Where to stay in Medellín? – The best neighborhoods + tips

Travel Guide Medellin

Home 9 Category: Travel Guide Medellin ( Page 4 )

El Poblado or Laureles/Estadio?

Where to stay in Medellín? Find the best neighborhoods + tips here. El Poblado and Laureles-Estadio….beide neighborhoods are attractive to travelers for their safety, central location and easy accessibility. There are hotels, hostels and apartments for every budget: for $10 you have a dorm bed in a hostel and a comfortable mid-range hotel for $30-$60. There is also a wide choice of luxury class hotels, especially in El Poblado. Which neighborhood is the nicest and most convenient to stay in? That depends entirely on what you want to do in Medellín and where! We have stayed in both neighborhoods during our trips to Medellín and find that both neighborhoods have their charms. Hopefully our tips will help you get started in making a choice!

El Poblado

El Poblado is a green, hilly neighborhood, 6 km south of the city center. It is an upscale neighborhood, with some of Medellín’s fanciest restaurants, but there are restaurants for every budget.

El Poblado is a large area made up of smaller neighborhoods. You can therefore spend a lot of time walking to and from your accommodation and the metro station. Therefore, choose your hotel or hostel smartly and depending on what you want to do.

If you plan to do a lot of shopping, then an accommodation near Avenida de El Poblado (Milla de Oro / golden mile) is convenient. Here you will find shopping centers such as Santa Fe and Oviedo, large supermarkets and many restaurants.

This section is also the business center of El Poblado. The hotels are mostly high-rise.

If you prefer to stay in the heart of the nightlife, grab accommodation near the cozy Lleras Park, the Zona Rosa of El Poblado.

The locals’ nightlife has lately moved more to Vía Provenza, around the corner from Lleras park.

In the Provenza and foodie district of Manila, you will find a number of boutique hotels, such as Manila hotel boutique
and Patio del Mundo in Provenza, where you imagine yourself in the jungle -:)

Conveniently, if you are staying in El Poblado, you can then join organized tours leaving from El Parque del Poblado, such as various (bus) tours to Guatapé, Comuna 13 and the free El Poblado walking tour.

There are 4 metro stations: Poblado, Industriales, Aguacatala and Ayurá. There is a bus station in El Poblado, the Terminal del Sur, for buses to nearby villages such as Jardín. Furthermore, the national Olaya Herrera Airport is located in El Poblado.

    Laureles-Estadio

    Laureles-Estadio is centrally located, west of the city center (El Centro). This makes it a great base to visit El Centro, grab a museum there or do a city walk. Laureles-Estadio is close to Estadio metro station (line B).

    Like El Poblado, Laureles-Estadio is a popular neighborhood with travelers, but without the tourist “hype.” Here you will find a more local vibe than in El Poblado. You already feel the different vibe when you get off at Estadio metro station; it’s messy, there are more street vendors, in short, it’s more Colombian.

    Laureles-Estadio is a pedestrian-friendly, flat neighborhood. There are nice restaurants and coffee shops, and prices are lower than in El Poblado.

    We stayed on a quiet side street of La Setenta, the Zona Rosa (entertainment district) of Medellín. La Setenta is a long street with many restaurants, bars and clubs.

    The famous Son Havana salsa club is also located in Laureles-Estadio.

    When there are soccer games at Soccer Stadium Atanasio Girardot, you will find many soccer fans on the streets, coming for drinks after the game. Soccer fans who do not go to the stadium come to watch the game in one of the many bars.

    You can store at the large shopping center Centro Comercial Unicentro.

    Furthermore, in Laureles/Estadio you will find the parks el primer and segundo Parque de Laureles, where there are also some nice hotels.

    If you are staying in Laureles-Estadio, then you are not far from Caribe Metro station, where you can catch the bus to Guatapé.

    Other neighborhoods

    In El Centro (la Candelaria), you will find some of the city’s main attractions and museums. Still, we don’t recommend this neighborhood to stay overnight, as it is less safe at night. Besides, you can easily reach El Centro by metro, for a day of “sightseeing.” (Metro stations Parque Berrío, San Antonio (line A)

    Envigado and Sabaneta are actually 2 separate cities, but because there are no visible boundaries, they are considered part of Medellín. These traditional neighborhoods are south of El Poblado. If you are in Medellín for an extended period of time, these are great neighborhoods to stay in. Both Sabaneta and Envigado are easily accessible by metro (line A). If you are coming to visit the tourist attractions, it is more convenient to book accommodation in El Poblado or Laureles to save yourself a lot of travel time.

