Medellín’s invigorating year-round springtime climate is the real reason for its nickname “The City of Eternal Spring,” but the title could just as easily serve as a metaphor for the city’s state of perpetual growth after a long, dark, metaphorical winter.

The Colombian city’s incredible rags-to-riches story is nothing short of extraordinary. Once infamous as one of the world’s most dangerous cities, ruled by notorious drug cartel leaders like Pablo Escobar, Medellín has reinvented itself as a global role model for urban innovation and a thriving hub of creative culture. As the city blossomed into a remarkable place to live and visit, the tourists honed in on it and by 2022, Medellín had surpassed even Bogotá, the nation’s capital, in becoming Colombia’s most popular destination for travelers.

Colombia, as a whole, has also made significant strides in LGBTQ+ rights over the past two decades, and Medellín stands out as a sterling example of this. Laws now protect LGBTQ+ travelers from discrimination, and a vibrant queer community has become increasingly visible, especially in neighborhoods like Poblado. To celebrate this inclusivity, companies such as OUT in Colombia and Queer Scout offer queer-focused tours that showcase Medellín in all its LGBTQ+ glory.

Here, we explore the reasons to add a trip to Medellín to any upcoming Colombian adventure.

Medellin Has Unique Experiences 

Many a Medellín adventure has begun in the rather upscale area of Poblado, largely due to it having the most tourist accommodations in the city. Poblado is infused with pure Colombian charm and is characterized by its towering high-rise buildings, leafy streets, café culture, art galleries, and trendy bars. At its beating heart is Parque Lleras, a lively square ideal for enjoying a nice cup of Colombian coffee or a cheeky late afternoon drink!

To fully immerse yourself in the spirit of Poblado—no doubt with the help of a few spirits like the rather potent, aniseed-tasting rum known as aguardiente—try Queer Scout’s Drink & Dance Experience, where you’ll be thrust—hips first—into Medellín's urban and Latin music scene. On this interactive walking tour, you’ll set off in the late afternoon and visit the best bars in the area, learning salacious dance moves to Reggaeton and Salsa Choke at every stop.

Standing in contrast to trendy Poblado is the bohemian neighborhood of Comuna 13. Once Medellín’s most dangerous area, it has now been transformed into one of the city’s most popular tourist attractions. Vibrant street art seems to cover every surface, with murals that narrate the community’s history and aspirations, standing as a testament to the power of art to overcome adversity. Comuna 13 is always alive with music, dance, and the beckoning calls of thriving small businesses offering authentic local food and handmade crafts. Anachronistically running through the action is an expansive network of outdoor escalators, a marvel of urban innovation, which connect its steep hillsides and provide breathtaking views of both the area and the city below.

Medellín’s other marvel of innovation is its Metrocables. The innovative gondola lifts played their part in the city’s transformation by being the world’s first cable cars made for daily commuting, connecting remote hillside residents to the city. For tourists, they offer a scenic journey over the city up to Parque Avi—39,000 acres of stunning parkland perfect for hiking or biking your way through its many trails, or just enjoying the peace with a romantic picnic.

For a taste of Colombian rural life without even leaving the city, Pueblito Paisa is another must-see. This replica of a traditional Antioquian village sits on a hilltop, sporting charming colonial architecture and yet more stunning panoramic views—yes, there are a lot of great viewpoints in Medellín. Not to mention, it houses some of the best restaurants in the city.

Medellin Has Rich Culture 

Comuna 13 is not the only neighborhood in Medellín with stunning street art. For a queerer take on graffiti, head to Moravia and take the Queer Graffiti Tour, where a local guide will show you the most powerful murals and reveal the tales of resilience, identity, and community they represent.

Medellín’s appreciation of—let’s say offbeat—art is no more apparent than in its central square, Plaza Botero, so named after the sculptor who created the 23 abstract bronze statues found there. These oddities include a corpulent lady sitting rather ambitiously on an undersized horse and a huge naked Roman soldier, who is huge in height and build only—if you take our meaning.

Just around the corner, the Museum of Memory stands as a poignant tribute to the country’s victims of armed conflict and a beacon for peace and reconciliation through its immersive exhibits, photographs, and multimedia installations, which recount personal stories and key events of Colombia’s troubled period, “La Violencia.”

