Medellin is the most popular city in Colombia among expats, and for good reason. Medellin enjoys a pleasant climate all year round, earning it the nickname City of Eternal Spring. The people are as friendly as the weather, and when you add spectacular natural beauty and a never-ending list of things to do to the mix, you have a city that it’s impossible to hate.
Sprawling over hillsides, there are many barrios to explore. While slums still line the upper reaches of the hills, many formerly dangerous neighborhoods have been transformed into open-air galleries. Murals are splashed over countless walls, the bright colors telling the story of Medellin. Cable cars connect the valley floor to areas that were once forgotten, ferrying people up to dramatic lookout points, and on to parks and hiking spots.
Medellin is famous for its nightlife, with lively bars, live music venues, and discos all over the city. There is a strong reggaeton scene in the city (if you haven’t heard of Maluma already, you should probably familiarize yourself), but you will also find yourself dancing to salsa, vallenato, bachata, and many other rhythms. Colombian culture is strongly tied to dance and music, so if you go out you should be prepared to put your best foot forward and shimmy a little. It doesn’t matter if you aren’t any good: the most important part is giving it a go.
With an international airport, Medellin is well-connected with dozens of domestic and international destinations. It makes a great base for exploring all corners of Colombia, and surrounding countries.