     

    DiscoverCars.com

    Tips for booking your hotel or hostel

    1) Check the distance to the nearest metro station
    Especially in El Poblado, as this is a large, hilly area. Even a short walk can be fairly intense

    2) Check if the hotel is right on a busy street or 1 or 2 streets behind it.
    This can make a world of difference to your sleep! If the hotel is on a busy street, check if it has “soundproofing” rooms or ask for a room not facing the street.

    Our pick:
     Our favorite hotel in El Poblado for location and comfort is Leblón Suites (around $60). The hotel has very spacious suites with kitchens and is on a quiet street behind Avenida de El Poblado (Golden mile). Because of this, we were not bothered by the traffic. The hotel is within walking distance of Parque Poblado (starting point of several tours), supermarket Carrulla and shopping centers Oviedo and Santa Fe. Around the corner from the hotel you will find a drugstore, restaurant Parmessano and coffee shop Tostao.

    Bonus tip:
    Do you like a bit of luxury during your city break? Then check out these hotels with jacuzzi in Medellin.

    Check out more hotels and hostels in the different price ranges below.

    $ price range up to $30

    $$ price range $30 – $60

    $$$ price range above $60

    El Poblado

    $

    $$

    $$$

    More hotels in El Poblado-Medellin

    Laureles/Estadio

    $

    $$

    $$$

    More hotels in Laureles-Medellin

    The best restaurants in Medellín – Food and drink.

    Travel Guide Medellin

    Home 9 Category: Travel Guide Medellin ( Page 4 )

    Eating and drinking in Medellín

    There are good restaurants in Medellín for every taste and budget, from traditional to international. Medellín even has a  restauran with Michelin stars: Elcielo in el Poblado, which received its second Michelin star in 2022. There are some streets/neighborhoods in Medellín with a large concentration of restaurants, such as “La Setenta” in Laureles/Estadio, Parque Lleras and Manila in el Poblado and Calle de la buena mesa in Envigado. To learn more about typical local food and drink in Medellín, check out the page Food Medellín for more info.

    Coffee culture
    Medellín has a real coffee culture. At specialized coffee shops, you choose the coffee beans and the method of preparation yourself. With these, the barista prepares a delicious cup of coffee for you.

    Nightlife
    Lleras park, Manila and vía Provenza (El Poblado), La 70, La 33 (Laureles) and Barrio Colombia are popular nightlife areas. Barrio Colombia is a 10-minute cab ride from El Poblado. In this industrial area, a number of warehouses have been turned into clubs.

     

     

    Our tips

    COFFEE SHOPS

    PERGAMINO

    Lleras park (Poblado)

    Locals favorite and popular with  travelers for the good coffee, tasty cakes and breakfast. Pergamino roast their own coffee beans which they buy from local coffee fincas. Pergamino is a hotspot among digital nomads.

    TOSTAO CAFÉ Y PAN

    Poblado

    For a cheap and tasty cappucino with a quick snack to go with it. There are several establishments in Medellín, including on Avenida El Poblado and Oviedo shopping mall.

    CAFE REVOLUCIÓN

    Laureles

    Cafe near Primer Parque Laureles. Makes a good cup of coffee as well as a delicious iced coffee.

    URBANIA CAFÉ

    Poblado + Viva Envigado mall

    Café with a relaxed ambiance and delicious cakes to go with the coffee. Good workplace for digital nomads.

    RITUALES

    Laureles

    Rituales uses coffee beans from plantations in La Sierra in Medellín. They also have a social project in this barrio.

    DESAROLLADORES DE CAFE

    Provenza (Poblado)

    Here you can choose from coffee beans from all over Colombia. Surprising; the cocktails with coffee.

    BARS & CLUBS

    CAFÉ CLICHE

    Laureles

    For ” la belle vie à la francaise” in Medellín. Café-bistro with live music on different days of the week.

    SON HAVANA

    Laureles-La 70

    One of the best salsa clubs in Medellín, with live bands and free salsa classes.

    ENVY ROOFTOP

    Lleras park (Poblado)

    For a cocktail and snack with a great view, from the 18th floor of the Charlee hotel. You can sit at one of the poolside tables, or one more floor up, where the view is even better.

    CERVECERIA 3 CORDILLERAS

    Barrio Colombia

    Micro brewery with bar, where you can taste 5 types of beer. (included in entrance fee). There are tours on Thursday evenings.

