WhereNext Ai Logo
Create Guide
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

Not what you're looking for? Create Your Own Guide!

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

See More Colombia Facts

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.

A picture of Ajiaco

Ajiaco

Ajiaco is a hearty Colombian soup made with chicken, corn, potatoes, and a variety of herbs. It's a...

A picture of Bandeja Paisa

Bandeja Paisa

Bandeja Paisa is a traditional Colombian platter featuring a generous serving of rice, ground beef, chicharrón, chorizo, black...

A picture of Arepa

Arepa

Arepa is a popular Colombian staple made of corn dough and often filled with cheese, meat, or eggs....

A picture of Sancocho

Sancocho

Sancocho is a traditional Colombian stew featuring a variety of meats, including chicken, pork, and beef, along with...

A picture of Lechona

Lechona

Lechona is a popular Colombian pork dish made by stuffing a whole pig with rice, peas, and a...

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, carrera 38 # 9 A-26 in park Lleras. 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 (191 reviews)

From $79 USD

View Details

Attractions

4.4 (16 reviews)
Botanical Garden and Arvi Park Medellín City Tour

Botanical Garden and Arvi Park Medellín City Tour

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

If you want to get to know Medellín's most appreciated natural treasures, set aside 6 hours of your time with us and let us take you to two unique places. On this tour of the Botanical Garden and Arví Park, you will enjoy the best contrasts between the city and nature, as well as spectacular views and a lot of learning about why these parks are so important to the city of eternal spring. Historical landmarks in downtown Medellín, given by our guide A worth-visiting guided tour inside the Botanical Garden Metrocable’s best sights from the heights Explore the nature trails in Arví Park Local experiences along the tour

From $78 USD

View Details
5.0 (49 reviews)
comuna 13 graffitour & cable car

comuna 13 graffitour & cable car

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

In this Comuna, ghetto or slum you can take a tour of the history of its neighborhoods and some of its streets, a review of the gallery of messages captured by graffiti artists on various walls, which speak of the memory of this area. The inhabitants of the area define the commune 13 as -The best balcony in the city

From $55 USD

View Details
5.0 (51 reviews)
Private Half-Day Tour to Comuna 13 in Medellín.

Private Half-Day Tour to Comuna 13 in Medellín.

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

If you hate waiting and walking behind big groups or just have a short time to explore Medellín, this is the perfect tour for you, we will cut to the chase and show you the most important spots without wasting time on unnecessary details. This tour takes you to one of the most captivating places of Colombia, a place full of contrasts, life, death, diversity, unity, violent history and vibrant culture: COMUNA 13, once known as one of the most dangerous places on earth, has undergone a remarkable transformation thanks to the talent and resilience of its people, we'll immerse ourselves in its complex history going through hidden alleys, passageways and different neighborhoods, so we can deeply understand how all of this happened, and more amazing, how did they manage to change? We'll learn and experience how the social investments, the Hip Hop culture and art have played a role in this community's resurgence and metamorphosis.

From $55 USD

View Details
4.7 (80 reviews)
Medellin City Private Tour

Medellin City Private Tour

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

Experience the main hot spots of Medellin with incredible vistas on this 4-hour tour! Feel the vibe in Downtown as your professional guide takes you to various locations in a new, comfortable vehicle, on the metro, metro cable (aerial cable car), and on foot! Delight your eyes with breathtaking panoramic views of the city from the top of the mountain summit and Santo Domingo Savio Library. El Pueblito Paisa in central Medellin will enthrall and captivate you with all it's charming colorful colonial edifices, church, museum, restaurants, cute shops, and much more. There is a tour upgrade option for guests that would like to go to the top of the summit and beyond to Arvi Park. This is a private tour with a professional, certified tour guide for you and your party only. Tour guides in other languages such as French and German are subjected to availability.

From $90 USD

View Details
5.0 (24 reviews)
Rally Tour pueblito

Rally Tour pueblito

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

Motorcycle rally tour is an exclusive off-road tourism plan for people with a motorcycle driver's license. You will feel the wind on your face and you will get to know the best mountain landscapes in the East of Antioquia. We will visit some picturesque villages along dirt roads and trails. This plan is for dual-purpose motorcycles.

