Must-Not-Miss Activities in Medellín: For Backpacker’s & Explorers
- Jack Thompson
- Mar 15
- 7 min read
Welcome to Medellín, here are the 'must not miss' activities in Medellín for those adventuring to the city of eternal spring.
Once known for its turbulent past, Medellín has transformed into one of South America’s most exciting backpacker destinations. Nestled in the Aburrá Valley, this thriving metropolis is packed with culture, adventure, nightlife, and stunning landscapes. With a growing backpacker community, world-class hostels, and a vibrant local scene, Medellín has become an unmissable stop on any Colombia itinerary.
Medellín is working hard to reinvent its image, moving away from the dark history associated with Narcos and Pablo Escobar, and towards a city of innovation, resilience, and culture. While Narcos tourism exists, it’s important to respect local perspectives and focus on what locals want to be known for; vibrant neighbourhoods, breathtaking landscapes, and an energetic creative scene. For that reason, if you do want to take a Narcos tour, I would ask you to balance it with a Comuna 13 arts tour, and personally I honestly think you should do the arts and graffiti tour anyway as its truly awesome (more below).
-- The Medellin Must-Do List --
1️⃣ Explore Comuna 13 – Medellín’s Most Vibrant Neighbourhood
Comuna 13 Graffiti & Arts Tour
Once one of the most dangerous areas in Medellín, Comuna 13 has transformed into a living, breathing work of art. What was once a conflict zone is now a hub of street art, music, dance, and community spirit. In my opinion, this is an absolute must do whilst in Medellin. The art is beautiful but the Comuna itself is architecturally interesting as is the integration of escalators and the now almost iconic cable car system! Its a city working hard to move forward and it shows. Reserve onto this early as it will sell out. Not only this, it should be noted that many locals prefer that tourists focus on Comuna 13’s transformation and culture rather than its violent past.
2️⃣ Go Paragliding Over Medellín
Paragliding Tour over Medellin
The first time I ever went paragliding was in Medellin and ohhhh what a joy it was! I would do it again in a second. A bit of adrenaline combined with stunning views over the city! Not only that the price is an absolute bargain, its actually one of the cheapest places in the world to do it at around $60 for a 20-30 minute flight time. Tip, check with your hostel as they may have a great deal with a local flight operator.
3️⃣ Take a Day Trip to Guatapé & Climb El Peñol
Day trip to Guatapé & Climb El Peñol
Again in my humble opinion, an absolute must do activity whilst in Medellin. Guatapé is a gorgeous little town with some super beautiful stucco works. Its architecturally interesting and rich and combining this with a summit of El Peñol for views over the stunning wetlands is a day very well spent and is exceptionally well priced at around $30! Reserve and relax.
4️⃣ A Free Walking Tour of the Historic Centre
Beyond Colombia Free walking Tour
Regular readers will know I say this a lot, but a free walking tour is usually the first thing I do when getting to a new city. Medellin is not the most beautiful but it does still have some interesting architecture and naturally, a lot of history. Take a free walking tour to discover the stories of Medellin and some of its very best architecture. If you want to see some up front then you can check out my top architecture pick for Medellin below,
'A Journey Through Medellin Architecture: Top Sites for Backpackers and Design Enthusiasts To Explore'
5️⃣ Pablo Escobar Tour
Medellín: The Real Pablo Escobar Tour
Now whilst the locals do prefer you to book onto the art and graffiti tour, and you definitely should as its awesome. The fact of the matter is Escobar is perhaps one of the most famous names, perhaps globally 🤔. Keeping it real here, if you are interested in the history of Escobar then you should take a tour to understand it from the locals perspective. Where better to do it then here, what better time than now!
6️⃣ Experience Medellín’s Legendary Nightlife
Guided Rooftop Bar Tour
Medellín is known for its electric nightlife, from backpacker bars to salsa clubs and high-end rooftop lounges, if you are staying in one of my hostel picks (below 👇) chances are you are going to end up on a night out that will likely start from your hostel rooftop and end up in some pumping club. If you are not staying in a hostel but want to get a bit of the scene there are 2 ways to do it.
No.1 - There are literally tours dedicated to the night life, I will put a highly rated one above ⬆️.
