Where To Stay In Medellín 2025 -
4 Best Areas
Looking for where to stay in Medellín for your first visit?
We’ve got you covered with expert advice, backed by years of experience living in this vibrant city.
Medellín has undergone a remarkable transformation over recent years, evolving from a city with a troubled past into a modern haven where the weather feels like an eternal spring.
Nestled among picturesque mountains and charming villages, Medellín serves as an ideal base for day trips to destinations like Guatapé, Jardín, and Santa Fe de Antioquia.
While the city itself has its share of attractions, it offers a more relaxed pace compared to the bustling capitals of Europe, where sightseeing often means hopping from one landmark to another.
So, what makes Medellín worth visiting, even if only for a few days?
The city boasts a unique vibe, with incredibly welcoming and proud locals, a buzzing nightlife, a rich street food culture, a mild climate, breathtaking views, and a modern, dynamic character.
To help you make the most of your time in this increasingly popular destination, we’ll guide you through the top neighborhoods that are not only convenient but also known for their safety.
With years of first-hand experience, this website also offers free guidance to things to do and loads of food recommendations, so you can fully enjoy this magical city.
In summary: The top neighborhoods to consider for your stay in Medellín are El Poblado, Laureles, Belén, and Envigado.
Below, we’ll dive into each of these recommended areas in more detail to help you decide which one is best for your family.
⚠️ Tip: Tap the area name to jump straight to that section of the article for more information!
El Poblado and Laureles are by far the most popular and convenient areas to choose from.
El Poblado is where most tourists and expats choose to stay, making it the city’s main hub for visitors.
Laureles, while also popular among both tourists and expats, offers a more peaceful atmosphere compared to the more Westernized vibe of El Poblado.
For those looking for something different, there are two alternative options outside these well-known areas.
Belén provides a more local experience, similar to Laureles but with a more authentic touch.
Envigado, located in the southern part of the city, is a large area known for its convenience and commercial activity, though it’s a bit further from the main tourist spots.
Both Belén and Envigado have fewer hotel and accommodation options, so if you’re considering these neighborhoods, Airbnb is a recommended choice.
You can easily navigate to each neighborhood by tapping the link. Or go straight to the overview of the best areas to stay in Medellín.
Here is the legend of map of Medellín’s best areas.
⚠️ Tip: Tap the area name to jump straight to that section of the article for more information!
The best areas to stay in Medellín are:
1. El Poblado
Without a doubt, El Poblado is the top choice for both expats and tourists visiting Medellín.
And for good reason.
El Poblado offers an extensive array of restaurants, cafés, pubs, and nightclubs. Provenza, the most vibrant part of El Poblado, is where you’ll find the best nightlife experiences during your stay.
The area is incredibly inviting, with a lively atmosphere that encourages you to hop from one trendy bar to the next. It also boasts the largest selection of hotels and accommodations in the city.
El Poblado is considered one of Medellín’s safest districts, but it’s still wise to leave your valuables behind when heading out.
The high concentration of foreigners does attract pickpockets, who are particularly active in parks and are always on the lookout for tipsy tourists. Despite this, El Poblado’s location is ideal for easily accessing the city’s main attractions.
Whenever friends and family visit us in Medellín, we always make sure to take them to El Poblado.
The feedback is consistently positive, especially regarding how welcoming and charming the neighborhood looks, particularly in the evenings.
If you’re someone who enjoys exploring the nightlife, dining at a variety of both local and international restaurants, and connecting with other travelers, staying as close to Provenza as possible is a must.
For those who prefer a quieter, more authentic, and less touristy experience, Laureles or one of the other alternative neighborhoods might be a better fit.
That said, most travelers will still opt for El Poblado due to its completeness as a neighborhood, offering a nearly carefree experience of Medellín.
How to Get Around Medellín? While Medellín is the only city in Colombia with a metro system, as a tourist, you might not use it frequently. In most cases, you’ll find it easier to take a taxi. To ensure a safe journey around the city, we recommend using Uber and selecting drivers with both high ratings and numerous reviews. Always double-check that the driver’s profile picture and the license plate match what’s shown in the app.
When arriving in Medellín by plane, you have a few options: a colectivo (shared taxi), a bus, or a private taxi.
