8 Best Things to do in Medellin, Colombia (2026 Guide + Safety Tips)
Medellin is everyone’s favourite city in Colombia for a reason. It is a built up city surrounded by mountains, with some of the best nightlife and food you will find! I spent 5 days exploring everything this dynamic city has to offer, from lively plazas and colourful street art to scenic cable cars and peaceful gardens. This guide covers the best things to do in Medellin based on my time there. Read on to plan your ultimate visit
Medellin
8 Best Things to do in Medellin, Colombia (2026 Guide + Safety Tips)
The Best Things to Do in Medellin: My 5 Day Guide
1. Explore the Historic Centre/Plaza Botero
The historic centre of Medellin is full of stories and stunning architecture, and we got to experience it on a free walking tour with Free City Tours (one of the best things to do in Medellin if you want to understand the city’s history). Our guide was fantastic, taking us first to Plaza Botero to see the famous oversized sculptures by Colombian artist Fernando Botero.
We also learned about the Rafael Uribe Uribe Palace of Culture and visited other historic sites that tell both the highs and tragedies of Colombia’s past. Our guide gave a respectful overview of Medellin’s history, including Pablo Escobar’s era, always honouring the victims and showing how far the city has come without glorifying its dark past.
I highly recommend this tour, it is one of the best things to do in Medellin for free and the best way to truly understand the city you are visiting. You can book the free walking tour of Medellin here on the official booking page
2. Comuna 13 Tour
Comuna 13 is one of Medellin’s most unique neighbourhoods, and one of the most talked about places to visit in Medellin. It had a tough history, but the community has completely turned things around. Back in the 1980s and 1990s, the area was heavily affected by Pablo Escobar’s cartel and the violence that came with it. Gangs controlled the streets, residents lived in fear, and children couldn’t play outside safely.
In 2002, the government launched a major intervention to take back control of the neighbourhood, which, while necessary, sadly resulted in many casualties. We booked a tour through Viajero Hostel, which was one of the best ways to experience Comuna 13. The tour included free empanadas and coffee, a graffiti workshop, and the chance to try your hand at creating your own street art with local artists.
Our guide shared stories about the neighbourhood’s dark past, the lives lost, and how the community has rebuilt itself, transforming Comuna 13 into a vibrant, creative space full of murals, music and local culture. The tour costs around 92,000 COP ($24 USD) per person for a 2–3 hour experience and gives you a real sense of Comuna 13’s story. This is easily one of the best things to do in Medellin. You can book a Comuna 13 tour here to experience it yourself . It is a must-do if you are visiting Medellin.
Pro Tip: Try to time your visit so you are there for the sunset. The view of the valley lights coming on as the sun goes down is beautiful and the atmosphere becomes even more lively with local street performers.
3. Botanical Gardens
Joaquín Antonio Uribe Botanical Gardens are a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of Medellin and are a great option if you are looking for relaxing things to do in Medellin. Located in the north of the city, the gardens are home to a huge variety of plants, from orchids and tropical flowers to towering trees and tranquil ponds.
Walking around feels like a breath of fresh air, and there are plenty of spots to sit and relax or take photos. Entry is free, and it is a great place to spend a couple of hours enjoying some calm green space in the middle of the city.
4. Watch a Football Game
I’ve been to plenty of football games in the UK, and I can honestly say that watching a football match in Medellin is an experience like no other and is one of the most unforgettable things to do in Medellin. If you want to do it properly, I really recommend booking a tour that includes transport, drinks and a team T-shirt, as it makes the whole night easy and stress-free.
Going as part of a group is the best option, especially since you’ll be in the ultra fan section, where the atmosphere is loud, passionate, and full-on. It can get rowdy, but when you are with a tour it feels completely safe and is hands down one of the best things to do in Medellin. I’ve never experienced a football atmosphere like it anywhere else.
5. Night out in Parque Lleras
Parque Lleras, located in El Poblado, is one of the best areas in Medellin for a night out and is a must visit if nightlife is high on your list of things to do in Medellin. It is packed with bars, clubs and lively restaurants all on one street, making it easy to hop between places.
Whether you start with a few drinks or head straight out dancing, the night will not end until the sun is out. One place you should absolutely end the night at is Mad Radio, a fun, no-frills spot with great music, a lively crowd, and an atmosphere that keeps the party going until the early hours. If you are looking for a proper night out in Medellin, Parque Lleras is the place to go.
