REASONS TO VISIT MEDELLIN
Medellin was once known as the most dangerous city in the world, but since the 1990s, a lot has changed. In the last 20 years, the city has innovated and turned itself into one of the best cities to visit in South America.
Now, many expats head to this city to live and explore. Medellin has lovely people, great weather, gorgeous towns nearby, excellent attractions, and so much more.
It has become one of my favorite cities in the world because it offers so much. So, if you’re thinking about visiting this fantastic city, here are some reasons to book your plane now.
Reasons To Visit Medellin
Table of Contents
Reasons To Visit Medellin
Eternal Spring
What I love most about Medellin is the perfect weather. The city itself is even nicknamed “the city of eternal Spring.” It has an average year-round temperature of 22C (72F) and gets a fair amount of rain because it’s in a tropical region. Although sometimes it tends to rain quite a bit, it’s never enough to disrupt your outings.
Natural Beauty
Medellin is in a bowl of the Andes Mountains. Therefore, you have mountain views all around. It’s one of my favorite cities to fly into because of how beautiful it looks from above. It has lush green gardens and lovely parks. You can visit the Botanical Gardens or go hiking in Parque Arvi. Despite being an urban city, many areas are full of nature.
Colorful Towns
The Antioquia department is one of the loveliest in the country. It has lots of nature, coffee fields, and mountains. You will also find some of the country’s cutest and most colorful towns in this region. Within an hour to three, you can explore many popular towns that depict the everyday daily life of local people. These pueblos include Jardin, Guatape, Jerico, and Santa Fe.
Friendly Paisas
In Medellin, the local people are referred to as Paisas. They are well known for being friendly, which is definitely the experience I have gotten from them. They are some of the most welcoming people I have encountered, and they’ll strike up a conversation and help you with a smile.
Famous Coffee
Like many cities across Colombia, Medellin is also has a strong coffee culture. It is typical to have tinto served at home and in coffee shops. Thanks to the area’s good climate and fertile land, coffee has been a success in the Antioquia department in which Medellin finds itself in. Around the world, Colombian coffee has been rated as some of the best. So, make sure to stop for some in this city.
Incredible Nightlife
One reason Medellin is so popular amongst backpackers is the lively nightlife found in the Poblado neighborhood. In addition, Colombia is big on festivals and celebrations, making it one of the most lively countries I’ve visited. The area of Parque Lleras and Provenza is where the city most comes alive at night.
Innovation
In 2013, Medellin was named “Innovative City of the Year” by Wall Street Journal. It’s the only city in Colombia with a Metro system. So now, neighborhoods once isolated are easier to get to. One specific neighborhood that innovated from the 90s is Comuna 13. It is one of the most visited spots by tourists due to its history with drugs and violence.
To Try the Food
One popular dish in Medellin is Bandeja Paisa. It is a large plate that includes meat, beans, rice, plantain, avocado, and more. The city itself, specifically in Poblado and Laureles, is full of local and international restaurants. This makes it easy for expats to explore the restaurant scene.
Value for Money
Colombia itself is a very cheap country to visit, especially for backpackers. You can find hostel beds for under $10. A full meal can be as low as $2 at pop and mom restaurants, and a fancy restaurant can be as low as $10. It is an excellent city for digital nomads who consider spending some time here while saving money.
Interesting Museums
Medellin has some wonderful museums and exhibitions to check out. It is home to The Museo de Antioquia, a huge exhibit dedicated to Fernando Botero, Medellin’s most famous artist. Parque Explora also has science and technology interactive exhibits, 3d cinema, an aquarium, and a vivarium. If you want to be surrounded by a beautiful garden, you can visit Museo Castillo.
Flower Festival
One of Medellin’s most significant cultural events is the annual Flower Festival in August. People from all over the world visit. Various parts of the city get decorated, and there is also a large parade with flower displays.
What To Pack For Medellin
Here are some items to pack with you when visiting Medellin:
Travel Booking Resources
Book Your Flight:
To find cheap flights, check Skyscanner and Google Flights. These search engines check airlines to find you the best deals. The more flexibility you have, the better flight deals available.
Book Your Accommodation:
Booking.com is my favorite booking site for hotels but it also shows great deals on hostels and apartments. Plus, when you reach Genius Level, you get special discounts, included breakfasts, and upgrades on some hotel rooms. Hostelworld is specifically for budget travelers who enjoy hostels. This is the best place for finding great options.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance and Visa Applications:
Travel insurance will protect you against theft, injury, illness, and cancellations. Sometimes unexpected things happen during a trip and protections will keep you covered. Two great options are: Safety Wing and World Nomads. Also, iVisa can help you get a visa if you need one.
Book Tours:
Sometimes the best way to see a place is through tours. I recommend checking out Get Your Guide for some fun and unique adventures wherever you go.
Check out my other travel resources to help you book your trip!
Disclaimer: Some of the links on this page are affiliate links. This means that if you click on a link and purchase a product, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. Please note I only recommend products and brands that I personally use or have used and believe in.
