best free walking tours in medellin

Free Walking Tour Medellin - Real City Tours

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Free Walking Tour Medellin - Real City Tours - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

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Free Walking Tour Medellin

Explore medellin, colombia on a free walk by real city tours, free  medellin walking tour.

At Real City Tours we've spent the last seven years sharing our love and passion for our city with over 200 thousand visitors. We love to connect with people from all over the world to show them the different faces of Medellin .

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The Best Free Walking Tour in Medellin (Real City Tours Review)

Updated on April 18th, 2024

The Real City Walking Tour in Medellin is top-rated and the best way to see the city with an expert guide! Learn what to know about taking this tour in downtown Medellin during your trip.

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Table of contents

• What is the Medellin Free Walking Tour?
• How to sign up for a Medellin walking tour
• Who are the Free Walking Tour guides?
• How to stay safe during the walking tour
• What to expect during the Free Walking Tour (where does it go?)
• Tipping the Free Walking Tour guide (“propina”)
• Tips for taking the Medellin Free Walking Tour
• More tour ideas for Medellin

One of the BEST things we did on our second trip to Medellin was to take the Free Walking Tour from Real City Tours.

There is no better way to learn about a big city than directly from a local, and this was true for our insightful and wortwhile experience walking on this tour with our group and guide.

Is the Medellin Free Walking Tour something you should book for your trip or getaway in Medellin, Colombia? Read on, and hopefully you’ll be inspired to put it on your list!

What is the Medellin Free Walking Tour?

The Medellin Free Walking Tour is the best way to see and experience Medellin, especially at the start of your trip. I think I just keep wishing we did it on our first trip to Medellin, rather than our second!

This walking tour is much like others, if you’ve done walking tours around the world. You probably know that if you take a free tour, it is expected to tip the guide at the end. At the bottom of this review, I comment on how to tip your guide (in cash).

The Medellin Free Walking Tour will hit all the most famous sights in Medellin’s downtown Centro area, and your local guide will tell stories, give you historical facts and answer questions. Truthfully, I never could’ve figured out Medellin’s Centro and how to see everything, and I speak advanced Spanish! The walking tour was awesome for packing in all those landmarks and more.

It’s no wonder that this walking tour has thousands of 5-star reviews on TripAdivsor !

How to sign up for a Medellin walking tour

Sign-ups start approximately 36 hours in advance before tour times. We were serious about this, and knew that we wanted to do an early Saturday tour. You can do your sign-up at the Real City Tours booking page .

Sign-ups start at 6:15pm for the tours that happen two calendar days later, so on Thursday night, we could sign up for any Saturday tour. Spots are first-come first-serve, and that’s to keep the groups intimate. It’s also safer for everyone to be in a small group, going through crowded areas of downtown Medellin Centro.

During high travel season, spots can fill up rather quickly. If you’re interested in taking the walking tour, sign up early! If you cannot attend, make sure to cancel your reservation to help out someone else if the tour is all booked.

Who are the Free Walking Tour guides?

Free Walking Tour guides are talented Colombian locals who are fluent in English, and of course, native in Spanish. They are helpful, passionate, well-spoken and all-around awesome. They want to help you understand the city of Medellin as well as the country of Colombia and they are typically able to answer any question you have.

Our guide Maribell was a phenomenal guide. Her theatrical background helped her explain the history of Medellin in a captivating way. She called the main players ‘actors’ and used clear hand motions to describe the timelines of the conflict, the war and the developments afterward. She answered all our questions about the Colombian identity, Medellin and its people, Medellin today and where to go for the best food or soccer matches.

How to stay safe during the walking tour

If you are staying in El Poblado or Laureles and haven’t been to Medellin’s “Centro” yet, the difference in these areas will be quite obvious. You can see this in our Medellin photo collection where you’ll see both Centro and El Poblado. Even though you will be with a guide, keep in mind that as a foreigner, you might stand out, as a tourist with a nice camera or phone.

In order to avoid theft or scams, read our Medellin safety guide before your day out. (Don’t be alarmed, though! The threat of crime is quite low, especially when touring the sights with a guide.)

What to expect during the Free Walking Tour (where does it go?)

The Medellin Free Walking Tour took us through Medellin Centro. Here are a few of the memorable stops and what we learned.

Visit the Old Railway Station & Parque de las Luces

Our first stop was the Old railway station, and we learned that trains used to play a part in the Colombian economy. From there, we passed the Alpujarra administrative center, where we sat down for a history discussion, and then we crossed a major road to see the Park of Lights (Parque de las Luces).

This is a fascinating area that used to be a large city market. After a fire, the square fell into disarray and had some bad times. The city revamped it and created the tall installations that light up at night, giving the park its new name.

A stop in Botero Square

Botero Square is another memorable place, and it was here that we had a snack break and got to enjoy the wacky Botero sculptures! They’re popular with locals, too.

Fernando Botero is perhaps the most famous ‘paisa’ (name given to those who come from the Medellin region) artist, and his art is rather prevalent all over Colombia. His signature style reflects “unnatural proportions,” so his sculptures are humans and animals, and are worth seeing in this public collection of his works.

Berrio Park

In Berrio Park, we saw local Medellin life and Maribell brought us to a circle of men who were playing guitar and singing. They played some tunes for us and we felt very welcomed.

See local Medellin street vendors

As we walked past the shopping arcades, we marveled at street vendors selling our favorite fruits: pitahayas (yellow dragon fruit), pineapples, papayas, bananas, small oranges and mangoes.

Parque San Antonio

The tour ended at San Antonio Park, where we listened to the striking story of the 1995 bomb that was placed under a Botero sculpture of a bird during a concert. The terrorist bombing resulted in the deaths of 20 innocent people.

Instead of removing the bird sculpture that was half blown apart by the explosion, the city kept the original and placed a new sculpture next to it. Together, they are a reminder of the past and hope for a peaceful future. This was an emotional story to hear from Maribell, and she told it very well.

Tipping the Free Walking Tour guide (“propina”)

At the end of the Real City Walking Tour, it is customary to tip the guide. All the guides are truly excellent, so it was a pleasure for us to tip our guide for her hard work. Recommended tips are between 20,000 and 40,000 pesos (between $5-10 USD).

While it may sound daunting to set aside 3-4 hours of your sightseeing time in Medellin, the Real City Walking Tour is both an efficient and meaningful way to spend your trip. We learned so much about Colombia and the city of Medellin through our guide and through seeing parts of Medellin we would not have visited on our own.

Tips for taking the Medellin Free Walking Tour

• You’ll be walking for a long time, so make sure to wear comfortable shoes. See what I recommend in my travel shoes guide .
• Look at the weather forecast before you leave. Although Medellin’s weather can be very unpredictable at times, you might want to bring a travel-sized umbrella or a rain coat.
• Drink lots of water, especially if you take the tour during the summer, because it can be hot and humid. Don’t worry, though: you’ll have plenty of opportunities for bathroom breaks if needed.
• There are opportunities for snacks, but if you’re not feeling adventurous to eat street food, bring snacks of your own.

More tour ideas for Medellin

visit the free walking tour website from Real City tours to book this particular tour. For more ideas, there’s the Barrio Transformation Tour , and more tour ideas in our Medellin travel guide as well as our list of the best day trips from Medellin , some of which are half-day tour ideas.

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Comprehensive Guide to Medellín’s Free Walking Tour

As I’ve mentioned in prior posts, like the Top 20 Things To Do in Santiago, Chile , I highly recommend going on a free walking tour during your first day or two in a new city. A free walking tour of Medellín is a great way to get oriented, learn about the sights and history from a local expert’s perspective, and to get insider tips on things to do and places to eat while you’re in the city!

There are a few companies offering free walking tours in Medellín, but the most popular is run by Real City Tours . They offer a 4-hour English language tour of downtown Medellín (El Centro) every day except Sundays and holidays. You can choose between a morning, midday, or afternoon tour (Monday through Friday only). The tour company tries to keep the groups to a manageable size therefore you will need to sign up online ahead of time to reserve your spot for your desired date/time.

