The Best Travel Guide for Medellin, Colombia (South America)

Medellin is a fantastic city busing with nightlife, culture, cuisine, communities, tours, and...the home to PABLO ESCOBAR! Discover diverse neighborhoods, bars, and local music scenes perfect for salsa dancing, trying local beers, and sampling delicious foods. You will find the best travel guide for Medellin, Colombia as a solo traveler/backpacker!

Fun fact: Locals refrain from mentioning "his" name as they are striving towards fixing their reputation and despite tragedy, put a smile on their face every day. This city shows immense resilience after learning about the Pablo Escobar massacre.

Recommended Duration: 4-5 days

Place of stay

• Rango Boutique Hostel: If you're looking for an upscale glamorous hostel, this is your spot! Located in Poblado with comfortable beds, soft blankets, towels provided, nice showers, hot water, strong wifi, a rooftop pool, a welcome drink, good workspaces, and a bakery downstairs filling the air with fresh pastries! Rated 10/10.
  

Top Things to Do:

1. Poblado Pub Crawl: A must-do for free drinks, visiting multiple bars and nightclubs, and meeting new people. Sign up with Viajero for Thursday or Friday nights; Saturday options are available at Rango Boutique or online/Airbnb.

2. Communa 13 Tour (Guru Tours): A transformative walking tour through Communa 13, showcasing resilience, culture, and vibrant energy. Highly recommended for its profound insights and community pride.

3. Parque Lleras and Surroundings: Enjoy a coffee in Parque Lleras and explore its lively streets both day and night. Experience the artsy vibe, vibrant colors, and diverse cuisines.

4. Pablo Escobar Museum: Rather than a full tour, visit the museum to support those affected and gain a comprehensive understanding efficiently.

5. Real City Tours - Free Walking Tour of Historic Center: Join the Free Walking Tour for insights into Medellin's history. Plaza Botera is a must-see if you opt out of the guided tour.

6. Smash Yoga and Smash Avocaderia: Enjoy a hot and sweaty yoga session at Smash Yoga. Next door is Smash Avocaderia, where I found incredible food. The Gipsy salad with salmon filet—a daily essential for vegetarians.

7. Salón Málaga: Experience local nightlife at this historic center gem. After 7 pm, enjoy live music and salsa parties packed with locals.

8. Real Vegetal: Indulge in vegetarian delights like lasagna, cauliflower kimchi bao buns, and wok noodles at this cozy restaurant.

9. Teleferico to Santo Domingo: Take the Teleferico up from Acevedo metro station for breathtaking views and a memorable ride, and get lost in the views! A metro card is recommended for convenience.
   

From here, I flew to Cartagena (bus is an option as well).

Xoxo,

Chelsey