Medellín, The City of Eternal Spring.

Set at the base of the Aburrá Valley, 1,500 meters above sea level, Colombia's second-largest city is the poster child for Colombia's regeneration following the instability of the '80s and '90s.

Medellín was in the eye of the storm during that period. Embroiled in Pablo Escobar and the Medellín Cartel's vice-like grip, the city became known as "The Murder Capital of the World" – averaging 16 homicides every day in 1991.

Today, things couldn't be more different. Medellín is a thriving cosmopolitan metropolis, pinned as one of the most progressive in South America and hailed as the world's most innovative city in 2013.

Poverty has decreased by 96% across the city. The homicide rate has dropped from 381 to 23 per 100,000. Every year, $500 million is given to the people of Medellín to oversee social development projects.

It's a city that looks towards the future with hope rather than to the past with fear.

The rest of the world is waking up to Medellín's rebirth. In just five years, international tourism skyrocketed by 70%, and the city has become a hotspot for expats and digital nomads.

You'll find parks, museums, markets, and guided tours on every corner. The evenings are raucous with hip bars, breweries, and clubs to dance the night away. If you need a break from city life, the Aburrá valley offers plenty of hiking trails to reconnect with nature. Looking further afield, Medellin is the perfect jumping-off point for Colombia's Zona Cafetera – also known as the Coffee Triangle.

With so much to do in Medellín, picking any single highlight should be difficult. It's not. Given the city's infectious optimism, the highlight of any visit to Medellín is the Paisas, the city's locals.

Everyone in Medellín is friendly, delighted to have you in their city, and a pleasure to be around. It's hard to believe that anyone over 30 lived through the cartel-led violence or that many lost their closest friends before adulthood. Make every effort to interact with the locals, who will make your stay unforgettable.

Getting to Medellín is easy. The city is one of Colombia's major transport hubs. As such, finding a route via bus is straightforward. If you're arriving in Medellín from Guatape, buses run every other hour for 23,000 COP. If coming from San Gil, you can catch a bus to Bucaramanga for 23,000 COP, followed by a connecting bus to Medellín for 70,000 COP. If you're further afield, internal flights in Colombia are cheap, meaning entering Medellín via the José María Córdova airport is a realistic prospect.

Disclaimer: This article may contain affiliate links, and we may earn a small commission should you use them, for which we are incredibly grateful. However, the recommendations are still our own and intended to advise on the very best experiences Medellín has to offer.

Medellín Walking Tour

If you're new to Medellín, one of the best ways to get a feel for the city – and your bearings – is by signing up for a guided tour, courtesy of Real City Walking Tours.

One of the most popular tours in Medellín, securing a spot on one of the three daily slots requires booking a day or two in advance.

Tours run at 9 AM, 10:30 AM, and 2:15 PM, Monday to Friday.

On this tour, you'll explore parks, squares, and markets while hearing the history of Medellín. You'll cover the arrival of the conquistadors, the coffee boom, the cartel conflicts, and modern progress in politics and education.

While technically free, leaving a tip for your tour guide is recommended. Your tips for the guides managing the tours are how they put food on the table. We recommend leaving 25,000 COP at the minimum.

Ride the Metrocable for a tour of Communa 13

The neighborhoods of Medellín are known as Communas. Many communas are on the hillside of the Aburrá Valley.

Not so long ago, public transport to the Communas was non-existent. The metro could hardly go up, and buses couldn't manage the ascent up the hillside.

So, those living in the Communas were left with a choice; make the two-and-a-half journey into the city center for work, or get involved with gangs for some quick cash. Many chose the latter, and the Communas were left impoverished, even as the city below began to flourish.

Everything changed with the arrival of the Metrocable. Those living in Medellín's Communas could now reach the city center quickly and for free.

Communa 13 embodies Medellín's transformation and, on a broader scale, Colombia's.

Once upon a time, Communa 13 – which had strong ties to the Medellín Cartel – was considered one of the most dangerous places in what was, at the time, the world's most dangerous city.

But times change. Communa 13 is thriving, benefitting from programs focusing on accessibility, creativity, community, and the city's most famous street art scene.

This has contributed to an upturn in tourism, making Communa 13 a mainstay on any Medellín itinerary.