Related: Eating My Way Across Medellín on a Local Food Tour

Although these walking tours are advertised as being free, you should know that they actually operate on a “tours for tips” model where you are expected to tip the tour guide at the end of the tour. The actual amount you tip is at your discretion but between $5-10 USD is reasonable. So make sure to stop at an ATM beforehand!

Upon reserving your spot online, you will be sent an email asking you to confirm your reservation. The email will also contain instructions on where to meet your guide for the start of the tour. The meeting point will typically be at either the Poblado Metro Station or the north entrance of the Alpujarra Metro Station, depending on the timing of your chosen tour and where you are located. Either way, keep an eye out for a red Real City Tours umbrella and a guide in a red t-shirt at the meeting point.

Once everyone had gathered and checked in, our tour guide, Hernán, first took us to a quiet spot nearby to give an overview of the tour and some background information on the city. We were given a brief history of Medellín, from the time of the Aburrá indigenous people to the arrival of the Spaniards, and, of course, he touched on the tumultuous events that occurred during the “narcos” era in the ’80s and ’90s.

Hernán was very emphatic about the fact that the free walking tour is NOT a Pablo Escobar tour, and he actually did not refer to the notorious drug lord by name lest he upset any locals walking by. However, he did note that the issue of whether or not Pablo Escobar was good or bad for the city was not split down the middle with rich people hating him and poor people loving him, as the media leads us to believe. And therefore it is still a hot topic up for debate amongst the people of Medellín and best to leave the topic alone.

Although the city of Medellín has vastly transformed over the past few decades and the rates of violence have drastically decreased, Hernán cautioned that it is still necessary to take routine safety precautions, especially while in the downtown area. He told us to make sure to keep a close eye on our belongings to avoid being pickpocketed, and to use our phones/cameras discreetly and minimally, or to make sure to use a neck strap or wrist strap. The downtown is mostly a commercial rather than a residential area (only 100,000 of the 2.5 million residents of Medellín live in El Centro) so he also recommended avoiding going to the area on Sundays and holidays when most of the stores are closed.

With those disclaimers out of the way, we got started on the walking tour…

Table of Contents

Stop 1: Old Railway Station

The Old Railway Station is a symbol of the economic growth that occurred in Colombia during the early- to mid-20 th century. The railway was in operation for about 40 years starting in 1914 but was eventually abandoned when the road network became more expansive. There is a restored steam train cable car in the courtyard out back, next to a quaint cafe, as well as a small museum inside the train station building.

Stop 2: Alpujarra Administrative Center

Directly next to the Old Railway Station is the Alpujarra Administrative Center. The center is comprised of an open square surrounded by three government buildings: City Hall, Palace of Justice, and the Antioquia Governor’s Office. An imposing sculpture stands in the center of the square, named Homage to Our Heritage, and represents the various stages of development in the Antioquia region. It was designed by Rodrigo Arenas Betancur and his ashes are actually buried inside the sculpture.

Stop 3: Plaza Cisneros/Parque de las Luces

Across from Alpujarra Administrative Center is Plaza Cisneros, known more commonly as the Parque de las Luces, or “Square of Lights.” This square used to be notoriously dangerous and frequented by the homeless and drug addicts; but it was renovated in 2005 as part of a social urbanization effort by the city to rejuvenate the downtown area and make it more inviting to tourists. The plaza is sort of like a modern art exhibit, with 300 light poles up to 24 meters tall jutting up towards the sky. I was there during the day but I can only imagine who impressive this square of lights is at night.

Stop 4: Vásquez and Carré Buildings

These two national monument buildings are located at one end of the Square of Lights. They were built in the late 19th century for commercial use but have also been used residentially and as a hotel over the years. The Carré building has been restored and is now the headquarters of the Ministry of Education of Medellín. The Vásquez building actually burned down in 1920 but was rebuilt. It was restored by the Antioquia Family Compensation Fund (COMFAMA) and serves as its headquarters.

Stop 5: Carabobo Street/El Hueco

Just past the Square of Lights are Carabobo street and the El Hueco shopping area. Carabobo Street is pedestrian-only and is lined with kitschy shops, mostly selling Christmas decorations (I was there in November – I wonder what they sell at other times of the year?). Carabobo Street intersects with the El Hueco shopping area. This literally means “the hole” or “the hollow” and was named as such because of the labyrinth-like jumble of street vendors that have overtaken the streets (it wasn’t initially meant to be a pedestrian street!). El Hueco is famous for cheap prices on just about anything you can imagine. Make sure to bargain for your price and look out for counterfeit items!

Stop 6: Palacio Nacional

The Palacio Nacional is an impressive building located on Carabobo Street. It was built in the 1920s and originally served as the Palace of Justice. It is one of the few buildings in Medellín that has not been torn down to make way for mega shopping centers and high-rise buildings. Instead, the original building was turned INTO a shopping mall in order to keep it from being demolished, with modern touches such as a multi-level escalator added.

Stop 7: Veracruz Church

The white exterior of this Roman Catholic church is aesthetically pleasing. However, the main attraction is that this place of worship has become notorious as a place for prostitution. Discreetly take a look around and you’ll see many scantily clad women lurking in the area, even during the day…

Stop 8: Botero Square

The next stop on the tour is Botero Square, which is named as such because of the 23 sculptures by the world-famous Colombian artist Fernando Botero that are scattered throughout. These sculpted figures are characterized by their voluptuous shapes and disproportionate measurements and were donated by the artist himself.

In the backdrop of Botero Square stands the black and white checkered Cultural Palace of Rafael Uribe. The building was originally supposed to be much larger but the architect quit the project part-way through due to complaints from the public about the aesthetic of the building. The building was eventually finished by the Colombian government, but without the same distinctive checkered design and ornate windows.

It is worth coming back to visit Botero Square at another time so that you have a chance to really take it all in, as you are only given a few minutes here on the walking tour. While there, you should also visit the viewing gallery at the top of the Palace of Culture for a fantastic view of the square below. You could also check out the Museo de Antioquia at the same time, which is located right in Botero Square and houses more works of art by Botero, as well as artwork by other artists.

Stop 9: Coltejer Building

Although the Coltejer Building is advertised as a stop on the walking tour, in reality, the tour guide just pointed out the building from afar and gave a brief explanation about its unique shape. The 175-meter tall building was designed by the Coltejer textile manufacturing company and therefore the building is meant to resemble the shape of an industrial sewing needle.

Stop 10: Pedro Nel Gomez Murals

On the way from Botero Square to Berrio Park, we passed through a pedestrian arcade lined with murals painted by Colombian artist Pedro Nel Gomez. Like the sculpture in Alpujarra Administrative Center, these murals depict the development and history of Antioquia.

Stop 11: Berrio Park

The name Berrio Park is a bit misleading as it is really no more than a concrete plaza. It was originally the town center of Medellín and is still a popular gathering place today. It is not uncommon to see street musicians performing and locals dancing the night away after a few drinks at a local bar. The park contains one of the first sculptures donated by Botero, as well as a sculpture by Betancur, the artist responsible for the sculpture in the Alpujarra Administrative Center. Adjacent to the plaza is the Basilica de Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria (La Candelaria for short), which is the oldest church in Medellín having been built in 1649.

Stop 12: Junin Street

After taking a shortcut through a shopping arcade, we arrived at Junin Street, another pedestrian-only shopping street. This used to be a place where only the elite paisas would come to shop, and the higher-end stores catered to this clientele. Paisas actually created the verb “juniar” after this street, which means to window shop. Hacienda Junin, one of the best restaurants to find local Colombian cuisine, is located on this street.

Stop 13: San Antonio Park

The last stop on the walking tour is San Antonio Park. This plaza was named after the San Antonio Church at one end and was originally intended to be a venue for concerts and other events. However, in 1995, a bomb exploded during a concert, killing 29 people. The bomb also destroyed the signature Botero statue of a plump bird that was donated by the artist.

Rather than removing the desecrated statue, Botero asked that it not be removed so that it could serve as a reminder of what had happened (and the atrocities that had been happening for the past few decades). Instead, Botero donated another bird statue to sit beside the original, to represent a symbol of hope and the city’s transformation.

