The City of Eternal Spring: A Guide to Medellín, Colombia
Welcome to Medellín, a city of vibrant culture, breathtaking landscapes, and a captivating story of transformation. Known as “La Ciudad de la Eterna Primavera” (The City of Eternal Spring) for its pleasant, year-round climate, Medellín has shed its tumultuous past to become a hub of innovation, art, and a magnet for travelers and expats alike. This guide will provide you with all the essential information you need to explore, live, and fall in love with this remarkable city.
Currency: Colombian Pesos (COP) & Exchange Rates
The official currency of Colombia is the Colombian Peso (COP). You will see prices marked with the dollar sign ($), but it always refers to pesos. For instance, a coffee that costs $5,000 is 5,000 Colombian Pesos.
- Exchange Rate: As of August 2025, the exchange rate is approximately 1 USD = 4,000 COP. This makes Colombia incredibly affordable for those earning in US dollars. It’s always a good idea to check the current rate before your trip, as it can fluctuate.
- Exchanging Money: While some tourist-heavy areas might accept USD, it’s not a common practice and you will get a very poor exchange rate. It’s always best to use pesos.
- ATMs: For the best rates, withdrawing cash from an ATM is a common and safe practice. You can find ATMs from major banks like Bancolombia and Davivienda throughout the city. Be sure to check with your home bank about foreign transaction fees and withdrawal limits. When using an ATM, always decline the conversion offer and choose to be charged in Colombian Pesos to get a better rate.
- “Casas de Cambio”: You can also exchange money at a “Casa de Cambio” (money exchange house), which are often found in shopping malls and tourist areas. These generally offer better rates than banks or airports.
Must-Do Attractions:
- Comuna 13 Graffiti Tour: This is more than just a tour; it’s a powerful and inspiring story of resilience. Once one of the most dangerous neighborhoods in the world, Comuna 13 has been transformed through the power of art and community. The tour, often led by locals, showcases the vibrant graffiti and street art that tells the story of the neighborhood’s past and its hopeful future.
- Parque Arví & Metrocable: Take a scenic ride on the Metrocable to Parque Arví, a massive ecological nature reserve. It’s the perfect escape from the urban hustle, offering hiking trails, a butterfly garden, and a tranquil forest environment.
- Plaza Botero: Immerse yourself in the world of Medellín’s most famous artist, Fernando Botero. This public plaza features 23 of his signature oversized bronze sculptures. Adjacent to the plaza is the Museum of Antioquia, which houses more of his works.
- Pueblito Paisa: For a taste of traditional Colombian village life, head to Pueblito Paisa. This charming replica of a classic Antioquian town sits atop a hill, offering panoramic views of the city.
- Day Trip to Guatapé: A short, beautiful bus ride from Medellín will take you to the vibrant town of Guatapé. The main attraction is the majestic Piedra del Peñol, a massive granite monolith with a 740-step staircase to the top. The climb is well worth it for the breathtaking views of the surrounding man-made lake and islands.
- Credit Cards: Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in restaurants, hotels, and larger shops, but it’s always smart to have cash on hand for smaller purchases, taxis, and street vendors.
Climate & Temperature: The Eternal Spring
Medellín’s most famous nickname is well-earned. Thanks to its elevation in the Aburrá Valley, the city enjoys a consistently mild and temperate climate throughout the year. Temperatures generally hover between 63°F (17°C) and 82°F (28°C), making it a comfortable destination no matter the season. The city does experience wet and dry seasons, with the heaviest rainfall typically occurring in April, May, September, and October. However, even in the “rainy” season, showers are often brief, leaving behind a fresh, clean city.
City Vibe & Must-Do Attractions
The vibe of Medellín is a blend of entrepreneurial spirit, artistic expression, and warm, welcoming culture. The locals, known as “Paisas,” are famously friendly and proud of their city. The city is a masterpiece of urban planning, with a clean and efficient metro system that includes a network of Metrocable cars, providing stunning views of the surrounding mountains and connecting residents to even the most remote neighborhoods.