For culture and nature in one fantastical package, head to El Castillo Museum and Garden. Built in 1930 and inspired by French castles, the fairy-tale-like mansion offers guided tours of its opulent interiors, filled with European art, antique furniture, and family treasures that reflect the lifestyle of Medellín’s elite. Outside, the meticulously landscaped gardens look like they belong in Alice in Wonderland, with peaceful pathways and picturesque picnic spots.

Culture can ignite the body as well as the mind, such as in Queer Scout’s Gay Salsa Experience, where an—undeniably attractive—instructor will guide you through the steps of Latin rhythms, starting with salsa but also branching out into other Latin rhythms like Bachata or Merengue.

Medellin Has a Delectable Culinary Scene

No progress has ever been achieved with an empty stomach, and maybe this is a contributing factor into why Medellín has some of the best food in Colombia. Chic bistros and world-class restaurants serve up everything from traditional Antioquian flavors to contemporary fusion cuisine. Colombian cooking is always as warm as its people, with iconic dishes like bandeja paisa—a hearty platter of beans, rice, chorizo, plantain, avocado, and the hangover-curing arepas—showcasing Medellín’s rustic roots. Other local favorites include empanadas, ajiaco soup, and buñuelos.

Queer Scout’s DiningOUT Experience is the absolute best way to experience the crème de la crème of Medellín’s delicacies. You'll gather in a secret, intimate location to indulge in a locally sourced multi-course meal served by a local gay Colombian chef, who more than knows his way around a kitchen! 

Medellin Has Wild Nightlife

As the sunset casts its colorful rays across the city, the gays come out to play. There isn’t an official gay neighborhood, per se, but most of the action is centered around El Poblado, with options ranging from intimate cocktail lounges like Bar Chiqwuita to mega clubs with packed dance floors like Vibva, giving you a chance to show off your reggaeton dance moves. Navigate your way around the scene best with NightOUT Colombia, for a—sure to be eventful—night out guided by local legends who know all the hottest spots. You’ll be treated to VIP access as you’re whisked away to Medellín's most exclusive parties and events.

Medellin Has a Perfect Location

Medellín is enviably located in the heart of the Aburrá Valley, surrounded by the majestic Andes Mountains. Not only does this give it an all-year spring climate and beautiful surroundings, but it also makes Medellín the perfect starting and ending point for a larger tour of the country, such as those offered by LGBTQ+ focused tour operators like Out in Colombia.

It’s also ideally located to take advantage of a variety of exciting day trips, the most famous being Guatapé. Whether you’ve heard of it or not, you’re sure to have seen the towering visage of El Peñol Rock on many a computer wallpaper. The massive granite monolith towers 721 feet (220 meters) above the surrounding landscape, with a zigzagging staircase of 740 steps embedded into a prominent crack. Obviously, the view over the landscape and lake below is unbeatable for those who make the climb, but Gay Guatape Boat Tour also takes advantage of the lake below for a unique boat tour out onto the serene waters of Peñol-Guatapé. After an opportunity to dance and mingle onboard, you’ll indulge in a traditional Colombian lunch and explore the colorful streets of Guatapé town.

Another must-do day trip from Medellín is to one of the many nearby coffee plantations in the hills. After all, if you haven’t experienced a cool, crisp cup of Colombian coffee, have you even really been to Colombia?

Medellin Has a Diverse LGBTQ+ Community 

The people always make the place, and Medellín’s locals—lovingly referred to as “paisas”—are welcoming and warm folk who are passionate about the city they live in. And yes, they are easy on the eyes too. The LGBTQ+ community specifically is the very heart and soul of the city. They’re always open to chat and impart their stories to visitors, but the best way to truly get to know them is through a tour. OUT in Colombia tour can introduce you to Medellin’s diverse cast of characters such as  miguel.the angel, Marlon.danart and myththedragqueen—each of them local legends in Medellín’s thriving gay scene. OUT in Colombia also organize weekend group trips to Medellin or private group trips such as bachelor parties, birthdays and pop up parties. 

Medellin is an inspiration for the kind of change we all want to see in the world. Like a butterfly emerging from its cocoon in spring, it's eager to unfurl its wings and show off its diverse color palette, alluring charm, and unapologetic flair to the world. So book yourself a trip to the place to be in 2025 and go see for yourself!

This article is sponsored by OUT in Colombia. Feature image by OUT in Colombia.