Medellín itinerary for first-timers

Downtown Medellín begins at Plaza Botero, where large bronze sculptures by Fernando Botero stand in front of the Museum of Antioquia and the black-and-white Palace of Culture. From there the streets lead to Parque Berrío, the old main square, and on to Parque San Antonio, where more Botero sculptures stand.

• Plaza Botero
• Museum of Antioquia
• Palace of Culture
• Parque Berrío
• Parque San Antonio

El Centro is crowded and lively by day: keep your phone and valuables out of sight, and plan to explore it in daylight.

West of the busy core, the grand Palacio Nacional stands near the pedestrian Avenida Carabobo, a long street of shops and stalls. It leads to Plaza Cisneros, a square filled with tall light poles, and on to the government buildings of the Gobernación de Antioquia.

• Palacio Nacional
• Avenida Carabobo
• Plaza Cisneros
• Gobernación de Antioquia

North of the centre, the botanical garden is a calm, shady escape from the traffic, with paths through tropical plants and a large wooden canopy at its heart. Next door, Parque Explora is an interactive science museum with a big aquarium, a good choice on a rainy afternoon.

• Jardín Botánico
• Parque Explora
• Aquarium

Universidad metro station sits between the two, so this stop is an easy ride from the centre.

Once one of the most troubled parts of the city, this hillside district on the western edge of Medellín is now known for its outdoor escalators, colourful murals, street dancers and views across the valley. The walk up through the painted lanes is the most popular experience in the city.

• Outdoor escalators
• Street art and murals
• Valley viewpoints
• Street performers

Go in the morning, before the lanes fill up. Many visitors join a guided tour led by local residents, who explain the area's history; either way, stay on the main tourist route.

Laureles is a flat, green, residential neighbourhood laid out with curving avenues and small parks. It is the place to see everyday Medellín: cafés on tree-lined corners, the First and Second Laureles parks and, as evening comes, the busy bars and food stands of Carrera 70.

• Primer Parque de Laureles
• Segundo Parque de Laureles
• Carrera 70
• Tree-lined avenues

Estadio metro station, next to the football stadium, is the easiest way in and out.

The Metrocable cable cars are part of the public transport network and carry residents up the steep hillsides. From Santo Domingo, high on the north-eastern slopes, a second line glides over the ridge to Parque Arví, a large forest park with walking trails and a small market by the station.

• Santo Domingo
• Metrocable ride
• Parque Arví trails
• Views over the valley

Bring a light jacket: Parque Arví is much higher and cooler than the city. Queues for the cable car are longest at weekends, so go early on a weekday if you can.

El Poblado climbs the south-eastern side of the valley, and its greenest corner is Provenza, a few leafy, sloping streets of cafés, boutiques and restaurants under the trees. Nearby Parque Lleras is the centre of Medellín's nightlife, quietest in the afternoon and busiest late at night.

• Provenza
• Parque Lleras
• El Poblado streets

El Poblado is the busiest area for visitors at night: keep an eye on your drinks and belongings, and take a registered taxi or ride-hailing car back to your accommodation.