Medellín is everything you want it to be. On one end, the city’s upscale neighborhoods are loaded with international culinary offerings, world-class shopping options, and trendy hotels. However, the city is generally a budget traveler’s dream come true. Throughout the “City of the Eternal Spring,” your dollar can go a very long way – from affordable lodging to cheap street eats and inexpensive Aguila beers at local watering holes.
Regardless of your budget and when you go, it never hurts to sprinkle in a free activity or two. Moreover, in the case of Medellín, these freebies are some of its most quintessential experiences. Here are the nine best free things to do in Medellín.
Admire Fernando Botero’s Sculptures in Plaza Botero
Where in the world will you find a major city’s principal square dotted with 23 sculptures of voluminous characters from Fernando Botero? The answer is: Only in Medellín. Botero is Colombia’s most beloved artist, and in this totally free and open space, you can admire his larger-than-life sculptures, including a man on a horse (hombre a caballo), a cat (gato), and Adam and Eve (Adán y Eva). The Museo de Antioquia, Hotel Nutibara, and Medellín’s metro border you in the square, creating a magical setting.
Take a Self-Guided Walking Tour of Vivid Graffiti Art
For those seeking that next Insta-worthy snap, Medellín is heaven. You could spend an entire day perusing its renowned public art hotspots. The Comuna 13 / San Javier neighborhood – particularly near its Metrocable station and famous outdoor escalators – is filled with vivid outdoor art depicting the barrio’s transformation, locals, and everyday Colombian life.
For street art enthusiasts, additional pedestrian-friendly highlights include Carrera 43C in El Poblado near La Matriarca restaurant and the walls lining the Medellín Aquatic Complex near El Estadio Atanasio Girardot. You can also explore an Open Sky Gallery along the Ayacucho Tramway, featuring an entire building painted with a 3D traditional chiva bus.
Peruse the Wares at Mercados Campesinos
Each weekend, over 20 of Medellín’s popular parks transform into public, outdoor markets filled with vendors and diverse goods. It’s free to look, but if you’re eager to try some of the region’s unique fruits (e.g., maracuyá, lulo, and gulupa) or snag artisan crafts, these markets are ideal for perusing. Parks with regular markets include Segundo Parque de Laureles, Ciudad del Río, and La Foresta.
Walk Among the Wildflowers in Parque Arví
Parque Arví is tucked over the northwestern mountainous edge of Medellín. Among many park options throughout the valley, Parque Arví is arguably the most secluded and nature-focused. Within its nearly 40,000 acres, visitors will discover over 50 walking trails, an outdoor market, and seemingly endless wildflowers and butterflies.
Admission to the park is free; however, getting there incurs a small cost. For a scenic and affordable option, take the Metro to the Acevedo station, transfer to the Metrocable K Line toward Santo Domingo, and then, in Santo Domingo, take the Metrocable L Line to Parque Arví. A roundtrip ride will cost approximately 25,000 pesos (or $7), and the views along the way are absolutely worth it.
Stroll Through a Mall
The malls in Medellín are cultural centers in their own right, more than just a mix of shops. For holidays and major events, the common areas of Medellín’s most popular centro comerciales transform into vibrant playgrounds for kids, featuring art installations and visual spectacles. For instance, in 2021, during Medellín’s iconic flower festival (Feria de Las Flores), the Santafé mall installed a flower art piece composed of over 180,000 flowers in its common area. In addition to Santafé, El Tesoro, Premium Plaza, Arkadia, and Oviedo are among Medellín’s popular shopping destinations.
Visit a Church
A predominantly Catholic country, Medellín features a towering church anchoring most major plazas and squares. Your reason for visiting might vary; perhaps you wish to experience some of the city’s dazzling architecture. For awe-inspiring designs, visit the brown, white, and exterior-art-draped Iglesia Nuestra Señora del Rosario in Bello and the all-brick Catedral Basílica Metropolitana in El Centro. Both welcome visitors, but ensure to maintain silence during services.
Engage with a Paisa
Stunning mountain views, lively nightlife, and culinary delights aside, Medellín’s notably warm and friendly people make the city truly special. Wherever your Medellín adventure leads, take a moment to engage with a paisa (the term for those from Medellín). For structured interactions, consider participating in regular free language exchanges that connect paisas with foreigners; one at Noah Boutique Hostel is a local favorite.
Museo Casa de La Memoria
Medellín has endured heartache from decades of politically induced armed conflict to inner-city drug cartel clashes. The Museo Casa de La Memoria examines the city’s past through the lens of those displaced due to Colombia’s conflicts and massacres. This free museum contains three levels of exhibits, many focusing on individual narratives of loss, survival, and reflection. Consequently, it provides an emotional experience, leaving visitors with a profound appreciation for how far Medellín has come.
Museo de Geociencias de la Universidad Nacional
For science lovers, Medellín offers insights into its geological history. This free museum houses over 10,000 fossils, rocks, and minerals from across Colombia. Celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2021, the museum presents a fantastic opportunity to learn about the region’s natural history.
