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�ѱ������í�� is a city living a new chapter – take one step in the Colombian city, share one conversation with a paisa (�ѱ������í�� citizen) and stroll down a singular street within its transformed and contemporary barrios and you’ll appreciate all the “City of the Eternal Spring” has to offer.

Here are the 10 best things to do to experience and appreciate its beauty today.

Take in the vistas on the Metrocable

�ѱ������í�� is home to Colombia’s only metro rail system and it is by no means boring. In addition to a pristinely-kept two-line rail system – with simple-to-navigate lines that run north to south and east to west – there is a connected tram system, intricate bus lines and gondola system (the Metrocable) that takes locals and visitors alike up into the hillside barrios (neighborhoods). With trips of each metro or Metrocable leg seldom exceeding $3,000 pesos, it is a vista-filled way to explore �ѱ������í�� and take in the Andes Mountains. For those seeking an even higher view than the Metrocable offers, offers helicopter journeys in and around the city, too.

Party like a paisa

This city knows how to let its hair down. The nightlife scene doesn’t get bumping until 10 or 11 p.m., with El Poblado, La 70 in Laureles and the periodic warehouse-esque nightclub in Barrio Colombia leading the pack. And you can opt to party with a view: in Parque Lleras is an upscale, club-like option. Los Patios in El Poblado is a bit more laid back and appeases the backpacker crowd.

Load up on �ѱ������í��’s street food

Stroll down nearly any �ѱ������í�� thoroughfare and you’ll be greeted with convenience shops big-and-small with display cases of fried goods. Once you’ve become accustomed to the empanada (in �ѱ������í��, typically a fried pastry with beef and potatoes), ����ñ�ܱ���� (round cheese fritter) and pastel de pollo (chicken pastry), go to the city’s best spots for culinary bliss. Hit up in El Poblado for ultra-crispy empanadas, in Sabaneta for super-cheese infused ����ñ�ܱ����s and near La 70 for a pastel de pollo. Pro-tip: Ask for some ����í – a typically homemade spicy sauce – to add some kick to any fried morsel.

Cheer on Atlético Nacional (or DIM)

Colombia loves its ��ú�ٲ��DZ� and the most beloved team in the entire country is based in �ѱ������í��: . The team plays at Estadio Girardot and as does its bitter intracity rival, (DIM). If you’re lucky enough to be in �ѱ������í�� while Nacional is playing there, throw on some green garb, snag a ticket at the stadium and enjoy watching the team’s very devoted fan base as much as the game itself.

Achieve a new level of gluttony with a bandeja paisa

After a raucous night out (or just when paisas are really, really, really hungry), the bandeja paisa is the go-to dish. The bandeja paisa is the region’s typical dish and often features a grilled piece of meat, beans, white rice, ���󾱳��󲹰���ó�� (fried pork), fried plantains, a slice of avocado, arepa (maize dough) and fried egg. For the best one in town, hit on La 70 in Laureles. If you’re not that hungry, opt for a traditional soup like mondongo, ajiaco or sancocho.

Shop ‘til you drop

While fashion may reach its boiling point in July for the festival, style is very much center stage in �ѱ������í�� year-round. For handcrafted clothing and keepsakes, the areas known as Via Primavera (Carrera 35) and Via Provenza (Carrera 37) in El Poblado are renowned for their trendy boutiques. Malls like �����Գٲ���é and El Tesoro are loaded with Colombian-owned stores, like preppy brand and beloved bag maker . For souvenirs, check out the free Mercados Artisanos on the weekends in nearly 20 �ѱ������í�� parks throughout the city.

Get caffeinated at a specialty coffee shop

Fun fact: According to the , Colombia is the third largest coffee producer in the world. Antioquia – the state that �ѱ������í�� is situated in – is loaded with coffee farms. So, it only makes sense to drink as much delicious coffee as humanly possible, while in �ѱ������í��, right?

In addition to the cart-pushing vendors selling tinto (black coffee) and café con leche (coffee with milk) on the streets, the city has a blossoming specialty coffee scene with spots slinging pour overs, finely tuned espresso shots and sugary delights. Top coffee shops include Pergamino in El Poblado, and in Laureles and in Barrio Colombia.

Wander �ѱ������í��’s one-of-a-kind museums

The “City of the Eternal Spring” is home to some excellent museums. The most powerful and tear-jerking museum experience is the Museo Casa de La Memoria, which digs into personal perspectives and displacement stemming from Colombia’s conflicts and wars.

On the lighter side and equally as unique to the city is Museo el Castillo, a 90-year-old castle built by architect Nel Rodríguez with nine rooms housing antique Colombian goods. For art lovers, the Museo de Antioquia is a must, with a top-floor permanent exhibit of Fernando Botero exhibits and 23 of his statues permanently installed out front in Plaza Botero.

Experience the city’s neighborhoods

Just decades removed from drug-war induced violence that plagued the entire city, many of its neighborhoods have been totally revitalized. An example among many: Comuna 13 (or San Javier) is accessible via the Metrocable and has become the �ѱ������í�� destination for graffiti art tours and experiences. While in San Javier, make sure to check out the escaleras electricas – outdoor escalators that help locals along their commute, with eateries and select souvenir shops dotting the route, too.

Other barrios leading the transformation charge include Moravia - once the site of �ѱ������í��’s central dump and a haven for those displaced by Colombia’s conflict – and the eastern barrio of Manrique, which has put tango concerts, lessons and experience at the core of its comeback.

Take a day trip to the color-splashed �ҳܲ��ٲ���é

The pueblo of �ҳܲ��ٲ���é may feel worlds away from �ѱ������í��, but it’s within a two-hour bus ride east. �ҳܲ��ٲ���é is the leading �ѱ������í�� day trip among locals and tourists alike thanks to its vividly painted historic center, man-made lake with intense blue waters and Piedra del Peñol. Climb the 600 steps to the top for one of the most serene views in the region.

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