From $170 USD

View Details
5.0 (40 reviews)
Private Tour to Comuna 13 & Exotic Fruit Market in Medellin!

Private Tour to Comuna 13 & Exotic Fruit Market in Medellin!

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

This is not the typical Comuna 13 - Graffiti tour, we decided to add a visit to a vibrant, colorful, cultural and diverse "PLAZA DE MERCADO" to our experience, in Colombia "Plazas de Mercado" refers to traditional marketplaces where farmers and locals buy and sell a wide variety of fresh fruits, plants, vegetables, flowers, handicrafts and other goods. These markets are not only places to shop but also vibrant hubs of cultural, social and economic activity, where we can experience the city's real culture and atmosphere, we'll immerse into the daily life of Medellín residents nicknamed "Paisas", and really understand their collective background and culture. And of course! we'll have the opportunity to try some delicious exotic fruits surrounded by friendly locals, life and traditions!! So, if you're planning to visit Comuna 13, why not make the most of it and visit another unique highlight and discover two completely different and fascinating worlds right beside each other?

From $60 USD

View Details
4.9 (18 reviews)
Private Pablo Escobar, Pueblito Paisa and Medellin City Tour

Private Pablo Escobar, Pueblito Paisa and Medellin City Tour

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

Experience three incredibly exciting private tours with one expert guide. The tour includes a full city tour, including the Botero statues, colonial churches, downtown, metro, metro cable, Pueblito Paisa. There is also the Pablo Escobar segment which includes the Monaco building, where the Cali Cartel bombed his private residence, the house where the Godfather was murdered, and the cemetery where he is buried in the outskirts of Medellin. Also included is Griselda Blanco´s grave (The Godmother of Cocaine) and Pablo´s cousin and right hand Gustavo Gaviria´s site as well. Please note that we do not charge extra for tours in other languages besides English and Spanish. However, our guides in other languages such as French, German and Portuguese are subjected to availability.

From $125 USD

View Details
4.7 (15 reviews)
Comuna 13 and Downtown Medellín Private City Tour

Comuna 13 and Downtown Medellín Private City Tour

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

Medellín is known as the City of Eternal Spring and we want to show you why. Come and join our private Medellín and Comuna 13 tour: our most comprehensive activity in the city.Get personalized insights from our expert guide and visit the most iconic places of Medellín: Comuna 13, San Antonio Park, Placita de Flórez, and some other main spots of Medellin’s downtown. Aside you will have a couple of gastronomic experiences so you can spend your day seeing the whole nine yards! - Historical landmarks in downtown Medellín - Tick off top attractions including Comuna 13, Placita de Flórez, San Antonio Park, Botero Square - Understand Medellín political, economic and social context - Local experiences of traditional food tasting - A day full of contrasts, experiences and memories of Medellín from local’s perspective

From $72 USD

View Details
3.8 (6 reviews)
Botero Walking Tour: experiencing Medellin through the eyes of an artist

Botero Walking Tour: experiencing Medellin through the eyes of an artist

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

Embark on a 3-hour tour delving into Medellín and Colombia through the lens of renowned artist Fernando Botero. Begin at the Museum of Antioquia, housing a vast collection of his iconic works. Stroll through Plaza de Botero, adorned with his bronze sculptures, then explore Parque Berrío's vibrant local life. Conclude at San Antonio Park, reflecting on the poignant Pájaro de Paz sculpture. Let our guide assist with your next steps, whether it's returning to your hotel or continuing your exploration.

From $83 USD

View Details
5.0 (31 reviews)
City tour, Commune 13, Metro Cable, Botero Park and more. Private

City tour, Commune 13, Metro Cable, Botero Park and more. Private

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

Our tour allows our clients to enjoy two tours in one, the objective is that you feel that a friend accompanies you, shows you the city and teaches you its history, with qualified personnel and private transportation, visiting several places on the same day By learning its history in each place and having the best experiences in our city, we adapt to the demands of our visitors. Dare to know the transformation of Medellin through its history, art, culture and its tourist places

From $80 USD

View Details

FAQ

Find quick answers to your Medellín, Medellin travel questions with our travel guide chatbot. Your questions will be added to this section to help other travellers.

Travel Essentials

Primary hero image

Ready to plan your trip?

Share your travel insights or create a new guide for fellow adventurers!