Medellin is a beautiful city set within a broad valley in the green state of Antioquia. You can take some amazing photos during your visit which show the incredible nature, culture, and diversity in the city.
In this article, I will share my tips on some of the best Instagram photo spots in Medellin where you capture some of the magic of ‘Medallo’.
Plaza Botero and The Rafael Uribe Uribe Palace of Culture
Botero is the central plaza in the heart of downtown Medellin. The square is filled with one of internationally renowned artist Fernando Botero’s most famous statues.
The Colombian painter and sculptor are known for his rotund depictions of famous people, archetypes, animals, and important historical scenes. In the park, you will find bronze statues of a Roman soldier, a man on horseback, a cat, a dog, Adam, Eve, and many others., There are 23 statues to be found and you can take photos with some of your favorites.
To one side of the park is the Antioquia Museum which houses some of Botero’s best paintings and is a nice place to grab a coffee and watch people rushing around the hectic downtown. Opposite the museum, the elevated metro runs behind the Palace of Culture into Parque Berrio station. This is another great place to take photos.
The Rafael Uribe Uribe Palace of Culture was designed by celebrated Belgium architect Agustรญn Goovaerts to house the Institute of Culture and Antioquian patrimony in the late 1920s. Construction began in 1930 but it was repeatedly interrupted, with the palace we see today not complete until 1970. The building hosts cultural events and also has an indoor market. The facade is a checkered design of light and dark stones with tall green trees running alongside the plaza.
It is one of the most beautiful buildings in Medellin and you can take great photos across the park with the bustling plaza in the foreground and then modern metro running behind one of the key historic buildings in the downtown area. Definitely one of the best Instagram photo spots in Medellin.
Comuna 13
Comuna 13 was once one of the most violent and chaotic neighborhoods in the world but today is at the heart of tourism, art, and rejuvenation in the city. There are so many great photo spots in Comuna 13 to take photos with friends or capture the true essence of the diverse city of Medellin.
The neighborhood has a network of escalators that run up the steep hills. This was the first time in the world that an outdoor urban escalator network has been used as free public transport of this type. The escalators helped kickstart tourism and bring those on the once-isolated hills closer to the city. You can take some great photos heading up the escalators.
Once at the top, you have a great view of the city. The improvised, simple housing of the neighborhood turns into apartment buildings, then downtown skyscrapers as you look across the valley. On the opposite side, the steep hills rise up to the green, tree-covered peaks. You have beautiful, clear blue skies and it is a great way to show the real Medellin with some amazing shots. They have built a number of perfect spots for photos.
As you walk around the neighborhood you will find dozens of examples of amazing street art. A lot of the graffiti tells the difficult history of the neighborhood and the resilience of the locals to overcome adversity and move forward. There is a colorful slide which can make for some fun photos and a sports court which can also make for some amazing shots.
If you want to celebrate local culture and diversity this is definitely one of the best Instagram spots in Medellin.
pueblito Paisa
Another good option to get some great photos is Pubelito Paisa. Set on the top of a hill overlooking the city, this is a representation of a typical village from the Antioquia region. They have representation of typical local buildings such as stores, restaurants, barbers, a church, and an administrative building.
You can get some great photos across the city with unrestricted views of the downtown, the south towards Poblado, and up to the north. You can also enjoy some nice food and take some pictures which show the more traditional style and culture of the region. If you have time to explore some of the nearby villages such as Guatape, Santa Fe, and Jardin then even better but if your time is tight then Pueblito Paisa can help provide a good representation.
One of the best Instagram spots in Medellin to show traditional Antioquia culture with a spectacular backdrop.
Envy Rooftop
Heading to a rooftop in Poblado is a great idea for sunset when you are in Medellin. The views from the top are very different from those of Comuna 13, providing an interesting contrast. There are now dozens of great rooftop bars around Provenza, Lleras, and Manila in the upmarket Poblado neighborhood.
Envy located on the top floor of Hotel Charley is one of the most popular rooftop bars and with good reason. The bar is set over two stories with amazing views of the tall terracotta colored buildings across the hills of Poblado. They have glass to maximize the views and you can get a booth to enjoy with friends or you can sit on the second floor to enjoy an even more unrestricted view of the landscape.
There is a pool in the middle of the bar and this can be great fun during their Sunday morning brunches which include delicious food and lots of drinks. A sophisticated bar which is a great place to start your evening with amazing sunset views.
One of the best Instagram spots in Medellin to show the spectacular Poblado skyline at night.
Atanasio Giradot Stadium
Whether you are a football fan or not, I would always strongly recommend attending a game at the stadium. The Atanasio Giradot is home to the two big clubs in the city; the traditional force in Colombian football Atletico Nacional and the rebellious local underdogs Deportivo Independiente Medellin.
The stadium has a capacity of around 45,000 with a large curved main stand (oriental), a covered more expensive area (occidental) and then the ‘populares’ to the north and south. The populares are where the hardcore fans are based with Nacional’s biggest supporter group always to the south and Medellin always to the north. The atmosphere in the stadium is incredible with songs, drums, banners, flags, flares, smoke and constant jumping up and down.
