
It is much safer than in the past, with precautions.
Three.
A neighbourhood with street art.
Mild all year.
Yes, as a day trip.
December to March.
Keep exploring
Places that pair well with Medellín, whether you have a few spare days or are building a longer route.
Antioquia, east of Medellín, Colombia
A colourful town on a reservoir near Medellín, with painted zócalos, the 200-metre El Peñol rock, boat trips and lakeside walks.
Don't miss The view from the top of El Peñol, over a maze of islands and reservoir arms.
Explore Destination — Guatapé and El PeñolQuindío, Coffee Cultural Landscape, Colombia
The heart of Colombia's Coffee Axis, with the pretty village of Salento, the Cocora Valley's 60-metre wax palms, coffee farm tours, hummingbirds and trout.
Don't miss Walking among the world's tallest palms, rising out of the mist above green pastures.
Explore Destination — Salento and the Cocora ValleyCundinamarca, Andean highlands, Colombia
Colombia's capital at 2,640 metres, with La Candelaria's colonial streets, the Gold and Botero museums, Monserrate, street art, restaurants and the Zipaquirá Salt Cathedral.
Don't miss Riding the cable car to the Monserrate sanctuary for a view over the vast city.
Explore Destination — BogotáRead next
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