Medellín: A City Transformed
Word is officially out: Medellín has wholly transcended its unfavorable reputation and undergone a veritable renaissance. Nevertheless, it still fails to land on many travel bucket lists.
Still an unsung corner of South America, there’s a lot to love about Medellín—past and present. Make your move before the headlines catch up.
An Urban Planning Success Story
Medellín is nothing if not a forward-thinking city. A complicated past has shaped its present, and although there is still work to be done, today’s Medellín is nearly unrecognizable from a few decades ago. Revitalized and buzzing, the city now boasts safe, art-drenched streets, world-class cultural attractions, and one of the most advanced public transit systems in the world. For a few pesos (less than $1 USD), tourists and commuters alike can board the mile-long Metrocable for a gondola glide above the commotion of the streets, taking in serene aerial views of the hillside city.
Moreover, a tram winds through all major sections of Medellín, while outdoor escaleras criss-cross outlying hillside communities, allowing residents and visitors to traverse their surroundings with ease. These transportation initiatives were implemented to connect low-income comunas skirting the city to opportunities in other parts of Medellín, effectively stimulating economic mobility through public transit.
The Paisa Cuisine of Medellín
Colombia’s famed coffee often steals the spotlight, yet the country’s culinary offerings extend far beyond its renowned brews. While typical rice-and-bean combinations are ubiquitous, expect to indulge in flavorful specialties unique to Medellín. A key feature of the region’s cuisine is its love for pork belly; a twirl of chicharrón graces breakfast plates if you’re doing it right. This fried meat is a main component of the traditional bandeja paisa, which consists of ground beef, fried eggs, plantains, chorizo, arepas, and avocado. For an authentic experience, visit Restaurante Santas Melonas (Carretera 43b #10-2) to savor some of Medellín’s mouthwatering offerings at reasonable prices.
Public Art and Colorful Murals
Botero sculptures—chunky and lovable—aren’t the only artistic marvels in Medellín. Like many places that have faced harsh conditions, Medellín has found a way forward through creative expression. From monuments to vibrant murals, the public art scene sweeping Medellín is stunning in scope and ingenuity. Nowhere is this exemplified better than in the previously marginalized neighborhood of Comuna 13. Comparable to Miami’s Wynwood Walls, Comuna 13 is both a residential community and an outdoor art gallery. Elaborate murals decorate countless walls, bringing life to a series of vivid canvases created by passionate and dedicated artists. What was once the city’s roughest section has evolved into its most colorful, embodying a celebration of rebirth, a brave determination to metamorphose—and it’s Instagram gold.
For those preferring to spend the day indoors, the Museo de Antioquia is one of the most important cultural attractions in Medellín and arguably one of the best art museums in the country, containing a large collection of Botero still lifes and sculptures. Don’t miss Museo Casa de la Memoria for a deeper understanding of Medellín’s history, as it gently examines the past century in Colombia. To keep the mood light, consider a visit to Casa Gardeliana, a small and whimsical museum dedicated to tango music.
Eco-Conscious Exploring
Above the clouds that hug Medellín’s outskirts—and just a short cable car ride away—mountaintop Parque Arví awaits as an eco-tourist’s paradise. The park, along with in-city green spaces like the Jardín Botánico de Medellín, supports Medellín’s standing as an ideal destination for combining city breaks with outdoor escapes. Visitors to Parque Arví can hike, picnic, go birdwatching, shop handicrafts and food specialties at Arví Market, and soak in the balmy weather that earns Medellín the nickname “City of Eternal Spring.”
Accessible and Diverse: A Destination for All Travelers
Like many cities in Latin America, Medellín is vibrant and lively, celebrating until dawn yet rising early for a tinto and the morning paper. This dynamic atmosphere attracts a diverse demographic, including retirees. Drawn by the comparatively affordable cost of living and superb public health care system, many seniors are flocking to Medellín for a chance to experience the good life.
Additionally, this appeal captures the attention of budget-conscious travelers and weekend adventurers from all over, leading to nearly 100 hostels scattered throughout the city. The lively El Poblado neighborhood, in particular, beckons backpackers, with accommodations like Hostal Lleras Calle 8 providing access to the best of Medellín’s nightlife. Revelers can sip aguardiente from a bottle of Antioqueño and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere that solidifies this area as the place to be.