To get a real insight into the place – its past, struggles, and transformation – we recommend taking a guided tour with Zippy Walking Tours. As with the Medellín walking tour above, this is technically a free activity. However, it's recommended that you leave a tip for your guide. Around 25,000 COP would do nicely.

Casa de la Memoria

The Narcos' glamourization in Netflix's hit TV series has been a source of pain for Medellín and Colombia.

Inevitably, many will host a morbid curiosity about the armed conflict that gripped Colombia in the '80s and '90s. You'll find that Colombians try their best to avoid discussing the troubles of the past, preferring to look toward the future. So, gleaning what life was like for the average Colombian at this time is difficult. Don't let that tempt you into taking the Pablo Escobar tour or visiting his gravestone. Instead, make your way to Casa de la Memoria.

Casa de la Memoria opened its doors in 2012, following six years of extensive research. The museum gives a voice to the citizens of Medellín affected by violence, presenting newspaper archives, audio testimonials, artwork, and videos of victims telling their stories. Entrance to the museum is free.

Hike to the Hill of Three Crosses

Medellín has excellent hiking trails, with the city sitting in a valley's base. The hike to the Hill of Three Crosses is one such hike. Though it's not the easiest hike in the world. The views from the top are astounding, offering a complete panorama of Medellín below.

You'll need to hail a taxi to reach the start of the trail. If coming from one of Medellín's trendy backpacker hotspots, such as El Poblado, expect to pay around 15,000 COP for the journey.

You'll cover 0.75 kilometers from the starting point, climbing 320 meters to the summit. The trip will take around 45 minutes.

Some may be a little out of breath after the ascent. Luckily, there are a couple of shops at the top-selling refreshments.

The best time to head to the top of the Hill of Three Crosses is sunrise. Watching the sunrise creep across the city is spectacular. Watching the sunset and the city light up as night falls may be tempting. However, we wouldn't recommend it, as muggings have been known to occur on the trail after dusk.

Park Life (In Medellín)

Botero Park

Named after a resident of Medellín and one of Colombia's most famous artists – Fernando Botero – Botero Park is a popular spot in the heart of Medellín.

Botero's works are famous for their exaggerated proportions, a style referred to as 'Boterismo.' His works have found acclaim worldwide, with permanent exhibitions in Paris, New York, and more.

In Botero park, 23 of his sculptures – all donated to the city – can be found around Parque de las Esculturas. The most famous of these sculptures are 'The Hand' and 'Man on Horseback.'

The park is often packed with street performers and artists. If you're looking to escape the crowds, stopping at the nearby Museo de Antioquia is an excellent way of killing some time.

Dedicated to a region of which Medellín is the beating heart, Museo de Antioquia boasts Pre-Colombian artifacts and works from dozens of nationally and internationally acclaimed artists. In the museum, you'll find a further 100 pieces donated to the city by Botero.

The museum is open from 10 AM to 4:30 PM. Entry costs 18,000 COP.

Jardín Botanical Park

If looking for an escape from the city's hustle and bustle, Jardín botanical park is the perfect spot.

Found slap-bang in the middle of Medellín, Jardín botanical park spans 14 hectares and is home to over 4,500 species of flora and 139 species of bird.

Wondering the park, you'll see a butterfly farm, lagoon, and cactus farm. You'll also spot Iguanas, Parrots, and Turtles roaming freely.

At the center of the gardens is a stunning 4,200-metre bronze structure called Orquideorama. Orquideorama is the crowning glory of the gardens. The structure provides shade to the plants growing below it while controlling the humidity and lowering the temperature.

The gardens are free to visit and open from 9 AM - 4:30 PM. If you're lucky, your stop in Medellín may coincide with one of the park's many concerts and events.

parque Explora

Outside the Jardín botanical gardens, you'll find the modern Parque Explora museum, home to an aquarium, planetarium, and interactive exhibits.

The aquarium is the largest in Latin America. Couple that with the hundreds of scientific experiments you'll be able to try your hand at, and the museum entirely justifies its 32,000 COP entrance fee.

Cerro El Volador

Cerro El Volador is the largest park in Medellín, encompassing 106 hectares of green space.

Once upon a time, the park was considered a sacred site by the indigenous inhabitants of the Aburrá Valley. Today, it hosts a museum with relics from the valley's original inhabitants and several walking trails converging on a hill near the park's center.

