Medellín is easy to explore with a fabulous cable car system and the Medellín Metro. Take the train between many of Medellín’s distinct neighborhoods, including history-packed El Centro, young and vibrant Poblado, and Laureles-Estadio, where the local fútbol (soccer) teams play. Take an e-bike tour, free walking tour or hop in a car or bus to Guatape to climb El Penol, a landmark rock, for stunning panoramic views.

Adrenaline junkies and nature lovers can paraglide through the clear blue Antioquian skies, ride a horse and discover surrounding towns, take an adventurous trip up a mountain or embark on a thrilling kayak journey down the Cauca River. Ecotourism abounds in Medellín with indigenous trails, nearby forests and unique natural reservoirs. From birdwatching to exploring caves, the opportunities to discover the natural beauty of this area are endless.

History buffs will quickly fall in love, too, with a past rich with the cultural influence of colonial Spain and endless opportunities to immerse in art and culture. Galleries abound in and around the Zona Rosa area of Poblado, where works of art created by local Paisas (countrymen) are displayed. Paintings and statues sculpted by Fernando Botero can also be found throughout the city, including in the Botero Plaza in El Centro. See the colorful street art in Comuna 13, an area that serves as a testament to Medellín’s rebirth to a thriving and modern metropolis. And if dancing is your passion, Medellín is the best place to learn how to tango.

From Colombian coffee and local rum to leather and handmade gifts, Medellín is a shopper’s paradise. Well known for its textile industry, local branded clothing can be very reasonable. For luxury brands, Medellín boasts some of the best malls in South America.  

Shop ‘til you drop at Viva Envigado, Santafe or El Tesoro, each offering hundreds of stores in addition to extra options for entertainment, including an ice rink, amusement park, cinema, bowling alley and casino. Visitors can also visit fruit markets or local stalls to take home a taste of Colombian chocolates, coffee, handicrafts and more.

Colombia is a popular foodie destination. The cultural and climatic diversity adds to the variety of mouthwatering local cuisine ranging from traditional South American classics to barbecue and international fare. Local dishes are often prepared with pork, potatoes, beans, corn, rice and soups. To accompany these tasty dishes, it's common to find refreshing fruit juices made of passion fruit, strawberries, blackberries and guava.

Inhale the alluring aroma of Colombian coffee and taste your way through Medellín’s local culture by day before experiencing the city’s trendiest wine bars and nightclubs well into the night for a gastronomic adventure at its best. A favorite cocktail among locals is refajo, a refreshing and sweet mix of beer and a local soft drink. Rio Sur is a popular nightlife area offering a collection of high-end bars and discos.