13 Epic Things To Do In Medellin, Colombia [2026]
Everyone’s flocking to Medellin now for the reggaeton scene, digital nomad lifestyle, and that eternal spring weather. However, as an Afro-Colombian who has visited four times (including living there for a month and hosting my inaugural Afro-Medellin group trip), I’m here to show you that there’s so much more to Medellin than what’s trending on social media…unless it’s one of my videos on the city, of course.
I’ll be honest: despite being Colombian myself (my family is from Buenaventura and Cali), I went into my first trip to Medellín with low expectations. I assumed it would be very white and culturally bland, just another trendy destination without much substance. Boy, was I WRONG! What I discovered was a powerful, flourishing Afro-Colombian community that completely changed my perspective on the city. Many of the Afro-Colombians in Medellin are from El Chocó, bringing rich Pacific coast culture that adds incredible depth beyond the surface-level tourism.
This Medellin travel guide is for fellow travelers who want the full experience, not just the Instagram-worthy spots everyone else is posting. I’m talking cultural immersion, supporting Black-owned businesses, and experiences that celebrate our heritage while exploring one of South America’s most remarkable comeback stories.
- FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
- TABLE OF CONTENTS
Do Americans need a visa to go to Colombia?
U.S. citizens can enter Colombia without a visa for stays up to 90 days. Just make sure your passport is valid for at least six months from your entry date.
What language is spoken in Medellin?
Spanish is the official language. While some people in tourist areas speak English, Colombians are incredibly kind and patient with non-Spanish speakers. Learning a few basic phrases like “gracias” (thank you), “porfa” (please), “buenas” (good morning) is greatly appreciated and will earn you warm smiles.
When is the best time to visit Medellin?
Medellin is called the “City of Eternal Spring” for good reason—it maintains pleasant, spring-like weather year-round. Timing your visit around Afro-Colombian celebrations will give you access to community, authenticity, and cultural connections that simply aren’t available during regular tourist seasons.
If your goal is to truly immerse yourself in Afro-Colombian culture, plan your trip around these major events: Negrofest, Black Joy Parade, Black on Black diaspora party, or Noche Negra. Trust me, it’s worth rearranging your vacation days.
Is Medellin safe for Black travelers?
Absolutely! I’ve had a 10/10 experience as a Black traveler in Medellin. The city has a significant Afro-Colombian population, so you’ll see Black and brown faces everywhere. I felt welcomed and celebrated, especially within the Afro-Colombian community. The key safety rule is “no dar papaya” (don’t give opportunity)—basically, don’t be on your phone too much in public and stay aware of your surroundings.
Is Medellin safe in general?
Medellin has transformed dramatically over the past decades and is much safer than its reputation suggests. Most people who encounter problems in Medellin are often men (particularly “passport bros”) who are mistreating women or engaging in questionable behavior. Exercise normal travel precautions and you’ll be fine.
Is Uber available?
Yes, it is widely available but it’s technically illegal in Colombia. Don’t let that scare you, you can still use the app in Medellin but drivers will sometimes you to sit in the front as a workaround.
13 Best Things to Do in Medellin
Join the Black Joy Parade by Origin and Culture
The Black Joy Parade is a powerful celebration of Afro-Colombian culture and resistance. Organized by Origin and Culture, since 2019, this event has connected the Black diaspora in Medellín to celebrate our collective heritage through music and dance. You’ll get to try viche, an ancestral Afro-Pacific Colombian alcohol made of sugarcane, shop a handful of Afro-Colombian-owned brands, and get access to a directory of Black owned businesses in Medellín.
Experience Negrofest – Medellin’s Biggest Black Cultural Celebration
Negrofest is the biggest celebration of Black Colombian culture through music, fashion, food, and art in Medellin. This three-day festival, typically held in May, features fashion shows showcasing all Afro-Colombian designers and concerts with the hottest MCs in town. You’ll get to try Viche (traditional Afro-Colombian alcohol made from sugarcane), indulge in classic Pacific coast meals, and shop from tons of Afro-Colombian-owned brands. Created in 2017, this festival was born out of a need to amplify Black voices in a city that often ignores them, to put us front and center.
It literally felt like Howard Homecoming! People unapologetically owning their Blackness. Outfits on fire. Natural hair everywhere (locs, fros, braids) in all their glory. And the turn-up was absolutely real.
Take the Afro-Comuna 13 Street Food and Art Tour
Comuna 13 is a testament to the power of culture and resilience. This area, once plagued by violence, has transformed itself into a vibrant community through hip-hop culture, art, and community organizing and you can learn all about this transformation through the art. You’ll also find dance groups performing to Ritmo Exótico, a genre created in El Chocó, connecting you to Pacific coast Afro-Colombian culture right in Medellin’s streets.
The Afro-focused tour ensures you understand the Black community’s role in this transformation while supporting local Afro-Colombian guides and businesses.
*Book: Afro-Comuna 13 Art Tour
Learn Traditional Chirimía Dance with a Live Band
Chirimía is a traditional Afro-Colombian music and dance style from the Pacific coast. Taking a dance class with live musicians playing traditional instruments was one of my most memorable cultural experiences in Medellín.
The energy is infectious, the movements tell stories of our ancestors, and you’ll gain a deeper appreciation for how Afro-Colombian culture has preserved and evolved over generations. Plus, you’ll definitely work up a sweat! You can book this through the Origin and Culture team.
Take an Earring Making Class by Afrock
Support Afro-Colombian entrepreneurship while learning traditional jewelry-making techniques. Afrock offers hands-on workshops where you create your own earrings using traditional materials and designs inspired by African and Afro-Colombian aesthetics. It’s a perfect way to take home something meaningful while supporting Black-owned businesses. Follow them on IG to see when the next class is: @afrockjewelry.
