* Medellin tourist attractions listed below.
Medellin truly is a city to experience with all your senses as there are many reasons that make it a premier tourist destination in South America. Known as the City of Eternal Spring, the city enjoys year-round spring-like weather and temperatures in addition to being a warm and rich cultural center. The city is also hometown to many world renowned artists, painters and sculptures including Fernando Botero, whose works grace many parks and plazas around the city. Located in the beautiful Aburra Valley, the city is truly a gem to behold that is cradled on all sides by lush green, tropical mountains in a setting that can only be described as paradise. But, it is probably the local people that live in Medellin (paisas) that truly make the city spectacular! Renowned for their warm, courteous and friendly attitudes, paisas really know how to make visitors & travelers alike feel right at home when visiting Medellin!
Medellin stands out as an important hub for business, fashion and international trade as well as a center for permanent symposiums and diplomatic meetings. Well know textile fairs such as Colombiamoda & Colombiatex, cultural events such as the International Poetry Festival, the International Jazz Festival and the Book Festival have their annual public events here in Medellin, Colombia. The city has also seen an uptick recently in medical tourism as patients come from around the globe to access premium medical practitioners and superb care facilities for their elected procedures. Plastic surgery and cosmetic procedures are in high demand here and Medellin rates as one of the top cities in the world for this type of commerce. Medellin has some of the finest doctors in the world and is fast gaining a reputation in the “medical tourism” arena. The city is also gaining more attention as a site of international sporting events as it hosts the upcoming 2010 South American Games.
Year after year, the city dons its festive mood for the Flower Fair and Silleteros Parade that occurs every year in August. People from all over the globe ascend on Medellin to witness the week long series of events that define the commercial strength of the city as well as its rich cultural heritage surrounding the flower trade. Christmas is also a big event in Medellin as things officially kick off on December 7th to mark the month long holiday festivities including a Christmas light display worthy of nobility. The city boasts a modern public transportation system with it’s Metro and feeder line Metro Plus buses, newly refurbished thorough ways, two bus terminals, two airports including an international terminal located in Rio Negro just outside the city. Today’s Medellin is also full of parks, libraries and large, open public spaces that have become symbols of a new and transformed city full of creative leisure activities, knowledge and fun!
Your senses are transformed as you walk through the city of Medellin. Sights, sounds, smells come at you from all directions as you weave your way through the bustling city streets, sidewalks and Metro. A cocktail for the human senses, the Medellin culture and appeal are in full force as you discover various parts of the city, each containing its well guarded cultural, historic and social treasures!
The company Seditrans operates Medellin Turibus, a daily bus tour of Medellin. The service has multiple pickup locations around the city including Poblado Park (Parque Poblado). Inaugurated in July of 2004, this service was established to promote the social, cultural and touristic features of the city and was inspired by other such operations existing in other international tourism destinations such as Barcelona, Mexico City & Orlando. The Medellin Turibus company deploys a small fleet of blue, red and yellow colored buses that are painted to resemble the Colombian flag. The company is ISO 9001 certified and offers bilingual tour guide service in both French and English.
The Medellin Turibus city tour takes you on a city wide loop to some of the main attractions and is a great way for Medellin first timers to get a good look at the city for a very affordable price. Visitors will learn about many facets of the city while on the tour including historical facts, architectural highlights and cultural aspects of the area and its people. The Medellin Turibus company also offers special programs that will take you outside of the city into the surrounding countryside including destinations such as El Penol, Santa Fe de Antioquia and Jardin to name a few. Check the company’s website for more information regarding these excursions.
Medellin Turibus Route
Starting at the Parque Poblado pick-up site, the Medellin Turibus circuit heads downtown through the San Diego commercial district to Plaza Botero. Here tourists will get an opportunity to view larger than life bronze statues created by local artist and sculpter Fernando Botero. The plaza contains 23 actual scuptures that surround the Uribe Palace of Culture and sits adjacent to the Museum of Antioquia. Other interesting sites include Plaza Bolivar, La Alpujarra Administrative Center, Park of Wishes, Estadio Atanasio Girardot (Soccer Stadium) and Cerro Nutibara to name a few. In fact, theMedellin Turibus service introduces you to more than twenty of the city’s main attractions during the three hour ride.
MORNING TOUR (9:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m.)
