Top 7 Things to See & Do in Medellin, Colombia

The Orquideorama was built in the image of wooden flowers and stands more than 50 feet tall, forming a delightful shady canopy alongside the edge of the botanical gardens. The architectural feature was established in 2006, with 14 interconnected structures creating a honeycombed roof. The canopy collects and funnels rainwater to the large flower beds and plants decorating the interior, and acts as an ever-blossoming garden worthy of eternal spring. Enjoy the intricate lattices of the patio and catch the sweet, fragrant aromas of the flowers and trees before relaxing in the tranquil, shady Orquideorama.

Parque de los Deseos, known in English as the “park of wishes”, boasts lovely long esplanades punctuated by cafés, restaurants, and concert halls. Seating in the outdoor spaces at the edges of walkways allows visitors to embrace the springtime weather of Medellin and smell the aromas of specialty dishes from restaurants or gaze at the luxurious skyline accentuated by the Museo de Arte Moderno and University of Antioquia. Concerts, cultural displays, and lectures breathe cultural life into the park, a playground for families of all ages that is filled with flowers and surrounded by greenery.

The Metrocable in Medellin provides an aerial tour of the city’s skyline and surrounding hillsides as it soars above the valley carrying over 30,000 people a day. The public gondolas have become an icon of innovation in Medellin and a symbol of socially conscious urban development that connects the outer suburbs in the mountains with the bustling city center. Impressive views and photogenic panoramas await eager travelers ascending above the favelas and high rises to the Parque Arvi’s forested hills, where wildlife hides in nearly 7 square miles of protected eucalyptus forest, sparkling lakes, and lush canopies.

Plazoleta de las Esculturas is home to a collection of 23 curvaceous bronze sculptures crafted by renowned local artist Fernando Botero. They adorn the open public plaza in front of the entrance to the Museo de Antioquia. The eclectic open space draws locals from around the city eager to enjoy the weather and public setting, which mixes art, culture, and nature in the heart of what is also referred to as Plaza Botero. The outdoor exhibit displaying the famous artist’s quintessential tall and bulbous style draws connections with popular public spaces in celebrated cities like New York, Paris, Rome, and Madrid.

Parque Lleras is a landmark of Medellin’s dynamic and energetic ambiance. During the day, shops and cafés offer visitors a charming retreat from daily tours and adventures. However, after sundown, Parque Lleras becomes the most popular district in Medellin. Here clubs, bars, and restaurants fill the neighborhood with pulsing beats, attracting young dancers and local business people eager to wind down after a long day at work. Over 100 open-air restaurants, bars and nightclubs intermingle along the cobbled lanes and alleyways, offering visitors elegant drinks and fantastic views of the city’s skyline glowing against the night sky.

Coffee farms cover the wild mountain landscape on the outskirts of Medellin, giving visitors an opportunity to taste famous Colombian coffee brewed and served against a backdrop of rolling hills in shades of green. As you travel from heritage towns to plantations, you will find red cherries poking out of bushes, smell fragrant jasmine and feel the warm sun on your cheeks. Whether spending a day on a coffee farm for an exclusive tour or enjoying the verdant scenery among the misty mountains for several days, you will gain a new perspective on the beauty of Colombia and the magnificent flavors of fresh, local coffee.

The Flower Festival in Medellin has taken place each year since 1957 and it captures the essence of the city’s eternal spring-like temperatures while showcasing Colombia’s importance as one of the world’s largest flower exporters. The festival celebrates the grandeur and charm of colorful blossoms, design ingenuity, and stylistic flair for an entire week, before ending with the Silleteros Parade, when the flower-growers march through the city boasting distinctive arrangements on their backs. The finale depicts the important familial history, a cultural connection to the land, and messages of personal heritage in the greater Antioquia region.

Rich repositories of Colombian culture can be found in the charming cityscape of Medellin, the country’s “City of Eternal Spring”. It is a floral paradise that boasts impressive architectural innovations, bustling public plazas, wonderful open-air spaces and festivals tracing its blossoming heritage. Travelers wishing to uncover the wonders of Colombian culture in Medellin can talk with a Colombia travel specialist by filling out a Trip Request or calling us on 1-888-265-9707.