Carmen

One of our favorite spots in El Poblado, this restaurant serves up upscale cuisine with a Colombian twist. Think elevated local ingredients—like plantain and coffee—tucked into handmade ravioli. It's creative, cozy, and full of flavor.

El Cielo Restaurant

As the name suggests, dining at El Cielo is truly a heavenly experience. While its Michelin star was awarded to the Washington, D.C. location (fun fact: the Michelin Guide doesn’t currently rate restaurants in Latin America), the original in Medellín is where it all began. Expect a multi-sensory culinary journey that showcases Colombian ingredients in the most imaginative and unforgettable ways. If you would like to book a table, we recommend that you do so in advance.

El Botanico

For some of the best cocktails in town and a vibrant menu, El Botánico is your go-to. With a wide variety of dishes inspired by global flavors, it’s perfect if you're in the mood to explore different cuisines.

Andres Carne de Res

What is a list of Colombian restaurants without Andres Carne de Res? Eat Colombian staples while you dance the night away. If you can't make it to the one in Medellin, we highly recommend visiting the one in Bogota.

Alambique

Stylish garden-themed restaurant turning out creative plates & cocktails adorned with flowers. Super cool space!

Carmen

Uno de nuestros lugares favoritos en El Poblado, este restaurante sirve cocina de alta gama con un toque colombiano. Piensa en ingredientes locales de alta calidad, como plátano y café, envueltos en ravioles hechos a mano. Es creativo, acogedor y lleno de sabor.

El Botanico

Para disfrutar de algunos de los mejores cócteles de la ciudad y una carta vibrante, El Botánico es tu lugar ideal. Con una amplia variedad de platos inspirados en sabores internacionales, es perfecto si te apetece explorar diferentes cocinas.

Andres Carne de Res

¿Qué sería de una lista de restaurantes colombianos sin Andrés Carne de Res? Disfruta de la gastronomía colombiana mientras bailas toda la noche. Si no puedes ir al de Medellín, te recomendamos visitar la sede de Bogotá.

Alambique

Elegante restaurante con temática de jardín que ofrece platos creativos y cócteles adornados con flores.

Museo de Antioquia

Colombia is divided into "departamentos" or states, and Antioquia is the departamento where Medellín is located. In the heart of the city, you’ll find a true cultural gem: a museum showcasing works by some of Colombia’s greatest artists, including Medellín-born Fernando Botero and Pedro Nel Gòmez. This was the first established museum in Antioquia and the second in the country, following the Museo Nacional de Colombia in Bogotá.

Jardin Botanico de Medellin

While the wedding will take place inside the Jardín Botánico, our celebration will be held in just one section of this beautiful space. If you’d like to explore and learn more about Colombia’s incredible biodiversity, we highly recommend visiting the rest of the garden. There’s also a restaurant nestled in the heart of the grounds where you can enjoy a meal with a view of the lush surroundings.

Museo de Arte Moderno de Medellin (MAMM)

For those with a modern taste, we recommend visiting MAMM. Its collection consists of over 2,000 works of modern and contemporary art, primarily Colombian, with a strong emphasis on artistic production from Antioquia and a significant — and growing — presence of Latin American art.

Restaurants & Bars

We visited all these with many of our friends during our second year of business school.

Celele – We highly recommend Celele if you're looking for a restaurant that uses local ingredients sustainably while pushing the boundaries of Colombian cuisine, all in a vibrant, Caribbean-inspired setting.

La Vitrola – A nostalgic Cartagena classic with live music and an old-school charm. Come for the ambiance, stay for the energy.

Alma – Delicious Caribbean food served in a beautifully restored colonial space. A perfect mix of flavor and elegance.

Alquímico – If you’ve been to Cartagena, you’ve probably heard of Alquímico. Known for its creative cocktails, rooftop vibes, and lively music, it’s a go-to for a fun night out.

El Barón – A cozy cocktail bar where people gather outside to sip drinks and catch up with friends.

Shopping

Cartagena is one of the epicenters of Colombian fashion, and you’ll find beautiful boutiques tucked throughout the city. Here are just a few of my personal favorites:

Agua Bendita – Think of it as the Colombian version of Farm Rio, but with an artisanal twist. Their bold prints and vibrant designs are inspired by the colors and spirit of the Caribbean coast.

St. Dom – A beautifully curated boutique featuring top Latin American designers, with a strong focus on Colombian talent. They have locations in both Bogotá and Cartagena, but this is a must-visit if you're looking to take home a piece of modern Colombian fashion.

Portomar – One of Jim’s favorite spots for swimwear. Their linen shirts are a standout—locally made and perfect for the tropical climate. Highly recommended if you're looking for elevated, easygoing beachwear.

Bogota is the capital of Colombia, and as such, it's a big and hectic city to be in (one of the reasons we are not getting married in Bogota). Still, as a proud Rola (the nickname for someone from Bogotá), I can't recommend it enough.

It's the perfect city to spend a couple of days exploring museums, trying incredible food, and getting some serious shopping done. We've put together a curated list of places to stay, eat, and shop—most of which I've personally tested (someone had to do the hard work of eating and shopping, right?).
We're confident you'll have an amazing time discovering all that Bogotá has to offer.

Like any major city, downtown Bogotá can be chaotic, but if you get the chance, it’s well worth a visit. This area is rich in history, culture, and some of the city’s best museums. Don’t miss the Museo del Oro, Museo Nacional de Colombia, Museo de Botero and the Museo de Arte Moderno de Bogotá (MAMBO).

While you’re in the area, stop by Plaza de Bolívar, the city’s historic main square. Just around the corner, you’ll find Pasaje Rivas, a vibrant artisanal market perfect for souvenirs and handcrafted goods. And if you're ready for a bite, make your way to La Puerta de la Catedral—one of my favorite restaurants in the area.

Just a short ride from downtown (Uber or car recommended), you’ll find La Perseverancia Market—a must-visit for anyone craving authentic, homemade Colombian food. It’s a lively, local spot where each food stall is run by families cooking traditional dishes from all over the country.
If you're into history, make time to visit La Quinta de Bolívar, located nearby. This beautifully preserved home was where Simón Bolívar lived during his time in Bogotá and offers a fascinating glimpse into Colombia’s past.

Zipaquirá is a charming town just outside of Bogotá, best known for its stunning Salt Cathedral, an underground church built inside a salt mine. It’s a unique and awe-inspiring experience. If you decide to visit, make sure to book a car early to avoid getting stuck in traffic, especially on weekends.

Villa de Leyva is a truly magical place and very close to my heart, as it’s where my maternal grandmother’s family is from. One of Colombia’s most well-preserved colonial towns, it feels like stepping back in time. With its cobblestone streets, whitewashed buildings, and mountain backdrop, it’s the perfect escape from the chaos of the city.
Because it’s a bit of a drive from Bogotá, I recommend spending at least a couple of nights to really soak it all in.

While not technically outside the city, Monserrate sits on the eastern edge of Bogotá and offers breathtaking panoramic views. Whether you hike up, take the cable car, or ride the funicular, it’s one of the city’s must-do experiences—especially around sunset. And if you get hungry up there, you can either try Casa Santa Clara or Casa San Isidro.