We’ve done our fair share of free walking tours over the years. From exploring the war-torn town of Sarajevo in Bosnia & Herzegovina to learning about life in the former communist capital of Tirana in Albania, these tours have always been a highlight of our trips. But the Medellín Free Walking Tour with Real City Tours definitely stands out as the best we’ve ever taken. With so many things to do in Medellín, this tour should be at the top of your list.
The tour started just outside Alpujarra Station on a pedestrian bridge overlooking a busy street. Being punctual Canadians, we arrived early and watched as the group of tourists gathered. First, there were 5 people, then 10, then 20, and by the time the tour was ready to begin, there were about 70 people waiting. Fortunately, Real City had multiple guides, and we split into groups of no more than 25 people each.
We lined up to show our reservation screenshots on our smartphones and introduced ourselves to our guide, Pablo. He quickly jotted down everyone’s names and led us to our first stop, where we sat on a flight of stairs.
Pablo truly amazed us by remembering all 25 names and introducing each person to the group. This was especially impressive considering he had only written down the names 10 minutes earlier. He didn’t hesitate once, recalling each name and face with ease. He also knew our nationalities by heart, which was quite a feat.
With his incredible memory and engaging storytelling, Pablo had our full attention. He started by describing the people of Antioquia, known as Paisas. He admitted that Paisas can be overly proud but also emphasized their resilience and positive reputation in Colombia and worldwide.
Instead of inundating us with dates and facts, Pablo shared the history of Medellín and Colombia through metaphors, poetic tales, and personal experiences. He touched on how Pablo Escobar had stigmatized Medellín and Colombia, affecting his own life due to his name and place of birth. Pablo recounted the dark days when bombs and violence were rampant in the city but balanced this with stories of hope and resilience.
Colombians, he explained, have a remarkable ability to focus on the positive and look toward a brighter future. They don’t just overcome adversity; they rise above it with pride.
Throughout the tour, we visited significant sites in the city, including Carabobo Pedestrian Street, Parque Berrio Station, The Metropolitan Cathedral, and San Antonio Station. We saw places that had transformed from dangerous areas into vibrant plazas filled with hope and pride.
Medellín is a city that has undergone a significant transformation over the past decade. Although it still has its challenges, the city is becoming a safer and more appealing destination. Pablo asked us to be mindful of our belongings, but overall, Medellín felt generally safe as long as you stayed aware.
Pablo’s passion and theatrical storytelling made the tour truly unforgettable. When discussing the city’s violent past, his tone was somber. Yet when speaking about the resilience of the Paisas, he spoke with pride and energy typical of his people.
By the end of the tour, we gained a profound understanding of Medellín, its history, and its people. It’s hard to grasp so much about a place in such a short time, but this 5-hour tour accomplished just that.
We highly recommend this walking tour to anyone visiting Medellín, ideally within the first day or two of your trip. It offers deep insights into the city’s history and the unique mentality of its people. We weren’t paid or endorsed by Real City Tours; we simply loved the experience and wanted to share it with you.