City Medellin Very popular with travelers and digital nomads (which poses some problems, but that’s for another article). It is the second largest city in the country Colombia (back bogota).
I like this city very much. It has world-class restaurants, great nightlife, affordable prices, Large digital nomad community So it’s easy to connect with other travelers and remote workers.
Of course, this isn’t always the case. In the 1980s, Medellin became the most dangerous city on earth thanks to Pablo Escobar’s notorious drug cartel. But since then, the murder rate has dropped by a staggering 95%, and the poverty rate has dropped by 66%.
Over the past decade, Medellín has won numerous awards for its rapidly improving infrastructure, public transportation system, and other features that make the city an extremely pleasant place to live. This is not the Medellin of the past.
Still, travelers should exercise caution in Medellín and mainly avoid traveling to the outskirts of town and certain neighborhoods at night, as crime problems there remain. Location is very important in Medellín, which is why you have to choose your accommodation wisely when looking for accommodation.
Below, I’ll show you exactly where to stay in Medellin so you can choose the best neighborhoods based on your travel style, budget, and interests.
First, let me answer some questions I often get:
What are the best neighborhoods for travelers on a budget?
If your travel budget is limited, el poblado It’s a cool neighborhood with lots of great restaurants, bars, and clubs. This is where everyone lives and where you’ll find most hotels.
Which neighborhood is best for sightseeing?
el centro Filled with museums, parks, guided walking tours, and historical landmarks. First time visitors should definitely spend some time here. But it also has a dirty component, so don’t go to El Centro at night.
What are the best communities for digital nomads?
Terrace Bonito Is a sub-neighborhood connected to the very popular El Poblado district. Unlike its neighbours, Patio Bonito is quieter and has a number of trendy restaurants, bars and cafes. There are also some coworking spaces here.
What are the best neighborhoods for families to live in?
savanetta It is a quiet, safe, tree-lined residential area. The area is full of parks, squares and quiet restaurants and cafés.
Which is the best community overall?
el poblado It’s centrally located, safe, and has everything for everyone: cool restaurants, bars, and cafes, as well as parks, museums, and nice hotels. This is where most tourists stay when they visit.
So, with those questions answered, here are the details of each neighborhood, along with recommended accommodation in each, so you know exactly where to stay in Medellin:
Where to stay for first-time visitors/budget travelers: El Poblado
This fun community is basically the center of it all. El Poblado is full of restaurants, bars, clubs, cafes, shops and hotels, making it popular with locals and tourists alike. Head to Parque Lieres, the area’s nightlife mecca, and join the circus of sensory pleasures in this vibrant town. That is, it is the main hub gringoso expect prices here to be slightly higher.
Best accommodation in El Poblado
- Budget: Loews Courtyard – This award-winning hotel features a rooftop pool, co-working space, gym, gardens and more. This is one of the best hotels in the city!
- IF: Motora Hotel Origenno – This chic hotel in the city center always offers a generous breakfast buffet. The rooms are comfortable, some with kitchenettes, exposed brick walls, terraces and bathtubs.
- luxurious: click sound – Click Clack is a design-friendly hotel that’s one of the coolest places to stay in El Poblado. Stylish rooms with great rain showers and free snacks. Breakfast is also included in the room rate.
Family accommodation location: Savanetta
Sabaneta is a quiet, tree-lined residential area centered on Parque Sabaneta, a block-long green space surrounded by casual sidewalk cafes and restaurants. There are also plenty of shopping centers and historic churches to explore. If you want to take a fun (and cheesy) photo, head to the mini Eiffel Tower.
Best accommodation in Savanetta
- Budget: Sabasti – This apartment complex is very affordable and comfortable, with standard amenities such as TV, kitchen and free Wi-Fi. There is also free parking space.
- IF: Hotel Port Sabaneta – The bright and spacious rooms here are very comfortable and reasonably priced for a mid-range hotel. All rooms are equipped with air conditioning, flat-screen TV, free Wi-Fi and minibar.
- luxurious: Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Sabanetta – It’s a big hotel chain, but there aren’t many in Sabaneta (which is fine if you hate fellow tourists), and the Fairfield is comfortable and saves money. The rooms have all the usual perks and comforts, as well as beautifully landscaped terraces with views of the area.
Art accommodation: Barrio Columbia and Ciudad Del Río
These adjoining neighborhoods are a must-visit for anyone who loves art. First, Ciudad Rio is an old warehouse district with jaw-dropping street art covering many of its walls. Nearby Colombia is home to the Medellin Museum of Modern Art (as well as the Mercado del Río, the town’s largest food market).
Best places to stay in District of Columbia and Ciudad Rio de Janeiro
- Budget: Passeros Med Hostel – Parceros is located on the border between Ciudad del Río and El Poblado and is affordable and affordable. It has small private rooms as well as mixed and female-only dormitories.