Tip: Always get an Uber home after a night out. Medellin is generally safe during the day, but it is best to use Uber once it gets dark.
6. Cable Car over Medellin
One of the best ways to enjoy views over Medellin is to take a ride on the Metrocable cable car which I think is one of the most scenic things to do in Medellin. It is actually public transport for locals but also a major attraction for tourists because of the incredible views.
The first cable car climbs up from the city into the hills with local houses, giving you an insane view of the valley and the colourful neighbourhood rooftops. Best of all, It is included in your regular metro ticket.
I personally recommend doing just the first cable car rather than taking the second one up to Parque Arvi. The second trip is expensive, and there isn’t much to see at the top other than a small market and a forest that doesn’t offer many views. The only way I would suggest going up to Parque Arvi is if you plan to do the Ancestral Trail, a hike with panoramic views of Medellin. This trail leaves at set times each day, so check the official Parque Arvi website before heading up. We didn’t realise this and unfortunately missed the hike ourselves.
Pro Tip: You do not need to exit the station at the top of the first line. You can simply stay in your cabin and ride it back down to the bottom for the price of a single metro ticket which is around 3,200 COP
7. Day Trip to Guatupe
Taking a day trip to Guatape is one of the best tours in Medellin for those who love colorful architecture and incredible views. The town is rumoured to have inspired Disney’s Encanto, and every corner is perfect for photos. Wandering the streets really feels like stepping into a storybook.
If you are visiting as a day trip from Medellin, It is usually easiest to book a tour that leaves early in the morning and returns in the late afternoon, giving you a full day to explore. We actually spent one night in Guatape and would highly recommend this, as there’s so much to see and do that it makes the experience more relaxed and it works out about the same price as a day tour including accommodation if you travel by local bus.
Climbing the 700 steps of El Penol is one of the best things to do in Medellin for panoramic views of the lakes. I highly recommend booking a full day tour to get the most out of your visit.
For more ideas and the best things to do in Guatape, check out my full guide here.
8. Spanish School at BLINK
If you are travelling around Colombia for a while, It is really worth learning some basic Spanish early on, it makes getting around so much easier, since many locals do not speak English. We spent two weeks at BLINK Spanish School in Medellin, and it was perfect for picking up the basics we needed for everyday life. The package we chose included two weeks of Spanish classes, accommodation, breakfast and lunch, plus two activities a week, and it worked out to be a bargain compared with booking everything separately.
BLINK’s Classic Immersion starts at around 999,000 COP per week (about $250 USD) for classes, dorm accommodation, meals, and activities, making it great value if you are planning to stay and learn for a while. Whether you want to improve your confidence, meet other travellers, or just speak better Spanish on the road, this kind of course really helps. Learning Spanish is one of the most useful things you can do while travelling Medellin. Check out their website here to book your spot and see updated options and dates.
Pablo Escobar Tour – Why I Do Not Recommend It
You will see a lot of Pablo Escobar tours advertised around Medellin, but It is something we personally chose not to do. While it is often said that he helped the poor, the reality is that he also caused huge harm to the city and was responsible for the deaths of thousands of innocent people. Many locals in Medellin were directly affected, either through the loss of family members, friends, or entire communities, and for them, this history is still very raw.
Some of these tours feel uncomfortable and disrespectful, often glorifying Escobar’s life rather than focusing on the damage he caused. We even saw tours offering photo opportunities with his (alleged) brother, which felt completely wrong given the pain associated with that era.
If you want to learn about Medellin’s past, we think it is far better to do so in a respectful and educational way. Tours like the Comuna 13 tour or the Free City walking tour (both mentioned earlier in this post) explain the history honestly, honour the victims, and show how the city has worked hard to move forward without turning a dark chapter into entertainment. Understanding this transformation is one of the most meaningful things to do in Medellin.
What is Next?
Ultimate 3 Week Travel Itinerary
3 weeks is the “sweet spot” for Colombia. This perfect Colombia travel guide breaks down your daily stops, transport tips, and hidden gems to help you navigate the country like a pro. Grab the full itinerary and start packing, your ultimate South American adventure starts here.
Ultimate 3 Week Travel Itinerary
3 weeks is the “sweet spot” for Colombia. This perfect Colombia travel guide breaks down your daily stops, transport tips, and hidden gems to help you navigate the country like a pro. Grab the full itinerary and start packing, your ultimate South American adventure starts here.
Where to next?
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