Colombia! There is so much that this country offers. I went for only 5 days, but you can easily spend a few months there. Here’s what to do in Medellín and Cartagena, the two amazing cities I visited in such a short period of time.
When I think about Colombia, I think about the bright colors of its streets, the nature embedded within its city, the on-going music in every corner, the cars coming from every direction. Basically the chaos, but a beautiful chaos that Colombians learned to embrace. Despite the disorder they have to endure, Colombians seem to be the most chill people I’ve ever met. People that just want to enjoy life’s simplicities. They remind me of the people from my home country, Lebanon.
I had such a FUN time in Colombia, I would definitely go back!
Although my trip to Colombia was short, I was able to see both Medellín and Cartagena. These cities have so much to offer, definitely plan on staying longer if you are visiting the country. Here is how to get to and what to do in Medellín and Cartagena.
HOW TO GET TO COLOMBIA
FLY TO MEDELLÍN OR CARTAGENA
Depending on where you’re coming from and with which Colombian city you would like to start your trip, getting to Colombia would differ. Generally, there are major airlines such as Latam, and Taca that have direct flights from the US, Central American or South America, to the major cities in Colombia such as Medellín, Cartagena, Bogota, Cali.
It is usually cheaper to come through the US with Avianca, American or Continental Airlines. If you are coming from Europe, you can get on a direct flight through Avianca, Iberia or Air France among others.
To move between cities in Colombia, taking a domestic flight is usually super easy and cheap. I flew from Medellín to Cartagena with a domestic airline. It could cost you 35$ or less if you book in advance!
THE BEST TIME OF THE YEAR TO VISIT COLOMBIA
The best time to visit Colombia is usually between December to March and June to September, when the Andes are drier. September and October are the wettest months and I wouldn’t recommended going during those months.
I went to Colombia in November and although we experienced some rain in Cartagena, it was really not that bad. I was still able to do everything I had planned.
MEDELLÍN
Shots from Medellín
WHERE TO STAY IN MEDELLÍN
During my time in Medellín, I decided to stay in an Airbnb with friends. I wanted to experience the local culture and an Airbnb seemed like the right choice. My Airbnb was in El Poblado, I really liked the area and I would definitely recommend it.
El Poblado
El Poblado is in the center of Medellín. It is full of things to see and do. It provides a big variety of restaurants, coffee shops and local stores for shopping. You will never run out of things to do in El Poblado. The area is also easily walkable, and connected to the metro lines that gets you anywhere in the city. If you opt for an Airbnb, definitely take it in the center of El Poblado. If you prefer a hotel, here is a list of nice places to stay at:
The Sites hotel, Celestino Hotel and my favorite Click Clack hotel are some of the modern boutique hotels that I would recommend. These places are very well located in El Poblado. They provide comfortable and gorgeous rooms with a combination of greenery and sleek modern design. They also have pools and nice rooftop areas.
The Charlee Hotel, Medellín Mariott Hotel and Hotel Dann Carlton Medellín are more luxurious options if you are looking for that. They are very centrally located, with spacious and excellently equipped rooms. They also provide great amenities and service.
Los Patios Hostel is a great place to stay at if you are looking for a budget spot. The hostel was in front of my Airbnb. And I spent some time on the hostel’s rooftop, having a drink and enjoying a great view. The place is full of travelers from all over the world and offers a great vibe. If you like hostels, I would definitely recommend it. Otherwise. a sunset drink on the rooftop is a nice plan.
WHAT TO DO IN MEDELLÍN IN 3 DAYS
1. GO PARAGLIDING AND WATCH THE CITY FROM THE TOP
Medellín has so much to offer, from its nature to its towns and small village. It is a huge city that provides a lot to do. Unfortunately, I was only there for a few days, but I got to experience the local Colombian life first-hand through the different activities I did.
The first day, I went paragliding. Honestly, I am not a fan of heights, and definitely not of extreme sports. I usually don’t like the drop that I feel in my heart during high adrenaline experiences. So paragliding was not on my to-do list, but peer pressure and the amount of things I have heard regarding paragliding in Medellín made me do it. And frankly, I’m glad I did!
The view of Medellín from the top was breathless. I felt like I could touch the clouds but also lose myself in a painting-like view of the city, embedded in a valley between mountains. The city was stacked with colorful favelas in between high skyscrapers. I also felt extremely safe with my paraglider Diego. Diego was very professional and comfortable during the ride. He handled the parachute, took photos and conversed with me throughout. I was really amazed (maybe also freaked out!) by his multi-tasking skills.
