Things to do in Medellin

Medellin · 996m from downtown

11 reviews

Parque de los Pies Descalzos is a Zen-inspired urban green space themed around "bare feet," funded by the local public utility company EPM and built between 1998–2000. The way to enjoy it is right in the name: take off your shoes and socks, and let your feet touch the grass, fine sand, and flowing water. The park features several areas specifically designed for bare feet, each with its own character: the Zen garden and bamboo groves offer shade; the sand playground is covered with soft, fine sand where children chase each other and play in the water barefoot; the shallow pools and fountains are designed for foot soaking. Walking barefoot through the bamboo groves, sand, grass, and pools, the changing sensations under your feet are what make this park a unique experience compared to ordinary city parks. The park is adjacent to the Medellín Metropolitan Theater and is connected to the EPM Interactive Science Museum, so you can include visiting the exhibits and the barefoot experience in the same itinerary. Since its completion, it has been an open space for citizens to relax, play, and participate in public activities.

No. 3 of Night Attractions in Colombia

Plaza Mayor, Medellín

4.8

Medellin · 646m from downtown

6 reviews

The Plaza Mayor, Medellín in downtown Medellin is beautiful, not far from the Convention Center. This modernist complex echoes local traditions with its Antioquia red brick exterior, and its wavy roof and geometric hollow structure form a light and shadow theater. As an important conference center in South America, its five exhibition halls are cleverly integrated into the urban texture, and the central open-air square often hosts international book fairs and flower festival parades. The "Urban Balcony" observation deck designed by architect Laurentino Gutiérrez overlooks the Abra Valley, and the glass curtain wall reflects the clouds of the Andes Mountains. The internal art gallery displays replicas of Fernando Botero's sculptures, and the spiral staircase is inlaid with mosaic murals created by local artists. The weekend handicraft market can find embroidery and jadeite from coffee farming areas. The night light show turns the building into a giant kaleidoscope, accompanied by street performers' vallenato traditional music performances. The surrounding area is within walking distance to the Museum of Modern Art and the bohemian El Poblado neighborhood.

Plaza Botero - Medellín, Antioquia

Medellin · 1.9 km from downtown

Plaza Botero - Medellín, Antioquia is located in the center of Medellin, Colombia. It is a public square full of art and is famous for displaying the sculptures of Fernando Botero, a well-known Colombian artist. There are more than 20 sculptures in Botero's unique style on display in the square, which attract tourists with their exaggerated postures and humorous expressions. Each sculpture tells a different story, and visitors can walk freely here and appreciate these artistic masterpieces up close. Plaza Botero - Medellín, Antioquia is not only a paradise for art lovers, but also a window to understand Colombian culture. There are many important cultural facilities around the square. After visiting the square, tourists can drop by the nearby museums to further explore the local art and culture. The transportation near the square is convenient, and the subway and bus lines extend in all directions, making it easy for tourists to reach. Visitors are advised to visit during the day to better appreciate the sculpture details and the surrounding city scenery.

No. 12 of Best Things to Do in Colombia

Jardin Botanico Medellin

Medellin · 3.9 km from downtown

4.5/5

4 reviews

Jardin Botanico Medellin is a botanical garden in Medellin, Colombia, located approx. 5 km south of the city center. Jardin Botanico Medellin has a rich collection of plants, including various species from Colombia and other countries. It features a wide variety of flowers, trees, herbs, and aquatic plants, some of which are endangered species listed on the international endangered species list. In addition to its plant resources, it also houses several pavilions and museums that showcase Colombia's natural and cultural heritage. Visitors can learn about Colombia's plants, animals, geography, and history here.

Sabaneta Park

Sabaneta · 10.4 km from Medellin

1 reviews

This is a quiet city park with lush trees and exquisite buildings. It is a quiet environment and an ideal place to experience local culture and relax.

