When you were in grade school, you may have returned from summer break and found that one of your first assignments was to write a paper on your summer vacation. While this theoretically seems like a fun topic to write about, it’s also a way to turn that fun into a homework assignment. If you spend part of the next summer in Medellin, you’ll probably have the kind of vacation that you’ll want to write about, homework or not.
Reason #1: The weather is amazing
Medellin is known as the “city of eternal spring” due to its perpetually sunny weather. Although you may run into the occasional afternoon shower, there isn’t really a cold or rainy season; it’s pretty much warm and sunny all year long.
This might not seem like a huge plus, but anyone who thinks that hasn’t tried to explore a South American city during a rainy season. In Medellin, much of the city’s energy comes from vendors who set up their stalls all over the city. Some of them have been selling from the same spot for years, while others have wheeled carts that they take along set routes. If there were regular bouts of all-day rain, many of these vendors would simply have to stay at home, and much of the city’s vibrant atmosphere would disappear. Fortunately for everyone involved, rain rarely interferes with anything in Medellin.
Reason #2: It’s relatively safe (much safer than many American cities)
If you look up crime rates in Medellin, you may get a few different conflicting stories. On the one hand, you’ll see statistics about high instances of pick pocketing, mugging, and similar crimes. You’ll probably also read stories of dating scams, where victims are drugged, robbed, and dumped on a park bench.
On the other hand, you’ll read personal blogs from experienced travelers or long-term expats, who say that they’ve never run into any problems while staying in Medellin. So what’s the truth? Well, they’re both true – Medellin does have a problem with petty thievery and mugging, and dating scams are on the rise. At the same time, though, a savvy traveler can greatly reduce their chances of becoming a victim of these crimes. As long as you keep careful track of your valuables, wear inconspicuous clothing, and avoid close contact with random strangers, you will have put yourself in a much safer position than the average tourist.
Reason #3: Medellin is a great place to treat yourself
If you’re traveling to Medellin to have fun, you’ll be in the right place. El Poblado neighborhood is the heart and soul of the city’s nightlife, with some of the best bars, clubs, restaurants, and hotels. DJs spin vintage records, bartenders mix up fancy cocktails, and restaurants like Mondongo’s serve meals that are both authentic and epic.
Provenza is another great spot for food, drinks, and general merrymaking. This is technically a part of El Poblado, but it’s also its own unique destination. Provenza is essentially just a long pedestrian road that’s lined with bars and restaurants. You’ll find coffee shops and sports bars, and have the opportunity to try steaks, seafood, tacos, burgers, and just about anything else you can imagine.
Reason #4: The experiences outside of the main city
Medellin is a huge metropolis, and there’s plenty to do outside of the main urban center. For example, you could take the Metrocable to Comuna 13, which is famous for its colorful graffiti and hip-hop culture. This neighborhood used to be one of the most violent in Medellin due to the presence of gangs, but a controversial 2002 military operation wiped out most of the organized crime in the area. These days, Comuna 13 is a success story that tourists love to visit as part of city tours. You can take one of the many guided Medellin tours, or go by yourself. The guided tour will obviously cost a bit more, but it’s also safer (and more educational) to go as part of a tour. Violent crime may not be common in Comuna 13 anymore, but pickpockets and muggers still see solo tourists as easy targets.
Even if you don’t intend to explore any particular area, taking at least one ride in the Metrocable is a must. This cable car system was built for residents of the city, but it’s a great way for visitors to see a bird’s eye view of Medellin and the surrounding hills.
Reason #5: You’ll get to take in Medellin’s art and culture
Medellin happens to be the birthplace of Colombia’s most famous artist, Fernando Botero. You can see many of his paintings in the Museum of Antioquia, as well as his sculptures throughout the city. In fact, the Plaza Botero (which is located right in front of the Museum of Antioquia) is filled with 23 of Botero’s sculptures, which he donated to the city of Medellin.
The Museum of Modern Art features modern artists, most of whom focus on themes like struggle and rebirth, or Colombia’s violent past. There’s also Parque Explora, which includes a science museum, a planetarium, and an aquarium. If you want to take in the beauty and serenity of nature, Medellin’s botanical garden is right next to Parque Explora.
For a surprise trip to Medellin’s European roots, you can visit El Castillo Museum and Gardens. It’s a 1930 mansion that’s full of antique furniture, dishes, and various trinkets. However, for many people the real draw is the gardens. There are several of them, all in different styles, gorgeously maintained, and open for anyone who wants to take a stroll or even have a picnic.
Reason #6: The day-trip to Guatape
If you ever want to spend some time outside of Medellin, you can visit the nearby town of Guatape. The town itself is beautiful and worth exploring, but the 656-foot granite peak nearby (El Peñól de Guatape) is a worthy destination in and of itself.
There are plenty of reasons to visit Medellin; these are just a few of the main ones. If you end up going there, you’ll surely find some reasons of your own!