Expat Life & Best Neighborhoods
Medellín has become a top destination for expats and digital nomads due to its high quality of life, affordability, and a strong sense of community. The city is a great place to practice your Spanish, enjoy a relaxed lifestyle, and get involved in a range of outdoor activities.
Best Neighborhoods to Live & Visit:
- El Poblado: This is the most popular neighborhood for foreigners and tourists. It’s an upscale, modern area with a vibrant nightlife, trendy restaurants, chic cafes, and high-end shopping malls. While it’s one of the safest and most convenient neighborhoods, it is also the most expensive.
- Laureles: Offering a more authentic and laid-back “Paisa” experience, Laureles is a favorite among long-term expats. It’s known for its tree-lined streets, beautiful parks, and a more local feel. You’ll find a fantastic array of restaurants, cafes, and bars, including the famous “La 70” nightlife strip.
- Envigado: Located just south of El Poblado, Envigado is a separate municipality that feels more like a charming suburb. It’s a great option for families and those seeking a quieter, more residential environment. It boasts a strong community spirit, beautiful parks, and is considered very safe.
Cost of Living: Affordability & Lifestyle
The cost of living in Medellín is incredibly attractive, especially when compared to major cities in the U.S. or Europe. The “estrato” system, which classifies neighborhoods by socioeconomic status (1 being the lowest, 6 being the highest), plays a large role in housing costs and utility bills.
- Housing: A one-bedroom apartment in a popular expat neighborhood like El Poblado can range from $1,100 to $3,000 per month, while a similar apartment in Laureles might be closer to $500-$800. For a private room in a shared apartment, you could expect to pay as little as $200-$500 per month.
- Food: Eating out is very affordable. A “menú del día” (set lunch menu) at a local spot can be as low as $3-$5. A nice dinner for one at a mid-range restaurant is typically $10-$15. Groceries are also inexpensive, with fresh fruits and vegetables being particularly cheap.
- Transportation: The public transport system is excellent and cheap. A one-way metro ticket is around 3,000 COP, or about $0.75 USD. Taxis and ride-sharing services are also readily available and affordable.
Getting There: Flights & Airlines
Medellín is well-connected to the United States, with several airlines offering direct flights.
- Direct Flights: You can find non-stop flights to José María Córdova International Airport (MDE) from cities like Fort Lauderdale (FLL), Houston (IAH), and Orlando (MCO).
- Airlines: Avianca, JetBlue, and Spirit Airlines are among the airlines that offer direct routes. American Airlines and United Airlines also have frequent flights, often with connections. Avianca, as the national airline, is a popular choice and offers a convenient hub in Bogotá for connecting flights.
A Taste of Medellín: Best Restaurants & Little-Known Gems
Medellín’s culinary scene is a delight, from traditional Paisa cuisine to world-class fine dining.
- Best Restaurants:
- El Cielo: For a truly unforgettable fine-dining experience, El Cielo offers an innovative, multi-course tasting menu that is a feast for all the senses.
- Carmen: Considered a top contender for the best restaurant in the city, Carmen offers a sophisticated, farm-to-table menu with a creative twist on Colombian flavors.
- O.C.I.: A more approachable yet still highly-rated spot, O.C.I. is known for its incredible food and relaxed, welcoming atmosphere.
- Pergamino Café: A must-visit for any coffee lover, this is more than just a café; it’s a celebration of Colombian coffee culture.
- Little-Known Gems:
- The Barefoot Park (Parque de los Pies Descalzos): This unique urban park encourages visitors to take off their shoes and walk on different textures like sand, pebbles, and grass, as a way to de-stress and connect with nature.
- Salón Málaga: Step back in time at this iconic, old-school bar. A local institution, it’s known for its classic bolero music and a vibe that feels like a piece of Medellín’s history.
- Mercado del Río: While now quite popular, this food hall in the Ciudad del Río neighborhood is a great place to sample a wide variety of food stalls, from traditional Colombian dishes to international cuisine.
Medellín is a city that will surprise and enchant you. It’s a place where you can find both the bustling energy of a modern city and the serene beauty of the Colombian countryside. It’s a city that has reinvented itself with a spirit of innovation and optimism, making it an incredible destination for anyone looking to explore, relax, or start a new life.