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Picture of Medellín, Medellin, Antioquia, Colombia

Travel Guide for
Medellín

Colombia

Mild, spring-like year-round

Introduction

Medellín, nestled in Colombia's lush Aburrá Valley, is a vibrant city known for its innovation and welcoming locals. Once infamous, it has transformed into a hub of culture, technology, and creativity. October offers pleasant spring-like weather—mild temperatures and occasional rain—perfect for exploring comfortably with a light jacket.

The city boasts lively cafés, coworking spaces, and fast Wi-Fi, ideal for digital nomads on a budget. Enjoy Medellín’s friendly atmosphere, efficient metro system, and bustling neighborhoods like El Poblado and Laureles, where you’ll find a mix of traditional paisa culture and modern urban life. Don’t miss the local markets, art museums, and neighborhood meetups that make Medellín both productive and inspiring.

Customized for these preferences:

Travel StyleDigital nomad

Dates24-31 October 2025

BudgetAverage budget

AccommodationHotel, hostel

Interests and Activities:

arts and culturefestivals and eventsgastronomysightseeing and toursoutdoor adventuresnightlife and entertainment

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Picture of Medellín, Medellin, Antioquia, Colombia

Key Facts

Location

Antioquia, Colombia

Currency

Colombian Peso (COP)

Religion

Roman Catholic

Population

2,569,000

Language

Spanish

Electricity

110V, 60Hz, Types A/B

Time zone

UTCCOT (UTC-5)

Country code

+57

Internet access

Broadband, fiber, mobile; affordable

Climate

Mild, spring-like year-round

Language:

Spanish

  • hello

    hola (oh-lah)
  • goodbye

    adiós (ah-dee-ohs)
  • yes

    (see)
  • no

    no (noh)
  • how much

    ¿cuánto cuesta? (kwan-to kwes-tah)
  • please

    por favor (por fah-vor)
  • thank you

    gracias (gra-see-ahs)
  • excuse me

    perdón (pehr-don)

Map

Logistics

Most digital nomads fly into Medellín via José María Córdova International Airport (MDE), which offers direct flights from major cities in the Americas and easy airport shuttle or taxi access to El Poblado, Laureles, and other popular neighborhoods. Domestic travelers can also arrive at Olaya Herrera Airport for national flights or use regular intercity bus connections from Bogotá, Cali, and the coffee region.

There are no trains or boats serving Medellín. October brings mild weather with occasional rain, so keep an umbrella handy and allow extra transit time for airport transfers and road travel, especially between October 24 and 31. Ground transportation, such as Metro and taxis, is efficient and affordable for digital nomads on an average budget.

Weather

Medellín is known as the "City of Eternal Spring" for its mild, pleasant climate year-round. Average daytime temperatures hover around 22–28°C (72–82°F), with cooler nights and plenty of lush greenery. Rain can occur any time, but is most common in April–May and September–November.

From October 24 to October 31, you can expect warm temperatures and frequent afternoon showers or thunderstorms, as this falls within one of the rainy seasons. Extreme weather events are rare, but heavy downpours may occasionally lead to localized flooding. Bring a light rain jacket, and enjoy the city's vibrant arts, festivals, and outdoor adventures between showers!

Food & Drink

Medellín’s cuisine spotlights hearty dishes like bandeja paisa (a platter with beans, rice, pork, egg, and plantain), arepas, and empanadas. Don’t miss tasting local coffee, fresh exotic fruits from markets, and aguapanela. Jugo de lulo or guanábana are delicious traditional juices you’ll frequently find on menus.

Great value spots include Alambique for creative local fare, Cafe Zorba for unforgettable pizza and atmosphere, and Pergamino or Café Velvet for a stellar coffee fix. El Poblado and Laureles are top neighborhoods teeming with friendly cafes, casual eateries, and lively bars such as 37 Park or Envy Roof Top.

Tipping is customary at about 10%, often included as “servicio.” Medellín is vegan-friendly, with places like Verdeo serving plant-based menus. English is spoken in many central venues, but learning a few Spanish food terms helps. Always try fruit juices and street snacks, and note dining hours may be earlier than elsewhere.

