Medellin is known for many things, from its tourist attractions to its top-notch healthcare. This city has been making waves since the 90s; it went from being one of the most dangerous cities in the world, to being one of the most progressive and innovative. Why should people choose Medellín for their next international trip, though? Because of the things that make it unique.
Each visitor to Medellin has their own goals and itinerary when exploring this city, but there are some things that everybody wants to enjoy – good weather, great food, friendly people, and so on. Medellín has all of that, plus cultural experiences that are hard to find anywhere else. If you want to know about 10 reasons to visit Medellín, just keep reading!
#1: Paisa culture is friendly and welcoming
Colombians in general tend to make visitors feel welcome, but Paisas even more so. This culture comes from the region of Antioquia (where Medellín is located), and has influenced the city in many ways. Paisas are known not only for their friendliness, but also for their calm demeanor, love of fine coffee and Paisa food, and business acumen. If you ever need directions or a restaurant recommendation, chances are a Paisa will help you out.
#2: Nature is never too far away
Medellín is a gigantic city, but it’s still possible to enjoy nature without traveling too far away. In fact, you can even experience it within the city; just go to Parque Arvi, a nature park that’s open to the public. There you can participate in guided hikes, take bike rides through the woods, or explore the trails on your own. If you want something a bit more off-grid, Medellín is well-connected to places like El Peñol, a massive rock to see and climb in Guatape that’s popular with Medellin Tours and locals.
#3: It makes a good jumping-off point
If you want to visit other towns in the region, Medellín will have plenty of buses and car rental agencies that can help you get there. Smaller towns like Santa Fe de Antioquia, Jardin, and Guatape are just a couple of hours away from Medellín by bus or car. You can tour Guatape for half a day and make the 90 minute ride back into the heart of the city. Although they may not have enough to keep you occupied for days at a time, they make amazing weekend getaways from the big-city pace of Medellín.
#4: You won’t have to break the bank for a great vacation
Compared to other Colombian cities that are popular tourist destinations (like Bogotá), Medellín is quite affordable. From hostels, to public transport, to foods and beverages, you can be sure of getting your money’s worth. Be sure to take a cool city tour and have a guide explain all of the hotspots throughout Medellin. Some of the tourist attractions don’t cost a dime, while other attractions and guided tours tend to be reasonably priced.
#5: The weather is perfect
Have you ever wished that you could find some magical place that’s balmy and sunny year-round? Well, that place exists, and it’s called Medellín. Its nickname is “City of Eternal Spring”, with average temperatures between 70°F and 80°F year-round. This is especially perfect for those who plan on doing a lot of walking as they take in the sights; extreme heat is no joke if your main source of air conditioning is the occasional museum!
#6: The region is known for world-class coffee
Coffee aficionados will fall in love with Medellín the second they get their hands on some artisanal coffee. There are cafes all over the city, many of them with extensive menus of locally grown coffees (as well as hot chocolate). Best of all, a lot of these beverages aren’t even available except in the tropics. The city’s coffee culture is one of many reasons to visit Medellín, and it’s easy to take part in it – just ask a Paisa for their thoughts! If you want to make coffee a focus of your trip, you can even book a coffee plantation tour or a tasting tour.
#7: You can paraglide over the city
Medellín doesn’t just look cool at the street level; it also looks amazing from the skies! Those who like to be adventurous can take off on a Medellin paragliding tour from the outskirts of the city (in a small town called San Felix) and see Medellín’s sprawling landscape from above.
#8: Medellín’s nightlife is incredible
If you’re the kind of person who feels like they’re just getting started once the sun goes down, head to El Poblado. This neighborhood of Medellín is the best spot for restaurants, bars, and clubs that stay open until the wee hours of the morning. Colombians know how to get their groove on, so you can count on having a great time salsa dancing or learning how to tango. If you want to add a little history into the mix, try your luck at the city’s oldest bar, El Eslabon Prendido.
#9: It’s a city of social and urban transformation
There’s something about Medellín’s energy that makes it special. It went from a city that was overrun by gang activity, to one of the most innovative urban centers in the world. Comuna 13 is one example of this, going from a notorious hotspot for criminal activity to a vibrant neighborhood. It’s full of colorful graffiti that tells this story, and you’ll be able to get around on the modern escalators that keep Comuna 13 and the rest of Medellín connected.
#10: Medellín has great food
Last but not least, the local food culture is one of the top reasons to visit Medellín. You’ll find a lot of Colombian standbys, like arepas or buñuelos, plus some dishes that are native to Medellín, like bandeja paisa and mondongo. It’s basically a foodie’s paradise, with a mixture of upscale restaurants, hole-in-the-wall establishments, and street vendors. You can even stop by the Mercado del Río, a food hall that offers traditional as well as international cuisines.
There are plenty of reasons to visit Medellín
If you’re considering Colombia as a potential destination for your next international trip, there are plenty of reasons to visit Medellín. Whether you travel for the adventure, the people, or the food, Medellín probably has what you’re looking for – and more! You’ll love this unique city and everything that it has to offer.