EVENING TOUR (1:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m.)
TARIFFS:
Adults – $17,000 pesos
Children (12 or under) – $10,000 pesos
Seniors (60+) – $10,000
* These rates change from time to time, so check with the company website for up to date information regarding current prices.
Medellin Botanical Garden
The Medellin Botanical Garden is almost 40 acres of outdoor space dedicated to orchids, plants, botany and nature in general. With an enormous wealth of flora native to Colombia, the botanical garden boasts more than 5000 individual plants with contributions from more than 1000 different species. The Medellin Botanical Garden is a greenbelt area in the heart of the city where people gather to bike, …
Orquideorama
Designed by Plan B Architects in Medellin, the Orquideorama structure resembles a bouquet of giant wooden flowers that stretch more than fifty feet into the air forming a large canopy for patrons to enjoy. The idea behind the design was to blend architecture with the natural world so that the space would fit perfectly within its attachment to the existing Medellin Botanical Gardens. What has …
San Pedro Cemetery
The San Pedro Cemetery is located north of downtown Medellin and can be accessed easily by taking the Metro to the Metro Station Hospital. The cemetery was originally built in 1842 and officially became designated as a museum in 1998. It was declared a national monument in 1999 by Colombia. The hallowed grounds have become quite popular in the last few years and have sparked …
Parque Explora
Parque Explora or Explore Park is a natural sciences center in Medellin that recently opened to the public in 2008. With over 70,000 square feet of indoor space and 50,000 square feet of outdoor activities, this futuristic looking series of red buildings entertains thousands of people and families every week with its educational based scientific displays, aquarium, reptile and insect collection and more. There are …
Parque de Los Deseos
The Parque de Los Deseos (Park of Wishes) in Medellin is an open-air public gathering space and another example of the city’s expressive rejuvenation and commitment to learning. Sitting adjacent to the Music House and located amongst other attractions in the area including the planetarium, North Park, Explore Park and the University of Antioquia. The Parque de Los Deseos offers an open public space that …
Parque Norte
Officially founded in 1974, Parque Norte in Medellin is a traditional amusement park akin to your hometown fair or carnival. The amusement park is perfect for families and kids of all ages. The area is located in the northern sector of the city and encompasses 160,000 square meters. More than 2000 square meters have been dedicated to amusement park rides at Parque Norte. The amusement …
Medellin Planetarium
Medellin, Colombia was the first city in South America to have a computer controlled planetarium. Since first opening its doors to the public on October 10, 1984, the Medellin Planetarium has entertained more than a million people in the city of eternal spring. Officially known as the Jesús Emilio Ramírez Planetarium, the project was conceived by the Astronomical Society College of San Jose under the …
University of Antioquia
Since its foundation in the year 1803, the University of Antioquia has served as a central knowledge-base for the city of Medellin. It is the oldest and most prestigious university in the city and has educated countless Colombians including famous poets, writers, artists, scientists, doctors, engineers as well as political figures including Colombia’s ex-president, Álvaro Uribe Vélez. The San Ignacio building located downtown was the …
The Music House
The Music House or Casa de La Musica in Medellin is located at the Park of Wishes (Parque de Los Deseos). This building is promoted by the Medellin Public Utilities Foundation. It was conceived for musicians and visitors to experience the different musical manifestations, for which the facility has material as well as technical and human resources. Other organizations associated with the project are the …
Casa Museo Pedro Nel Gómez
The Casa Museo Pedro Nel Gómez (House Museum) is one of Medellin’s most important cultural tourist attractions. The Casa Museo Pedro Nel Gómez was established on November 15, 1975 by the Gómez family in order to preserve the cultural heritage of the scholar and artist as well as his important works of art. Maestro Gómez is one of Latin America’s most famous and well known …
Cerro El Volador Eco-Park
Cerro El Volador is one of Medellin‘s seven so called guardian hills. It is the largest natural park within the urban area of Medellin, Colombia at 250+ acres and rises 272 feet into the air. It was officially designated as an eco-park in 1992 and is located in the city’s northwestern zone that was once sacred grounds for local Indians who originally inhabited the Aburra …
Biblioteca España | Metrocable
