{"id":248960,"date":"2022-08-13T06:34:03","date_gmt":"2022-08-13T10:34:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.nomadicmatt.com\/?p=248960"},"modified":"2025-05-31T13:40:35","modified_gmt":"2025-05-31T17:40:35","slug":"where-to-stay-medellin","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.nomadicmatt.com\/travel-blogs\/where-to-stay-medellin\/","title":{"rendered":"Where to Stay in Medell\u00edn: The Best Neighborhoods for Your Visit"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"The<\/p>\n

The city of Medell\u00edn<\/a> is hugely popular with travelers and digital nomads (that comes with some problems but that’s for another post). It\u2019s the second-largest city in Colombia<\/a> (after Bogot\u00e1<\/a>). <\/p>\n

I absolutely love the city. It has a world-class restaurant scene, there\u2019s plenty of nightlife, it\u2019s affordable, and there\u2019s a large digital nomad community<\/a> so it\u2019s easy to connect with other travelers and remote workers.<\/p>\n

Of course, it wasn\u2019t always this way. In the 1980s, Medell\u00edn was the most dangerous city on the planet, thanks to Pablo Escobar\u2019s infamous drug cartel. But, since then, the murder rate has dropped by an astounding 95%, and the poverty rate has decreased by 66%. <\/p>\n

In the last decade, Medell\u00edn has been showered with awards due to its rapidly improving infrastructure, public transportation system, and other features that have made the city an extremely livable place. This is not the Medellin of the past.<\/p>\n

That said, travelers should still be careful in Medell\u00edn \u2014 mostly by avoiding the outskirts of town and certain neighborhoods at night where crime can still be an issue. Location is important in Medell\u00edn, and that\u2019s why you have to choose where you stay wisely when looking for accommodation there. <\/p>\n

Below, I\u2019ll show you exactly where to stay in Medell\u00edn, so you can plant yourself in the best neighborhood, based on your travel style, budget, and interests. <\/p>\n

First, though, let me answer a few frequent questions I get: <\/p>\n

What\u2019s the best neighborhood for travelers on a budget? <\/strong>
\nIf you\u2019re traveling on a budget, El Poblado<\/a> is a cool neighborhood with plenty of great restaurants, bars, and clubs. It’s where everyone stays and you’ll find the majority of hostels there too.<\/p>\n

What\u2019s the best neighborhood for sightseeing?<\/strong>
\nEl Centro<\/a> is packed with museums, parks, guided walking tours, and historical landmarks. A first-time visitor should definitely spend some time here. But it also has a seedy element to it, so avoid El Centro at night. <\/p>\n

What\u2019s the best neighborhood for digital nomads?<\/strong>
\nPatio Bonito<\/a> is a sub-neighborhood connected to the very popular El Poblado district. Unlike its neighbor, Patio Bonito is quieter and boasts a plethora of hip restaurants, bars, and coffee spots. There are also a few co-working spaces here. <\/p>\n

What\u2019s the best neighborhood for families? <\/strong>
\nSabaneta<\/a> is a quiet, safe, and leafy residential district. The area is crammed with parks, plazas, and placid restaurants and caf\u00e9s. <\/p>\n

What\u2019s the best neighborhood overall? <\/strong>
\nEl Poblado<\/a> is central, safe, and has a little bit of everything for everyone: cool restaurants, bars, and caf\u00e9s, as well as parks, museums, and nice hotels. It’s where the majority of travelers stay when they visit. <\/p>\n

So, with those questions answered, here\u2019s a breakdown of each neighborhood, with suggested accommodations for each, so you know exactly where to stay in Medell\u00edn:<\/p>\n

\n

Medell\u00edn Neighborhood Overview<\/p>\n

    \n
  1. Where to Stay for First-Time Visitor\/Budget Travelers<\/a><\/li>\n
  2. Where to Stay for Families<\/a><\/li>\n
  3. Where to Stay for Art<\/a><\/li>\n
  4. Where to Stay for Digital Nomads<\/a><\/li>\n
  5. Where to Stay to Feel Like a Local<\/a><\/li>\n
  6. Where to Stay for Budget Sightseeing<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/div>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Where to Stay for First-Time Visitors\/Budget Travelers: El Poblado<\/a><\/h3>\n

