# Parque Ciudad del Río: Medellín's park on old steelworks land

> Parque Ciudad del Río is a long, free public park in the Ciudad del Río district, just south of Medellín's center, built on land that was once the Simesa steelworks. It has open lawns, a busy public skatepark and plazas used for events, and it sits right beside the MAMM, the city's modern art museum, so it's an easy add-on to a museum visit.

Source: https://www.ilovemedellin.net/parque-central-ciudad-del-rio-river-city-park/
Last checked: 2026-10-21
Location: Ciudad del Río, Medellín, Antioquia, Colombia
Type: park
Official website: https://www.medellin.travel/ciudad-del-rio-en/?lang=en
What it is: A free public park in a former industrial district
Highlights: Skatepark, lawns and shade trees, outdoor plazas for events
Next door: The MAMM (Museo de Arte Moderno de Medellín)
History: Built on the old Simesa steelworks land as part of the Ciudad del Río project
Nearest metro: Industriales (Line A)
Best for: A picnic or walk after the MAMM, skateboarders, families on weekends

## What it's like

Ciudad del Río is one of the clearest examples of how Medellín has reused its old industrial land. The district grew up on the grounds of Simesa, a former steelworks beside the Medellín River, and the company behind the redevelopment had to build public parks as part of the deal. Parque Ciudad del Río is the main one: a long strip of lawns, trees and paved plazas running between apartment towers, offices and the [MAMM](/museum-of-modern-art/), which now fills the old Talleres Robledo factory halls.

On weekday mornings it's quiet, with dog walkers and people jogging. On weekends and evenings it fills up with families, skaters and friends sitting on the grass. The views of the hillsides around the valley make it a pleasant place to sit for a while.

## Things to do

- **Watch or join the skaters.** The public skatepark is one of the city's well-used spots. In April 2026 the city listed Ciudad del Río among 11 skateparks that got repairs and upgrades.
- **Visit the MAMM.** The modern art museum is right on the park, with changing exhibitions and a cinema.
- **Have a picnic.** The open lawns and shade trees are made for it.
- **Catch an event.** The plazas are used for outdoor events, and in 2026 the park hosted one of the family flower plazas during the [Feria de las Flores](/feria-de-las-flores/).
- **Eat nearby.** The [Mercado del Río](/mercado-del-rio/) food hall is a short walk away.

## Street art

When we first wrote about this park in 2012, one end had a long wall of graffiti art. Walls here change, so don't count on any particular mural being there. For the city's best-known street art, see our guide to [hip hop, graffiti and street art in Medellín](/hip-hop-graffiti-street-art-of-medellin-colombia/) and the [Comuna 13 tour](/comuna-13-medellin/).

## Practical tips

The park is free and open to the public. Bring water, sunscreen and a hat on sunny days, since some stretches have little shade. If you skate, bring protective gear. Ciudad del Río is a residential area, so evenings are calmer than in [El Poblado](/el-poblado-medellin/) nightlife zones.

## Getting there

Take metro Line A to Industriales station, cross the footbridge toward the Punto Clave building, then walk south along Avenida Los Industriales to the park and the MAMM. From El Poblado it's also a short taxi ride. See our guide to [getting around Medellín](/getting-around-medellin/) for metro tips.

## Frequently asked questions

### Is Parque Ciudad del Río free?
Yes. It's a public park with free entry. The MAMM next door has its own tickets for some exhibitions and events.

### Is there a skatepark?
Yes. It's a public skatepark that the city repaired and upgraded in 2026.

### What's the nearest metro station?
Industriales on Line A, a short walk away.

### What was here before the park?
The land belonged to Simesa, a steel company, and the MAMM now uses one of the old factory buildings.