Plaza Botero - Medellín, Antioquia — Attraction in Medellín

In the heart of Medellín's historic center lies Plaza Botero, a vibrant open-air gallery that pulses with artistic energy and local pride. Once a symbol of the city's turbulent past, the plaza has transformed into a cultural beacon, thanks in large part to one of Colombia’s most celebrated artists—Fernando Botero. In 2002, Botero gifted his hometown with 23 monumental bronze sculptures, each embodying his signature “Boterismo” style—figures full of exaggerated volume, soft curves, and quiet humor. These bold forms, whether it’s The Hand, Maternity, or Roman Soldier, have turned the plaza into a living stage where art and community interact every day.

The plaza is more than just a showcase of oversized sculptures—it's an emblem of Medellín’s rebirth. Nestled between Carabobo Avenue and Nutibara Square, it’s flanked by the Museum of Antioquia and the Rafael Uribe Palace of Culture, creating a cultural corridor that invites both tourists and locals to linger. Whether arriving via Parque Berrío metro station or by taxi from El Poblado, visitors are welcomed into a space where urban life blends seamlessly with high art. And legend has it—rub a sculpture for a little good luck or love.

By day, the plaza teems with street performers, fruit vendors, and curious travelers snapping photos beside the plump bronze figures. For those seeking deeper insight, guided tours often include Plaza Botero alongside the colorful graffiti hills of Comuna 13 or the scenic Metrocable rides. But even a self-guided wander promises rich rewards. Just steps away, the Museum of Antioquia offers over 100 of Botero’s paintings and a journey through Colombia’s artistic soul.

With nearby accommodations and an array of cafes and street stalls along Carabobo Avenue, it’s easy to linger. As Botero himself once said, his art reflects a “respect for tradition while being a modern expression”—and that spirit echoes through every inch of Plaza Botero. Here, amid the bronze giants and colonial facades, Medellín tells a story of resilience, beauty, and bold...

DON'T GO! Very unsafe place and nothing interesting to see except a few statues.

The full story:

As we leave a restaurant, a local guy asks us if we speak English and tells us to be very careful here, not to take out our phones because there are lots of gangs hanging around and we have to weave in and out of stores to cover our tracks. He tells us all this while walking 1 meter in front of us and speaking crookedly, as if he didn't want other people to see him talking to us and being assimilated to us.

Barely 5 minutes later, there was no shortage of suspicious-looking guys staring at us, elbowing each other, following us with their eyes. One guy followed us and as soon as he saw I'd burnt him, he turned back.

Then another one, hidden behind big flashy ski goggles + cap, followed us like crazy, talking on the phone, as if he was giving someone information, and as soon as we would stop, he would stop too, trying to hide himself. He was quite a distance away but thankfully I spotted him quickly enough. We sped up and slalomed along until we found a cop. We ask him where we can get a cab, since it's all pedestrian streets, but he seemed to not care at all. Eventually, we found the metro, at the foot of which a lot of strange guys were staring at us. Lots of whistling the whole time, which is typical of gangsters who want to inform others about your presence. It really wasn't safe at all, and I had one hell of an adrenaline rush. We are two tall guys and we didn't feel...

One of the most challenging moments was when we ventured into the city center to visit a museum of Antioquia and Botero square. The streets in the center were overcrowded with people visibly struggling with drug addiction, and it felt like something in a weird movie. The more close to the square the more overcrowded of strangers and more addicted. Even our deep love for art couldn’t convince us to get out of the car. I found myself praying that nothing would happen to the car because the idea of being stranded there was terrifying. Ultimately, we decided to change our itinerary and leave immediately to our district. People said that go to the metro is more convenient and you don’t see anything. But even the short distance between square and metro could be challenging.

Botero Square has heavy police presence, there created a noticeable sense of safety, which was reassuring despite the chaotic surroundings. But any way, we decided don’t leave the car. I regret that I didn’t make ni fotos ni videos. But we were so shocked of all we have seen.

The contrast between different parts of Medellín is truly striking—it’s a city of extremes. While there are beautiful and safe areas to enjoy, it’s essential to be mindful of where you go (one of the is city center). Planning ahead and knowing which areas to avoid can make a big difference in...