After the last stop at San Antonio Park, Hernán walked us to the San Antonio Metro Station where the group parted ways. Thank you to our tour guide, Hernán, and Real City Tours for providing such in-depth background information on all of the sites on the walking tour, and about the dark past and positive transformation of Medellín and Colombia as a whole.

Which sight are you most excited about seeing? Comment below!

Loved this post? Feel free to share it!

About Laura

Laura is an avid traveler who aspires to live a life filled with adventure and a dash of luxury and hopes to inspire others to do the same. She seems to consistently be drawn to lesser-traveled hidden "pearls" and loves to give these under-the-radar places the credit they are due. Laura can often be found on the ski slopes in the winter and is obsessed with all activities involving water...and mac and cheese...and Golden Retrievers.

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Lisa Maslyk

Wow! This makes me want to travel here for sure!

Medellin is amazing! I will definitely be back at some point.

Roselyn Franke

Enjoyed your walking tour guide of Medellín and your bright, beautiful pictures.

Thank you, Roselyn!

Melissa| It's a Joyous Journey

Wow, what a beautiful city! I appreciate you sharing the safety tips as well.

You should put it on your list of places to visit if you haven’t already!

Rudy @ Backpack & Snorkel

We were in Colombia 2 years ago and visited Cartagena, San Andres, Providencia, Bogota and Villa de Leyva, but unfortunately did not have time for Medellin. After reading your wonderful post, it dawns on me that maybe we need to go back and see Medellin and some other places that I have read good things about.

I was living in Medellin for a month and decided to really get to know the city rather than explore more of the country because I knew I would be back! Providencia is so high on my bucket list – I will definitely be planning a visit back and tick off San Andres and Cartegena at the same time! And I encourage you to make time for Medellin on your next visit!

Sarah Carpenter

Medellin would be such an interesting place to visit and it looks like a walking tour is the perfect way to explore and learn more about the history. I would love to hear a locals point of view about Escobar, but like you say it it is still a very delicate subject among the locals with a big difference of opinions so best not to bring it up unless the local does first! It looks like a very unique city with so many different statues and buildings 🙂

Medellin is an amazing city that you must visit if you get a chance!

It looks like a lovely city to visit. The walking tour quite covers a lot. Plaza Cisneros looks quite fancy. The sculpture in San Antonio Park and Botero Square are quite cute. The building in the city looks quite impressive.

Plaza Cisneros is really cool in person!

Gorgeous post Laura!

I always love a good walking tour, but this one is gorgeous with all those sculptures and murals. Medellin seems like a great city to explore by foot.

p.s The omage to Our Heritage sculpture is pretty epic isn’t it!? I guess you had to spend a while staring at that one!

Thanks Josy! This walking tour was great because the real draw is learning the history of the city along the way, rather than seeing many remarkable sights themselves.

I don’t usually take the free walking tours because there is only one time offered and it always seems to be inconvenient. I love the flexibility Real City Tours provides with these three options. I love the symbolism of the Parque de las Luces and would like to see it at night

Parque de las Luces was really cool! Unfortunately, the downtown area of Medellin is still not the safest place in the city at night so Real City Tours advises against foreigners going there after sundown. =(

I love Colombia! I haven’t made it to Medellin yet, but I do plan on going back to Latin America within the next few years. This warning tour look very informative.

Isn’t Colombia great! I am already daydreaming about my return visit!

What a great walking tour! And free even! Walking tours are a great way to get to know the city and get tips from the locals. They should be available everywhere 😊

I think the Botero statues were my favorite. I love how voluptuous and disproportionate they were. I kept trying to look for them in your pictures.

The Botero statues are really cool! There are 23 of them in Botero Square, plus a few others scattered around the city.

Courtney in the Middle Seat

Laura – I also love starting off a visit to a new city with a free walking tour! Thanks for sharing your experience. I would love to see all the art and historic architecture in Medellin! Also, great tip to remind visitors to bring cash for a tip. In my experience in other cities the guides have always been fantastic!

It was the same experience here – this guide was super knowledgable! He actually had advanced degrees and had an academic job prior to this but realized his job wasn’t making him happy, but giving tours of his beloved hometown did make him happy.

I always believe that the best way to know a town is by taking a walking tour. These tours give so much perspective to the place. Medellin is such a lovely place to explore. It was good to know about the local view about Escobar. And thanks for pointing it out that it is a sensitive topic for the locals. The Pedro Nel Gomez looks extremely beautiful. This walking trip seems to be a great way to explore Medellin.

The architecture of downtown Medellin isn’t really much to write home about but the history is really intriguing so that is definitely the draw for this walking tour!

Sandy N Vyjay

Walking tours are indeed a great way to get an immersive orientation of the city or town that you are in. Yes, I think it is good of you also to highlight that these ‘free’ walking tours are not really free. This would help first-time visitors to plan accordingly. But the free walking tour of Medellin definitely is worth a hundred times more than the tip that one gives at the end. I love the way that the walk gives you a feel of the old world charm and architecture of the place.

I agree – the information I learned on the tour was absolutely worth the tip!

I love a good walking tour, and you learn so much from your tour guide of the local stories, as well as some dos and donts, as you kindly shared. Very important for us to understand the local cultures and respect them. The architectures and sculptures here are so amazing ! My favourites are those at Botero Square, they are so bold ! Also love how Parque de las Luces has changed from being a notorious site to now a community space ! Will definitely check out this walking tour if I ever visit Medellin ! =)

Botero Square and Parque de las Luces are definitely the highlights!

This is such a detailed guide for the walking tour. I love walking tours as I feel that’s the best way to explore a city. Medellin looks absolutely stunning, I definitely need to add it to my list.

Medellin is am amazing city – I can’t wait to go back!

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Free Walking Tour Medellín

Based on Tips

Español, Inglés

Join our Free Walking Tour Medellin and discover why is this a city that welcomes everyone. Join our friendly local guide and let him introduce you this charming city. And meet more travelers like you while you visit Medellin’s must-see places. You will meet them at Poblado Metro Station to start the adventure. Get to know places like: Botero Square, La Alpujarra, Parque de las Luces, Parque de los Pies Descalzos (Barefoot Park) and more.

What can you expect from this Free Walking Tour in Medellín?

Meet our guide and let him show you what the downtown has hidden away. This free walking tour in Medellin is available in English and Spanish and you will find one of our guides holding the yellow umbrella at the meeting point.

Meeting point: Poblado Metro Station Starting time: Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.

You will walk around several places that are important to have a deeper understanding of Medellin and Colombia’s history. You will learn about Paisa Culture and you will have many insights of the city so you can enjoy it like a local in a short amount of time.

15 min Meet your guide and take the Metro

At first, you will meet the tour guide and the rest of your group at Poblado Metro Station. Once there you will take the Metro to Parque Berrio Station.

45 min Head to Botero Square

Once there you will walk around Medellin’s downtown and to Botero Square. This is one of the most iconic areas of the city center. Around here you will find the Antioquia Museum and also the only outdoor site in the world with 23 sculptures by the famous artist Fernando Botero.

1 hr Discover Las Luces Park and La Alpujarra

After visiting Botero Square, you will keep walking around and you will visit other interesting sites such as: Las Luces Park, La Alpujarra and the old Palace of Justice. Las Luces Park (El Parque de las Luces) combines architecture and culture to create an interesting scenario. The charm of this square lies in the 300 columns of light, each one 24 meters high. On the other side, la Alpujarra gathers the government buildings and important monuments for Medellin’s history. With this you will learn different sides of the city.

45 min Explore Parque de los pies descalzos (Barefoot Park)

Close to La Alpujarra you will find Parque de los Pies Descalzos, which means the Barefoot Park. It is a thematic space created with the purpose of inviting visitors to go barefoot and get in touch with nature. The perfect place to have a relaxing time in the middle of the city and to have a short break. Afterwards you will visit old Antioquia’s railroad station to finish the tour.

15 min Finish your tour in San Antonio Metro Station

After having a great couple of hours wandering around the city center, you will take the metro with your group again and head back to Poblado Metro Station.