Should you opt to hike to the top of the hill, expect the 270-meter climb to take three to four hours, with sweeping views of the city below a worthy reward for your exertions.

Located 25 minutes from the popular Laureles neighborhood, Cerro El Volador is open to the public from 8 AM - 6 PM.

A small word of warning, muggings have been reported in the park. And while there is a police presence within the park, it's a lot of ground to cover. If you intend to make a trip to the park, it's best to do so as part of a group.

Park Life (outside of Medellín)

Sitting in the Aburrá Valley, several parks are located just outside the City of Eternal Spring.

Parque Arvi

Parque Arvi is a nature reserve and prehispanic archaeological site about 20 kilometers from El Poblado, accessible via Medellín's Metrocable.

With the park covering 16,000 hectares, there are plenty of trails to explore, most of which span two to four kilometers. Some of the trails are 1,500 years old.

With so much to explore, getting lost can be easy. Luckily, the park does offer guides for many of the most popular trails, albeit for a 5,000 to 7,000 COP fee.

If you're not in the mood for walking, there is an option to explore it via bike or horseback.

Making a trip to Parque Arvi is as inexpensive as it is enjoyable.

Taking the Metrocable up to Parque Arvi will cost 8,000 COP. Unless you pick up some snacks at the farmers market on the park's edge or hire a guide, the Metrocable is the only expense you'll incur.

Parque El Salado

Despite being accessible from the center of Medellín, Parque El Salado is seldom known by travelers from abroad or the paisas of Medellín. It's a true, off-the-beaten-path spot ripe for exploring.

So ambiguous is the park that you're unlikely to run into crowds. Within the park, there are several short trails to follow. Many of which will see you passing streams and sandy banks before concluding at one of several viewpoints.

The park also has a small restaurant, a climbing wall, and a zip line.

Parque El Salado is open from 9 AM to 5 PM - Tuesday to Saturday, opening a little earlier on Sundays and closing on Mondays. There is a small fee of 4,000 COP when you reach the park entrance.

Party in El Poblado

Affectionately referred to as Gringolandia by the locals, El Poblado is the touristy part of Medellín. It's here that you'll find the majority of hostels, cafes, and bars.

Whether you're up for some Salsa dancing, drinks at a bar, or an outrageous night out, El Poblado is the place to be in Medellín.

Parque Lleras is the best spot in the neighborhood, home to many restaurants, bars, and clubs.

Be sure to try the Paisa's tipple of choice, Aguardiente.

If you are looking to party with some newfound friends, another popular option in El Poblado is hiring a Chiva - otherwise known as a party bus. Hiring a Chiva, you'll be driven around El Poblado with your group for a raucous night that usually concludes by being dropped off at one of Medellín's hottest clubs.

Most hostels in El Poblado regularly schedule Chiva buses for their guests.

Catch the Big Game at Estadio Atanasio Girardot

Football is almost a religion in South America, and there is no exception to this in Medellín.

Should the chance present itself, watching a game amidst the incredible atmosphere the locals generate is a must.

To watch a game, go to Estadio Atanasio Girardot, located in the Laureles neighborhood and home to local teams Atletico Nacional and Independiente Medellín.

With two teams based in Medellín, there'll be a game every weekend. Expect a match ticket to cost about 34,000 COP.

Drink All of the Coffee

It's a well-established fact that Colombia produces some great coffee. Medellín is fortunate to be a major transport hub on the precipice of the country's most acclaimed coffee-growing region, The Zona Cafetera - or Coffee Triangle.

With a coffee heritage that's the envy of the rest of the world, it may be surprising to hear that 'coffee culture' in Colombia is a new phenomenon.

In times gone by, the metaphorical coffers of Colombia's best coffee were cleaned out by international companies before the people of Colombia got a look in.

Things are different now. Today, you'll find that hip and trendy coffee shops are a dime-a-dozen, particularly in the neighborhoods of El Poblado and Laureles.

Below, we've rounded up some of Medellín's best purveyors of a good cup-a-joe, catering to locals, expats, digital nomads, and travelers alike.

Pergamino Café

The family-run Pergamino coffee house is possibly the most famous independent establishment in Medellín.

The coffee house uses fresh, locally sourced coffee and serves a sumptuous selection of sweet treats. How you have your coffee is up to you; from espresso and French press to filter, aero press, and cold brew, all are equally delicious.