Paragliding, Medellín Colombia
2. HAVE A GRAFFITI AND CULTURAL TOUR AT COMUNA 13
After an adrenaline rush activity, I was looking for a more cultural tour, where I could learn about the history of Medellín. My friend organized a visit to Comuna 13, one of the most colorful neighborhoods in the city whose streets offer powerful graffiti murals depicting the corruption experienced by the locals, the impact of state intervention, and the strength and importance of community action.
Upon our arrival to the San Javier metro station, our local tour guide Valentina met us. Valentina was a young Colombian lady who lives in Comuna 13 with her family and works in the tourism sector. She was very helpful during our tour and was able to take us quickly through some of the streets that are not easily accessed by outsiders. I highly recommend getting a tour guide for Comuna 13.
Walking around the streets of Comuna 13 was an experience. The neighborhood is characterized by small alleys packed with stores, food and souvenir stands, surrounding hundreds of brick and cement homes. These kind of environments, although overwhelming to some tourists, somehow excite me. Vibrant streets just make my soul happy. What I loved the most is the amount of graffiti and art the area offers. Learning about the history behind such art made me appreciate it even more. The area is also known for its local frozen popsicles. You definitely should try the mango or passion fruit flavors!
History of Comuna 13
In the 1990s, Comuna 13 was one of the most dangerous places in Colombia. It was known to be a very strategic spot for drug trafficking during Pablo Escobar’s period. It had a very high crime rate to the extent that even the government did not dare enter the area. At that time it was dominated by the guerrillas. Later on, Comuna 13 became the scene for a civil war between the guerillas, the paramilitares (who wanted to take control of the area) and the government (who wanted to put end to these illegal groups). During these fights (the biggest one: Operation Orion), hundreds of people disappeared and many died. But the community reacted together in solidarity, waving the white flags and calling for peace: the fighting finally ceased.
Today, Comuna 13 is one of the most visited spot by tourists. Several state projects were initiated to help improve the area and make it safe. A series of escalators were developed. Art and music were used to revive the neighborhood and allow for creative expression. Comuna 13 now hosts festivals and graffiti competitions that invites artists from all over Latin America. You should not miss Comuna 13 if you are ever in Medellín.
Comuna 13, Medellín
3. DO A DAY TRIP TO GUATAPÉ
Another spot that needs to be on your list while in Medellín is Guatapé, a town that is two hours away from the city center. My friends and I had a tour agent take us there, and I recommend doing the same. You really can’t miss Guatapé.
Guatapé is known for its giant granite rock, Piedra del Peño, that is one of the countries’ national monuments. According to geologists, the rock dates more than 65 million years, and it was worshiped by the former inhabitants of the region, the Tahami. At the bottom of the rock, there are stands for street food, and souvenir shopping. Tourists usually climb the rock by going up 649 steps, and finally arrive at the top for amazing views of the town and the lakes surrounding it. Miles of turquoise waters, in between greeneries and mountains, would blow your mind away. The scenery is perfect for a nice afternoon hang out, a drink or even a photoshoot (ooops!).
Views from Guatapé
and then me
Due to its lakes, Guatapé is an ideal place for water sports. If you have some time and are a fan of the water, paddle boarding, sailing, canoes and kayaking in the calm waters are definitely some options. However, if you are only visiting Guatapé for the day, I highly recommend strolling in the streets of its town.
Guatapé’s town
Guatapé’s town, just below its giant rock, is full of small alleys, characterized by its vibrant colors. These colors actually come from the painted panels of the locals’ houses. Our tour guide explained that each local would color his building with drawings of animals, people and shapes conveying a certain story that characterizes the household. Back in the day, people would enter a house having an idea of what that house represents due to its illustrations.
The small town of Guatapé has many small local restaurants. Definitely grab a meal somewhere to get a fresh local taste.
Being in the town of Guatapé reminded me a bit of Comuna 13. Both these areas are very vibrant and colorful, full of local Colombians trying to sell you street food and souvenirs. But also full of tourists exploring these beautiful spots. I definitely loved touring Guatapé, climbing the rock, strolling in its street, trying its local food and just embracing the rich culture it offers. Lively neighborhoods always excite me, and Colombia surely has a lot of them!
The Town of Guatapé
5. GO ON A COFFEE PLANTATION TOUR
Colombia produces more than 10 million bags of coffee every year, and to some, Medellín is known to be the coffee capital of the country. So if you are a caffeine addict, you would definitely enjoy a coffee tour in Medellín. There you can visit farms and learn first hand the incredible history and presence of the coffee industry in Colombia.
