Medellín, Colombia—the ‘city of eternal spring’—blooms in 2026
One of the most inspiring places to visit in 2026, Colombia’s second-largest city has earned its spot as an enchanting destination for foodies, music lovers, and art aficionados.
Medellín, the second-largest city in Colombia, is overcoming its choppy history and giving ample reason for foodies, art enthusiasts, music lovers, and more to visit in 2026.
In October, the electronic dance music festival Electric Daisy Carnival will come to Medellín for the first time. Travelers can experience other events and artists at another new site set to open in 2026: The Primavera Arena, a 16,000-seat entertainment venue with multiple new restaurants in Sabaneta, located just south of Medellín. Other annual festivities persist in attracting visitors to experience the city’s splendor, including La Feria de las Flores, or the Medellín Flower Festival, which takes place in August.
(See all 25 destinations that made our list of the best places to visit in 2026.)
What to do
Comuna 13: Once one of the most dangerous neighborhoods on the continent, Comuna 13 now welcomes people to admire its street art, applaud its performers, and learn about its jarring past. Local guides can be enlisted to safely and skillfully find the area's best spots, including food carts, bars, shops, and restaurants tucked among the residences.
Medellín Street Art Festival: Get better acquainted with the city’s street art scene at the Medellín Street Art Festival, which is scheduled to take place across several neighborhoods on February 16-23, 2026. The event, which is curated by Panorama Art Studio, will expand in 2026 by adding more artists from around Colombia and the world.
Jardín Botánico de Medellín: Medellín’s botanical garden in the Aranjuez district transports visitors to a wonderland of flora and fauna, which is home to 1,200 species. Free to the public, the garden is open every day (except Monday) from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and guide-led, hour-long tours of the grounds are available. Patrons can pay to visit the site’s butterfly house, La Casa de las Mariposas Forjas Bolívar.
Plaza Botero and the Museo de Antioquia: In La Candelaria, Plaza Botero boasts 23 sculptures by Medellín’s own Fernando Botero, an artist whose plump stylizations are renowned worldwide. To see more, visit the Museo de Antioquia next door, which features a Fernando Botero Room. It’s open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
When to go
Nicknamed “the city of eternal spring,” Medellín typically enjoys a mild climate year-round. There is not a stark temperature difference between seasons, so you won't need to prepare for extreme heat or cold. Instead, well-versed travelers bring umbrellas to this tropical rainforest climate because rain is a common occurrence here.
The dry season, which runs from early December through late March, tends to attract the most tourists. January is the month with the least rainfall, though July and August often see dry spells, too.
Where to eat
Andrés Carne de Res: A popular Colombian fixture founded by owner Andrés Jaramillo, this restaurant promises a party. Set aside several hours at this outpost to drink, eat, dance, and explore. At Andrés Carne de Res, patrons frequent the restaurant to enjoy its artsy ambiance and myriad dishes. While guests eat, performers entertain. Sample chicharrones (pork rinds), empanadas, and tostones served several ways. Make sure to book a reservation ahead of time.
Relato: The El Poblado restaurant offers a luxurious experience, with dishes that fuse Asian, Latin, and Mediterranean flavors. Try arancini Relato, or risotto croquettes with cheese in a Colombian hogao sauce, and the coconut fish, which arrives at the table in a banana leaf. Relato's presentation is impressive, particularly with its cocktails—several of which are smoked and one served in an Aladdin-style lamp.
Mondongo's: The namesake of this Colombian chain restaurant is sopa de mondongo, a regional tripe soup. Banana, avocado, and lemon complement the dish’s flavors. With locations in both El Poblado and Laureles-Estadio, Mondongo's also serves other classics, including ajiaco, a chicken and vegetable soup, and típico antioqueño, a plate loaded with meat.
Pergamino: Caffeine lovers can rejoice because Medellín reaps the benefits of its proximity to the country’s coffee region. Among local producers, Pergamino stands out. Run by the Echavarria family, its brand does it all: Growing coffee plants, exporting beans, roasting batches, and brewing the beverage at their various cafes across the city and beyond.
Where to stay
The Click Clack Hotel Medellín: Located in the El Poblado neighborhood, the Click Clack Hotel Medellín offers more than accommodations: It also hosts must-see events, including fashion shows, and DJ sets. This five-star hotel has also built a cult following online because of its striking aesthetics.
23 Hotel: A boutique hotel in Provenza, 23 Hotel boasts a tropically inspired design. Guests are invited to dine at its on-site Mediterranean restaurant Cala Roca and take in the cityscape from either the rooftop pool or bar, Terrace of the Sun.
Binn Hotel: This boutique hotel in El Poblado appeals to visitors in search of excellent service, with a highly lauded staff. Fuel up at the coffee bar, work out at the on-site gym, and enjoy a dinner at La Makha Restaurant before sipping a night cap at Etro Rooftop. The team also plans to open a spa, adding to its current self-care options of a Jacuzzi, steam room, and pool.
Getting around
In order to reach Medellín, travelers fly into the nearby city of Rionegro’s José María Córdova International Airport (MDE), which services major international carriers, including American Airlines, Avianca, and Spirit Airlines. Olaya Herrera Airport (EOH) is located in Medellín, but it mostly accommodates small airlines within the country.
From MDE airport, it takes around 45 minutes by car to reach Medellín Centro, which is considered the city’s downtown. Visitors can choose between several transportation services, including taxis, ride share services, and the Combuses S.A. airport shuttle service. Travelers can also rent private drivers through booking platforms. The city offers several public transportation options, including the Medellín Metro System.