Positioned at the top of the mountain in Medellin is the Biblioteca España or Spain Library . The ultra modern designed black library is located in the northern part of the city in a neighborhood called Santo Domingo Savio. Much like a volcano rises from the earth as it emerges in birth, so too does the Biblioteca España. Three massive non symmetric geometric buildings house …
Moravia Cultural Development Center
The Moravia Cultural Development Center in Medellin was designed by prize-winning architect Rogelio Salmona. This neighborhood culture center is a space for music, art and cultural activity meant to improve the quality of life of the Moravia area inhabitants. The center includes a 300 seat auditorium, 30 private and sound proof cubicles for rehearsals, 3 multi purpose rooms, exhibition galleries as well as courtyards. All …
La Alpujarra
La Alpujarra administrative center is home to both Antioquia & Medellin government entities. They are located in two similar looking buildings facing each other and separated by a square adorned with sculptures by Rodrigo Arenas Betancur and Salvador Arango. Adjacent to La Alpujarra are the city council building, the Province of Antioquia Assembly, Edatel, Teleantioquia, the Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, and the refurbished former Ferrocarril de …
Empresas Publicas Medellin(EPM)
Another landmark building in Medellin and an icon for the people of Antioquia is Empresas Publicas Medellin(EPM), dubbed the intelligent building due to its highly automated facilities. Modeled after the Lloyds of London building, its modern and sleek appearance adds an ultra modern feel to the downtown area of the city. The building not only stands out for its highly functional and advanced architectural design, …
Ferrocarril de Antioquia
The Ferrocarril de Antioquia in Medellin is the former railroad station that is no longer functional, but still serves as an important monument to the past. This early 20th century edifice was restored to its original grandeur and now houses public/private institutions, banks, an auditorium, a temporary exhibit room, news stands, and a museum that holds memories of the extinct Ferrocarril de Antioquia. A lovely …
Parque de Los Pies Descalzos
Parque de Los Pies Descalzos or Barefoot Park is located between the Plaza Mayor convention center and the Empresas Publicas Medellin(EPM) building, in close proximity to La Alpujarra government center. The outdoor space was financed and constructed by EPM between the years of 1998 to 2000. The idea behind the the park was to allow a place that would allow people to kick off their …
EPM Interactive Museum
The EPM Interactive Museum (Museo Interactivo de EPM) in Medellin is a magical world of science and technology. Through playful activities, children and adults alike have the opportunity to understand how the services provided by your public utility company work. Taking a page from the days of Thomas Edison, André-Marie Ampère, Georg Simon Ohm and Count Alessandro Giuseppe Antonio Anastasio Volta, the EPM Interactive Museum …
Plaza Mayor Convention Center
Plaza Mayor is the main convention center in Medellin. Completed in 2006, this ultra modern building has played host to important events such as OAS Assembly, IDB Assembly, Colombiamoda, Colombiatex, Expocamacol and many others. In fact, the schedule of events is a busy affair and offers multiple expositions each and every month. Recently proclaimed as the city of fairs and congresses, Medellin presents the most …
Metropolitan Theater of Medellin
The Metropolitan Theater of Medellin is the premier venue in Medellin for plays, concerts, symphonies, ballet, comedy, poetry and other artistic expressions of entertainment. Inaugurated on February 19, 1987, the packed house enjoyed a special performance by the Antioquia Symphony Orchestra, Philharmonic Orchestra of Bogotá and the Polyphonic Studio which was led by Maestro Sergio Acevedo and soloist Harold Martina. With this performance, the Metropolitan …
Puerta Urbana
Photo courtesy of Juan Giraldo. The Puerta Urbana or “Urban Door” is a water based sculpture in Medellin near the corner of Barefoot Park (Parque de los Pies Descalzos). This imposing structure stands almost 30 feet tall and has dozens of jets that spill water from the top mimicking a waterfall. The Puerta Urbana emits a rainbow of colors that light up the monument at …
Biblioteca EPM
Biblioteca EPM is a library in Medellin that is dedicated to science, industry, environment and technology. There are many different sources of information available at the library that come in multiple delivery formats including traditional books, e-books, magazines, e-documents, CD’s and DVD’s. Financed and donated to the city by Medellin’s public utilities company, EPM, this learning center was inaugurated on June 2, 2005. It is …
Plaza de Cisneros