6. WALK AROUND EL POBLADO AND PASS BY PARQUE LLERAS
You have to walk around El Poblado and its lively streets! The area offers a variety of museums such as El Castillo Museum (museum exhbiting paintings, sculptures, objects in porcelain and glass among others, as well as an outdoor garden) and Parque Explora (more of a science museum offering modern interactive exhibitions with brains-teasers, the museum has also the largest aquarium in South America) among many others.
You should also pass by Parque Lleras. In the day time, you can spend the day walking in the streets enjoying a coffee, going to bookstores, visiting clothing and design stores, or having lunch in a restaurant in the area. The streets are attractive by their color and liveliness. At night, you should grab a drink in one of the bars or go to a disco and dance until dawn. This was one of my favorite spots in Medellín, definitely plan on spending one of your nights there!
WHERE TO EAT IN MEDELLÍN
Medellín has so many restaurant options to offer. You can find any cuisine you are craving. Here are some of my recommended spots:
El Cielo – A fine dining Colombian restaurant in Medellín. This place is a must if you like to indulge in food. The meals have a very unique mix of flavors and they are presented very beautifully. The service is also excellent and the staff are very accommodating. The experience is fantastic. Definitely a must-try!
Carmen – A few blocks from El Cielo, Carmen is another great Colombian fine dining restaurant. This place has been ranked top 1 consistently over the years. The menu offers contemporary dishes with an abundance of flavors that will keep your taste buds excited. The interior is also very elegant and cozy.
OCI.Mde – A great place for a nice and fun dinner. OCI is a chic and modern place with great eighties tunes. The place offers an ever changing cuisine with a menu that is renewed every 6 months, focused on sea food, slow cooked meats and organic vegetables. The meals are great for sharing , so you can definitely try more than one dish.
La Provincia – You will not regret going to La Provincia. This place is a classy spot with a cozy atmosphere. It offers a great selection of pastas, meat specialties and sea food dishes. Their deserts, especially the creme brulé, will make you want to come back!
EL Botánico – Another modern chic restaurant in the heart of Medellín. I especially like its decor, full of plants and greeneries, you feel like you are dining in the middle of a garden. The place is great for large groups or romantic dates. The service is pretty good, the food and drinks as well. What I loved the most is the ambiance. The place usually has a DJ that turns the place into a super lively one as you are dining.
Andrés Carne de Res – Go for the experience and not for the meal! This restaurant is another one to be added to your list if you love to dance during dinner. The place is very famous and usually a go-to for every tourist. The decor is very colorful with bright lights. The restaurant offers a dance floor. The food is not outstanding though, consists mostly of steaks. The ambiance is very fun, but the place might be pricey and the service a bit slow.
Pergamino Café – If you are a coffee lover, Pergamino is a very famous coffee shop in Medellín. They have several cafés around the city. Usually the interior is warm and the outdoor is spacious. They offer a variety of caffeinated drinks. You will definitely have a nice authentic coffee-tasting experience at Pergamino.
El Botánico restaurant
WHERE TO PARTY IN MEDELLÍN
If you are a party lover (like me, oops!), Medellín is the perfect city for you. Every corner of this city is vibrant with loud music coming from a restaurant, a club or a rooftop. You will never run out of options for a good night out, but here are some highlights:
Club Perro Negro – An underground club in El Poblado, this place is one of the most famous clubs in Medellín. It is a small space with usually techno and house music. The lighting is entertaining, but it might be too packed!
Bolívar – I had such a good time at this place! Bolívar is fairly spacious and the music is usually commercial, hip-hop or disco. Definitely a fun spot to have a table with a group of friends.
Salon Amador – This place is great for techno lovers! It always hosts international and local DJs. Check the schedule and grab your tickets before you go.
Chiva Party Bus – If you are looking for the most local Colombian party experience, book a Chiva party bus. These colorful buses are usually roaming around the streets with loud music and an open bar. You will also be able to make new friends in the bus. Pick a good tour company as these could be a bit dangerous sometimes!
CARTAGENA
After spending a couple of days in Medellín, I flew to Cartagena to spend my last few days there. Cartagena is known to be a port city on Colombia’s Caribbean city. I was excited to see what this region is like. Before moving to the states, I lived for a couple of years in Dubai where I would always go to a restaurant called Hotel Cartagena. The decor was jungle themed, with a lot of plants, flowers and animals such as flamingos. The restaurant also offered a regular show where ladies would stroll around the restaurant in their colorful festival costumes and dance between the tables. These experiences created such a hype for me around Cartagena.
WHERE TO STAY IN CARTAGENA
There are several places you can stay-in in Cartagena. The two most popular ones are the old city (the historic walled city), or near the sea, 20 minutes away from the walled city. I would highly recommend staying in the walled city, as most of the restaurants, shops and bars are around that area. The city is also very colorful, aesthetically pleasing and full of history. It has a UNESCO world heritage after all and has some of Cartagena’s best attractions.
