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Only have three days in Medellín? We’ll show you how to make them count!
Medellín is a vibrant city tucked into a lush valley, known for its lively neighborhoods, mountain views, and rich culture. With so much to do, it can feel overwhelming to figure out what to prioritize on a short trip. That’s where we come in!
After living here for a short while and exploring Medellín from every angle, we’ve done the top tours, tried the food, and tested out the neighborhoods—so we know what’s truly worth your time. This 3-day guide gives you the perfect mix of culture, history, adventure, food, and nightlife so you leave feeling like you’ve truly experienced the city. Let’s explore Medellín, day by day!
Don’t Miss Out On Our Top Choice!
The tour we loved the most and suggest booking ASAP is this one!
Our personal FAVORITE thing we did in Medellin was this full-day private tour to Guatapé and a coffee farm. We sampled the best Colombian coffee, climbed the famous El Peñol Rock, and explored the colorful town. With transport and a professional guide, it was the perfect, stress-free day trip!
Itinerary Overview
Medellín is a city that surprises visitors with its energy, beauty, and resilience. Once known for its troubled past, it has made huge strides in recent years and now feels vibrant, creative, and welcoming. That said, it’s still smart to use caution while exploring—leave valuables behind, stay aware of your surroundings, and avoid being out too late after dark.
Getting around is easy thanks to the city’s metro, which is safe, clean, and regularly patrolled by police. But with a short three-day itinerary like this one, Uber is usually the most convenient choice. It’s inexpensive, reliable, and makes hopping between neighborhoods a breeze—leaving you more time to enjoy the city itself.
Here is a brief overview of what to expect on this 3-day Medellín trip:
Day 1: Get your bearings on a private city tour with a local guide, exploring Comuna 13, Plaza Botero, and Medellín’s metro and cable cars. After a coffee break at Pergamino, spend the afternoon on an e-bike tour through lesser-known neighborhoods with tasty snack stops, then wind down with rooftop drinks and dinner in Poblado.
Day 2: Venture out of the city on a full-day private tour to Guatapé and a coffee farm. Sample exotic fruits, learn the coffee-making process, climb El Peñol Rock, and explore colorful Guatapé town before returning to Medellín. In the evening, enjoy happy hour in lively Lleras Park and a vibey dinner at Bonhomía.
Day 3: Choose your own adventure in the morning with either a private ATV ride through the mountains or a paragliding flight over Medellín’s valley. Refuel with a hearty Colombian lunch at Mondongo’s before diving into history at the Pablo Escobar Museum. Wrap up your trip in Laureles with pizza at Opera and salsa dancing at Son Havana Bar.
Day 1
Morning – Explore Medellin with a guide, including Comuna 13
Landing in a new city and not knowing where to start can feel overwhelming—especially in a place as big and lively as Medellín. That’s why we recommend beginning your trip with this private city tour. It’s a stress-free way to get your bearings while also learning about the city’s fascinating past and ongoing transformation.
The tour kicks off with hotel pickup, so you don’t need to worry about finding your way first thing in the morning. You can choose between an 8 or 9 am start, but 9 am is ideal—it wraps up around 1 pm, leaving the afternoon free for more exploring on your own.
Highlights include Comuna 13, where colorful murals and outdoor escalators showcase the neighborhood’s remarkable rebirth, and Plaza Botero, filled with quirky oversized sculptures. You’ll also ride the metro and cable cars, which are an essential part of daily life here and a great way to see the city from another perspective.
Because the tour is private, the pace is entirely flexible. Your guide shares personal stories, answers questions, and ensures you get the most out of each stop—without feeling rushed. It’s an easy way to see a lot in just a few hours while still keeping things relaxed.
With hundreds of five-star reviews, this is one of Medellín’s top-rated tours and one of the smartest ways to kick off your visit!
Book this private city tour here and explore Medellin like a local!
