Where to Stay In Medellin: Safest Parts & Coolest Hotels (2024)

If you'd told somebody you were visiting Medellin thirty years ago, you'd likely have been met with a wide-eyed expression and a ‘Why?'. Once dubbed ‘the murder capital of the world', Medellin was a no-go city between the 70s and 90s, where drug cartels ran riot and political instability made the city a lawless place.

Cut to today, and Medellin is a cosmopolitan, forward-thinking place, home to vibrant nightlife, world-class restaurants, and a thriving digital nomad community.

It even won the title of Most Innovative City in the World in 2013. It's green too – both in terms of leafy boulevards and eco credentials. I couldn't believe just how many trees there were in this urban space, giving it a rainforest-esque feel.

Budget travelers will be thrilled with Medellin's low prices, meaning you can stay in one of the best boutique hotels with all the amenities or grab a drink at a rooftop terrace for a reasonable price. It's not the cheapest city in South America, but it's certainly budget-friendly compared to European cities or the USA.

Despite having shaken off its dangerous reputation, Medellin still requires you to be a little more streetwise than your average city, so where you choose to stay is paramount.

I've put together a guide to help, featuring the best neighborhoods (and safest) to stay in Medellin as well as hotels for every budget, from private rooms in hostels to world-class boutique hotels.

The Best Neighborhoods to Stay in Medellin

El Poblado – This leafy, quirky area has become a haven for backpackers, home to the majority of Medellin's hostels as well as its best nightlife. This spot is the most popular with tourists and you'll find an endless supply of places to eat and drink here.

Laureles – Upmarket and effortlessly chic, this is where Medellin's most affluent residents live. Here you'll find the city's football stadium as well as many laid-back brunch spots and green spaces.

Envigado – A town of its own located just south of Medellin, Envigado is ideal for those wanting to know how Colombians really live. It's laid-back with friendly locals and plenty of greenery. You'll be a little outside of the city, but it's more than worth it to experience that authentic Colombian way of life.

Sabaneta – Another town just outside of Medellin's center, Sabaneta is a far cry from the bustling streets of El Poblado. Home to a laid-back pace of life, Sabaneta also boasts multiple parks and green spaces.

Patio Bonito – Located in the southern part of El Poblado, Patio Bonito is a quiet, leafy section of the wider Poblado neighborhood that's the perfect spot to set up camp as a digital nomad while enjoying the nearby bars and eateries.

1. Where to Stay in Medellin for First-Time Visitors: El Poblado

This leafy and upmarket suburb is a haven for expats and digital nomads. Tree-lined streets boast cool brunch spots, hip nightclubs, and forward-thinking restaurants, and it's one of the safest spots in Medellin.

It's also home to the majority of Medellin's hostels, many of which are much more upmarket than the bed-bug-filled youth hostels of the 90s.

El Poblado is the best place in the city to eat and drink, with Parque Lleras being a popular nightlife spot and plenty of bars and restaurants to keep you busy. Everything within El Poblado is within walking distance of the neighborhood's center, although at night you might want to take an Uber to be on the safer side.

There's not much to do in terms of sights in El Poblado because it's not actually the historical center – this lies north of Poblado. Luckily, Ubers here are cheap and you can easily take a ride share or taxi to the sights.

If you're looking for quiet, El Poblado won't be your best option – it's busy, touristic, and noisy. But for sheer thrill, it can't be beaten.

Things to Do in El Poblado

If there's one thing the Colombian locals like to do, it's dance. And if you can't beat them, join them. Sign up for a salsa class at Dancefree and learn all the right moves to make you look just like a natural.

Once you're done dancing, head to Mamasita for dinner and drinks, a super cool spot where you can play billiards and chow down on some of El Poblado's finest food.

For brunch the next day, head to Kaime Restaurant for a plant-based meal with delights such as scrambled tofu and truffled avocado toast.

Parque Lleras (Lleras Park in English) is a vibrant park in El Poblado with food and drink stands. Plenty of nights out in this thriving neighborhood start here, with local craft beers and street food stands.

Best Area to Stay For:

• Backpackers

• Staying in a hostel

• Eating and drinking

• Nightlife

Best Hotels to Stay in El Poblado

($$$) Elcielo Hotel & Restaurant

($$) Hashtag 98 Hotel

($) Manila Hotel Boutique

2. Where to Stay in Medellin for Luxury: Laureles

Laureles, located near the city's football stadium, is Medellin's most upmarket borough. As well as being popular with travelers it's a residential area, so by staying here, you'll get a feel for how residents really live.