Accommodation

For digital nomads on an average budget, El Poblado is Medellín’s most popular neighborhood, full of trendy coffee shops and coworking spaces. You’ll find excellent hotels and hostels here, like The Click Clack Hotel, Diez Hotel, and Selina Medellín. Hotels.com is a convenient place to compare prices and book your stay.

Laureles offers a quieter vibe, with great mid-range hotels like Inntu Hotel and cozy hostels such as Wandering Paisa. Most accommodations provide strong Wi-Fi and comfortable workspaces. October 24–31 is a busy period due to local events, so reserve early on Hotels.com to secure the best prices and options.

Itinerary

Immerse yourself in Medellín’s welcoming energy, getting oriented while sampling Colombian cuisine and experiencing the city’s unique neighborhood atmosphere.

Walking Tour of El Poblado & Parque Lleras

Start your Medellín adventure with a guided walking tour around El Poblado, the city's vibrant expat hub, and trendy Parque Lleras. Discover hidden street art, boutique shops, and soak in the lively ambiance. Great for getting oriented and meeting fellow travelers.

Traditional Paisa Lunch at Hacienda Junin

Enjoy a classic bandeja paisa or ajiaco at Hacienda Junin, an iconic local eatery. Savor Medellín’s signature dishes in an atmospheric setting while observing locals over lunch. Ask for their fresh jugo de lulo!

Stroll Through Plaza Botero & Museo de Antioquia

Marvel at the giant Botero sculptures in Plaza Botero before stepping inside Museo de Antioquia. Explore Colombian art and learn about Medellín’s transformation through impressive exhibits. Don’t miss the rooftop city view!

Pablo Escobar and Comuna 13 Small-Group Half-Day Tour

Pablo Escobar and Comuna 13 Small-Group Half-Day Tour

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

Join this Small group half day guided tour any day of the week at 8 AM or 2 PM, and learn more about the life of Pablo Escobar, his impact on the community, and the new version of a very resilient and improved Medellin. Visiting places where Pablo lived while narrating stories about the past and present of this beautiful city that was hurt in so many ways by the drug cartels, also includes transport by air-conditioned minivan. Departure every day at 8 AM and 2 PM from central location in El Poblado, Milla de Oro, Cra. 42 #3 Sur-81 L 205. Tour returns to the same location at the end. This tour will provide a great learning experience as to what should NOT happen in society and which characters should be the real heroes. Tour focuses on the victims by telling stories of those who suffer most, like police officers and government officials. Since there is no glorification, at the end you will understand how resilient the people from Medellin have been.

4.8 (195 reviews)

From $71 USD

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Attractions

5.0 (20 reviews)
Jetskiing in Guatapé Antioquia

Jetskiing in Guatapé Antioquia

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

It is a great experience in Guatapé that cannot be missed where you will discover beautiful landscapes and incredible places on 1 jetski for 1 or 2 people. The jetski has all the comfort to provide the best service. It is a very refreshing adventure where you can tour a large part of the Guatapé reservoir.

From $105 USD

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4.9 (9 reviews)
Medellín Museums Tour and Fernando Botero´s Antioquia museum

Medellín Museums Tour and Fernando Botero´s Antioquia museum

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

Join a local guide for a unique tour of Medellín's many museums that highlight the city's history and the art, including works by Fernando Botero. Learn why Medellín was dubbed the world’s most innovative city in 2013 by the 'Wall Street Journal,' as you gain insights into the city's past and present. The tour highlights Medellín’s transformation and progress over the decades on visits to the San Pedro Cemetery Museum, Museum of Antioquia, Museum of Modern Art and Castillo Museum.

From $119 USD

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5.0 (107 reviews)
Mountain Bike Tour with Coffee and Lunch in Antioquia's Beautiful Landscapes

Mountain Bike Tour with Coffee and Lunch in Antioquia's Beautiful Landscapes

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

This mountain bike adventure will reconnect you with nature as you ride through hidden roads surrounded by lush landscapes, waterfalls, wildlife, tunnels, and remote mountain homes. Every turn brings a new surprise, from breathtaking viewpoints to thrilling downhill moments that will spike your adrenaline and leave you wanting more. Designed for all levels, if you can ride a bike, you can do this. Guided by locals who know every secret of the trail, you'll explore a side of Colombia few ever see. Midway, recharge with a refreshing drink, and after the ride, enjoy a generous, authentic Colombian lunch that completes the experience. This isn’t just a bike ride—it’s a wild, immersive journey into the mountains you’ll never forget.

