{"id":860931,"date":"2024-12-08T12:17:00","date_gmt":"2024-12-08T10:17:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/tourism.com.de\/?p=860931"},"modified":"2025-01-19T19:22:32","modified_gmt":"2025-01-19T17:22:32","slug":"medellin-from-dangerous-past-to-tourism-future","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/tourism.com.de\/en\/medellin-from-dangerous-past-to-tourism-future\/","title":{"rendered":"\ud83c\udde8\ud83c\uddf4 Medellin: from dangerous past to tourism future"},"content":{"rendered":"

Medellin, Colombia, was once considered one of the most dangerous places in the world. The cartel of drug lord Pablo Escobar was in charge here, and shootouts on the streets were commonplace. Now it is a “city of eternal spring”, in which skyscrapers<\/a> are combined with colorful villages and verdant mountains. And delicious coffee accompanied by fiery salsa rhythms fills your stay in Colombia with energy.<\/p>\n

How to see the city?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Walking tour<\/a><\/strong><\/h3>\n

You can wander around Medellin on your own, but to find out its history and secrets, as in any other point on the map, it is better to find a guide. Moreover, you don\u2019t need a lot of money to explore the city.<\/p>\n

One of the best free walking tours in Latin America regularly takes place here. It lasts about four hours, during which you can learn about the past and present of Medellin. The guide<\/a> will show you all the best places in the city center that tourists are unlikely to discover on their own. You need to book the tour<\/a> a day in advance. The recommended tip size is $10-15.<\/p>\n

Bike tour<\/strong><\/h3>\n

\"Medellin<\/a><\/p>\n

A Medellin bike tour is the perfect way to explore different areas of the city. You can rent a bike<\/a> yourself or book a half-day bike ride with an English-speaking guide.<\/p>\n

The tour<\/a> will cover all the main attractions<\/a> of the city, such as Botero<\/a> Square, the Museum of Memory, the Palace of Culture and the local park. From the more expensive area with trendy restaurants, head to the poorer ones, full of graffiti and street food stalls.<\/p>\n

You don't have to pedal – the bikes are electric. And this tour<\/a> costs only $26.<\/p>\n

What to see<\/a>? <\/strong><\/h2>\n

El Poblado<\/strong><\/h3>\n

\"Medellin<\/a><\/p>\n

El Poblado is a beautiful area full of green parks, rivers and stylish industrial buildings covered with plants. The area is one of the richest in the city and there are many tourists and foreigners here. Because of this, the place loses its authenticity, but it has the best restaurants in the city and is as safe as possible. The entire area can be walked around in 20 minutes.<\/p>\n

Plaza Botero<\/strong><\/h3>\n

\"Medellin<\/a><\/p>\n

The square is located in the city center and is known as one of the main attractions of the city<\/a>. This is also a place where you can see the most ancient buildings<\/a>. After all, there is an open-air sculpture exhibition here. 23 bronze sculptures in the form of body parts with unusual proportions were created by the famous Colombian artist Botero. The square is named after him.<\/p>\n

Palace of Culture Rafael Uribe<\/strong><\/h3>\n

\"Medellin<\/a><\/p>\n

After viewing the sculptures in Botero Square, head to the Palace of Culture. Wander through its beautiful inner garden. The castle itself is considered a national monument, the rooms and halls of which can be explored absolutely free.<\/p>\n

Commune 13<\/strong><\/h3>\n

\"Medellin<\/a><\/p>\n

For a long time, Commune 13 was considered one of the most dangerous places in the city, but everything has changed. The area is now renowned for its beautiful graffiti, city views and lively atmosphere. There are many creative people here: dancers, rappers, artists and those who devote their lives to art.\u00a0<\/p>\n

The commune is located on hilly terrain. You can get to its top by escalator or cable car, for the construction of which the government demolished many residential buildings. Now this is also a part of history that needs to be remembered while enjoying the views from the funicular.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Interesting fact: the houses in the Commune are not painted. This is due to the fact that after painting the construction will be considered complete. This means the owner will have to pay tax.<\/p>\n

Botanical Garden Jardin Botanico<\/strong><\/h3>\n

\"Medellin<\/a><\/p>\n

One of the main attractions in Medellin and a huge oasis of calm in the middle of a busy metropolis. There are more than 4.5 thousand species of flowers and about 140 different species of birds. There is also a Butterfly Garden, where you can learn more about each species and examine their colorful wings.\u00a0<\/p>\n

A huge wooden structure in the middle of the main garden creates shade in which to rest after a long walk. Entrance to the botanical garden is free.<\/p>\n

Museums<\/a><\/strong><\/h3>\n

Medellin has many museums where you can learn interesting facts<\/a> about the culture and history of Colombia. Here are the ones worth visiting:<\/p>\n

\"Medellin<\/a><\/p>\n