This public plaza near El Centro in Medellin proudly displays 300 lit-from-within poles in a central area just due north (and across the street) of La Alpujarra. Each metal pole is 78 feet in height and the plaza contains an additional 2100 spotlights and 120 in-ground lights. Built in one of the most history rich spots in the city, Cisneros Plaza has become a new …
Cerro Nutibara
One of Medellin‘s so called “guardian” hills, the Nutibara Hill is a large wooded area located in close proximity to La Alpujarra Administrative Center and just southwest of downtown Medellin. The 81.5 acre park stands 262 feet high in the middle of Aburra Valley and can be accessed by car or bus (or foot on nature trails). A winding road takes you to the top …
Pueblito Paisa
Pueblito Paisa (Little Town) is located on the top of Nutibarra Hill (Cerro Nutibarra) in Medellin. This replica of a typical turn of the century Antioquia town comes complete with its traditional stone fountain in the middle of the town square and is surrounded by the church and rectory, the mayor’s office, a barber shop, and a one-room school house. Pueblito Paisa is an icon …
Pasaje Urbano Carabobo
The Carabobo (dumb face) pedestrian walkway in Medellin is approximately 8 city blocks long and connects Parque Bolivar in the north to both Plaza Botero and La Apujarra farther south. This is a wonderfully busy street center during the daytime full of shops, places to eat, vendors of all sorts as well as amazing architecture, sculptures and historic sites along its city stretch in the …
Nuestra Señora de La Candelaria Basilica
This Medellin church was built in 1649 and was later rebuilt only to be demolished and re-constructed in 1767 according to a plan by the province governor, Don José Barón de Chávez. The re-inauguration took place in February, 1776 in a public ceremony. The church is a colonial style structure of great size and is a rectangular layout built in the neoclassic spirit. Made of …
Carre & Vasquez Buildings
Carre Building Standing only 4 floors high, this late 19th century building used to be the tallest building of its time in Medellin. Built by French architect Charles Emile Carré, this architecturally significant building was restored to its original grandeur and is now home to the Medellin Secretary of Education. Vasquez Building After being completely restored, the Vásquez Building is now headquarters to a housing …
Iglesia de Veracruz
With materials brought from Spain, this church was built between the years 1791 and 1803. Originally called the Foreigners Chapel of Veracruz, its construction was prompted by foreign citizens living in the village of Medellin. The major bell named Segundilla, was cast by savvy Francisco José de Caldas and then later turned into a cannon during the independence war. In the past, its facade was …
Museum of Antioquia
The Museum of Antioquia (Museo Antioquia) is probably the most ambitious urban and cultural enterprise in Medellin. It has become a revitalizing element in the city center (El Centro), which for decades languished because of population expansion into surrounding communities (suburb effect). The old branch of the museum shows historical films and also has library resources. There are also workshop and trade shop opportunities in …
Rafeal Uribe Palace of Culture
With its florid gothic style, it has occupied the old Governors building since 1987 and is by far one of the most widely recognized architectural works in the city of Medellin. Designed by the Belgian architect Agustin Goovaerts that first came to Medellin in 1920 and was inspired by art nouveau, then at the height of fashion in Europe, proceeded to build the structure under …
Palacio Nacional
Planned in 1925 by the same architect as the Palace of Culture (Palacio De La Cultura), Agustin Goovaerts, this building has a romantic and modern style that has been one of Medellin‘s architectural jewels for decades. Today, the building has been transformed into one of the most prestigious malls in the city center and boasts more than 400 stores, cafes, bars, art gallery as well …
Plaza Botero
Plaza Botero or Plaza de Las Esculturas (Sculpture Plaza) in Medellin is 80,729 square feet of public space that occupies the area in front of the Museum of Antioquia and also surrounds the Uribe Palace of Culture. In this space exists a perfect mix of art, culture and nature in which 23 of Botero’s bronze sculptures are on permanent display and exhibit. Donated by Medellin’s …
Basilica Metropolitana
The Metropolitan Basilica in Medellin is built in the Romanesque style with Byzantine details. It is known by academics as one of the largest baked clay structures in the world utilizing more than 1,120,000 adobe bricks and taking more than 55 years to complete in the year 1930. The structure is a romantic style architecture and appears as a cross if viewed from above. There …
Coltejer Building
Finished in 1972 (started in 1968), this 574 foot tall massive building encompasses 37 floors and currently stands as the tallest building in Medellin. In addition, it is the 4th tallest building in all of Colombia. Located downtown in the El Centro district, it reminds us of the wealth and power of the city, and has become one of the hallmarks of urban life here. …
