Instagrammable Places
Visitors rave about capturing Medellín’s charm through photos! Here are some favorite places to capture and explore with your lens:
Plaza Mayor
Plaza Mayor is Medellín’s largest convention center, covering 70,000 square meters in a central city location. Besides hosting events, it also provides spacious public areas with a relaxed atmosphere.
- Check the event calendar and find out if your visit coincides with Colombiamoda, Expoartesano, Expovinos, Compra Hecho en Medellín, Maridaje, or any concert for added experiences.
- On sunny days, you’ll enjoy a striking contrast between the blue sky, vibrant trees, iconic surrounding buildings, and your outfit (try to wear yellow, orange, pink, or lilac; it worked well for us 😉 😉).
- You can reach Plaza Mayor by Metro from Alpujarra or Exposiciones stations. For added convenience, use Metroplús and get off at Plaza Mayor station.
- The best time to visit is during the day.
- Plaza Mayor is within walking distance of other places of interest such as the Water Museum, Parque de los Pies Descalzos, Alpujarra Square, Parques del Río, and the Metropolitan Theater.
Parques del Río
Stretching along both sides of the Medellín River, Parques del Río is a scenic space used by locals for walking, jogging, picnicking, skating, and even dancing. This riverfront corridor, running from Calle 33 to Avenida San Juan, has a stunning backdrop with mid-height trees framing iconic city buildings against the vast sky, making it perfect for photos.
- Look for the Medellín aquí todo florece sign right by the Smart Tourism Center. It’s a great spot to take fun photos with a beautiful living garden wall in the background.
- Head to the eastern side to find five stunning sculptures, including Montaña Medellín, a striking 14-meter-high sculpture made of colorful stones. This is the first piece by Swiss artist Ugo Rondinone in South America, created as a tribute to the mountains surrounding the city and as recognition of the resilience shown by local communities as they enter a new, less violent chapter in Medellín’s history.
- For an unforgettable experience, we recommend going during the “golden hour” (about an hour before sunset). Relax on one of the wooden benches on the western side and take in the sunset. Here, you can capture shots of the Metropolitan Theater, the EPM Smart Building, the riverbank trees, and the sky as a backdrop.
Constellations
If you’re passionate about urban art, Constellations, with its 500 vibrant facades and 30 murals, will captivate you. These murals tell the story of the people in the Brisas del Jardín and San José de la Cima II neighborhoods, located in comuna 3. Through these works of art, you’ll discover their customs, history, hopes, hardships, and determination to overcome challenges. This open-air art gallery, spanning over 14,000 square meters, was designed by renowned artist Fredy Alzate and is the largest of its kind in Medellín.
Even though you’re in an urban environment, you’ll feel the fresh air filling your lungs. Take a moment to close your eyes and listen—you’ll be surprised by the chorus of birds in the air.
- There are so many incredible photo opportunities here that it’s hard to choose just one! From the ground level, you can capture reflections in the water mirror, the fountain, the vibrant geometric murals, the green mountain backdrop, and the sky. As you ascend, you’ll encounter around 30 murals, each created in collaboration with the community, and when you reach the top, you’ll be treated to a stunning panoramic view of the city. Pick your favorite shot and share it with us on social media!
- While dressing up for photos, make sure to wear comfortable shoes. The walk includes ramps and stairs, and although the climb may be challenging, the view at the top is absolutely worth it!
- We highly recommend joining a tour with local guides who can share the stories behind the neighborhood and its murals.
- To get there, you can take a taxi to the starting point at UVA La Armonía. If you prefer public transportation, take the Metroplús, get off at Gardel station, and ask for directions to the feeder bus that will drop you off near UVA La Armonía.
Plaza Botero, Rafael Uribe Uribe Culture Palace, Palacio Nacional, and Plaza Cisneros
These four iconic places in downtown Medellín offer rich historical and cultural value and prime opportunities for photos. We’ve grouped them together to make for a memorable tour, with more attractions along the way.
Begin at the famed Plaza Botero, an open-air site showcasing the most extensive collection of sculptures by renowned Antioquia artist Fernando Botero. Snap photos with at least five of the 23 pieces on display. Favorites include Man on Horse, Adam, Eve, The Hand, Reclining Woman, Dog, and Cat. While there, consider visiting the Museum of Antioquia across the plaza, which houses both Botero’s paintings and exhibits by other prominent Colombian artists. The pieces Horizontes and La Niña de las Rosas by Francisco Antonio Cano are especially iconic.
