Medellín used to be one of the most dangerous cities in the world, but now it is an up and coming tourist destination. I never felt unsafe in Colombia, but you do have to be smart. They have this saying, “don’t give mango (or papaya),” which means don’t offer up something sweet. When you are out and about, keep your phones, wallets and other valuable tucked away. If you follow that rule, then you shouldn’t have a problem. I quickly fell in love with Colombia and you will too! Here is my guide to Medellín, Colombia.
How to get around
Uber or Taxi
You can use Uber or a taxi to get around. Uber is safe and easy to use, but you can’t use it from the airport. I suggest setting up a taxi or transfer with your hotel for when you arrive. That way you don’t have to worry about it when you get there. The airport is about a forty minute drive, the majority of it going through a very long tunnel through a mountain.
Metro
I highly suggest using the metro here; it is safe, clean and convenient. You can get anywhere on the metro for under $1. The metro was built in 1995, when things were about their worst in Medellín. The people from Medellín are extremely grateful for it, which is why it’s been kept so clean and looking like new. The metro system connects easily with the metrocable. Local people living up in the hills used to commute by bus to work, taking three hours. Now with the metrocable, it only takes 45 minutes. Improving the lives of these people greatly, while also reducing crime because more people started working.
Bus
We used the bus to get to Guatapé and back. Buses run about every half hour. You can use the metro to get to the bus station. Tickets are 15,000 Colombian pesos. The bus had no air-conditioning, but with the windows down there was a comfortable breeze. The trip took less than two hours.
What to do
Free Walking Tour
Sign-up for a free walking tour with Real City Tours. This is a great way to get acquainted with and learn the history of the city. You also have the chance to meet fellow travelers if you are traveling solo. Our guide, Julianna, was a local who studied storytelling. She answered all our questions and gave us some free time to grab street food and coffee. She pointed out a street food stall that sells buñuelos con queso mozzarella (dough balls stuffed with mozzarella and fried to perfection) and this quickly became my favorite part of the trip. The guides work for tips, so be sure to tip at the end.
Comuna 13 Grafitti Tour
We booked our tour with Comuna 13 Tours. The group conveniently meets at Poblado Station and all transportation and snacks are included in the price. We first took the metro to one of the cable cars and took the cable car all the way up the mountain for a great view. After that we stopped for arepas con queso while waiting for a city bus to take us to Comuna 13. While walking around Comuna 13, our guide explained the significance of some of the commissioned street art. We ended the tour with locally made popsicles, which were super refreshing in the heat.
Two places I really wanted to go to, but didn’t have time for, were Parque Arvi and Jardin Botanico. If you have plenty of time in Medellín, perhaps take a cooking class, go on a fruit or coffee tour, or take Spanish lessons.
Where to Eat & Drink
Restaurante Hatoviejo
Come here for traditional Colombian food and amazing sangria! If you are from western New York you may get this reference. I compared the traditional Colombian meal to that of Rochester’s famed garbage plates. You get a little bit of everything. The food was excellent, but I would have come back just for the sangria.
Pergamino Cafe
This is a great spot for the perfect cup of Colombian coffee. You get to choose how you want it made; chemex, drip, French press, etc. And if you’re like me and coffee is not your thing, go for freshly made jugos (juice).
Carmen
Go to Carmen if you want to splurge on a fancy meal. Be sure to make reservations in advance.
Where to Stay
Intercontinental Medellín
We stayed here as part of a wedding block for my cousins wedding. Wouldn’t be my first choice (I prefer smaller, boutique hotels), but I have no complaints. Breakfast was included and it was quite the impressive breakfast buffet. Serving traditional Colombian fare, a wide variety of fruits and juices and your typical American breakfast items. Restaurant Hatoviejo is right across the street. I just wish it was a bit closer to the nearest metro station, Poblado station is a thirty minute walk or a quick taxi ride away. There are always taxis waiting in front of the hotel to take you wherever you want, you can even charge it to your room!
Celestino Hotel Botánico
I stumbled upon this boutique hotel after having a fresh jugo at Pergamino Cafe. I was quite impressed with the design of the hotel from the outside and wished I could have stayed a night. It is in the heart of Poblado with plenty of options for restaurants, night-life and shopping in walking distance.
I hope you enjoyed my guide to Medellín, Colombia. Don’t forget to book your trip with your favorite travel planner, yours truly. For more, check out My Guide to Guatapé, Colombia!
