Local Guide of Daily Events and Activities in Medellín, Colombia Quehago.com.co

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Local Guide of Daily Events and Activities in Medellín
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 del Río, 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.
Junin The Junin pedestrian street it's a cobbledstone street in downtown area from Coltejer building to Bolivar's park. Depicts
the history of city with Astor tea salon and Versalles salon.
Museums and The Arts
Museo de Antioquia, 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 COP$10,000 (Nov 2013); students COP $4,000. Metro station Parque Berrío.
Museo Universidad de Antioquia 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 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 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 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.
Museo Etnográfico Miguel Angel Builes 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
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. 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 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. Another library, is close to Metrostation San Javier.

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The Parque de los Deseos (Wishes' Park) near Antioquia's University, has an Indian context, beautifully enmarqued with
the recently renewed 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) 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) 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 Plazuela
Nutibara. Metro station Parque de Berrio.
The Parque del 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.
Jardín Botánico (Botanical Gardens), Calle 73 # 51 -298 (Metro station Universidad),
+574 444-5500, Mid size gardens
with a vast collection of orchids and many tropical flowers, plants and trees. The covered area for display of flowers is an
architectural marvel. The annual orchid exhibit every August is world class. Free except during the orchid exhibit.
Zoo (Zoologico Santa Fe), Ave Guayabal, 9 AM-5 PM, everyday of the week. Around 1,000 animals are displayed
here. COP $9,000 adults, 4,000 kids.
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. Metrostation Tricentenario.
The 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 Metrocable (opened March 2010). The several kilometer long ride goes up over the
mountain and then over the tree tops into the park.
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.
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Parks

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Buildings
Ferrocarril de Antioquia - Old train station is a fine building at the corner of City Hall and the Governor's Hall. Has a small
exhibit area with free admission. Cra 52 # 43-31. Metro station Alpujarra.
EPM building also called the Intelligent building for its computerized self control. An icon of contemporary architecture. Cra.
58 calle 42. Metro station Alpujarra.
Edificio Coltejer has been the symbol of the city for over 40 years, shaped as a threading needle for this textile company.
Calle 52 cra 47 (Crossroads of La Playa Ave and Junín). Metro station Parque Berrio.
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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.
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.
To Do
Ciclovia. Biking in Medellin is challenging but worth it! Each Sunday and some holidays from 7am-2pm many streets are
closed to motor vehicles to allow biking, walking and any other human- (or dog-) powered transport. It's a great way to see
the city and connect with the people. There are stands for renting bikes along the road as well as fresh fruit, food, etc. Police
man almost every intersection. Everyday, there are FREE bikes with helmets at stations throughout Medellin and Arvi Park.
Be sure to bring id (either a driver's license or passport).