    This fun neighborhood is basically the center of it all. Both locals and visitors gravitate to El Poblado because it\u2019s packed with restaurants, bars, clubs, caf\u00e9s, shops, and hotels. Head to Parque Lieres, the nightlife mecca of the district, and join the fun circus of sensual pleasures in this vibrant part of town. That said, it is the main hub for gringos<\/em>, so expect slightly higher prices here.<\/p>\n

    Best places to stay in El Poblado<\/strong>:<\/p>\n

    BUDGET<\/strong>: Los Patios Hostel<\/a> \u2013 This award-winning hostel has a rooftop pool, co-working stations, a gym, a garden, and so much more. It\u2019s one of the best hostels in the city!<\/p>\n

    MIDRANGE<\/strong>: Nomada Hotel Origen<\/a> \u2013 A big, buffet-style breakfast is always included at this chic, centrally located hotel. The rooms are comfortable, some of which have kitchenettes, exposed brick walls, terraces, and bathtubs. <\/p>\n

    LUXURY<\/strong>: The Click Clack<\/a> \u2013 A design-friendly hotel, the Click Clack is one of the cooler places to stay in El Poblado. The sleek rooms have great rain showers, and they\u2019re also filled with complimentary snacks. Breakfast is also included.
    \n <\/p>\n

    Where to Stay for Families: Sabaneta<\/a><\/h3>\n

    Sabaneta is a quiet, leafy residential neighborhood centered around Parque Sabaneta, a block-long swath of greenery surrounded by casual sidewalk caf\u00e9s and restaurants. There are also a lot of shopping malls and historic churches to explore. For a fun (and tacky) photo op, stop by the mini Eiffel Tower.<\/p>\n

    Best places to stay in Sabaneta<\/strong>:<\/p>\n

    BUDGET<\/strong>: Sabacity<\/a> \u2013 This apartment complex is very affordable and comfortable, offering the standard amenities like TV, kitchen, and free Wi-Fi. There’s free parking too.<\/p>\n

    MIDRANGE<\/strong>: Hotel Port\u00f3n Sabaneta<\/a> \u2013 The bright and spacious rooms here are comfortable and nicely priced for a mid-range property. All rooms have air conditioning, flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, and minibars. <\/p>\n

    LUXURY<\/strong>: Fairfield by Marriott Sabaneta<\/a> \u2013 It\u2019s a big chain, but there are not a lot of hotels in Sabaneta (which is good if you have an aversion to fellow tourists), and the Fairfield is comfortable and easy on the wallet. Rooms have all the usual perks and comforts, plus scenic terraces with views over the district.
    \n <\/p>\n

    Where to Stay for Art: Barrio Colombia and Ciudad Del R\u00edo<\/a><\/h3>\n

    \"The
    \nThese adjoining neighborhoods are a must for anyone who loves art. For starters, Ciudad del R\u00edo is an old warehouse district, many of whose walls are blanketed in eye-popping street art. And nearby Barrio Colombia is home to the Medell\u00edn Modern Art Museum (as well as the biggest food market in town, the Mercado del R\u00edo).<\/p>\n

    Best places to stay in Barrio Colombia and Ciudad del R\u00edo<\/strong>:<\/p>\n

    BUDGET<\/strong>: Parceros Med Hostel<\/a> \u2013 Super budget-friendly and no-frills, Parceros lies on the border between Ciudad del R\u00edo and El Poblado. It has small private rooms and mixed and female-only dorms. <\/p>\n

    MIDRANGE<\/strong>: Ibis Medell\u00edn<\/a> \u2013 This tall property features spacious rooms with the usual mid-level perks, such as free Wi-Fi, bathroom toiletries, air conditioning, and a flat-screen TV. There\u2019s also a complimentary breakfast.<\/p>\n

    LUXURY<\/strong>: La Quinta<\/a> \u2013 Located just outside of Barrio Colombia, La Quinta is worth staying just a bit further from the neighborhood. The rooms are sizable and have all the perks you\u2019d expect from a four-star hotel, plus charming terraces.
    \n <\/p>\n

    Where to Stay for Digital Nomads: Patio Bonito<\/a><\/h3>\n

    Located just south of bustling El Poblado, Patio Bonito is a more laid-back neighborhood. This diminutive district is filled with hip restaurants and bars and is popular with Medell\u00edn\u2019s expat and digital-nomad communities. It\u2019s more budget-friendly than El Poblado (there are a lot of students here) and is home to the relaxing Quebrada La Presidenta Park.<\/p>\n