- IF: ibis Medellin Hotel – This high-rise hotel features spacious rooms with the usual mid-level amenities such as free Wi-Fi, bathroom toiletries, air conditioning and flat-screen TVs. There is also free breakfast.
- luxurious: la quinta – La Quinta is located just outside of Barrio Columbia, a little further from the community and worth a stay. The rooms are spacious and have all the perks you would expect from a 4 star hotel, plus a lovely terrace.
Where to stay as a digital nomad: Patio Bonito
Patio Bonito is a more laid-back neighborhood just south of bustling El Poblado. This small area is packed with trendy restaurants and bars and is popular with Medellín’s expat and digital nomad communities. It’s more affordable than El Poblado (there are many students here) and is home to the relaxing Quebrada La Presidenta Park.
Best accommodation in Patio Bonito
- Budget: Cloud 9 Hostel – Cloud9 is located in the heart of Patio Bonito and has a large and fun common room and an amazing terrace to hang out on. There are a variety of guest room types, including mixed dormitories, female-only dormitories, and private rooms.
- IF: Seth Hotel – Sites Stylish, pleasant and well located, it is a very comfortable base in Medellín. The accommodation consists of very spacious lofts and apartments. There is also a swimming pool, barbecue terrace and reading room.
- luxurious: Medellin Marriott Hotel – This luxurious Marriott hotel has a beautiful pool, spa and fitness center. Rooms feature floor-to-ceiling windows with stunning views, mini fridge, desk, safe and air conditioning.
Where to stay: Laureles
Home to two of Medellín’s football teams, Atlético Nacional (AN) and Independiente de Medellin (DIM), and the stadium where they play, Laureles is an interesting place to put down roots in this metropolis. . You don’t have to travel far to watch a game, it’s one of the most “local” experiences you can get. Laureles is also home to La Setenta (or La 70), a lively street full of fun, lively bars and cafes.
Best accommodation in Laureles
- Budget: Ayanda 1258 Laurel Boutique Hotel – For a budget hotel, this place is really comfortable. Private room with en suite bathroom, hairdryer, free toiletries and coffee.
- IF: Laureles Park Hotel – This 15-room boutique hotel is stylish and friendly. Colombian breakfast is free, and the hotel even provides bicycles for guests to borrow for cycling nearby. The rooms are large and pleasant and equipped with all the usual facilities.
- luxurious: Intu Hotel – Housed in a high tower, Inntu is an affordable luxury hotel with full facilities including a sauna, hammam and on-site restaurant. The 45 guest rooms are stylish and comfortable, with sofas, large TVs and comfortable beds.
Where to stay for sightseeing: El Centro
El Centro is the town’s historic center and is the oldest neighborhood in the city. While it’s a bit unsafe at night (avoid going out alone at night), it’s full of hustle and bustle during the day. Don’t miss the popular Plaza Botero, the Antioquia Museum of Art, the Metropolitan Cathedral (the largest church in the city) and the popular pedestrian street Junnin Street.
Best places to stay in El Centro
- Budget: Center Hostel – Offering free breakfast, female-only dormitories, and conveniently located within walking distance of many nearby attractions, this clean and comfortable hotel has everything you need for a relaxing stay.
- IF: Romanza Hotel – This hotel offers all the standard hotel amenities like free Wi-Fi, coffee/tea making facilities, and air conditioning at a super affordable price. You’re getting a lot of value here.
- luxurious: Hotel 47 – This stylish and modern hotel features a bar, relaxing garden, jacuzzi and free breakfast. The room was very spacious and the bed was very comfortable. Berrio Park is only a 10-minute walk away.
Medellin It’s a fun, vibrant, and relatively low-key place to explore. With a wide variety of communities to choose from (as well as some safety concerns), travelers should take extra care when choosing the best community for their trip. However, by following the suggestions above, you’ll be able to easily find a location that suits your budget and travel style, ensuring you have a fun and safe trip to this vibrant South American city!
Booking a trip to Colombia: Logistical tips and tricks
Book a flight
use Skyscanner Find cheap flights. They are my favorite search engine because they search websites and airlines all over the world so you always know no stone is left unturned!
Book accommodation
You can book a hostel via hostel world Because they have the largest inventory and the best prices. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hotel, use Booking.com Because they always provide guesthouses and budget hotels at the cheapest prices.
If you are looking for more places to stay, This is my favorite hostel in Medellin!
Don’t forget travel insurance
Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft and cancellation. It provides complete protection in case any issues arise. I wouldn’t travel without it as I have used it many times in the past. My favorite companies that provide the best service and value are:
Looking for the cheapest company?
look at mine Resources page Providing you with the best companies to use when traveling. I’ve listed all the ways I use to save money while traveling. They also save you money when you travel.
Want to learn more about Colombia?
Be sure to visit our Colombia’s Powerful Destination Guide Learn more planning tips!