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Sightseeing
Metrocables. There are two cable car extensions of the Metro: For the line K take the a metro train to Acevedo station and
from there take the Metrocable up to Santo Domingo for a nice view over the city. The cablecar is included in your
metroticket. Go during the day and walk around to see what working class people live like. The area at the top sees tourists
so there are little stands set up and people selling empanadas and other things. You can stop at a little bar and have a beer.
Don't stray too far or off the beaten path in this neighborhood, though. For those so inclined, there are young people that give
tours waiting at the top wearing t-shirts that said "guia" (guide). Also recommended is taking the metrocable located at San
Javier up to La Aurora (J line). Although there is nothing special to see or do at the top of the cable car route, the trip itself is
longer and more interesting than the cable car that goes to Santo Domingo. Change to Parque Arvi from the Santo Domingo
stop. It is WELL WORTH the trip. Beautiful views.
Stroll along lively Carabobo street, Carrera 52 in the heart of downtown, recently converted to pedestrian-only. Safer
during daytime. Metro stations Parque Berrio, San Antonio or Alpujarra. Along the street see Plaza Botero (read under
Museums) and also:
Basílica de la Candelaria built in 1767, a National Monument. Cra. 49 # 50-85, just off Carabobo.
Edificios Vásquez y Carré built at the turn of the XIX century by a French architect. Nowadays in public use, with stores,
cafeterias, etc. Cra. 52 x calle 44.
La Veracruz colonial church, built in 1682. Cra 51 # 52-58.
Palacio Nacional Circa, is now a large shopping mall. Styled with Romantic and Modern influence. Cra 52 # 48-45.
Turibus is a good option to get a general overview of the city. You can take it to many of the main tourist attractions for
$28,000 COP ($45,000 COP for a 2-day ticket). The tour lasts four hours and allows 20-30 minutes per stop for sight-seeing
and photos, with a hop-on/hop-off service. You can get onboard Turibus at 7 different locations, the main one at the south
side of Parque Poblado. Spanish is the only advertised language, however many times at least one guide speaks English and
is happy to translate
Another operator is Zorba, with interesting bilingual tours.
zoomiing is a great option if you are looking for private bilingual tours with a historical,cultural and environmental approach.
They also offer day trips on the beautiful outskirts of Medellin.
Entertainment
Medellin has a very active cultural life. There are four major theatres in town: Metropolitan Theatre, Pablo Tobon
Uribe Theatre, Teatro de la Universidad de Medellín and Teatro EAFIT. They offer a variety of Music concerts, Opera,
Theater, Ballet and other events with international and local performers.
There are several good quality contemporary and classic theater companies, such as Matacandelas, Hora 25, Pequeño
Teatro, Oficina Central de los Sueños and Teatro Popular de Medellín. There is an annual Theater Festival held in the
last week of August, organized by Medellín en Escena.
The city sits to classical music orchestras: Orquesta Filarmónica de Medellín and Orquesta de EAFIT.
The annual opera program is held in September, organized by Prolírica de Antioquia.
Go to the movies: most movies are projected in their original language with Spanish subtitles. For independent flicks try
the Centro Colombo-Americano with downtown and El Poblado locations.
Commercial movies are available at most shopping malls: Cine Colombia, Royal Films or Cinemark. Price is around
$10,000 pesos (4-5 USD).
Sports
Medellín is one of a few cities in the world to have all sport venues located at the same place. At Unidad Deportiva Atanasio
Girardot you will find football, track & field, swimming, diving, baseball, volleyball, basketball, softball, tennis, velodrome,
ping-pong, karts, boxing, hapkido, judo, karate do, gymnastics, taekwondo, weightlifting, chess, roller skating and many more
stadiums in one convenient location. Watch a football game at one of the two teams based in Medellin, Atlético
Nacional and Independiente Medellín. Attending a home game at the Atanasio Girardot Stadium is recommended for any
football - soccer fans, or those wanting to experience the famed South American passion for futbol! Games generally take
place on Wednesdays and either Saturday o Sunday. Tickets can be purchased at the stadium. Metro station Estadio.
The neighboring town of Envigado also has a professional football team. Metro station Envigado.
Try the new Skateboarding track at Parque Ciudad del Rio. Opened July 2009, this colorful bowl-like ramps allow lots of fun
for skaters and spectators. Metro station: Industriales.

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Visit the city during the first days of August for the local festival "Feria de las flores" (Flowers festival). There are all kind of
events during one week including the "Desfile de Silleteros" (Parade of flower carriers). August 2-11th, 2013.
The freshwater Aquarium inside the Parque Explora opened in December 2008 and depicts a great variety of river and
freshwater wildlife, abundant in Colombia. It is probably one of the largest aquariums in Latin America and certainly one of
few specialized in freshwater fauna. Metro station Universidad.
Planetario Municipal was renewed with new digital equipment. Reopened in June 2012. See the outer space at the
Planetarium for COL $12,000. Closed on Mondays. Cra 52 # 71 - 112 at Parque de los Deseos. Phone +57 4 5168300. Metro
station Universidad.
Medellin has one of the most important Poetry Festivals in the world. Every year, for 2013 from July 6th to 13th, poets from
all around the world (including Nobel Prices) come to this amazing event.
Do a Full moon night visit to an old Cemetery (Cementerio de San Pedro) where former presidents and beautiful sculpted
graveyards are found. Metro stations Hospital or Universidad.
The Convention Center Plaza Mayor is the main site for big events including the fashion and textile industry related annual
shows Colombiamoda (July) and ColombiaTex (January)
The International Tango Festival will convene with world renown artists. Free admission to all events. Every year in June
(20-24th of June, 2013).
Learn
Medellín houses many important universities and learning institutes. Almost 100% of the courses are in Spanish.
Universities
Universidad de Antioquia with over 200 years is the largest and more important academic institution in town and the second
one in the whole country. Its old campus downtown has beautiful republican architecture while the newer campus (1960's) i a
great example of modern architecture
Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana has 2 main campuses. Careers that are strong: Medicine, architecture, liberal arts and
engineering
EAFIT emphasis on business, information technology and engineering
Escuela de Ingenieria de Antioquia
CES a health sciences university
Universidad Nacional de Colombia has 2 campuses, good education in engineering
Learn Spanish
Study Spanish in Medellin:
Medellin Speaks Spanish A Colombian teacher and writer offers Spanish courses tailored for individuals or small groups.
His blog is also a resource for Medellin and the Spanish Language. Great prices and flexibility. All levels.
Medellin Spanish School Like most of the schools in town, this one offers the best flexibility and quality at a price that does
not aim to rip off the "rich foreigner".
Spanishola are private Spanish courses to learn, refresh or improve your Spanish while in Medellín, with an experienced
native teacher.
Learn Tango
After Buenos Aires, Medellín is the best place to learn how to tango -dance, sing-.
Che Tango Dancing school. Address: Calle 32 E # 80 A - 57, Barrio Laureles - Nogal. Phone: +57 4 412 8326 Mobile: +57
3 14 890 4557 email: che.tango.medellin@gmail.com
El Ultimo Café (Milonga & Tango Dance Academy), Cra. 43 B # 11 -12 (Near parque el Poblado), +57 4 266
1860, Scheduled events. A dance academy with good turnout. Call to book your place. Email: elultimocafem@yahoo.es
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Fairs, Shows & Exhibits