Coffee break – Pergamino
After finishing the city tour, we were dropped back at our hotel in Poblado (the area we recommend staying in!). Luckily, one of Medellín’s best coffee shops, Pergamino, is here. If you’re staying in another neighborhood, you can always find a café nearby, but if you’re in Poblado, this one is a must.
Pergamino quickly became our go-to spot thanks to its relaxed vibe and excellent coffee. The beans are locally sourced and roasted, so every cup highlights Colombia’s world-famous coffee culture. With both indoor and outdoor seating, it’s the perfect place to unwind, enjoy a pour-over or cappuccino, and recharge before heading off to your next activity.
Afternoon – Ebike through the city and try local snacks
By the afternoon, you’ll be ready for a change of pace, and this small-group e-bike tour is such a fun way to see a different side of Medellín. Instead of sticking to the well-trodden tourist areas, this experience takes you into neighborhoods many visitors never see, giving you a true local perspective.
We recommend booking the 3 pm to 6 pm slot to give you lots of time to explore and still wrap up perfectly before dinner. The tour starts near Poblado Metro Station, just a 5-10 minute drive from Pergamino, where you’ll get fitted with your e-bike, helmet, and water before heading out.
Riding an e-bike makes the whole afternoon effortless—they’re smooth and easy to handle, so you can simply enjoy the ride. With your guide leading the way, it feels less like a tour and more like exploring with a local friend. They share stories, point out hidden details, and bring the neighborhoods to life in a way that feels authentic and engaging.
Along the route, you’ll stop at parks, plazas, and bakeries to sample local favorites like arepas with quesito and fresh buñuelos. A big highlight is cycling through Laureles, with its leafy streets and hidden history, as well as discovering the unique layout of Conquistadores, where you can ride through 18 different parks without ever crossing a street.
It’s the perfect mix of food, culture, and hidden gems—and such a unique way to explore Medellín beyond the usual stops!
See Medellín beyond the usual tourist trail—book this ebike tour here!
Evening – 360 Rooftop bar
After the e-bike tour, a great way to unwind before dinner is with a stop at 360 Rooftop Bar. Just a quick five-minute drive from the tour’s ending point, this spot offers sweeping views of Medellín’s skyline that are especially stunning as the sun begins to set.
Since you’ll have snacked along the way during the ride, it’s not the place for a big meal, but it’s perfect for a couple of drinks and a relaxed atmosphere while taking in the city from above. It’s an easy way to slow down after a busy day of sightseeing while still making the most of your evening in Medellín.
Dinner – Gato Resto Bar
When hunger finally sets in, head over to Gato Resto Bar, just a quick four-minute walk from 360 Rooftop Bar. The walk itself is easy—Poblado feels safe at night as long as you stay aware of your surroundings and avoid staying out too late.
This spot has a cozy yet lively vibe that makes it a great way to end the evening. The menu offers a nice mix of Colombian and international dishes—think fresh ceviche, perfectly grilled steaks, and shareable tapas-style plates—so there’s something for everyone. The drinks here are just as good as the food, making it easy to linger a little longer.
On weekends, it can get busy, so calling ahead to reserve a table is a good idea if you want to secure a spot. After a full day of exploring Medellín, sitting down to a relaxed dinner at Gato is the perfect finale before heading back to your hotel for some rest.
Related Read: Once your itinerary is planned, have a look at our where to stay in Medellin guide to find a great hotel!
Day 2
Full day – Visit Guatape, El Peñol Rock, and a coffee farm all in one day
One of the best ways to spend a full day in Medellín is by getting out of the city and experiencing both its natural beauty and coffee culture. That’s exactly what this private Guatapé and coffee farm tour offers, and many travelers say it’s one of the most memorable days of their trip.
The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, making the early start completely stress-free. Multiple departure times are available every 30 minutes daily between 7-11 am (7-9 am on Sundays). Since it’s a 10-hour experience, aiming for an 8 am start works well—you’ll be back around 6 pm after a day packed with highlights.
On the way out of Medellín, you’ll sample exotic fruits at a farmers’ market before heading to a coffee farm to learn the process from planting to roasting—complete with plenty of tasting. The day peaks with the climb up Guatapé Rock, 749 steps that reward you with stunning views of turquoise lakes and tiny islands below.
