COLOMBIA IS VIBRANT AND FULL OF LIFE. WHETHER YOU’RE STAYING FOR A FEW DAYS OR TURNING THIS INTO A LONGER TRIP, HERE ARE SOME FAVORITE WAYS TO EXPLORE IN OR AROUND THE CITY.
WHAT TO DO
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WHAT TO DO ✾
EXPLORE MEDELLÍN
🎨🎶 Comuna 13
A powerful transformation story told through street art, music, and local guides. Highly recommended with a guided tour.
🚡 Cable Cars (Metrocable)
A unique way to see Medellín from above while connecting neighborhoods.
🌲 Parque Arví
The classic. Forest trails, fresh air, and views of the Aburrá Valley. You can hike independently or with a guide—and even arrive by Metrocable for bonus scenery.
NATURE & DAY TRIPS
🏞 Guatapé & El Peñol
A colorful town and iconic rock just 2 hours from Medellín. Worth the climb.
🌄Santa Fe de Antioquia
Colonial charm, history, and warm weather.
🌸 Jardín (overnight option)
One of Colombia’s most beautiful towns — perfect if you have extra time.
🧵 El Retiro
Close to Medellín, known for craftsmanship, cafés, and a calm, artsy atmosphere.
SIGHTSEEING
🏘 Pueblito Paisa
A charming replica of a traditional Antioquian town with one of the best city views.
🎨 Museo de Arte Moderno de Medellín (MAMM)
A must for art + architecture lovers. Check out contemporary Colombian exhibitions, grab a coffee, and stroll around Ciudad del Río afterward.
🏛 Palacio Nacional
Historic Art Deco landmark turned shopping hub. Wander through local boutiques, admire the gallery, and enjoy rooftop city views.
For our family and friends from out of town, we want you to enjoy the city as locals. Here are some of our favorite spots to eat, drink, and explore.
WHAT/WHERE TO EAT AND
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WHAT/WHERE TO EAT AND ✺
BREAKFAST
Calentado Paisa / Huevos Pericos
Yesterday’s beans + rice, topped with egg, avocado, arepa, and sometimes chicharrón. Comfort food royalty.
📍Try at Hato Viejo
Arepa con Queso
Thick Antioqueña arepa with melted cheese — simple, perfect, essential.
📍Try at La Arepería
Pandebono + Colombian Coffee
Warm, cheesy bread with fresh local coffee = elite combo.
📍Try at Pergamino Café
LUNCH
Bandeja Paisa
The icon: beans, rice, ground beef, chorizo, chicharrón, egg, avocado, arepa. Come hungry.
📍Try at Mondongos
Sancocho / Mondongo / Ajiaco
Hearty soup with meat, plantain, corn, yuca — very traditional and very filling.
📍Try at La Gloria de Gloria
Menú del Día
Local lunch deal: soup + main + juice. Cheap, authentic, everywhere.
📍Any neighborhood spot (look for busy locals — that’s the sign)
DINNER
Modern Colombian Cuisine
Traditional flavors with a modern twist.
📍 Alambique & Sambombi
Grilled Meats / Parrilla
Colombian-style steak, chorizo, and sides — casual but excellent.
📍 Rancherito
Seafood Colombian-Style
Coconut rice, fried fish, patacones. Coastal flavors inland.
📍 Pesqueira
DESSERTS
Obleas con Arequipe
Thin wafers stuffed with caramel, cheese, and jam.
📍Street-food classic.
📍 Crepes & Waffles — A Colombian favorite for lunch or dinner, loved for its savory plates, crepes, waffles, ice cream, and classic figs with caramel and cheese (very paisa, very sweet).
Artisanal Ice Cream
Tropical flavors like lulo, guanábana, mango biche.
📍 Amor‑Acuyá
Things you must drink
🥭 Fresh Fruit Juices
Made to order with water or milk. Must-try flavors: lulo, maracuyá, guanábana.
🥥🍋 Coconut Lemonade
Creamy, icy, and perfectly tropical — coconut milk blended with fresh lime.
🥣 Avena Colombiana
A lightly sweet oat drink with milk and cinnamon. Comforting and very local.
☕ Tinto Colombiano
Traditional black coffee, small but strong — part of everyday life in Medellín.
🍯 Agua de Panela
Warm sugar-cane drink, often with lime (and sometimes cheese). Classic and cozy.
🫕🧀 Hot Chocolate with Cheese
Yes — cheese in hot chocolate. A beloved Colombian tradition, especially in the mountains.