Comuna 13

Medellin · 5.4 km from downtown

Comuna 13 in Medellin was once one of the most dangerous slums in Colombia, known for gang conflicts and government military operations. During the 1980s and 1990s, it was controlled by drug cartels, guerrillas, and paramilitary groups, with frequent violence and residents living in fear. Since the 2000s, local youth have reshaped the community's image through art forms such as graffiti, rap, and street dance, covering bullet-riddled walls with color and telling stories of resistance and hope. The government also intervened with renovations, building escalators and cable cars to improve transportation and make this hillside slum more accessible. Today, Comuna 13 has become one of the most popular attractions in Medellin. Visitors can take a graffiti tour, learn about the neighborhood's history with a guide, admire street art, and sample local snacks. The former battlefield is now filled with music, dance, and murals, and is hailed as an "open-air museum" that showcases the community's resilience. The transformation of Comuna 13 proves that even the darkest places can be reborn through art and unity.

Atanasio Girardot Sports Complex

Medellin · 2.9 km from downtown

The Atanasio Girardot Sports Center is located in Medellín, Colombia, and is the city's main venue for sports and cultural events. Known for its multi-functionality, it has a football stadium that can accommodate more than 40,000 spectators and is the home ground of the local professional football club. The center also has a track and field stadium, swimming pool, basketball hall and tennis courts, suitable for hosting various sports events. In terms of transportation, the area around the sports center is very convenient and visitors can easily reach it via subway and public bus. The nearby Lores Park and Medellin Riverwalk are ideal places for a leisurely stroll. There are also many restaurants and cafes nearby where visitors can taste local cuisine after watching the game. Every year, it hosts not only important sporting events, but also concerts and cultural events that attract large audiences. For visitors, the Atanasio Girardot Sports Center is a great place to experience the energy and excitement of Medellín.

Parques del Rio

Medellin · 981m from downtown

The River Park in Medellín, the capital of Antioquia Department in Colombia, is a public space that integrates the city center with natural elements. Originally a covered urban river, it was transformed into a linear green space system that connects pedestrian paths, leisure squares and small ecological wetlands. The main body of the park consists of multiple open landscapes, including an open-air cultural exhibition area, a children's activity area and a stepped viewing platform. Some areas retain industrial relics as landscape installations. The shallow water area design allows citizens to interact with the water, and the vegetation along the coast is mainly local trees, forming a shaded corridor. The night lighting system takes into account both functionality and artistry, projecting light and shadow to enhance the sense of spatial hierarchy. As a representative project of Medellín's urban renewal, the park redefines the relationship between the river and the city, showing the tropical mountain city's exploration of a balance between ecological restoration and community vitality, and has become a gathering place for citizens' daily leisure and small cultural activities.

Parque de El Poblado

Medellin · 2.9 km from downtown

Located in Medellín, Antioquia Department, Colombia, Parque de El Poblado is an urban park full of vitality and cultural atmosphere. As a popular gathering place for local residents and tourists, it provides an ideal environment for relaxation and socializing. The park is surrounded by trees and winding trails, which are suitable for walking and enjoying nature. Various cultural events and markets are often held in the park, showcasing local arts and handicrafts, providing visitors with an opportunity to learn about the culture of Medellín. The surrounding cafes and restaurants provide visitors with a rich choice of food and are a good place to experience local flavors. Parque de El Poblado is not only a place to relax, but also a window to experience the city life of Medellín. Whether you want to enjoy a quiet time or participate in lively activities, this place can meet the needs of different tourists.

Medellin · 9.4 km from downtown

Parque Arvi

4.4

Parque Arvi is a vast ecological nature reserve that blends rich natural landscapes and cultural history, making it one of Medellín's most popular tourist destinations. Visitors can easily reach the park via the city's cable car system. As the cable car slowly rises, they can overlook the valley and the panoramic view of the city from a high altitude. The park has many hiking trails that pass through the lush forest, where visitors can enjoy the tranquil natural environment. In addition, Parque Arvi has preserved some pre-Colombian architectural remains, such as stone roads and canals, for visitors to visit and learn about the local history and culture. At the entrance of the park, there is a handicraft market where visitors can buy local handicrafts and souvenirs and experience the local cultural characteristics.

Medellin · 1.7 km from downtown

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Free things to do in Medellin

Parque de los Pies Descalzos

5.5

Medellin · 996m from downtown

11 reviews

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