The Best Sight in Medellín, Colombia

Background Illustration for Sights

Medellín is the country's main industrial hub, but don't expect a city full of smoking chimneys: the factories are well outside of town. Deep-green mountains that rise sharply around the city provide a bold backdrop to the glass-and-concrete towers of its elegant financial district. Well-developed tourist facilities in the city proper testify to the region's relative economic strength.

While El Poblado holds all the cards when it comes to dining and nightlife, it is the historic center that provides visitors with their cultural fix, most notably in the blocks between the Parque de Bolívar and the Plaza Botero. A pedestrian street, Avenida Carabobo, stretches south of the Plaza Botero for eight blocks, ending in the modern seat of the government of Antioquia.

Jardín Botánico de Medellín

Fodor's Choice

The botanical gardens span about 33 acres and have more than 600 plant species, including heliconias, zamias, and azaleas. With plenty of spaces to explore, most notably the orchidarium, whose striking wooden hexagonal structure rises above the trees forming the park's centerpiece, a visit here makes for a nice half-day break from city life. Stop by the excellent In Situ restaurant, which has views of the garden and offers picnic lunches that you can take into the garden.