Posted: 22/8/14 | August 14, 2022
The city of Medellín is very popular with travelers and digital nomads (there are a few issues, but I'll cover those in another post). It is the second largest city in Colombia after Bogota.
I really like the city. It has world-class restaurants, plenty of nightlife, affordable prices, and a large community of digital nomads, making it easy to connect with other travelers and remote workers.
Of course, that wasn't always the case. In the 1980s, Medellín was the most dangerous city on earth thanks to Pablo Escobar's infamous drug cartel. But since then, the murder rate has fallen by a whopping 95%, and the poverty rate has fallen by 66%.
Over the past decade, Medellín has received many awards for its rapid development of infrastructure, public transportation systems, and other features that have made the city a very desirable place to live. This is not the Medellin of the past.
That said, travelers should still be cautious in Medellin. This mainly involves avoiding the outskirts of cities and certain areas at night where crime can still be a problem. Location is important in Medellín, so choose your accommodation wisely when looking for accommodation.
Below we'll show you exactly where to stay in Medellín so you can settle yourself in the best area based on your travel style, budget, and interests.
But first, let me answer some questions I often get asked.
Which regions are best for budget travelers?
If you're traveling on a budget, El Poblado is a great neighborhood with lots of great restaurants, bars, and clubs. This is where everyone stays and you can find most hostels there too.
What is the best neighborhood for sightseeing?
El Centro is filled with museums, parks, guided walking tours, and historical attractions. First-time visitors should definitely spend some time here. But it also has a seedy element, so avoid El Centro at night.
What are the best neighborhoods for digital nomads?
Patio Bonito is a sub-neighborhood connected to the very popular El Poblado area. Unlike its neighbors, Patio Bonito is quieter and boasts a number of trendy restaurants, bars and coffee shops. There are also several co-working spaces here.
What is the best neighborhood for a family to live in?
Sabaneta is a quiet, safe and green residential area. The area is filled with parks, squares, and quiet restaurants and cafes.
What is the best neighborhood overall?
El Poblado is central, safe and has everything for everyone: great restaurants, bars and cafes, as well as parks, museums and great hotels. This is where most travelers stay when they visit.
Based on the answers to these questions, the following provides details about each area and recommended accommodations for each area, so you know exactly where to stay in Medellín.
Where to stay for first-time visitors/budget travelers: El Poblado
This fun neighborhood is basically the center of everything. Locals and visitors alike are drawn to El Poblado with its abundance of restaurants, bars, clubs, cafes, shops and hotels. Head to Parque Lieres, the area's nightlife mecca, and take part in a fun circus of sensual pleasures in this vibrant part of the city. In other words, this is the main hub. foreignerSo expect slightly higher prices here.
Best accommodation in El Poblado
- budget: Los Patios Hostel – This award-winning hostel features a rooftop pool, co-working spaces, a gym and a garden. One of the best hostels in the city!
- midrange: Nomada Hotel Origen – A generous buffet-style breakfast is always included at this centrally located, stylish hotel. Rooms are comfortable and some have kitchenettes, exposed brick walls, terraces and bathtubs.
- Luxury: Click Clack – A design-friendly hotel, Click Clack is one of the coolest places to stay in El Poblado. Stylish rooms feature great rain showers and complimentary snacks are provided. Breakfast is also included.
Where to stay for families: Sabaneta
Sabaneta is a quiet, leafy residential neighborhood centered around Sabaneta Park, a block-long green space surrounded by casual sidewalk cafes and restaurants. There are also plenty of shopping malls and historic churches to explore. For some fun and quirky photos, stop by the Mini Eiffel Tower.
Best accommodation in Sabaneta
- budget: Sabacity – This apartment complex is very affordable and comfortable and offers standard amenities such as TV, kitchen, and free Wi-Fi. Free parking is also available.
- midrange: Hotel Portón Sabaneta – Bright and spacious rooms are comfortable and reasonably priced compared to mid-range hotels. All rooms feature air conditioning, a flat-screen TV, free WiFi and a minibar.
- Luxury: Fairfield by Marriott Sabaneta – It's a big chain, but there aren't many hotels in Sabaneta (good if you hate fellow tourists), and Fairfield is comfortable and less expensive. The rooms come with all the usual perks and comforts and include a beautiful terrace with views of the area.
Where to enjoy the arts: Region of Columbia and Ciudad del Rio
This adjacent neighborhood is a must-visit for any art lover. First of all, Ciudad del Río is an old warehouse district, with many walls covered in eye-catching street art. And nearby Barrio Colombia is home to the Medellín Museum of Modern Art (which also includes the Mercado del Río, the town's largest food market).
Best places to stay in Colombia and Ciudad del Rio areas
- budget: Parceros Med Hostel – Very affordable and rustic, Parceros is located on the border between Ciudad del Río and El Poblado. There are small private rooms and mixed and female-only dormitories.
