Medellín, Colombia 🇨🇴 — a city where the fragrance of flowers mingles with the echoes of its storied past. From the vibrant street art in Comuna 13 to the blossoms that adorn every corner, this place brims with contradictions yet exudes undeniable charm. If you’ve seen the Netflix series *Narcos*, you’ll undoubtedly find yourself captivated by this vibrant metropolis.
I spent three days in Medellín, but it was far too brief—there’s simply so much to explore. Whether you’re a carnivore craving delicious meat, a dance enthusiast ready to groove to salsa rhythms, or an art lover seeking stunning exhibitions and picturesque views, Medellín promises unforgettable experiences. Next time, I’d dedicate an entire month to fully savor everything it has to offer.
The city is divided into two distinct areas: Comuna 13 and the downtown core.
Let’s start with Comuna 13. For the best experience, I highly recommend joining a free walking tour—a three-hour guided adventure known as the Zippy Tour. While the tour itself is complimentary, tipping is customary; I gave $15 because the guide was exceptional. My favorite was Julieth (Picture 5), a local who grew up in the once-dangerous slums of Comuna 13.
Her personal stories bring the transformation of this area to life, painting a vivid picture of how it evolved from a notorious drug lord stronghold into a must-visit destination. Along the way, she’ll take you to a lively hip-hop performance (Picture 8) featuring a talented female rapper whose moves are sure to impress!
The tour concludes with a visit to a hidden rooftop offering breathtaking panoramic views of Comuna 13. A quick tip: avoid mentioning Pablo Escobar locally, as many residents harbor resentment toward him.
If you prefer exploring on your own, head straight to Escalator Comuna 13, the iconic outdoor elevator system that serves as a symbol of the neighborhood’s revitalization. After riding the escalator, snap photos with the famous statue (Pictures 1, 2, 3) for just 10,000 COP. Be prepared to hand over your phone to the staff—they’re experts at capturing perfect shots!
Picture 4 showcases the popular staircase leading up to the escalator, while Picture 6 highlights the graffiti-covered walls that tell stories through art. Picture 7 captures the lively hip-hop dancing area at the top of the escalator, and Picture 9 features the rap performances where I even got pulled onto the dance floor!
Apparently, muscular Asians are rare here, so they jokingly compared me to Jackie Chan before inviting me to join their routine. Lastly, don’t miss the restaurant at the top (Picture 18)—it’s authentic, affordable, and absolutely delicious.
Now let’s move on to the downtown guide. Begin your journey at Plaza Botero (Picture 13), adjacent to the Museum of Antioquia, home to Fernando Botero’s iconic plump sculptures. Though I skipped entering the museum since Bogotá’s Botero Museum is free, the plaza itself is worth lingering over.
Nearby, you’ll find the Palace of Culture Rafael Uribe, a four-story architectural gem perfect for exploration. Just remember—it’s closed on Sundays (Pictures 10, 11, 12).
Next, pay a visit to the Museum of Memory (Pictures 14, 15), a poignant tribute to the victims of Colombia’s conflict. Prepare to be deeply moved by the powerful narratives within its walls.
Finally, check out the modern art museum, which offers decent exhibits and a great spot to watch the sunset. It may not steal the show, but its serene atmosphere makes it a worthwhile stop.
As the evening approaches, don’t miss the unforgettable experience of riding the cable car! Start your journey by hopping on the metro and heading to the Acevedo Cra.63 station. From there, board the P line cable car (as shown in Pictures 16 and 17) for a breathtaking view of the brightest stars illuminating the night sky.
Best of all, if you stay within the system without exiting, there’s no additional cost. Conveniently, the metro card doubles as the cable car card. It comes with an initial fee of 11,000 COP, and every recharge is priced at 3,400 COP—just remember, payments are cash-only!!!
