10 Reasons to Visit Medellin, Colombia
Medellin, Colombia is a vibrant, diverse, and innovative city nestled in the Andes mountains of South America. It’s my first visit to the continent and I can’t believe that it’s taken me so long to get here.
If all you know about Medellin is what you've seen on tv shows like Narcos and other fictionalized accounts, you're missing out on the real Colombia. Here are 10 reasons to add Medellin to your travel bucket list:
The weather
If great weather is a priority for your vacation, Medellin is an excellent option. It’s known as the city of 'Eternal Spring' because it looks and feels like Spring year round. The mountainous air and frequent rain showers, result in a city covered in lush, green, and colorful foliage. The temperatures ranged between the mid 60s to the low 80s. A light jacket is all you’ll need for the cool mornings and evenings.
The people
Every local we met was welcoming and friendly. Paisas love their city and you can hear the pride in their voices, along with their extension of genuine hospitality. English is not widely spoken, so we especially appreciated their patience as we struggled with a limited Spanish vocabulary and lots of hand gestures.
The Proximity
Medellin is only a 3 hour flight from Miami, which makes it an easily accesible international destination for much of the country. Less time in the air means more time enjoying your stay. This also makes it a viable option for long weekend getaways if you want to maximize your time on the ground.
The Affordability
In Colombia, the U.S. dollar goes a lot further than it does in the States. The low cost of living is one of the reasons Medellin is favored by so many digital nomads. It’s also a great option if you’re looking for a way to stretch your travel budget without compromising on luxury.
The Views
Surrounded on all sides by mountains, Medellin sits in a valley with the picturesque Andes always visible in the background. Rooftop bars and high rise buildings offer sweeping views while street-level views include tree-lined streets and tranquil gardens. The most stunning views are the ones of the city when you emerge from the tunnel on the drive from the airport. Wow!
The Transformation
In the 1980's and 90's Communa 13 one of the most dangerous neighborhoods in the world. Today, it's been transformed into a tourist attraction and is one of the safest areas of the city. Across Medellin, the government invested in social mobility, democratic architecture and provided access to education. The result was a revitalization of depressed areas into welcoming spaces for citizens and visitors.
The food
Colombian food is delicious, filling, flavorful, and surprisingly not spicy. The diet seemed to include lots of avocados, fruits, plantains, tomatoes, potatoes, eggs, and fried foods. We had delightful dining experiences that ranged from street food, to cafes, to fine dining.
The nightlife
For those looking to PARTY party, Parque Lleras is world-famous. There are well over 100 open air restaurants, bars and nightclubs located in the streets around the area. For those looking for something more family-friendly, the Provenza neighborhood is ideal. It has been ranked 15th out of 33 as one of the coolest streets in the world .
The Transportation System
The world-class transporation system makes it easy to get around the city. For the equivalent of $0.50, you get access to metro trains, buses, and cable cars that are clean, efficient, modern, and easy to navigate. Uber is widely available with most rides costing under $5. Traffic can get congested, so build in extra travel time when traveling by car.
Street Art
Street art is everywhere in Medellin. The hip hop scene is strong and influences much of the music and art seen around the city. There's no shortage of street performers that provide entertainment and artful graffiti that tell stories of the city’s past.
