Medellín Launches Creative Tourism: Best Local Experiences for Travelers

Known as the city of eternal spring, Medellín is reinventing its tourism offerings. Beyond the classic tours of Pueblito Paisa or the Metrocable, the Colombian city opens its doors to a different type of visitor: those looking to learn, create, and connect with the local culture. What's new? Unique experiences led by artisans, chefs, and artists that allow tourists to be protagonists, not just spectators.

Through Airbnb , travelers from all over the world are finding a new way to experience Medellín. It's not just about sleeping in an apartment overlooking El Poblado. Now it's possible to weave a traditional backpack with an indigenous artisan, design a postcard inspired by the city's skyline, or prepare secret dishes in a hidden kitchen.

Medellín's new cultural tourism

Among the most sought-after offerings is the experience of creating a Colombian backpack from scratch. Guided by a local designer and using natural fibers, travelers learn ancestral techniques from the Iku community. This isn't just a workshop: it's a journey into the roots of Colombian craftsmanship. Each visitor returns home not only with a bag woven by their own hands, but also with a deeper understanding of the indigenous heritage.

For those who prefer art, a local artist trained in Florencia offers an intimate workshop with panoramic views of Medellín. There, paintbrush in hand, each participant creates their own souvenir postcard while discovering the city's emerging art scene.

But when it comes to literary experiences, Medellín also has something different to offer. A stroll through its most iconic bookstores concludes with a discussion with local writers. The tour includes meetings with booksellers, signature coffees, and even the opportunity to write a poem dedicated to a loved one. A perfect option for travelers who love words.

The charm of flowers and the hidden kitchen

No trip to Medellín would be complete without immersing yourself in the silletera tradition with a flower artisan. One experience allows tourists to visit the Casa de las Flores (House of Flowers) and learn from local flower makers how the iconic silletas, which are paraded each year at the Flower Fair, are made. The activity concludes in the hills of Santa Elena, where visitors create their own floral creation.

And for the most inquisitive palates, the culinary offerings also break new ground. At Gabriela, a hidden kitchen laboratory , food happens at the center of the table. Unexpected dishes and signature drinks are shared in an environment where the chef is also the host. More than just a dinner, it's an immersive culinary experience.

Tourism with a purpose: connecting, learning and creating

Far from being simple tourist activities, these experiences reflect a global trend: travelers are no longer just looking to "see" but rather to experience the culture of their destinations. Medellín, with its blend of tradition and innovation, is positioning itself as an epicenter of creative tourism in Latin America.

Airbnb, the platform that connects hosts with travelers around the world, has been key to this movement. Since its inception in 2007 in San Francisco, it has evolved from renting rooms to offering experiences that bring visitors closer to the true essence of each city. Medellín is now one of those spots on the map.

For those planning to visit Colombia, the recommendation is clear: don't just observe. In Medellín, the invitation is to create.