Discover Medellín’s Best Parks

Medellín is a big ball of friendly energy, and the best places to experience the vibe of the city are its lively parks. The park landscape in Medellín is as diverse as the city’s vibrant neighborhoods, ranging from secluded nature preserves to outdoor sports hubs and the concrete-clad heart of the city with its iconic Fernando Botero statues.

Whether you’re searching for a tranquil escape from hectic traffic, a prime people-watching location, or a green space for a tropical Colombian adventure, one thing is clear: in Medellín, there is a park for every mood. Here’s a guide to the best parks in Medellín.

Plaza Botero

Best Park for Art Lovers

The most famous artist in Medellín—if not all of Colombia—is Fernando Botero. Twenty-three sculptures from this Colombian icon adorn Plaza Botero in the El Centro neighborhood. Each piece depicts a local character in Botero’s trademark, voluminous style. Lined with benches, the plaza is a prime spot to take a seat and watch the energizing hustle and bustle of El Centro unfold.

For more Botero, the adjacent Museo de Antioquia features a permanent exhibit of the artist’s work, and the nearby Parque San Antonio hosts a few outdoor pieces as well.

Estadio Atanasio Girardot

Best Park for Sports

There’s more to Medellín’s vast stadium complex than its 45,000-seat soccer venue. On any given day, Medellín residents gather in droves to do laps around the stadium—on foot, by bike, or on rollerblades—and take advantage of the sports fields and arenas scattered across this massive area just north of Laureles.

Facilities for sports enthusiasts include a martial arts coliseum, a handball court, a gymnastics area, basketball courts, indoor and sand volleyball courts, a skateboarding park, and, along its southwestern edge, an outdoor gym. Even if you don’t want to partake in sports or join a game, the Estadio complex is a fantastic spot for a leisurely stroll while people-watching.

Cerro Nutibara

Best Park for Touristy Fun

Within Medellín, there are seven “guardian” hills (or cerros) that make excellent vantage points for overlooking the city. At the geographic center of Medellín is Cerro Nutibara, featuring the Pueblito Paisa—a model Colombian town—at its peak. Within Pueblito Paisa, there’s a model church, a central fountain, and several restaurants serving traditional Colombian dishes. Beyond this tourist stop, visitors can enjoy an open-air auditorium for community performances, visit a sculpture park, and follow numerous, tree-shaded walking trails leading to the peak of the cerro.

El Cerro de Moravia

Best Park for Experiencing Changing Medellín

The 30,000 sq meter, garden-covered hill known as El Cerro de Moravia is truly captivating, especially considering its history as one of the city’s landfill sites! This former dump has undergone an extraordinary transformation over the past 20 years. Today, visitors can traverse paved walking trails leading to the summit, with historical photos and signboards narrating the neighborhood’s story. At the top, enjoy a quaint greenhouse and panoramic views over the city.

Parque Arví

Best Park for an Escape from the City Bustle

Getting to Parque Arví is a delightful experience in itself. From the Acevedo metro station, hop on the Metrocable (Medellín’s gondola transit system), transfer at Santo Domingo station, and take the L line to Parque Arví. Your journey offers phenomenal views of the city, ending with a breathtaking ride over towering trees as you approach the park. Upon arrival, you can hike nearly 60 miles of trails, view butterfly and flower exhibits, and browse an open-air market for snacks and souvenirs to fuel your adventure.

Parque de El Poblado

Best Park for People-Watching

In Medellín’s vibrant El Poblado neighborhood, there’s much more than dining, shopping, and nightlife. For a break from the frenetic activity, head to the quaint, brick-clad Parque de El Poblado for some leisurely downtime. Find a shaded spot to relax or enjoy empanadas from the best local spot, nearby El Machetico. You’ll see various people pass through Parque de El Poblado—local professionals heading to the Poblado metro from the Milla de Oro, globe-trotting tourists snapping selfies, and families exploring the park’s outdoor market on weekends.

Parque de los Deseos

Best Family-Friendly Park

Surrounded by the Parque Explora science museum, planetarium, botanical gardens, and the University of Antioquia, Parque de los Deseos serves as a lively hub for sightseeing. This small, all-concrete park, whose name translates as “Park of Desires,” features outdoor tables ideal for a calm picnic. For families, it offers a large sandbox and water fountains, as well as regular free concerts and movie screenings. While you may not spend an entire day at Parque de los Deseos, it certainly provides a welcome respite during a packed sightseeing day.

Parque de los Pies Descalzos

Best Park for Barefoot Fun

Take off your shoes and let your feet breathe at Parque de los Pies Descalzos—translated as “Barefoot Park.” Located just south of Avenida San Juan, near the eastern bank of the Medellín River, this park features a vast expanse of sand for barefoot fun, along with spacious grassy areas, fountains, and bamboo that enhance the peaceful ambiance. If hunger strikes, there are excellent restaurant options along Carrera 57 in the Plaza Mayor complex, Medellín’s principal convention center.

Parques del Río

Best Park for a Long Walk

East of Parque de Los Pies Descalzos lie the twin Parques del Río, lining both sides of the Medellín River. The initial phases of these linear, north-to-south parks were completed in 2016 and 2019. When fully completed, the parks will stretch nearly 12 miles along the riverbanks, providing a much-needed green space for strolling.

Currently, visitors can enjoy green spaces, bicycle paths, and walking trails filled with local families and dog walkers. While there, be sure to capture a selfie with the towering and colorful Montaña Medellín sculpture by Swiss artist Ugo Rondinone.