Medellin, the second-largest city in Colombia, is renowned for its pleasant climate, innovative public transport system, and vibrant culture. Known as the “City of Eternal Spring,” Medellin offers a unique blend of modern amenities and local traditions. For travelers or expatriates on a budget, understanding what $20 can buy in this bustling city can be quite enlightening. Here’s a glimpse into how far your money can go in Medellin.
#### 1. **Transportation**
Medellin boasts an efficient and affordable Metro system that connects various parts of the city including popular spots like Poblado and Laureles with more suburban areas. A single journey ticket costs less than $1, which means $20 can cover up to 20 trips across the city. Additionally, the integrated MetroCable cars offer breathtaking views of the city’s hilly landscapes and are included in the metro fare.
#### 2. **Food and Drink**
Colombian cuisine is a delightful aspect of its culture, and Medellin provides plenty of opportunities to indulge in local dishes without breaking the bank. A traditional lunch at a local ‘menu del dia’ restaurant typically includes soup, a main course with meat or fish, rice or potatoes, salad, and a juice, all ranging from $3-$5. With $20 you could enjoy around 4 to 6 such meals.
Street food is another option where empanadas, arepas (corn cakes), or buñuelos (cheese-flavored dough balls) cost under $1 each. For coffee lovers, visiting one of Medellin’s many cafes will reveal that high-quality local coffee rarely exceeds $1-$2 per cup.
#### 3. **Entertainment**
Medellin has numerous free or low-cost attractions that reflect its rich history and culture. Exploring the Botanical Gardens or taking part in one of the free walking tours around significant landmarks like Plaza Botero can be enriching experiences that don’t cost anything at all.
Entry fees for museums like Museo de Antioquia or modern art galleries generally range from $2-$5. Thus within $20 you could visit several museums or enjoy a few hours at an upscale cinema where tickets are roughly $4 each.
#### 4. **Shopping**
For souvenirs or groceries, local markets such as Mercado del Rio offer various goods from fresh produce to artisan crafts. Here items are competitively priced allowing one to get a good bang for their buck; with just $20 you could pick up fresh fruits for a week or handcrafted gifts like small leather goods or jewelry.
#### 5. **Nightlife**
Medellin’s nightlife is both vibrant and diverse offering options for every taste and budget; from salsa bars to trendy nightclubs in El Poblado where entrance fees usually vary from free to around $10 depending on the place and event night.
A typical Colombian beer costs between $0.75 to $2 in most bars while cocktails cost slightly more but still affordable enough that you could have a couple during your evening out with just part of your budget set aside.
### Conclusion
All things considered, Medellin not only offers fascinating cultural insights but is also incredibly wallet-friendly for those traveling on tight budgets; whether it’s commuting across town or exploring culinary delights – you’ll find that even as little as $20 can stretch quite impressively throughout your day!