Many first-time visitors to Medellín make the same mistake: they spend their entire trip in Poblado or Laureles. While these neighborhoods are fantastic and some of my personal favorites in each are included in my blog How To Spend the Perfect Day in Medellín, they’re just the beginning of what the city has to offer. To truly experience Medellín’s culture, history, and local life, you need to explore beyond the tourist hubs and the incredibly diverse neighborhoods elsewhere in the city and the wonderful sights, sounds, and people who call them home.
Here are three must-visit Medellín neighborhoods that will transform your trip from great to unforgettable.
An elevated view of El Centro
Inside a café in El Centro
El Centro: The Historic and Cultural Heart of Medellín
No list of places to see in Medellín is complete without mentioning El Centro, the bustling heart of Medellín, rich in history and culture. Also referred to as La Candelaria (technically a smaller part of the area), El Centro is the business hub of the city and also where you can experience the city’s vibrant street life with music, markets, and local eateries.
There are plenty of landmarks to see like Plaza Botero, which showcases the works of the famous artist Fernando Botero. You should also spend a few hours at the Museo de Antioquia and see the exceptional collection of art and history that help to tell the story of the department (similar to a state) that Medellín is located in.
El Centro is also where you will find many of the city's most iconic buildings, include the Coltejer Building which is the tallest building in Medellín and the inspiration for The Paisa Plan's logo!
While it is true that El Centro has a higher share of petty crime compared to other parts of the city, don't let that deter you from visiting. As with any big city, take the standard precautions and don't linger at night in areas you are unfamiliar with. There is plenty to do during the day, including outstanding walking tours that can give you an incredible overview of the city's history and transformation.
Pueblito Paisa in the Belén neighborhood
An outstanding vegan burger in the Belén neighborhood
Belén: Local Life, Parks, and Pueblito Paisa
The second must-visit part of the city that often goes unseen is Belén. It's one of the oldest parts of Medellín and offers a blend of residential areas along with plenty of restaurants, bars, and parks.
While walking distance to the more popular Laureles neighborhood, Belén is worth seeing on it's own for a number of reasons. It's a great way to try Medellín's amazing public transit as the area is accessible by two MetroPlus rapid bus lines, and you can get spectacular views of the city from Cerro Nutibara which is also the home of Pueblito Paisa, a recreation of a typical Colombian pueblo. There are also a number of smaller parks where you can grab an arepa (or two) and relax among locals to get a true feeling of authentic life in Medellín.
Belén is also home to a number of restaurants, cafés, and bars in very close proximity, which makes it easy to try out as much Colombian cuisine as your appetite can handle. A good starting point is Plazoleta Villa de Aburrá as that is often a community gathering spot with plenty of that positive Paisa energy that makes Medellín so fun to visit and call home.
Parque La Floresta
Floresta: A Peaceful, Family-Friendly Gem
Last but certainly not least, Floresta is a tranquil and peaceful neighborhood that provides an excellent snapshot of family- and church-oriented life among the citizens of Medellín. Floresta is not a very big area and can be reached on foot from both Laureles and Belén, and once you arrive, you'll be amazed by how quickly the active city energy of other neighborhoods gives way to calm tree-lined streets and numerous parks that are filled with children and their parents enjoying the always beautiful weather.
Parque La Floresta is the focal point of the neighborhood with a play area for kids and a stunning church off to the side. As day turns into night you'll see the neighborhood come alive as seemingly everyone comes out to talk, mingle, and grab a snack, coffee, or treat from one of the many restaurants, cafés, and street vendors. Floresta is truly one of Medellín's hidden gems, and it's highly recommended that you take at least an afternoon to explore and enjoy it.
Explore These Neighborhoods and More With The Paisa Plan
There is so much to discover in each of these neighborhoods, and you can get additional recommendations for exactly what to do in all of them with The Magic of Medellín Map. It reflects years of researching the best of everything throughout the city, including where to eat and drink as well as what to see and do. The map is an essential tool for discovering the magic of Medellín while saving time and money, and it is included in both the Paisa Plus and Paisa Pro plans.
To learn about my services and the additional benefits of each plan, as well as how to download the FREE 16-page The Insider's Guide to Visiting Medellín, click here:
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- Jason ✨🇨🇴