Medellin Named #3 City to Visit by Time Out

Medellin is a tropical city in Colombia. In fact, it’s the second biggest in the country and arguably the most modern. 

Well, it looks like it’s not just proud paisas that are taking note of everything Medellín has to offer. Time Out magazine recently named Medellín as the top third city in the world to visit in their article about the 53 best cities in the world in 2022. 

Want to find out a bit more about what makes this city so special? Keep reading for what you need to know.

Why Time Out Chose Medellin

Time Out had a few different reasons for choosing Medellín as one of the best cities in the world to visit. 

Firstly, the magazine cites the incredible weather in the city. Known as the City of Eternal Spring, temperatures in Medellín are rarely too hot or too cold. 

Time Out also mentions that the people in Medellín are exceptionally friendly and welcoming. If you’re visiting the city for the first time, you won’t have to look far to find friends. 

Time Out also talks about Medellín’s modern infrastructure and the many rising reggaeton stars coming out of the city. Boasting all that, it’s no surprise they put Medellín at the top of their list of places to visit.

What Makes Medellin Special 

So, what makes Medellín so special?

To start, the affordability. Even though Medellín is more expensive than some other cities in Colombia, the cost of living is still about a third of the price of most major cities in the US. 

On top of that, Medellín has an urban feel with a super modern infrastructure. The transportation system is excellent, making it easy for tourists and locals alike to get around. 

Better yet, despite its urban scene, it’s still near stunning towns around such as Guatapé, Rio Negro, and such. In other words, you can enjoy getting outdoors while staying in a modern and comfortable hotel.

And of course, the nightlife scene here is hard to beat. World-class DJs put on stellar shows in modern and design-forward boutique bars and hotels just about every night. 

The Best of Medellin

So, what is Medellín actually like when you break it all down? 

Let’s take a look at where to stay, what to do, and what to eat in one of the best cities in the world.

Where to Stay 

One of the reasons why Time Out claims Medellín is one of the best places to visit is thanks to the amazing neighborhoods. 

A few of the best areas, all located in popular Poblado, include: 

• Provenza
• Lleras
• Laureles 
• Manila 
• Envigado 

In terms of hotels, The Landmark is touted by Time Out as being the best hotel in the city. However, you’ve also got to check out the swanky Marquee Hotel. 

This boutique hotel was created for business and leisure travelers alike and is situated right on gorgeous Via Primavera. That puts it at the heart of Medellín’s best nightlife and restaurant scenes!

What to Do

Medellín is a place that’s full of things to do. Although Time Out cites the nightlife down on La 70, there’s a whole lot more to the city than just that. 

Take a ride on the incredible metro system, head downtown to stroll around the Plaza Botero, or catch a show at one of the local theaters. 

Another popular activity is to take a tour of Comuna 13. There, you can learn about the city’s transformation and how this neighborhood has become one of the most beautiful parts of the city. 

Finally, don’t forget to head down to the Pueblito Paisa. This historic reenactment village is a great place to really take in the culture of Medellín and learn about what life was like back in the day. 

Of course, there are countless other things to do in the city. But, these are a few favorites of locals and visitors alike. 

What to Eat

Even though Medellin is a multicultural city where you can find just about every food in the book, there are some incredible foods to try here. 

A couple of must-try favorites in Medellín include: 

• Bandeja paisa
• Cold brew guandolo
• Arepa with cheese
• Empanadas 
• Chicharrón 

And, of course, you can’t forget to try the aguardiente antioqueño! This drink is the perfect way to get your Friday night started. 

Medellin By the Numbers

When it comes to visiting Medellín, there are some pretty incredible facts to know. In fact, a lot of these facts are why tourists keep coming back. 

For one thing, more than 500,000 tourists visit Medellín each year. And, that number is only climbing. 

Reports show that Medellín’s tourism industry is up 41% since the start of the pandemic. In other words, the industry has bounced back since the COVID-19 pandemic hit us back in 2020.

Another fun fact about Medellín is that the people are incredibly happy here. In fact, Colombia is said to be one of the happiest countries in the world.

A few other fun facts about the city cited by Time Out include: 

• 97% of Medellín locals say the food and drink here is top notch
• 90% of residents love the nightlife
• 94% say the city has great community spirit

Discover the Magic of Medellin for Yourself 

I might be biased when it comes to why you should visit Medellín. But, if you come here for yourself, you can decide whether or not I’m right.

So, what are you waiting for? Book your flights and come out to Medellín to see everything this incredible tropical city has to offer. 

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