    TRÍLOGIA

    Barrio Colombia

    Popular bar with live music from their own “house band”. The band has a varied repertoire from rock to salsa, merengue and ballads.

    SALON MALAGA

    Centro

    Do you love tango, boleros and Colombian music legends? Then step back in time at one of Medellín’s oldest cafes.

    RESTAURANTS

    CREPES Y WAFFLES

    Sweet and savory crepes, soup and salad, waffles and superdeluxe sundaes. Crepes & Waffles has several locations in Medellín, including in the shopping malls. Crepes y waffles is at the top of our list of best restaurants in Medellín!

    MONDONGOS

    Popular spot with Colombian families, who order the Bandeja Paisa and other traditional dishes. There is a restaurant in El Poblado and in Laureles. Our favorite: the Ajiaco soup, not just any soup, but a whole (filling) meal with all kinds of goodies like avocado, rice, banana, capers and sour cream.

    MEDELLÍN BURGER COMPANY

    For the tastiest burgers in Medellín, for which only Angus beef is used. Also, if you feel like a nice cocktail (with or without alcohol), this is the place to be. Medellín Burger Company has a branch in El Poblado and on la 70 in Laureles.

    MERCADO DEL RIO

    In an old warehouse in Ciudad del Rio, you will find more than 30 restaurants, 2 breweries, a wine bar, and two cafes. There are restaurants serving traditional local food and international restaurants.

    TONY ROMAS-DANN CARLTON

    Dining in a slowly rotating restaurant, on the 18th floor of the Dann Carlton hotel. This is a very special experience in Medellín! During your dinner you will enjoy the 360-degree view and after about 1.5h, you will be back at the “starting point.” Tip: go for the baby beef.

    CARMEN

    A sophisticated cuisine in El Poblado, specializing in “tasting” menus with all kinds of small dishes. The owners are graduates of the famous Cordon Bleu culinary academy.

    What to do in Medellin? How to book excursions safely + bonus tips

    Travel Guide Medellin

    Home 9 Category: Travel Guide Medellin ( Page 4 )

    What to do in Medellín? Too many to mention! We give you tips for the best (free) things to do, the best city tours and the best excursions from Medellín. That way you’ll get the most out of your trip!

    Fun things to do

    10 tips + bonus tips

    1. By cable car to Parque Arví.

    Travel with the locals on the metrocable. The view of the city as well as the comunas is impressive; villages with narrow streets built steeply against the mountain. Despite the visible poverty, it looks cozy because life takes place outside. Nature reserve Parque Arví is the last stop. You can hike there and it is a nice place for lunch among the locals on Sundays.

     

    2. Take a picture of a real Botero

    At Plaza Botero in the city center, you can admire the artwork of the “master.” Botero is known for his abstract, “oversized” sculptures of people and animals. There are 23 bronze Boteros scattered around the plaza. If you want to learn more about Colombia’s most famous artist and also see his paintings, visit Museo de Antioquia, which is also located on the square, right away.

     

    3. Shop till you drop in Colombia's largest mall

    The giga mall with nearly 400 stores and a large food court, is located 5 minutes from Envigado metro station. Viva Centro Comercial includes a large Exito “Wow” store, Homecenter, 16 movie theaters, large Viva park especially for kids and even a sports center with soccer and volleyball courts. Look here for more shopping tips in Medellín.

    4. Stroll around a castle garden

    A castle, right in the middle of Medellín? Yes, you read correctly! In the garden of Museo el Castillo in El Poblado, parrots sit high in the trees and squirrels jump around. You can also take a look at the small museum, but you come here for the garden. Also fun; picnic in the garden -:) You can order a picnic basket from Museo el Castillo’s website.

    5. Grab a bike on car-free Sunday (Ciclovía)

    On all Sundays and holidays from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m., part of the roads are closed to cars. This makes Sunday the ideal day for a bike ride or a walk. For example, you can bike from El Poblado to Envigado (6.5 km). There is a pleasant bustle of stalls and many strolling families.

