Medellín

 

The Parque de los Deseos Wishes' Park (http://www.antioquiadigit...) near Antioquia's University, has an Indian context, beautifully enmarqued with the planetarium, and large display of science experiments. You can find free open air movies and discussions with film directors Saturdays at 7PM. Metro station Universidad.

The Plaza de Cisneros o de la luz - Plaza of Light (http://www.antioquiadigit...) is in the heart of the city, it borders some beautiful buildings from the 20's, the EPM library, and a sector that was full of drugs and poverty many years ago, but is now a place to visit and have a great time. Metro station Alpujarra.

Also visit the Parque de los Pies Descalzos Barefoot park (http://www.fundacionepm.o...) for a Zen experience in the heart of town. Outdoor cafés, cultural activities. Metro station: Alpujarra or Cisneros.

Plazuela de San Ignacio

depicts Colonial and Republican style buildings. This little plaza witnessed in 1803 the birthplace of the largest university in town. The main lecture hall or Paraninfo de la Universidad de Antioquiais still in use and available for public view, even though the University moved 45 years ago to a big campus 2 km. north. Cra 44 at calle 48. Metro station: Parque Berrio. Walk uphill 6 block east.

Parque de Berrio

is in the heart of town at the crossroads of Carrera 50 and Calle 50. Has the buildings of the Stock Exchange, Bank of the Republic, La Candelaria Church and the busiest metro station. It has the unofficial meetingplace for the locals -right at the sculpture of the 'Fat Woman' or 'La Gorda de Botero'. Connects directly to Plaza Botero and Plazulea Nutibara. Metro station Parque de Berrio.

The Parque Periodista

is a small square right in the center of the city. It is where the 'bohemian' and 'alternative' people meet. The bars play music varying from reggae and old salsa to alternative rock. You will find most of the people hanging outdoors instead of inside the bars. Metro station Parque Berrio.

Parque San Antonio

is a large, newer development right downtown. Hosts a handcraft bazaar and an infamous sculpture of a fat bird, bombed by criminals a couple of decades ago during the hard times of violence. By request of the artist the piece of art has not been repaired. Metro station San Antonio.

The Parque de Boston is an attractive area that leads down to the main promenade La Playa where people can be found gathering at night to see street acts.

 

Parque Juanes de la Paz is of limited touristic attraction since it has mostly sport courts and is in an under served neighborhood. With the help of the world famous singer work began in 2006 on a recreational park for the rehabilitation of the handicapped. The 68,000 square meter facility cost was around COP$11 billion, financed in part by the government of Medellín, it was completed in 2008. (http://www.medellin.gov.c...). Metrostation Tricentenario.

The new Arví park in the eastern slopes of the valley, close to a beautiful dam. This park promotes ecotourism and it has direct connection with the Metro through a new Metrocable opened March 2010. The several kilometer long ride goes up over the mountain and then over the tree tops into the park. (http://www.parquearvi.org)

Parque El Salado

is in a beautiful natural setting on the mountain overlooking Envigado. There are good paths for walking. The main attraction is a short canopy tour/zip line with about five stops. The complete is longer but the additional length is reserved for members. Take the Metro to Envigado and then take the connecting bus that goes to Parque El Salado. The bus ride itself is worth the trip as it winds its way through neighborhoods up the mountain with some great views along the way. (http://www.medellinparati...)

landmarks

Pueblito Paisa

is a reconstruction of a typical but tiny Antioquia village. It's located on top of el Cerro Nutibara and has a pleasant view over the city. It's within walking distance from the metrostation "Industriales," but as the walk to the top requires hiking uphill for a while, visitors might find that a taxi ride is a smart choice.

Los Alumbrados

the christmas lights decorating Medellin, make it the most beautiful Latin American city for the holidays. The lights stay put from the beginning of December to mid January. The most impressive parts are centered around the Rio Medellin at the 'puente de Guayaquil' and downtown. Large statues made of lights can be found throughout the city.

The Metropolitan Cathedral

which holds the record as one of the buildings in the world with the most bricks -over 1'1 million-, located along the Bolivar park in the city heart. Cra 48 calle 56. Metro station Prado. (http://www.arq-medellin.o...).

... Junin..., The junin pedestrian street it's a cobbledstone street in downtown area from Colteger building to Bolivar's park shows the history of city with Astor tea salon and Versalles salon.

museums and the arts

Museo de Antioquia

(http://www.museodeantioqu...), Cra 52 #52-43, displays a collection of contemporary art including many pieces, paintings and sculptures of Fernando Botero, one of the most important sculptors in the world. The Plaza Botero holds several large sculptures just in front of the museum and is free of charge. Open: Mon - Fri 10 AM-5 PM and Sun - Holidays 10 AM-4 PM. Entrance is usually free, but on occasion is COP$8,000 and students COP$4,000. Metro station Parque Berrío.

