10 Things you need to know before coming to Medellin
If you’re new in town or if you’re considering a trip down to Medellin, there are many things you need to keep in mind. Tricks on how to get around. Useful communication pointers, and last but not least, helpful advice that will have you enjoy your time here as much as possible.
Whether you’re coming for business, pleasure, or a bachelor party trip. You can always use some friendly advice to help you get by. Here are, 10 Things you Need to Know Before Coming to Medellin.
Uber Instead of Cab
First on our list before visiting Medellin is how to get around in this fascinating city. Cabs and Ubers are inexpensive and easy to hail but Uber is not only frowned upon but can also be dangerous. Many Ubers destroyed and even burned due to taxis not agreeing with the company’s illegal status in the country.
Taxis can be sketchy if you hail off of the street, especially late at night. The best way to keep big groups together, arriving everywhere at the same time, is private transportation in Medellin. For a fixed fee per night, you will have an 18 passenger Mercedes-Benz sprinter. This with a set itinerary on what you will see and do. This way, the non-Spanish speakers don’t have to try and brush up on their 10th grade Spanish to communicate. For smaller groups, we also offer smaller vans and SUVs.
The airport is outside the city
This tip can sound obvious. But you have to be conscious about the time between the international airport and your Airbnb / Hotel. The main airport is not in the city and it will take an hour to arrive from El Poblado. We have a domestic airport that is in the city but it is only for a few regional routes. So be aware of the distance between the city and the airport and plan your travel based on this.
People will talk to you!
The Paisa people (paisa is short for paisano or compatriot) are very warm and welcoming towards everyone. They’re proud to know Americans love Medellín and will treat you better than they treat each other. You’ll notice this when many of them stare at you and smile. Or when you ask for directions and find that they’ll do their best to all but take you to the place you where you need to go. They appreciate your effort to communicate with them and take kindly to foreigners.
Don’t leave the city without visiting the best restaurants in Medellin
The city has a growing food scene which is why we recommend you not leave here without hitting up a few places we recommend. We made sure to say eat at Carmen because, in our opinion, it’s the best restaurant in town. Also, don’t leave Medellin without trying the city’s signature dish, Bandeja Paisa at Mondongo’s Restaurant, Hatoviejo, or La Hacienda.
Don’t limit yourself to the city alone
Medellin might be a popular travel destination. But there is so much more to Antioquia – the department of which Medellin is the capital city – than the urban areas.
Many travelers visit the city for a few days on their way between the coast and the Coffee Region. They make the mistake of not heading out of the city into rural areas. Small towns like Sante Fe de Antioquia, Guatape, and Jardin have different activities to do.
We recommend you get to know these beautiful towns where you can enjoy nature and gastronomy. Also, you can practice trekking, climbing, jumping into clear rivers, and walking into caves. Have a look at our tours.
Don’t Expect Variety in the Alcohol Department
America is the land of opportunity. Where even the most random flavored distilled beverages make it to the shelves and sell. You can find Bacon, Peanut Butter & Jelly, Popcorn, and even smoked salmon flavored vodka on the shelves of a few of your local liquor stores.
Surprising yet true but here in Medellín there are 2 main alcoholic beverages that you’ll find in every corner store. Not to mention liquor stores and even house parties. Aguardiente and Ron. Aguardiente Antioqueño was created from the anise plant and contains 35% alcohol, it’s pretty bad. Ron is a local rum aged 3 years and is also quite popular with the locals. Not to say you can’t get anything else but if you leave the Poblado part of the city, it will be harder to find the desired distilled beverage.
Don’t Wander off by Yourself
The last thing you want to do is get lost in a strange part of town. So make sure you have Wi-Fi wherever you go. An emergency number to call, your address written down, and if you haven’t already, get Uber on your phone for emergencies.
The city is, for the most part, safe but if you wander into the wrong neighborhood dressed nicely, by yourself and speaking English. You will draw negative attention to yourself.
When you’re in the Poblado area during the day. Feel free to walk around and even walk over to the Santa Fe and Oviedo shopping centers. An easy 15-minute walk and it’s a good way to see the financial district.
Expect a developed city and no dirt roads
One of the most common misconceptions before visiting Medellin is. People, expect the city to be full of dirt roads, and ghetto-looking neighborhoods. That may have been the case 20+ years ago but it is now 2019 and this city is cleaner than most US cities. More developed and safer too.
The list came out of the 50 most dangerous cities in the world and Medellin is not on it. American cities such as Baltimore, St. Louis, and Chicago make the top 30. While Caracas, Venezuela is #1 on this shameful list.
Don’t go everywhere in shorts and flip-flops
Medellin is ‘The City of Eternal Spring’ and the weather got the memo on the name. The climate in the city is wonderful, with regular hot days and blue skies. Naturally, it’s common for travelers to wear shorts, t-shirts, and flip-flops during the day as they explore Medellin. But the locals themselves are rarely found so casually dressed. Colombia is a formal culture, and long trousers and shirts are generally the norms. That’s not to say that you shouldn’t wear your more casual, hot weather clothes. But be aware of the conventions and avoid these outfits in restaurants and clubs.
Prepare for an Awesome time
There is a lot going through your mind before visiting Medellin. And you have a few people that are trying to deter you from actually visiting. They seem to have the idea that Medellin despite everything is still a bad place and no good can come from visiting. It’s understandable because a bad reputation is hard to get rid of but the 90s are long gone and the city has come a long way. Medellin is now a hub for great nightclubs, amazing restaurants, beautiful women, and a guaranteed good time. Don’ hesitate to contact us to get more information about our VIP services in Medellin.
Before Coming to Medellin
Looking for the best pre-planned itinerary before visiting Medellin? Be sure to contact us today to learn more.
