During our six week journey across Colombia, Medellín without a doubt stood out as our preferred city. We enjoyed it so much that we ended up there twice. To get a sense of each neighborhood, we opted to stay in two different areas of the city and have formed some thoughts on where visitors with varying styles and budgets should consider lodging in Medellín, Colombia.
Our goal is to equip you with the necessary information – based on our experiences – to select the ideal accommodation option in Medellín.
However, before discussing the accommodations, let’s provide some context about the city itself.
Medellín is one of the most fascinating places to explore in Colombia for someone interested in history and government like me (Matt). It serves as a beacon for cities looking to make significant changes and transformations through investment in public initiatives.
Like most Americans (and likely other nationalities too, to be equitable), those close to us (chiefly family) said upon learning we were venturing to Colombia `isn’t it dangerous?` And when boarding the plane, cheers of `have an AMAZING time!` were absent; rather, `stay safe, message me daily – I mean it!` resonated.
Once you initiate familiarizing yourself with Medellín`s history, it`s easy to comprehend why people reacted in that manner, particularly older individuals. In the 1980s and 1990s, Medellín was regarded as the most perilous city globally.
But over the course of the past two decades or so, it has changed DRAMATICALLY. And we took a couple of tours that helped illuminate how that transformation happened.
Now viewed as one of the most pioneering and forward-thinking cities in Latin America, it is an incredible place to visit.
An important note about the Netflix series “Narcos” needs addressing, as some could find this perspective preachy yet it represents a strong sentiment. While in Colombia, watching the show provided insight into that history but contrasted with localized realities learned through connecting with locals. In many ways, it glorifies Pablo Escobar despite his unambiguous nature as a cold-blooded killer (though the situation may seem more nuanced, can it truly be?).
Many lives were lost due to his acts. It`s worth remembering before joining a `Pablo Escobar tour` with one of his past associates seeking to make quick money from the recent surge in foreign visitors.
I would suggest avoiding all “Escobar” tours, and rather focusing on excursions that highlight the positive changes Medellín has made, instead of the violence and heartache of the Escobar years.
Like this history and progression tour, which we took with Sebastian and LOVED.
We also completed this cooking instruction with an expatriate who began a social project focused on teaching locals to prepare healthier food utilizing the abundant amazing local ingredients – also a highlight of our whole Colombia itinerary.
Planning a trip to Colombia? Be sure to browse our other guides on traveling in Colombia to assist in crafting the ideal itinerary.
Disclaimer: Some of the links in this post, like hotel links, are affiliate links, meaning at no additional cost to you, we make a little bit of money if you click through and book. That being said, we would never recommend something to you that we don’t stand behind 100%.
Where to Stay in Medellin, Colombia: Choosing the Best Area to Stay
In this guide to deciding where to lodge in Medellín, we’ll share our experiences in two of the best places to stay in Medellín, Colombia, and provide the data you need to find the perfect accommodation for your style and budget.
At the conclusion of the day, you’re likely selecting between two neighborhoods here if it’s your initial time in the city.
Two neighborhoods that are both central, charming, and ideal places to establish a home base for exploring the city are El Poblado and Laureles.
You truly cannot go wrong with either choice – both link well to the remainder of the city, hold a core location, and feel safe. Ultimately, we feel it depends on your style and what you prefer.
You should opt for El Poblado if your trip is brief (2-3 days or less) and you wish to be right at the center of all the activities AND well-connected to the remainder of the city via public transportation. For a relatively affordable accommodation (with access to a kitchen), we stayed in a personal room at Los Patios Boutique Hostel for part of our trip, and would suggest it. It`s essentially a hotel with access to a shared kitchen. If you want a nice hotel instead, take a look at Sites Hotel or Celestino (the latter supplies good value in relation to what you`ll receive).
If you have more time available and prefer somewhere more tranquil and residential, consider staying inLaureles. There are still many quality dining and drinking establishments located in the neighborhood, though it may involve a slightly longer trek to reach public transit options like the metro (you could find yourself relying more on taxis here). If an affordable hostel meets your needs, check out The Wandering Paisa. If a great value hotel with moderate prices and a pleasant atmosphere appeals to you, look into Casa Laureles.VPV Suites is another suitable choice if a more modern facility with fully equipped kitchens interests you.
