Free self-guided walk · Medellín

Downtown Medellín, from Parque de las Luces to Parque Bolívar

A free self-guided walk through Medellín’s old centre, from Parque de las Luces past the Palace of Culture and Plaza Botero’s sculptures to Parque Berrío and Parque Bolívar.

Distance
2.1 km
Walking time
28 min
Allow
About 2 hours with stops
Stops
6

Open the route in Google MapsMedellín city guide

About this walk

Medellín's centre is busy, noisy and full of street life, and it holds many of the city's oldest buildings.

Plaza Botero has 23 bronze sculptures given to the city by the artist.

  • Terrain: Flat, with crowds.
  • Best time: Weekday mornings, when the centre is busy but safe.

Route map

123456
Route and stop positions © OpenStreetMap contributors. North is up.

The stops

  1. Parque de las Luces

    Start in the square of light poles, beside the old railway and city buildings.

  2. Plaza Botero

    Start among Botero's bronze sculptures.

  3. Museum of Antioquia

    The art museum on the square.

  4. Rafael Uribe Uribe Palace of Culture

    The black-and-white Gothic Revival palace.

  5. Parque Berrío

    The old main square, under the metro line, beside the colonial Candelaria church.

  6. Parque Bolívar

    Finish in the park in front of the brick Metropolitan Cathedral.

Tips

  • Keep your phone and valuables out of sight in the centre.
  • The Museum of Antioquia beside Plaza Botero holds more of Botero's work.
  • The Parque Berrío metro station takes you back to El Poblado.

Prefer a guide?

Advertising disclosure: these link to Viator. If you book, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. See all walking tours in Medellín.

Sources and review date

This walk was last reviewed on 2026-10-28. Distance and walking time come from OpenStreetMap's walking router and don't include time at stops. Opening hours and access change; please check before you go.