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Plan Medellin

Colombia · South America

3 days in Medellin

Medellín is the second largest city in Colombia, known as the 'City of Eternal Spring' due to its pleasant climate and lush surroundings. It's set in a picturesque valley and offers a vibrant mix of culture, innovation, and natural beauty for international travelers.

Plan this trip, free

Medellín is the second largest city in Colombia, known as the 'City of Eternal Spring' due to its pleasant climate and lush surroundings.

When you plan it, day 1 and the last day fit your journey from home: a long flight keeps them light.

3 days5 days

Day 1 · City Center & Art

7 stops 16.1 km

MorningBegin with Botero's iconic sculptures and the main art museum, then visit San Antonio Park to see the 'Bird of Peace' sculptures.

AfternoonExperience the vibrant transformation of Comuna 13 with a guided graffiti tour, learning its powerful history.

EveningEnjoy dinner and the lively atmosphere in El Poblado, perhaps catching some salsa dancing.

Metro for city center and Comuna 13. Taxi/ride-share to El Poblado.

Make this trip yours

A free account opens every day of this guide and copies it into your own trip on your dates.

  • All 3 days, 17 stops
  • Route map and walking times
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Must-see in Medellin

Save money shopping

Shop smarter in Medellin

Where prices are lower than at home, the outlets within reach, and how to get the tax back. Editorial picks; check hours and prices on the official sites before you go.

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Tax-free

VAT refund for visitors

Visitors can reclaim VAT on purchases above a minimum in participating shops, claimed at the airport with the goods and receipts.

Where locals shop

  • Plaza de Mercado La Américamarket

    Traditional neighborhood market packed with fresh local produce, meats, and cheap eats.

  • Mercado del Tranvíafood hall

    Popular food hall in Buenos Aires district with diverse, affordable local dining.

  • Éxitosupermarket

    Colombia's go-to retail giant for everyday groceries, household items, and bakeries.

  • Mercado del Ríofood hall

    A bustling gastronomic market featuring a wide array of food stalls offering local and international cuisine, craft beers, and cocktails. It's a popular spot for locals to socialize and enjoy diverse flavors.

Know before you goVisa, safety, money and getting around in Medellin
  • Visa: Most international travelers, including those from the US, Canada, EU, and many Latin American countries, can enter Colombia for up to 90 days without a visa for tourism purposes.
  • Safety: Mostly safe · 7/10
  • A day: about $100 mid-range
  • Best months: Dec – Feb
Read it

Know before you go

  • Money$ COP · about US$100 a day
  • LanguageSpanish
  • Local timeAmerica/Bogota
  • Best monthsDec · Jan · Feb · Jun · Jul · Aug
  • SafetySafe · 7/10
  • CrowdsModerate crowds

Safety is Travlyo’s own reading, not an official figure. Official advice: US State Department ↗ · UK Foreign Office ↗

Visa

Most international travelers, including those from the US, Canada, EU, and many Latin American countries, can enter Colombia for up to 90 days without a visa for tourism purposes.

Rules change: check for your passport before you book.

Getting around

Medellín boasts an excellent public transport system, including the Metro, Metrocable, and integrated bus lines, making it easy and affordable to navigate. Taxis and ride-sharing apps are also widely available.

What a day costs

Per person, for food, getting around and tickets. Stays and getting there come on top.

See the three stylesShow less
  • Budget: about US$60
  • Mid-range: about US$100
  • Comfort: about US$200

Good to know

Learn basic Spanish phrases; it greatly enhances local interactions and shows respect.

4 more tipsShow less
  • Utilize the Metro system; it's clean, efficient, and a fantastic way to explore the city and its transformation.
  • Be aware of your surroundings, especially at night or in less touristy areas, and avoid displaying valuables.
  • Try the local street food, but choose vendors with high turnover and visible hygiene practices.
  • Consider taking a free walking tour to gain deeper insights into the city's history and social transformation.

Stories

All
  • RRomeRomanticEchoes Beneath the CobblestonesElena Marsh · 12 days · 2 min read
  • PPragueNostalgicGold Leaf and Bitter FoamAisha Rahman · 10 days · 3 min read
  • MMadridElectricElectric Nights and Goya’s GhostJonas Lindqvist · 8 days · 3 min read

Book for Medellin

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Cover: Néstor Morales on Unsplash · Photos via Wikimedia Commons · Map © OpenStreetMap contributors