Pergamino is known for employing exceptional baristas and boasts a cozy atmosphere.

If you stop for a couple of cuppas and maybe even some sweet treats, expect your bill to be around 15,000 COP. Alternatively, you can purchase a bag of freshly roasted coffee for the road – costing 17,000-19,000 COP.

Pergamino is located in El Poblado, making it accessible to most travelers.

Café Al Alma

Café Al Alma is actually 'Café's' Al Alma – a small chain of coffee shops dotted around Medellín. However, their flagship store is in El Poblado.

The coffee here is brewed using various methods, including Espresso machines, Chemex, Siphon, Aeropress, French Press, and so on – drinks are priced between 5,000 and 13,000 COP.

Of Medellín's coffee houses, Café Al Alma offers the best selection of food to accompany your caffeine fix. Such offerings include sweet treats, brunch, sandwiches, salads, pizzas, and focaccia.

Café Al Alma also offers several courses for those keen on coffee culture. The courses include coffee preparation, cupping, and even artisan baking. Coffee courses are priced at 130,000 COP, while baking courses are 240,000 COP.

Urbania Café

Opened in 2015, Urbania Cafe is an independent establishment selling its own brand of coffee from local growers in the Antioquia and Tolima regions.

The shop is always keen to empower growers who have felt the effects of armed conflict, socio-economic and environmental difficulties.

The cafe is small, but that only adds to its charm. Inside, there are several tables, bars, and a terrace. Not to mention free WiFi, making it a great place to sit back and get some work done.

Drinks cost between 5,000 and 10,000 COP. The cold brew is astonishingly good. The cafe also offers a selection of sweet treats for you to chow down on.

Urbania also offers barista courses, from mastery of latte art and filtering coffee to bean roasting. Courses are priced between 450,000 and 1,500,000 COP.

Visit Cerveceria 3 Cordilleras

If you're setting out to enjoy the famous Medellín nightlife, this microbrewery is a great place to get a flavor for it.

The on-site brewery tour is brilliant, but you and I both know you're here for the bar and its selection of delicious, locally brewed craft beers.

You'll have to pay an entrance fee of 28,000 COP. It seems expensive, but having five beers thrown into the entrance fee softens the blow.

Cerveceria 3 Cordilleras is a popular spot amongst gringos. A visit is a great place to spend the evening making new friends.

If you plan on a visit, Friday night is a good bet. The microbrewery hosts a local band every Friday, with live music filling the bar between 6:30 PM and 11 PM.

Pueblito Paisa

Atop a hill called Cerro Nutibara lies Pueblito Paisa, a perfect replica of a typical Antioquian village that looks oddly out of place amidst the sprawling metropolis of Medellín.

The walk up to the top of Cerro Nutibara and the model village entrance is a short, straightforward endeavor.

The village is charming, with plenty of nooks and crannies, market stalls to grab a bite to eat, and views overlooking Medellín.

Plaza Minorista José Maria Villa

Plaza Minorista José Maria Villa is home to the Minorista market, which is quite literally ripe for exploration.

The market is home to a dizzying array of sights, smells, and colors, with street food vendors packed into every corner. However, we'd argue that street food is not the highlight.

Colombia is home to many fruits you'll never have heard of before, let alone seen or tasted. Try as many as your stomach allows for.

Learn Salsa at a Dance Workshop

Salsa to Colombia is what the Tango is to Argentina.

Though Medellín is not as famous for the Salsa as the city of Calí – the world's Salsa capital – the city is still a wonderful place to indulge in Colombia's Salsa culture.

One of the best spots to do just that is Dancefree Workshop. On Tuesday and Saturday nights, enthusiastic instructors and many locals looking for a dance partner take to the floor.

Attendance is free. Should you venture onto the dance floor, you'll find the locals are typically friendly and more than willing to give you a helping hand as you stumble and trip your way through the night.

Los Patios Hostel Boutique

It's impossible to talk about Los Patios without discussing some of its accolades. At the Hostelworld 2019 'Hoscars,' Los Patios scored big, winning the award for the best hostel in Colombia and Latin America overall. Then, in 2020, it won the award for the best large hostel in the world. All this after the hostel only opened its doors in 2018.

