Where to Stay in Medellin, Colombia: 5 Best Places To Stay In The City

Are you planning a trip and want to know where to stay in Medellin? Here are the best places to stay in the second-largest city in Colombia, plus the best value hotels and hostels and Airbnb lodges to book located around it. 

I personally fell in love with Medellin the first time I visited. I loved it so much that I even returned earlier for my flight home to make sure that I could spend another couple of weeks in the city. 

Medellin has a dark history, but it has changed drastically over the past two decades. It has undoubtedly become a fascinating place to visit for travelers, now considered one of the best destinations in South America, and I couldn’t agree more. 

If you are visiting the city for the first time, you will need to know about the different places within Medellin before deciding which tourist attraction you should visit first. Some places are crowded with travelers and locals, while some areas are peaceful and quiet. 

Let’s get into the best sights and accommodations you can book for your next getaway in Colombia.

Is Medellin Safe?

Yes, Medellin is completely safe to visit. 

It used to be a dangerous place in the early 80 and 90s, but it has completely transformed itself into a vacation spot. The Colombians currently living there have a very forward-thinking attitude, and you will find a lot of friendly locals whose hospitality will improve your overall experience of the adventure. 

Of course, when you’re traveling, basic safety rules still apply. Avoid going out at night alone, even if what you need is within walking distance, don’t flash your phone around, and be careful. That was enough for me to stay safe as a female solo traveler in her early 20s.

5 Absolute Best Areas To Stay In Medellin

The Medellin transport system makes it convenient to move around the city. The Medellin Metro system is well-established, with Metro stations allowing you to travel and go sightseeing across the inner city and hilly areas without spending a lot.

However, if you want to get deep into the heart of Medellin, go for Metroplus service, which provides access to more places than standard MetroCable doesn’t provide.

When you want to discover different areas of Medellin, you’re probably wondering what areas are worth visiting. We have listed down some of the best neighborhoods, so you can better pick the ones you want to visit when you’re in town.

El Poblado Neighborhood

If you are an extrovert who likes to unwind by partying all night, El Poblado is the best place for you to start. It is situated in the center South of Medellin and has the highest number of nightclubs, bars, restaurants, and tourists.

El Poblado Restaurant

We all look for the best restaurants with the lowest prices when planning our vacations, right? 

In El Poblado, move towards the Alambique restaurant, where you can get one of the most delicious Colombian lunches at a reasonable price.

El Poblado Café 

Are you done with lunch? Now you need some drinks to refresh yourself. 

It’s not difficult to find the best café that provides quality drinks, but we recommend trying Pergamino’s coffee. They provide one of the best coffees that would charge you up for your journey.

Best El Poblado Hostels and Hotels

El Poblado has many excellent hotels where you can comfortably spend your night to prepare for the next day’s travel. 

There are plenty of beautiful hotels and hostels in the area. Whether you’re looking for a small hotel, a luxury hotel, or a high-end hotel, there’s something for everybody, including upscale hotels with a jacuzzi, trendy cocktails, or balconies overlooking the city. 

But there are also plenty of budget hotels that can give the best room rates or special offers for budget travelers.

We have listed down the hotels’ names that truly provide the best value for money. 

• The Charlee Hotel
• Celestino Boutique Hotel
• Click Clack Hotel
• Sites 45 Hotel
• Los Patios Hostel Boutique

Best El Poblado Airbnbs

Airbnb-style stays are one of the best choices if you want to feel at home on the trip. You can find a fully-furnished guesthouse, deluxe villas, or comfortable vacation rentals at a reasonable price.

Some of the best El Poblado Airbnbs-style include:

• Modern Apartment Studio (with rooftop pool and balcony)
• Amazing “Box in the Sky” El Tesoro duplex

Laureles Neighborhood

Laureles is the place that has all the good stuff of El Poblado, but with an addition of a peaceful environment and relaxation. There aren’t as many tourists or locals roaming around the streets and a lot of noise disturbing your peace. It is where you would want to spend most of your time. 

Moreover, the restaurants and cafés here are culinary delights with better food than you will find in most parts of Medellin. We advise you to stay in the residential area south of Avenida San Juan, where you will meet many friendly locals who love to chat with you.

Laureles Restaurant

There are a lot of good restaurants in Laureles, but we recommend trying Naturalia and Ocre. You will get high-quality, delicious food at a very affordable price.

Some other dining options in the area even provide their best meals for the day for as low as 3 dollars. 

Laureles Café 

Finding the best coffee in Medellin, head towards Rituales Café, which got the “The Best Coffee in Medellin” award in a professional blind taste test for its Paraiso – Bourbon Rojo beans.

Best Laureles Hotels

Laureles is where you can spend most of your days even on extended-stay because it has the most peaceful hotels in Medellin. These include: 

• Hotel Inntu
• Terra Biohotel

Best Laureles Airbnbs

If you want a quieter place to live, here are some of the best Airbnb-style stays in Laureles. 

• Amplio y Moderno Apartamento Ubicación Premium (2 large bedrooms)
• 3450 Living Studios (Studio Flat)

Envigado Neighborhood

Envigado is the place where you will find most of the Colombian locals. You will not find the most entertaining nights with many people roaming down the streets in the middle of the night like El Poblado. The main highlight of living in Envigado is experiencing how locals live their daily life.

We would recommend you to visit Envigado for a more extended period. Enjoy the atmosphere by visiting parks and cafés full of people enjoying their free time with their kids and pets.

