In 2013, Citibank, the Wall Street Journal and the Urban Land Institute named Medellin the Most Innovative City of the Year. You can experience part of this by using the modern public transport system. Electric escalators and cable cars have dramatically changed the lives of the locals. Take a cable car ride over the favela of Santo Domingo, where you can look out over the city and explore the neighborhood’s public library and parks. Continue to Arvi Park, just east of the city. Here you can go hiking and see a butterfly exhibit. You will probably want to spend most of your time in the El Poblado area, especially as the Lleras Park. There are restaurants, cafes, bars, and nightclubs here, which attract the locals in the evenings. Be sure to visit the Museo de Antioquia, a history museum with much of the art donated by private collectors.

One of the best things to do in Medellín is to explore Pubelito Paisa. This little neighborhood is on top of a hill, with great views of the city. Additionally, there is a small plaza below with shops and restaurants. While it does cater to tourists, you can easily picture this little town 50-60 years ago as the beautiful isolated settlement with the best view facing spectacular Andes mountains. While here, it would be a shame not to eat as the locals do! Try Bandeja Paisa - a dish made with meat, beans, avocado, rice, and plantains.

One of the top things to do in Medellin is visit the Botero Plaza and Museum. Here you'll find works by one of Colombia’s most beloved artists, Fernando Botero. His art is instantly recognizable, as it always features voluptuous men or women with ironically small hands/heads/feet, etc. While some people would label his creations as “fat figures,” he protests by saying that he has a passion for volume – it is his primary point of inspiration. The plaza and museum feature some of his sculptures and paintings that made him famous.

If you visit Colombia in August, the Medellin Flower Festival is a must. This is a colorful celebration lasting several days.

Day trips from Medellin

There is a lot to see in the department of Antioquia which surrounds Medellin. One of the most classic Medellin day trips is a visit to Santa Fe de Antioquia, this is a beautiful colonial town, which is great to explore on a walking tour and a good place to enjoy traditional food.  Two hours away is El Peñón, a massive rock in the middle of a stunning valley. This ten-million-ton rock is surrounded by rolling green hills and turquoise water. The nearby town of Guatape is full of colorful buildings and charming cobblestone streets.

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