The third area we’d recommend, which is one that allows for longer stays such as digital nomads looking to return, would be Envigado. It provides a more relaxed residential environment that is perfect for feeling integrated within the local community while residing in Medellin, rather than like a tourist.
It would also serve as a good home base for families—I was informed it’s generally safer than staying in other parts of the city, not that Poblado or Laureles are particularly unsafe.”
We provide our personal experience having lodged at the places below and would thoroughly advise both – Los Patios Hostel and Casa Cliche – however not necessarily some of the other lodging establishments indexed.
Those accommodations were selected after extensive research, reading reviews, and viewing photos. Consider this guide to the best places to stay in Medellin should we plan to return at some stage in the future, which we definitely intend to do.
Now, onwards to offering you the information necessary to decide on the best area to remain in Medellín for your trip!
El Poblado: Upscale and Tourist Friendly
El Poblado is likely the most centrally located area to reside, making it the best option in Medellín for tourists on brief trips.
You’ll be within walking distance of basically anything you could potentially need – coffee (I`ll miss you, Pergamino Coffee), basically any type of cuisine from traditional Colombian (Mondongo’s) to Indian (Naan Sabores de India), and bars ranging from “dance music” to laid back.
In fact, you could probably spend your entire Medellín itinerary in El Poblado, and never run out of things to do, see, eat, and drink.
However, you’ll be surrounded by people just like you (tourists), which we think is the tradeoff here.
In fact, we felt like we heard more English than Spanish while we were remaining here.
It’s one of the wealthiest areas in Medellín – if not the wealthiest – and its affluence is evident as you’re walking around the heart of the neighborhood near Parque Lleras.
If you don’t mind having somewhat of a tourist-like experience, then you’ll enjoy El Poblado for its variety of dining and drinking options, overwhelming number of places to stay, and connections to the rest of the city.
Accessing the metro lines connecting to other areas of the city from El Poblado is straightforward – the metro station is located at the western edge of the neighborhood, providing passage north to downtown where intersecting routes travel westward throughout the rest of the city, such as Communa 13 (though we endorse this guided experience with Sebastian instead, as it exceeds a routine Communa 13 excursion).
Where to Eat, Drink, and Play in El Poblado
Here are some of the spots we discovered in El Poblado that we think you’re going to really like.
- Enjoy freshly brewed coffee outdoors at Pergamino – Those familiar with my passion for high-quality coffee will understand why I researched and tested coffee from the top cafes in Medellín. In my view, Pergamino serves the finest coffee in Medellín. Visit the location on Carrera 37, which is bustling and consistently has a line, to sip coffee on their pleasant patio.
- Head to the Tea Market for tea drinkers – Longtime readers know Alysha prefers tea but permits me to guide her around cities seeking perfect coffee if we explore tea shops too. The Tea Market began as a store selling worldwide teas and gear, now a cafe where you can sample items for sale hot or cold. It offers lovely surroundings, quality beverages, and helpful staff when we couldn`t decide.
- Dance until late at rooftop bars or clubs – Rooftops somehow make bars and restaurants more fun wherever I go. In Medellín, Alambique offered relaxed cocktails and music. 37 Park Medellín felt like an elevated beer garden with rustic tables and string lights in plants.
- Browse boutiques and sample dining on Carrera 34-37 – This area presents the best shopping in Medellin, mixing local and international brands plus great restaurants and bars for breaks. One Pergamino location resides on Carrera 37.
- Indulge your chocolate side at Me Late Chocolate – Satisfy your sweet tooth in Medellín here. Me Late Chocolate crafts chocolates and desserts. Stay to sip coffee or hot chocolate with cake, but be sure to purchase their amazing truffles or regret it.
- Immerse in the atmosphere at Parque Lleras Sunday Markets – Avenida Poblado closes Sundays for pedestrian and cyclist enjoyment around the park. Buy fresh food and bread here with kitchens, or sample snacks without. Don’t miss guarapo or arepas de choclo.
