Medellin Neighborhood Guides: El Centro

TLDR? El Centro is more than what you expect from it, art, local culture, food, and chill are waiting for you!

El Poblado may be the most well-known part of Medellín, but the downtown area contains some amazing hidden gems and secrets. 

Streets full of music, local markets, restaurants, and some of the best bars and cultural hubs in the city are waiting to be discovered as you wander the streets. 

Make sure to stay aware of your surroundings, as this isn’t the safest neighborhood for visitors, but if you’re vigilant and not alone, everything should be alright. 

Let’s jump into everything El Centro has to offer! 

How to Get to El Centro 

There are a few different forms of transportation you can take to get to El Centro. 

If you’re going from El Poblado to El Centro, you can take a taxi or Uber, though it may be a bit expensive, and at times unnecessary. I recommend using public transport to get the full Medellín experience! 

You can take the metro from El Poblado to the Alpujarra station, a ride that’ll take around 20 minutes. 

Things to visit in El Centro

Every city is full of hidden pockets full of history, and downtown Medellín is no exception. 

It’s the birthplace of one of the most technologically advanced cities in Colombia, where culture is constantly growing and developing. 

But where to go and where to start? Don’t worry, follow me! 

Bolívar Park

Bolívar Park is a place most representative of downtown Medellín. You’ll find statues and open spaces to hang out and conserve some energy before visiting the following places. 

Address: Cra. 49 #5596, Medellín, La Candelaria, Medellín, Antioquia 

Metropolitan Cathedral of Medellin

The Metropolitan Cathedral of Medellín is located right in front of Bolívar park, and its architecture is gorgeous you’ll want to spend hours admiring it. 

The Cathedral is one of the city’s main churches, built in a neo-romanesque style. Its interior is even shaped like a cross. 

Don’t miss it! 

Address: Cra. 48 #56 – 81, Medellín, La Candelaria, Medellín, Antioquia

Plaza Botero

At the Plaza Botero, you can admire art by famous sculptor Fernando Botero, who donated many of his works to the city. 

Home to twenty-three bronze sculptures, Botero Square’s location makes it a prime spot for cultural movement. 

Address: Av. Carabobo, Medellín, La Candelaria, Medellín, Antioquia

Antioquia Museum

The Antioquia Museum, right in front of the Plaza Botero, boasts a wide collection of paintings, pictures, and sculptures, donated by artists themselves or their relatives. 

You’ll find local art, Pre-Colombian art, and much more! 

Perfect for tourists interested in art and history. 

Address: Cl. 52 #52-43, Medellín, La Candelaria, Medellín, Antioquia

Explora Park

The Explora Park, as the name suggests is a place for exploration, especially exploration into technology. Come and enjoy interactive shows of all kinds, from music to theatre to culture to history and more. There’s something here for everyone! 

 Address: Cra 52 #73-75, Medellín, Aranjuez, Medellín, Antioquia

Other recommendations

La Pascasia

La Pascasia is the cultural heritage region of El Centro, where you’ll find platforms for local artists to be seen and heard. 

With film screenings, live music, dancing, art shows, and poetry readings, this place truly goes above and beyond the standard El Centro sights. 

Address: Cra. 42 #4646, Medellín, La Candelaria, Medellín, Antioquia

Placita de Flórez

Famous for the Feria de las Flores, this large flower market is bursting with all kinds of flowers at super low prices. 

Flowers aren’t all you’ll find there – you can also purchase fruit, clothing, and more. Even if you don’t end up purchasing anything, the experience itself is worth the visit. 

Address: Cl. 50 # 39 – 25, Copacabana, Medellín, La Candelaria, Medellín, Antioquia

Where to Eat in El Centro

El Centro is so busy finding a good place to eat can feel a little overwhelming. I’ll walk you through some recommendations so you’ll know where to go to fill your stomach. 

Govindas Vegetarian Restaurant  

If you’re in search of vegetarian options, Govinda’s Vegetarian Restaurant will come to your rescue. 

Refuel in a little peace and quiet away from the noisy city. With a beautiful view, the restaurant also provides activities such as yoga, meditation, and sustainability workshops. Check out their agenda for a full schedule! 

Address: Av. Carabobo #51-25 a 51-1, Medellín, La Candelaria, Medellín, Antioquia

Hacienda

As the name suggests, this farm-like restaurant is reminiscent of a Hacienda. If you’re looking for a typical Colombian meal, this is the spot! I recommend trying their Bandeja Paisa – it’s one of the best around. 

Address: Cra. 49 #52-98, Medellín, La Candelaria, Medellín, Antioquia

El Acontista

Want to munch on some snacks while enjoying some live music? Check out El Acontista, one El Centro’s hidden gems.  

Musicians play jazz, blues, acoustic, and country music, giving El Acontista a cozy ambiance. It’s also a bookstore, covered wall to wall in books! 

This place truly has something for everyone, especially tourists with a passion for the arts. 

Address: Cl. 53 #43-81, Medellín, La Candelaria, Medellín, Antioquia

Dare to try El Centro

Don’t leave Medellín before spending at least a day in El Centro! You’ll see a side of the city most visitors don’t dare to experience. Check out this side of the city! 

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