Places / South America / Colombia
Medellín
Visited in February 2020
At a glance
- Country
- Colombia
- Region
- Antioquia
- Population
- 2.5 million
- Best time to go
- December to March
- Main airport
- Medellín José María Córdova International (MDE)
- Coordinates
- 6.27°N, 75.57°W
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Overview
Medellín fills a long green valley in the Andes, its brick towers climbing the hillsides on both sides. Its mild weather has earned it the nickname the City of Eternal Spring.
The city has transformed itself in recent decades, with cable cars, outdoor escalators and libraries reaching hillside neighbourhoods. Today it is friendly, proud and a pleasure to explore, with coffee farms and flower-filled towns close by.
Things to see
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Photo: Steffen Schmitz ( more photos ), CC BY-SA 4.0 Plaza Botero
An open-air gallery of Fernando Botero's rotund bronze sculptures in the heart of the old centre.
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Photo: Steffen Schmitz ( more photos ), CC BY-SA 4.0 Museum of Antioquia
Beside the plaza, with a large collection of Botero's paintings and Colombian art.
Tickets and tours -
Photo: Jbribeiro1, CC BY-SA 4.0 Comuna 13
A hillside neighbourhood famous for its street art and outdoor escalators, best visited with a local guide.
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Photo: Jorge Láscar, CC BY-SA 3.0 Medellín Botanical Garden
A peaceful garden with an orchid house and a striking wooden canopy known as the Orquideorama.
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Photo: Sebas1000, Public domain Parque Arví
Forest trails and markets high above the city, reached by a scenic cable car ride.
Things to do
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Photo: Camilo Sanchez ( talk · contribs ), CC BY-SA 3.0 Ride the Metrocable
The cable cars soar over hillside neighbourhoods and are part of the city's public transport network.
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Photo: Sebastian Reategui, CC0 Day trip to Guatapé
Climb the giant rock of El Peñol for lake views, then wander the brightly painted town.
Find tours -
Coffee farm tour
Farms in the hills around the city show how Colombia's famous beans are grown and roasted.
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Photo: Wilfredor, CC0 Eat bandeja paisa
The region's hearty platter of beans, rice, pork crackling, egg, plantain and arepa.
Where to stay
El Poblado
Leafy and well supplied with hotels, restaurants and nightlife. The easiest first base.
Hotels in El PobladoLaureles
Residential and relaxed, with good local restaurants and a more authentic feel.
Hotels in LaurelesEnvigado
South of the centre, a calmer, traditional area with Metro access.
Hotels in Envigado
Getting around
The Metro, cable cars and trams are clean, safe and connected with one Cívica card. Taxis and ride-hailing apps fill the gaps.
The airport is in Rionegro, around 45 minutes to an hour from the city by taxi or airport bus.
When to go
Medellín is mild all year. December to March and July to August are the drier months, and the Feria de las Flores fills the city with flowers each August.
Plan your trip to Medellín
- HotelsBooking.com
- Tours and ticketsGetYourGuide
- FlightsKiwi.com
- Attraction ticketsTiqets
- Airport parking, lounges and transfersHoliday Extras
- Car hireAuto Europe
- Mobile data (eSIM)AiraloCode DAN9406 for money off
- GuidebooksAmazon
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Guide last checked October 2026. Opening times and prices change, so check before you go.