The final stop is Guatapé itself, a town bursting with color where every building is decorated with vibrant zócalos. You can wander the lively squares, soak up some history, and enjoy a relaxed local lunch before heading back to Medellín full of good food and memories.
Blending culture, food, nature, and history into one incredible day, it’s no surprise this tour is consistently ranked among the best in Medellín—check out the glowing five-star reviews here!
Reserve your spot on this private Guatapé and coffee farm tour here!
Evening – Lleras Park
After a long day exploring Guatapé, winding down in Lleras Park is a great way to spend your evening back in Medellín. This lively square in the heart of Poblado is always buzzing with energy—string lights twinkle overhead, music drifts from nearby bars, and people spill out of cafés and restaurants into the streets. It has a fun, relaxed vibe that makes it just as nice for people-watching as it is for grabbing a drink.
There are plenty of restaurants here offering happy hour deals, making it easy to enjoy a drink or two before dinner. We felt comfortable wandering around in the evening here—it’s one of the safer areas to hang out at night, though, like anywhere, it’s still best to stay aware of your surroundings. Lleras Park has a vibrant, welcoming energy that makes it the perfect stop before heading to your dinner plans nearby.
Dinner – Bonhomía
Just a short three-minute walk from Lleras Park, Bonhomía is the perfect place to settle in for dinner. This restaurant has a modern, vibey atmosphere with warm lighting and a stylish design that makes it feel both lively and cozy. After enjoying the buzz of the park, slipping into Bonhomía for a relaxed meal is an easy transition.
The menu offers a mix of international and Colombian-inspired dishes, with options ranging from hearty steaks to fresh pastas and lighter bites. Pair your meal with a drink, and you’ll see why this spot is so popular for a night out in Poblado. On weekends, it does get busy, so calling ahead for a reservation is a good idea if you want to guarantee a table. With great food, attentive service, and a fun ambiance, it’s an excellent way to wrap up your second evening in Medellín!
Day 3
Morning – Get your adrenaline pumping on an adventure tour
After two days of exploring Medellín’s history, culture, and food, day 3 is all about adventure. This morning, you’ll have two amazing options to choose from: an ATV ride through the mountains or a paragliding flight over the valley. Both give you a different way to experience Medellín’s stunning landscapes, and whichever you pick, you’ll wrap up by early afternoon with plenty of time left in your day.
Option 1: ATV tour
For an adventurous morning on solid ground, this private ATV tour is an incredible way to see the mountains surrounding Medellín. We recommend booking the 9 am to 1:30 pm time slot, which includes hotel pickup and drop-off, so all the logistics are taken care of.
The adventure kicks off in Guarne, a quiet rural town just outside Medellín. After a quick safety talk and a test spin on the track, you’ll hit the trails with your guide. The ride takes you through forests, farmland, and open fields with gorgeous mountain views all around. One of the best parts is stopping at a waterfall—you can snap some photos, dip your feet in, or even jump in for a refreshing swim.
Lunch is included, and you’ll end with a meal at a local trout farm—a unique experience in itself. Sitting down to a freshly prepared dish in such a peaceful rural setting is the perfect way to unwind and reflect on the morning’s ride before heading back to Medellín.
With well-maintained Yamaha and Honda ATVs, high-quality safety equipment, and private guides who tailor the pace to your comfort level, this tour is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a fun, immersive way to spend the morning outdoors.
Rev up your morning and book this private ATV tour here!
Option 2: Paragliding
If you’re looking for something truly epic, this paragliding adventure in Medellín is an experience you’ll never forget. Since the meeting point is about 30 minutes outside the city, we recommend booking the 10 am start time, which gives you plenty of time to Uber there comfortably.
This is a private experience, and you can choose from flights lasting 15, 20, or 30 minutes, depending on how long you want to stay in the air.