• Historical landmarks about Medellín City with complete and accurate information
• Visiting many places in downtown: Botero Square, Parque Las Luces, Parque de los Pies Descalzos, La Alpujarra
• Local experiences along the tour
• The chance to meet new people
• A glimpse of Colombian flavors through some food tasting

Included/Excluded

• Gran Colombia Tours private guide
• Metro tickets (unless you choose the option which includes it)
• Pick-up and drop-off
• Extra purchases

Know before you book

• Please keep in mind this is a shared tour, so the guide will begin at the exact start time.
• The metro tickets are at your own expense. The tour guide will buy it for you to make it easier. Please keep in mind and bring cash.
• Please keep in mind this is a walking tour and operates in all weather conditions.

Frequently asked questions

What should you wear for a free walking tour in medellín.

The most advisable thing is that you wear fresh clothing and a light jacket in case the day gets chill: cotton t-shirts, sneakers, sunglasses, and a cap are the most used items of clothing for this activity.

What will the weather be like on this tour in Medellín?

The weather in Medellín tends to be warm but it may change during the day. Average temperature is between 23°C and 30°C.

How do I get to the center of Medellin?

The tour guide will help you buy the Metro tickets, but you will have to pay for your own tickets. We recommend you bring cash for the tour. He’ll take you from Poblado Station to Parque Berrio at the beginning and then from San Antonio Station back to Poblado.

Which days are best for the Medellín tour?

You can take this tour any day of the week. Memory House Museum is closed on Mondays, our guide will give you options for another museum according to your interests.

Tour's Location

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Why the Medellin Free Walking Tour is the First Thing You Should Do

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Medellin, Colombia is skyrocketing in popularity among tourists, expats, and digital nomads… And for good reasons! There are a ton of awesome things to do in Medellin , the city is super affordable, and the weather is pretty great. One of the very first things that I recommend all new visitors to the city do, is to immediately get reservations for the excellent Medellin free walking tour by Real City Tours.

We’ll be getting into the nitty-gritty of what the tour covers and what you should know going into it, but the short answer is without hesitation, yes, the tour is absolutely worth your time and it should be one of your first stops here — it is my #1 pick for the best Medellin tours , and it’s free!

I’ve been living in Medellin on and off for a number of years now, and actually, it took me a few months to take the Medellin free walking tour, which is a shame because I learned more about the city in the four hours on the tour than I did in the first few months… That’s maybe only a slight exaggeration, but I definitely learned much more about the tumultuous history and past during that time than I’d previously known.

The tour was so good that I actually repeated it recently, partly to refresh my memory and partly so I could bring you updated content here on Desk to Dirtbag about this top-rated activity.

About the Medellin Free Walking Tour

I’ve been on a number of different walking tours around the world (they are one of my favorite ways to see a new city), and the Medellin free walking tour by Real City Tours stands out in my mind as one of the best, truly.

While the tour is indeed free, you should plan on giving a modest tip, which I’ll talk about later in terms of how much.

The guides are local Paisas themselves and have an intimate and personal knowledge of the many sad ups and downs that Medellin has faced over the years, from the tumultuous civil war years between the right and the left, through to the drug trade and the incredible violence it unleashed all across the city, and then up through to today, where Medellin is a model around the world for transformation and renewal (even if things aren’t perfect here).

The tour lasts about 4.5 hours and is all in English with groups of about 20 people. Afterward, you’ll have a greater understanding of the economic, political, and social history of this city (and the country as a whole) within a few hours than you would have in weeks of trying to piece things together on your own.

While the tour is over four hours long, it isn’t four hours of solid walking or being on your feet, FYI. That’s a common question. Indeed, at the beginning of the tour, the guide will hit a few different areas where you can sit down as they discuss some of the complex elements of Medellin and Colombia’s past, albeit in a simplified fashion.

The Medellin free walking tour begins at the Alpujarra metro station (but there is a morning rendezvous at the Poblado station so you can travel together — more on that later) where groups will break out.

The first stop(s) on the tour will be within the Alpujarra administrative center which sits just south of El Centro (aka Medellin’s downtown) . Here’s where Colombian history will be covered up through the drug trade, including delicate handling of the whole Pablo Escobar thing.

This is NOT a Pablo Escobar tour (indeed, you should not partake in those types of tours), but the history of the city is impossible to talk about without mentioning Pablo, who the guides will humorously refer to only as Voldemort.

This avoids potential problems with locals who probably don’t speak the language and just hear “blah blah blah Pablo Escobar blah blah blah.” The vast majority of locals hate Voldemort and certainly don’t want tourists to get the wrong impression of their beloved city.

Read More: Don’t Take a Pablo Escobar Tour

Also, it is important to note that this is NOT the graffiti tour, aka the tour of Comuna 13, which is in a whole different part of town. Rather, this walking tour of Medellin focuses exclusively on downtown. Here you will see a fair bit of art like the statues in Botero Park or the murals by Pedro Nel Gomez, but not much in the way of street art.

From Alpujurra, the tour will then start more of the walking portion where you head into the chaotic downtown heart of Medellin, stopping by all the most important locations, like the Parque de las Luces, Plaza Botero, Junnin Street, the Cathedral, Parque Berrio, and San Antonio Square.

Each location will feature more learning and history about the city, from how projects like Parque de las Luces were pivotal in the transformation, to the works of artist Fernando Botero, to violent moments like the grenade dropped from the Metro platform in Parque Berrio or the tragic bombing during a concert at San Antonio that killed scores of people.

I won’t rehash all the details of everything you’ll learn on the tour because that would obviously take some of the wind out of tour’s sails. Suffice it to say, you will learn a lot and it is definitely worth doing.

Why Take the Medellin Free Walking Tour?

Explore Downtown Medellin: El Centro has a reputation for being a busy, chaotic, and maybe even slightly dangerous place. I personally think that El Centro has its charms, but yes, it is best experienced for the first with a tour. It will help you get your bearings here in a fun and friendly way, empowering you to come back and explore on your own.

Deeper Understanding of Medellin: As I said, this will give you the political, economic, and social history of this city and country in just a few hours. But don’t mistake that for being boring… The guides I’ve experienced are all gifted storytellers who make the history come alive and also relatable on a personal level.

It’s Free: Yes, this is not only one of the best activities that new visitors can do, but it is also one of the cheapest activities. All it requires is a modest tip… Totally worth it!

Hear Local Stories: Especially if you don’t speak Spanish, you’ll have the opportunity to learn about Medellin from a local. Medellin is not a typical “sightseeing” city like Europe where you walk around marveling at the architecture. Medellin, above all, is a story of transformation, resilience, progress, and even happiness in the face of adversity. If you don’t understand this, then you probably won’t “get” Medellin and what makes it special.

Free Medellin Walking Tour Details

When: Tours operate three times per day from Monday to Friday (morning, midday, and afternoon). Saturday there are two-morning time slots, and they do not operate any tours on Sundays. Each time slot will have various groups, depending on demand.

How: You need to have reservations to join the tour which can be made on their website 1.5 days in advance. Just visit the Real City Tours website to make your reservation .

Where: You will need to meet at the Alpujarra station by the NORTH ticket booth, or if you opt for the first morning session, you can meet at the Poblado metro station, which is where many foreigners decide to stay in Medellin .

Free Medellin Walking Tour Tips

• How much should you tip? The recommended amount is 20-30,000 pesos which is the equivalent of $7-10 USD for a 4+ hour tour. Quite a good deal! At the end of the tour, your guide will pass around a super short survey which you’ll fold up with a few bills tucked inside and stuff it into their pack.

• When should you go? I recommend the morning tour so you can get oriented with downtown, grab lunch when midday is hottest (see my guide to El Centro for restaurant recommendations), and then take advantage of the afternoon by visiting the Museo de Antioquia . If not, you’d have to come back to downtown another day and do the museum, which is also a must-do. As I already mentioned, I’d also recommend doing this tour on your very first full morning in Medellin! Be sure to check out my guide to the best museums in Medellin , too. Plus, if it is going to rain here, it is usually in the afternoon.

