Medellín is an attractive city that draws most travellers instantly, with its natural beauty, museums, and public artwork.
‘The city is much bigger than I thought it was going to be,’ I tell the driver as we cruise along the empty mountain roads. It’s the kind of nervous small talk one has when they’re travelling around Colombia - a) on their own and b.) arriving at 1 am. ‘That’s Medellín,’ he pointed at a valley in the distance. - the most breathtaking view of Colombia’s second biggest city as it glittered silently. The rest of our 40km journey from Jose Maria Cordoba International Airport to the centre was mostly spent talking about the weather, my life, his life and the city many travellers have come to love.
Medellín by day feels more familiar and comforting, and contrary to its reputation, it's pretty safe and wealthy. High-rise buildings and palm tree-lined streets surround The Intercontinental hotel in El Poblado – an upscale residential area busy with independent boutiques, concept stores, clubs, and restaurants. The evenings here get livelier with swanky hotels and rooftop bars attracting a steady stream of tourists, expats, and young Colombians.
The Medellin skyline from The Intercontinental
Its transformation from the “most dangerous place on earth” to the bustling city of opportunities isn’t just restricted to Poblado. Colombia’s first Metro line and cable car network carry thousands of people between remote comunas and the city centre. Urban planning and infrastructure improvement projects like Biblioteca España in Santo Domingo have seen previously segregated areas turned into spaces where communities can come together.
Medellín is interesting, unpretentious and engaging and if it wasn’t on your must-see places to visit, here are 10 reasons why it should be.

1. Get the paisa experience in El Centro

Also known as downtown, this cultural and historic centre encapsulates all things paisa (people of Antioquia). From government buildings and museums to Botero sculptures and shopping streets, El Centro is best explored on foot. 
Head South of Alpujarra metro station to find some of the key government buildings and the beautifully restored Antioquia train station. Three hundred pillars take centre stage in Parque de las Luces or The Lights Park – a modern art installation thought to represent the transformation of Medellín.
Brave through the crowds on Carabobo & El Hueco - downtown’s busiest shopping streets - to reach a square dedicated to Colombia’s most famous artist, Fernando Botero. Dotted around Plaza Botero are 23 disproportionate sculptures donated by the artist himself. You can see more of his paintings in the Museum of Antioquia. Also explore Parque Bolivar, Berrio metro station and the murals by artist Pedro Nel Gomez.
Metropolitan Cathedral in Santa Fe de Antioquia

2. Pablo Escobar and the historical tour

The famous web series based on the life of criminal Pablo Escobar is probably most people’s introduction to Medellín. And although the infamous drug lord shaped its history, he’s rarely spoken about in public.
The 2-hour tour talks about Escobar’s life and shows you around the apartment building where his wife and bodyguards lived, the roof where he was gunned down and his grave.

3. Be inspired by Comuna 13

What was once the city’s most notorious neighbourhood is today a platform for political and social expression. From skulls with flowers to laughing children, the graffiti here acknowledges its bloodied past while projecting a hopeful future. The most striking feature though is the orange escalators – the only barrio in the entire city to have one. Completed in 2011, these escalators were built to unite Comuna 13 – a part of the city largely neglected because of its association with drug cartels - to the rest of Medellín. It is hard to visit this place and not leave inspired.
Comuna 13, once Medellin's most notorious barrio

4. The forest is only a Metro ride away

Thirty kilometres from the centre of town is Parque Arvi – an ecological nature reserve spanning 4350 acres. Among the endless green space, there is a lake, a butterfly enclosure, and several walking trails- some of which are restricted to Spanish speakers only. Take a trip on the gondola to enjoy stunning views of the Aburrá Valley.
Barefoot Park, Parque De Los Pies Descalzos and Jardín Botánico in the centre are also green options worth exploring.
Parque Arvi nature reserve

5. Paint the town yellow in Guatapé

On the outskirts of Medellín is one of Antioquia’s best attractions, the colourful town of Guatapé. Located on the shores of a sprawling artificial lake, it’s become famous for its multi-coloured alleyways and intricately painted depictions of village life. It may be a little Disneyland-esque, but there is plenty here to keep you occupied – wander the little lanes, enjoy the sun from the square or take to the lake.  Not far from the centre is La Piedra or The Rock - an enormous granite structure towering 200 meters. Brave its 700 steps, and you will be rewarded with the most magnificent views.
The trip from Medellín to Guatapé takes a couple of hours on public transport. Regular buses operate from the North bus terminal – a short walk from Caribe metro station.
Colour blocking in Guatape

6. Santa Fe de Antioquia

To the North of Medellín is Antioquia’s former capital, Santa Fe. This quaint colonial town is guaranteed to charm you with its Spanish historical cathedrals, plazas, and palaces. Grab a drink in one of the many traditional pubs on Plaza Mayor Juan de Corral. The highlight of Santa Fe, however, lies slightly outside its narrow, cobbled streets. Built on the Cauca River, Puente de Occidental is Colombia’s version (quite literally) of the Brooklyn Bridge minus the crowds and the cars. Walk to the opposite town of Olaya for better views of the bridge.
Puente de Occidente holds a resemblance to Brooklyn Bridge

7. Drink the night away in Parque Lleras

Located in the upmarket neighbourhood of El Poblado, this party hub has a selection of restaurants and bars to suit your mood every day of the week. Go bar hopping or find the perfect seat under the stars, there are many ways to enjoy a maracuya-lulo mojito here.
Food is in no short supply either; the vegetarian, vegans and meat lovers are all taken care of. Bandeja Paisa – a platter of meat, rice, beans, black pudding, avocado and fried egg – is the Antioquian specialty. For a more refined culinary experience, head to Oci.

8. Rhythm is gonna get you

Colombians know how to move and they’re not afraid to show it.  Yes, dancing the salsa to 250 beats per minute might not be everyone’s idea of fun, but it’s a great way to meet new people and interact with the locals. Medellín’s oldest and most authentic bar El Eslabon Prendido is a salsa lover’s dream, especially on Tuesdays when a live band replaces the DJ deck. 

9. Shopping

From coffee beans to aguardiente, all of Colombia’s finest is available here. The authentic sombrero vueltiao, hand-woven mochila bags, miniature Botero sculptures and plenty of little tri-colored goodies can be found at San Alejo craft market or Envigado flea market.
Medellín is also known for its flourishing textile and apparel industry, which in recent years has attracted high-minded designers. Browse through shops in the La Zona Rosa area of El Poblado to find unique and locally crafted souvenir options.
Mochila bags hang in an artisan market

10. Paragliding 

This congested city may not make the most exciting paragliding backdrop but it’s a relatively inexpensive way of enjoying the stunning views of the mountains and valley. And with the sun shining most of the year, you are guaranteed to get the best video. San Felix - a small town on the outskirts of the city- offers a range of paragliding clubs to choose from.