    6. Take Spanish lessons

    Medellín is a popular city with students. At the language schools, classes are available at any level and for any length of time. In between studying, you can join excursions organized by the school. Read about our own experience and our tips for Studying Spanish in Medellin

    7. Dive into the history of Medellín

    A visit to Museo Casa de la Memoria, is almost a must, if you are going to do a Comuna 13 tour. It is a modern, interactive museum, where you will gain insight into the history of the drug conflict. There is a separate room, where the victims of the years of drug violence have been given a face through the many photos and stories. One thing is for sure: after visiting this museum, the stories of the locals in Comuna 13 will impress you even more! Tip: Bring your earbuds, connect to the wifi in the museum and download the English-language app! Admission is free. The museum is located in Parque Bicentenario in the city center. It is a bit further away from the tourist attractions. From Plaza Botero (Berrío metro station) you can get there by the Tranvía.

     

    8. Move your hips during a salsa class

    We think you can’t go to Colombia without trying a dance -;) Medellín may not have the salsa “status” of Cali, but there are several dance schools or cafes where you can learn your first salsa moves. Not sure yet if salsa is for you? Then take a free trial class, at Café Son Havana or dance school Dancefree, among others.

     

     

    9. Chill in the botanical garden

    The Jardín Botánico is located on 14 acres of land next to Parque Explora. Among other things, you can walk along a small lake with turtles and there are several species of birds and iguanas. Little (and big ) kids can ride a funny little train through the park -:) Jardín Botánico is also popular for festivals, weddings and the annual orchid exhibition, during the Feria de las Flores.

    11. Enjoy the skyline (insider's tip)

    There are many great places to enjoy the view of the city. One of our favorite spots and a real insider’s tip is restaurant la Octava Maravilla / Mirador Sabaneta. The eighth wonder of the world is located in Sabaneta, a suburb of Medellín. The view is stunning and here we drank one of the most delicious -and beautifully decorated- piña coladas ever. Come early because the restaurant is very popular with locals and you can’t make reservations. You can’t pay by credit or debit card, so bring plenty of cash. A taxi from el Poblado through a taxi App cost us around COP20,000/$5 and the ride takes 30-40min. Read here about our own experience at La Octava Maravilla.

    10. Try the delicious food and drinks

    Order a drink at one of the colorful cafes in Lleras park, sample a craft brewed beer at a cerveceria and check out Manila’s “foodie” district in el Poblado. Sample typical local food like the delicious Ajiaco soup at Mondongo’s on la 70 (pictured) or dine in an old warehouse at Mercado del Rio. For our tips on the best restaurants in Medellín. Want to know more about typical local dishes and the best street food in Medellín? Check out the page Food Medellín Buen provecho!

    12. Go to a soccer game with a local

    Colombians are passionate soccer fans, and the most fun way to experience this passion up close is at the stadium. Medellín has two teams: Atletico Nacional and Independente Medellín (DIM). The rivalry between these teams is huge. Don’t know any locals going to the game? Then book a guided tour. You can book such a tour here. If you don’t go to the stadium, you can watch the game in one of the many cafes in Medellín.

    Bonus tips

    1. Visit Medellín during Christmas

    If there is one city in Colombia known for extravagant Christmas lights(El Alumbrado) it is Medellín! Don’t think simple decorations here! The culture of Antioquia is depicted, as well as flowers and animals from the region. To give you an idea of the scale: 28 million LED lights, 1,000 kilometers of cords of Christmas lights, 30,000 handmade figures and 250 people installing the decorations. The Christmas season begins on Dec. 7, but the lights are lit a week earlier and can be admired through the first week of January. Each year the locations for the decorations are announced. You can also go on a guided tour of the beautiful Christmas lights, in the different neighborhoods of Medellín. You can book the tour here.

     

    2. Fun things to do with the kids

    Parque Explora
    A large interactive museum, including aquarium and planetarium. Here the kids can be active themselves. Good to combine with the Jardín Botánico (5 min. walk)
    Hacienda     Napoles
    A theme park located 178 km from Medellín. The park consists of a water park and zoo, built on the former estate of Pablo Escobar. After his death, the Colombian government wanted to do something positive with the property and it is now a popular family park. You can stay overnight at one of the hotels in the vicinity of Hacienda Napoles or Doradal.

     

    Organized tours

    City Tours

    Free city tour

    A city tour is a convenient introduction to the city. You’ll see the highlights while hearing stories about Medellín’s history. The guide also shares useful tips with you. The tour is not completely free: at the end of the tour, you tip the guide. Indication is about COP 30,000 / $ 7.50 per person. You can book the tours at Real City Tours, among others. We found a surprising free tour to be the El Poblado tour.

    Read here about our experience with the El Poblado tour.