• What should you bring? Obviously, bring comfortable shoes, but also be sure to bring sunscreen and/or protective clothing and hat… The sun here is fierce, especially at midday so you will burn without it. Be sure to bring your own water in a reusable bottle, rather than buying a disposable downtown. You don’t need to bring food because there will be time to buy a local snack like empanadas or bunuelos — see my guide to Colombian food . You should also bring an umbrella in a small, unobtrusive daypack since you never know when it might rain in Medellin.
• Want More? Real City Tours also offers a number of other (non-free) tours in Medellin, including the amazing off-the-beaten-path barrio tour (the barrio transformation tour) in Moravia Medellin and the delicious exotic Colombian fruits tour . Both of which I’d recommend, as well, if you have the time.

I hope this guide to the Medellin free walking tour proved helpful to you if you were on the fence or wondering what to expect when you go. I was not paid or sponsored by Real City Walking Tours in any way, just happy to help new tourists to the city I now call home.

Planning Your Trip to Medellin

Traveling to Medellin soon? Book your lodging now via Booking.com to save, and be sure to check my travel guide about where to stay in Medellin , including the best Medellin hostels , or my ultimate guide of things to do in Medellin to plan an unforgettable trip. If you’re traveling throughout Colombia, don’t miss my detailed guide on traveling to Colombia .

Read Next: What You Should Know When Visiting Medellin

Travel Insurance for Medellin

Finally, don’t forget to purchase travel insurance for Colombia to protect yourself against theft, sickness, and injury while in Medellín. I use and recommend World Nomads for the best combination of affordability and coverage. You may be interested in my answer to the big question of “ Is Colombia Safe? ”

I hope you enjoyed this article about the awesome Medellin free walking tour. Please take a second to share it on Pinterest, Facebook, or Twitter. Thanks!

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Medellin Free Walking Tour

• 9.60 / 10 98 reviews | 924 travellers The tour was pretty good but exahusting. Lot of walks around and we stopped just one. Alejandro the tour guide was really good and gave great information. 8 Alvaro

Discover the history of Medellín and its most important monuments, such as Plaza de Botero or the Metropolitan Cathedral , with this free tour.

At the agreed time, we'll meet at the entrance to the Antioquia Museum , where we'll start our guided tour of the historic centre of Medellín. 

Together with our guide, we'll discover the history of the city and some of its most curious traditions. The tour will take us around the main points of interest including the Antioquia railway station , the Plaza de las Luces , the old Plaza de Cisneros ...

Later, we'll head to the further symbolic locations around Medellín, where we'll visit the Berrio Park , the Palace of Culture , the National Palace , Junín and the imposing Metropolitan Cathedral. 

Our last stop on the free tour will be the square dedicated to Botero , one of Medellín's most illustrious citizens. From there, we'll head to the San Antonio metro station, where our free guided tour of Medellín will come to an end.

On our free tour of Medellín we don't accept reservations for more than 6 people. If you're a larger group, you can book a private tour of Medellin . 

More Information

2 hours 30 minutes.

The activity takes place with a guide that speaks in English.

English speaking guide

When to book?

You can book up until the previous day (9:00 pm) if there are still places available. Book now to guarantee your spot.

Type of voucher

Electronic. Show the voucher on your phone.

Accessibility

Wheelchair accessible. Accessible toilets. An accompanying person is required. This must be indicated in the reservation.

Sustainability

All services published on Civitatis are carried out in accordance with our Sustainability Code .

Our providers commit to:

• Provide a safe and satisfying experience.
• Reduce, reuse, recycle.
• Incorporate eco-conscious technologies.
• Uphold fair employment standards.
• Foster the growth of local communities.
• Preserve the integrity of local culture.
• Safeguard both cultural and environmental heritage.
• Ensure ethical treatment of animals.
• Operate with honesty and transparency.
• Encourage sustainable behaviors among customers and staff.

This particular activity contributes as follows:

• No printing of documentation required.

Beyond Colombia Show more

Corporate name: Beyond Colombia BC SAS

Not permitted.

Frequently asked questions

Q - Why do this activity with Civitatis?

A - At Civitatis we guarantee the best quality and prices, click here if you want to know how we select our activities.

Q - How to book?

A - To reserve the activity, choose the date and complete the form on this page. You will receive your confirmation immediately.

If you have any other questions please contact us.

Free cancellation

Meeting point.

Antioquia Museum

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From street art to coffee farms, Medellin offers a unique Colombian experience with a modern twist.  

Live the transformation of Medellín after the dark era of drug cartels , spotted today as a new hub for innovation and hotspot for technology and creativity. Don’t miss our cultural heritage, coffee culture and the connection with our evolving community!

Did you know that Medellin is home to the largest urban cable car system in the world ? Come and explore with us!

How would you like to explore medellín .

If you’re traveling alone, with friends, with family, for a few days or even if you’re here on a layover, we have a tour that fits you perfectly. Free Tours, Shared Tours, or Private Tours , find your favorite way to discover Medellín!

Medellín FREE TOURS

Do you have limited time but want to know the essentials of medellín .

Let us guide you through the history, culture, and gastronomy of the capital with the best local hosts!

Enjoy our Free Walking Tours in Medellín every day and meet people from all around the world while exploring the city in a fun, entertaining and diverse way. All free tours are based on tips depending on your satisfaction.

Free El Poblado District Walking Tour

Monday - Saturday at 16:00

Based on tips

Free Violence & Post-conflict of Medellin Tour

Monday - Saturday at 14:00

Free Walking Downtown Tour Medellin

Monday - Saturday at 09:30 & 14:00

Medellín SHARED TOURS

Would you like to explore beyond the city , comfortably and budget friendly.

We save you the trouble of taking buses (long distances) and buying tickets! Share our exclusive transportation with other travelers , let our bilingual driver take you to the places you can’t miss and live an unforgettable day.

Our half-day and full-day tours are available every day and there's a fixed price per person so if you are traveling alone or accompanied you can join a group and pay for 1 !

Make the most of your time, save money and enjoy. We include transportation, entrances, bilingual drivers and guided experience at most of the attractions. No extra costs !

Guatape & Peñol Rock Day Tour

Monday - Sunday at 07:00

$140.000 COP

(Per person)

Full Day Tour

Coffee farm experience in santa elena.

Monday - Sunday at 10:00

$210.000 COP

Nature day tours.

Comuna 13 & Aurora Cable Car Tour

Monday - Sunday at 09:00

$150.000 COP

Social tours, e-bike street food tour medellin.

Monday - Saturday at 15:00

$180.000 COP

History and culture tour, bike tour medellín & pueblito paisa.

Monday - Sunday at 09:30 & 15:00

$85.000 COP

Medellín private tours.

Are you looking for a personalized experience for you, your family or friends? We adjust to your needs!

All the tours we offer available as Free and Shared Tours can be taken with a Private Tour Guide and transportation (if needed).  

Flexible schedules, a guide that speaks your language and no rush! Enjoy the best of our private tours at your own time and pace .

BEYOND COLOMBIA BUDDY

Do you have a specific destination or attraction in mind and want the company of a local guide ? You can hire our Beyond Colombia Buddy!

This is a new way of exploring the city if you want to take your time and pace for a longer visit in the city or surroundings. You can hire our Guide and/or Transportation services per hour .

We are available for you or your group of family or friends from 3 hours to 8 hours per day , so you can decide the availability you prefer for your visit.

FREE TOUR MAP

Check out our best recommendations and spots you can’t miss in Medellin!

Download our Medellín’s Free Tour Map to enjoy every corner of the historic center: from restaurants to museums, find out everything you’ll need to make your visit memorable.

Download in your desk or mobile our tour book with all our tours and info that we have available for you and start exploring Medellín with us!

Walking Tours in Medellin | Real City Tours

Walking tour.

Walk around Medellin’s downtown with a local guru and let it come to life through stories, explanations and urban legends. We don’t visit Comuna 13.

Eat like a local in one of Medellin’s cool residential neighborhoods and learn about the traditions behind our favorite specialties!

TRANSFORMATION TOUR

Explore the most densely populated barrio (neighborhood) of Medellín and learn about the different faces of the city’s recent transformation.

