Destination Medellín: A city guide for the city in Colombia
Welcome to Medellín – the city of eternal spring! Hardly any other metropolis has undergone such impressive transformation in recent decades: from dark times to Colombia's vibrant, innovative cultural capital. We've compiled an overview of the metropolis' most exciting districts – including practical tips for your stay.
El Poblado offers designer cafés and nightlife, while Laureles boasts a relaxed atmosphere and creative restaurants. Comuna 13 tells its story of transformation through colorful murals, while the old town of La Candelaria captivates with its cathedral, art, and street life. Things get even more authentic in Envigado and Sabaneta – charming neighborhoods where you'll experience Colombia up close like nowhere else.
El Poblado is Medellín's shining window to the world: leafy avenues, modern cafés, stylish boutiques, and a vibrant nightlife. Historically, El Poblado was one of the city's first Spanish settlements, but today it's synonymous with change and a cosmopolitan lifestyle. Those arriving in Medellín for the first time immediately feel safe and inspired – surrounded by urban energy and tropical ease.
Travel reporter Katharina Viktoria Weiß enjoys not only the phenomenal cuisine at Alambique, but also the enchanting interior – right in the heart of El Poblado.
Source: Katharina Viktoria Weiß
Sights and highlights in El Poblado
- Parque Lleras: the heart of nightlife – bars, clubs, restaurants.
- Via Primavera: small boutiques, concept stores, and hip cafés.
- Calle 10 and surroundings: urban charm, street art, and live music.
- Museo El Castillo: Fairytale castle with art collection, views over the city, and a beautiful garden.
- Parque del Poblado: a green haven with street food, cafés, and a creative scene.
- MAMM – Museum of Modern Art: impressive exhibitions, a casual café, and a rooftop with a view.
Insider tips for El Poblado
The Los Patios Hostel is the it meeting place for tourists from all over the world.
Source: Katharina Viktoria Weiß
Accommodation tips in El Poblado
- Cheap: Los Patios Hostel Boutique
- Chic: The Charlee Hotel
Laureles is Medellín's hidden paradise: a quiet, almost village-like neighborhood in the heart of the city, crisscrossed by boulevards shaded by mango trees. Historically, Laureles grew as a middle-class residential area and still retains its relaxed, sophisticated atmosphere. Those who truly want to experience Medellín will find the perfect balance between urban dynamism and cozy serenity here.
Football with heart and passion: The Estadio Atanasio Girardot in the Laureles district is home to two Colombian football legends – Atlético Nacional and Independiente Medellín. Anyone who attends a game here will sense that in Medellín, football is more than just a sport – it's passion, identity, and pure energy.
Source: imago images/Thomas Meyer
Sights and highlights in Laureles
- Segundo Parque de Laureles: A green meeting place for strolling and enjoying a café.
- Estadio Atanasio Girardot: Experience the football soul of Medellín live.
- Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana: Architecture and art on a campus with history.
Insider tip for Laureles
- Delirio Exquisito: a creative fusion restaurant with Mexican-Asian cuisine . A trendy ambiance, unusual dishes, and excellent presentation—perfect for a special dinner.
- Ammazza Pizzeria & Gin Garden: Thin, crispy pizzas from the wood-fired oven and an impressive selection of gin cocktails . A cute garden area is ideal for a relaxed evening with friends.
- Naturalia Café: A feel-good spot for breakfast and lunch —healthy, creative, and super delicious. Plenty of wood, plants, and a quiet backyard. Perfect for a long brunch or a relaxing afternoon with a smoothie bowl and a Café de Origen.
Accommodation tips in Laureles
- Cheap: Rango Boutique Hostel Laureles
- Chic: Factory Lofts
Comuna 13 embodies Medellín's transformation like no other place: once a hotbed of violence and Pablo Escobar's drug war, today a world-famous symbol of hope, creativity, and social change. Colorful murals, dancing children, and lively music fill the narrow streets. Those who walk here feel the power of a community that has taken its own future into its own hands.
Drumming, laughter, life: In Comuna 13, past and present merge – between breakdancing, beats and a view of a new Medellín.
Sights and highlights of Comuna 13
- Escaleras Eléctricas: the iconic outdoor escalators.
- Casa Kolacho: Cultural center, street art school, and meeting place for the local hip-hop scene.
- Museo de la Memoria: impressive and moving – reappraisal of Colombia's history of violence.
- Mirador de San Javier: breathtaking views over Medellín – best at sunset.
Insider tip in Comuna 13
- Private tour with Sebastian (+57 310 4277490): a trained journalist who knows the fascinating stories behind the pictures.
- Café Aroma de Barrio: an inspiring stopover in Comuna 13 – founded by local artist Chota 13, former prisoners work here in a lovingly designed café full of street art, music, and a sense of community.