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Learn Salsa
Although Cali is the irrefutable Salsa learning capital of Colombia, you have a few options in Medellin. There are quite a few
Salsa schools and academies around (usually offering a host of other dancing styles as well). There are also private teachers
who give classes at your place.
Juan Rico is a private Salsa dance teacher, with 17 years of experience. Other dance styles such as Bachata, tango and
Merengue and more are also available. Lessons are affordable with discounts for bulk orders. Phone: (+57) 300 242 8341,
(+57) 318 388 0808
Learn Colombian Cooking
This culinary school has occasional courses on Colombian Cuisine. INSARC Cra 40 A # 11B - 15. El Poblado, Lalinde.
Phone: +57 4 4444 850.
La Colegiatura is a small college with full degrees in culinary sciences and also shorter courses in basic and Colombian
cooking.
Work
Officially it is not legal to work in Colombia without a proper working visa. Visas can be obtained by employers on your behalf.
There is a significant market for English and other language teachers.
What to Buy
Colombia is famous for its coffee and Medellin is only a few hours from the coffee growing centers of Colombia. You can find
coffee flavors of everything you can imagine, from ice-cream to Arequipe (sweetened milk). The ‘Starbucks’ coffee culture is
growing, with the most prominent brand being Juan Valdez coffee shops. The Juan Valdez chain is owned by the National
Federation of Coffee Growers of Colombia, and sells a variety of Colombian coffees.
Aguardiente Antioqueño: Schnaps with a special flavor, much like black licorice.
Ron Medellin: The local Rum, excellent! The quality of this rum was elevated to the highest standards during 2009 and the 8
and 12-year bottles are great presents.
Despite the claim of being the textile capital of Colombia, Medellin is not a shopper’s paradise for clothes for North American
tourists, but prices can be attractive to visitors from other latitudes. The main malls sell a limited variety of clothes, (especially
men’s clothes), at only slightly discounted prices from the US, although there are always bargains to be found if you look hard
enough. The style of clothes for women in Medellin is very revealing and sexy, so it perhaps more suited for gift buying than
shopping for yourself. When planning your shopping for clothes bear in mind that the local weather is very mild, so the
options for winter and summer clothes are limited. Near Parque Lleras you can find via Primavera, a little zone full of local
young designer's shops with unique garments that you will surely won't see anywhere else.
Handcrafts
On the first Saturday of the month there is the Mercado de San Alejo, an open market right on Parque de Bolívar, hours:
8.00 a.m. a 6.00 p.m. A large variety of local handcrafts sold primarily by the artisans themselves. Right in the middle of
Parque Lleras from thursday to sunday you may as well find some handcraft being sold.
Centro Artesanal mi viejo Pueblo. Cr 49 # 53-30. Phone +574 513 7563