Medellin is a breathtaking city! Its captivating culture, rich history, thrilling adventures, and fantastic shopping opportunities make it a paradise for explorers like me. Even with seven unforgettable days spent there, I barely scratched the surface of all the activities on my list. Let me share my exhilarating guide to help you prepare for your own unforgettable journey to this intriguing city.
Medellin
Here are a few basic tips to get started:
- TIGO is the best service provider in terms of connectivity, so I suggest getting a SIM card at the airport.
- The exchange rate for EURO is higher than USD and the rates change multiple times a day. Suggested is to exchange money at one of the Cambio’s in the supermarkets as they offer higher exchange rates.
- Check the weather before going so you can pack accordingly! I went there in June and temperatures were as low as 18 degrees Celsius.
- Prepare for a tiring and fairly long travel day as you go through Panama to get to Medellin, with a layover in Panama.
- Download a translator app if you don’t speak Spanish because people do not speak English. The app I downloaded was DEEPL as it has a more accurate translation than Google translate.
- UBER is your best friend! It’s the cheapest taxi option in Medellin. There is also a yellow taxi service called Coopebombas that you can get easier and anywhere. However it is slightly pricier than UBER.
- Don’t take hotel taxi services as they are WAY pricier.
As there is a lot to do & a lot to eat in and around Medellin, you might need some help navigating all the options. Here is my short list to get you started:
- Bellisario (Provenza)
- Dos Santos (Provenza area)
- El Botanico (Provenza area)
- Santafe Mall
- El Tesoro Mall
- Provenza: a walking street with a lot of restaurant and entertainment options
- Comuna 13 tour with Zippy tours
- Guatape tour with GIGI tours
- Rio Claro tour with Viajes Maxi Tours
- Hacienda Napoles tour with Viajes Maxi Tours
- Parque Lleras
- Parque de el poblado
I stayed at the Intercontinental Medellin Hotel and definitely recommend it. The service and the property are up to standards and the staff is very friendly and helpful (bonus points: they speak English too). The food is not the best I’ve had but it’s good and they have a VERY extensive breakfast with a mix of local and international food options.
If you’d like to stay closer to the center of Medellin, there are a number of boutique hotels and Airbnb’s to choose from. One of the boutique hotels that captured my attention was The Click Clack Hotel.
Definitely check Tripadvisor, Airbnb and Expedia for more places to stay ranging from budget friendly to luxury.
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