Colombia is a country emerging from the dark shadow of its past reputation: kidnappings, drugs, and civil unrest…to name a few. It is becoming a rising star in South America and the highlight of many visits to South America. Specifically, Medellin has emerged as the smart city in the mountains; Medellin is the new “it” spot to visit. Oh yea, did I mention the city is in the mountains? About 1,495 m (4,905 ft) high to be exact.
#1 Visit Communa 13
A few years ago, we would never have been able to set foot in Comuna 13. Even for locals, this barrio was an area to be avoided.
Today, just 10 years after the city took back 13, this barrio is a symbol of the change happening in Medellin. The brightly painted houses and murals adorned with street art seamlessly lead to multi-tier escalators that connect the city to once-forgotten people. Tourists step into stores that sell unique local-made goods while enjoying one of Medellin’s most iconic views. The whole place is a sight you’ll never forget.
Needless to say, you wouldn’t want to be wandering off down some dark alley after sunset, but for the most part, Comuna 13 is a calm, safe place to spend a few hours.
How to get there: The most direct way is to take Metro Line B to San Javier (the last stop on the line). From here you can either walk to the escalators or hop on the bus. If you opt for the bus route, simply exit the station and cross the road where you’ll find people waiting for buses (it’s hard to miss). The bus to Comuna 13 arrives rather frequently – they’ll have a little sign at the front saying “escaleras electrica” and it costs around 1000 Colombian Pesos (COP).The driver will let you off close to the bottom of the first escalator, then catch the bus back to San Javier station from the same spot.
#2 Ride the Cable Car
One of Medellin’s greatest achievements, if not engineering feats — the cable cars have connected the poorer communities in the hills with the part of their city that is economically and physically distant from where they live. Not only do the cable cars bring you to some of the neighborhoods that are off-the-beaten-track, but on the way you get a tremendous view over the city. They also have a functional benefit if you care: the cars connect to the city’s metro system where you can transfer to train, bus, or minivan. And in case I didn’t mention, on the way, you get a view of the city!
#3 Party in Parque Lleras
Medellin has some great nightlife, and a lot of it is concentrated in the gringo-heavy Poblado area.
Before hitting the bars and clubs, Parque Lleras is the place to go for a few vasitos of aguardiente. The park is a popular and pretty safe drinking spot with locals and travellers alike that’re enjoying the atmosphere. Get out of the hostel common area and start your Saturday night here. Note: once you burst the seal, you can use the toilet in one of the shops for 500 COP. But be sure to keep it deep in your pocket until then, you don’t want to be an easy target for a pickpocket.
#4 A “Free” Walking Tour of the City
Tripadvisor’s #1 attraction in Medellin (and one of many a traveller’s favorite things to do in Medellin) has earned its place with good reason. On the day I went, I was led by an enthusiastic and very knowledgeable guide named Victor from Real City Tours, who weaved Medellin’s history with a walk through downtown while taking in key spots. We walked through Alpujarra, the Forest of Lights, Botero Square, Parque Berrio and ended in Parque San Antonio, the site of a fatal explosion in 1995. The tours last around 4 hours and, although promoted as ‘free’, you are expected to tip at the end.
How to get there: You have to reserve your tour on-line. Booking is only available two days prior to the tour and spaces fill up quickly. Meeting instructions are then e-mailed to you.
#5 Attend An Atlético Nacional Match
Once you’ve spent more than five minutes in Medellin, you’ll notice you’re the only person not sporting the famous green and white stripes of Atlético Nacional. Arguably Colombia’s biggest and most popular team, Atlético can be found everywhere and tickets are usually easy to come by.
Matches fall on the weekend, with an odd midweek game or two. Check for fixtures and times here.
How to get there: The stadium is, oddly enough, next to the Estadio metro station on Line B, heading west towards San Javier. Alternatively, a taxi to or from the Poblado area won’t cost you more than 20,000 COP (a good idea if the local team loses and you need to exit the area quickly lol…no but seriously). Be sure to arrive nice and early as searches mean that the line to enter moves very slowly.
Cost | Tickets typically start at 10,000 COP (note: this gets you tickets to the hardcore fan section). Although the hardcores create a pretty cool and raucous atmosphere, we definitely don’t recommend sitting in this area. Instead, shoot for something on the lower east or west side starting at 20,000 COP.
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