Top 10 Things to Do in Medellin – Our Real Favorites for 2026
If you’ve been researching what to do in Medellin, you’ve probably come across dozens of “Top 10” lists – many of them written by people who spent just three days here. And while some of those suggestions are great, they don’t reflect how we’ve experienced the city after spending years here, exploring deeply, living in different neighborhoods, and hosting friends and family from around the world.
If you’re wondering about what to do in Medellin beyond the tourist trail – this is the right place for you. This isn’t your typical checklist of Comuna 13, nightlife in Provenza, and warnings about safety. Medellin is so much more than that. It’s a city of lush green hills, brilliant viewpoints, energetic streets, creative culture, and some of the best food and community vibes you’ll find in South America.
Our list about the best things to do in Medellin is personal. It includes iconic experiences – yes – but also those that gave us connection, beauty, and a sense of what Medellin really is. These are the places we go back to. The ones we recommend to people we care about. And the ones that feel both safe and deeply rewarding – no matter your travel style. Enjoy our Top 10 Things to do in Medellin.
1. Visit Comuna 13 in Medellin
Comuna 13 is one of the most visited places in Medellin, and honestly, we get why. The energy is contagious – street art, music, dancers, and stunning views come together in a way that feels alive. But while it’s inspiring, it’s also highly touristic now, and that’s important to know. We still think it’s worth visiting – especially with a local guide – but we recommend going in the morning, walking beyond the main tourist zone, and taking the time to understand the deeper story of the neighborhood. This Comuna 13 tour is a must – local stories, vibrant murals and the best empanadas we’ve had.
🎨 For a deeper look into Medellín’s transformation, read this blog article about what you need to know before you visit the Comuna 13.
2. Explore El Centro Medellin
We love wandering through the heart of Medellin – El Centro – even if it’s loud, chaotic, and intense. It’s not for everyone, but for us, it shows the real rhythm of the city: markets, some of the best street food in Medellin, historical buildings, and daily life in motion. We always take friends here, especially for Plaza Botero, the Palacio de la Cultura, and the walk down Junín. Safety-wise: go during the day, stay aware, and go with someone local or experienced. It’s raw, real, and absolutely worth your time.
🚴 This e-bike tour was one of our favorite ways to explore Medellín – smooth, insightful and fun.
3. Ride the Medellin Metrocable
This might sound simple, but the Metrocable is one of Medellin’s best experiences. Floating above the hills and seeing the city from above always reminds us of how unique this place is. It’s not just public transport – it’s a ride through different layers of the city. We love taking it from San Javier to La Aurora or up to Santo Domingo and Parque Arví. It’s affordable, scenic, and gives you a new perspective – literally and figuratively.
4. Nightlife in Provenza – Where to Go Out in Medellin
If you’re looking for a night out, Provenza is where the city dresses up. It’s lively, colorful, and packed with rooftop bars, stylish restaurants, and music that drifts through the streets. While it can feel a bit polished or international, we still enjoy evenings there – especially early drinks on rooftops or dancing at places like Perro Negro. Just know that it’s more upscale and often crowded – not everyone’s vibe, but a part of the Medellin experience.
5. Mirador de Picacho – The Best Viewpoint in Medellin
This one feels like a secret, even though it’s not. Mirador de Picacho offers a breathtaking view over the entire Aburrá Valley – and yet most tourists never make it up there. We love going during golden hour, just before sunset, when the city lights start to flicker. For us it is without any doubt the best view in Medellin. It’s peaceful, safe if you go via San Cristóbal or with a private driver (hire an Uber by the hour!), and absolutely one of our favorite places to feel how massive and alive Medellin really is. Definitely one of the best local experiences in Medellin.
🏞️ Medellin’s best day trip? For us, it’s definitely Guatape.
Explore Medellin Like a Local – With Our Interactive Travel Guide
Our Medellin Insider Travel Guide is a digital companion built from years of exploring, living, and working in this city. It’s web-based, works offline, and gives you direct access to the places, stories, and insights that actually matter. You won’t just find restaurants and sights – you’ll get local context, cultural tips, seasonal fruits to try, hidden cafés, and much more.
It’s updated regularly, filled with real photos, maps, and trusted recommendations – ideal for solo travelers, digital nomads, families or anyone who wants to explore Medellin with depth and confidence.