If the weather is clear I would recommend finding a spot at the back of the oriental stand in one of the corners. If it is a Nacional game then aim for the south end of the stand and if it is DIM then the north. You will get amazing views of the orange or red sea of supporters putting on an incredible spectacle. Behind the south stand, you will also get views of downtown Medellin while from the north you can see the unusual Obelisco building.
You can pick up a knockoff shirt around the ground for not much more than US$5, depending on the quality, or you can buy from the club shop. The local derby or ‘clasico’ as it is called in Spanish will offer the best atmosphere but do be careful around the ground. Nacional also has derby games against America of Cali and Millonarios of Bogota while DIM’s other biggest rival is Deportivo Cali.
An unforgettable experience and one of the best places Instagram photo spots in Medellin.
Parque Explora
Parque Explora is an interactive science museum located close to the University of Antioquia and Universidad metro station. It was first opened in 2008 and it has over 300 interactive attractions plus a 3D auditorium, a planetarium, a television studio, a vivarium, and South America’s largest freshwater aquarium.
The experience is very informative and very fun for adults and children. A lot of the exhibits encourage play alongside education which can make for a great afternoon. There are lots of spots inside and outside which are great to take photos. Be careful to not take flash photos inside the aquarium and vivarium as it is prohibited to protect the animals.
Metro and Metrocable
Medellin has one of the best and most innovative transport networks in the whole of South America. The city has two elevated metro lines, tram lines, and buses while Medellin was the first to use cable cars as a public transport solution.
You can get great views of the city onboard the modern and exceptionally clean metro which runs along the river and then through the downtown area. There is almost never graffiti on the metro cars and it is a network the locals are very proud of. The metro is air-conditioned and very comfortable. You can get a nice view and it can be a great option if you avoid the very busy peak hours.
From the metro, you can transfer without any additional cost to the cable cars. From the cable car, you get amazing views across the city as you pass above the rooftops heading up the hill. I would recommend the cable car from Acevedo just north of downtown up to Santo Domingo. Santo Domingo is the last stop on this route and offers great views.
You can stay on the cable car to head back down to save money, take a walk around the station or transfer to another cable car which takes you across to Parque ARVI. The cable car to ARVI is longer and flatter, heading over trees until you reach a natural park. The park has lakes and hiking paths to explore with a guide.
This is a very affordable way to enjoy some amazing views and get a look into the excellent transport network in Medellin. Avoid peak hours on the metro and cable car so you have most space to enjoy and ensure you aren’t in anybody else’s way when you take some great photos.El Castillo Museum
In Poblado amongst all of the modern apartment buildings you will find an unusual and impressive castle based upon designs from medieval Europe. In 1930 Jose Tobon Uribe commissioned the construction of his country residence, which he wanted to be built in the style of Valle del Loire in France.
The castle is filled with antiques and art from the early twentieth century with perfectly kept grounds and a beautiful view over the city. You can take some great pictures in the gardens overlooking the city or in front of the castle. They also have snacks, tea, and coffee available. El Castillo is one block up from Santa Fe mall and Poblado Avenue.
OS Mirador
Around Medellin, there are many spots known as miradores where you can get amazing views across the valley which are particularly spectacular at night. Some are just areas alongside the road with food stalls but I have picked OS which has a cozy atmosphere, nice drinks, and amazing views.
OS Mirador has beanbags set around low tables or comfortable seating with high tables. It is a very relaxed place with soft music and soft lighting. In the evening you can see hundreds of lights across the valley below and it looks amazing. It is the perfect place to take some incredible photos. The food is basic but they have some nice burgers and a very good sangria.
OS is just outside the tunnel that heads to the airport. Easily accessible up the hill from Poblado and a nice option if you want some food and amazing views on your way into the city.
Mahala Action Sports Cafe
Mahala is situated in the hills of Envigado and once again has amazing views across the city. The restaurant has a very relaxed feel, something between a beach hut and a ski cabin. The wooden building has cozy fires, there is a halfpipe, an open green space, and incredible views.
You can enjoy some drinks and pretty decent food while relaxing and playing a game of pool or table football. You can take some excellent pictures sitting or standing on top of the halfpipe overlooking the city. They also have paintball which can be fun.
La Octaca
This bar in Poblado has a really fun atmosphere with different areas. The upper floor has rock music and is perfect for some beers or cocktails while the lower floor has more reggaeton and party music.
The lower level also has a large ball pool in the middle which is great for some fun and unique photos after a few drinks. A great place to party and enjoy until the morning.
Jardin Botanico
The botanical gardens are a great place to explore and relax on a sunny afternoon in Medellin. Located next to Parque Explora, you can enter the botanical gardens for free any day of the week. The gardens have a very wide variety of fauna and flora with a large lake in the center.
You can take some amazing photos inside the butterfly house. An expert will guide you around and the butterflies will settle on your head if you are still enough. There are also some large iguanas wandering around and climbing the trees within the gardens. They also have an excellent outdoor restaurant with very good service and delicious food cooked on the grill.