- midrange: Ibis Medellín – This high-rise hotel offers spacious rooms with the usual mid-range perks, including free Wi-Fi, bathroom toiletries, air conditioning, and flat-screen TVs. Free breakfast is also provided.
- Luxury: La Quinta – Located just outside Barrio Colombia, La Quinta is worth staying a little further afield in the neighborhood. The rooms are quite spacious and have all the perks you would expect from a 4 star hotel and a charming terrace.
Accommodation for digital nomads: Patio Bonito
Patio Bonito, located just south of bustling El Poblado, is a more laid-back neighborhood. This small area is full of trendy restaurants and bars and is popular with Medellín's expat and digital nomad community. It's more budget-friendly than El Poblado (there are a lot of students here) and is home to the comfortable Quebrada La Presidenta Park.
Best accommodation in Patio Bonito
- budget: Cloud9 Hostel – Patio Bonito Centrally located, Cloud9 has a large and fun common room and a nice terrace to hang out on. Rooms come in a variety of categories, including mixed and female dormitories and private rooms.
- midrange: Sites Hotel – Stylish, vibrant and well-located, Sites is a very comfortable place to stay in Medellín. The accommodation consists of very spacious lofts and apartments. There is also a swimming pool, barbecue terrace and reading room.
- Luxury: Medellín Marriott – This luxurious Marriott has a beautiful pool, spa, and fitness center. Rooms feature floor-to-ceiling windows with views, a mini-fridge, desk, safe and air conditioning.
Accommodation where you can feel like a local: Laureles
Home to Medellín's two soccer teams, Atlético Nacional (AN) and Deportivo Independiente Medellín (DIM), and the stadium where they play, Laureles is a fun place to plant yourself in this metropolis. You don't have to go far to see a game, one of the most “local” experiences you can have. Laureles also has La Setenta (or La 70), a lively street lined with fun and lively bars and cafes.
Best accommodation in Laureles
- budget: Ayenda 1258 Boutique Laureles – For a budget hotel, this place is really comfortable. Private rooms feature an en suite bathroom, hairdryer, free toiletries and coffee making facilities.
- midrange: Hotel Laureles Park – This 15-room boutique hotel is stylish and friendly. A free Colombian breakfast is provided, and the hotel also has bicycles that guests can rent to explore the surrounding area. The rooms are large, cheerful and have all the usual amenities.
- Luxury: Intu Hotel – Located in a high tower, Intu is an affordable luxury hotel with amenities such as a sauna, Turkish bath, and in-house restaurant. The 45 rooms are stylish and comfortable and feature sofas, large TVs and comfortable beds.
Where to stay for sightseeing: El Centro
The city's historic center, El Centro, is the city's oldest neighborhood. It's a bit unsafe at night (avoid going out alone at night here), but it can be noisy during the day. Don't miss the popular Piazza Botero, the Antioquia Art Museum, the Metropolitana Cathedral (the city's largest church) and the popular pedestrian thoroughfare Junnin Street.
Best accommodation in El Centro
- budget: Centro Hostel – Offering free breakfast, female-only dorms, and a convenient walking distance to nearby attractions, this clean, comfortable hostel has everything you need for a relaxing stay.
- midrange: Hotel Romanza – This hotel offers all the standard hotel amenities, such as free Wi-Fi, coffee/tea makers, and air conditioning, while still maintaining very affordable prices. You get a lot of value here.
- Luxury: Hotel 47 – This stylish, modern hotel boasts an on-site bar, relaxation garden, jacuzzi and complimentary breakfast. The rooms are spacious and the beds are comfortable. It is also a 10-minute walk from Verio Park.
Medellin is a fun, vibrant and relatively hidden place to explore. With so many different regions to choose from and some safety concerns, travelers should be very careful when choosing the best region for their trip. But if you follow the suggestions above, you'll easily find a place that fits your budget and travel style, and you'll have a fun and safe visit to this vibrant South American city!
Booking a Travel to Colombia: Logistics Tips and Tricks
flight reservation
Find cheap flights with Skyscanner. It's my favorite search engine. We search websites and airlines around the world so you always know everything!
Accommodation Reservation
You can book hostels through Hostelworld, which offers the largest inventory and best deals. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, try Booking.com. We consistently offer the lowest rates on guesthouses and budget hotels.
If you’re looking for more accommodations, check out some of my favorite hostels in Medellín!
Don't forget travel insurance
Travel insurance protects you against illness, injury, theft and cancellation. Comprehensive protection in case something goes wrong. I can't go on a trip without it, as I've had to use it several times in the past. Here are some of my favorite companies that offer the best service and value:
Are you looking for the best company to help you save money?
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Want more information about Colombia?
Be sure to visit our powerful destination guide to Colombia for more planning tips!