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Medellin

Medellin travel guide

City in Colombia

Things to do48 experiences
Best time to visitAll year round
Nearest airportEOH · 3 mi from centre
Time zoneUTC−5
Population2,529,403

About Medellin

Medellín, officially the Special District of Science, Technology and Innovation of Medellín, is the capital of the department of Antioquia, and the second-largest city in Colombia after Bogotá. It is located in the Aburrá Valley, a central region of the Andes Mountains, in northwestern South America. The city's population was 2,427,129 at the 2018 census. The metro area of Medellín is the second-largest urban agglomeration in Colombia in terms of population and economy, with more than 4 million people.

Things to do in Medellin by type

48 tours, tickets and experiences across 9 categories. Pick a type to see what is available for your dates.

How long
  • 3-6 hours 17
  • Over 6 hours 16
  • 1-3 hours 4
  • Flexible 1
Good for
  • Families 7
  • Couples 7
  • Senior 7
  • Youth 7
Ways to go
  • Private 8
  • Small group 2
  • Wheelchair accessible 1
Browse all things to do in Medellin

Top experiences in Medellin

Tours, tickets and experiences you can book with Destina Holidays, from 48 available.

See all things to do in Medellin

Where to stay in Medellin

Popular hotels in Medellin, out of 377 properties you can book.

See all hotels in Medellin

Best time to visit Medellin

Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Medellin is all year round, when average daytime highs are around 79–83°F and rain falls on about 22 days a month.

MonthTemperature (°F)Rain days
Jan 61° – 82° 13
Feb 62° – 80° 24
Mar 62° – 83° 24
Apr 63° – 81° 24
May 62° – 80° 26
Jun 62° – 80° 25
Jul 61° – 82° 17
Aug 61° – 81° 21
Sep 62° – 82° 20
Oct 62° – 80° 26
Nov 61° – 79° 27
Dec 62° – 80° 20

Average daily low and high temperatures and days with at least 1 mm of rain, from recent weather records. Highlighted months are the most comfortable for sightseeing.

Know before you go

Currency
Colombian peso (COP)1 US dollar ≈ $3,174
Language
Spanish
Calling code
+57
Driving
On the right
Time zone
America/BogotaUTC−5
Capital
Bogotá

Upcoming public holidays in Colombia

  • Independence of CartagenaIndependencia de Cartagena
  • Immaculate ConceptionLa Inmaculada Concepción
  • Christmas DayNavidad
  • New Year's DayAño Nuevo
  • EpiphanyDía de los Reyes Magos
  • Saint Joseph's DayDía de San José

Banks, offices and some attractions may close on public holidays, and flights and hotels often fill up early around them.

Getting to Medellin

These are the airports closest to central Medellin. Compare fares into each one, as a slightly longer transfer can sometimes mean a much cheaper flight.

  • EOH Medellín-E. Olaya Herrera3 mi (4 km) from the city centre
  • MDE José María Córdova International Airport11 mi (18 km) from the city centre
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Getting around Medellin

Uber and Cabify serve the city. Rideshare apps are officially illegal in the country but appear to be widely used. However, some drivers may be reluctant to travel to places where they may be harassed by police (e.g. bus stations, major tourist areas, the airport terminal).

By public transport

Moovit and Google Maps find you a way through the city. Moovit has more local bus lines included.

Metro and Metroplus

Timetables: Monday through Saturday from 4:30AM to 11PM. Sundays and holidays from 5AM to 10PM

Other city buses

If you want to go around downtown or neighborhoods near the downtown area without using Taxis, try using the Circular Coonatra. There are various routes, marked on the front and back of the busses. These require exact change.

Medellin travel FAQ

When is the best time to visit Medellin?

Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Medellin is all year round, when average daytime highs are around 79–83°F and rain falls on about 22 days a month.

What is the weather like in Medellin?

March is usually the warmest month in Medellin, with average highs of 83°F (28°C). November is the coolest, with average lows of 61°F (16°C). The wettest month is typically May, with about 290 mm of rain.

Which airport is closest to Medellin?

Medellín-E. Olaya Herrera (EOH) is the closest airport, about 3 miles (4 km) from the centre of Medellin. Other nearby airports include José María Córdova International Airport (MDE, 11 mi).

What currency is used in Medellin?

Medellin uses the Colombian peso (COP). At the latest exchange rate, 1 US dollar ≈ $3,174.

What time zone is Medellin in?

Medellin uses the America/Bogota time zone (currently UTC−5). Remember to check for daylight saving changes when planning connecting flights.

How do I get around Medellin?

Uber and Cabify serve the city. Rideshare apps are officially illegal in the country but appear to be widely used. However, some drivers may be reluctant to travel to places where they may be harassed by police (e.g. bus stations, major tourist areas, the airport terminal).

What are the top things to do in Medellin?

Popular experiences you can book in Medellin include Guatape and El Peñol - Private Tour, Comuna 13 and Aurora Cable Car - Half-Day Tour and Explore Guatapé and Peñol Rock - Full-Day Tour. Destina Holidays offers 48 tours and activities here.

What kinds of tours and activities can I book in Medellin?

The most popular types of experiences in Medellin are day trips & excursions (24), city tours (22), art & culture (18) and tickets & attraction passes (4). Filter by type when you search to compare prices and availability for your dates.

Where should I stay in Medellin?

Popular areas for hotels in Medellin include Medellin. Well-reviewed options include NH Collection Medellín Royal and Porton Medellin.

How many hotels can I book in Medellin?

Destina Holidays currently lists 377 properties in and around Medellin, from budget stays to luxury hotels. Search your dates to see live prices and availability.