From coffee tours to paragliding to bachelor parties, the city of Medellin has it all. Colombia’s second-largest city has been growing in popularity.
But aside from the city’s natural green beauty and fantastic nightlife scene. What is it about this place that attracts thousands every year?
Well, let’s dig into our pick for the 17 reasons Medellin is awesome
#1 People are Friendly
Medellin locals, best known as ‘Paisas’ are very friendly. We love tourists and after everything the city has endured, we’re happy to welcome visitors. Paisas are warm, and hospitable and the further you move away from the city, the more you’ll love our people.
#2 City of Eternal Spring
Medellin’s average temperature of 72 degrees Fahrenheit gave the city the title of the city of eternal spring. Most of us don’t own jackets so if you plan on visiting, all you need is a sweater.
#3 Fantastic Coffee
Coffee is Colombia’s second-largest export (after crude petroleum). Medellin has some of the best in the country. Antioquia (the state) is home to some of the country’s best coffee beans. Taking a fantastic Medellin coffee tour. Or even the coffee at your hotel will be nothing short of amazing.
Visit Pergamino’s coffee shop in Poblado for the best coffee-related souvenirs.
#4 Incredible Views
The drive down from Jose Maria Cordova International Airport. Will have you see what’s in store for the next 72 hours. Lodged in the Aburra Valley, everywhere you look in Medellin, there will be a hill with epic views.
You’ll witness the poorer neighborhoods located on one side of the mountain. The city center below, and the upscale neighborhoods on the other side of the mountain.
#5 Paisa Women
I placed this item at #5 so don’t think they are less cool than coffee and weather. Medellin women are the most beautiful women in the world. If you like the Latina look, there is no better place to visit.
We have tall, blonde, and fair-skinned. We have shorter, Mulato, and beautiful afro-Colombians. If there is one item on this list that is universal, it’s our women.
#6 Parque Lleras
Parque Lleras is our most popular nightlife area home to the best bars, restaurants, and clubs in the city. Here you’ll find top eateries and coffee shops such as Pergamino, Carmen, and El Cielo.
Walking by here on a Friday or Saturday night. You’ll get a crash course in the city’s nightlife and also get to see paisa women at their finest.
#7 Guatape Boat Parties
What can I say about Guatape that hasn’t been said in countless articles found on every corner of the web? Guatape is one of Colombia’s most beautiful towns and one of the highlights of any trip to Medellin.
It is home to a monolith with 700 built-in stairs and a town that was flooded to build a dam that powers 30% of the country. That was a mouthful but to make a long story short. You climb this majestic looking rock, get a sick-ass view of the town and lake and then rent a boat.
A Guatape boat party is for bachelors parties and small groups looking to get a day out in the sun. You can jet-ski, wakeboard, and even flyboard right on the lake. Bring a few cases of beer and you’ve got yourself an epic day trip.
#8 Paragliding in Medellin
Views are everywhere in Medellin. But if you want a birds-eye view, you can’t go wrong with paragliding in Medellin. The activity is for those who love heights and adrenaline.
Take the drive up to San Felix (about an hour away) and after prior instruction from your pilot. You two will take off into the skies. Be sure to bring a go pro camera and really capture this truly epic experience.
#9 Empanadas
Ah yes, one of Colombia’s most popular street foods has managed to crack this very exclusive list. Empanadas are a South American staple and are pretty much everywhere in Colombia. But there’s something special about our empanadas.
It could be the homemade hot sauce. The eating sitting out on the street while an older woman makes them by hand in front of you. Or it’s the lines of locals all enjoying the bonding over street food. Whatever it is, empanadas are a must and we bet you can’t just have one.
#10 Bandeja Paisa
More food, only this time it’s our local dish, the bandeja paisa. Served in the early 19th century to farmers who needed one huge meal to keep their energy during a long shift. The Bandeja paisa has never been more popular.
It features rice, beans, a fried egg, fried plantains, avocado, blood sausage, ground beef, and fried pork fat. This is a ticking time bomb. But, the individuals stricken with irritable bowel syndrome will sacrifice an afternoon to take down one of these behemoths.
They are at most local restaurants and every Medellin trip needs an IG-worthy pic devouring a bandeja.
#11 Medellin Flower Festival
Our most famous yearly event and the reason why many people who visit Medellin in August fall in love. The Medellin Flower Festival.
A two-week holiday where the city hosts many concerts, daytime events at parks, and paisa farm culture is on full display.
The festival usually begins the last Friday in July and ends the second weekend of August. Be sure to book way in advance as things get more expensive.
#12 December in Medellin
December in Medellin is my favorite time of the year. We’re big on traditional Christmas music (we have our own Sinatras and told Mariah Carey to hit the curb) and the second it’s December 1st, the city lights up.
There are parks decorated with themed lights and dolls. Delicious food everywhere, and a general party ambiance at all times.
#13 Medellin Nightlife
When you have Parque Lleras and fill it with beautiful women. Medellin nightlife won’t disappoint.
The El Poblado sector contains Parque Lleras, Via Jardin, and Provenza. All which feature great pubs and an incredible nightlife vibe. Start by pregaming in Parque Lleras at one of the many bars and then make your way over to Bolivar Nightclub. Here you’ll enjoy old school reggaeton, inexpensive alcohol and, you guessed it, spectacular women.
#14 Comuna 13
Comuna 13 is a neighborhood in Medellin where you feel the gentrification. A place is once known as Escobar’s assassin university. The neighborhood is colorful, it’s artistic and it’s getting your feet wet when it comes to Medellin.
Here you’ll learn about the city’s past history and why this neighborhood has been a symbol of hope for marginalized neighborhoods all over the world.
#15 Surrounding Towns
Medellin is the capital of the department (state) of Antioquia. The department has 125 other small cities or ‘Municipio’ all which have a similar setup. The main plaza with a small city hall, a chapel, and surrounding bars and town drunks.
If you find yourself in Medellin for more than 4 days. We recommend you take a trip out to one of these surrounding towns. Here are our 2 favorite towns.
Jardin – Located 3 hours away, the perfect little secluded getaway spot. Beautiful flowers everywhere, a colonial atmosphere, and great boutique shops.
San Antonio de Pereira – Located an hour away and home to the most delicious desserts you’ll ever try. With over 100 different flavors and a quaint little park, this is the perfect Sunday hangout spot.
#17 Drink Aguardiente
Legend has it that Aguardiente is as old as the city is and not drinking aguardiente is not having visited at all. It is anise and licorice-flavored spirit that tastes a lot like sambuca. It likely won’t win any awards for the best spirit. But I’m sure you’ll never forget an Aguardiente Antioqueno-fueled evening.
It is enjoyed by paisas between the ages of 15 and 90 and I have no good reason on why it is still sold. I find it undrinkable but it is an insult if you leave someone with their arm extended while they offer you a shot of guaro. Have fun.
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