FRUITS TOUR

Visit one of Medellin’s main markets and see, feel and taste what makes Colombia the first country in the world in terms of fruit biodiversity.

realcitytours

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Click on the question to see the answer.

The free tour Medellin starts at the metro station ALPUJARRA. The meeting point appears as "real city tours" in Uber or any other map.

For more details click here

The free tour ends at San Antonio park and we drop you off at San Antonio metro station. Very convenient to continue your day in Comuna 13, to take the cable car or to grab a beer at the famous Salón Málaga.

In terms of sights we cover the main spots of the city centre: Old Railroad Station, Alpujarra and the huge "Monumento a la raza", Square of lights, Vasquéz and Carré buildings, Carabobo boulevard, National Palace, Veracruz church, Botero square, Berrio Park and San Antonio park. 

Our tour is more than just sightseeing though . 

In terms of content we cover the origins, tragedy and resurection of Medellin. All  told in an entertained way by certified local guides who lived much of the recent history. We also cover the colombian culture and the current social status.

The Free Tour is not all the time walking and includes break for snack and toilet. It takes between 3 and 3.5hours. 

Comfortable shoes, sunscreen, hat/cap, water and a lot of questions – we love those! An umbrella or rain coat during the rainy season wouldn’t be a bad idea either.

Yes we do! However just under certain circumstances, such as group size bigger than 10 people and subject to availabilty.

Short answer: No.

Longer answer: Our Free Walking Tour does include the topic of drugs, but we go far beyond the times of Pablo Escobar, as we explore Medellín from its foundation up to the current days. Although we mention him it can definitely NOT be considered a Pablo Escobar tour.

No, our Barrio Transformation Tour does not include Comuna 13 nor any of the cable cars. It takes place in a the Comuna 4, in an authentic non-touristic neighborhood.

Lastimosamente nuestra logística esta diseñada para operar tours en inglés únicamente, sin embargo conocemos colegas que hacen tours en español.

Could´t find the information you are looking for in our FAQ?

Then feel free to contact us, we’ll get back to you as soon as possible!

Phone number

+57 319 262 2008

You can call us or message us through whatsapp

Free Walking Tour Medellin

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Free Tour - What Does it Mean?

Colombia's "Eternal Spring", Medellín, is a colourful city, with works by Fernando Botero everywhere. However, the true colour of Medellín can be discovered in Comuna 13, the former "Cradle of Pablo Escobar", a neighbourhood that has now become a tourist attraction in the city and where you can delight in its countless examples of Urban Art, such as its Graffity murals.  Comuna 13 was the epicentre of drug violence during the worst years of the social conflict. A shantytown built on the slopes of the mountain, with small houses similar to the Brazilian favelas, steps, narrow streets and lookouts to control when the forces of law and order entered the commune.  After these hard years, thanks to the impulse of the Government with different programmes of social inclusion, and, above all, thanks to the community formed by its 12,000 neighbours, Comuna 13 has undergone an unprecedented transformation, being today a quiet and safe neighbourhood, touristy, that receives thousands of visitors every year, to discover its extensive sample of Urban Art, buy souvenirs in its shops or enjoy the good atmosphere that is breathed in its cafes and restaurants.  To get to Comuna 13 from the centre of Medellín you can use the metrocable, a funicular that connects the centre with the upper neighbourhoods. It is also possible to get there using the metro, for which you have to travel on line B, the orange one, and get off at the last stop, San Javier.  One of the distinctive architectural features of Comuna 13 are its free escalators, which replace the old 350 steps and have contributed significantly to the opening up of the commune and its transformation. You can use these escalators from the metro to get to Comuna 13.  Once in the neighbourhood you can walk through its streets, an explosion of colours thanks to the Urban Art created by the young resident artists, who have been graffitiing the walls of the poor houses in the neighbourhood and creating large murals and works of art.  Among the urban artists with works in Comuna 13 are @chota_13 and @yesgraff. Walking through the narrow streets of Comuna 13 discovering large murals and colourful spaces at every step, enjoying its atmosphere and safety, is one of the tourist experiences you can't miss if you travel to Medellín.

Free walking tour near Medellín

Others cities to visit after medellín, find other guruwalks in medellín, where are you traveling to.

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The Best Walking Tours to Take in Medellín

Medellín is a beautiful city with a long and often tragic history and is becoming more and more popular with travellers each year. There are plenty of different ways to experience this destination, but one of the best is on a walking tour of the city. There are loads of excursions to choose from, so here are the very best walking tours to take in Medellín.

Real city tours’ free walking tour.

The undisputed champion of the Medellín free walking tours, the Real City Tours’ Free Walking Tour is the most popular one in the city – and with good reason. As the company has informative, engaging guides, a tried-and-tested route through downtown Medellín, and great customer service, you can practically guarantee a good experience. Covering the entire modern history of Medellín, the tours are informative and fascinating, and well worth a good tip.

Big 50 Medellín Walking Tour

Comuna 13 graffiti tour.

This unique and engaging tour explores how street art and local community projects have transformed the formerly no-go Comuna 13 neighbourhood of Medellín. With passionate guides, many of them from the area itself, and a real commitment to exploding the myths surrounding Medellín’s poorer district, the tour is a must for anyone with an interest in art, social projects, and exploring a different side of the city.

Exotic Fruits Tour

Another Real City Tours initiative, the Exotic Fruits Tour is the best walking tour in Medellín for any foodie travellers, or for anyone wanting to get to grips with the incredible wealth of delicious fruits that Colombia has to offer. Operating from Monday to Saturday at 9:45 am and lasting up to three hours, the tour visits one of Medellín’s main markets and gives you the chance to sample loads of local fruits and juices.

Barrio Transformation Tour

An excursion on foot through Medellín’s most densely populated barrio , this tour by Real City Tours is a glimpse into the various ways in which the city’s poorest and most deprived neighbourhoods have been transformed through both social and innovative architectural projects.

Bloom Travel Experiences

Bloom Travel Experiences offers a variety of excellent Medellín excursions, including a graffiti walking tour in Comuna 13, historical tours through downtown Medellín and – probably their most unique and fascinating option – a walking tour to see the city’s world-famous Christmas lights, which includes street food and local coffee.

Paisa Tours Medellín

Paisa Tours Medellín offers a walking/metro excursion that takes in the most important cultural and historical parts of the city and ends with a lovely hike along the trails of Arvi Park, a stunning natural park located on the hillsides outside Medellín. The trek passes through a delightful forest full of local flora and fauna and is a perfect way to end a tour of the city.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.

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25 Free Things to do in Medellin, Colombia

Medellin is an awesome city with year-round perfect weather that is also very affordable . But there are also many free things to do in Medellin to keep your budget even lower.

We spent 2 months living in Medellin as digital nomads and ranked the best free things for you to do below, enjoy! 🤠

1. Visit Plaza Botero (Best free thing to do in Medellin’s Centro)

Plaza Botero 📍is named after the iconic Colombian artist Fernando Botero . The square contains many bronze statues in Botero’s signature style that he donated to the city for free.

Botero liked to paint and sculpt people in a very particular way which is quite interesting. The people in his art were always very chubby .

He stated that he did not paint his characters fat but rather with increased volume. To me, they all look fat , but it will be up to you to decide for yourself! (Let me know in the comments below)

Walking around Botero Square is one of the best free things to do in Medellin whenever you visit La Candelaria aka the “historic center” of Medellin.

If you enjoy the style of Botero’s statues then you can visit the Museum of Anitoquia 📍It is located on Botero Square and has a collection of Boteros paintings inside. Tickets are 24,000 pesos (5 USD) for foreigners.

Tip: Only go to Botero Square or anywhere in La Candelaria during the daytime . It’s not a safe area of the city. Make sure you leave before 5 pm and watch out for pickpockets 👀

2. Go inside Palace of Culture Rafael Uribe for free

The Palace of Culture Rafael Uribe 📍is located on Plaza Botero and is a beautiful historical building that is free to enter .

The Palace was originally designed by a Belgian architect to house the administration of the local government. However, due to construction delays and other problems, it was never used by the government.

