Free Walking Tours in Medellín

Most famous for its annual Flower Festival, vibrant subcultures and moderate climate—Medellín is often referred to as ‘The City of Eternal Spring’, and attracts visitors from all over the globe.

If you’ve never visited this beautiful Colombian city before, free walking tours in Medellín provide you with the perfect introduction! Not only will you get a better idea of the large city’s layout, but you’ll also get to see all the major landmarks and attractions!

Here's all you need to know about free walking tours, one of the most engaging sightseeing tours in Medellín.

How do free walking tours work?

In recent years, free walking tours in Medellín have become increasingly for travelers to experience this incredible city in an affordable and authentic way.

Although these tours are completely free to book and participate in, without any hidden charges, it is encouraged that you tip your tour guide at the end of the tour. The amount you decide to tip is completely up to you.

How much should you tip?

When deciding how much to tip, you should consider the effort that your guide put into the tour and how much you enjoyed the overall experience.

Most tour participants tend to tip between US$10 and US$15 per person, but some people tip as much as US$50 for outstanding tours.

What are the best free walking tours in Medellín?

Free graffiti tour in Commune 13 in Medellín

Medellín is known for its colorful street art and buzzing graffiti culture. The best place to see the city’s incredible graffiti is in Commune 13, which was once a hotspot for conflict and political division but is now a place of peace, creativity and hope.

Meet your enthusiastic local guide in Commune 13 and make your way through the district, stopping to admire the beautiful street art. Learn about the city’s most notable graffiti artists and the meaning behind a few of their works.

Some of the other things you’ll see in the district include the famous escalators, a trendy art gallery and a popular coffee shop. You’ll even get to taste one or two local delicacies along the way! See one of the most beautiful and fascinating districts of Medellín as you gain a more in-depth understanding of the area’s rich history and complicated past.

Free walking tour of Medellín

If it’s your first time visiting Medellín, this free walking tour provides the ideal introduction. You’ll learn about the city’s past and present, and get to see some of its most famous and interesting landmarks as you walk through the city center with your guide.

The excursion begins at the entrance of the Antioquia Museum in Medellín’s city center, where you’ll meet your local tour guide. As you walk through the city’s picturesque streets and squares, your guide will provide you with further information about its history and traditions.

Some of the highlights of the tour include the Antioquia Railway Station, Berrio Park, the Palace of Culture, the National Palacethe Plaza de las Luces, the old Plaza de Cisneros and the Metropolitan Cathedral.

Once you have visited Botero Square, your guide will lead you to the San Antonio subway station, where the tour ends. From here, it is easy for you to make your way back to your hotel or carry on exploring the city on your own.

Free food walking tour in Medellín

Taste the flavors of Colombia as you embark on a free walking tour in Medellín that offers a variety of delicious food tastings along the way. Make sure that you arrive with a healthy appetite!

Once you have met your guide at the San Antonio tram station, it’s time to walk through the historic center and begin tasting some of the city’s most iconic dishes. You’ll also get to see iconic landmarks such as Plazuela de San Ignacio, Placita de Flórez and more.

Some of the Colombian dishes that you can look forward to tasting include stuffed cornmeal cakes, empanadas, pandebono pastries, buñuelos, tropical fruits and traditional Colombian coffee. Visit a few of the food markets to see where the city's top chefs purchase their ingredients.

Immerse yourself in Medellín’s culinary culture and learn the best dishes to order and the best restaurants to visit during the rest of your stay in the city.

El Pablado free walking tour in Medellín

El Poblado is easily one of Medellín’s most popular neighborhoods and was also the first colonial settlement in the city. The area is steeped in history and there is a diverse mixture of historical sites and modern buildings, making for an interesting walking tour!

Join your friendly local guide for an afternoon walk through El Pablado. As the tour starts at 4 PM, you’ll enjoy comfortably cool temperatures that are perfect for walking. The tour begins in El Pablado Park: one of the most beautiful parks in the city.

From El Pablado Park, you make your way toward 10th Street, where you’ll get to see a variety of urban art murals, trendy bars and busy eateries. Your guide will provide some information on the area’s history as well as a few fun facts about Antioquiarian culinary culture!

Explore three different parks, including President Park, Dancer's Park and Lleras Park before your tour eventually comes to an end in the Provenza neighborhood. Don’t forget to make the most of your time by asking your guide questions about where to eat, drink and shop!

Interactive free walking tour in Medellín

Discover the exciting and fascinating city of Medellín with guides who are passionate about the metropolitan. See the city center from a different perspective as you spend the morning or afternoon exploring its many attractions.

Fall in love with this incredible city as you learn more about what makes it so special from your informative tour guides. You’ll learn about Medellín's drastic transformation and how it became one of Colombia’s most modern cities!

The information is provided in a way that is fun and engaging, with many opportunities to interact and ask questions! Some of the places that you’ll visit along the way include the Liberty Square Building, EPM Library, Barefoot Park, CC National Palace and San Antonio Park.

Walk away from this tour with a much deeper understanding of Colombian culture and Medellín's role throughout Colombia’s history. The tour ends at Botero Square, from which you can explore more or head back to your hotel.

In which languages is it operated?

The majority of free walking tours in Medellín take place in English, although some tours are operated in Spanish. Furthermore, there are a few tours in which there are both English and Spanish tour spots available.

Where does it start?

Free walking tours in Medellín usually begin at easy-to-find locations within the city, including places like the Antioquia Museum, El Poblado Park and the San Antonio Tramway Station among others.

Typically, your guide will provide a brief description of themselves so that they are easy to spot.

Wherever your tour’s meeting point is, make sure you arrive at least 10 minutes before the start time so that you don’t hold up the tour. It’s always a good idea to plan how you’ll reach the tour’s meeting point ahead of time.

How long does it last?

The typical duration of a free walking tour in Medellín is usually between 2 and 3 hours. With that being said, there are also a few half-day tours available, lasting around 4 hours, which are perfect for those looking for a more comprehensive experience.

Is it wheelchair friendly?

While there are plenty of free walking tours in Medellín that are wheelchair-friendly, you should keep in mind that not all tours are suitable for those with reduced mobility. It is essential to check accessibility specifications before making a booking.

When is the best time to join a free walking tour in Medellín?

The best time to join a free walking tour in Medellín is during the dry seasons (December to March, or July to August) to avoid rainfall. Tours typically start in the mornings, around 9-10AM, when it's cooler. It's a good way to orient yourself early during your stay in the city.

Should you book tickets online?

Free walking tours in Medellín are one of the most popular types of tours that the city has to offer. For this reason, free walking tour tickets sell out very fast, especially in the high season. It is very important to book your tickets ahead of time to secure your spot and avoid disappointment.

The online booking process is simple and straightforward, with no hidden costs involved. Making a booking for your preferred free walking tour in Medellín is completely free, as is making a cancellation, so start planning your itinerary today!