This post really excites me because thinking through all the different activities in Medellín feels almost endless.
I never expected to like this city as much as I did, admittedly because I didn’t do much research before arriving on my first backpacking trip, but I was astounded by how well set up for tourism Medellín is, considering how relatively new the tourism boom here has been.
I left Medellín in 2024 with it at the top of my all-time favourite cities list, and that’s 100% down to how much there is to experience, and the sheer range of tours in Medellín on offer. There’s really something for everyone, from hiking in La Clara to visiting bustling fruit markets, diving into a language immersion, or learning about Colombia’s incredibly rich history.
And this post is just about the planned activities and excursions you can book; I’m not even touching on how great it is to explore different areas and get to know the city on your own terms, seeking out different coffee shops and hunting down the best menú del día in the city.
After a year in the city, I can safely say I’ve ticked off a large percentage of the most popular Medellín tours and excursions, and I’ve shared my favourites below.
These are the trips and excursions that, to me, are genuinely worth your time and money, especially if you’re on a short itinerary like many city breaks tend to be.
Now, my one true love when it comes to activities in Colombia will always be getting out into nature, which I’ve left off this list because I could make a whole separate blog post about my favourite hikes in Medellín, but just know that you should incorporate some of that into your trip too.
This post focuses on half day and full day trips and excursions, within the city and greater Medellín area, that can be done both in a group or as a solo traveller!
So, let’s dive in.
Coffee Tour: One of the Best Medellín Tours (with Horseback Riding)
Book here: Coffee Farm & Horseback Riding Tour
Kicking off this list strong, we have to dive straight into Colombia’s most influential export.
No, not that. Coffee.
Did you expect Medellín to have coffee tours? No? Well lucky for you, they’re not just reserved for Salento and the surrounding coffee region. Medellín has some incredible coffee farms and tours showing the bean-to-cup process of making this beautiful drink.
Antioquia also has an ideal climate and altitude for growing coffee. You just have to exit the city slightly until you reach more green space than concrete. Don’t worry, nearly all tour agencies include transportation to the farms, picking you up from your hotel.
And of course, if you’re going to go up into the mountains, what better way to do that than on horseback?
Comuna 13 Tour: The Best Thing to Do in Medellín
I’d say if there’s one activity that people go to Medellín to experience, it’s Comuna 13.
A previously hard to reach, dangerous and impoverished barrio in the mountains of the city, Comuna 13 has transformed itself into a thriving local neighbourhood and tourist destination through arts, music, dance and culture.
Comuna 13 was a landmark in the history of La Violencia, Colombia’s period of civil unrest and war against the extremist left, the guerrillas, the extremist right, the paramilitary, and the infamous narcotrafficking industry that still unfortunately plagues Colombia today.
On these tours, you can hear firsthand from a local who grew up in the barrio exactly what it was like to experience this heartbreaking period of time in the most dangerous city in the world.
The tour is one of energy and hope, but tragedy and heartbreak, as you learn about La Escombrera, the suspected mass grave, the infrastructure and urban planning implemented in conjunction with the locals to make the neighbourhood more accessible to the city, and of course the warmth and ingenuity of the artists, musicians and culture-makers whose work has made Comuna 13 such a landmark of Colombian culture today.
I’m not ordering this list by importance, but if I did, this would be the best thing to do in Medellín, hands down.
Yes, it’s oversaturated with tourism, but in my opinion, you can’t visit Colombia without making an effort to understand its history and how far the country has come.
Food and Fruit Tour: A Top Medellín Excursion for Foodies
Did you know Colombia has over 365 species of fruit? Yep, you could eat one different fruit variety every single day and not run out of options!
Trying exotic fruits in Medellín’s markets is a MUST do when you’re here. There are species you’ve never even heard of before, and even international supermarkets in western countries don’t stock them, so you’ve gotta take advantage of that opportunity.
Food and market tours are some of my favourite Medellín activities, just because of the vibrance, energy, diversity and life that you feel there.
Having a local show you around just makes the experience so enjoyable and uplifting, and really helps you find your way around these markets. Plus, they always have the best advice and are so knowledgeable about the best pricing, places to eat local food, and hidden gems around the city!
Free Walking Tour: One of the Easiest Activities in Medellín
A free walking tour of the city has to be on everyone’s list, no matter what city you’re in.
I did Medellín’s free walking tour on my second day in the country, and it was a great one. You learn so much about Botero Plaza and the legendary Colombian artist and sculptor, you learn about the history of the train and metro system in Colombia (guide on How To Use the Metro here), and you try delicious snacks and refreshing drinks (still thinking about you, guarapo), all in a morning of culture and orientation.
Be sure to tip your guides well here, the only reason these tours can remain free is on the donations of attendees. I’d recommend about £10 per person, or COP 40,000.
