History · Medellín · Colombia
6 historic sites to see in Medellín
The places that tell the story of how the city came to be.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: ALONSOZAR, CC BY-SA 4.0
Quick answer
Start with Museo de Antioquia, Comuna 13 and the outdoor escalators and Palacio de la Cultura Rafael Uribe Uribe. Together the 6 picks below take roughly 8–9 hours across 3 areas; 3 are free.
Key facts
- Places in this guide
- 6
- Free entry
- 3
- Time to see them all
- 8–9 hours
- Areas
- Centro, San Javier and El Poblado
Historic sites in Medellín
Museum · Centro
1.Museo de Antioquia
Housed in a 1930s art deco building that was once the city hall, the museum holds a large collection of Botero's paintings and sculptures alongside his private collection, pre-Columbian pieces and Colombian art from colonial times to the present.
- Time needed
- 2 hours
- Cost
- Mid-priced
- Art
- History
- Rainy day
- Iconic
Neighbourhood · San Javier
2.Comuna 13 and the outdoor escalators
Guided tours led by local residents explain its history and the art.
- Time needed
- 2–3 hours
- Cost
- Low cost
- Iconic
- Art
- History
- Photo spot
Architecture · Centro
3.Palacio de la Cultura Rafael Uribe Uribe
It was the seat of the departmental government and now houses cultural institutions and exhibition halls.
- Time needed
- 30 minutes
- Cost
- Free
- Architecture
- Free
- History
Museum · Centro
4.Museo Casa de la Memoria
It is a sobering and important visit.
- Time needed
- 1.5 hours
- Cost
- Free
- History
- Free
- Rainy day
Museum · El Poblado
5.Museo El Castillo
It is a peaceful break from the city.
- Time needed
- 1 hour
- Cost
- Mid-priced
- Architecture
- History
- Couples
Religious site · Centro
6.Basílica Metropolitana
Its vast brick interior is cool and calm compared with the busy streets outside.
- Time needed
- 30 minutes
- Cost
- Free
- Architecture
- Free
- History
Grouped by area
| Area | Places | Time needed |
|---|---|---|
| Centro | Museo de Antioquia, Palacio de la Cultura Rafael Uribe Uribe, Museo Casa de la Memoria and Basílica Metropolitana | 2 hours + 30 minutes + 1.5 hours + 30 minutes |
| San Javier | Comuna 13 and the outdoor escalators | 2–3 hours |
| El Poblado | Museo El Castillo | 1 hour |
Booking and timing
Of these 6, 3 free, 1 low cost, 2 mid-priced. None needs booking far in advance. The longest visit is Comuna 13 and the outdoor escalators; group the rest by area to save travel time.
How to fit them into 2 half-days
Grouped by area and kept to about four hours each, so you walk more than you ride.
- Half-day 1 (Centro): Museo de Antioquia → Palacio de la Cultura Rafael Uribe Uribe → Museo Casa de la Memoria → Basílica Metropolitana, at least 5 hours.
- Half-day 2 (San Javier and El Poblado): Comuna 13 and the outdoor escalators → Museo El Castillo, at least 3 hours.
The quietest months for queues
- September: highs of 28°C (82°F), about 18 rainy days, quiet crowds. Rain picks up again; a quiet, good-value month.
- May: highs of 28°C (82°F), about 21 rainy days, quiet crowds. Rainy afternoons and green hills; fewer visitors and good hotel prices.
- October: highs of 27°C (81°F), about 21 rainy days, quiet crowds. Among the wettest months, with heavy afternoon storms; plan museum visits for the afternoon.
The neighbourhoods they are in
- El Poblado — Upscale, leafy hillside district of hotels, malls and the Parque Lleras nightlife
- Centro — Downtown streets, markets and museums around Plaza Botero and Parque Berrío
More of Medellín
Questions travellers ask
+Where should I start in Medellín?
Museo de Antioquia. Housed in a 1930s art deco building that was once the city hall, the museum holds a large collection of Botero's paintings and sculptures alongside his private collection, pre-Columbian pieces and Colombian art from colonial times to the present.
+Which of these are free in Medellín?
Palacio de la Cultura Rafael Uribe Uribe, Museo Casa de la Memoria and Basílica Metropolitana.