6. Join the Medellin Ciclovía – Sunday Mornings with the Locals
There’s something special about a Sunday morning when cars disappear and people take over. Ciclovía happens every week, and we love walking along the Avenida Poblado with a Guarapo in hand while the city slows down. Locals jog, kids ride, vendors sell fruit juice, and it feels like a completely different Medellin. It’s a small thing, but for us, it’s one of the best ways to connect with the real energy of the city.
7. See a Football Match in Medellin
Even if you’re not a football fan, going to a match here is unforgettable. The stadium comes alive with songs, fireworks, and passion. We’ve been to both Atlético Nacional and DIM games – including the derby – and we always felt safe and welcome. Sit with locals, wear neutral colors if unsure, and enjoy the vibe. For families, there are calm sections, and if you’re into sports culture, it’s a must.
8. Visit Envigado and Sabaneta – Medellin’s Most Authentic Suburbs
When we want to slow down, eat well, or just walk through peaceful streets, we head south. Envigado and Sabaneta are technically outside Medellin but feel more local, more grounded. Great cafés, real Colombian life, fewer tourists – and places like Parque Sabaneta or Calle de la Buena Mesa are full of charm. We often suggest staying here to people who want something calmer but still connected.
9. Try Brunch and Coffee Culture in Medellin – Where to Start Your Day Right
We’re big fans of slow mornings, and Medellin has some incredible spots for just that. From specialty coffee shops in Laureles to brunch cafés in Manila, there’s a vibrant scene here. Our favorites mix good food with beautiful spaces – think Semilla, Al Alma, Pergamino, or Hija Mía. If you’re into cafés, this city will surprise you with how strong the scene is and we love to share the best coffee shops in Medellin with you. And yes, the coffee lives up to the hype.
The Best Medellin Tours for Every Travel Style
We work with handpicked, trusted local agencies to offer both private and shared tours in Medellin and its surroundings. Whether you prefer exploring with a small group or want the comfort of a private guide and driver, we’ve got options for every travel style and budget – without compromising on quality or safety.
Our partners are certified, experienced, and truly connected to the communities they represent. You can also book a dedicated guide or private driver for the day, arrange transfers, or explore the city on your own terms – with someone who knows it well by your side. Guides are available in Spanish, English, and other languages upon request.
No generic packages, no tourist traps – just honest, well-organized experiences by locals who care.
10. Helicopter Ride over Medellin
Let’s be honest: this isn’t cheap – but it’s unforgettable. Flying over the city in a helicopter is one of the most incredible ways to see Medellin’s shape, colors, and chaos from above. We did it as a birthday surprise once, and the view stayed with us for months. If you’re looking for a once-in-a-lifetime experience, this is it. Book through us with a trusted operator, go at sunset if you can, and get ready to fall in love with the city all over again.
🪂 Alternative: Paragliding over Medellin
Want the same view – but from a parachute instead of a chopper? This tandem paragliding experience offers epic valley views, just outside the city. Bookable now, and easier on the wallet.
🇨🇴 See what else made our national Top 10: Colombia’s best destinations.
Final Thoughts
These are our Top 10 things to do in Medellin – not the internet’s, not a tourist brochure’s, but the ones we genuinely recommend after years of exploring, living, and learning what makes this city so special.
There’s much more to discover here: museums, rooftops, botanical gardens, hidden cafés, dance schools, hikes, coworking spaces, local markets, and community projects. Medellin has something for everyone – from solo travelers and digital nomads to families and party lovers. So take this list as a starting point, and then let the city guide you. We promise: it’s worth it.
About Medellín Insider
We’re Tati & Goran – a Colombian-Croatian couple who have called Medellin home for over seven years. This city is where our paths came together, and over time, it became so much more than just a place we live – it’s where we’ve built a life, created memories, and found inspiration every single day.
We started Medellin Insider because we believe this city deserves more than clichés and quick travel reels. Medellin is full of energy, color, resilience, kindness – and a lot more than what you see on social media. Through this digital platform, we want to share the city we fell in love with – honestly, deeply, and with the kind of real-world tips you only get from living here.
If you’re curious to experience Medellin beyond the headlines, we’re here to help.