Parks and Restaurants

Head down towards El Parque de Envigado, the city’s main square. It is crowded with locals as they enjoy the well-decorated place. At walking distance from the place, you will find a restaurant named La Gloria de Gloria that serves the most delicious dishes of Medellin.

Best Envigado Hostels and Hotels

Envigado is a residential area so you won’t find hotels and resorts there. There is only one nice hotel named Arame Hotel that you can book for your stay. We highly advise that you move towards Airbnbs as they are the more suitable option.

Best Envigado Airbnbs

One of the best Airbnb-style stays in Envigado is

• 501 Loft (Apartment & Terrace)
• Airy Penthouse with Private Rooftop Terrace bordering El Poblado

La Candelaria Neighborhood

La Candelaria, also known as downtown Medellin, is a place that does not have the charm of El Poblado, but its centralized location makes it a perfect spot for your lodging.

It is the place from where you can go almost anywhere in Medellin without traveling long distances. Located at the center, La Candelaria allows you to spend a day or two resting in the middle of the trip while enjoying the streets flooded with people in the daytime.

La Candelaria Hotspots

You can visit local parks such as Plaza Botero or Plaza Cisneros during the daytime. If you love learning about culture and history, we advise you to visit Antioquia Museum and Casa de La Memoria to get a good knowledge of the city’s past. 

Best La Candelaria Hostels and Hotels

La Candelaria has the most affordable hotels because of less tourist concentration. We recommend these hotels around the area: 

• 61 Prado Hotel
• Hotel Gallery
• Hotel Medellin Street 47 

Best La Candelaria Airbnbs

La Candelaria’s best Airbnb-style stays include:

• Executive Apartment with an Amazing City View
• La Quinta by Wyndham Medellin

Belen Neighborhood

The people of Belen are not as affluent as other Medellin neighborhoods, but its historic vibe makes it worth visiting. 

The transportation and other costs are pretty low, and the people are more welcoming to the visitors. Belen is an excellent place to spend the last few days of your trip before leaving for home.

Activities and Hotspots

In the central park of Belen, you can enjoy the idyllic weather of Medellin at 1500m above sea level. You can also visit a small hill named Cerro Nutibarra, where you can experience many hiking and cycling trails.

Best Belen Hostels and Hotels

You won’t find luxury hotels here, but some of them provide well-maintained guest rooms at a very affordable cost. 

• 80Cooliving Medellin 
• Los molinos Apartment

Best Belen Airbnb-Style Stays 

• Apartamento completo Mirador de la Mota (2-bedroom apartment)
• Beautiful and cozy apartment in Medellin 

For more accommodation options, you may click on the map.

Frequently Asked Questions – Where To Stay In Medellin, Colombia 

What Is The Best Neighborhood To Stay In Medellin?

Laureles is the best neighborhood to stay in Medellin. You can enjoy your hotel stay, party at the clubs, or spend your night resting in your hotel room. It offers the best of both worlds, so it is solely up to you to decide how you want to spend your trip. 

What Is The Safest Area In Medellin?

We consider Envigado to be the safest area in Medellin. Very few tourists get attracted to this town, and for that reason, it is mostly filled with friendly locals. You can spend your nights peacefully in the company of the most humble and sociable people. 

Where Should I Stay For Medellin Nightlife?

El Poblado is the best place to stay for the Medellin nightlife. With numerous clubs, bars, and cafés crowded with people dancing and drinking all night long, you will quickly lose track of time with all these activities. 

How To Stay Safe During Your Stay In Medellin

Here are some safety tips for visiting Medellin:

• Stay in Safe Neighborhoods: Medellin has many safe neighborhoods popular among tourists and expatriates, including El Poblado, Laureles, and Envigado. These areas are generally safer, especially at night.
• Be Cautious with Valuables: Avoid displaying expensive jewelry, cameras, or smartphones in crowded places. Pickpocketing can occur in busy areas, so keep your belongings secure and close to your body.
• Use Trusted Transportation: Use reputable taxi services or ride-sharing apps like Uber or Beat to get around the city, especially at night. Avoid hailing taxis on the street, particularly if you’re unfamiliar with the area.
• Be Aware of Scams: Be cautious if strangers approach you with offers that seem too good to be true, including tours, accommodations, or investments.
• Nightlife Safety: If you’re going out at night, go with a group, stay in well-lit and populated areas, and keep an eye on your drink to avoid drink spiking.
• Additionally, consider protecting yourself with travel insurance such as SafetyWing, which can cover medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and other unforeseen incidents during your stay. Use the widget below to snag the perfect policy for your needs and travel with peace of mind knowing you’ve got your back covered, no matter what adventures come your way!

Conclusion – Where To Stay In Medellin Colombia

With the downtown La Candelaria district at the center of Medellin, you can travel to and stay in different neighborhoods around this city. Take your pick from areas with bustling nightlife, historic ambiance, or peace and quiet. With the efficient Medellin transportation system, you can easily get around to enjoy each distinct location.

This article’s recommendations on where to stay in Medellin are based on extensive research and personal experience. We listed down the best hotels and hostels you can book for your next getaways or retreats. Look for the best hotel offers that suit your budget and lifestyle, and make sure to check if they include features you need, like bathrooms, Wi-Fi, or free parking if you have cars.

May this be helpful to your trip as you enjoy this city variously known as the world’s most innovative city to the city of eternal spring!

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