Friends' One-Day Medellín: Cable Car Nature, Street Art & Nightlife
A fun, vibrant day for a group of friends: morning Metrocable + Parque Arví hike, shared lunch at a lively food hall, a street-art walk in Comuna 13, coffee in Provenza, dinner in El Poblado and a bar crawl around Parque Lleras. Pacing is social and upbeat with options to split bills, ride together, and keep things lively.
Highlights
- Scenic Metrocable ride up to Parque Arví and a light group hike
- Shared-plate lunch at Mercado del Río (food hall with many stalls)
- Comuna 13 street-art graffiti walk and outdoor escalators
- Coffee break in Provenza (Pergamino Café) for people-watching
- Night out in Parque Lleras — bars and live music
Itinerary
Day 1
Morning cable car ride to Parque Arví, light hike and picnic; city food-hall lunch; afternoon Comuna 13 graffiti walk; coffee and chill in Provenza; evening dinner and Parque Lleras nightlife.
Metrocable ride up to Parque Arví (transfer)
Catch the Metrocable from Acevedo to the Parque Arví line — scenic ride that gains altitude and gives great city panoramas before arriving at the nature park entrance.
Tips from local experts:
- Buy a Civica card at any metro station the day before or bring small bills; lines move faster with the card.
- Bring a light rain jacket — August can have quick showers even on sunny days; the cable runs in most weather.
- Sit on the uphill side for the best city-to-valley photo ops; keep backpacks on your lap for crowded cars.
Parque Arví: guided stroll & light hike (outdoor active)
Explore shaded trails, local market stalls and viewpoints in Parque Arví — perfect for a playful group picnic, nature photos and a relaxed 2–3 km walk.
Tips from local experts:
- Pack a shared picnic: local vendors near the park entrance sell fruit, arepas and empanadas — handy for splitting costs.
- Wear comfortable trainers; some trails are uneven and there are steps. The park has benches and shaded areas to regroup.
- Take the short trail to ‘‘El Mirador’’ for a clear group photo; early morning has best light and fewer crowds.
Return transfer to city center (Metrocable/Metro)
Head back down via Metrocable and Metro to the central dining zones — time to freshen up before lunch.
Tips from local experts:
- Allow extra time for lines on the descent — weekends and festival months can be busier.
- Use the same Civica card for the return; vendors at stations accept contactless top-ups.
- If anyone wants souvenirs, there are artisanal stalls near the cable station — spread purchases among the group to split costs.
Shared-plate lunch at Mercado del Río (food hall)
A lively food-hall with many stalls and communal seating — ideal for groups who want to sample Colombian and international dishes and split bills.
Tips from local experts:
- Arrive near opening or be ready to queue for popular stalls; split up and order a few different small plates to share.
- Many stalls accept cards but bring some cash for quick purchases and tips; ask for 'para compartir' (to share) portions.
- Ask staff for a communal table — Mercado del Río has large tables for groups; scope out a table first during busy periods.
Transfer to Comuna 13 (metro + short walk)
Quick metro ride toward San Javier district to start the Comuna 13 graffiti and outdoor escalator walk.
Tips from local experts:
- Keep valuables zipped and ride together; Comuna 13 tours are safe with guides but staying as a group helps with navigation.
- Buy metro tickets ahead and time your arrival for the afternoon light on murals (14:00–15:30 is great for photos).
- If you prefer a guided walk, agree on price with the guide before the tour starts so the group can split costs evenly.
Comuna 13 street-art walk & outdoor escalators (culture)
Walk through Comuna 13’s murals and take the iconic outdoor escalators — learn the area's history and spot vibrant murals perfect for group photos.
Tips from local experts:
- Hire a local guide at the top of the escalators for context and to support the community — agree a per-group rate and split it.
- Respect mural art and ask before photographing people up-close; best photos are with the escalators and viewpoint plazas.
- Wear comfortable shoes and bring a portable charger — everyone will want to film reels and stories.
Coffee & people-watching in Provenza (break)
Recharge with specialty coffee and light bites at Pergamino Café in Provenza — a great social stop to regroup and plan the evening.
Tips from local experts:
- Pergamino has communal tables and friendly staff used to groups; call ahead if you want to reserve a spot for 4–6.
- Try a flight of small coffee tasters to share and compare tasting notes — fun for coffee-loving friend groups.
- Provenza is pedestrian-friendly; walk a few blocks after coffee to see street art and boutique shops without hailing a taxi.
Freshen up / quick transfer to El Poblado (transfer)
Short taxi or rideshare to El Poblado to get ready for dinner — budget 20–30 minutes with traffic.
Tips from local experts:
- Use a reputable app (Beat or Uber) and confirm the license plate before entering; split the fare in-app to divide costs.
- If you want to drop bags at the restaurant first, message ahead — many restaurants can hold a small bag while you freshen up nearby.
- Request a car with extra trunk space if you have picnic gear or purchases from earlier in the day.
Dinner at Café Zorba — casual group-friendly pizzas
Relaxed, creative pizza and shared plates in Provenza/El Poblado — cozy, lively and easy to split between friends.
Tips from local experts:
- Order a few different pizzas and a couple of mezze-style sides to share — the bill splits easily and everyone samples.
- Reserve a table for 4–6 in advance (evenings fill up) and ask for a corner table if you want to stay and chat longer.
- Try the house cocktails or local craft beers; ask staff for pitcher options if your group wants to split drinks.
Parque Lleras bar crawl & live-music night (nightlife)
Finish the night in Parque Lleras — a cluster of bars and live-music spots perfect for a lively friends’ crawl. Move between venues based on vibe.
Tips from local experts:
- Start at a bar with reserved seating if possible; large bars in Parque Lleras often hold group areas if you call ahead.
- Set a meeting point and re-check phones frequently; crowds can be dense and staying together helps everyone’s safety.
- Carry small bills for cover charges and taxis; try one live-music spot and one dance club to match the group's energy.
Wind-down transfer to accommodation (optional)
Night-end ride to your hotel or rental — book one vehicle for the group or split into a couple of cars depending on luggage.
Tips from local experts:
- Book a trusted app ride and share ETA with the group; consider two cars if you're carrying purchases or instruments.
- If anyone's splitting late-night cash, settle it before leaving the bar to avoid delays.
- If you’re staying in El Poblado, many accommodations are a short walk from Parque Lleras — check walking routes if the group prefers.