Construction originally started in 1925 but it was never finished for many, many years. Eventually, in 1982 it was designated a national monument to house cultural attractions.

There is an art gallery inside and a nice view from the rooftop. So it is a good place to pop in before or after visiting Plaza Botero. Watch out: It shuts early at 2 pm.

Tip: Entrance is free but you need to show your ID (a picture on your phone is enough) 🪪

3. Withness Dark History at Parque San Antonio

Parque San Antonio 📍is not a particularly nice square. In fact, I highly recommend only coming here during the day before 5 pm. But this square also has some Botero statues donated to the city. Unfortunately one of the statues here has a dark history.

On the 10th of June 1995, a concert was being held in San Antonio Square when there was a huge explosion from one of the statues. The explosion killed 23 people and injured over 200.

It is still a mystery who detonated the bomb. But the decision was made (requested by Botero) to leave the statue that was blown apart as a memorial to the victims of the attack.

Botero made an identical replacement statue (without the hole) that now sits beside it. It is shocking to see the force that must have been generated to destroy such a solid statue.

4. Join a Free Walking Tour (Best free thing to do for First-timers)

One of the first things we always like to do when arriving in a big city is to do a free walking tour. They are a great way to get an overview of the history of a city and also meet some other travelers.

Plus they are technically free. The tour guides survive off tips so if you like the tour you really should tip . But it is up to you how much so it can also be a very cheap activity.

In Medellin, we did a free walking tour with City Tours and it was excellent. Our guide Milo was one of the best guides we have ever had on a walking tour. He was passionate about his city and had so many interesting insights into the history and daily life in Medellin.

We enjoyed his tour so much that we did another paid tour with him. The Barrio Transformation tour took us around a different neighborhood and talked a lot about the daily lives of most Colombians. It was super interesting and we can highly recommend it if you want a more in-depth tour of Medellin.

Read also: 18 Free Things to do in Mexico City 🇲🇽

5. See Art at Centro Comercial Palacio Nacional (Hidden free gem in Medellin!)

Medellin is a city with very few beautiful old buildings. One of them is the Centro Commercial Palacio Nacional 📍which also has a free art gallery inside.

Entering the Commercial Palacional Nacional is strange because the lower floors are filled with sneaker stores. But once you go above these stores there are five stories full of art galleries and beautiful architecture.

All of the rooms are filled with art from different artists. So there are all kinds of different styles mixed within one room. Pretty cool!

Once you get to the top floors many of the artists have studios where you can buy their art. We spent well over 1 hour exploring in here and it was unexpectedly one of our favorite free things to do in Medellin.

Tip: Make sure you go to the very top floor. There is a very nice bar that is a great place to grab a drink or coffee for little dinero and will make you feel fancy 🍹

6. Time Travel at the Memory House Museum for free

The Memory House Museum 📍is a free museum that documents Medellin’s struggles with armed conflict. It is well known that Medellin was once the most dangerous city in the world. Unfortunately, the people that suffered most from this were the residents of Medellin.

This museum tells the story of many of the victims and also will give you greater insights into the conflicts and reasons for so much violence in Medellin.

It is not a light-hearted museum but is one of the best free things to do in Medellin if you want to learn about the history of Medellin .

7. Learn about Comuna 13’s Transformation

Comuna 13 is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Medellin. It was once one of the most dangerous barrios in the city and in the early 2000s, it was one of the most dangerous areas in the whole world (!) to live in.

But over time the city has made many changes to improve the lives of residents. Many of them involved getting youth involved in the arts to keep them out of gangs. This has resulted in the area being full of street art and local cafes and restaurants have also started to open up.

One of the other changes that was made in the neighborhood was to construct an outdoor elevator to help residents move around easier. Overall it is a very interesting area to visit and one of the best free things to do in Medellin.

Most people visit Communa 13 on a free walking tour . We did one with Zippy Tours which was excellent. This tour works on tips so you just have to pay what you feel the tour is worth.

But you can also visit Communa 13 totally free by just traveling there by yourself and walking around. However, I only recommend this if you are an experienced traveler who speaks a little bit of Spanish.

Read also: Top Tips on visiting Comuna 13 🚍

8. Hike up Cerro de Las Tres Cruces (Best free thing to do in Medellin Outdoors)

Medellin sits in a valley with high mountains on either side. So the best views of the city are from up on these mountains.

The Cerro de Las Tres Cruces 📍is a hiking trail that will take you high up one of the mountains for an amazing view over the city. It is one of the best free things to do in Medellin for exercise.

Tip: For safety reasons go on the weekend when plenty of people will be around. Muggings have been reported during the week. We went on a Sunday and felt totally safe.

At the top, there is also an awesome free outdoor gym . So if the hike wasn’t enough exercise for you the top will take care of the rest!

We loved hiking up Cerro de Las Tres Cruces and it was our favorite free thing to do in Medellin while getting some exercise.

Read also: 3 best free Outdoor Gyms in Medellin 🏋️

9. Breath Fresh Air at the Botanical Gardens

One thing that Medellin lacks as a city is parks and green spaces for people to relax in. But luckily the Medellin Botanical Gardens 📍is really nice and is free to enter .

The Botanical Gardens cover over 32 acres so there are plenty of paths and walkways to explore. It is full of over 1,000 types of different plants and is a great place to go for a walk.

While we were there many locals were also hanging out in the grassed areas having a picnic. So if you are looking for a picnic spot then head to the botanical gardens.

Tip: It is free to enter but you must show an ID (a photo on your phone is fine) 🪪

10. Exercise on Car-free Streets on Sunday

Every Sunday Ciclovia takes place in Medellin. This means that many major roads around the city are closed down for people to run, walk or cycle on.

It is super nice to walk or cycle in El Poblado on this day because the streets are car-free and quiet. Every other day of the week the same streets are packed with traffic.

This has been happening in Medellin for the last 15 years and was originally started in Bogota in the 1970s. In Medellin over 7 km (4 miles) of El Avenida is closed down in El Poblado. It is called Carrera 43A on Google Maps📍

So head down there and run, walk or bike with the locals! It’s a perfect non-touristy thing to do on a Sunday in Medellin.

Read also: How to stay fit on the road for free 💪

11. Stoll at Parques del Rio

Parques del Rio 📍is a very nice recently developed modern park at the edge of Laureles. It is not a place that I would go out of my way to visit if you do not have long in Medellin.

But if you are staying longer in Medellin or Laureles, Parque del Rio is a great place to go for a walk along the Medellin River or relax on the grass with a picnic.

The Medellin River is usually quite ugly and polluted. But the city has done a good job redeveloping the area with cafes, artwork and playgrounds. It’s one of the non-touristy things to do in Medellin.

Read also: 12 Unique things to do in Guatapé 🪨

12. Explore Green and Walkable Laureles

We spent 2 months staying in Laureles and one of the reasons we loved it is the green leafy streets. It is one of the nicer areas to stay in the city and one of the reasons for that is that it is so walkable.

The streets are full of great cafes and restaurants so you can stop in for a coffee while you walk. Check out our best cafes in Laureles article for all our favorite cafes we found exploring Laureles including a rating for online working.

Read also: Best coffee tour in Medellin ☕️

13. Workout at an Outdoor Gym (Best free thing to do in Medellin for fitness)

We like to stay healthy while we travel so are always looking for a good gym. But luckily in Medellin, there are awesome outdoor gyms that are free to use .

During our time in Medellin, we stayed in Laureles and the outdoor gym in Belen 📍was our favorite It has all the machines you need to get a workout that you usually need a gym for. There was also always a great atmosphere and you get to exercise outside in the sun.

Read here: 3 best outdoor gyms in Medellin near you 🏋️

14. Wander at San Alejo Handicraft Market at Parque Bolivar

The San Alejo Handicraft Market happens on the first Saturday of every month at Parque Bolivar 📍There is a wide selection of arts and crafts for sale from different artisans. You will also find an interesting collection of second-hand toys and other old-school things.

It is a great day to visit the park because unfortunately when there is no market the park is a little sketchy. But if you visit on the market day there is a great atmosphere and it is a nice time to walk around.

