The City of Eternal Spring nestles in a narrow valley surrounded by mountains and boasts a mild, year-round climate and friendly, welcoming residents — paisas. Known for producing lovely textiles, cut flowers and excellent coffee, the city also boasts a lively culinary and nightlife scene. A modern metro system and MetroCable gondolas reaching mountainside barrios help connect this modern, thriving city.
GETTING THERE & AROUND
Located about 18 miles from city center, Medellín José María Córdova International Airport offers direct connections to Madrid and Lima, as well as North American cities including New York, Mexico City, Atlanta and Miami. Taxi (about $30), bus and shuttle services provide access to the city from the airport, with Uber also available. An excellent public transportation service includes metro trains, buses, metro cable cars and trams. Fares may be paid with temporary, rechargeable cards or the more permanent Civica card, also rechargeable and offering a discount. EnCicla, a free public bike-sharing program, offers another option.
LODGING
This art- and design-centric lifestyle hotel offers personalized concierge service; unique cultural experiences; a three-floor Ultra Wellness Center; international cuisine; and a lively 17th-floor Envy Roof Top lounge with a live DJ, pool and panoramic city views.
Calle 9A, No. 37-16, El Poblado, Medellín, Antioquia, Colombia, tel 57 604 444 4968
An excellent location close to shopping, restaurants, nightlife and the financial center of the city makes this property an excellent choice for travelers. Well-equipped meeting and event spaces, included breakfasts, a spa, fitness center and gracious service all win praise.
Calle 9, No. 41-36, El Poblado, Medellín, Antioquia, Colombia, tel 57 604 448 4505
Hotel Novotel Medellín El Tesoro
Located within El Tesoro shopping mall, this hotel
offers direct access to business and commercial zones. Amenities and services include a pool, event spaces, a spa, fitness center, complimentary breakfast and airport shuttle; kids stay free.
Carrera 25A, No. 1A Sur 45, Parque Comercial El Tesoro, El Poblado, Medellín, Antioquia, Colombia,
tel 57 604 460 48 156
DINING
The menu here presents the great diversity of Colombian dishes and products using innovative techniques. Select from the à la carte menu or order the five-course chef’s tasting menu.
Carrera 36, No. 10A-27, El Poblado, Medel- lín, Antioquia, Colombia, tel 57 316 625 4896
Experience unique gastronomic “moments” — as opposed to courses — at Elcielo, where avant-garde techniques combine with traditional methods of Colombian cuisine created from locally sourced ingredients.
Calle 7D, No. 43C-36, El Poblado, Medellín, Antioquia, Colombia, tel 57 604 448 2396
The menu at this casual, modern restaurant focuses on slow-cooked foods and changes every six months. Sharing dishes is encouraged.
Carrera 33, No. 7-21, El Poblado, Medellín, Antioquia, Colombia, tel 57 604 448 8203
ATTRACTIONS
For a quiet respite from the bustle of the city, visit this 34-acre garden which serves as a
living museum and science center with a host of plant collections including herbs, azaleas and orchids. The garden also houses a butterfly house and more than 130 species of birds. Join a regularly scheduled guided tour or arrange
in advance for a specialized tour in English; no entrance fee.
Calle 73, No. 51D-14, Aranjuez, Medellín, Antioquia, Colombia, tel 57 604 444 5500
Paisas are not afraid to address the elephant
in the room. This museum, opened in 2012, provides an unflinching look at the history of the armed conflict in Colombia and Medellín and the obstacles people overcame to achieve hard-won peace and prosperity.
Parque Bicentenario, Calle 51, No. 36-66,
La Candelaria, Medellín, Antioquia, Colombia, tel 57 604 520 2020
This ecological nature preserve also features pre-Hispanic archaeological sites and covers more than 61 square miles, with more than 33 miles of trails. Bird-watch, hike, bike and explore the unique flora and fauna of this region. Accessible via MetroCable, the park offers overnight camping and a food market near the gondola station.
