Free Walking Tour Medellin - Real City Tours — Attraction in Medellín

My Rating: 4/5 Class: City Tour

I recently had the pleasure of taking a walking tour of downtown Medellín with Real City Tours, and it was a truly immersive and eye-opening experience. From start to finish, the organization and communication were exceptional. I received clear, timely text messages before the tour, making the logistics seamless and easy to follow. Upon arrival, I was warmly greeted by our guide, Caroline, who made me feel instantly welcome. Her expertise and passion for the city were evident, and she provided fascinating insights into both the historical and cultural aspects of Medellín.

The highlight of the tour for me was visiting the Justice Palace—both the new and old. The original building was a hidden gem that I would never have discovered on my own. It features over three stories of incredible works by local artists, which, as an international artist myself, was a personal breakthrough. It was truly inspiring to see such talent and creativity displayed in such an iconic space. This part of the tour alone made the entire experience unforgettable.

Caroline also gave us a deep dive into the different communities within Medellín, offering a look at both the lighter and darker aspects of the city’s history, including its transformation from a local valley to a textile and IT innovation hub. Walking through the streets, we experienced the local vibe firsthand, understanding the contrasts between affluent areas and those less so, which enriched my understanding of the people and the city’s culture.

In addition to the cultural and historical sights, we also had the chance to purchase some local delicacies, which added a flavorful touch to the experience. The opportunity to taste and support local vendors was much appreciated.

Logistically, this is a walking tour, so it’s important to come prepared. I wore comfortable shoes and brought a positive attitude and an open mind. Walking amongst the local working people made the tour feel even more authentic, allowing me to connect with Medellín on a deeper level.

Overall, Real City Tours delivered an above-average tour that went beyond just sightseeing. It provided a rich, educational, and cultural experience that left me with a new perspective on Medellín. I highly recommend it to anyone looking to explore the real heart...

We had a FANTASTIC TOUR with our amazing guide Milo! He spoke perfect English and was interesting, engaging, funny, informative, and an incredible ambassador for the city of Medellin. He presented both the (mostly) positive and negative aspects of Medellin and Colombia as a whole--we left feeling so much more informed about the city that hosted us so much hospitality the rest of our 5 day stay. We cannot wait to return to Antioquia with a much deeper understanding.

While my girlfriend and I strongly prefer private tours, everything we had heard suggested this group tour was a can't miss experience--we are so glad we listened! The tour began with an hour+ of riveting info about cultura Paisa and Colombian history at a few stops close to the Alpujarra station (the tour meet-up point, very easy to find) before venturing into the heart of El Centro for 2+ hours, including a 20ish minute stop at the National Palace Mall to use the restroom and grab refreshments early on. If we were on our own, we would have felt uncomfortable as gringos in certain areas around Parque Berrio and Parque San Antonio (the final stop on the tour), but felt completely safe with Milo leading the group. Thanks so much to all involved! We can't wait to bring friends back to share such an incredible experience with them.

DO THIS EARLY DURING YOUR STAY IN MEDELLIN--it will make the rest of your stay that much...

If you do one thing in Colombia, make it Julio’s walking tour. This isn’t your average tourist stroll—it’s an immersive, soul-stirring journey through the streets, history, and heartbeat of a nation. Julio isn’t just a guide; he’s a master storyteller, a cultural ambassador, and a living archive of Colombian history and resilience.

What sets this tour apart is Julio’s deep knowledge, not just of dates and facts, but of the real stories—the ones woven into the everyday lives of Colombians. He brings history to life with context, clarity, and compassion, explaining complex chapters like conflict, and cultural revival with sensitivity and candor. Every stop is layered with meaning, every anecdote filled with humanity.

But what truly elevates the experience is Julio’s heart. You can feel how much he cares—about his country, about sharing truth, and about every person on his tour. He doesn’t sugarcoat the past, but he offers it with hope, humor, and humility, leaving you more informed, more connected, and more inspired than when you arrived.

Whether you’re a history buff, a curious traveler, or someone simply trying to understand Colombia beyond headlines, this tour is a must. Come for the education, stay for the empathy. Julio gives you a rare gift: the chance to walk not just through streets, but through stories that stay with you long after...