Iglesia de San Jose
Just off Avenida Oriental stands the San Jose Church. The interior of this Hispanic American Baroque styled structure holds a painting of San Lorenzo, Medellin‘s first patron saint. Location of San Jose Church in Medellin: METRO STATION: BERRIO or SAN ANTONIO
University of Antioquia Assembly Hall
Saint Ignatius Building at the University of Antioquia is probably one of the most important architectural jewels in all of Medellin. It was the first branch of the university whose origins date back to 1793, in which the Medellin Cabildo purchased the lands for the construction of a church, a convent and a school. Declared in 1803, the University of Antioquia began it’s process of …
Parque Berrio
Berrio Park is the epicenter of downtown Medellin. It is the place Antioquenos have gathered for generations as their main meeting point. The history of the park is closely linked to the one of La Candelaria church, built initially in 1680. The “Main Square”, as it was referred to by locals was the anteroom of the church, and all parishioners gathered in it before and …
Leon de Greiff Park | Library in La Ladera
Leon de Greiff Park and Library in Ladera was one of the many municipal projects put into place by ex-mayor of Medellin, Sergio Farjardo. This complex along with other learning facilities were created across the city as part of the campaign, “Medellin: The Most Educated”. This program was especially ingenious as most of the sites chosen for new construction of public education facilities were strategically …
Parque Bolivar
Like Berrio Park, Bolivar Park is full of history. The grounds it occupies today were the property of English citizen Tyrrel Stuart Moore, who decided to donate them to the city of Medellin in 1844 based on the condition that the area was to be re-named Nueva Londres (New London). However, the citizens of Medellin, Colombia favored Villanueva which was also the name of the …
Parque San Antonio
Inaugurated on December 14th, 1994, it is one of the most important recreational and culture venues in the city of Medellin. It was built on a 340,000 square feet of terrain. There are both commercial and service areas for locals and visitors/travelers alike to enjoy and use. There are several Fernando Botero sculptures here including the “naked torso”. A crescent shaped auditorium offers an ideal …
Pequeño Teatro | Tiny Theater
Located downtown (El Centro) and occupying a beautiful old house, the theater, cultural heritage of Medellin, finances itself with a novel “free admission-voluntary donation” pay system. The theater company has been delighting people of Medellin since February 12, 1975 with plays staging famous Colombian folklore and traditions. Location of Pequeno Teatro: CARERRA 42 #50A-12 TEL: (574) 239-3947 METRO STATION: BERRÍO
San Ignacio Square
As one of the city’s oldest squares, the San Ignacio Square has been a historical centerpiece to Medellin for many, many decades. The square itself is flanked by other historical buildings such as the San Ignacio Church & Cloister as well as the San Ignacio Building belonging to the University of Antioquia. The square, framed and lined by its centuries-old ceiba (silk/cotton) trees, is a …
Pablo Tobón Uribe Theater
The scene of many artistic and cultural activities since its inception in 1967, the Pablo Tobón Uribe Theater has occupied an important place in the history of Medellin, Colombia. This 800 spectator capacity theater is capable of meeting the demands of most staged events and ceremonial functions. It is essentially an open-air square adorned with gardens, a water fountain as well as sculpture “La Bachué”, …
Avenida Oriental
Medellin‘s transformation is clearly visible on this major thoroughfare that runs north and south in the downtown area. The median between the north and south lanes has been turned into a mini, decorator tile laden mountain range that catches the eye of everybody in the area. Travelers and visitors alike to this historic area will be able to appreciate the beauty of this man made …
Palacio de Bellas Artes
The Palace of Beautiful Art has been the center of Medellin arts and culture since 1910, when it was founded as a school of music, painting and sculpture. Designed by Nel Rodriguez in 1925, the style is of new republican and the octagonal layout turns on its sides in order to give shape to the auditorium. It houses workshops for education and training of the …
Parque Arvi
Parque Arvi is a new ambitious project just outside of Medellin that will create one of the largest nature reserves in the region. The recent attraction is yet another boost for the city of Medellin that has recently undergone a complete transformation and is now attracting travelers and tourists from all around the globe to see the city of eternal spring. Parque Arvi sits on …