Once you’re strapped in with your pilot, you’ll take off and soar over the valley, mountains, and waterfalls around Medellín. The views are jaw-dropping—you can see the city laid out below, with green hills stretching as far as the eye can see. On a clear day, you can even spot Guatapé’s lakes shimmering in the distance.
The sensation of flying is pure freedom, and the pilots’ passion for paragliding makes the whole experience exciting yet completely safe. Even first-timers feel at ease quickly, which means you can focus entirely on the thrill of the experience.
Whether you opt for a shorter flight or a full half hour in the air, the mix of positive energy, stunning views, and adrenaline rush makes this one of Medellín’s most unforgettable adventures. For travelers ready to step outside their comfort zone, it’s an absolute must!
Take to the skies and book this private paragliding adventure here!
Related Read: For more exciting tour options, see our reviews of the top ATV tours in Medellin and best Medellin paragliding tours!
Why We Book Tours with Viator
Viator is a trusted online booking system for tours around the world! We almost always book our tours using Viator for a couple of reasons:
- Free cancellation on most tours – Most of the tours on Viator allow you to cancel and get a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. This is handy in case plans change, or if booking an outdoor activity, the weather forecast is looking grim.
- Reserve now and pay later – You can secure your spot on some of the most popular tours well in advance and not pay until closer to the day of the tour.
- Lowest price guarantee – If you happen to find the same tour at a lower price elsewhere, Viator will refund you the price difference.
- Pay in your chosen currency – Avoid costly international transaction fees by choosing to pay in your home currency.
- Peace of mind – When booking with tour operators you find in person on the street or in small booking offices, you are often promised one thing and given another. This online platform holds tour operators accountable with a written description of inclusions as well as the opportunity for customers to leave reviews.
Check out the Viator website here! Or, for more info, read our detailed review about Viator here.
Lunch – Restaurante Mondongo’s El Poblado
After a morning of adventure, nothing hits the spot quite like a hearty Colombian meal, and Restaurante Mondongo’s El Poblado is the perfect place to refuel. This local favorite is one of the most popular spots in Medellín, and for good reason—the food is flavorful, authentic, and served in generous portions that will definitely fill you up after an active start to the day.
As the name suggests, the specialty here is mondongo, a traditional Colombian soup made with beef tripe, potatoes, and vegetables, but the menu has plenty of other options if you’d like to try something different. We love the bandeja paisa, another regional classic, which comes piled high with beans, rice, avocado, chicharrón, plantain, and more. The atmosphere is casual and bustling, with a mix of locals and visitors all enjoying plates that showcase Medellín’s rich food culture.
Afternoon – Pablo Escobar Museum
For those interested in Medellín’s complex history, this visit to the Pablo Escobar Museum offers a fascinating perspective. Owned and operated by members of Escobar’s family, it presents one version of his story through personal artifacts, vehicles, and even furniture with built-in hiding spaces.
Open daily from 9 am to 6 pm, the museum takes about an hour to explore, making it an easy stop after lunch. From the city, it’s just a quick 7-minute Uber ride, so getting there couldn’t be simpler. With flexible start times and a location just seven minutes from El Poblado, it’s convenient to fit into your itinerary.
What you’ll find inside is eye-opening, providing context about a chapter of Colombia’s past that shaped Medellín in profound ways. Rather than glorifying Escobar’s life, the exhibit encourages visitors to see how deeply his story is woven into the city’s identity.
You’ll walk through rooms filled with memorabilia that reveal Escobar’s passions, lifestyle, and impact, all narrated by a bilingual guide. While the topic is sensitive, hearing these stories directly from his family’s perspective provides insight into how his legacy continues to affect Medellín today. Photography is allowed, so you can document your visit if you’d like.
This isn’t your typical museum experience—it’s thought-provoking, personal, and offers a rare glimpse into the side of Medellín that continues to intrigue visitors from around the world.
Reserve your spot here and dive into Medellín’s most complex chapter!
