CO
Medellín
The “City of Eternal Spring”, a green valley city transformed by cable cars, parks and public art
The “City of Eternal Spring”, a green valley city transformed by cable cars, parks and public art
⚠️ Travel advisory: check before you go
Governments advise against travel to some regions of Colombia, mainly border and rural areas affected by armed groups, and the US asks travellers to reconsider travel. The main cities and tourist areas are widely visited; check the latest regional advice.
Latest official advice: UK FCDO · US State Department · Reviewed September 2026
A hillside district once among the city’s most dangerous, now known for outdoor escalators, murals and hip-hop. Guided tours by local residents explain its history.
Go with a local guide to understand the story behind the art.
Photo: Bernard Gagnon, CC BY-SA 4.0
A square in the city centre with 23 bronze sculptures donated by Medellín-born artist Fernando Botero, next to the Museum of Antioquia.
The centre is busy and best visited by day; watch your belongings.
Photo: Steffen Schmitz, CC BY-SA 4.0
Cable car lines connect the metro with hillside neighbourhoods, giving views over the valley. Line L continues to Parque Arví, a large nature park.
Photo: JoranL, CC BY-SA 4.0
About two hours east, a huge granite monolith with around 700 steps to the top overlooks a reservoir of islands. The nearby town of Guatapé is known for its colourful painted houses.
Photo: Zack Knowles, CC BY-SA 3.0
Try bandeja paisa (beans, rice, meat, egg, plantain and avocado on one plate), arepas, chicharrón and fresh fruit juices.
El Poblado, Laureles and Provenza have the widest choice of restaurants and cafés.
José María Córdova International Airport (MDE) is in Rionegro, about 45 minutes to an hour from the city. Medellín has Colombia’s only metro, linked to cable cars and trams.
Citizens of the EU, the UK, the US, Canada, Australia and many other countries can visit Colombia visa-free for up to 90 days. All foreign visitors must complete the free online Check-MIG migration form before arriving. Check current rules before you travel.
Medellín is affordable, though El Poblado is pricier. Colombia uses the peso (COP). Cards are accepted in cities, but carry cash for taxis, markets and small towns; use ATMs inside banks or malls.
City, cable cars and the countryside.
Visit Plaza Botero and the Museum of Antioquia, then ride the metro and Metrocable for valley views.
Take a guided tour of Comuna 13, then explore Laureles or El Poblado in the evening.
Take a day trip to climb El Peñol and see the colourful town of Guatapé.
Do not show phones carelessly on the street, never leave drinks unattended, and be careful meeting people from dating apps; drugging and robbery are known risks.
Use ride-hailing apps or taxis ordered by phone or through your hotel rather than hailing them on the street.
The metro is clean and safe; use the Cívica card or contactless payment.
The Feria de las Flores in early August fills the city; book ahead.
Quick answers for planning time in Medellín.
Citizens of the EU, the UK, the US, Canada, Australia and many others can stay up to 90 days visa-free, but must complete the online Check-MIG form before arrival.
Popular areas are generally fine with sensible precautions, but theft and drink-spiking scams, often via dating apps, are real risks.
About two hours by bus or car.
Because its altitude gives it mild, warm weather, around 22–23°C, all year.
By taxi or airport bus, taking about 45 minutes to an hour.
Google Maps and Moovit work well in cities; download offline maps for treks.
Free
Spanish is the language; English is limited outside tourist businesses.
Free
WhatsApp is used for almost everything in Colombia, from hotels to tour bookings.
Free
Planning a wider trip? Our Colombia travel guide covers getting there, costs, when to go and more.