The Best Places to Stay in El Poblado
Here are some of our top picks for where to stay in El Poblado.
Hotels and Hostels in El Poblado
Los Patios Boutique Hostel: We spent nearly one week residing at Los Patios, and strongly recommend it. If you’re searching for a social hostel in Medellín that offers excellent value, Los Patios can`t be beaten. It`s ideally located among top-tier eateries and nightlife venues, allowing for an easy walk home after an evening out. The placement is also aproximately equal distance to the heart of the neighborhood and metro station, permitting simple access to other parts of the city. There`s also a superb market (Exito) right across the street. For travelers on a budget seeking great returns, this is the top accommodation choice in Medellin. It boasts a spectacular rooftop bar with mesmerizing sunfall perspectives of the city. Additional perks include complimentary bicycle use, a favorable shared kitchen, a gymnasium, and free coffee. We remained in a private room (we prefer privacy over dormitories – rest is crucial!) which provided facilities nearly on par with a boutique hotel, far surpassing any hostel we`ve previously experienced.
Sites Hotel: Located in a quiet neighborhood within short reach of the core of El Poblado, Sites Hotel has 60 rooms all with comfortable beds and a kitchenette. There’s even a rooftop pool where visitors can relax with a far-reaching vista across the city below. It also has free self-service laundry facilities, something quite unusual for lodging in our practical experience within this area.
Click Clack Hotel: This renowned hotel with a unique name is found just a short distance away from Parque Lleras and the many attractions related to sightseeing, sound enjoying and taste exploring in El Poblado. It has an elegant design and offers guests rooms of varying sizes from the more compact but cozy XS option with all the great features at a lower price point, to the spacious XXL choice ideal for spreading out comfortably. An abundance of greenery surrounds the property both inside and outside, including plants everywhere. There are also two rooftop bars and a rooftop pool for relaxing aloft. The hotel has gained high praise by taking home awards like “Best Modern Luxury Hotel – Latin America.”
One highly rated hotel option is the Celestino Boutique Hotel. Situated along Carrera 37 in the stylish El Poblado neighborhood, this 22 room property makes an impressive first impression. Standard rooms provide basic amenities at an affordable rate without compromising on design flair. Larger room types that offer extra space are also available for those seeking more accommodations, though daily wanderings around the vibrant city may negate any need for more room. Combining natural elements with sleek modern interiors, guest rooms reflect the tree-lined streets and hip culinary scene surrounding the hotel. A rooftop pool is another common amenity found at El Poblado lodgings.
Airbnb in El Poblado
Here are three Airbnb rentals that caught our attention in the neighborhood.
Buses are available at the ferry port upon each ferry`s arrival and leave the Santorini Airport hourly, stopping in Fira. The total trip from the port or airport to Fira should take around 25 minutes, sometimes longer with traffic, and cost approximately €2. Tickets can be purchased in cash only on the bus. From the Fira Bus Terminal, it’s a 10-minute walk uptight yet straight route to the hotel
Dwelling with Attractive Sights(1 bedroom) : This household is located further up the hill just east of El Poblado neighborhood near the well-liked El Tesoro shopping center instead of in the heart of El Poblado. You`ll probably need a taxi to get to and from Poblado from here. However, this area is gorgeous. A fully equipped kitchen with granite counter tops, a balcony with spectacular views including a hammock, and a spacious bedroom and washroom. What`s not to enjoy about this listing?
Magical Home with Lovely Garden – Designer Loft(1 bedroom) : This bright and airy apartment has an unbelievable amount of natural light. And plants. Lots of plants. The minimalistic decor, complete with subway tiling, is stunning, and it’s just outside of all the activity in El Poblado. It’ll take you maybe five minutes to walk to Carrera 37, where you’ll find Pergamino Coffee.
Laureles: Low-Key and Central
We really enjoyed our time in Laureles, specifically the southwestern area near Primer Parque de Laureles. This place had everything we look for in a neighborhood – relative calmness (though not completely quiet), tree-lined roads, and an abundance of great food, drinks, coffee shops and more. For these reasons, it`s at the top of our list of best neighborhoods in Medellín.
