Medellín

Shop

Get even more with a Lonely Planet guide.

South America

$29.99

Overview

Situated in a narrow valley, Medellín packs the punch of a city twice its size. Its skyline reaches for the heavens, setting high-rise apartments and office buildings against a backdrop of jagged peaks in every direction. Its pleasant climate gives it its nickname – the City of Eternal Spring – and the moderate temperatures put a spring in the locals' steps, at work and at play. It's a bustling place of industry and commerce, especially in textile manufacturing and exported cut flowers. On weekends Medellín lets its hair down, its many nightclubs attracting the beautiful people.

Attractions

Must-see attractions

La Comuna 13

Medellín

Once one of the most dangerous neighborhoods in Medellín, the Comuna 13, which clings to the mountainside above the San Javier metro station, has…
Museo de Antioquia

Medellín

In the grand art deco Palacio Municipal, Colombia's second-oldest museum (Museo Nacional in Bogotá is the oldest) houses one of the country's most…
Museo Casa de la Memoria

Medellín

This harrowing museum dedicated to the urban conflict in Medellín is a must-visit for travelers wanting to fully understand the city (and Colombia). There…
Museo de Arte Moderno de Medellín

Medellín

Set around a refurbished industrial building in Ciudad del Río, 'El MAMM' showcases changing exhibitions of contemporary art. The large new wing houses…
Monumento a la Raza

Medellín

Rodrigo Arenas Betancur, Colombia's favorite designer of monuments, has a number of pieces around Medellín, but the most impressive work is this one in…
El Cerro de Moravia

Medellín

The densely populated neighborhood of Moravia was once Medellín's municipal rubbish dump with an open-air mountain of trash surrounded by a large shanty…
Palacio de la Cultura Rafael Uribe Uribe

Medellín

Adjacent to the Berrío metro station, this striking black-and-white Gothic Revival building designed by Belgian architect Agustín Goovaerts is one of…
Cerro Nutibara

Medellín

On top of this 80m-tall hill, 2km southwest of the city center, sits the kitschy Pueblito Paisa, a miniature version of a typical Antioquian township,…

View more attractions

Planning Tools

Expert guidance to help you plan your trip

Best Things to Do

From world-class shopping and restaurants to witnessing the city’s incredible transformation, experience all Medellín has to offer in these neighborhoods.

Read article

Best Places to Visit

Dive into the magic of Medellín with these 9 must-dos.

Read article

Best Time to Visit

Good weather is almost always a sure thing in Medellín. Make the most of your time there, and take advantage of these special events and holiday celebrations.

Read article

Free Things to Do

From public art to dazzling parks to experiences only found in ‘The City of the Eternal Spring,’ here are the best free things to do in Medellín.

Read article

Best Neighborhoods

From world-class shopping and restaurants to witnessing the city’s incredible transformation, experience all Medellín has to offer in these neighborhoods.

Read article

Day Trips

Medellín is no small country town. When you need a break from this city of 2.5 million, there are easy day trips in every direction - here are the best.

Read article