Some walking tours can be a bit of a snooze fest, I must admit, but Medellín’s is actually good because the city’s history is so rich, exciting, and so much has changed in such a short time.
Plus, get this in early in your trip to get a good footing and a lay of the land!
Paragliding Over San Félix: One of the Most Thrilling Tours in Medellín
Book here: Paragliding Over San Félix
Now, if there’s one thing to know about me, it’s that I LOVE paragliding.
I went over the Chicamocha Canyon near San Gil in Colombia, and to this day it’s one of my favourite experiences in Colombia.
The one thing that gets me so excited about paragliding over Medellín is that the mountains are so lush and green! When I went over the Chicamocha, it was absolutely breathtaking, but the climate was a lot drier, so I had a big view of orangey, arid mountains.
My friend took this paragliding excursion a short ride away from Medellín in an area called San Félix, and my god, it looks incredible. That whole area of the city has beautiful small towns, coffee crops, waterfalls, and stunning nature.
If you’re nervous about paragliding, please take it from me that it truly isn’t as scary as it looks. In fact, it’s super peaceful and gives you an amazing different (physical and mental!) perspective on life.
Watch a Football Match: A Lively Medellín Activity
Book here: Football Match Experience
I feel like I keep mentioning how everything is an incredible experience in Medellín, but I can’t help it, it’s true!
Every single person I met backpacking told me that you have to go to a football game to see one of Medellín’s home teams: Independiente Medellín or Atlético Nacional.
The atmosphere in the fan zone is nothing like going to a league game back home in the UK. Sure, you have the amazing energy from the chants, the connection from everyone sharing the same interest, but there’s just something different about Colombian energy.
Being in the fan zones almost feels like a party. There’s live music, beers are flowing, people are dancing and singing, and yes, of course, if it’s a rival game, there can be a bit of tension. Just avoid booking tickets in the ultra fan zones if you’re worried.
Trust me, this one is a must do if you’re wanting a lively time in Medellín.
Museo Casa de la Memoria: Medellín’s Memory Museum
Museo Casa de la Memoria – official website
Back to some heavy topics, but the Memory Museum, or Museo Casa de la Memoria, impacted me in ways I never expected when I spontaneously decided to visit one afternoon.
It maps out the timeline of the atrocities that happened over decades of Colombia’s civil war, showing firsthand interviews, news clippings, photographs and films, and carefully curated art pieces and expert conversations around what happened and how this awful period of time came to be.
Most heartbreakingly, it touches on the “forced disappearances” of over 100,000 people, and the mothers, wives and daughters’ efforts to find and rescue family and friends in a government that was turning a blind eye to what was going on.
To me, and to anyone who likes to promote conscious travel, this is a must do. It’s also absolutely free for all visitors.
Final Thoughts
To me, what makes Medellín special isn’t any single activity, it’s the range of tours and excursions on offer.
You can spend a morning learning about Colombia’s hardest history in Comuna 13, then spend the afternoon laughing your way through a football match, and cap off the week paragliding over green mountains just outside the city.
If you’re short on time, prioritise Comuna 13 and the free walking tour first as the best way to get a rounded education and enjoyment from the city. Everything else here is worth adding as your time and budget allow.
And remember, this only covers the best things to do in Medellín that you can plan and book. Make sure to build some unstructured time into your trip too.
Needing an itinerary for Medellín? Check out my blog post on The Best 3 Day Itinerary in Medellín.
Happy travelling!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best things to do in Medellín?
The standout activities in Medellín are a Comuna 13 tour, a coffee farm tour (often paired with horseback riding), a food and fruit market tour, a free walking tour of the city centre, paragliding over San Félix, watching a football match, and visiting the Museo Casa de la Memoria.
Which Medellín tours should I book in advance?
Comuna 13, the coffee farm tour, and paragliding over San Félix are worth booking a day or two ahead, especially in high season. The free walking tour usually just requires showing up at the meeting point.
Are Medellín excursions like paragliding safe?
Yes, reputable operators run these excursions with certified instructors and standard safety equipment. As with any adventure activity, book through an established company rather than the cheapest option you find on the street.
How many activities in Medellín can you fit into a week?
A week gives you plenty of room to cover every tour on this list comfortably, with a day or two spare for wandering, plus a hike if you want one.
Is Comuna 13 worth visiting in Medellín?
Yes. It’s one of the most talked-about things to do in Medellín, and for good reason: a local-led tour gives you firsthand context on the neighbourhood’s history alongside its transformation through art, music and culture.
Is Medellín safe for tourists doing these tours?
The tours and areas covered in this list are well-established on the tourist circuit and are visited daily by travellers. As with any big city, use normal precautions, stick to reputable tour operators, and check current travel advice before you go.
Leave a Reply