Medellín is a great place to visit. The climate is very mild, it feels like a warm spring all year round. There is beautiful nature around the city. The city itself has interesting museums, vibrant nightlife and of course the Escobar history, which many locals are not proud of.
When exploring the city, Plaza Botero is nice starting point. On that square are the enormous oversized statues made by Botero. The museum de Antioquia is also quite interesting.
Take the Metrocable for spectacular views over the city. It will go over the poor areas up the hills and shows the differences in this city between the rich and the poor. It's not really necessary to exit at the endpoint, you can take the cable car straight down the hills again.
Laguna de Guatape is a beautiful nature area outside the city.
And then there is the Escobar tour. We knew a bit the stories, but when doing the tour and seeing the actual places was quite impressive. We would recommend a private tour. The subject of Escobar is very sensitive. Not all local people appreciate these kind of tours.
The Colombians are very friendly people. And we love the latin spirit. But still be very careful, especially at night.
The area in Park Lleras if a good location to start the night. Here you find many restaurants with terraces in a very green environment.
There are some gay bars / clubs nearby.
Medellin has become much more safe. Still there are no go areas, especially at night.
The best neighbourhood to stay is around Park Lleras. A very green area, with many bars and terraces. With many other tourists around this feels like a safe relaxed area.
The Park Lleras area is a very green area with a strip of large terrace bars. During the day it's a nice area for drinks or lunch. At night this neighbourhood becomes very lively. Colored led lights everywhere, music, some cars driving slowly around to show off their car. Latino country at it's best.
The area is very busy and full with other tourists, so we felt quite safe there.
For a real local experience you have to go to places in Centro. But that area feels a bit more dangerous at night. So better travel in a group, or meet up with a local to show you around.
Donde Aquellos is a gay friendly bar and terrace. This is one of the places where most of the gay guys hang out in the Park Lleras area more...
Industry club is one of the main gay clubs in Medellin. Two levels, open in the weekend.
iconic gay bar located in the heart of downtown Medellin
Club 55 is a gay sauna in the city center of Medellin. Facilities include a bar/lounge, a video room, steam room and private cabins more...
Panama City has about 4 large gay clubs and a gay sauna. The gay night life is focussed on the weekend. Many guys from Panama are not openly gay and discrete, and you will find them at several gay friendly places.
530 km from Medellín
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