Where to stay in Medellin?

One of the most frequently asked questions I receive is, “Where to stay in Medellín?” Medellín is rapidly gaining popularity among travelers and digital nomads, especially since the government introduced the easily obtainable Digital Nomad Visa. During my first visit in 2018, I fell in love with this vibrant city and decided to make it my home.

Medellín stands out for its lush greenery, with blossoming bushes, trees, and flowers year-round. Since my arrival, the city has transformed into a hub for digital nomads, boasting numerous coworking spaces and cafes tailored to this community. Medellín is also renowned for its nightlife, with Paisas known for their love of partying.

While Medellín might still have a negative reputation among some due to its past, the crime rate has significantly dropped since the Escobar era, decreasing by over 90%. The local government has made substantial strides in reducing poverty and connecting the city’s poorer areas with wealthier ones.

Today, Medellín features a top-notch public transportation system, excellent infrastructure, and many activities. The city has received global recognition for its improvements over the years.

With a metro population of roughly 4 million, Medellín has both suitable and less desirable areas. Choosing the right barrio is crucial, as the city comprises 249 barrios within 16 comunas, excluding the suburbs. Many of these neighborhoods are not frequented by tourists or expats.

In this guide, I will provide an overview of all the relevant parts of the city, starting with a quick roundup.

Where to stay in Medellin if you are on a budget?

Medellín offers several budget-friendly neighborhoods, but my top recommendations are Belén and Buenos Aires if you plan a longer stay in your apartment. For shorter visits, consider the many hostels in Laureles and El Poblado.

Belen

Hotel Med la palma

Apartment Laureles Guest House

Itagui

Hotel Sixtina Plaza Medellin

Where to stay in Medellin for sightseeing?

For sightseeing, El Centro is undoubtedly the top choice. This area is packed with museums and landmarks and is the starting point for most guided walking tours. Despite the modernization that has led to the demolition of many old and historical buildings, you can still catch glimpses of the old Medellín.

However, it’s important to note that El Centro has a higher crime rate than other parts of the city, so it’s best to avoid the area at night.

Casa Botero

Hotel Magenta Lof


61Prado Guesthouse

Where to stay in Medellin as a Digital Nomad?

For digital nomads, Laureles is my top recommendation. This neighborhood is filled with coworking cafes and offices, making it an ideal place for remote work. Laureles is a flat, modern, and walkable area, offering plenty of restaurants and bars to unwind after a long work day.

Cozy & Classic Apartment

Urbit Social Lofts

Loft 43

Where to stay in Medellin for Partying?

For those looking to experience Medellín’s vibrant nightlife, the Provenza and Lleras Park area in El Poblado is your best bet, with over 200 establishments packed into just a few streets. For a more local experience, head to La 70 in Laureles. This one-kilometer-long party strip is a must-visit for anyone interested in the local scene.

Tribe Medellín

New Modern 2 BR Penthouse

Casa del Reloj

The Click Clack Hotel Medellin

Where to stay in Medellin with a family?

For families, Sabaneta is the best place to stay. Located in the southern part of the valley, it offers a safe, quiet, and leafy environment, complete with a beautiful central park. Another excellent option is Envigado, which also provides a family-friendly atmosphere.

Hotel Portón Sabaneta

Ce27 Lujoso Departamento

Fairfield by Marriott

Where to stay in Medellin to get an authentic local experience?

For an authentic local experience, I recommend the La America and La Floresta area. Situated near Comuna 13 and well-connected by metro to other parts of Medellín, this residential neighborhood remains largely undiscovered by tourists and expats, offering a genuine glimpse into local life.

HOTEL CYTRICO
Hotel San Pedro del Fuerte
Amazing View Flat

Where to stay in Medellin close to the Metro?

If proximity to the metro is a priority, the Ibis Hotel in Itagüí is an excellent choice. It’s conveniently located right in front of the Itagüí Metro station and just across the bridge from Mayorca Mall, making it easy to explore the entire city by metro. Another centrally located option is the Mandala Botero, near Parque Berrío, offering easy access to the metro and the heart of Medellín.

ibis budget Itagui

Hotel Nutibara

Where to stay in Medellin when it’s your first time and your Spanish is limited?

If it’s your first time in Medellín or your Spanish is limited, El Poblado is the ideal area to stay. Whether you choose Provenza, Lleras, Parque El Poblado, Patio Bonito, Manila, or Astorga, you’ll find many hotels, hostels, apartments, bars, cafes, restaurants, nightclubs, and tour companies. El Poblado is the most tourist-friendly area; significantly more people speak English than other parts of Medellín.

