Check out these remarkable FAQs about Medellín
Keep in mind that in Tata’s Connection, our team is always available to answer any questions about this wonderful place called Medellín.
Do I need a passport for Colombia when I visit Medellín?
Yes, you require a passport to get into Colombia, and to successfully pass through customs there are other restrictions to entry to remember too. No item you bring into the country can be worth more than $1500, and if you are traveling with what are called heritage items from another country, they must be reported to customs officials for assessment. Heritage items are objects such as cultural or historic artifacts, art or organic goods.
In addition, you can travel with a maximum of USD $10000 in cash, or its equivalent in another currency. If you have more cash than that, it may be confiscated by customs or make you pay a fine.
Do I need a visa to visit Medellín?
If you are visiting purely for a vacation, or attending an event such as a wedding, you probably do not need a visa to enter Colombia. However, visitors of some nationalities will need to obtain a visa, and those working will too. As an example, if you bring a wedding photographer with you, they may need a work visa to be able to photograph the wedding.
You can check the exact requirements for your own situation on the official site.
What are the best areas to stay in Medellín?
Medellín is a warm and welcoming place for tourists, but like any location, some areas are better than others. For safety, being close to the amenities you want and just having quality hotels, the best places to choose in Medellín are:
- El Poblado – This is the most popular area for tourists in Medellín, with a wide selection of restaurants and stores, as well as a vibrant nightlife. You will find bars and clubs that welcome tourists, and plenty of live music for all tastes. It is a safe area, and one where you will find most of the more luxurious hotels in the city
Laureles – Close to the heart of Medellín, this is a much less ‘touristy’ area, but if you are looking for the Medellín the locals love, then this is it. You may not see many other tourists here, and as a result, your choice of hotels is much more limited than other areas, but you can enjoy live music and wonderful traditional food alongside Medellín’s own people.
- Envigado – If you want somewhere quiet away from the busy nightlife and hustle and bustle of the city, then this is for you. You are still within easy travel of the restaurants and attractions if you want, but this is a much more residential area, with less going on in general. It’s great for long stays, or if you want a hotel where you can escape to after exploring the city and just relax.
What are the best things to do in Medellín?
- Enjoy the Outdoors! – Medellín has relatively great weather all year round, so whenever you visit it’s the perfect time to relax outdoors. There are numerous parks to explore, notably Oarque Arvi, Plaza Botero and Parque Lleras, where you will find art, street vendors and music. Great way to relax and enjoy the day.
- Visit Jardin Botanico – The botanical gardens is host to over 4000 different types of plant, and more than 100 bird species too. There are events throughout the year as well, its just a great place to explore.
- Visit Comuna 13 – What used to be the most dangerous part of the city, and somewhere you certainly would be asked to avoid as a tourist, Comuna 13 is now home to amazing street art, fantastic food and more. It’s well worth visiting as it tells the story of the city, going from an area that had guards to keep people out to now one of the best places to visit during the day.
- Museums – Medellín has several museums, dating back as far as 1842. From art to local history, there is something to see and learn for everyone.
- Food and drink – Take a food tour where you can learn about, and sample, the best of local cuisines. There are microbreweries around the city too, most offer tours and of course, plenty of excellent craft beers to try.
What currency do I need in Medellín?
The Colombian Peso is the local currency, and you will need to exchange your own currency for these to shop in most local stores, restaurants and so on. Be aware that some banks charge for this, so shop around to ensure that you find low or no cost options to get the best value.
What time zone is Medellín in?
Medellín uses Colombia Time (COT), which is UTC – 5 hours.
How large is Medellín?
Medellín is the second-largest city in Colombia, at 146 square miles in area, with a population of 2.5 million people.
What is the best way to get around Medellín?
The best way to get around is by using the Metro. It’s fast and affordable, with each ride costing around $0.60 US or $2.800 pesos (Currently Exchange Rate is $1 USD = $3.940 As of Sept 2023), and It’s easy to use too. A mix of rail, bus, cable cars and trams, it gets you pretty much anywhere you want.
The most affordable way to get around is by bike. There are public bikes called EnCicla that are available for everyone to use, free for the first hour, then you have to pay. It can be a pain to register for them, with lots of paperwork, but with local help, you can be ready to go and travel around for very little.
Taxis are safe but quite expensive. Use taxi apps such as Tapsi or Easy Taxi, and remember that you need to pay in cash even when you book via app. Uber is also available and widely used, although it is technically not legal to operate in Colombia.
There are also private transportation options or Car / Motorcycle rental you can quote with us.
Where do I go for the best party in Medellín?
Medellín is renowned for its nightlife, and you can have a great time listening to live music, dancing or enjoying drinks with great people almost anywhere. But here are some of the best places to go for that night to remember.
- El Social – Whatever you want from your party, this is a bar that has it all. Three levels with relatively cheap drinks, endless music and great fun. As one of Medellín’s longest running nightspots, it is established in the party scene, and a must-visit if you are in El Poblado.
- Envy Rooftop – Part of The Charlee Hotel, you can expect live music, lots of fellow tourists and a fantastic view. Not somewhere to meet locals, but one to enjoy for what it is, the best view in the city and a great place for a party.
- Club 1984 – Music of all types and a mesmerizing light show will get you on the dance floor in Club 1984. It also has a large terrace overlooking the mountains when you need to slow down and take a breath.
- Vintrash – 2 dance floors, reggaeton and electro music, a rooftop terrace with fantastic views, and one of the places where the locals love to party.
If you didn’t like any of them, don’t worry. We have some outstanding secrets places you can visit.
What are the COVID-19 rules for traveling to Colombia?
All travelers aged 18 or over visiting Colombia, whether by air, road or sea, must show proof of full vaccination against Covid-19 upon arrival in the country. For those that do not have full vaccination, a negative PCR result taken within the previous 72 hours before traveling, or a negative antigen test result within 48 hours of traveling, will also be accepted.
Is a Yellow Fever vaccine required for travel to Colombia? If so, which countries?
There are no requirements for you to have the Yellow Fever Vaccine to travel to Colombia, regardless of the country you are traveling from. However, there are some areas within Colombia, that initially required the vaccine before entering. These are mostly national parks and rural areas, with the full list available here.
That restriction has mostly been changed to a recommendation for vaccine rather than a legal requirement. For visitors to Cartagena, the area you may have looked at visiting that recommends having the vaccine is Tayrona National Park.
Medellín captures the essence of Colombia
Medellín captures the essence of Colombia with its beautiful setting, friendly people, wonderful food and vibrant nightlife. Whether your idea of paradise is exploring the botanical gardens or partying into the early hours, Medellín has everything you need.
If you are planning a trip to this wonderful city, our team of local experts can help you create the perfect trip. From choice of hotel to advising on the best bars for your night out, planning a wedding or creating a relaxing itinerary, we can do it all. Get in touch with our friendly Medellín experts today and allow us to create the perfect trip to Medellín for you.