Evening – Check out Laurales
End your final day in Medellín with a visit to Laureles, another popular neighborhood that has a completely different feel from Poblado. With its wide, tree-lined streets and relaxed vibe, it’s one of the city’s most scenic areas to wander and grab a bite to eat. For dinner, stop at Opera, a cozy spot known for its incredible thin-crust pizzas and Italian dishes—just keep in mind it’s closed on Mondays.
Once you’re ready for some nightlife, head to Son Havana Bar, the best place in town for salsa. The atmosphere here is electric, with live music, talented dancers, and plenty of energy, whether you’re on the dance floor yourself or just enjoying the show. It’s always lively, though it’s closed Mondays and Tuesdays, so plan accordingly. Between the food at Opera and the rhythm at Son Havana, Laureles is the perfect place to wrap up your Medellín adventure!
Related Read: Spending a few more days here? Our full list of the best things to do in Medellin has dozens of ideas to fill your extra time!
Where to Stay in Medellin, Colombia
Now that you’ve got your Medellín itinerary sorted, it’s time to find the perfect place to stay. We recommend basing yourself in El Poblado, the city’s most popular neighborhood for visitors, thanks to its lively restaurants, cafes, and nightlife. It’s also a safe, central area that makes getting around easy, so it works perfectly with this itinerary. If these hotels are still available when you’re ready to book, they’re some of the best options for a luxury, mid-range, or budget stay!
Elcielo Hotel Luxury Medellin – $$$
Elcielo Hotel Luxury Medellin is a sleek 5-star option in El Poblado, blending modern elegance with plenty of comfort. The rooftop pool and sun terrace are perfect for soaking up city views, while the fitness center and spa make it easy to relax after a day out. Guests also love the on-site restaurant, which serves creative international cuisine with vegetarian and vegan options.
Rooms here start around $320 USD and go up to $550 USD per night. Check availability and book this luxury stay on Booking.com.
Hotel Dann Carlton Medellín – $$
Hotel Dann Carlton Medellín is a polished mid-range choice in El Poblado, just a short walk from shops, dining, and nightlife. The outdoor pool and sun terrace are great for relaxing, and the spa offers massages and beauty treatments if you’re in need of extra pampering. With three on-site restaurants, you can try both regional specialties and international dishes without leaving the property.
Rooms here typically range from $75 to $330 USD per night. Find up-to-date availability and reserve your stay on Booking.com.
Nomada Hotel Origen – $
Nomada Hotel Origen is a stylish yet affordable stay in El Poblado, just a short walk from El Poblado and Lleras Parks. Rooms are simple but comfortable, with air-conditioning, private balconies, and free WiFi. Guests can enjoy the hot tub, a sunny terrace, and a cozy restaurant serving American and vegetarian options. It’s a great base for couples or families looking for value in a central location.
Rooms here generally range from $70 to $100 USD per night. Head over to Booking.com to secure this affordable stay.
For even more great options, check out all of Medellín’s hotels listed on Booking.com here!
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance!
If you’re looking to save money on travel insurance, we currently use and recommend SafetyWing. We’ve been using their coverage since 2018 and they’ve had our backs when we needed emergency flights and got sick overseas.
SafetyWing is one of the cheapest providers out there and covers everything from medical costs to lost luggage, travel delays, and emergency flights. A huge difference we’ve found between them and other companies is that they let you take out a policy AFTER leaving your home country. We’ve also found it handy that it’s a monthly payment rather than a lump sum, and you can get a refund for unused time.
SafetyWing has helped us out in some scary situations before and their affordable coverage has given us peace of mind. You can read our honest review of SafetyWing for all the pros and cons.
Thanks for reading!
There’s a lot to see in Medellin, but hopefully this 3-day itinerary has helped narrow it down for you! We think it’s a great mix of some of the best sights, food, and exciting activities this part of Colombia has to offer. We hope your trip here is amazing!
If you’re planning to visit other nearby destinations, check out all our Colombia blogs here. We’ve lived and traveled extensively around the country and have more itineraries, hotel recommendations, and tips to make your time here unforgettable.
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