Laureles boasts one of Medellin's most vibrant streets, La 70 (La Setenta), on which you'll find plenty of bars and restaurants to keep you occupied, as well as nightlife offerings that rival those of El Poblado.

While El Poblado is a little out of the way in the south of the city, Laureles is closer to some of the main tourist draws including Comuna 13, a hub of creativity with a troubled history that's a must-visit neighborhood for your itinerary.

You can also visit Pueblito Paisa and Plaza Botero in just a short taxi ride – the latter being Medellin's main square and home to sculptures created by the popular Colombian artist Fernando Botero.

Sadly, the center itself isn't as safe as other spots in the city such as Laureles or El Poblado, which is why I haven't featured it on my list of areas to stay. I'd recommend staying in one of these neighborhoods featured here and traveling into the center in the daytime, instead.

A lot of businesses are stationed in Laureles, so it's great for business travelers and means you'll see plenty of suited and booted Colombians enjoying a well-earned lunch break during the afternoon. Another bonus is that Laureles isn't as well-known by tourists, so it's much quieter than El Poblado.

It's no secret that El Poblado is one of Medellin's most beautiful neighborhoods, but Laureles remains a hidden gem. For now, anyway!

Things to Do in Laureles

The first thing any visitor to Laureles should do is catch a soccer match at the neighborhood's stadium, Atanasio Girardot, where both of Medellin's teams play. A soccer match is a right of passage for any visitor to South America where soccer is more like a religion than a hobby.

If you want to discover more about the history of Medellin, sign up for a tour of the nearby Comuna 13 and visit the Casa de la Memoria (House of Memory), which pays tribute to the victims of violence in Colombia.

It's also worth taking a taxi to Pueblito Paisa, a recreation of a traditional Colombian town on top of a hill with excellent views of the city. Visit at sunset for the best vibes.

Laureles is also a great spot to grab a cup of incredible Colombian coffee at one of the local cafes. The country's famous for its coffee and a morning espresso is practically a right of passage – it's common even for the children in Colombia to drink it.

Speaking of drinks, stroll down La Setenta to get to know Laureles' best bars. They're not the cheapest in town, but they're some of the best. It's not only El Poblado that does salsa, either, head to Son Havana on Tuesdays for free group salsa classes.

If you have a bit of a sore head the next day, grab brunch at Smash Avocaderia. Here you'll find the best avocado toast in town, naturally.

Best Area to Stay For:

• Being near the sights

• Laid-back brunch spots and coffee shops

• Luxury accommodation

• Business travelers

• Classy bars

Best Hotels in Laureles

($$$) Hotel Boutique Laureles

($$) Hotel Brana

($) Hotel Laureles Loft

3. Where to Stay in Medellin for Families and Nature: Sabaneta

Next door to Envigado, Sabaneta is a little further away from Medellin's vibrant center and you can feel the vibe shift immediately. Think less hipster brunch place, more cozy arepa joints run by abuelas (grandmas).

This traditional Colombian town is family-oriented and green, home to multiple parks that are perfect for wandering through with a Sunday morning coffee.

It's not the best spot for nightlife – early morning stories happen here in El Poblado – but if you're in a family unit looking for some more peace and quiet, skip the center and head to Sabaneta. It's also safer than the center for the most part, but it's still Medellin, so take appropriate precautions.

There's also more of a colonial Spanish feeling here – you won't see as many of the skyscrapers that adorn the center's skyline but there are more and more popping up every day.

Most of the vibrant life in Sabaneta centers around the town's main square, where you'll find plenty of restaurants and cafes with much more budget-friendly prices than those on offer in El Poblado.

Things to Do in Sabaneta

Naturally, staying in Sabaneta doesn't offer as many activities as you'll find in the more central neighborhoods of Medellin, but it's far from boring.

The main sight in Sabaneta is Parque Sabaneta, a gorgeous park and garden in the center of the neighborhood that's perfect for an afternoon stroll with one of those famous Colombian coffees in hand.

Another green family-friendly space is the Casa de la Cultura La Barquereña, which offers musical and theater programs as well as beautiful gardens to stroll around.

You'll also find plenty of places to eat authentic Colombian food for prices that are much easier on the wallet than those you'd find in places like El Poblado or Laureles. A popular local spot is El Viejo John, serving up Colombian classics with a friendly and authentic atmosphere.

Best Area to Stay For:

• Families and couples

• Budget-conscious travelers

• Those wanting to live like a local

Best Hotels to Stay in Sabaneta

($$$) Hotel Porton Sabaneta

($$) Praia Apartestudios

($) Hermoso Apartaestudio

4. Where to Stay in Medellin Like a Local: Envigado

Envigado is a leafy, residential area of Medellin – in fact, it's its own little town. A place where you can stay and experience how real Colombians live, getting off the beaten track and seeing a more laid-back side of Medellin.

