City Essentials: First Day • 3 hours 5
(71)

Your First Day in Medellín: Art, Energy & Local Orientation

Explore Medellín at your pace with a host who helps you get oriented, ask questions, and understand how the city moves.

Most of the must-visit places in Medellín are accessible by the city's reliable metro system which is impeccably clean and a matter of pride for locals

What makes this experience special

This relaxed walk helps you feel grounded in Medellín. Your host shares local stories, smart tips, and ways to navigate the city with ease from your very first day.

Key highlights

  • Get your bearings with local tips on routes, rhythm, and respectful exploration
  • Discover how Medellín moves, from plazas to peaceful pockets of the city
  • Walk through street life, public art, and stories of reinvention
  • Learn how locals use space, from rooftop views to shaded cafés
  • Choose your pace: reflect, explore, or pause when the moment calls for it
  • Hear personal stories that bring resilience and renewal into view
  • Leave with confidence, context, and a sense of where to go next

What to know before you go

Here’s everything you need to know before your day unfolds.

3 hours
Fully tailored to your preferences
English Other languages may be requested
Walking experience may use public transport for long distances

What’s included

Tailored itinerary based on your preferences
A knowledgeable host who knows the hidden gems
Flexible start times to fit your day

What’s not included

Food, drinks and shopping expenses
Transport fares or attraction entry fees

Meeting point

Plaza Botero - Medellín, Antioquia, Avenida Carabobo, La Candelaria, Medellín, La Candelaria, Medellín, Antioquia, 050010, Colombia

Cancellation

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience

What to bring

How your day could unfold

A flexible, unscripted experience designed entirely around your interests. Your host will adapt the day based on what excites you most

Here’s what your experience could look like

These are just suggestions from our hosts to inspire your day. Your host will tailor the experience to suit your interests and tastes

Meeting point

Plaza Botero - Medellín, Antioquia, Avenida Carabobo, La Candelaria, Medellín, La Candelaria, Medellín, Antioquia, 050010, Colombia

First Impressions in Plaza Botero

Art, energy, and everyday life collide here

See More

Among Botero’s bronzes, the plaza buzzes with movement. You might step into the checkered palace for rooftop views or a quiet exhibit. Some guests sketch, others ask how art shapes the city. Your host can follow your pace or pause for stories about transformation.

Streetlife Along Avenida Carabobo

A corridor of color, contrast, and casual motion

See More

Street performers, market stalls, and vintage facades line this energetic stretch. You could sip sugarcane juice or stop to watch a dancer. Your host tunes into your interests, whether it’s people-watching, grabbing a snack, or following the city’s pulse a little further.

Light Columns and Local Shifts

San Antonio’s past and future meet in the open air

See More

Tall light pillars rise where fear once stood, offering both symbolism and atmosphere. Your host might share stories of resilience or let you wander quietly. Some guests explore nearby book stalls; others linger to feel how architecture reveals Medellín’s evolving story.

A Pause That Fits Your Pace

A café, a courtyard, or one more step forward

See More

If you’re ready to rest, your host might suggest a café with local flavor or a tucked-away courtyard filled with color and quiet. Some guests linger over coffee and city tips, others wander on, this moment flexes to your pace and curiosity.

Optional Close: A Walk into San Ignacio

If time allows, end on a quieter, thoughtful note

See More

If there’s time and interest, wander into San Ignacio, where tree-lined plazas and colonial facades soften the day’s end. It’s a quieter mood, perfect for reflecting or chatting about what comes next. Your host can guide lightly or let you roam at your own pace.

1. Select a date
2. Select start time
3. Tailor your experience
Answer a few quick questions to help your host craft the perfect day tailored to you.
1. What’s your preferred hosting style?
2. How would you like the pace of your day?
3. What’s your walking comfort level?
4. Are you celebrating something special?

