Art and culture, nature and gastronomy in a single trip

Medellin, the vibrant capital of Antioquia, is known throughout the world as the City of Eternal Spring thanks to its mild climate throughout the year. However, their appeal goes far beyond the temperature. Today, Medellin is a destination that combines masterly urban innovation, the human warmth, the art in each corner and a cuisine that appeals to locals and visitors alike.

If this is your first time in Medellin, you probably wonder where to start. This guide brings together the must-sees of the city: those places, and experiences that can not miss in your itinerary, from cultural icons that tell the story of its transformation to secret corners that show the essence paisa. Get ready for a journey that will leave a lasting impression.

Plaza Botero: the heart art of the city

Located in the center of Medellín, the Plaza Botero is much more than a simple park: it is an open-air museum that pays homage to one of the colombian artists globally recognized, the master Fernando Botero. Here, 23 of his monumental sculptures in bronze, adorn the space, inviting interaction and contemplation. The people take the classic photo next to the ‘Fat’, the ‘Horse’ or ‘Horse Man’, feeling that the creative energy of the place.

• Visit the Museum of Antioquia: Just to the side of the square, this museum houses the largest collection of Botero’s work, including his paintings and drawings famous. It is the perfect place to complement the experience of the main square and immerse in the complete work of the artist.
  
  
• Walk the Palace of Culture Rafael Uribe Uribe: This impressive building of neo-gothic architecture, with its towers and intricate details, creates a contrast with the modernity of the area.
  
  
• Tip: Visit the plaza early in the morning to avoid the crowds and take advantage of the best light for your photos. The area is very busy, so stay aware of your belongings.

Comuna 13: resilience and color on each wall

The history of the Comuna 13 is a story of transformation that symbolizes the resilience of Medellin. which used to be one of the most conflictive areas of the city, is today a symbol of peace, art and culture. Walking its streets is a privilege that allows you to see up close the power of urban art as a tool of social change.

• Walk around its escalators outdoor: These stairs, installed in 2011, there were a solution of urbanism, social innovation that facilitated the mobility of the inhabitants, and it became a landmark for tourism.
  
  
• Admire the murals and graffiti: Each mural and graffiti in the Comuna 13 has a story. Local artists have expressed messages of memory, hope and protest, turning the walls into a history book live.
  
  
• Listen to local guides: The best way to live the experience of Comuna 13 is through a guided tour of their own inhabitants,. Their stories are authentic will give you a perspective that no book or documentary could.
  
  
• Tip: do Not miss the presentations of breakdance and hip hop which are organized in the squares, a sample of the vibrant urban culture of the neighborhood.

Metrocable and Park Arví: from the city to nature

The Metrocable is not just a public transit system; it is an experience panoramic that connects neighborhoods on the slopes with the rest of the city. For your first tour, the tour of the line L is a miss, because that leads directly to the Park Arví, a natural reserve of 1,761 acres of forest and archaeological heritage.

• Guided walks by ecological trails: The park offers well-marked trails where you can do a guided walk and learn about the native flora and fauna of the region.
  
  
• Farmers market: The park has a market where local farmers sell fresh produce, handicrafts and typical delicacies of the region. It is a perfect place to taste the flavors of Antioquia.
  
  
• Picnic in the forest: Enjoy a moment of calm in the heart of the forest, away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
  
  
• Useful information: The ticket of the Metrocable to the park is included in the price of the Subway, but some activities inside the park, such as guided walks, have an additional cost.

Pueblito Paisa: tradition and views 360°

At the top of the Cerro Nutibara is the Pueblito Paisa, a replica of a typical village from antioquia, from the early TWENTIETH century. With its central square, the church of belfry and its colourful houses with flowered balconies, the Pueblito Paisa transports you to the rural tradition of the region.

• The best: The view. From here, you’ll get a panoramic view of 360° of Medellín and the valley of Aburrá, an image that will allow you to appreciate the unique geography of the city is surrounded by mountains.
  
• Tip: it Is a great place to buy local handicrafts, and taste the typical gastronomy, as fritters or patties.

Botanical garden: an oasis in the city

The Botanical Garden Joaquín Antonio Uribe is an oasis of peace and nature in the middle of the city. This free space is home to more than a thousand species of flora, a lake with iguanas and turtles, and the iconic Orquideorama, an architectural structure of wood, which resembles a honeycomb.

• It is ideal for: A quiet walk with your partner or family. The park is perfect for an afternoon off, a makeshift picnic or for lovers of photography of nature and architecture.
  
  
• Extra information: In the Botanical Garden celebrates the Flower Fair in August. If your visit coincides with this date, you’ll be able to see the exhibition of orchids largest in the country.

Provence Village: gastronomy and nightlife

If you are looking for the pulse moderno de Medellín, Provence and The Town are your areas. Here is concentrated the culinary offer that goes from the typical food paisa reinvented to international mergers, in addition to a vibrant nightlife.

• Of the day: Provence is perfect for walking between designer boutiques, local art galleries and cafes of specialty, such as Parchment Coffee. Its cobblestone streets and its architecture, with facades filled with vegetation, making it a charming place.
  
  
• Night: When the sun goes down, Provence transforms into one of the epicentres of nightlife in Medellin. Bars author, rooftops with panoramic views and restaurants with live music will take over the streets.

Art and culture in the Museum of Modern Art of Medellín (MAMM)

Located in the district Town of the River, in what used to be an old industrial workshop, the MAMM is a space not to be missed for lovers of contemporary art. Its exhibitions rotating include works by local and international artists, and its terrace offers a nice view of the city.

• Extra: the surroundings of The MAMM are filled with parks, murals and trendy restaurants, allowing you to complete the visit with an afternoon of exploration and good food.

Routes a day from Medellin: getaways close

If you have extra time, consider getaways nearby that will allow you to know the diversity of the region antioquia.

• Guatape: Famous for The Stone of Peñol, a giant monolith with 700 steps that lead you to a 360° view of their reservoirs and their iconic people of sockets of colors.
  
  
• Santa Fe de Antioquia: One of the most ancient peoples of Colombia, with cobbled streets, bridges and a colonial architecture that takes you back in time.
  
  
• Garden: Considered one of the most beautiful villages of Colombia, a Garden is a natural paradise surrounded by coffee plantations, waterfalls, and a central plaza vibrant.

Tips for your first visit to Medellin

• Use the public transport: The Metro of Medellín is a proud local. It is safe, timely, and connects with the key attractions. We also recommend the Metrocable to enjoy a unique view.
  
  
• Choose accommodation well located: Provence, The Village, and Laurels are the areas recommended for the travelers, as they offer a great variety of restaurants, bars and hotels.
  
  
• Weather: despite being the City of the Eternal Spring, the nights can be cool. Wears light clothes and a jacket for the night.
  
  
• Security: As in any large city, stay aware of your belongings, and avoid the areas a little crowded at night.

Medellin stays with you

Medellin is not traversed only with the feet; also with the heart. His story of overcoming, its friendly people and its creative energy, turning it into a city that stays with you long after you have returned home. For your first visit, these pins are the gateway to a destination that will invite you to return again and again.

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