San Antonio

Two Bedroom Chic Apartment

Hotel Du Parc

Nido Sky

Manila Hotel Boutique

That was a quick overview. Now, I will provide a more detailed insight into some of the neighborhoods I recommend. Drawing from my years of experience, I aim to equip you with the information you need to choose the perfect place to stay in Medellín.

Belen Nueva Villa del Aburra

Belén is one of the largest neighborhoods in the Aburrá Valley, home to over 200,000 residents. It boasts a mix of areas, from the charming La Loma de los Bernal to more challenging ones like Altavista, Zafra, and Las Violetas (locally known as Las Violentas – the violent ones).

My preferred area in Belén is Nueva Villa del Aburrá, along La 80, north of the Los Molinos shopping center and south of the Santa Gema Church. 2018 TimeOut magazine voted it the world’s third most excellent neighborhood. Unlike typical Medellín neighborhoods where reggaeton or salsa music dominates, Nueva Villa del Aburrá, especially its horseshoe-shaped central plaza, Plazoleta Villa de Aburrá, is a hub for the alternative rock and metal scene.

Every night, the plaza fills with young people meeting friends, playing instruments, and buying drinks from the cleverly named 7 Seven and 11-Eleven shops. Another popular gathering spot is the Workers Monument in the nearby park, making Belén a dynamic and culturally rich area to explore.

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Pros and Cons

  • One of Medellin’s most unique areas
  • Decent public transportation, the Metroplus line nearby (and the Metroplus La 80 line under construction) and the Coonatra Circular busses connect you with half of Medellin
  • Close to Laureles and El Poblado
  • Mostly residential
  • More affordable
  • Olaya Herrera Airport and Bus Terminal South
  • 2 Shopping Malls
  • Mostly flat and walkable
  • Not a lot of Hotels and AirBnBs
  • Not very touristy, so few people speak English

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Envigado

Envigado is a municipality in the wealthier and safer southern part of the Aburrá Valley, close to El Poblado and well-connected by the metro. Envigado has become popular with expats and digital nomads with its tranquil atmosphere and numerous amenities.

The best parts of Envigado include the area around Viva Envigado, La Calle de Buena Mesa, and Parque de Envigado. These spots offer a vibrant mix of dining, shopping, and recreational options. Additionally, I recommend the Camino Verde area on the way up to El Salado for its serene environment and beautiful surroundings.

During December, Parque de Envigado is one of the most beautifully decorated parks in the region, rivaling even Parque Sabaneta in its festive display. Envigado’s charm and convenience make it an excellent choice for those seeking a peaceful yet connected place to stay.

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Pros and Cons

  • Medellin´s up and coming neighbourhood
  • plenty of bars and restaurants
  • safer than other parts of the valley
  • metro access
  • getting more expensive

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Sabaneta

Sabaneta is situated deep in the south of the Medellín metro area. It is a barrio that resembles a village, with its beautiful park adding charm. Statistically, it is the safest part of the Valley and tends to receive a bit more rainfall than other areas.

I recommend staying close to the park for accommodation. This area offers a tranquil, picturesque setting, making it ideal for experiencing Sabaneta’s unique village-like atmosphere while enjoying its safety and serenity.

MG 6758 1

Pros and Cons

  • Tranquil, authentic and beautiful
  • Quiet far away from the main sights

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Buenos Aires

Uphill from the city center and easily accessible by the tramvia from the San Antonio metro station lies this hidden gem. Slowly being discovered by tourists and expats, this neighborhood offers an authentic local feel and is much safer than the nearby Centro and Prado areas.

MG 6655 1

Pros and Cons

  • Low cost of living
  • Local living experience
  • Central location
  • Close to many attractions
  • safety might be an issue
  • Steep and hilly, therefore not very walkable
  • Limited nightlife options

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Carlos E./Suramericana

As part of the Laureles area, the Carlos E. Restrepo and Suramericana neighborhoods are nestled between Cerro El Volador, the stadium, the B Metro Line, and the Medellín River. Located next to the Universidad Nacional de Colombia, the Carlos E. Restrepo area is bustling with students, offering a vibrant and youthful atmosphere. It has a similar vibe to the Villa de Aburrá area in Belén, although Carlos E. Restrepo and especially Suramericana are more upscale.

The main square, Plaza Carlos E., or Carlos E. Parque, is named after former President Carlos Eugenio Restrepo. This tree-lined square is flanked by a grey building housing various bars and restaurants, making it a popular gathering spot.

Suramericana, located south of Carlos E., is served by the metro line. It is a high estrato neighborhood with modern brick high-rises, abundant trees, and small parks. The area is dotted with restaurants and tiendas, providing inviting spots to relax with friends.

