What to do in Medellín?
We know that even though you are coming to Medellín for RubyConf Colombia, I encourage you to attend the Ruby Meetup Medellin.rb, and if you also want to check out the city and get to know a little bit of the local culture.
That is why we put together a short list of things we recommend in case you’re staying in the city a bit longer.
Must see places
Metrocable
Part of the city’s public transportation system, the cable cars climb the mountains on the northern and western ends of Medellín. Both are aimed to connect those communities on the hills with the rest of the city. This cheap ride will get you a great sight over the city.
We recommend taking the Santo Domingo metro cable and even connecting with the ones going to Parque Arví.
Parque Arví
This is probably a highlight you can ride here using the metro cable. If you like nature, this would be most of the beautiful rides you can do. This quiet and lush park is a real relief from the city life.
Once in the park, you can go hiking, enjoy the farmer’s market and connect with nature.
Botanical Garden
The botanical garden has more than 1,000 living species and 4,500 flowers. It has an important collection of orchids preserved in an architectural space called the “Orchidiarium”. The garden includes a butterfly house, cactus garden, exhibition spaces, library, and pond.
This is actually at a walking distance from the conference venue.
Pueblito Paisa
Located on the top of Cerro Nutibarra in Medellín. This replica of a typical turn of the century Antioquia town comes complete with its traditional stone fountain in the middle of the town square and is surrounded by the church and rectory, the mayor’s office, a barber shop, and a one-room school house.
Pueblito Paisa is an icon to the people of Antioquia since its inception, this attraction is a fun way to get a bird’s eye view of the city and surrounding mountains and valleys, as well as get away from the busting city below for an hour or so.
Guatapé
If you have enough time, this place it’s a 2 hours drive from Medellín. A good representation of a typical past century town from this area of Colombia.
A few minutes close to the second largest natural rock on earth, called Piedra del Peñol, which is the perfect to place see some amazing views.
Culture
Food
In Colombia and particularly in Medellín, we have a few very local dishes that you should try out if you want to get a sense of the local cuisine.
The following dishes are not at all fancy, but they are very traditional:
- Bandeja paisa, a very good place to get one would be El Rancherito. They have a few locations so make sure you pick the closest one
- Cazuela de frijoles, the best place to have one is Cazuelitas
- Mondongo, definitely the best place would be Mondongo’s, it’s a bit on the pricey side, but it’s definitely worth it
If you are looking for something less local, the following are places with very good food:
- Carmen offers contemporary food in a beautiful location, highly recommended.
- El Correo is the place for meat lovers. They offer the best steaks and cuts in town.
- Verdeo is the place for vegans; they have a very creative menu.
- El Cielo is quite the experience. They serve what some people call molecular food, a technique learned by its chef from Ferran Adrià, the creator on a restaurant ranked #1 in the world called El Bulli. It is a pricy place.
Art
- Museo de Antioquia, with free admission every Sunday. Displays pieces from a mix of local and internationally renowned artists.
- Museo de Arte Moderno de Medellín, 1 block away from the conference’s official hotel.
- Plaza Botero, open park full with Fernando Botero’s sculptures.
Beer
If you like craft beer like me, there are the best places to get it.
- Cervecería Libre is the newest brewpub to open its doors in Medellin. They currently brew four types of beer, all of which are available on tap.
- Tres Cordilleras was one of the first small breweries in Medellín. They have a tour every Thursday and Friday evening where you can see their brewing process and enjoy their nice beers.
- Bogotá Beer Company is a Colombian brewery, not local to Medellín which has a very nice location and beer selection.
Nightlife
These are some of the most known spots where people hang out during the weekend.
- Río Sur was an abandoned for around 20 years, it’s construction was finished a few years ago, and it is now the home to some of the nicest bars and nightclubs in town.
- Parque Lleras is a park surrounded by restaurants and bars. It can get very busy during the weekends. The are where a lot of foreign tourists hang out.
- Barrio Colombia is the place to go if what you are looking for is to dance all night. There are nightclubs for people looking for Salsa, Electronic Music, Reggaeton or even a good old live rock band.