Real Stories, Real Connections

See our hosts and guests creating memories
City strolls and bright conversations

City strolls and bright conversations

Exploring grand architecture together

Exploring grand architecture together

A colorful embrace against iconic tiles

A colorful embrace against iconic tiles

Laughs on the move

Laughs on the move

Immersed in Mexico’s Colorful Fiesta Spirit

Immersed in Mexico’s Colorful Fiesta Spirit

Capturing memories inside a stunning landmark

Capturing memories inside a stunning landmark

Tasting local flavors, one bite at a time

Tasting local flavors, one bite at a time

Exploring Mexico City’s Bustling Streets with New Friends

Exploring Mexico City’s Bustling Streets with New Friends

Relaxing on the water with friends

Relaxing on the water with friends

Smiles Over the Mercado Sonora Skyline

Smiles Over the Mercado Sonora Skyline

Balcony views and happy family vibes

Balcony views and happy family vibes

Capturing Moments by the Iconic Talavera Tiles

Capturing Moments by the Iconic Talavera Tiles

Lively Encounters in the Heart of the City

Lively Encounters in the Heart of the City

Toasting to Authentic Cantina Vibes

Toasting to Authentic Cantina Vibes

Taco Time and Local Flavors Shared Around the Table

Taco Time and Local Flavors Shared Around the Table

Sun-Soaked Stroll Through Historic Mexico City

Sun-Soaked Stroll Through Historic Mexico City

Good Company, Great Tacos, and Cold Cervezas

Good Company, Great Tacos, and Cold Cervezas

17,500+ 5-Star Reviews and Counting

Trusted and recommended by travelers worldwide, including 99% on Google and TripAdvisor.

recommended by 99% of travelers on google
recommended by 99% of travelers on tripadvisor
We don’t make deals with businesses - giving you unbiased and authentic local experiences.

What travelers think of our City Essentials: First Day experiences in South America

Savina Aug 2025

Richard was very knowledgeable, engaging and easy to work with!

Show more
Elena Aug 2025
Jennifer Aug 2025

Our guide (Donatella) was absolutely amazing. We had people between the ages of 60 and 16 and everyone loved our tour. We experienced the local food as well as saw really cool sites. Would recommend this tour to anyone.

Show more
Jessica Aug 2025

Darryl was absolutely amazing! So knowledgeable but not boring. We were traveling with our 3 daughters (ages 13, 11, 9), our nephew (16) and my mother (70). He never rushed us and was also a phenomenal photographer! He knew all the best places to get perfect angles for views! We even saw the changing of the guard!

Show more
Anthony Aug 2025

Donatella was incredible! She made us feel like home in Naples. She showed us so much of the city, gave us fascinating history and we had great conversation!

Show more
Monica Aug 2025

Reza was amazing! He was very knowledgeable and professional, we had a great time with him in Milan. He also had some really good recommendations for us.

Show more
SEE ALL REVIEWS

FAQs

Your questions, answered

Is this a traditional tour?

No. Our experiences are unscripted and designed around you. Instead of following a rigid itinerary, your host will plan a personalized journey that feels natural, immersive, and unique.

What if I don’t know what I want to explore?

That’s completely fine! Select an experience theme or a flexible discovery experience, and after booking, answer a few questions so your host can design the perfect experience for you.

Will I see famous landmarks or just hidden gems?

Both! Your host will take you to iconic sights if you want to see them, but they’ll also introduce you to places and stories most travelers miss.

Will I know my itinerary in advance?

Yes, you will have the opportunity to chat with your host directly and agree on a plan for the day. However, there’s always room for spontaneity and local surprises!

Can I request specific places to visit?

Yes! After booking, you will receive a questionnaire where you can highlight must-visit spots and anything else you’d like to include, and your host will craft your experience around them.

Can I change the meeting place?

Yes, you will be in touch with your host before your experience, and you can agree on a different meeting point with them. Your host can meet you anywhere central that’s convenient.

How much walking is involved?

This depends on the experience, but your host can adjust the pace to suit your comfort level.

Can my host meet me at my accommodation?

Hotel meet-ups are available upon request in central areas. If you're staying outside the city, your host will recommend the best meeting spot and guide you with directions.