    Comuna / grafitti tour

    Medellín is the city of transformation and during the community tours, you will hear the real story of the locals behind that transformation. The most popular tour is the graffiti tour in Comuna 13, where the graffiti and other street art depict life in the comuna. There is a wide range of Comuna 13 tours. We had a good experience with the tour in the Graffivan.

    If you want to visit a more unfamiliar Comuna, you can visit Comuna 8 (Barrio Sierra), combined with a visit to a coffee plantation. Note: You cannot visit Comuna 8 independently, it is not safe. There is 1 authorized organization to do tours here and that is Urban Coffee Tour.

    Read here about our experience with the Urban Coffee Tour.

    fruit tour

    During a tour of the fruit market, your senses will be indulged with many different colors, tastes and smells. During the tour, you will taste many kinds of exotic fruits and fruit juices. With a guide, you will get the most out of your visit. The guide knows the large, hectic market like the back of his hand and a chat with the vendors is easy. The guide will also tell you the stories behind the market and the people. You can book a tour of the fruit market here.

    Day trips

    Day trip Guatapé and el Peñol

    The most popular day trip from Medellín. The trip usually includes typical Colombian breakfast, lunch in the colorful village of Guatapé and a boat ride on the reservoir. If you want to climb el Peñol, keep in mind that entrance is usually not included. (approx. COP20,000/$5)

    Look here for our travel guide Guatapé en el Peñol

    Active “adrenaline rush” tour

    Paragliding, rappelling, rafting, off-roading with an ATV, hiking…no shortage of opportunities to get nice and active! If you really want a kick; try out these zipline hammocks Here you book the hammock zipline tour from Medellin.

    Tour to coffee plantation

    For a coffee tour, you don’t have to go far; coffee plantations can be found even in the outskirts of Medellín, such as in Sabaneta and Envigado. During a tour, you’ll learn all about coffee, from “bean to cup.” Our tip; combine a tour of a coffee plantation with another authentic Colombian experience; horseback riding! With such a combination tour you get the most out of your day. You can book such a tour here.

    Weekend getaway

    Glamping in Guatapé

    (83 km from Medellín)

    If you stay overnight in Guatapé, you can enjoy the surroundings to the fullest. Especially if you stay in a tent, in the middle of nature. For extra luxury, book a tent with a private jacuzzi -:) During the day you can hike or take a kayak trip on the lake. Also ‘n take a mono cab to Guatapé, for a cup of coffee in the “most colorful village in Colombia.” Check out these luxury tents: Bosko glamping and Domus glamping

    Go back in time in Jardín

    (131 km from Medellín)

    Jardín is one of those villages where time has stood still. On Sundays, the farmers come to town on their horses, for a cup of coffee (or something stronger). The nicest place in the village, we think, is the central square. Order a cup of coffee and let village life pass you by. In the surrounding area you can do some nice hiking, bird watching or hiking to a spectacular cave. Check here more quaint villages for a side trip from Medellín.

    Río Claro Reserva Natural

    (152 km from Medellín)

    Near natural reserve Río Claro you can hike and bird watch and there are all kinds of activities to do such as ziplining, rafting (the quiet version) and cave exploration. Accommodations range from a room at the eco-hotel to a private cabaña.

    5-star tours

    Day trips

    Adventure/Paragliding

    Travel Guide Medellín

    Travel Guide Medellin

    Home 9 Category: Travel Guide Medellin ( Page 4 )

    Medellín

    In this travel guide Medellín you will read all about the City of Eternal Spring.
    With about 3 million inhabitants, Medellín is the second largest city in Colombia. Medellín has a pleasant climate and is located at an altitude of 1,500 meters, in the Aburrá Valley.

    City of transformation
    After Pablo Escobar’s cartel controlled the city for years, Medellín seized the opportunity to “reinvent” itself. Underlying the transformation was the modern transportation system with the Metro de Medellín, cable car and escalators. This connected the comunas in the hills surrounding Medellín to the center and brought the inhabitants out of their isolation.

    City of innovation
    Medellín is a modern city, at the forefront of many areas, such as technology. There is even a Valle del Software in Medellín.

    Do you want to visit this extraordinary city? Then check out our Medellín travel guide here with the best things to do and useful tips & tricks for your trip to Medellín!

    All about Medellin

    How to get there.
    What to do.
    Hotels and hostels
    Transportation in Medellín
    Food & drink
    Practical info
    Frequently Asked Questions
    Villages near Medellin
    Shopping in Medellín
    Cheap Flight Tickets