The hype is justified.

Found in the El Poblado neighborhood, Los Patios comprises two six-story buildings just 500 meters from the nearest metro station. It's a superb base from which to explore the city.

The building feels more like a boutique hotel than it does a hostel. Each of the building's six floors takes inspiration from some of the most beautiful areas in Colombia in its decor.

You'd be sorely mistaken if you thought your precious pesos would just be buying you a place to rest your head. Los Patios boast an enormous amount of facilities for you to enjoy.

You'll find state-of-the-art co-working spaces and meeting rooms inside either building - perfect for digital nomads and travel bloggers looking to get some work done. There is also a TV lounge-come-cinema, a games room, a hammock zone, a recreation room, and modern self-catering kitchens.

Outside, each building features a terrace and patio area with a rooftop bar, gym, and even a herb garden if your self-prepared meal lacks some oomph. During the day, it's a great place to work, surrounded by the stunning Medellín skyline. In the evenings, the space is transformed into a hostel party spot.

Aside from all these amazing on-site facilities that go above and beyond what you'd probably expect from a hostel, Los Patios also offers guests: a safe deposit box, security lockers, a book exchange, fresh towels, BBQ facilities, laundry facilities, free WiFi, unlimited coffee, an on-site restaurant, and a daily happy hour at the bar.

The hostel also runs activities during the week, the cost of which is covered.

• Monday's are gastronomy night, usually focussing on exotic local fruits.

• Tuesday is a mojito masterclass, followed by a night tour of the city by bike.

• Wednesdays start with a yoga class in the mornings before salsa lessons and a bar crawl in the evenings.

• Thursdays allow you to take a day tour of the city by bike.

• Fridays offer the chance of another pub/bar crawl.

• Saturday is BBQ night, with free food provided to all guests.

• Sunday sees guests enjoy an on-site Salsa masterclass.

There are also Spanish classes for those whose gringo lingo is rough around the edges.

Los Patios' two buildings boast facilities to accommodate up to 190 guests in a mix of private and dormitory rooms.

Private rooms at Los Patios are made up of double beds. However, a select number of rooms featuring two and three doubles are on the books, perfect for those traveling in a group.

Privates start from 175,000 COP, though they can end up as pricey as 220,000 COP per night. As standard, private rooms are equipped with a safe, a closet, a TV, and a fan. However, the pricier room options will feature a private bathroom, air-conditioning to replace the fan, and in some cases, a private balcony.

Privates built for occupancy of more than two people start at 231,000 COP for a room comprised of three beds, a private bathroom, a fan, a private balcony, a safe box, a closet, and a TV. A step up from this is a private room for four, with two queen-size beds, a private bathroom, a safe box, air-conditioning, a closet, and a TV, priced at 236,500 COP.

Finally, for a starting price of 210,000 COP, there is a room comprised of three queen-sized double beds to occupy up to six people. Remember that the room's price increases for every occupant over three, maxing out at 300,000 COP per night. The room features a private bathroom, a safe box, a closet, and a TV.

Los Patios has four-bed, six-bed, and eight-bed dorms, with a starting price of 59,400 COP, maxing out at 65,340 COP.

Priced at 59,400 COP, 8-bed dorms are the cheapest available at Los Patios. They feature two private bathrooms, individual reading lights, a personal fan, charging points, privacy curtains, and lockers for your belongings.

With the 4-bed dorms, priced at 65,340 COP, you get just one private bathroom, a reading light, a personal fan, charging points, privacy curtains, and lockers for your belongings.

As a middle ground between four and eight-bed dorms, six-bed dorms are priced at 62,700 COP. The six-bed dorms have private bathrooms, a reading light, a fan, charging points, curtains, and a personal locker.

Good news for the gals amongst you. Los Patios does offer female-only dorms. Priced at 65,340 COP, female-only dorms feature private bathrooms, individual reading lights, personal fans, charging points, curtains, and personal lockers.

Many of the dorm rooms mentioned above also feature a private balcony, though – obviously – you'll have to share with your roomies.

Sugar Cane Hostel

Sugar Cane Hostel is a small, peaceful hostel comprising nine rooms in the El Poblado neighborhood, just five minutes from the nearest metro station.

Being so small, the hostel best suits those looking to kick back and relax rather than party. Though, the hostel still has an excellent, sociable atmosphere.

