Medellin attractions are part of what make this city so vibrant. As a city on the move, much of Medellin's renewal has focused on its cultural side. Along with the universities and libraries, new museums have popped up in town. Whether you're interested in art, stoked about nature, wondering about science, or wanting to discover the local history, there is an an attraction to suit your style. The locals are quite proud of what they have to offer to enrich the lives of those who live and those who visit Medellin. 

Museums

A positive sign of Medellin's growth, the cultural scene is parked with museums and other Medellin attractions. There's historical sites, science centers, performing arts venues, and galleries that booster Medellin's culture. For example, El Castillo Museum opens up a Gothic castle to tours, while the Museum of Modern Art encourages its visitors to experience art through sight and touch. The list of places to visit also includes the Otraparte House Museum, plus a bug museum and a planetarium. The newly opened House of Memory Museum honors those who fought and often perished in the armed conflicts that once plagued the region. Other cultural landmarks honor favorite artists and tango musicians.

Botero Plaza

An open-air museum as much as a source of local pride, Botero Plaza reflects the vision of Fernando Botero. An artist and beloved community figure, Botero donated 23 of his striking bronze sculptures to the adjacent Museum of Antioquia along with many of the treasures from other artists he had collected over the years. The Medellin native's sculptures can be seen at this large plaza located in the heart of town. Many locals and visitors use the park as a meeting spot and place to grab some pretty special selfies with the sculptures. 

Museum of Antioquia

Like many other Medellin attractions, the Museum of Antioquia puts its focus on art. After seeing the sculptures, step inside the see the carefully curated exhibits. The collection of broad in scope, including many works from Botero's collection and art dating from before the time Columbus visited the New World. 

ExploraPark

The people behind Medellin's cultural revolution are quite proud of ExploraPark, as they are of other Medellin attractions. This cool place offers interactive experiences in an indoor/outdoor setting. The attraction is quite popular with families—mom, dad, and the kids can visit the rooms filled with science exhibits, step into one of the biggest aquariums in South America, and check out 3D movies that will set their imaginations spinning. 

Parque Lleras

Since opening, Parque Lleras has become a symbol of the new Medellin. This park in the Zona Rosa, the nightclub district, has become a gathering place for lovers the good life. Locals and visitors mingle at the bars and cafes, while others come to dance, grab a cocktail, or listen to live music. There's all kinds of restaurants lining the park, serving Colombian fare plus international flavors from Italy, Mexcio, and other culinary hotspots. 

Commune13

The districts and neighborhoods of Medellin are divided into what's called Communes. San Javier, also known as Commune13, is nestled in the hills on the Western side of the city. Here, one of Medellin's many library parks stands at the entrance to the district. Inside, there's a cable car to ride, in additon to open-air escalators and green spaces.

Tours

For those who want to know more about the city, Medellin's tourist bureau and local companies offer several tours. A bus tour visits sites of historical and architectural significance in the city and the surrounding Antioquia District. Along the way, you'll have the chance to see some the universities, museums, parks, and streets that have made the city special. Travelers also can book guides for walking tours, led by storytellers more than eager to welcome newcomers to their home city—and many of these tours are free when booked in advance. 

Pablo Escobar Tour

One of the unique tours explores the lives and times of Pablo Escobar, the drug lord and patron who gave and took much from his home city. When he was leading the Medellin Carter, the city was one of the most dangerous cities in the word. But yet, Escobar was happy to share his money with the city, sponsoring sports teams, building hospitals, and helping the poor of Colombia. A guided tour will share the story of this lightning rod figure while following in his footsteps, including a visit to the house where he was shot to death in 1993 and his final resting place. The guide will be happy to tell how Medellin has become a safer, more prosperous city in the past several years.