You'll know the blooming Medellín's lively center like the palm of your hand after navigating the heart of the city with your savvy host, past a red-brick cathedral almost a century old and a bustling square representing the shift from violence to peace in the blossoming city. Next, head to a fountain-filled plaza dotted with the sculptures by famous-son-of-the-city artist Fernando Botero, before strolling past talented buskers to a concrete fortress stowing the intertwined history of the city. Navigate stalls overflowing with carnations and orchids unlike you've ever seen at Placita de Flórez, or wander the trails of a botanical wonderland, before hearing invaluable hints from your host on where to find the best traditional food in town.