Top 10 things to do in Medellin (with my Mum)

coffee beaner says on Dec 3, 2007, 07:52:

Take her to the river to see the Christmas lights. Also December 7th or 9th is "el Dia de las belitas", kids all over the city light up candles in the streets of Medellin... it looks really nice!

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morphus says on Dec 3, 2007, 08:09:

How about San Salvador?

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ColombiaBoard says on Dec 3, 2007, 09:18:

1. Take her to Cerro Nutibara where she can see a 360 degree view of the city. Also walk around the little town replica

2. Take the metro to the downtown Parque Berrio station, walk to the Botero Park, take a few photos of the Botero sculptures and visit the Museo de Antioquia

3. Take her to El Tesoro Mall, upscale shops, nice restaurants and another great view of the city

4. Take her to the christmas lights along the river, preferrably walk from Exposiciones metro station. Watch your cameras, wallets, it's overcrowded

5. Walk along La Playa avenue (closed at night for cars) to see the christmas lights

6. Take her to the revolving restaurant atop Hotel Dann Carlton for a wonderful view of the south side of the city while you enjoy some grilled meats

7. If you both are feeling adventurous go to El Hueco, it's an area in downtown Medellin where there are a zillion small shops selling all sorts of things, clothing, electronics, etc. etc. and you can visit the beautifully preserved Palacio Nacional. The best way to do that is to take the metro to Alpujarra station, walk north under the metro, turn left and cross San Juan street (very wide street) and start walking along Carabobo avenue (pedestrians only), go all the way to Palacio Nacional (beautiful old grey building with copper tops). On you way back take the metro at San Antonio station (where the two metro lines intersect).

8. Go to Parque Lleras early at night (go after 9 pm and you won't find available tables at most restaurants and clubs), enjoy dinner at any of the restaurants around the park,

9. Visit other good Malls, for example San Diego, Oviedo, Premium Plaza

10. Walk along Avenida El Poblado from Oviedo Mall to San Fernando Plaza (three white towers). I recommend visiting the restaurant alley on the second level of La Strada (above the casino).

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usher127 says on Dec 3, 2007, 09:46:

Excellent help, thanks.

I guess I would add Laureles and la 80 o 33 to the list.

Some more random questions...

Where is San Salvador, is it near Santa Domingo?

Can anyone recommend some good quality restaurants. Not ridiculous prices, but something more than beans and rice?

What about authentic salsa classes, so that she really feels like she's in SA. Something Cubanish, not too modern or technical?

Thanks again

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RUV says on Dec 3, 2007, 09:56:

Santa Fe de Antioquia,

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Santa_Fe_de_Antioquia

Old nice little town. It gets a little warm. You will not look out of place if you wear shorts here. The trip is about a nice hour or so. You get a nice scenery on the way there. I liked it and regret not spending more time there. The people are friendly and very helpful. When you get there try the fruit drinks. I had some tamarindo and watermelon. You can drive there if you have a car or should be able to take bus trip from bus terminal.

If you want to see some pictures I may have some. PM me.

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morphus says on Dec 3, 2007, 10:25:

San Salvador is a little mountain between Buenos Aires and San Diego. Theres a park on top. I like to walk up from the Buenos Aires side and come out on the San Diego side.

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Mononoke28 says on Dec 3, 2007, 10:41:

Go to the Terminal del Norte, take a bus to El Peñol/Guatapé and tell the driver to drop you off at the Piedra del Peñol. You can go all the way to the top and take nice pics. Afterwards take another bus to Guatapé (it's about 10 minutes away) and go to the lake and have a nice meal by the water. Take a boat ride or even go swimming if you want. It's a great trip and you can stay at one of the nice little hotels or go back to Medellín by bus, the last one takes off at 7PM.

You can also go to el Parque de Envigado, it's good times all month of December and you can even have dinner in one of the balconies of a very nice restaurant there.

Go to the Pablo Tobón after walking La Playa (which shuts down at night for pedestrians) and take a Chiva ride. It'll take you to Itagüí, Envigado, Sabaneta and bring you back. It's lots of fun.

Don't forget El Pueblito Paisa.

Diana

Diana

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usher127 says on Dec 3, 2007, 11:25:

What's the Pueblito Paisa then...

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pedro says on Dec 3, 2007, 13:04:

Pueblito paisa: http://www.medellin.gov.co/alcaldia/jsp/modulos/V_medellin/pueblitopai...

It's on the Cerro Nutibara (where the 33 crosses the Rio Medellin).

I would suggest

- Metrocable (getting off at the top, stick to the touristed strip descending directly to the library and cultural centre, and it should be fine, safety-wise). The metro is a great way to see the city... ride it from end to end, including the satellite line to San Javier. Do it during the daytime where you can get a seat -- avoid peak hour.

- El Penol / Guatape (you may want to stay overnight -- Los Recuerdos is the recommended hotel)

- Botanic garden

- Medellin zoo

- A couple of days in the coffee zone (road trip)

- Horse riding?

- La Casona restaurant near the Parque Belen (this place is like a shrine to the Paisa soul of yesteryear). Good steaks and good service.

- Since you mentioned nightlife... maybe Palmitas. They have a selection of live acts including an old style bolero singer. The dancefloor is usually full but older folks could easily enjoy it just sitting and drinking. This is assuming your mum is not the type to complain about anything and everything (loud music, silicone chicas doing lines of coke in the washroom). Only joking about the coke... probably wouldn't happen but you never know!

que nota!

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RUV says on Dec 3, 2007, 15:32:

I went to El Peñol/Guatapé. There is no way your mom will make it up the Rock top unless your mom is super mom. Regardless it is a really nice place. I stayed at the castillo, nice little hotel. Around 35K for this hotel it is in the center by the church, hard to miss. The hotels outside of this area run around 70k per person. I have some pictures of the area if you are interested. We went during the week, it was a little died, but still nice.

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