Difficult to organize a Medellin city tour on foot… Because in 1 day, it is impossible to visit everything. This is how we got discovered Medellin and its historic center. At the end of the article, you will also find some ideas for other interesting visits in and around Medellin.
Historic Center of Medellin
“Historic” is a big word to define the city center of Medellin. Indeed, Medellin is a relatively young city. There are no colonial vestiges, no typical architecture, in short no identity in its streets and squares. Indeed, if you are shown a street or a square in Medellin, nothing differentiates it from any other modern city. Except… the beautiful statues of BOTERO !
What to see in the center of Medellin?
Walk in Medellin city center is very pleasant because we feel dynamism, fervor, a certain festive atmosphere ... moreover, Ludovic will take us to drink a coffee in the famous Malaga Lounge (temple of jazz music, tango…). It is a mythical place of Medellin with soul and memory (records, jukebox, photos).
Here are the main places I recommend you go to center of Medellin :
- La Botero square and its 23 statues,
- La Bolivar Square and its monument to the glory of the liberation of the nation,
- Le Antioquia museum with a large number of works by Botero (contemporary artist born in Medellin),
- Le Botanical Garden.
Know that you have the option of taking the Turibus to discover at your own pace all the most interesting places in the city: http://www.turibuscolombia.com/
What to see in Medellin? Should we do the Pablo Escobar Tour?
http://www.medellincitytours.com/pablo-escobar-tour/
Up to you !
But, Colombians do not appreciate that tourists like to "admire" the traces of a past that they find difficult to forget.
So, I didn't want to do this tour even though curiosity tickled me. Especially since these famous tours would be managed by members of the Escobar family.
What to see in Medellin? My tips
If you are looking for information on how to get around Medellin, for nice restaurants, to stay in a quiet neighborhood, to organize a tour or a visit ... here is some useful information:
Cheap hotel in Medellin - Guest House Poblado Manila
What I liked about this Guest House
- Its geographical location because it is located right next to the neighborhood EL POBLADO ;
- The fact that it is an apartment because we stayed there 3 nights and I was able to do laundry because it has a washing machine !!! ;
- The terrace with a view on which we ate and ate all our breakfasts;
- The cleanliness of the rooms;
- Its very attractive price compared to hotels in the same district: 21 Euros per night.
What I didn't like about this Guest House
- The fact that the common areas are very old and poorly maintained;
- The lack of dishes (the other occupants taking the bowls in their rooms…).
See this hotel on Booking
My impressions of Medellin?
A very nice surprise! Indeed, I did not expect to discover such interesting places and such a marked and ingrained culture in the city. The violent past, the renewal, the music, the dancers (see video below), the graffiti, the street vendors Medellín another city with strong character that I adored!
Follow my circuit by discovering our arrival in Santa Marta.