A One-Day Itinerary for Medellin

  • 8:00AM: Breakfast at La Causa
    10 minutes (1.3 miles) from Parque El Poblado

    Start your day with a delicious Colombian breakfast at La Causa. This cozy café offers a variety of breakfast items with vegan and gluten-free options. The must-try is the "huevos pericos," a classic Colombian dish of scrambled eggs with tomatoes and onions. The coffee is excellent too!

  • 9:00AM: Museo de Arte Moderno de Medellin
    10 minutes (1.3 miles) from La Causa

    Located in the heart of Medellin, this modern art museum houses a vast collection of Colombian contemporary art. The exhibitions change regularly, and a guided tour is available in Spanish and English.

  • 11:00AM: Comuna 13 Graffiti Tour
    30 minutes (3 miles) from Museo de Arte Moderno de Medellin

    Comuna 13 is a once dangerous area that has undergone transformation in recent years with a beautiful display of street art. A local guide will take you through the alleys, explain the significance of the art, and share the history of this vibrant community.

  • 1:00PM: Lunch at Hato Viejo
    20 minutes (2.7 miles) from Comuna 13

    Head over to Hato Viejo for a classic Colombian meal. The restaurant is adorned with antique farm equipment, lending an authentic feel to the place. Try the "bandeja paisa," a platter of various local items like red beans, plantains, meat, and fried egg. The portions are huge, so bring your appetite!

  • 3:00PM: Botanical Garden of Medellin
    20 minutes (3.2 miles) from Hato Viejo

    The botanical garden is a lush oasis in the heart of the city. It houses over 1,000 plant species and has a butterfly house, an orchid exhibition, and a lake. There are activities available for children and guided tours are available.

  • 5:00PM: Views of Medellin at Cerro Nutibara
    20 minutes (3.4 miles) from the Botanical Garden of Medellin

    End your day with a panoramic view of the city at Cerro Nutibara. You must make the effort to walk up the hill for the stunning 360-degree view of the cityscape. The observation deck is accessible via an elevator if needed. You can reward yourself with a drink and a snack from one of the many vendors selling Colombian street food up there.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • La Causa (1 hour, $10)
  • Museo de Arte Moderno de Medellin (1.5 hours, $5)
  • Comuna 13 Graffiti Tour (2 hours, $20)
  • Hato Viejo (1.5 hours, $15)
  • Botanical Garden of Medellin (2 hours, $5)
  • Cerro Nutibara (1.5 hours, $5)
  • Total Estimated Costs: $60

Transportation

While most attractions are within reach via taxis or public transportation, you may want to consider downloading Uber, Beat or Didi, as they are safer options for tourists. Taxi cabs can be flagged in the streets but are known to overcharge their fares, so it's best to agree on a price before you get to your destination.

Estimated Transportation Costs: $20-25

Useful tips

If you're running tight on time, you may skip Museo de Arte Moderno de Medellin, or Botanical Garden of Medellin. But trust us; it's an unforgettable experience! If you have another day to spend, be sure to include a day tour to the nearby pueblo of Guatape, Medellin’s best day trip.

Airports

The main airport in Medellin is Jose Maria Cordova International Airport (MDE), situated in the Rionegro Municipality. It's located about 45 minutes away from the city center, and taxi cabs are readily available for hire.

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