No.2 - Discover Medellin yourself. I would ask you to read the blog 'Is Colombia safe' because there are definitely some things you should be mindful of. Medellin is not a place to roam about on your own in the dark of night, which is why the tours can be a great way to safely navigate the city! Viejero and Los Patios are around the corner for each other and both roof bars are easily accessible make sure to take a legit taxi to other locations and have your bar/ hostel book the taxi or hop into an Uber!
🍹 Where to go out:
Provenza & Parque Lleras – The heart of Medellín’s party scene, full of bars and clubs.
El Social & 37 Park – Laid-back backpacker-friendly bars.
Vintrash & La Octava – Trendy spots with live DJs.
Son Havana – A classic salsa bar with an incredible atmosphere.
🔥 Pro Note: Medellín parties late; things don’t get going until midnight!
-- Backpackers Medellin Must Stay Hostels --
There are some absolutely cracking hostels up and down Colombia and here in Medellin is no exception. There are actually two insanely iconic hostels that are perfect and seem to offer something for everyone no matter your age or agenda! I stayed in Viajero, Los Patios is the other. I felt Los Patios had a slightly younger party vibe whilst Viajero was slightly more, I want to say 'mature 🤔'. The rooftop on viajero in my opinion is the winner though. Hot tubes and a bar with stunning views over the city. I would happily go back in a second. The alternative choices coming through strong are Masaya, Black Sheep and Purple Monkey. All have great reputation, this is a fantastic place for some world class hostels so you cannot go far wrong with any of the below choices. If you are looking for a comfortable private, all of them have rooms for a more peaceful nights sleep.
If you want me to take the decision away from you my advice would be:
😇 18 - 25 Years Old?
💎 Los Patios Hostel
One of the best-rated hostels in South America, with rooftop views, co-working spaces, and daily activities, as said above probably a younger vibe than Viajero so perfect for younger groups of guys and gals.
😎 25+ Years Old?
🌿 Viajero Medellín
Stylish, social, a great rooftop with hot tubes and a bar, massive kitchen with pingpong table, book in and don't think twice about it, I loved it, you will too.
🧑💻 Need a Co-working Space?
🧞♂️ Masaya Medellin
A few blocks over from the main hub of Viajero and Los Patios Masaya offers a similar vibe and a great stay. It has a co-working space, but is an additional charge to use the space.
💰 On a Tight Budget?
💰 Purple Monkey Hostel
Budget Budget Budget, party vibes, for those looking to make their $$$ go further but not sacrifice location.
😈 Just Want to be Different?
🐑 Black Sheep Hostel
Slightly outside the main hub of the other hostels Black Sheep is perhaps not iconic, but it is attentive and will still give you a great stay that is not one of 'the usual suspects'
-- Medellín Quick Safety Tips --
While Medellín is much safer than it used to be, you should still have your wits about you. That stands for most cities in Colombia, find out more in the Colombia safety blog post linked below 👇 or in the night life section above 👆.
⚠️ Stay Safe Tips for Medellin, Colombia
Use trusted transport – Stick to Ubers or taxis from registered apps and make sure to tell trusted people where you are going and what you are up to.
Avoid wearing flashy jewellery – Petty theft is still an issue.
Be mindful in certain areas at night – Stick to well-lit streets in El Poblado, Laureles, or Envigado.
Don’t flash your phone in public – Snatch-and-grab theft is common.
Know about the “scopolamine” scam – Be cautious if a stranger offers you a drink or asks you to smell something suspicious.
-- Final Thoughts: Why Medellín Should Be on Your Itinerary --
Medellín is a city of contrast, transformation, and endless adventure. Whether you’re here for the history, the art, the adrenaline rush, or the nightlife, there are Activities in Medellín for all you explorers out there, its an increadible city with a really young metropolitan and progressive vibe but stay smart, respect the locals, and soak up everything Medellin has to offer.
🚀 Planning a trip to Colombia? Check out these posts next:
🏠 The Best Hostels in Colombia
🤷♂️ Bogotá or Medellín – Which City is Best for You?
💬 Have you been to Medellín? Drop your favourite experience in the comments!
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