Welcome to Medellín, here are the 'must not miss' activities in Medellín for those adventuring to the city of eternal spring.
Once known for its turbulent past, Medellín has transformed into one of South America’s most exciting backpacker destinations. Nestled in the Aburrá Valley, this thriving metropolis is packed with culture, adventure, nightlife, and stunning landscapes. With a growing backpacker community, world-class hostels, and a vibrant local scene, Medellín has become an unmissable stop on any Colombia itinerary.
Medellín is working hard to reinvent its image, moving away from the dark history associated with Narcos and Pablo Escobar, and towards a city of innovation, resilience, and culture. While Narcos tourism exists, it’s important to respect local perspectives and focus on what locals want to be known for; vibrant neighbourhoods, breathtaking landscapes, and an energetic creative scene. For that reason, if you do want to take a Narcos tour, I would ask you to balance it with a Comuna 13 arts tour, and personally I honestly think you should do the arts and graffiti tour anyway as its truly awesome (more below).
-- The Medellin Must-Do List --
1️⃣ Explore Comuna 13 – Medellín’s Most Vibrant Neighbourhood
2️⃣ Go Paragliding Over Medellín
3️⃣ Take a Day Trip to Guatapé & Climb El Peñol
4️⃣ A Free Walking Tour of the Historic Centre
5️⃣ Pablo Escobar Tour
6️⃣ Experience Medellín’s Legendary Nightlife
-- Backpackers Medellin Must Stay Hostels --
There are some absolutely cracking hostels up and down Colombia and here in Medellin is no exception. There are actually two insanely iconic hostels that are perfect and seem to offer something for everyone no matter your age or agenda! I stayed in Viajero, Los Patios is the other. I felt Los Patios had a slightly younger party vibe whilst Viajero was slightly more, I want to say 'mature 🤔'. The rooftop on viajero in my opinion is the winner though. Hot tubes and a bar with stunning views over the city. I would happily go back in a second. The alternative choices coming through strong are Masaya, Black Sheep and Purple Monkey. All have great reputation, this is a fantastic place for some world class hostels so you cannot go far wrong with any of the below choices. If you are looking for a comfortable private, all of them have rooms for a more peaceful nights sleep.
If you want me to take the decision away from you my advice would be:
😇 18 - 25 Years Old?
😎 25+ Years Old?
🧑💻 Need a Co-working Space?
💰 On a Tight Budget?
😈 Just Want to be Different?
-- Medellín Quick Safety Tips --
While Medellín is much safer than it used to be, you should still have your wits about you. That stands for most cities in Colombia, find out more in the Colombia safety blog post linked below 👇 or in the night life section above 👆.
⚠️ Stay Safe Tips for Medellin, Colombia
-- Final Thoughts: Why Medellín Should Be on Your Itinerary --
Medellín is a city of contrast, transformation, and endless adventure. Whether you’re here for the history, the art, the adrenaline rush, or the nightlife, there are Activities in Medellín for all you explorers out there, its an increadible city with a really young metropolitan and progressive vibe but stay smart, respect the locals, and soak up everything Medellin has to offer.
🚀 Planning a trip to Colombia? Check out these posts next:
🏠 The Best Hostels in Colombia
🤷♂️ Bogotá or Medellín – Which City is Best for You?
💬 Have you been to Medellín? Drop your favourite experience in the comments!
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