With two days to spend in Medellin, Colombia’s City of Eternal Spring, you’ll have enough time to explore the city’s monuments and museums, learn about its dark history with Pablo Escobar, and head into the surrounding hills to soak up the region’s natural beauty. Here are some tips for how to spend the ultimate 48 hours in Medellin.
Kick off your time in the capital of Antioquia with a city sightseeing tour by car, on foot, or by bike. Learn about the city’s colorful history as you see the statues of Plaza Botero, gaze at the street art of Comuna 13, and visit some of the sites associated with the notorious drug kingpin Pablo Escobar.
Take some time this afternoon to explore one of the city’s excellent museums. Learn about the art of Fernando Botero at the Museum of Modern Art, stroll the manicured gardens of the Castillo Museum, or take a deep dive into Colombian history at the Museum of Antioquia. Visit alone or with a local guide for added insight into what you’re seeing.
All that sightseeing has likely worked up an appetite. Unwind and refuel this evening over dinner in a local Medellin home with a Colombian family. Gain insight into the day-to-day life of modern paisas (Medellin residents) while feasting on traditional bandeja paisa (a dish made with beans, black pudding, chorizo, and fried egg).
Get an early start this morning for a day of adventure and fresh air. Explore the city’s natural surroundings on a leisurely horseback ride, take an ATV tour of the valleys and mountainsides, or get above it all with a paragliding flight over the city for a bird’s-eye view.
Back in town, use this afternoon to explore the culinary landscape of the city. Learn about Colombia’s coffee heritage during a tasting experience and brewing workshop, tour a local market to sample exotic fruits, or get hands-on during a cooking class.
It would be a shame to leave Medellin without experiencing its thriving nightlife. Polish off your trip with the ultimate night out on the town. Join a local for a Medellin bar crawl customized to your interests, from sipping cocktails in El Poblado to salsa dancing in the Zona Rosa.