From Plaza Botero, you’ll see the Rafael Uribe Uribe Culture Palace in the background, recognized by its distinctive checkered façade. Capture shots from angles that frame the sculptures against this neo-Gothic and eclectic structure—a true architectural marvel that took over 60 years to complete. Step inside to find more captivating spots, including a mural by artist Ignacio Gómez Jaramillo. Don’t miss the terrace view, which offers an uncommon perspective of the Metro in motion 😉.
Continue along Carrera Carabobo to reach the Palacio Nacional shopping mall, another architectural gem designed by Agustín Goovaerts in the 1920s. Besides exploring the clothing stores, you can appreciate the building’s new look as an art gallery on the third and fourth floors. Take the escalator up to admire the magnificent chandeliers and arches that add a unique, historical touch to your photos. Finally, the café on the fifth floor is the perfect place to stop and enjoy a cup of coffee.
To wrap up, head down Carabobo through a bustling pedestrian passage filled with stores selling miscellaneous items, locally known as agáchese. As you leave this lively area, the atmosphere changes: on one corner, you’ll notice the historic Vásquez and Carré buildings; then the area opens up to reveal Plaza Cisneros with its iconic 300 towering light columns. The sculptural ensemble is now so emblematic of the city that the name Plaza Cisneros has been replaced by Parque de las Luces, much to the chagrin of historians.
Plaza Cisneros once served as a hub for goods arriving for trade, and now it’s a captivating spot for photography. The tall light pillars create a striking contrast against the blue sky, so visiting on a sunny day is ideal for photos. At night, the illuminated light tubes lend a magical touch and make an enchanting scene. Just be sure to go with a local or a tour guide to fully enjoy the experience.
For more instagrammable spots in downtown Medellín, check out Claustro San Ignacio building, San Ignacio square, Metropolitan Cathedral of Medellín, Coltejer building, Pablo Tobón Uribe theater, and Avenida Ayacucho.
Perpetuo Socorro Neighborhood
This neighborhood, with its blend of traditional repair shops and cutting-edge video game design studios, has become a popular destination for visitors and locals alike. Now home to 30 creative-sector companies, the Perpetuo Socorro neighborhood—organized by the Perpetuo Socorro Corporation—is increasingly defining itself as a hub for design, creation, and entertainment through art and technology.
- The Nuestra Señora del Perpetuo Socorro church is a stunning backdrop for photos.
- Fábrica MDE offers incredible views from its terrace; enjoy a coffee while snapping shots of the metro and the church.
- Be sure to capture the murals throughout the neighborhood, showcasing work by local and international artists reflecting on Medellín’s culture.
- Distrito Cafetero serves delicious iced coffee and cake; All Day Café offers smoked trout arepas; and La Planta is perfect for enjoying a local craft beer. Also, check out Mattelsa and Bodega Comfama for unique workshops and activities.
- For unbelievable photo angles, consider a tour with Matt Tours—their one-of-a-kind perspectives will give you unforgettable shots.
Los Grajales Silletero’s Farm
The flower fields make for the perfect Instagram backdrop, and in Medellín, the “City of Eternal Spring,” we’re lucky to have silletero‘s farms like Los Grajales in Santa Elena. Here, you’ll find vibrant landscapes reminiscent of fairytale meadows, as well as the opportunity to explore the silletero‘s tradition—a cherished cultural heritage passed down through generations. Photos from your visit might feature sweeping flower fields, silleteros with their colorful silletas, and, if you’re up for it, a shot with a silleta on your back (if you can manage the lift!) 😉 😉.
- Though silletero‘s farms are especially popular during Flowers Festival season, they’re open all year-round 🥳.
- Look out for local flowers like gladioli, lilies, pansies, and marigolds, which are used in crafting the traditional
- Your host, Leopoldina Alzate de Grajales, a skilled silletera, will share her family’s traditions with you.
- This is also a chance to try traditional food—expect hearty, flavorful dishes.
- Bring your water bottle for refilling and wear sunscreen, comfortable shoes, and a hat or cap. We also suggest wearing white so you’ll stand out against the vibrant colors of the flowers in your photos.
Mejor si vistes de blanco para que en las fotos hagas el contraste con los hermosos colores de los sembrados.