Top Things to do in Medellin
The 10 Best Free Things to do in Medellin, Antioquia Department
Once infamous for dangerous gangs and drug activity, Medellin has been transformed. It’s now a vibrant destination for travelers seeking a culturally rich vacation. Medellin rises proudly from the belly of the Aburrá Valley, and its natural beauty makes a perfect setting for hiking, zip lining and horseback riding. Travel through lush jungle to Piedra de Penol, then climb the 740 steps to the top—a journey within a journey that rewards you with unforgettable views.
Restaurants in Medellin
1. Jardin Botanico de Medellin
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,483 reviews
Reviewed By erichA9957PH
This is a good place to enjoy nature in the center of Medellin. The gardens have beautiful flora, and lots of wildlife also - really enjoyed watching the turtles in the lake. Also, the restaurant at the Jardin Botanico is quite good and is a great place for a lunch.
2. Centro Comercial Santafe
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 468 reviews
¡More than a Shopping Center, we want to be your world! You can find all you are looking for about entertainment, food court, stores and service.
Reviewed By 609ronw - Wilton Manors, United States
Santafe is located on Poblado Avenue. With its four floors (five if you consider the lower level, mostly of cars and parking) you are sure to find almost anything you may possibly want and all at a very good price. During our visit we also visited Centro Comercial Tesoro, which has more "designer" stores and higher prices. We preferred Santafe as it has many mid-level clothing and accessories that we are more customed to. If the walk is too much to reach Santafe (and to Tesoro it is 10 times higher) take a taxi which are very inexpensive in Medellin - I think our most expensive taxi fare was $4.
3. El Tesoro Parque Comercial
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 384 reviews
Reviewed By molamark - Fort Lauderdale, United States
El Tesoro is a delight to just walk aroud and window shop . They have good restaurants on every level . We recommend The Liberia Nacional for books in Spanish and Colombian Periodicals . Oscar is the best . The Todo Fresa and Crepes and wafles are los here
4. Cementerio Museo de San Pedro
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 106 reviews
El Cementerio Museo San Pedro es una institución privada fundada el 22 de septiembre de 1842, reconocida como museo de sitio en 1998 y declarada Bien de Interés Cultural de carácter nacional (BIC) en 1999 por el Ministerio de Cultura de Colombia. Conscientes de la significación y trascendencia de conservar la historia de la ciudad y de sus habitantes, el Cementerio Museo se consolida como un lugar de memoria, amplio y de inclusión, que alberga numerosas historias, relatos y difuntos que han hecho parte de la vida económica, social, política y cultural de Medellín, de la región antioqueña y el ámbito nacional. Define su colección como el conjunto de formas de representación de la muerte y su transformación en el tiempo. Lo invitamos a pasar el umbral y experimentar otras maneras de mirar, escuchar, sentir y vivir el espacio funerario.
Reviewed By GordonS1636 - Galashiels, United Kingdom
This is a lovely well maintained cemetery, In the past it was a cemetery for the rich and famous and there are many large family tombs.
5. Plaza Mayor
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 270 reviews
Reviewed By jimandrich - Durham, United States
Our tour guide provided insight into the history of this site and how the Botero sculptures were added after the drug war had ended.
6. Rafael Uribe Uribe Palace of Culture
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 254 reviews
Reviewed By product-of-canada - Toronto, Canada
Part of what makes viewing Botero Plaza so special is having this checkered building as the backdrop. Well planned square! We did not go inside, but we visited this plaza a few times to take in the art. When you take the free walking tours, you can learn about this building and the square.
7. Museo Casa de la Memoria
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 299 reviews
Reviewed By N5817XYjamesf
This museum is great, a must for visitors to Medellin. It is a powerful history lesson and remembrance of the decades of armed conflict in Colombia, with particular focus on humanizing all victims. While the content is very heavy (obviously), the museum also sends a powerful message of hope and solidarity in Colombia. Give yourself at least a couple hours to be there because there is a lot to see and absorb.
8. Universidad de Antioquia
9. Ciclovia
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 106 reviews
Reviewed By johnhC9385XL
The fact that the city shuts down major roads every Sunday for pedestrian and bicycle traffic is incredible and inspirational. It's a great way to see the residents of the city taking full advantage of where they live. It made the idea of walking from Envigado to the City Center seem reasonable and fun. Athletes, families, strollers, and dogs!