I booked an Airbnb in the walled city to gain the most local experience. The place was very safe and I would recommend doing the same. Otherwise, some hotel options in the walled city are (luxury) Hotel Casa San Agustin, Sofitel Legend Santa Clara Cartagena, (mid range) Hotel Boutique Bovedas de Santa Clara By Accor, Sophia Hotel, (budget) Hotel Boutique At The Park and Hotel 3 Banderas.
WHAT TO DO IN CARTAGENA IN 2 DAYS
1. WALK AROUND THE WALLED CITY
I spent my first day in Cartagena exploring the old city, known as the walled city, where my airbnb was located. The old city is full of history, culture and entertainment. There are plenty of local restaurants, boutiques and nice colorful graffiti as well as interesting architecture that showcase the Spanish colonial history of the area. You can definitely spend a few hours shopping around, eating or discovering the nice architecture.
I specially liked the Palenqueras who are the brightly dressed women balancing fruit baskets on their head. These women were once actual fruit sellers, but today mainly walk around to represent their culture and pose for photos with tourists. Don’t try to take pictures of them without tipping them, they will get angry!
The walled city, Cartagena
2. VISIT THE MAIN MUSEUMS OF WALLED CITY
The walled city is so rich in history and culture. There are many sites that you could visit during your day such as the Gold Museum, the Inquisition Museum and the Naval Museum.
3. CHECK OUT THE CASTILLO SAN FELIPE FORTRESS
The Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas is a huge fortress, located at a walking distance from walled city. Built on top of a hill, this fortress was the largest Spanish colonial fortification in South America. It was meant to push away any pirates or invaders from Cartagena. Today, visitors can tour the fortress, walk through its tunnels, look at its stone work and enjoy its beautiful views. I really enjoyed visiting this attraction!
5. TOUR THE NEARBY ISLANDS ON A BOAT
Since Cartagena is known to be a beach destination, I decided to spend the second day on a boat with my friends. We passed by several islands during our tour. The water was crystal blue, the weather was amazing, until it started raining! However, this did not ruin our day. I really enjoyed spending a day on a boat, it’s a must do when in Cartagena.
WHERE TO EAT IN CARTAGENA
There are plenty of good restaurants in Cartagena, a lot of sea food with a Caribbean taste. These are some of my recommendations:
CELELE – Probably the best restaurant in Cartagena. Celele provides Caribbean dishes that are always so innovative and creative. If you love beautifully designed and colorful plates, this is your spot. The vibe is also very chic. Celele is always fully booked, so make sure you reserve your table in advance.
La Vitrola – Another great restaurant with a variety of Cuban dishes. The place is very elegant and chic, with live Cuban music, great Cuban cocktails and meals. I specially liked the sea food appetizers. La Vitrola allows you to live a true traditional Cuban experience. No wonder this restaurant was Shakira’s favorite!
La Mulata – Another Caribbean restaurant, with fresh sea food and big meal portions. I loved my plates there! This restaurant is always packed with people but the service is very quick and friendly. I also really liked the funky decor, focused on fish and the sea. Definitely try this place!
Montesacaro Bar – This place is great for sea food lovers. It offers a variety of sea food dishes as well as funky drinks. The place has a very nice decor, and sometimes a live band.
Don Juan – This place consistently delivers delicious and elegantly presented food, with touches of Latin/Colombian flavors. The decor is very chic and the ambiance is great.
Lobo del Mar – A less formal option, Lobo del Mar provides a variety of dishes that are great for sharing. The live music makes the place so fun, specially if you are with a big group of friends.
La Mulata restaurant
WHERE TO PARTY IN CARTAGENA
You can’t be in a Colombian city and not experience its night life. Cartagena is another great hub for partying and spending great nights until dawn. Two of my favorite places are:
Al Quimico – Great place to grab a drink and spend the night dancing on their different floors. The decor is so elegant inside, and the place offers a great variety of cocktails. Al Quimico also has a very nice rooftop with a music different than the one in the interior. It is sometimes hard to get to the rooftop, so try to get there early.
La Jugada – Facing Al Quimico, La Jugada is a trendy high-end night club in Cartagena. It also has several floors and a rooftop. Similar to Al Quimico, they play a mix of all kinds of music. If you are a big partier, you can definitely try both places in one night!
Medellín and Cartagena are two amazing cities in Colombia. I definitely recommend staying more than a week visiting them. They just offer so much to see and do.
Let me know in the comments your experiences in Colombia!