The creation of a German expat who spent five years exploring South America before settling in Medellín, Sugar Cane boasts all the amenities a backpacker might need.

The hostel features free WiFi, a book exchange, a self-catering kitchen, laundry facilities, and a rooftop terrace.

The hostel's owner also cooks a BBQ for guests every Sunday and is something of a whiz at the grill; veggie options are also on the menu.

There is no bar on-site. However, the hostel does provide a well-stocked beer fridge. Also, there are plenty of supermarkets nearby, so stocking up on drinks, or food, should be simple.

Aside from on-site facilities, the hostel runs several tours in and around Medellín, including a visit to Guatape, a walk around Communa 13, and fruit tasting at a local market. There's also a Spanish school at the hostel, perfect if you want to brush up on the local lingo.

Both private rooms and dormitory rooms are available at Sugar Cane hostel.

Private rooms are priced between 103,000 and 113,000 COP, the cheapest comprising two single beds. The pricier option features a double. Both private rooms adopt a shared bathroom.

Dorm rooms are priced between 35,000 and 42,000 COP. An eight-bed dorm is the cheapest option, priced at 35,000 COP. The four-bed dorm is at the opposite end of the scale, priced at 42,000 COP. A six-bed dorm sits in the middle at 38,000 COP.

All rooms include a complimentary breakfast.

Hostel Rango Boutique

Having only opened in 2018, Hostel Rango Boutique is another option that has earned a reputation as an upscale accommodation option in Medellín. Like most of Medellín's best hostels, Hostel Rango is located in the Gringolandia of El Poblado. It's also very close to Parque Lleras, the hotspot for nightlife in Medellín.

The accommodation is modern and has been built entirely using locally sourced materials. This is a philosophy that extends to the decor and even the food that the hostel provides.

Hostel Rango benefits from an abundance of facilities geared towards making travelers comfortable.

On-site, you'll find a lavish self-catering kitchen and a mini supermarket selling locally sourced ingredients for your meals. There is also a restaurant-come-bar, perfect for when you're too weary to prep a meal or fancy a tipple with your fellow travelers. Residents benefit from an outdoor terrace with BBQ facilities, a swimming pool, a games room, a common room, laundry facilities, WiFi, and free tea and coffee.

At the restaurant-come-bar, lunch comes as a buffet priced at 14,000 COP. Dinners are a set menu featuring an appetizer, main, and dessert for 35,000 COP. The hostel also hosts BBQ nights, with meals priced at 35,000 COP – or 25,000 COP for a veggie option. Later in the evenings, the restaurant is transformed into a bar, with a daily happy running from 6 PM to 8 PM.

Guests have the option of choosing between private or dormitory rooms.

Privates are priced between 256,000 and 267,200 COP. Your private room will feature twin beds on the cheaper end of the scale. The more expensive privates feature a queen size double. All private rooms have a TV, mini bar, landline telephone, an ensuite bathroom, reading lights, and charging points.

Regarding dormitories, guests can choose between four-bed and six-bed rooms. Some of the dormitories feature a private bathroom, though, for the majority, bathrooms are shared.

The cheaper of the dorms is the six-bed, priced between 58,200 and 60,500 COP. You get a private bathroom to share with your roomies at the pricier end of that scale. For a cheaper stay, you'll share a bathroom with another dorm.

The four-bed dorms are more expensive, though only slightly – priced between 59,400 and 62,400 COP. As per the six-bed dorms, paying a little more gets you a private bathroom instead of a shared one. Female-only four-bed dorms are also available at the lower end of those prices.

All dorms feature a reading light for every bed, individual lockers, and charging points.

A buffet-style continental breakfast is included in the price of your room.

Cafe Al Alma

As we've already established, Café al Alma is great for coffee. We also touched on their outstanding food offerings, which we'll discuss more here.

Café al Alma is not your best bet if you're looking for an evening meal. However, for a hearty breakfast or filling brunch, the café is one of the best spots in this sprawling city.

With several branches dotted around Medellín, Café al Alma is easily accessible. With the café opening early until 8 PM, there is always a good time to stop there.

Starting with typical café items. Croissants are 7,000 COP. Sweet treats are an assortment of muffins, brownies, cookies, and cakes, all available for 7,500-9,500 COP. There are also bagels, costing between 13,800 and 26,000 COP, depending on the filling.