Via a Piedras Blancas, Medellín, Antioquia, Colombia, tel 57 604 444 2979
Read This Next
Global City Guidebook: U.S. Virgin Islands
GCGB 2023
Aug 5, 2023All Reads on This Topic
Read Them All
Introducing
FX Excursions
FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.
#globility
Insta FeedFebruary 2024
Mar 1, 2024Down to Earth: Find Your Element for the Ultimate Customized Spa Experience at Chuan Spa
After a stressful pre-holiday season and a busy work schedule, there was no better time for a relaxing spa experience than during my recent trip to Pasadena with the FXExpress Publications, Inc. team. We headed to The Langham Huntington, Pasadena for the 20th anniversary of the GT Tested Reader Survey awards, which meant a jam-packed trip, but I managed to carve a little time out of our busy schedule to visit Chuan Spa at the hotel.
Sponsored Content
Reconnecting the World: GBTA Convention 2023 Spotlights the Vital Role of Business Travel and In-Person Connection
In an increasingly digital and interconnected world, the Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) Convention remains an indispensable platform for business travel industry professionals seeking to make the most of the power of face-to-face connections. Taking place August 13–15 in Dallas, the 2023 GBTA Convention provides the unique opportunity for professionals and companies to join visionaries, thought leaders and industry experts for meaningful networking, cutting-edge insights and inspiring innovation.
Daily
Feb 26, 2024Fukui: A Culture Hub in Rural Japan Worth the Detour
In many cases, less can be more in terms of what smaller cities and small-scale museums have to offer. This is true for Fukui Prefecture, located on the west coast of the main island and best known for its coastline, terrain and quiet towns. While major cities are awash with large-scale museums, bucolic Fukui Prefecture is worth a visit for its assemblage of institutions offering a deeper dive into Japanese life, history and culture.
Daily
Feb 26, 2024Ennismore Unveils Flagship Hotel and Restaurant Openings in 2024
This year marks an exciting time for Ennismore, the world’s fastest growing lifestyle and leisure hospitality company. With plans to open new properties and restaurants across the world, Ennismore shows no signs of stopping any time soon.
Sponsored Content
Why Buy Trip Cancellation Insurance?
Don’t risk losing all the money you’ve spent if you must cancel your trip at the last minute. Allianz Travel Insurance can give you:
February 2024
Feb 26, 2024Unearth the Enduring Heritage and History of the Island Nation
Valletta, capital of Malta, was built to keep us out. The old city is protected by formidable limestone walls and crammed onto a peninsula flanked by two natural harbors.
Hôtel Norman Opens Near the Top of Champs Elysées
Daily
Feb 23, 2024Take a Peek Inside Regent “Seven Seas Grandeur”
Daily
Feb 22, 2024Daily
Feb 22, 2024Europe by Rail Never Felt So Luxe
Two of 2024’s top travel trends are sustainable travel and slow travel. Rocco Forte Hotel combined both with the Rocco Forte by Rail offer, allowing customers to fully immerse themselves in multiple destinations while traveling scenic routes.
Sponsored Content
Travel Tips to Help Protect Your Health and Your Trip
Five Tips to Help Minimize Potential Travel Problems
Come Face-to-Face with Mountain Gorillas on a Trek in Uganda
Not a word was spoken as I settled into a cozy spot on the outdoor terrace just outside the main lodge at Volcanoes Bwindi Lodge in Uganda. The air was so still the ice in my single malt seemed to echo off the forest in the distance as it clanked against the glass. I sat among a handful of fellow adventurers, each sitting silently beneath the night sky for one collective goal. Moments earlier, we learned a troop of mountain gorillas had made their way down the mountain near our lodge, and we left our meals to instead sit in eager anticipation of hearing the guttural grunts of the primates below. The chills on my arms never left me that night, even as I made my way up a stone pathway to my personal banda (guestroom). Thankfully, sleep came quickly for me that night as I drifted into dreams of what my next day would bring.
ShareThis