MG 6731

Pros and Cons

  • Very leafy and green
  • Lots of restaurants, cafes and bars
  • Young crowd
  • Central Location
  • Metro access
  • Mostly residential
  • Not a lot of nightlife, but it’s close to La 70
  • Few Hotels and AirBnBs

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La America/ La Floresta

This mostly undiscovered neighborhood offers a delightful escape, located between the Floresta and Santa Lucía metro stations in the north and Avenida San Juan (44) in the south. The main attraction is Parque de La Floresta, featuring the beautiful La Inmaculada Church, charming family houses, and plenty of dining options.

Another popular spot, especially among youngsters, is Parque del Amor, which comes alive at night with a vibrant and friendly atmosphere. La Floresta’s tranquility and local charm blend makes it a hidden gem worth exploring.

MG 6725

Pros and Cons

  • Very Authentic Neighbourhood
  • Beautiful Parks
  • Good Public Transportation
  • Close to Laureles
  • Few Nightlife Options

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El Poblado Provenza

Provenza is arguably Medellín’s most famous area. It is renowned for its numerous dining and nightlife options, with around 250 establishments to choose from. In 2022, it was recognized as one of Time Out Magazine’s coolest streets in the world. Provenza is a vibrant part of El Poblado, just a few steps uphill from Lleras Park.

Provenza’s traffic-free, tree-lined streets are filled with restaurants, bars, cafes, nightclubs, barbershops, shops, and laundries, attracting a diverse crowd—over 50% of whom are tourists. Initially built in the 1960s as a residential area, Provenza has transformed Medellín’s top nightlife destination over the past decade.

MG 6558 1

Pros and Cons

  • Green and beautiful
  • Hundreds of dining options
  • Safe
  • International crowd
  • Touristy
  • More expensive than other parts of Medellin
  • Noisy

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El Poblado Manila

Manila is between Avenida Las Vegas (Carrera 48) and Avenida El Poblado (Carrera 43A), just north of Calle 10. This more residential area of El Poblado consists mainly of old two-story houses, which are gradually being transformed into another tourist district.

Manila offers a more backpacker-friendly vibe and is notably more budget-friendly than other parts of El Poblado. Its evolving landscape makes it an attractive destination for those seeking a blend of local charm and affordable accommodations.

Pros and Cons

  • Different vibe than the rest of El Poblado
  • Lots of accommodations and dining options
  • Close to the Metro
  • A bit cheaper than the rest of El Poblado

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Laureles Parques

Once considered a local alternative to El Poblado, Laureles has become one of Colombia’s most visited and sought-after neighborhoods. In 2023, it earned Time Out Magazine’s top pick for the most excellent neighborhood.

Laureles is known for its two bustling parks and Avenida Nutibara, both lined with popular restaurants, bars, and cafes. Nightlife enthusiasts can find numerous nightclubs in the La 70 and La 33 areas.

Similar to El Poblado, Laureles is an upscale neighborhood. However, it offers a flat, walkable layout and is more open, with fewer gated communities, giving it a more accessible feel.

While El Poblado is favored by party tourists, Laureles attracts more digital nomads, as evidenced by the many coworking spaces and cafes catering to this crowd.

MG 6494

Pros and Cons

  • Flat and walkable
  • Digital Nomad friendly
  • Lots of dining options, but less nightlife options than El Poblado
  • Modern
  • Beautiful and green
  • No upscale shopping mall
  • Metro too far

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Laureles La 70

Laureles’ party strip extends a kilometer from the Estadio Metro Station to the Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana. If you prefer a quiet environment, this may not be your neighborhood. However, if you want to experience nightlife like a local, Carrera 70 offers plenty of exciting options.

MG 6302

Pros and Cons

  • A more local party experience than El Poblado
  • Tons of fun places to pick from
  • Could be a bit dangerous

Best Hotels

Best apartments

Best CoLiving

Best Hostels

Best Bars/Nightlife

Best Restaurants

Best Cafes

Best CoWorking Places

Best CoWorking Cafes

Shopping Mall

Cinema

Gym

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Sights and things to do

More Neighborhood Guides about where to stay in Medellin Coming Soon

This list is by no means complete. In the future, we will add neighborhood guides for Itagüí, Calasanz, San Javier, La Estrella, Guayabal, Castilla, Parque Boston, Manrique, San Antonio de Prado, Rionegro, and other parts of El Poblado. Stay tuned for more detailed insights into these vibrant areas.

If you prefer to connect with nature, check out our glamping in Medellin guide.

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