The Best Ways to Spend 3 Days in Medellin, Colombia
Medellín is Colombia’s second-largest city with a population of roughly 2.6 million people. It has transformed into one of Latin America’s most innovative cities. With just three days, you can get a real sense of what makes this city tick—walk through public art, sample what’s cooking on the streets, take in the skyline, and see how locals move through their day. Here are 15 experiences that bring out the best of Medellín.
Ride the Metrocable to Parque Arví
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The Metrocable is a scenic lift above the city. It starts at the Acevedo metro station and soars up to Santa Elena. The ride ends in Parque Arví, a protected forest reserve perfect for hiking, birdwatching, or browsing local artisan stands. It’s the city’s best view for just under $1.
Wander Through Comuna 13’s Graffiti Walls
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Comuna 13, once among the most dangerous neighborhoods in Medellín, now attracts thousands with its street art and community-led tours. Electric escalators connect steep hillside homes, and vibrant murals tell stories of transformation. Local guides, who are often residents themselves, offer insights into the neighborhood’s history while showcasing live music and breakdancing along the route.
Climb El Peñón de Guatapé
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Two hours outside the city, a 200-meter granite monolith juts out of the ground like a geological oddity. The climb isn’t easy, with 740 steps, but the panoramic views of the surrounding lakes and islets are well worth it. A ticket to ascend costs about 20,000 COP ($5). Combine it with a stroll through colorful Guatapé for a full-day escape.
Catch a Soccer Match at Estadio Atanasio Girardot
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Medellín is home to two rival teams: Atlético Nacional and Independiente Medellín. Matches are held at the 44,000-seat Estadio Atanasio Girardot, and the atmosphere is loud, proud, and emotional. Expect coordinated chants, a sea of team colors, and fireworks. Pro tip: Wear team colors (green for Nacional, red for Independiente) and buy tickets ahead of time to avoid long lines.
Sip Coffee at Pergamino or Café Velvet
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Colombia is the world’s third-largest coffee producer, and Medellín has embraced this legacy with a strong third-wave café scene. In El Poblado, Pergamino Café sources beans directly from farms across Antioquia and roasts them on-site. Nearby, Café Velvet specializes in single-origin Colombian coffee and maintains direct trade relationships with growers. Both cafés provide consistent Wi-Fi, which makes them popular with digital nomads and remote workers.
Stroll Plaza Botero and Museo de Antioquia
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This one is especially for art lovers. Plaza Botero features 23 large bronze sculptures by Fernando Botero, Colombia’s most celebrated artist. Just steps away, Museo de Antioquia holds more of Botero’s work and rotating contemporary exhibits. The plaza can be busy, so visit in the morning.
Salsa the Night Away at El Eslabón Prendido
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Looking for nightlife that isn’t a club crawl? El Eslabón Prendido is a small downtown salsa bar with live music every Tuesday night and dancing throughout the week. Locals pack the place, and while the floor gets crowded, the energy’s contagious. There’s no cover, drinks are affordable, and you don’t need to be a pro to join in.
Enjoy Lunch in Mercado del Río
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Near the Industriales metro station, Mercado del Río is a two-level food hall with over 50 culinary vendors. Whether you’re craving tacos, sushi, vegan bites, or Colombian staples, this is the spot. Popular with young professionals during lunch and couples at night, the atmosphere is stylish but casual.
Visit the Botanical Garden and Parque Explora
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The Medellín Botanical Garden spans over 34 acres and features tropical plants, an orchid house, and wandering iguanas. Right next door is Parque Explora, an interactive science museum with a freshwater aquarium, planetarium, and hands-on exhibits, which are perfect for families or rainy days.
Experience Local Tango Culture at Salón Málaga
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Though tango is more often linked to Argentina, Medellín has a deep connection thanks to Carlos Gardel, who died here in 1935. Salón Málaga preserves that spirit with vinyl records, vintage photos, and weekend tango shows. It’s not too touristy; locals come for coffee, aguardiente, and nostalgia.
Grab a Mango Crema in Comuna 13
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A hidden gem in Comuna 13 is Crema Doña Alba’s mango crema, a frozen treat packed with fresh mango chunks, sea salt, and condensed milk drizzle. It’s not fancy, but it’s famous. Locals line up daily, and many consider it the best $1 they’ll spend in Medellín. Plus, it’s a sweet break during your walking tour.
Sunset at Pueblito Paisa
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Pueblito Paisa is a mock Antioquian village perched on Nutibara Hill, which offers 360-degree views of the city. The replica town square is small but charming, and the souvenir shops stay open late. Arrive before 6 pm to catch the sunset and watch Medellín slowly light up as day turns to night. It’s a great photo spot too!
Shop Local at Palacio Nacional Mall
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Palacio Nacional was once a government building for Antioquia’s courts. Today, it functions as a shopping center in central Medellín. Inside, more than 200 vendors sell sneakers, clothes, and local merchandise. The building still features original Art Deco elements like stained glass windows and curved staircases. The top floors host rotating art exhibits with work from Colombian artists.
Explore Laureles and Its Hidden Gems
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While El Poblado gets the spotlight, Laureles is Medellín’s low-key, leafy gem. The neighborhood is walkable, full of cafes, bookstores, and traditional restaurants. Café Revolución and Rituales Coffee are local favorites as well. Parque de Laureles is perfect for a casual stroll, and the vibe is noticeably more residential.
Ride a Chiva Party Bus at Night
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Medellín’s nightlife isn’t limited to bars. Hop aboard a chiva, a traditional, open-air party bus blasting reggaeton, LED lights flashing, drinks flowing. While it’s not subtle, it is fun because the ride usually includes stops at bars and viewpoints. Expect plastic cups, loud music, and lots of dancing. Best booked through hostels or tour operators in El Poblado.