Museo Universidad de Antioquia

(http://museo.udea.edu.co) represents the merge of six collections: Visual Arts, Natural Science, University History, Galileo Interactive Room, Human Being and Anthropology. The attraction for foreigners is the Anthropology Collection which has the largest number in the Colombia of pre-Columbian ceramic pieces, with near 20,000 objects. Located in Bloque 15 of the University's main campus. Free admission, closed Sundays. Calle 67 N° 53-108, phone +57 4 219 5180. Metro station Universidad.

Casa Museo Fernando González

(http://www.otraparte.org) was local writer also known as The Philosopher from somewhere else or Otraparte which gives name to the home. A good opportunity to see an old traditional home with gardens, personal belongings and know more about his legacy. Monday-Friday 8 Am-8 PM, Sat-Sun 9-5 PM. Cra 43A # 27A Sur - 11 Avenida Fernando González In the nearby town of Envigado, phone +57 4 276 1415 or 335 2501. Closest Metro station is Envigado then take a cab or bus, the walk is almost 2 km mostly uphill.

Museo Pedro Nel Gómez

(http://www.colarte.com/mu...) shows artwork by this local artist, Free Admission. phone +57 4 233 2633. Monday-Sat 9 AM - 5 PM. Sundays and Holidays 10 AM - 4 PM. Not near the Metro, closest stations are Prado or Hospital.

Museo Interactivo EPM

(http://www.museointeracti...) a 'please touch museum', great for kids. Tuesday-Fri 8 AM- 5:30 PM, Sat - Sunday 11 AM- 5:30 PM. Closed Mondays or Tuesdays after a holiday Monday. Cra 57 # 42-139, located on Parque de los Piés Descalzos and next door to the Plaza Mayor convention center. Phone + 57 4 380 6950. Metro station Alpujarra or Cisneros.

Museo Etnográfico Miguel Angel Builes

(http://www.yarumal.org/ya...) A large display of everyday use articles crafted by natives from all over the country. Tools, textiles, bijouterie, pottery, little boats, small tents. Cra 81, No. 52B-120, Phone: 57-4 421 6259. The museum is off the beaten path, closest Metro station is Floresta but the walk is over 1 km.

The Museo de Arte Moderno de Medellin MAMM has now 2 sites. The original is a small building near Suramericana and Carlos E. Restrepo neighborhoods, hosting the traditional exhibits. The new space in Ciudad del Río is a large and old industrial warehouse. Great café and restaurant in the premises. Opened in October 2009 near Metrostation Industriales. Original site: Carlos E. Restrepo, Carrera 44 Nº 19A-100. Phone +574 444 2622. Ciudad del Río, Carrera 64B Nº 51 - 64, Ph +574 230 2622 (http://www.elmamm.org)

During the 1980's there was a local law mandating every new building to invest 5% of the budget in a work of art displayed to the public, usually a sculpture. The legacy is around 300 monuments and sculptures scattered throughout the city and the nickname of City of Sculptures (http://commons.wikimedia....)ín. There are 3 places with a higher concentration of sculptures: the above mentioned Plaza Botero, El Cerro Nutibara close to Pueblito Paisa and the gardens at Suramericana Headquarters for the largest insurance company in the country.

After the wave of violence in the 1980's and 90's there was a resurgence in the field of education and the construction of modern libraries (http://www.reddebibliotec...) in poor neighborhoods became a top priority. A few of them are masterpieces of architecture and a couple of them are easy to visit: Biblioteca España is atop the mountain and looks like giant black rocks hanging in the hills: Go to Metrostation Acevedo then take Metrocable to Santo Domingo station (http://www.reddebibliotec...). Another library, is close to Metrostation San Javier (http://www.reddebibliotec...).

if you only have a day

In the morning take the metro to a downtown station, visit some churches - most are open early in the morning -, then head to the park outside Museo de Antioquia to see the sculptures, enter the museum at 10 AM and visit until lunchtime.Have lunch either at the museum's restaurant or cafe, or take the metro to Metrostation Universidad, enter Jardin Botanico Botanical Gardens and eat there. Rest a little while strolling the gardens, then go across the street to Parque Explora or Parque de los Deseos. Before sunset take the metro to Acevedo station, hop on the Metrocable for spectacular views in the way up, and a city of lights upon your return. Take the metro back to any station near El Poblado, go shopping and then for dinner and a bar afterwards.

neighborhoods

Prado

neighborhood - formerly it was the wealthy neigbourhood of the city so many huge houses were built there. It still has some of these beautiful old houses, though it should be visited with caution as it's near the center of the city. Metro station Prado.

El Poblado

neighborhood - this upscale part of town is built in steep hills and has many modern buildings which complement the nearby Andes forest. Most of the trendy bars, clubs, and restaurants of Medellín are located in this neighborhood. Safe to walk around at any time. Recommended. Take metro to Poblado station and walk East on Calle 10 for approximately 1km.

West of the Medellin river are the middle class neighborhoods of Laureles, Estadio and Suramericana which are modern. Carrera 70 in Suramericana is where many of the best Salsa clubs are, and represent an excellent way to take a break from the trendiness of Zona Rosa and see some real Colombian dancing. The line B of the Metro runs along 'Estadio' near all major stadiums and sport facilities.