You want the best experiences without spending much money. Medellín, Colombia, has many free activities to enjoy. This article shares 15 awesome free things to do in Medellín that help you have fun while saving money. By the end, you will know how to enjoy the city’s culture and daily life like a local and keep your money safe.
1. Visit Plaza Botero (Best free thing to do in Medellin’s Centro)
In the center of Medellín’s old town, Plaza Botero shows the city’s culture and is one of the best free places to visit. Visitors often make special memories here by taking photos with the statues or talking with local people.
This busy square has many large bronze statues made by Colombian artist Fernando Botero. His art style shows people and shapes in a big and playful way.
When you walk around Botero Square, the fun statues make you stop, look, enjoy, and feel the heart of Medellín through its art and togetherness.
| Tip: Visit Botero Square and La Candelaria only during the day. It is not very safe, so leave before 5 pm and watch your belongings. |
2. Go inside Palace of Culture Rafael Uribe for free
Walking into the Palace of Culture Rafael Uribe feels like finding a place full of old stories inside the lively city of Medellín. This old building, built in a beautiful neo-Gothic style, works as a cultural place where visitors can see many displays and shows.
The palace is a national monument of Medellín and also has a well-known art space, showing work by local and national artists that reflect the city’s deep cultural history.
| Tip: Entry is free, but you must show an ID. A photo on your phone is fine. 🪪 |
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3. Withness Dark History at Parque San Antonio
Parque San Antonio, in the center of Medellín, has a sad past because of the 1995 bombing. This very bad explosion happened during an important time in the city and changed the place and the feelings of the people forever.
To show strength and courage, the city decided to remember the people who died by placing a memorial statue made by Botero. This large statue, made in the artist’s well-known style, may look like a simple replacement, but it reminds visitors of the lives lost and the pain the city went through.
People who come here often stop quietly and think about the past, seeing how this place changed from a site of sadness into a space for memory and reflection, showing Medellín’s slow move from pain toward hope.
4. Join a Free Walking Tour (Best free thing to do for First-timers)
One of the most popular tours is the Barrio Transformation tour. It shows how neighborhoods that were once ignored have grown into centers of art and community life. As you walk through the streets, you will see amazing street art and also experience the local culture in a way that normal city tours usually do not.
This Medellín travel activity will make you curious and help you understand its history better, making it one of the most unforgettable things to do in Medellín. Every step tells a new story, making sure you feel connected to the heart of this lively city.
5. See Art at Centro Comercial Palacio Nacional (Hidden free gem in Medellin)
The Centro Comercial Palacio Nacional stands as a captivating blend of history and modernity. As you go through the different parts of the Palacio Nacional Medellín, don’t miss the chance to visit the Medellín artist studios inside. These spaces often welcome visitors, giving a close look at how the art is made and helping you enjoy the art more.
Meeting the local artists gives you a new view of the city’s creative life. It is a fun part of any plan that includes Medellín shopping and art. Whether you love art a lot or just want some free things to do in Medellín, this hidden place is worth visiting if you want to really see the city.
| Tip: Go to the top floor for a nice bar where you can get a cheap drink or coffee and feel fancy. |
6. Time Travel at the Memory House Museum for free
At the Memory House Museum in Medellín, visitors can take a moving trip through the city’s past for free. This special museum shows Medellín’s complicated history, especially the effects of the fighting and violence that have shaped the city.
The displays show strength and hope, inviting people to connect closely with Medellín’s story. By looking at personal stories and shared memories, the museum gives important understanding of how the past affects the present.
7. Learn about Comuna 13’s Transformation
For those looking for a memorable experience, the outdoor escalator, an amazing piece of city design, makes it easier to explore Comuna 13 and shows how the neighborhood has improved over time.
After walking around, relax in one of the nice Medellín local cafes, where you can enjoy the taste of Colombian coffee while thinking about the changes you have seen. When planning your visit, remember some Medellín travel tips: talk to locals to hear their stories and look for Medellín free activities to fully enjoy the culture of this lively community.
8. Hike up Cerro de Las Tres Cruces (Best free thing to do in Medellin Outdoors)
Hiking up Cerro de Las Tres Cruces is a refreshing way to enjoy Medellín’s green natural areas while seeing one of the best views of the city. As you walk along the popular Medellín hiking trails,
you will see many local people who use this climb not just as a hike but also as daily exercise in Medellín’s interesting outdoor gym. The path is lined with plants and has calm resting spots along the way, making it a great place to relax or talk with others.
| Tip: Go on the weekend when more people are around, as muggings can happen during the week. We went on Sunday and felt safe. |
| Check out: 3 best free Outdoor Gyms in Medellin |
9. Breath Fresh Air at the Botanical Gardens
There is something really special about visiting the Medellín Botanical Gardens, a lively green space that shows the city’s love for nature. Covering more than 14 hectares, this beautiful area lets you explore many different plants and quiet paths, making it one of the nicest green spaces in Medellín. Walking through the gardens, you will see bright orchids and tall palm trees that act like a living display of Colombia’s plant life.
| Tip: Entry is free, just show an ID or a photo on your phone. |
10. Exercise on Car-free Streets on Sunday
In Medellín, Sundays turn into a lively day for the community and health, especially with events like Ciclovia. This event closes streets like Carrera 43A for people walking and cycling, letting locals and visitors enjoy the city’s pretty routes without traffic.
Imagine riding or walking through El Poblado, with green hills and colorful murals that show Medellín’s history. The streets without cars feel fresh and fun, with the sounds of laughing people and bicycles instead of car horns.
11. Stoll at Parques del Rio
Walking at Parques del Rio is a special experience that shows Medellín’s culture. Located in the lively Laureles neighborhood, this city park lets visitors walk along the pretty Medellín River, making it one of the most fun things to do in Medellín.
The path has local artwork, giving a nice background for a slow walk. As you walk, the calm sounds of water and leaves make a relaxing feeling, making each step peaceful.
12. Explore Green and Walkable Laureles
Laureles, one of the most lively neighborhoods in Medellín, has lots of green areas and easy-to-walk streets that are fun to explore. Walking through its tree-lined streets, you will find many local cafes and restaurants, each adding to the neighborhood’s charm. The best cafes in Laureles serve great coffee and have a cozy atmosphere, perfect for enjoying the local vibe. You can sip a smooth Colombian brew while watching the world go by, making every visit a special experience.
13. Workout at an Outdoor Gym (Best free thing to do in Medellin for fitness)
Imagine doing exercise while enjoying nature — this is what an outdoor gym in Medellín offers, turning a normal workout into a refreshing experience. With beautiful mountain views and fresh air, these gyms are in lively parks across the city, from busy Laureles to quiet Belen. They give free fitness opportunities and let you meet the local community, creating a friendly place for other fitness lovers.
14. Wander at San Alejo Handicraft Market at Parque Bolivar
In the middle of Parque Bolivar the San Alejo Handicraft Market is full of bright colors and amazing local crafts. This monthly arts and crafts market is more than just shopping, it is a fun experience where artisans show their skills with detailed jewelry, colorful textiles, and beautiful pottery. Walking through the busy stalls, the excitement of the artisans makes it special and different from regular shops.
15. Experience the Medellin Flower Festival
The Medellín Flower Festival is a lively celebration of nature and culture, turning the city into a colorful canvas every August. This yearly event, starting in 1957, shows the rich flower industry in Medellín, with amazing floral displays that highlight the area’s skill in horticulture. Besides the beautiful flowers, the festival lets visitors enjoy Colombian traditions through parades, cultural exhibitions, and live music, creating a fun and happy atmosphere throughout the city.
| 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 |