Top Tourist Attractions in Medellin, Colombia
What to See on a Trip to the Eternal Spring City
Jul 19, 2009
Not only is Medellin packed full of nightlife, history, shopping and restaurants, but it is in a beautiful part of Colombia, set in a valley surrounded by mountains. The “City of Eternal Spring” is green and almost always has perfect weather. It is a great city to add to any Colombian itinerary and easy to navigate with a world class public transportation system.
Plaza Botero in Medellin, Colombia
The famous artist, Fernando Botero was born in Medellin. The plaza dedicated to him is full of his memorable sculptures. It is an interesting plaza for people watching and enjoying the weather and full of great photo opportunities. It is located in the center of the city and a great place to spend an afternoon.
Parque Explora in Medellin, Colombia
Parque Explora is educational and fun. Kids and adults alike can learn about science and technology in this park. The outside is full of interactive physics experiments. Visitors can spin on a merry-go-round and try to throw foam balls into a basket against gravity or watch how a tornado is made. Inside the building is an aquarium with the largest freshwater tank in South America. There are exhibits where visitors can play virtual air-hockey, learn about robotics, make their own snapshot videos and take infra-red photos. Exhibit themes include; Physics, Biology, Technology, Media and Geography. There is so much to see at Parque Explora that visitors should allow several hours here.
Museum of Antioquia
To get a sense of the history and culture of the area, the Museum of Antioquia is the best place to start. It houses 108 pieces of art from Botero. The museum exhibits show visitors the past and present of Colombian art in many different mediums. The museum is now considered a national monument and was founded in 1871.
Bolivar Square
Located in the center of the city, Bolivar square is a great place to pass some time. It is a refuge of shade surrounded by great restaurants and shopping. There is often live music in the park so visitors can hear traditional Colombian Vallenato or listen to Tango. The square is a traditional landmark of Medellin, built in the mid-19th century. The Metropolitan Cathedral is impressive behind a fountain at the end of the square. Also in the square is the Lido Theater which was recently restored. It is a great place to get a feel for historical Medellin.
Palacio De Cultura “Rafael Uribe Uribe”
This is one of the most unforgettable buildings in Medellin. The checkered palace, built by a Belgian architect is enough to stop pedestrians in their tracks. The gothic-style building is well worth a visit, even if it is only to gawk at the exterior. Inside it houses historical archives and is home to the office of the Director of Culture in Antioquia. Exhibitions include a library, art gallery and museum. The dome of the palace is used for artist workshops, exhibits, theater and cinema shows.
The city of Medellin is full of life and jam-packed with museums, parks and exhibits. A visitor can expect to come for a few days but feel compelled to stay longer to discover more of its secrets. It takes a week to even scratch the surface of the city, but these tourist attractions give a visitor a great start.
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