Medellín, Colombia
Top places to visit in Medellín
6 places worth your time in Medellín, with what each is actually like and when to go.
Last updated 2026-08-11
1. Comuna 13
Photo: chilangoco · CC BY SA 2.0 · source
Once the most dangerous neighbourhood in the city, now escalators, murals and a walking-tour economy.
- Where: San Javier
- Map: Open in Maps
- Tip: Go with a guide from the neighbourhood rather than an outside operator; the money staying local is the point of the place.
2. Metrocable
Photo: Secretaría de Movilidad de Medellín · CC BY 2.0 · source
Cable cars built as public transport up the valley sides, with the best view in the city for a bus fare.
3. Plaza Botero
Photo: -Chupacabras- · CC BY SA 2.0 · source
Twenty-three fat bronze sculptures donated by Fernando Botero, outside the Museo de Antioquia.
Watch outThe downtown plazas are where phone snatching happens; keep it in a pocket rather than a hand.
4. Parque Arví
Photo: *Iván Erre Jota* · CC BY SA 2.0 · source
A large protected forest above the city, reached by continuing the Metrocable over the ridge.
5. Pueblito Paisa
Photo: davidmuner · CC0 · source
A replica Antioquian village on the Nutibara hill, with the full valley panorama.
6. Guatapé and El Peñol
Photo: nuestrociclismo.com · CC BY SA 2.0 · source
A painted lakeside town and a 200m granite monolith with 700 steps, two hours out.
- Map: Open in Maps
- Best time: Weekdays — weekends are very busy
More about Medellín