From $109 USD

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5.0 (2 reviews)
Private tour: The Art of Botero - Cultural experience Medellin -Antioquia museum

Private tour: The Art of Botero - Cultural experience Medellin -Antioquia museum

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

Fernando Botero - literally Colombia`s most famous artists and a reference of the Latin American Art scene. His iconic style of paintings and sculptures, better known as “Boterismo”, is unique due to the exaggerated volume of his figures. Nowadays he is among the most successful artists of the world. Botero uses traditional techniques and has established his own clear style of art. As Botero was born in Medellín, the city museum offers an impressive permanent exhibition of Botero ́s work throughout the last decades. Visit the permanent exhibition of Fernando Botero at the Museum of Antioquia with your private expert guide of the art of Botero. Explore the range of sculptures exposed on the so-called “Plaza Botero” and throughout the city centre. Visit the famous sculptures “Birds of Peace” bombed by the FARC guerrilla in the mid 1990s. Take advantage of your expert guide and obtain deep insights on the cultural dimension of the Fernando Botero and his cultural impact on Colombia.

From $73 USD

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5.0 (1 reviews)
Gastronomy and Street Food Tour in Sabaneta Colombia Experience

Gastronomy and Street Food Tour in Sabaneta Colombia Experience

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

Welcome to the novel Gastronomy and Street Food tour in Sabaneta. On this unique experience you will be able to taste at least one dish from 3 different cultures of Colombia (Paisa, Tolimense and costeña). We will also try exotic tropical fruits from the local fruit market, and also learn about the gastronomy history of these dishes as well as their preparation, specially from the antioquia region.

From $60 USD

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5.0 (16 reviews)
Paragliding Medellin

Paragliding Medellin

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

Medellin has undergone an outstanding process of transformation over the last few years, to become one of the most developed cities in the world. But there is something that also stands out in the region: its mountains and green surroundings. This is an excellent way to discover several details and get away from the conventional, the traffic and crowds. In this activity, you are taken to a village which is located approximately 45 minutes away from Medellin, you will get to fly with experienced and certified pilots who will make of this, the best experience. You will also get private transportation.

From $134 USD

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5.0 (46 reviews)
Tour Santa Fe de Antioquia

Tour Santa Fe de Antioquia

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

It can be private or in dependent groups as the client decides since he can come with his family or excursion of friends

From $150 USD

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5.0 (1 reviews)
Textiles Tour of Medellín

Textiles Tour of Medellín

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

If you love clothing or are interested in learning about one of Medellín's biggest industries, take this guided tour of the city's most significant and representative textile centers and factories. Travel by air-conditioned vehicle from downtown manufacturers to a large clothing outlet. If you're in business, this is an opportunity to identify business potential, understand the local textile processes, and visualize the final export product straight from the factory outlets.

From $90 USD

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5.0 (1 reviews)
Colombia 10 nights 11 days: Cartagena, Medellin and Bogota

Colombia 10 nights 11 days: Cartagena, Medellin and Bogota

INSTANT

This phenomenal package brings the best of Colombia so you can admire in a bit over a week, with all accommodation included as well as day tours in every city. From arrival to departure, enjoy the best sceneries Colombia has to offer and interact with locals from every region: Breakfast x 11 Lunch x 1  2 nights accommodation with breakfast (double bed, mini bar, AC) Hotel...  Full day Cartagena City Tour  Full day Rosario Islands and Baru Tour  4 nights accommodation (double king size bed, mini bar, AC) Hotel Dorado...  Full day Medellin City Tour  Full day Guatape tour (entrance to Peñol rock included)  Full day coffee tour (lunch included)  2 nights accommodation with breakfast (double twin bed, mini bar) Hotel...  Full day Bogota City Tour  Full day Zipaquira salt cathedral and Villa de Leyva  Round private airport transportation in every city

From $3278 USD

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5.0 (54 reviews)
The best private guided tour in Medellin Colombia

The best private guided tour in Medellin Colombia

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

A Private tour you around Colombia. Visit the well known attractions in Columbia: Comuna 13, Metro Cable, Cemetery and Catedral jail.

From $95 USD

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