Date of publication : 14.08.22 | August 14, 2022
Medellin is very popular with travelers and digital nomads (it has some issues, but more on that for another post). It is the second largest city in Colombia (after Bogotá).
The city has world-class restaurants, lots of nightlife, reasonable prices, and a large digital nomad community, so it's easy to connect with other travelers and remote workers.
Of course, that was not always the case. In the 1980s, Medellin was the most dangerous city on the planet for Pablo Escobar's infamous drug cartel. But since then, the homicide rate has fallen by a staggering 95% and the poverty rate by 66%.
Over the past decade, Medellin has won praise for its rapidly improving infrastructure, public transportation system, and other features that make the city a very convenient destination. This is not Medellin in the past.
However, travelers should still exercise caution in Medellin, the city's mostly nocturnal suburbs and some areas where crime can still be a problem. Location is important in Medellin, and therefore, you should choose wisely where to stay when looking for accommodation there.
Below, I'll show you exactly where to stay in Medellin so you can choose the best area based on your travel style, budget, and interests.
However, let's answer some of my general questions first.
Which area is best for budget travelers?
If you're traveling on a budget, Belem is a great area with lots of great restaurants, bars and clubs.
What are the best areas for sightseeing?
El Centro is full of museums, parks, tours and historic sites. A first time visitor should definitely spend some time here. But it also has a nasty element, so avoid El Centro at night.
What are the best areas for digital nomads?
Patio Bonito is a neighborhood connected to the very popular El Poblado area. Unlike its neighbour, Patio Bonito is more relaxed and has many trendy restaurants, bars and cafes. There are also many co-working spaces.
What is the best area for families?
Sabanetta is a quiet, safe and green residential area. The area is full of parks, squares, restaurants and quiet cafes.
What are the best areas in general?
El Poblado is central, safe and has something for everyone: great restaurants, bars and cafes, as well as parks, museums and good hotels. Tourism is fun.
So with that question answered, here are the details for each area, including recommended accommodations, so you know exactly where to stay in Medellin:
An overview of the Medellin region
- Where do you stay for new visitors?
- Where do you live for family?
- Where do you live for art?
- Where do you stay for digital nomads?
- Where to stay to feel like a local
- Where should you stay for budget travelers?
- Where to Stay for Sightseeing on a Budget
Where to stay for new visitors: El Poblado
This fun area is basically the center of it. Both locals and visitors are drawn to El Poblado because it is filled with restaurants, bars, clubs, cafes, shops and hotels. The region's nightlife mecca head to Lires Park and join a fun circus of sensual delights in this lively part of town. However, this is a gringo staple , so expect a slightly higher price here.
Best place to stay in El Poblado
- Budget : Accommodation Los Patios. This award-winning residence features a rooftop pool, workspace, gym, garden and more. This is one of the best hostels in the city.
- Middle section . Nomada Hotel Origin - This luxury hotel in the heart of the city always has a hearty breakfast. Comfortable rooms, some with kitchenettes, exposed brick walls, balconies and bathrooms.
- Luxury Clic Clac - Design Hotel Clic Clac is one of the best places to stay in El Poblado. Elegant rooms feature stunning rainforest showers as well as complimentary snacks. Breakfast is also included.
Where to stay for family: Sabneta
Sabanetta is a quiet green residential area surrounded by Sabanetta Park, a green space surrounded by cozy street cafes and restaurants. There are also many shopping malls and historic churches to explore. For a fun (and cheerful) photo, check out the Little Eiffel Tower.
Best place to stay in Sabaneta
- Budget Accommodation - This very affordable and comfortable apartment complex offers standard amenities like TV, kitchen and free Wi-Fi. Free parking is also available.
- Mid-range Hotel Porton Sabanetta - Comfortable, bright and spacious rooms at a good price for a mid-range hotel. All rooms have air conditioning, flat screen TV, free Wi-Fi internet and mini bar.