Tip: Try the freshly squeezed sugar cane juice!🥤

15. Experience the Medellin Flower Festival

Growing flowers is a big industry around Medellin with the region selling over $200 million worth of flowers every year. The flower festival is a week-long party at the start of August to celebrate the flower industry.

But it is not just all about flowers. It would not be a Colombian celebration without lots of live music. There are all types of concerts, parties, a classic car parade and a group bike ride happening during that time. So there is something for everyone.

Tip: If you will be in Medellin at the start of August make sure you find out what is happening on this website and join the celebrations! 🌸

16. Enjoy the View at El Tesoro Shopping Mall

We usually never recommend going to shopping malls. In fact, I usually try to avoid malls at all costs! But visiting the El Tesoro Shopping Mall 📍is an experience. It is located high up on the valley above Medellin and there is an outdoor walkway with an awesome view over the city.

If you like shopping then you will also find everything you need in there. There is also a huge indoor playground with a pirate ship and trampolins for kids.

Two other nicely designed malls in El Poblado are:

• Santafé Mall (The roof opens up!)
• Oviedo Mall

Tip: For a meal with a great view head to Merka Organico 📍It is a large organic market with a wide range of products. It is a bit pricey but a really good place to find high-quality food.

17. Hang out at Parque Lleras (Best free thing to do in Medellin for Night Owls)

Parque Lleras 📍is the center of nightlife in El Poblado. But if you visit during the day it is a nice green park with a lot of colors on the ground.

There are also quite a few nice cafes and restaurants around the park. But they will usually be a bit pricier as this is a wealthier area in the city.

If you go at night Parque Lleras will transform into a party zone . It is not for everyone. There will be loud music and pushy club promoters. So if you are a party animal head here but if not stay away.

Read also: How to get free accommodation for travel 🏠

18. Go inside Casa Museo Otraparte for free

Casa Museo Otraparte 📍is a small free museum dedicated to writer and philosopher Fernando Gonzalez in Envigado. It is a great free thing to do in Medellin for people looking for a quiet relaxed museum to learn some local history .

You will not need a lot of time to visit the museum. But it is an interesting place with a nice cafe on site. It’s also a great free activity in Medellin that you can combine with visiting Envigado , a green, hip and family-friendly part of Medellin.

19. See the Light Poles at Plaza Cisneros

Plaza Cisneros 📍is a park that is full of hundreds of light poles that light up at night. For many years Plaza Cisneros was not a very nice place to visit. To be honest I still would not visit it at night now!

So in 2002, the city decided to rejuvenate the park by adding light poles. It is an interesting area to walk around for free in the La Candelaria. 

Tip: I don’t recommend coming here at night as it is not the safest area. Your best chance is to drive past the park at night in an Uber to see the poles lit up.

20. Spot Details at Monumento a la Raza

The Monumento a la Raza 📍is a large sculpture located outside the Antioquia government offices in Medellin. It is an interesting sculpture that symbolizes the culture of Antioquia. 

There are a lot of interesting details if you look closely. The monument is located across the street from Plaza Cisneros so it is a good idea to combine looking at both on the same trip.

Read also: Complete Guide to Laureles with Insider Tips ✨

21. Look after a Cute Pet and Stay for Free (Best free thing to do in Medellin for pet lovers)

When we travel to a new destination we always check out Trusted House Sitters . On this platform house owners look for trustworthy people to look after their pets while they are on holiday.

It’s a responsibility but you get to live like a local , a cute pet and a free place to stay. We love it! There are not tons of housesitts in Colombia , but we saw Medellin come up the most. So make sure to have a look before you go.

Read also: How to get 25% off your THS membership 🐶

22. Discover New Fruits and Vegetables at Plaza Minorista Market

We were blown away by the crazy selection of fruits and vegetables in Colombia. Even though we have spent more than 2 years in Mexico , we have spotted at least 10 things we have never seen before.

The Plaza Minorista Market 📍is a great place to go and popular with tourists, but any market in your neighborhood will do. Just make sure to Uber there (even from Plaza Botero!) as it is not in the safest area of Medellin.

Real City Tours Medellin also offers a food tour there. It’s not for free but a fun thing to do in Medellin on a budget as you will be able to try tons of new things!

Read also: How to eat cheap and healthy while traveling 🌮

23. See Medellin from Above at the Museum of the City

The Museum of the City 📍shows Medellin from above in miniature size. The museum only has 2 rooms and it won’t take longer than 20 minutes to see everything.

It’s a fun little activity to do when you are already near by but I’d not go out of my way to see it. The best part: Entry is free ! And if you like it you can leave a few pesos as a donation.

See more on their website 🏛️

24. Snap a Photo with a Medellin Sign

You can’t leave Medellin without taking a photo with one of the Medellin Signs. There are quite a few scattered throughout the city. We spotted one in Laureles, Poblado, Botero Square and Parque Avi. Let us know in the comments below if you come across more!

📸 Medellin sign at Botero Square 📸 Medellin sign in Laureles 📸 Medellin sign in El Poblado 📸 Medellin sign at Parque Arvi

Read also: How to get to Parque Arvi cheap

25. Wander through Bamboo at Parque Telemedellin

While walking the main Avenida (Carrera 43A) through El Poblado that gets shut down for cars every Sunday we came across Parque Telemedellin 📍a were surprised about all the bamboo growing there.

It’s a cute little green park in the otherwise concrete jungle of Medellin’s city. So if you are close by I recommend walking through it and soaking up some nature.

Enjoy our favorite free things to do in Medellin!

Medellin is an amazing city and we loved spending 2 months there. It is a very affordable place and a great city to be a digital nomad.

I hope this list of the best free things to do in Medellin helps you enjoy your time there even more and find some hidden spots . What are your favorite free activities in Medellin? Let us know in the comments below!

READ ALSO :

• Go on Medellin’s best Coffee Tour
• Visit Comuna 13, Medellin for free
• Best free outdoor gyms Medellin
• How to get to Parque Arvi cheap

Hey there! Some of the links on this page are affiliate links. This means that if you choose to make a purchase we may get a small commission at no extra cost to you. These commissions help us to generate income and keep creating content for you. So we greatly appreciate your support! Thanks!

Hi, I am Katharina, super passionate about travel, sustainability and minimalism from Austria. I love sunshine, beaches, coffee and light travel gear. For the last 4+ years I'm traveling the world as a digital nomad and hope my tips inspire you to chase your dreams and get out of your comfort zone.

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• Destinations
• Tours in Medellin

Graffiti Free Zippy Walking Tour Comuna 13

Overview of the tour in Medellin

We are your best local guides in COMUNA 13! We live there! Join us on this interesting tour of Comuna 13 and the famous Escalators. We will have different stops on this walking tour to explain some history, talk about current events in this famous part of Medellín, show the mural graffiti art, and introduce some of our dance rhythms. Includes •Local guide •5 neighborhoods in Comuna 13 •artistic expressions (Break Dance, music, and galleries) •Outdoor Escalators •View points, the best views *Recommendations* Booking required, especially on weekends -Be on time at the meeting point. (10 min before) -During the tour, remain with your guide. -Wear comfortable walking shoes. Price: Normal tip 35,000 pesos per person Electronic or credit card payment is accepted.

This activity includes:

• Graffiti Tour
• Local guides
• Graffiti and stories
• Outdoor Escalators
• Real experience

Meeting point

Estacion de metro San Javier

You will find us outside San Javier Metro station (main entrance, No cable car entrance), we will wear a BLUE with GREEN long-sleeved shirt, and we will have a blue umbrella with our name “Zippy Tour Comuna 13”.

Things to note

ATTENTION! If you can not attend your tour time, we kindly ask you to cancel your booking at the bottom of your confirmation form. "Cancel my booking" *Recommendations* -Be on time at the meeting point. (10 min before) -During the tour, remain with your guide. -Wear comfortable walking shoes. Price: Normal tip 35.000 pesos per person

Free Cancellation

You are free to cancel a booking anytime. We kindly remind you to cancel bookings you cannot arrive for. Being reported as absent decreases your customer level points and the benefits you can enjoy.

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