- Las Berracas de la 13: Authentic Colombian food meets empowerment – this women-run restaurant in Comuna 13 serves traditional dishes with heart. Founded by survivors of domestic violence, it's a true highlight not only in terms of cuisine but also socially.
Walls that speak: The murals in Comuna 13 tell stories of pain, hope, and self-empowerment—color as resistance, art as voice.
Source: IMAGO/Pond5 Images
Accommodation tips in Comuna 13
- Cheap: Casa Kiwi Hostel
- Chic: Celestino Boutique Hotel
Medellín's Old Town is the historic heart of the city—loud, vibrant, and full of contrasts. Here, real life pulsates: street performers, vendors, school classes, office workers, and worshippers share the space between colonial architecture and modern urbanity. Between churches, museums, and squares, Medellín's history unfolds in all its contradictions.
The old town around Plaza Berrio is loud, contradictory and full of life – a reflection of the city's history.
Source: IMAGO/Dreamstime
Sights and highlights in La Candelaria
- Plaza Botero: Open-air sculpture park with larger-than-life figures by the artist Fernando Botero.
- Museo de Antioquia: the city's most important art museum with works by Botero, changing exhibitions, and a look at Colombian society.
- Catedral Basílica Metropolitana: monumental brick cathedral – a place of tranquility amidst the hustle and bustle.
Insider tip for La Candelaria
Drink tinto in the Plaza de Bolívar: between chess players, pigeons and street music – here you can feel the beat of the city.
Art in the open air: At Plaza Botero, travelers and locals wander through an open-air museum of larger-than-life sculptures and everyday observations.
Source: Katharina Viktoria Weiß
Accommodation tips in La Candelaria
- Cheap: Centro Hostel Medellin
- Chic: Hotel Nutibara
Envigado, located south of Medellín and administratively a separate city, retains its charming small-town feel. Here, where the air is fresher and the people more relaxed, life still feels honest and leisurely. Pablo Escobar grew up here – but today, safe streets, traditional plaza culture, and culinary delights characterize the landscape. Getting there is easy by subway.
Between mangos and machetes: In the markets of Envigado, tropical fruit meets local conversations – lively, fragrant, and very close to Colombia's soul.
Source: IMAGO/Thomas Meyer
Sights and highlights in Envigado
- Parque Envigado: lively hub for young and old.
- Calle de la Buena Mesa: many culinary treasures in one place.
- Casa Museo Otraparte: Home and memorial of the Colombian philosopher Fernando González.
Insider tip for Envigado
- La Gloria de Gloria: A culinary highlight for lovers of traditional Colombian cuisine . It's especially known for its giant chicharrón (fried pork belly), considered one of the best in the region. The atmosphere is authentic and welcoming—a must-visit for anyone who wants to experience local cuisine.
- Prana Cocina Natural: A paradise for vegetarians and health-conscious eaters. This restaurant offers creative plant-based dishes that are both delicious and appealing. The relaxed atmosphere makes it an ideal spot for a light lunch or leisurely brunch.
- Rebelión Sabores Salvajes: A restaurant with spectacular views over Medellín, serving creative dishes in a rustic yet stylish setting. Ideal for a special dinner or a romantic getaway.
Accommodation tips in Envigado
- Cheap: Arame Hotel
- Chic: EcoHub Hotel Medellín
Sabaneta is a hidden gem for anyone who wants to experience authentic Colombian life. In the narrow streets surrounding Parque Sabaneta, time and the hustle and bustle seem to stand still. Children play, grandmothers chat on benches, music drifts from the fondas – a scene straight out of a Latin American novel. Historically, Sabaneta was a small farming village and has retained its warm, family atmosphere.
In the midst of neighbors: In Sabaneta, street musicians play for children, aunts, and cousins – a neighborhood like a big family with its own soundtrack.
Source: imago images/Thomas Meyer
Sights and highlights in Sabaneta
- Parque Sabaneta: Heart of the community, lively and welcoming.
- Basílica Menor Nuestra Señora de las Nieves: colonial church with much local significance.
- Centro Cultural La Barquereña: Cultural center with concerts, exhibitions, and community projects.
- Museo Etnográfico de Sabaneta: small local museum with great attention to detail and exciting exhibits.
Insider tip for Sabaneta
- Sitting outside in a fonda: perfect for relaxed evenings among locals.
When the lights come on: After sunset, Sabaneta transforms into a sparkling web of music, conversation, and the aroma of fried arepas.
Source: Katharina Viktoria Weiß
Accommodation tips in Sabaneta
- Cheap: Hotel Portón Sabaneta
- Chic: Arame Hotel Sabaneta
- Medellín Metro: extremely safe and affordable – definitely use it!
- Taxi apps: Apps like Uber save you from being ripped off by taxi drivers.
Looking for more inspiration? You can find tips for all the top travel destinations at reisereporter, and the best travel deals on our deals page .
travel reporter
reisereporter