If you're a couple, family, or solo traveler looking to keep things chill, a visit to Envigado will take you out of the hustle and bustle of more nightlife-focused areas like El Poblado.

It's also a great place to station yourself as a digital nomad as you'll enjoy enough peace and quiet to get work done while close enough to the center to enjoy the sights and sounds of the city of Medellin.

Envigado is a little further out of the city center than the other neighborhoods mentioned, but luckily taxis and Ubers are affordable in Medellin, so you can simply call a cab when you want to see a central spot.

Things to Do in Envigado

One of the most popular hangout spots in this neighborhood is Parque Envigado, the perfect green spot to visit with a picnic and some friends.

Around Parque Envigado you'll find plenty of authentic Colombian bars, restaurants, and cafes, ideal for sipping on a cup of Colombia's finest coffee or even treating yourself to a cocktail. Hot tip: Choose something containing aguardiente, an anise-flavored liqueur and Colombia's unofficial national drink, if you want to get really local).

Calle de la Buena Mesa translates as ‘street of the good table' – and there's a reason for it. Head to this street when you want to try authentic Colombian fare in a leafy part of town. I'd recommend local delicacies like arepas, fried plantain, or ‘la bandeja paisa', basically a plate of all things Medellin.

Obviously, once you've exhausted everything there is to do in Envigado, you can visit Medellin's city center, where there's plenty to do, eat, see, and drink. There's even a metro station if you don't want to pay for a cab.

Best Area to Stay For:

• Living like a local

• Green spots

• Authentic Colombian vibes

• Cheap eats

• Families

Best Hotels in Envigado

($$$) Arame Hotel

($$) Fairfield by Marriott

($) Hotel Casa Madero

5. Where to Stay in Medellin for Digital Nomads: Patio Bonito

Patio Bonito is a portion of the larger El Poblado area, lying just South of Parque El Poblado. It's a little quieter than the nightlife-centric part of El Poblado, making it ideal for business travelers and digital nomads looking to get some work down. You'll find plenty of expats here, so it's an easier part of town to navigate, even if your Spanish is limited.

It's slightly more laid-back and budget-friendly than the rest of El Poblado too, which is the most expensive part of Medellin. You'll also find La Presidenta Park in Patio Bonito, perfect for a head-clearing stroll during your lunch break.

The best part of staying in Patio Bonito is you get the quiet, relaxed vibes of this neighborhood with proximity to the hip bars and restaurants that El Poblado has to offer.

Just like El Poblado, it's safe to walk around during the day but I'd recommend taking extra precautions by night.

Things to Do in Patio Bonito

The obvious thing to do in Patio Bonito is to head to the bars and restaurants in El Poblado's center, but Patio Bonito has a few tricks up its own sleeve, too, including the slick dinner spot Vesuvio Pizzeria. Wash it down with a cocktail from one of Patio Bonito's very friendly bars.

If you're a yogi, you might be missing the sweet relaxation of savasana during your trip to Medellin, but you're in luck, with the local YOGALAB offering classes to practice your poses even on location.

If you are coming to Medellin as a digital nomad, visit one of the local cafes and set up shop with your laptop, sampling the excellent Colombian coffee to get you through a mid-afternoon slump.

Many of the nearby hostels have cafes you can visit too, if you're in the market to meet new people. Finish off your day with some much-needed retail therapy at the nearby San Fernando Plaza shopping center.

Best Area to Stay For:

• Digital nomads

• Business travelers

• Luxurious, laid-back vibes

• The best mix of nightlife and daytime activities

Best Hotels in Patio Bonito

($$$) Novelty Suites Hotel

($$) GHL Hotel Porton

($) Leblon Suites Hotel

Where to Stay in Medellin – Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Is Medellin safe to visit?

Medellin is a much safer city than it used to be, but it still has a higher rate of armed robbery than other cities, so you'll have to take precautions when you visit. The locals have a phrase, ‘no dar papaya', meaning don't give something sweet. Since most robberies in Medellin are opportunistic, it basically means don't give anybody the motive or opportunity. Don't wear jewelry out and about or flashy designer brands and don't walk absent-mindedly with your phone in your hand. When my partner and I visited, we'd check the route on Google Maps before leaving the house and then put our phones away, only checking them every so often to make sure we were going the right way.

📷 Is it safe to take out your phone or camera in Medellin?