    Best places to stay in Patio Bonito<\/strong>:<\/p>\n

    BUDGET<\/strong>: Cloud9 Hostel<\/a> \u2013 Located smack in the center of Patio Bonito, Cloud9 has a large and fun common room and an amazing terrace to hang out on. Rooms come in a few varieties, including mixed and female-only dorms and private rooms.<\/p>\n

    MIDRANGE<\/strong>: Sites Hotel<\/a> \u2013 Stylish, cheerful, and nicely located, Sites is a very comfortable place to base yourself in Medell\u00edn. The rooms consist of very spacious lofts and apartments. There\u2019s also a pool, a barbecue terrace, and a reading room.<\/p>\n

    LUXURY<\/strong>: Medell\u00edn Marriott<\/a> \u2013 This luxurious Marriott has a lovely swimming pool, a spa, and a fitness center. Rooms have floor-to-ceiling windows with killer views, mini-fridges, desks, safes, and air conditioners.
    \n <\/p>\n

    Where to Stay to Feel Like a Local: Laureles<\/a><\/h3>\n

    \"The
    \nHome to Medell\u00edn\u2019s two soccer teams, Atl\u00e9tico Nacional (AN) and Deportivo Independiente Medell\u00edn (DIM), and the stadiums they play in, Laureles is a fun place to plant yourself in this metropolis. You don\u2019t have to go far to catch a game, one of the most \u201clocal\u201d experiences you can have. Also in Laureles, there\u2019s La Setenta (or La 70), a vivacious street crammed with fun, spirited bars and caf\u00e9s. <\/p>\n

    Best places to stay in Laureles<\/strong>:<\/p>\n

    BUDGET<\/strong>: Ayenda 1258 Boutique Laureles<\/a> \u2013 For a budget property, this spot is really comfortable. The private rooms have en suite bathrooms, hairdryers, and free toiletries and coffee. <\/p>\n

    MIDRANGE<\/strong>: Hotel Laureles Park<\/a> \u2013 This 15-room boutique property is stylish and friendly. The Colombian breakfast is complimentary, and the hotel even has bikes that guests can borrow for rides around the neighborhood. The rooms are big and cheerful and have all the usual amenities. <\/p>\n

    LUXURY<\/strong>: Inntu Hotel<\/a> \u2013 Located in a tall tower, Inntu is an affordable luxury property loaded with amenities, including a sauna, Turkish bath, and in-house restaurant. The 45 rooms are stylish and comfortable and feature couches, plus-sized TVs, and comfortable beds.
    \n <\/p>\n

    Where to Stay for Sightseeing: El Centro<\/a><\/h3>\n

    \"Botero
    \nThe historical center of town, El Centro is the oldest neighborhood in the city. While it gets a bit unsafe at night (avoid going out alone at night here), during the day it\u2019s full of hustle and bustle. Don\u2019t miss the popular Plaza Botero, the Museo de Antioquia art museum, the Catedral Basilica Metropolitana (the largest church in the city), and the popular pedestrian-only thoroughfare, Junnin Street.<\/p>\n

    Best Places to Stay in El Centro<\/strong>:<\/p>\n

    BUDGET<\/strong>: Centro Hostel<\/a> \u2013 Offering free breakfast, female-only dorms, and a convenient location within walking distance of much of the neighborhood attractions, this clean and comfy hostel has everything you need for a laid-back stay.<\/p>\n

    MIDRANGE<\/strong>: Hotel Romanza<\/a> \u2013 This hotel offers all the standard hotel amenities like free Wi-Fi coffee\/tea makers, and air conditioning while keeping prices super affordable. You get a lot of value here.<\/li>\n

    LUXURY<\/strong>: Hotel 47<\/a> \u2013 This sleek and modern hotel boasts a bar on-site, a garden for relaxing, a jacuzzi, and free breakfast. The rooms are spacious and the beds are comfy. It\u2019s just a 10-minute walk from Berrio Park too.<\/p>\n

    ***<\/center><\/p>\n

    Medell\u00edn<\/a> is a fun, vibrant, and relatively under-the-radar place to explore. With a wide variety of neighborhoods to choose from (and a few safety concerns), travelers should be extra mindful when picking the best neighborhood for their trip. But by following the suggestions above, you\u2019ll be able to easily find a spot that suits your budget and travel style, ensuring you have a fun and safe visit to this lively South American city!<\/p>\n

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