Best Things to Do in Medellín
So, I just got back from Medellín, and honestly? I'm still buzzing from the trip. It's funny how certain places just sneak up on you; you think you're prepared, but then bam! They hit you right in the feels. There are so many amazing things to do there, but for me, the best things to do in Medellín turned out to be far from what I had imagined.
This spot? Total surprise.
You know how you have a vague idea of where you want to go, maybe a few spots you've read about? Honestly, I had a couple in mind, but I didn't think I'd stumble into a little gem called Café del Parque. Picture this: a cozy café tucked away in a bustling area, the kind you almost miss if you're not looking for it. I was wandering around El Poblado, feeling a little overwhelmed—everyone talks about how vibrant and energetic Medellín is, and it was. But all those colors and sounds made me a bit anxious, like, “What do I do here?”
So there I was, grappling with this mix of excitement and doubt when I spotted this little café. I popped in, not really expecting much. Just needed a place to sit and sort my thoughts. The moment I stepped inside, though? Wow. The barista greeted me like an old friend. I decided on an espresso—simple enough, but let me tell you, it wasn't just any espresso. It felt like pure magic. The flavors danced around in my mouth, smooth and rich, just like the atmosphere in the café. I even had a slice of coconut cake on a whim. I'll be honest, I didn't think I was a coconut person, but that cake was life-changing. Here I was, a lost traveler, and I felt right at home.
The afternoon that changed my whole mood
Then there was the day I decided to visit Comuna 13. I had heard mixed things, some warnings, some glowing reviews. I wasn't sure if I'd be comfortable there, you know? But curiosity got the better of me. I figured I'd take a guided tour—safer that way, right?
I joined this group and wow, what an experience. The energy of the place is unreal. Vibrant street art everywhere, stories embedded in every mural, resonating with the history of the community. But here's where it gets a bit messy: I thought I could walk it on my own after the tour. I mean, how hard could it be, right? Spoiler alert: my sense of direction is abysmal. I ventured off the beaten path, lost my group, and somehow ended up chatting with a local artist.
He started showing me his work, and just like that, we dived into a conversation about his life, his inspiration, and everything in between. It felt surreal. I had no plan to get sidetracked like that, but it was one of those moments where everything just clicked into place. I learned more in that half-hour than I ever could have on a structured tour. I even snapped a couple of photos I'm ridiculously proud of—totally unplanned and yet such a treasure.
I almost missed this, no thanks to my bad sense of direction
You ever have one of those moments where you realize you would have missed something amazing if you hadn't taken a wrong turn? That was me with the Botanical Garden. I'd meant to visit the Memory House, but I ended up wandering around for what felt like forever. I finally found the gardens, and it turned out to be a perfect mix of chaos and calm.
I don't know why I ended up there, but I did—lost and a little sweaty but finally grateful. The gardens were bursting with color, every path leading somewhere new. The butterflies? I mean, come on, they're like little pieces of art flitting around. I remember just sitting by a pond, breathing deeply, and feeling a wave of tranquility wash over me. If I would've stuck to my original plan, I would have missed the meditative quality of that space, the kind that leaves an imprint on your soul—cheesy, but true.
One little café, an unexpected chat with a stranger, an artificial detour into a lush garden; it all added up to something spectacular. They might not be in everyone's “best things to do in Medellín” list, but for me, they turned into the essence of what travel is all about—unpredictability, connection, and beauty.
The meal that stayed with me
And oh, let's talk food because food in Medellín is practically a character in the story. I've got to mention a place called Hacienda – it's a bit of a fancy spot, but I figured why the hell not? I ordered bandeja paisa, a local dish that's like a tasty, gigantic hug on a plate. I'm not joking when I say I had no idea what I was getting myself into.
When they set that plate in front of me, I nearly laughed out loud. It had everything—beans, rice, plantains, avocado, chicharrón. It was an entire feast! At first, I thought it might just be too much, but once I took that first bite, I understood the hype. Each flavor played with the others; it was brilliant, just like the city itself—complex, rich, and colorful in ways you can't describe easily.
I was halfway through the meal when I noticed the people around me, each one equally absorbed in their plates or animated conversations. It struck me then, this sense of family and sharing that permeated the dining experience. I left, full not just in my belly but in my heart—like I'd been part of something bigger than just my solo adventure.
As I wrap this up and sip on my coffee, I feel a warmth wash over me thinking about all those moments, both planned and unexpected. Medellín, with all its surprises and little detours, has etched itself into my memories in ways I'm still unpacking.
Traveling really isn't just about checking boxes; it's about those little tangents that make your heart skip a beat, right? And I think that's something worth cherishing long after I've left.
