Discover Medellin, the city of transformation with Pablo Ospina
Welcome to Medellín, the city of eternal spring. In this episode, we embark on an exciting tour led by Pablo, a passionate local guide who will take us on a fascinating journey through the city of transformation.
At Go and Travel, we love connecting with you through people like Pablo, who love their city and are eager to share it with you.
Get ready to explore the culture, history and beauty of Medellín as Pablo shows us the hidden treasures and the most impressive places this city has to offer. Join us on this unforgettable adventure and discover why Medellín, the city of transformation, has become one of the most exciting destinations in Colombia!
Do you want to get the guide to get to know Medellín in 3 days? click here. 👈🏼
Brief introduction to Medellín
Medellín, capital of the department of Antioquia in Colombia, is much more than a city; it is a center of innovation, culture and resilience. Known as "the city of eternal spring" for its year-round pleasant climate, Medellín has undergone a remarkable transformation in recent decades.
Surrounded by green mountains and crossed by the Medellín River, this dynamic city is home to a vibrant and welcoming population. Colombia's second most populous city after Bogotá, it has an estimated population of around 2.5 million inhabitants in its metropolitan area.
Although it had a past marked by violence and drug trafficking, Medellín has been reborn as a symbol of progress and hope. Today, Medellín is recognized for its innovative architecture, modern public transportation system, and thriving cultural scene.
From its world-class museums to its impressive parks and plazas, Medellín offers a unique experience that combines the traditional with the contemporary.
Three Days in Medellín: Urban Adventure Itinerary
Day 1.- Tour of the downtown area
- Museo Casa de la Memoria: you can explore permanent and temporary exhibits that tell the story of Colombia from different perspectives, including moving testimonies, interactive installations and educational events that promote reflection and dialogue on issues of memory and reconciliation.
- Avenida de la Playa in Medellín is known for being a pedestrian street full of clothing stores, restaurants, cafes and bars, offering a vibrant nightlife experience and a variety of options to enjoy urban life.
- Calle Junín in Medellín, you can find a variety of fashion stores, art galleries, cozy cafes and restaurants offering local and international cuisine. It is also a perfect place to observe the daily life of the city and enjoy the lively atmosphere of the urban center.
- Plaza Botero: Where you can admire the impressive sculptures of the famous artist Fernando Botero. Stroll around the square and take pictures with the monumental works of art.
- Museo de Antioquia: Located in the same square. Explore the collections of Colombian and contemporary art, as well as temporary exhibitions.
- Carabobo commercial passage that connects the museum of Antioquia and Plaza Botero with the administrative part of the city, called Alpujarra. It is a pedestrian street full of stores, restaurants and street vendors. Here you can buy souvenirs, handicrafts and taste some local delicacies.
- Medellin's Plaza de las Luces you will find the main monument, illuminated with changing colors, the Parque Biblioteca de España, a cultural and educational space, and the Palacio de la Cultura Rafael Uribe Uribe, where cultural events and art exhibitions are held.
- Parque Berrío: Walk through Parque Berrío, another emblematic spot in downtown Medellín. Here you will find the Metropolitan Basilica, the Rafael Uribe Uribe Uribe Palace of Culture and the Parque Berrío metro station.
Day 2.- Tour of the transformation, the Metro, the Metrocable and Comuna 13
Metro and Metrocable of Medellin: it is one of the most modern transportation systems in Latin America. Take a tour to understand the dimension of the city, go up to the viewpoints with the metrocable, sit on a terrace enjoying fresh fruit or a salpicón to buy in the different street stalls. Enjoy the ride and observe the efficiency and cleanliness of the system as you move around the city.
Comuna 13: Medellín has undergone an urban and social renaissance, a reflection of which is Comuna 13. A neighborhood that has undergone an impressive transformation in recent years. Marked as a place of violence and danger, it has changed through bringing together young people who belonged to gangs that controlled the neighborhood, who belonged to guerrillas who understand that working from a cultural point of view they can get a better life, they can afford to dream again.
As a vehicular tool they use street art: graffiti, rap, being DJ's, etc. The best way to get to know it is by joining a guided tour, in Go and Travel, Pablo is our best guide. Click here to book a tour. 👈🏼
Main areas of Medellín
The constantly evolving and growing city is made up of numerous neighborhoods that reflect its cultural and socioeconomic diversity. Some of the best known neighborhoods in Medellín are:
- Downtown: It is the historical and commercial heart of the city, where Plaza Botero, Berrío Park and the Metropolitan Cathedral are located.
- El Poblado: Considered one of the most exclusive neighborhoods in the city, El Poblado is home to a large number of restaurants, bars, nightclubs and shopping malls. It is also an important financial and business center.
- La Candelaria: Located in the center of Medellín, La Candelaria is the historical and cultural heart of the city. Here you will find most of the government buildings, churches, museums and the famous Plaza Botero.
- Envigado: Although not technically part of Medellín, Envigado is an adjacent municipality very close to the city. It is known for its tranquil atmosphere, colonial architecture and nightlife.
- Laureles: This residential neighborhood is known for its large green areas, parks and tree-lined avenues. It is a popular place to live among Medellín's middle class and has a variety of restaurants and cafés.
- Belén: Another residential neighborhood with a quiet atmosphere and good services. Here you will find the Parque de las Luces, among other points of interest.
- Stadium: It is a residential area near the Atanasio Girardot Stadium, where you can also find restaurants and entertainment options.
Our gastronomic selection of Medellín
Here is our selection of the best restaurants in Medellín, because the best way to get to know a country is to delve into its cuisines and savor its local and international delicacies."
- La Hacienda: Immerse yourself in authentic Antioquian cuisine at La Hacienda, where the aroma of the bandeja paisa invites you to enjoy a traditional culinary experience in a rustic and cozy atmosphere.
- Gato Viejo: with its bohemian and eclectic decoration, Gato Viejo surprises you with an international gastronomic proposal, from exquisite dishes to handcrafted cocktails, all framed in an atmosphere full of art and creativity.
- Donde Darío: in the heart of Medellín, offers a culinary journey with its seafood casserole, an emblematic dish that combines the freshness of the sea with tropical flavors in a warm and familiar atmosphere.
- Mondongos: Antioquian culinary tradition comes to life with its famous mondongo platter, a dish that delights palates with its unique and authentic flavor, accompanied by the typical hospitality of the region.
- Ozzy: fuses Japanese cuisine with Colombian ingredients in a modern and sophisticated atmosphere. From ceviches to sushi rolls, each bite is an explosion of flavors that transports you to a unique gastronomic experience.
- El Cielo: Colombian haute cuisine comes to life with its tasting menu, where each dish is a masterpiece that awakens the senses and invites you to discover new flavors and textures in an elegant and refined atmosphere.
- La Matriarca: the authentic flavors of the region are combined with the warmth and hospitality of a Colombian home, offering dishes such as baked overbarriga and sancocho de gallina that make you feel at home.
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