Try not to be absent-minded when taking photos. If you're with somebody, get them to watch your back while you take a picture then put your phone back in your pocket. We had absolutely no problems during our visit to Colombia, so keeping your wits about you and not being flashy can definitely help you avoid crime.

🌃 Is Medellin safe at night?

While the neighborhoods listed above are safe to walk around during the day, I'd recommend grabbing an Uber to navigate the city at night – they're much more affordable in Colombia than in Europe, Australia, or North America so it's worth spending a few dollars to stay safe.

🚶 What is the most walkable area of Medellin?

El Poblado, Patio Bonito, and Laureles are the most walkable neighborhoods in Medellin. Most of the neighborhoods in Medellin are walkable (although it's difficult to walk from one area to another) but some aren't as safe to walk around. Luckily, there's a safe and clean metro system you can use for those days when walking is just a little too difficult!

📅 How many days is enough in Medellin?

Medellin offers plenty to do, from incredible nightlife to great historical sights. To get the most out of your visit to the city, I'd recommend staying for between three days and a week. If you plan on stationing yourself in Medellin as a digital nomad, there's enough to do to keep you occupied for months!

It's a good plan to station yourself for trips further afield, too. The nearby town Guatape, which is around two hours from Medellin by car is one of the most popular day trips and well worth a visit during your Medellin vacation.

What is Comuna 13 in Medellin?

Comuna 13 was once the most dangerous place in Medellin, which was the most dangerous city in Colombia, run by drug cartels, paramilitaries, and communist guerillas. From the 1970s to the 1990s it was a no-go zone, where many of the residents were caught up in a life of crime just to get by. In the last decade, however, Comuna 13 has transformed, thanks to street art and performances and the resilient spirit of the residents.

Now, it's one of the safest places in the city, home to iconic street art, dancers, singers, and businesses selling local treats. We took this tour with the fabulous Jhoan who had grown up there and told us all about his experience and how the neighborhood had transformed.

You can visit by yourself, on a private tour, or a group tour, but visiting is certainly a must-do during your trip to Medellin. Sadly, there's not much accommodation there, so it's not somewhere to stay during your stay. It's also less safe to visit at night, so keep your tours to daylight.

📍 Which is better to visit, Medellin, Cartagena, or Bogota?

I've visited all three of Colombia's main cities, and I honestly loved them all for different reasons! The best one for you depends mostly on your preferences.

Bogota is Colombia's capital city, and while many dismiss it as boring, I found it criminally underrated. As the capital city, it's home to plenty of art and history and there's a vibrant food scene as well as a gorgeous old town (La Candelaria).

Medellin is much newer and more centered around nightlife but the climate is also a draw, with year-round high temperatures and sunshine earning it the nickname ‘city of eternal spring.' There's plenty of history here, too, mainly centering around the political instability of the 80s and 90s.

Cartagena boasts colorful colonial buildings – you could easily mistake it for a town in the South of Spain. Its coastal location means access to the beach, hot weather all year round, and top-notch seafood.

In short, Bogota is great for cultural trips, Medellin is perfect for eating and drinking, and Cartagena is ideal for beach holidays and colonial architecture. You can fly quickly and affordably between all three, so if you have the opportunity, I'd recommend visiting them all.

🚆 How can I get around in Medellin?

Medellin is a big city, so you'd struggle to walk between all the neighborhoods (unless your stamina and walking shoes are pretty impressive!). Getting an Uber or the metro between neighborhoods is the best way to get around.

You're never too far from a metro station in Medellin, so if you don't want to spend your budget on taxis, taking the metro is the most cost-effective way to navigate a city. Once you're in a neighborhood, they're all pretty easy to walk around, so pack a pair of comfortable shoes.

If you're not afraid of heights and want a quirky thrill, there's even a cable car you can use to soar high over Comuna 13!

Where to Stay in Medellin – Final Words

Medellin is a vibrant city full of history, friendly people, and incredible places to eat and drink. As long as you use your street smarts, you'll have a great time in one of Colombia's most beloved cities, getting to know the friendly locals and soaking up the culture. Remember to work on some basic Spanish phrases before you go – we found the level of English limited when we visited.

The best neighborhoods for first-time visitors and those seeking nightlife include Laureles, El Poblado, and Patio Bonito, while Sabaneta and Envigado suit those looking for a more laid-back, authentic stay.

One of the best things about Colombia is you can stay in luxury hotels with a rooftop pool or on-site bar for much cheaper than elsewhere in the Western world. Stay in one of our best neighborhoods in Medellin and make the most of the cheap accommodation while enjoying everything this innovative city has to offer. I know you'll just love it!