Day Trip to Guatapé
This colorful lakeside town, about two hours from Medellín, is famous for its lakeside views and the massive El Peñón rock you can climb for panoramic views. Climbing to the top of the rock is a workout!
Try Exotic Fruits
Seriously, Colombia’s fruit game is unmatched. Colombia has fruits you’ve never heard of and flavors that will blow your mind. Take a guided exotic fruit tour or explore local markets to try: lulo, granadilla, uchuva, gulupa, and so much more.
Experience the Afro-Medellin City History Walking Tour
This walking tour opened my eyes to Afro-Colombian contributions to Medellin’s development that often go unrecognized in mainstream tourism. You’ll learn about important historical figures, explore neighborhoods with a strong Afro-Colombian presence, and gain insight into how Black Colombians have shaped the city’s culture, cuisine, and identity.
Visit Plaza Botero and Downtown Medellin
Fernando Botero’s iconic sculptures adorn this downtown plaza, making it a great starting point for exploring the historic center. The area around Plaza Botero includes museums and government buildings and provides a glimpse into Medellín’s traditional architecture and urban planning.
Take a Coffee Tour
Colombia produces some of the world’s best coffee, and you can’t leave without understanding why. Take a half-day coffee tour to learn about the growing process, try different varieties, and support local coffee farmers.
Many tours include transportation from the city and visits to traditional coffee farms where you can see the entire process from bean to cup.
Take a Bike Tour Through the City
Medellin is surprisingly bike-friendly with dedicated lanes and bike-sharing programs. A guided bike tour takes you through different neighborhoods, past street art, and to viewpoints you might miss on foot.
Sunday mornings are particularly great for cycling when certain streets close to cars for “Ciclovía.”
Go Paragliding Over the Aburrá Valley
The views of Medellín from above are absolutely stunning. It’s an adrenaline rush with some of the most beautiful scenery you’ll ever see. Most operators provide transportation from Poblado and include photos/videos of your flight for an additional cost.
FYI: This has a weight limit of 260 lbs, so it’s not plus-size friendly.
Where to Stay in Medellin
For first-time visitors, I recommend staying in El Poblado. This is where the majority of tourist activities, restaurants, and nightlife are concentrated. The area has an insane number of amazing hotels for less than $200 per night. For my in-depth reviews, read Best Hotels In Medellin.
Siessta: Best views in the city. Wake up to stunning valley vistas that make your morning coffee taste even better.
Selvario36: Perfect for a grown and sexy vibe. Sophisticated atmosphere with excellent service and design.
Hashtag98: Well-located and budget-friendly without sacrificing quality. Great value for money.
Los Patios: My hostel recommendation for budget travelers or those wanting to meet other travelers.
Safety tip: Regardless of where you stay, research the specific street and surrounding blocks. In Medellin, safety can vary dramatically from one street to the next, even in good neighborhoods.
Black-Owned Restaurants in Medellin
Supporting Black-owned businesses is crucial, and Medellín has incredible Afro-Colombian restaurants that serve authentic Pacific coast cuisine:
Achiota Tradicional
Specializing in traditional Pacific coast dishes with bold flavors and fresh ingredients. Their seafood preparations showcase the culinary traditions of El Chocó and the Pacific coast.
Mi Palenque
Named after the historical communities of escaped enslaved people, this restaurant celebrates Afro-Colombian culinary heritage with traditional recipes passed down through generations.
El Mezzon de la 55
A local favorite serving comfort food with Afro-Colombian influences. Perfect for trying traditional stews and preparations you won’t find in mainstream Colombian restaurants.
Andaluf
Contemporary takes on traditional Afro-Colombian dishes, beautifully presented and full of flavor.
My Other Favorite Restaurants
El Altar: The best tacos in Medellin! The Provenza location specifically has great vibes and consistently excellent food.
Mamacistas: Casual spot with great Colombian comfort food and friendly service.
Hit or Miss Options
El Botánico: Beautiful setting but food quality can be inconsistent.
Relato: Trendy spot that sometimes prioritizes ambiance over flavor consistency.
Safety Tips for Medellin
The golden rule: “No dar papaya” – don’t give opportunity. This means:
- Don’t be on your phone constantly while walking
- Stay aware of your surroundings
- Don’t flash expensive jewelry or electronics
- Use common sense about where you go and when
Most safety issues in Medellin happen to people who aren’t following basic travel precautions or who are engaging in questionable behavior.
Medellin Rating
After four visits and living there for a month, here’s my honest assessment:
Culture (★★★★★) The Afro-Colombian cultural scene is incredible and often overlooked. The transformation story of neighborhoods like Comuna 13 is inspiring, and the preservation of Pacific coast traditions within the city is beautiful.
Unique Activities (★★★★½) From Negrofest to traditional dance classes to the Comuna 13 transformation story, Medellin offers cultural experiences you won’t find anywhere else.
Food (★★★★) If you aren’t careful, the food in Medellin can be very bland. To ensure you eat good make sure to visit the Afro-Colombian restaurants, which are phenomenal!
Weather (★★★★★) Eternal spring is not an exaggeration. Perfect weather year-round.
Price (★★★★★) Incredibly affordable coming from the U.S. dollar.
Accommodations (★★★★) Excellent options at every price point, especially in Poblado.
Safety as a Black Traveler (★★★★★) I felt completely welcomed and celebrated. The strong Afro-Colombian community creates a sense of belonging. I’m also Colombian so my perspective may be a bit bias.
Overall Experience (★★★★★) Medellin completely exceeded my expectations and changed my perspective on Colombia. It’s become one of my favorite cities in Latin America.
Overall Score: 4.8 out of 5 Stars
Watch my “Living in Medellin” Vlog Series
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