One of the great things about Medellín is that no matter how many times you visit or how long you live here, the perfect day keeps reinventing itself. There are so many amazing places to discover and so many wonderful people to meet, that when paired with the eternal spring weather, it gives the city a mystical, magical quality, something you have to experience for yourself.
But that doesn’t mean there are not plenty of favorite spots that are worth returning to again and again. If you only have one day in Medellín, your plan should look something like this:
Cold brew at Hija Mía
A Cold Brew Beginning
Start the day by heading to Hija Mía in Manila, a small neighborhood within Poblado. Founded by expats and staffed by some of the nicest baristas you’ll ever meet, the cold brew is where it is at to get your day started on the right foot.
Next comes a short walk to Provenza, the most famous part of Poblado, where you’ll end up at the beach-themed Azaí Praia Lovers and ordering an impossibly delicious stack of fluffy pancakes topped with fruit and homemade sauces like chocolate and caramel. There are menu options for vegans and non-vegans, and you’ll definitely want to take time to relax on the outdoor patio and enjoy the seashell dishware and colorful decor.
Pancakes at Azaí Praia Lovers
Hike off Those Pancakes
Now that you’re fueled by food and caffeine, it’s time for the first true adventure of the day. Take a taxi to the base of Cerro de las Tres Cruces (Hill of the Three Crosses) where you’ll hike up the steep trail for about an hour. Joining you will be other hikers and the sounds of nature, and when you reach the top, you’ll be stunned by the panoramic view of the valley and Medellín.
View from the top of Cerro de las Tres Cruces
Fortunately the hike back down is a lot quicker, and when you get to the bottom, take another Uber or taxi to Saludpan, one of the best hidden gems in the Laureles neighborhood. There are both vegan and traditional options on their extensive and healthy menu, including salads, soups, sandwiches, burgers, pizzas, smoothies, and desserts. But the star of the menu is their lentil cazuela, so full of flavor that you just might move to Medellín to have it every day. Another star is the staff, as they are always ready to greet you with a huge smile.
Lentil cazuela at Saludpan
Catch Sunset at a Beautiful Park
From there you’ll walk over to Parques del Río (River Park), a new, beautifully-designed park that was built along the Medellín River. This might be the most peaceful and tranquil spot in the city, as the noise of urban life fades away to the sounds of children playing and couples sharing a coffee at one of the restaurants. It’s an overall vibe of serenity and joy, and if you can time it right, catch the sunset here as you’ll be able to see the lights of the city come to life throughout the valley.
Sunset at Parques del Río
An Evening Out in Provenza
Once dusk hits, it’s time to head back to Poblado, which you can do by car or by walking the short distance to the Exposiciones metro station and riding a few stops to the Poblado station. From there it’s a slight uphill walk to Provenza, the heart of Poblado and nightlife in Medellin. Pick from one of the many restaurants you’ll walk by, as you’ll have no shortage of options including Colombian, Italian, Mexican, or Asian cuisine. Most will take credit cards, and some, like the excellent OCI require reservations. Olivia is close and fantastic if you need an alternative. As you walk through Provenza, notice the prevalence of modern, nature-infused design, where the buildings seem to wrap around plants and trees, and how windows are few and far between. This is the City of Eternal Spring after all.
Restaurant in the Provenza area of Poblado
After dinner, stop at one of the many bars like El Social for an outdoor beverage of your choice, where you’ll enjoy both the weather and the infectious energy of the city. Paisas know how to party, and you’ll likely be invited to join them.
If you have the stamina, keep the night going at one of the clubs in the area like Salón Amador, where a world-famous DJ could be spinning until 4 a.m. (or later). You’ll head home tired, but happy, and ready to do it all over again.
El Social bar
More Medellín Magic Awaits
To help you plan the perfect Medellín day, here is a custom Google map with everything mentioned above in an easy-to-use numbered list. You can find additional information about planning your trip in the FREE 16-page The Insider's Guide to Visiting Medellín which includes additional topics such as when to visit, what to pack, how to get around, where to stay, and more.
But to make the most of your trip and really discover the magic of Medellín, you'll want to purchase a Paisa Plus or Pro plan. In addition to the guide, you'll get access to The Magic of Medellín Map that shows you where to find the best of everything throughout the city, the chance to join an invite-only WhatsApp help group, and the opportunity to have a detailed trip planning call or a private walking tour.
Learn about the services I offer as well as how to download the guide by clicking here:
Thank you for reading, enter your email address below to be notified of future blogs, and I hope you enjoy the magic of Medellín!
- Jason ✨🇨🇴