Medellin

Medellin is a city that truly gets under your skin. It's nestled in a lush valley in Colombia, and its nickname, "City of Eternal Spring," is no joke – the weather is gorgeous year-round. The city exudes incredible energy; it’s a place that has undergone a massive transformation and is now buzzing with innovation, art, and a palpable sense of local pride. It feels vibrant, modern, and incredibly alive.

There are a few standout reasons to visit Medellin. First, the innovation seen everywhere is inspiring, especially the Metrocable system that connects the city's hillside communities, which offers stunning views and a lesson in social inclusion. Second, the creative spirit is off the charts, most famously in Comuna 13, where vibrant street art tells a powerful story of resilience and hope. Finally, the people, known as "Paisas," are among the most welcoming and friendly travelers encounter. They have a genuine pride in their city and are eager to share it. Beyond that, the value is great, the food is hearty and delicious, and the surrounding green mountains offer a perfect escape.

The locals, or Paisas, are the heart of Medellin. Travelers often find them to be incredibly warm, polite, and genuinely curious about visitors. While Spanish is the main language, and not everyone speaks English, people are generally patient and willing to help out with a smile and gestures. In tourist-heavy areas like El Poblado, you'll find more English speakers, but learning a few basic Spanish phrases will go a long way and is deeply appreciated. The culture is very social; you'll see parks and plazas full of families and friends just enjoying life.

The local food is hearty, comforting, and delicious. You absolutely must try the Bandeja Paisa, a massive platter with beans, rice, ground meat, chicharrón (fried pork belly), an egg, an arepa, and more. It's a feast. Mondongo, a rich tripe soup, is way more delicious than it sounds and a local favorite worth seeking out. You'll find tons of "menu del día" lunch specials for just a few dollars, which are a fantastic value. For a great culinary experience, check out the food court at Mercado del Río.

Medellin’s public transport, specifically the Metro, is a source of immense local pride, and for good reason. It’s the only one in Colombia, and it's impeccably clean, efficient, and safe. The integrated Metrocable system is genius. Internet is generally reliable and fast in the main tourist and residential areas, with plenty of cafes and coworking spots offering good Wi-Fi. Power outages are not a common concern. While modern, you'll notice the city is built on very steep hills, so walking can be a serious workout, and some sidewalks could use an upgrade.

You'll most likely fly into José María Córdova International Airport (MDE), which is located in the nearby city of Rionegro, about 30-45 minutes from Medellin thanks to the tunnel. The easiest and cheapest way into the city is via the official airport bus which drops you off at San Diego Mall for around 17,000-20,000 COP. Alternatively, a registered white airport taxi will have a set fare of approximately 110,000-150,000 COP (around $28-38 USD) to El Poblado. Ride-hailing apps like Uber or DiDi are also used; just be aware you might be asked to sit in the front seat as these services are not yet fully regulated, and drivers can be fined at the airport.

For certain areas, the Metro is the star of the show. To use it, you'll want to get a Cívica card. While you can get a personalized one for free at specific stations with your passport, the easiest option for short-term visitors is the "Eventual" or tourist card, which costs 10,900 COP to purchase and can be topped up at any station ticket window. A standard Metro ride in 2025 costs around 3,430 COP with a personalized card or 3,900 COP with the Eventual card. Note that the Metrocable line to Parque Arví (Line L) has a separate fare of approximately 13,700-14,000 COP per direction, which is paid in addition to your regular Metro fare. For areas not on the metro line, ride-hailing apps like Uber and DiDi are widely used, cheap, and generally considered safer than hailing a taxi on the street, especially at night. In neighborhoods like El Poblado and Laureles, you'll find them very walkable for exploring local cafes and parks, but be prepared for some steep hills in Poblado.

You need to be smart in Medellin. As of September 2025, the U.S. State Department maintains a "Level 3: Reconsider Travel" advisory for Colombia, citing crime and civil unrest. For tourists, the primary risk is street crime. The most important local advice is "No dar papaya," which literally means "don't give papaya," but translates to "don't make yourself an easy target." This means no flashing expensive phones or jewelry, not walking in deserted areas at night, and being aware of your surroundings. A serious risk to be aware of, especially for men on dating apps, is the use of scopolamine ("Devil's Breath") in "honey trap" scenarios, so be extremely cautious about meeting strangers and never leave your drink unattended. In 2023, there were 37 violent tourist deaths in Medellin, and in the first half of 2024 alone, 29 violent deaths of foreign tourists were recorded. Motorbike muggings can happen, so keep your phone out of sight when walking near a busy street. It's not about being scared; it's about being street-smart. Using ride-sharing apps at night and sticking to the main, well-lit areas provides a good sense of security.