We also noticed that Laureles’ urban planning is somewhat distinctive, particularly compared to the rest of Medellín.
Within a grid pattern, it follows a more circular design radiating from the university at the southern end. Evidently it was a conscious decision made by German architect Karl Brenner when planning the neighborhood decades ago.
The area known as “Laureles” covers a large region, extending from the Estadio Metro Station to the north down to Avenida 33 to the south. Generally, staying south of Avenida San Juan is recommended, as that portion of the locale is more residential and charming based on our experiences.
The trade-off is that the closest metro station, Estadio, is approximately 20 minutes away on foot, which is a journey we made multiple times to access other parts of the city.
The Best Places to Stay in Laureles
There are some great options in Laureles. While this neighborhood might have fewer places to stay, they will be quieter and somewhat more affordable than in El Poblado.
Hotels and Hostels in Laureles
Casa Cliché: If you seek superb value and a calmer setting than a conventional hostel, Casa Cliché is the place to lodge in Medellín. It possesses huge common areas, like a huge patio zone where you`ll appreciate your complimentary breakfast, and a spacious living room. They have a couple solitary rooms, which was our lodging, and a couple dorm rooms. It isn’t an enormous hostel, meaning it’s relatively tranquil. Breakfast containing vegetarian meals is integrated into the space rate.
Hotel Inntu: For the environmentally conscious traveler, Hotel Inntu is a perfect option. It is an eco-friendly hotel and has a spa and a swimming pool. Rooms offer basic amenities, but fulfill basic hotel expectations. It is extremely central and close to all the bars and restaurants in Laureles along Avenida Nutibara, plus it has a dining facility onsite.
Envigado: Best for Long Term Stays and Families
Envigado is a tranquil, residential neighbourhood south of El Poblado where young families can be seen enjoying their weekends and evenings in the streets and parks.
It is further from the traditional tourist sites, so it is not the best location to lodge for a shorter visit. Though thanks to Medellín’s efficiently-connected and convenient metro, it will only take you 15 minutes to get downtown.
Envigado is ideal for travelers hoping to experience genuine life in Medellín.
While El Poblado is superb for an evening outing, we would not prefer living there.
Would we want to reside in Envigado, with its tree-lined roads, parks, and cafes featuring outdoor seating? Without a doubt.
The Best Places to Stay in Envigado
Given its residential character, only one lodging option exists in the area – the rudimentary Arame Hotel. Therefore, travelers are best availing themselves of the abundance of accommodations posted on Airbnb for more amenities.
Here are two Airbnb rental considerations in Envigado.
Spacious Penthouse with Views of Poblado: This colorful one-bedroom apartment has access to a rooftop terrace overlooking panoramic city vistas. The apartment is in a residential area surrounded by plenty of markets to purchase fresh food, and the hosts are happy to provide recommendations.
Serene Oasis in Popular Dining Neighborhood: For families traveling, this is an ideal place to stay in Medellin. It`s a large recently renovated three-bedroom apartment in the center of Envigado. Each bedroom contains a plush bed and soft furnishings, and the home is stylishly designed to offer comfortable respite for an entire family. It’s near the Envigado metro station, permitting convenient travel between the lodging and other parts of the city.
Herein lies the information – our top selections for where to remain in Medellin, Colombia, grounded on our own individual experience.
Be sure to check out our guides to lodging options in Bogota and the best places to stay in Cartagena.
Planning a trip to Colombia? We’ve compiled additional travel guides to assist you in crafting an incredible journey.
- A Comprehensive 3-Day Itinerary for Exploring Bogotá, Colombia
- Accommodation options in Medellin, Colombia: A complete overview
- The Best Coffee in Lisbon: 9 Amazing Lisbon Coffee Establishments to Add to Your List
- How to Plan a 2 Week Colombia Itinerary
- The top 5 most compelling spots to visit in Colombia: South America’s best kept hidden gems
- Top places to rest your head in Bogotá, Colombia`s vibrant capital city
- Gluten Free Bogota: A Celiac’s Guidebook to Colombia’s Capital
- Gluten-free travel in Colombia: A complete guide for celiac disease visitors
