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Top 8 local things to do in Medellin this 2024
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It’s no secret that Medellín is fashionable, attracting more travelers, expats, investors, influencers, and celebrities who have made Medellín their business hub or home. This trend has revitalized the tourism industry and transformed traditional neighborhoods into service dispensaries for foreigners.
However, many of our travelers ask us about truly local plans, activities, or “parches” as we say in Medellín. These are the places frequented by those of us born and raised here, which are currently in vogue. This article answers that question, so take note of these spots to enjoy a fantastic time in 2024:
1. UVA del Tesoro & Gourmet Hotdogs
Hotdogs, or “perros calientes” as we call them in Spanish, are a staple of Colombian street food, especially in Medellín. While traditional hotdog stands are common on every street, offering the classic version with cheese and many more ingredients, gourmet hotdogs represent a gourmet take in an underground scene that has become very popular among locals.
Hidden within a traditional neighborhood in El Poblado (right across from El Tesoro Shopping Center), it’s a spot unnoticed by tourists yet fashionable among Medellín’s residents. The plan here involves sitting on a bench in the restored UVA del Tesoro park and ordering traditional hotdogs with high-end ingredients like prawns, shrimp, and pork bondiola.
The hotdogs are incredible, but the experience isn’t just about food; it’s an opportunity to spend an afternoon or evening in a park where the tranquility of trees meets an underground vibe. Beers, cocktails, hip-hop, and delicious food will ensure a good time in the city.
This place is about 10 minutes from Provenza without traffic, making it a great option to diversify and step away from the city’s tourist hype.
2. An Afternoon at Parques del Río
Located near Laureles, specifically in the Conquistadores neighborhood, Parques del Río is a 72,000 square meter park with various zones, stages, and green spaces for walking, sitting to read, lounging on a white sand beach, or stopping by one of the area’s cafés.
Spanning two horizontal strips along the Medellín River, connected by several bridges, it has become a leisure and relaxation space for many city dwellers. It’s a perfect opportunity to seek tranquility, engage in sports, or simply enjoy a good coffee while exploring.
3. Picnic in Ciudad del Río
Yes, we like to name places similarly! This is another neighborhood near El Poblado, featuring a park and a museum considered by many as one of the best spots for picnics, jogging, or just relaxing. Located about 10 minutes by car from El Poblado and accessible by Metro, it’s a fantastic option at any time of the day. The MAMM (Museo de Arte Moderno de Medellín) not only offers a cinema but also hosts various local exhibitions (check their website) for spending quality time.
The park, a leisure scene where locals bring their pets and friends and families gather, transforms into a food truck scene at night, offering a chance to indulge in a variety of street food options.
4. Visit the National Palace Gallery
Located in the city center, this building is one of Medellín’s most traditional structures, built over a hundred years ago and serving for decades as a government building before becoming famous as a sneaker shopping center.
Known to locals as the palace of sneakers, it was a sort of Turkish bazaar for fashion enthusiasts for many years. However, in the last 5 years, the Palace underwent a 180-degree transformation, remodeled into the corridors of an incredible art gallery that now attracts locals and is gradually becoming one of the city’s new and trendy spots.
If you’re into art or want to learn a bit outside the traditional plans, this place is for you.
5. Visit La Pascasia
One of the most traditional café-bars in the city, where art, literature, and local vibes are alive. Located in downtown Medellín, it’s frequented by true locals who attend cultural programs, history spaces, literature, but mainly live local music during the week, turning into a bar on weekends. It’s an excellent place to listen to tangos, have a few drinks, and mingle with locals.
6. A Day in San Felix and Eating "Panchocha"
San Felix is a small town located almost at the top of one of the mountains surrounding Medellín. Technically part of Bello, a neighboring municipality, it’s practically connected to the city.
San Felix is famous among locals for three reasons: (1) The views of the entire city, perfect for picnics or dining at a hill-facing restaurant, (2) Paragliding flights, offering the closest option in Medellín for this activity, and (3) Eating “Panchocha.
Panchocha it’s a traditional Colombian bakery product, essentially a large bread filled with cheeses and butter. Locals love this dish, usually enjoying it with hot chocolate. And yes, we dip the bread into the hot chocolate, melting the cheese inside.
Whether you like it or not, it’s a must-try in Medellín, especially with the spectacular city views and a chance to paraglide.
Located about 40 minutes from Medellín, an Uber or Taxi can easily take you there. Another option is to take one of the buses heading to San Pedro de los Milagros and ask the driver to drop you off as they pass by San Felix.
Or the most comfortable option it’s hire our transfer private service or even better book our paragliding tour with hotel pick-up 👇
7. Play Tejo
The only sport in the world practiced with a beer in hand: Yes, we know some city tours already offer it. But that doesn’t mean we can’t include it in this list, as it remains a 100% local activity.
Tejo, Colombia’s national sport, might sound crazy, but it involves throwing a special stone at a clay target a few meters away, which has various gunpowder charges, aiming to make them explode upon impact.
Tejo is not a normal sport; as noted, it’s possibly the only one played while drinking beer and accompanied by traditional music (don’t expect to hear Taylor Swift during your games).
Like in bowling, you’ll take turns trying to hit the “papeletas” with the stone, and the more gunpowder explodes, the more points you’ll earn! You can practice this sport in some places like the Atanasio Girardot Sports Unit (near Laureles) or at the Envigado Sports Complex (another sports practice area about 15 minutes by car from El Poblado).
In Medellin Real Adventure we offer a private tour in Medellin which include trying Tejo in a local way. Check out our tours below 👇
8. An Afternoon in Santa Helena
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Medellin has more than this things to do. Feel free to explore this magnificent city and get lost in the good vibes and the welcoming people. If you wanna to explore more deep in Medellin and Antioquia we have a bunch of exclusive and private tours to discover all the hidden places this country has to show you. Just clic below to check all our option 👇
