Medellin used to be considered one of the most dangerous cities in the world. Today however the crime rate has dropped considerably and Medellin is considered a relatively safe destination to visit. Take the necessary precautions when sightseeing, use common sense, and keep your valuables out of sight from pickpockets, especially in crowded areas like markets, and tourist attractions. Don’t walk alone at night and stay in well-lit and populated areas, and use reputable transportation companies instead of taking rides from strangers. 

There are several different shopping experiences to choose from in Medellin, visit some of the city’s upscale shopping malls like El Tesoro, and Sante Fe located in the fashionable Poblado neighborhood, stroll around the local vibrant markets, or browse through the designer boutiques. Medellin is the Colombian capital of shopping malls and is home to some of the largest malls in Latin America such as Poblado Mall, and Oviedo selling a wide range of local and international brands. The Oviedo Mall as well as El Tesoro boasts an open-air space with some pretty spectacular views and familiar stores such as H&M, Tommy Hilfiger, and Zara. All of the malls in the city featured a variety of dining options either large food courts or independent restaurants, cafes, and fast food restaurants. Santa Fe Mall offers an immersive shopping experience and boasts modern architecture and a vast selection of stores. There is a diverse range of options from high-street fashion to luxury brands. 

There are other shopping options in Medellin ranging from trendy boutiques to local markets. Shoppers can head to neighborhoods such as El Poblado and Laureles for boutique shopping for unique finds. These independent boutiques showcase the creations of local designers and artisans from clothing, accessories, home decor, and artwork. 

Explore the local vibrant markets in the city like Mercado del Tranvia, and Plaza Minorista for an authentic shopping experience. These two popular markets showcase a diverse range of products like fresh produce, local crafts, electronics, and clothing. Explore the treasure troves of authentic souvenirs and unique finds to take home to loved ones. Local markets in Medellin are a great way to see the city’s rich culture and immerse yourself in the local atmosphere. Take home a miniature Botero sculpture, a bag of magical beans from the country with the world’s best coffee, or a hat or bag. Central Mayorista is the largest market in Medellin comprised of five different grocery stores numerous minor stores, and restaurants that surround it. San Alejo (Parque Bolivar) is a vibrant craft market great for cheap souvenirs, and people-watching. Held on the first Saturday of every month, filled with locals, hippies, travelers, music, and children playing.

The official language spoken in Medellin is Spanish. English is widely spoken, especially in the service industry, it is taught in schools and used in government, business, and the media. Many people speak fluent English, especially in hotels and restaurants. We recommend getting a good English/Colombian guidebook and learning the basic questions like please, thank you, and numbers 1-10.

The weather in Medellin is warm all year round, it features a trade-wind tropical forest climate, and borders closely on a subtropical highland climate, and a tropical monsoon climate. The city sits at 4,900 feet above sea level, so the climate is not as hot as other cities located at the same latitude near the equator. The city’s average annual temperature is 73F degrees due to its proximity to the equator, it has minimal temperature variations, ranging from 63-82F. There are two main seasons; the dry season from December to January, and July to August, and the rainy season from April to May, and October to November.

The currency of Medellin is the Colombian Peso (COP, $), although US dollars are widely accepted. You should either exchange your US dollars for Rwanda francs and be sure to keep cash on hand when arriving in Colombia. Cash is preferred, there are ATMs found at the airport and locations in the city, tipping is discretionary and appreciated, and cash is usually preferred.

Food is a big deal in the city of Medellin and is taken very seriously by the Paisa’s (locals), and the cuisine served here is some of the best in Colombia. The most famous dish served in the city is Bandeja Paisa, meaning the “paisa platter”, which is a mixed platter of the most delicious local dishes consisting of rice, beans, avocado, chicharron (fried pork belly), sausage, mincemeat, sweet plantain, and a fried egg. Also, foodies should not leave the city without sampling an arepa, or Mondongo. This mega-metropolis is host to some superstar chefs who put Medellin on the culinary map, if you ask a food blogger about the world’s best cities for dining, Medellin is sure to make the list. There is an energetic food and drink culture that has developed over the past decade in the city. Restaurants and chefs are serving up innovative dishes made with locally sourced ingredients that create incredibly flavorful food that can be found on every street corner. There are Michelin-starred restaurants with equally talented chefs cooking up traditional dishes with a contemporary, and exclusive twist. There is also an abundance of relaxed dining establishments, and street food vendors found all over the city. Neighborhoods such as Manila, Laureles, and El Poblado feature a great collection of restaurants, and some of them boast the most spectacular views from the mountainside. Medellin boasts a plethora of cafes where coffee lovers can go for one of the best cups of joe in the entire world, Colombian coffee is some of the best. 

The massive bustling metropolis of Medellin boasts an even bigger nightlife scene. Colombia’s largest city nestled in the Andes shows visitors one heck of a good time when the sun slips down beyond the mountain tops. The nightlife scene goes along with the picturesque landscapes that visitors explore in the day, and come out to enjoy the reggaeton scene which draws partiers out to the streets each night. This vibrant international city has been awarded the 3rd best city to visit in the world according to Time Out magazine. Alongside its impressive architecture, sleek startups, and incredible gastronomy, the nightlife here has also been recognized as some of the best in the globe. There are so many things to do in Medellin at night with endless options of gorgeous rooftop bars, sleek lounges, vibrant nightclubs, pubs, and more. Medellin is the birthplace of famous Reggaeton and pop artists such as J Balvin, Karol G, and Maluma. There is a huge electronic music scene that attracts world-class DJs. The majority of some of Medellin’s best bars and clubs can be found in the vast, affluent central neighborhood of El Poblado. The famous Parque Lleras is a must-see when it comes to nightlife in Medellin, a beautiful tree-lined square in the beating heart of Medellin’s nightlife. It is a great place to wander around in the evenings to enjoy music and people. And then stop at the various restaurants, bars, and clubs situated around the square. Provenza is just a stone’s throw away from Parque Lleras, it is the place to see and be seen with classy vibes found in hipster hangout spots, and three-story clubs, there is something for everyone in this trendy neighborhood. All of the barrios in Medellin boast their own exciting party scene. 

In case of an emergency dial 123, for the fire department, an ambulance, the police, or any emergency services.

Hospitals: Hospital Pablo Tobon Uribe tel. 57-604-445-9000

Hospital General de Medellin tel. 57-604-384-7300

San Vicente Fundacion tel. 604-444-1333.