Going out doesn't have to cost a fortune. Hills, parks, libraries, the ciclovía and much of the public cultural calendar charge no entry. This guide brings together the easiest free plans in Medellín and how to make the most of them.
Much of social life in Medellín is free
Hill trails, sunset walks, parks and squares full of people, language exchanges in cafés: much of the city's social life charges no entry. Plaza Botero with its open-air sculptures, Parque de los Deseos next to the Planetarium, and Parques del Río are meeting points open to anyone. The main squares of Envigado and Sabaneta are the afternoon plan for many people in the south of the valley. All it takes is choosing the area and the time.
Where to find free plans
In the ParchesNow catalog you can filter places in Medellín by category and area, and see parks, squares, viewpoints and cultural spaces without searching five different sites. At the end of this guide you'll find catalog places tagged as free. For specific events — open-air concerts, talks, exhibitions — also check the programs of the public libraries and cultural centers, which publish their calendars in advance.
Free does not mean lesser
The hills, the ciclovía and the public calendar hold their own against any paid plan. Climbing Cerro El Volador or Cerro de las Tres Cruces gives one of the best views of the valley for nothing. Library parks such as Santo Domingo Savio combine architecture, reading and a view over the city. And on Sunday and holiday mornings, the ciclovía turns several avenues into space for walking, running or cycling.
Museums have their slot
Several venues in the city have free entry or specific free days. The Museo Casa de la Memoria, the Biblioteca Pública Piloto and the Botanical Garden can be visited without an entry fee, and some paid museums open for free on occasional days. Since those slots change, check the museum's website before going. And arrive early on those days: that's when most people take advantage.
