my feet don't want to go to sleep

This city is notorious for a million reasons. Gangs, guns, and violence, all had such a hold on the world and specifically the US. Today is is one of the most likely place a digital nomad is moving to. The dangerous hill top towns have flipped from the fear to installing escalators OUTSIDE that move tourists up and down their narrow streets. When have you seen escalators working outside? The AMC in San Diego didn’t even have a functioning escalator. The ones at Penn Station are broken! Meanwhile Comuna 13, historically the epicenter of danger has 10 running at all times in both directions.

I digress, Medellin is so dubbed the eternal spring city. Let me show you how to experience it all.

Stay

We rented an airbnb for the week in La Florida, but the real energy was in El Poblano. Like everywhere in Colombia it was an uphill walk both ways. But we could walk which was amazing, it is a safe area with endless bars and restaurants to consider.

Explore Out of the City

Chorro de Las Campanas offers an incredible hike through a national park ending at a waterfall. You can take the public bus there! The trail was hard but follows a river that leads you to the fall. I made some local friends at the end. A combination of my favorite things, waterfalls and public transportation.

Piedra de Penol

This towering egg shaped rock sits on a man made lake with blue green water surrounding it. Medellin created this as a water source to support the city. After climbing up endless stairs carved into the rock itself you see the area in full glory. Absolutely worth the work out.

Guatape

Make sure your tour to the rock includes a stop in this little town. It is adorable and historical. Our tour guide took us through showing us the specific art of the region and history of the Zocalos. The colorful shops and little walkable streets will continue the magic of this area.

Explore In the City

Pueblito Paisa

In the middle of this massive city sits a hill or something between a hill and a mountain peak. This pueblito has the stylings of old town Colombia preserved. There are shops and restaurants that can mostly be avoided. What you go there for is the view, located at the terrace of the Museo de Ciudad, the entire city is laid out below. The museum is very affordable and worth a quick stroll through too. Make an afternoon of it and head from there to Donde Dario after for the bandeja paisa, or local meal. Go hungry.

Comuna 13

This area has major competition as the street mural capital of the world. Only in Valparaiso did I see more art. This is the neighborhood that is truly come out of violence and turned into a cultural destination. The quantity of art is overwhelming. There are coffee shops tucked in the cliffside, breweries with bar fronts along the narrow path, and arepas being sold fresh in front of 20 ft art installations. It seems like the world has come to see this area thrive. Make an afternoon of it and from there head to the cable car.

Tour with http://www.sagtourmedellin.com/

San Javier Cable Car

A quick trip on the public bus takes you directly to the base of the cable car. You can buy tickets there round trip and then queue with the commuters and tourists. The line control is so impressive, this event planner much appreciated it. They load you efficiently into the cable car and up you go! It stops a couple places but you can stay on the entire time and loop back to the start. The round trip ticket is shown at entry and exit. Easy, fun, affordable! Go for the views around sunset, then you can watch the city covered in an orange glow turning dark and then sparkling with the lights covering the rolling hills.

Downtown Medellin

A good walking tour is always the best idea when it comes to understanding a new city. You can eat, drink, walk, and see the sites but none of that will really be able to give you context. We booked a walking tour with an amazing guide. Jerónimo’s knowledge painted the broader picture to me of what Colombia has experienced. I became completely obsessed with the artist Botero and his statues.

Tour with https://www.airbnb.com/experiences/1086862

Eat & Drink

The options endless but here are a few to consider. Donde Dario Restaurante for the local plate bandeja paisa. Panorama Rooftop Bar for tapas and happy hour. La Causa for a solid delicious Peruvian meal. Mamasita Medallo for live music and delicious food. NDN Rooftop for the views and vibes. Miranda disco Medellín to end the night sweaty and sticky.