- Luxury Fairfield by Marriott Sabaneta is a big chain, but there aren't many hotels in Sabaneta (which is good if you're bored with your friends), and the Fairfield is comfortable and easy on the wallet. Rooms have all the usual features and amenities, as well as scenic balconies overlooking the grounds.
Where to be for art: Barrio Colombia, Ciudad del Rio
These neighborhoods are a must for anyone who loves art. For starters, Ciudad del Rio is an old warehouse district, with most of its walls covered in eye-catching street art. Nearby, Barrio Colombia is home to the Medellin Museum of Contemporary Art (as well as the city's largest food market, the Mercado del Río).
Best places to stay in Barrio Colombia and Ciudad del Rio
- Budget Perseros Made In – On the border between Ciudad del Rio and El Poblado, the Perseros Hotel is budget-friendly and no-frills. It has small private rooms as well as mixed and female dormitories.
- Medium size . Ibis Medellin. This upscale hotel offers spacious rooms with typical mid-range amenities such as free Wi-Fi, en suite bathrooms, air conditioning, and flat-screen TVs. There is also a free breakfast.
- Luxury La Quinta - Located near Barrio Colombia, La Quinta is perfect for a getaway from the area. The rooms are large and have all the amenities you would expect from a four-star hotel, plus attractive balconies.
Where do you stay for digital nomads? Patio Bonito
Patio Bonito, south of busy El Poblado, is a quiet neighborhood. With many trendy restaurants and bars, this small area is popular with Medellin's expats and nomads. It is more economical than El Poblado (which has a lot of students) and is home to the peaceful Quebrada La Presidente Park.
Best place to stay in Patio Bonito
- Budget : Cloud 9 accommodation. Cloud 9 Patio is right in the center of Bonito and has a large, fun common room and a nice patio for hanging out. Rooms come in a variety of types, including mixed, female and single dormitories.
- in the middle of the road Hotel Site - Stylish, fun and conveniently located, Hotel Site is a very convenient place to stay in Medellin. Rooms consist of lofts and suites which are very spacious. There is also a swimming pool, barbecue terrace and reading room.
- Luxury Medellin Marriott - This luxury Marriott hotel has a beautiful pool, spa, and fitness center. Rooms feature floor-to-ceiling windows with stunning views, mini fridges, desks, safes and air conditioning.
Where to stay to feel like a local. Laurel
Home of Medellin's two soccer teams, Atlético Nacional (AN) and Deportivo Independiente Medellín (DIM), and the stadiums they play in, Laureles is a fun place to base yourself in the city. You don't have to travel far to enjoy a game, it's one of the most "local" experiences you can have. Also in Laureles is La Setenta (or La 70), a lively street full of entertainment and lively bars and cafes.
Best place to stay in Laurel
- Budget Ayenda 1258 Boutique Laureles - For a budget property, this place is really comfortable. Private rooms have a private bathroom, hairdryer, free toiletries and coffee.
- in the middle of the road Laureles Park Hotel is a stylish and comfortable 15-room boutique hotel. A Colombian breakfast is free, and the hotel has bikes that guests can rent to explore the area. The rooms are large and pleasant with all the usual amenities.
- Luxury Luxury Intu Hotel - Located on an elevation, Intu is an affordable luxury hotel with many facilities including a sauna, Turkish bath and its own restaurant. 45 elegant and comfortable rooms furnished with sofas, large TVs and comfortable beds.
Where to Stay in Belém for Budget Travelers
With more locals than tourists here, Belem is the perfect choice for budget travelers looking for a more local getaway. It's still easy to get around here, but you won't be in the middle of things like El Poblado, but it's not as loud as El Centro. If you want to enjoy the nightlife, there are many nice places to eat and plenty of bars and clubs. In short, Belen offers something to satisfy the budget traveller.
Best place to stay in Beilein
- Budget : Casa La Palma. Located in the neighboring town of La Palma, this budget house offers everything you need for a simple stay, including free parking, free Wi-Fi and a communal kitchen.
