Medellin City Guide

Local dishes like Bandeja Paisa and Arepas are must-tries. International food is common in El Poblado and Laureles. Vegan and vegetarian options are growing. Food vendors and restaurants often stay open late on weekends.

Vibrant nightlife in El Poblado's Parque Lleras and Laureles' La 70 with salsa, electronic, and live music venues.

Strong coffee scene with specialty roasters and cafes. Coffee is part of daily life from traditional tinto to espresso bars.

10% service charge often included in restaurant bills, optional to remove. If not, 10% tip is customary. Tipping taxis is not expected, but rounding fare up is common.

SIM cards are sold at the airport and carrier stores like Claro, Tigo, and Movistar. ID is required. eSIMs are less common but growing.

Streets are generally clean in residential and tourist areas, some parts less so. Waste pickup is regular; recycling is growing.

Many pharmacies, convenience stores, and some clinics operate 24/7. Food options are also available late, especially on weekends.

Supermarkets like Exito, Jumbo, Carulla, and Olimpica carry international products with some limits. Local markets like Plaza Minorista offer fresh produce. Hours are usually 8 AM to 9 PM; some open Sundays.

Card payments work well in big stores and restaurants, but small shops and markets often prefer cash.

ATMs from Bancolombia, Davivienda, and BBVA are common. International cards may face fees around 10,000 to 15,000 COP per use.

International schools like The Columbus School and Colegio Vermont offer English and Spanish instruction. Apply early due to varying waitlists.

Strong community with regular meetups and co-living in El Poblado and Laureles. Many cafes cater to remote workers. Active online groups and events.

Main parks include Parque Arví, Jardín Botánico, and river linear parks with shaded paths for walking.

Popular routes include Ciclovía and park paths. Generally safe during the day but be cautious running alone at night. Air quality can vary in dry seasons.

Multiple gym chains and specialized gyms like CrossFit are available.

Tennis courts at clubs and private venues. Booking and rental equipment availability vary. Clay and hard courts common.

Padel courts available in sports clubs, often requiring advanced booking.

Many yoga studios in El Poblado and Laureles offering various styles. Drop-in classes and English-speaking instructors common.

Gyms offer BJJ, Muay Thai, Boxing, Judo, Taekwondo, and Karate. Drop-in classes and some English instructors available.

Tropical climate means no skiing.

Kayaking and paddleboarding available at nearby Embalse de Guatapé with equipment rentals and good conditions year-round.

No surfing nearby due to inland location.

No nearby coastal diving spots.

Hospitals like Hospital Pablo Tobón Uribe and Clínica Medellín offer quality care, some with English speakers. Both public and private options exist. Pharmacies are common, some open 24/7.

Tap water meets international safety standards and is generally safe to drink.

Many playgrounds and parks like Parque Explora and Parque de los Pies Descalzos. Kid-friendly cafes mainly in El Poblado and Laureles. Baby supplies easy to find.

Generally LGBTQ+ friendly with safe spaces in El Poblado and legal protections. Acceptance is growing.

Pet-friendly parks and cafes are common. Good veterinary services and pet stores widely available. Colombia has pet entry rules.