Brunch presents a broader range of options, dominated by French Toast, Eggs Benedict, and a couple of sharing platters. French Toast is priced between 16,800 and 19,900 COP; the French Toast featuring a granola crust served with honey maple, cream cheese, and a fruit salad is to die for. Eggs Benedict will set you back by 19,900-29,900 COP. Salads and sandwiches are also on the menu, priced between 14,500 and 33,000 COP. The sandwich club Alma, comprising baked chicken, smoked bacon, mozzarella, egg, cheddar, lettuce, and tomato, is delicious.

For a more substantial brunch/lunch, look no further than the pizza and focaccia options. The focaccia is cheap – priced between 9,900 and 14,900 COP – the ham and caramelized pineapple focaccia are heavenly. Pizzas are priced between 18,800 and 29,900 COP. All your standard toppings, including pepperoni, ham, pineapple, margarita, etc., are available. If you're feeling a bit adventurous, try the Mediterranian pizza, comprising eggplant, paprika, olives, and a Neapolitan sauce. Alternatively, the caramelized pear and blue cheese option may prove tempting.

Café al Alma also sells loaves of fresh bread to takeout, priced between 9,500 and 21,000 COP.

Mondongos

Mondongos is a tiny chain of just two restaurants in Medellín, famed for serving authentic Colombian cuisine to the delight of locals and tourists.

One of their restaurants is perfectly placed in the neighborhood of El Poblado. The other original restaurant is found in Laureles.

The restaurants are named after a local paisa dish. So it won't surprise you to learn that the Mondiongo soup – consisting of slow-cooked beef tripe and a host of veggies – is its specialty. The soup is served with side dishes of avocado, banana, lemon, and arepas, priced at 30,000 COP.

The other popular main courses are sirloin steak, grilled chicken, and fish served with a similar assortment of sides and priced between 24,500 and 37,000 COP.

Other sides are available, including french fries, pork rind, and arepas, costing 700-9,500 COP. Desserts are also on the menu for 7,500 COP.

Regarding drinks, beer is available from 4,000-5,000 COP. You can also get a pitcher of sangria for 30,000 COP. Non-alcoholic beverages cost between 3,100 and 6,200 COP.

Mercado del Rio

Mercado del Rio is not strictly a restaurant. More of a gastronomic market, with over fifty different restaurants in its walls.

The market is located in El Poblado and is easily accessible from many of Medellín's most popular hostels.

Cuisines include Colombian, vegan, veggie, Italian, Spanish, Indian, Mexican, Peruvian, burgers, pizza, sandwiches, seafood, steaks, sushi, waffles, crepes, wings, etc. Whatever you're in the mood for, you'll be able to find it at Mercado del Rio.

With so many restaurants within the market, prices vary wildly. If you're heading to Mercado del Rio for a meal, expect to pay anything from 15,000 to 40,000 COP.

Besides food, Mercado del Rio is a great spot to grab drinks with friends. There are several bars scattered throughout the premises. Expect beers to cost between 2,500 and 8,000 COP; a six-pack of beers will set you back by 13,000 COP. Bottles of wine are available for as little as 34,000 COP, while a bottle of spirit and a mixer will cost 110,000 COP.

The market is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. With several hundred seats available, you shouldn't have any trouble finding the perfect spot to settle down for a bite to eat or some drinks.

Medellín is nicknamed 'The City of Eternal Spring' – that should give you a pretty good idea of the weather.

Because of the city's elevation – 1,550 meters above sea level – and its proximity to the equator, you can expect temperatures to remain pretty consistent year-round, averaging between 23ºC and 27ºC.

If chasing the sun, look towards January, February, and March when planning your stop in Medellín. In Medellín, the rainy season stretches from April to May and September to November – October sees more rainfall than any other time. Even when it rains in Medellín, it's rare to rain for an extended period.

If you're keen to avoid crowds, December, January, and February are the busiest months for tourism; especially over Christmas and the New Year holidays. That said, Medellín is a vast city, housing 2.5 million people. It's unlikely you'll notice the increase in tourism over these months.

To mix great weather and little rainfall and avoid public holidays, we recommend visiting Medellín in July.

Our Map Of Medellín, Colombia