- in the middle of the road Hotel Mandala - This 3-star hotel offers free parking, free breakfast, and free Wi-Fi. They also have staff to help you book tours and activities around town.
- Luxury Made La Palma – This mid-range hotel is located on the outskirts of Belem in the neighboring city of La Palma. However, it has everything you need: free wifi, breakfast, airport transfer, air conditioner at a very affordable price. The rooms are clean and spacious and the beds are comfortable.
Where to Stay for Sightseeing: El Centro
El Centro, the historic center of the city, is the oldest area of the city. Although it's a bit unsafe at night (avoid going out here alone at night), it's lively during the day. Don't miss the famous Piazza Botero, the Museo de Antioquia, the Catedral Basilica Metropolitana (the largest church in the city) and the famous Junin Street.
Best place to stay in El Centro
- Budget : Centro Inn. It offers free breakfast, female dormitory rooms and a convenient location within walking distance of local attractions. This clean and friendly hotel has everything you need for a comfortable stay.
- middle section Hotel Romanza – This hotel offers all the standard hotel amenities like free Wi-Fi, coffee/tea making facilities and air conditioning and the rates are very reasonable. You get great value here.
- Jhankan Hotel 47 – This stylish and modern hotel has an on-site bar, relaxing garden, whirlpool and complimentary breakfast. Rooms are spacious, beds are comfortable. It's only a 10-minute drive from Berio Park.
Medellin is a fun, lively, and relatively low-key place to explore. With different areas to choose from (and different safety considerations), travelers should be especially careful when choosing the best area for their trip. But by following the tips above, you can easily find a place that suits your budget and travel style, ensuring you an enjoyable and safe trip to this vibrant South American city.
Book your flight to Colombia. Logistics tips and tricks
Book your flight
Use Skyscanner to find cheap flights. This is my favorite search engine because they search websites and airlines all over the world so you always know they have nothing left but their hearts.
Book your stay
You can book your hostel on Hostelworld as they have the largest selection and best deals. If you want to stay somewhere other than hostels, use Booking.com as they consistently offer the lowest rates for guest houses and budget hotels.
If you're looking for a place to stay, here are my favorite hostels in Medellin.
Don't forget travel insurance
ভ্রমণ বীমা আপনাকে অসুস্থতা, আঘাত, চুরি এবং বাতিলকরণ থেকে রক্ষা করবে। কিছু ভুল হলে এটি ব্যাপক সুরক্ষা। আমি এটি ছাড়া কখনও ভ্রমণ করি না কারণ আমাকে এটি আগে অনেকবার ব্যবহার করতে হয়েছিল। আমার প্রিয় কোম্পানী যারা সেরা পরিষেবা এবং মূল্য প্রদান করে:
- নিরাপত্তা বাহু (70 বছরের কম বয়সী যে কারো জন্য)
- আমার ট্রিপ ইন্স্যুরেন্স (70 বছরের বেশি বয়সীদের জন্য)
- মেডজেট (অতিরিক্ত প্রত্যাবাসন কভারেজের জন্য)
আপনি অর্থ সঞ্চয় সেরা কোম্পানি খুঁজছেন?
ভ্রমণের সময় ব্যবহার করার জন্য সেরা কোম্পানিগুলির জন্য আমার সংস্থান পৃষ্ঠাটি দেখুন। আমি যখন রাস্তায় থাকি তখন টাকা বাঁচাতে আমি যা ব্যবহার করি তার তালিকা করি। আপনি ভ্রমণ করার সময় তারা আপনার অর্থও সাশ্রয় করবে।
কলম্বিয়া সম্পর্কে আরও তথ্য চান?
আরো পরিকল্পনা টিপস জন্য আমাদের বিশ্বস্ত কলম্বিয়া ভ্রমণ গাইড পরীক্ষা করে দেখুন.
যাযাবর ম্যাট ট্র্যাভেলে মেডেলিনের সেরা এলাকা দেখার জন্য এই সম্পত্তির পোস্টটি প্রথম হাজির।