We recommend taking the colectivo, which costs around 25,000 COP and brings you to the center of Medellín. From there, taxis are readily available to take you to your final destination.
If you need to get to the airport, you can also catch a colectivo from San Diego (more information can be found in the article from Medellin Guru).
For day trips to places like Guatapé, you have the option to rent a car, which can be a convenient alternative to organized tours. We always rent from Localiza.
Day trips to Santa Fe de Antioquia are easily done by bus.
2. Laureles
Laureles offers a quieter alternative to El Poblado.
But don’t mistake its tranquility for dullness.
Around La 70 (pronounced “La Setenta”), you’ll find a lively selection of nightlife and dining options. While expats and tourists flock to El Poblado for a night out, locals often head to La 70.
However, Laureles isn’t just about nightlife. Many people choose to live in this historic neighborhood for its peace and quiet, while still enjoying a central location that makes it easy to access the rest of the city.
Laureles is also well-connected to the metro, though you may find you don’t need it as much.
In our view, Laureles feels safer than El Poblado, as the lower concentration of tourists means fewer pickpockets.
This neighborhood also provides excellent access to Comuna 13 and the football stadium—two must-see attractions in Medellín.
Plus, you’re not far from Tres Cruces, a steep hike in the Loma de Los Bernal area that rewards you with stunning views from the top.
Because we prefer to avoid neighborhoods crowded with expats and tourists, we’ve always chosen to live near Laureles.
I know the neighborhood inside out, but if it’s your first time in Medellín, you might find the more compact El Poblado easier to navigate.
While many of the highlights in Laureles are concentrated around La 70, the neighborhood itself is sprawling, making it less convenient to explore entirely on foot.
In El Poblado, you can simply head to Provenza and be surrounded by an abundance of inviting restaurants and bars.
But if you’re looking for a more local experience with a bit more tranquility, while still having all the amenities within easy reach, Laureles is the place to stay!
3. Belén
Belén is one of the alternative options available, and it happens to be one of the largest neighborhoods in Medellín.
It’s a very local area where you won’t encounter many tourists or expats.
This is precisely why we’ve chosen to live here, though it’s gradually gaining popularity among expats.
You won’t find many hotels in Belén, but there’s a decent selection of Airbnbs.
In recent years, Medellín has become an increasingly popular destination for digital nomads and other expats, leading to a significant rise in rental prices, especially in El Poblado.
As a result, both locals and expats are exploring alternative neighborhoods, and Belén is quickly emerging as one of the city’s most up-and-coming areas.
Location-wise, Belén is conveniently situated between El Poblado and Laureles.
You can reach both areas with a quick, 15-minute taxi ride.
The downside of Belén is that it’s less developed in certain aspects.
For instance, when it comes to dining out, you’ll likely find yourself heading to Laureles or El Poblado for a good meal.
There’s also little in the way of nightlife, apart from a few local beer bars.
However, if you’re looking for a more local and affordable experience, Belén could be a great option.
Just keep in mind that the amenities you’re accustomed to may be spread out or concentrated in shopping centers like Los Molinos and Arkadia.
4. Envigado
The last neighborhood we recommend is Envigado.
Located in the southern part of the city, Envigado is a large area that, while not the most convenient for visiting Medellín’s main attractions, is steadily gaining popularity.
More and more expats are choosing to live in this part of Medellín.
Envigado offers an authentic, local vibe, yet it’s also home to several shopping centers that provide all the necessary amenities.
The neighborhood is particularly renowned for its dining scene.
While El Poblado and Laureles are known for their trendy restaurants, Envigado’s appeal lies in its authenticity.
You’ll still find a variety of modern and international dining options, but it’s the local eateries serving traditional Paisa dishes that make this area special.
For a true taste of Medellín, head to “La Buena Mesa,” a street lined with restaurants.
Envigado also has a historic center where you can admire colonial architecture around Plaza de Envigado.
Additionally, there’s a local nightlife scene around Calle 39 Sur.
Overall, Envigado is a fantastic neighborhood. The main drawback is its less central location, which makes it less ideal for tourists, though it’s a top choice for expats.
If you’re looking for a different experience, consider staying in Envigado.
And unlike Belén, another alternative neighborhood, Envigado has a good selection of hotels.
Overview of the best areas to stay in Medellín
- El Poblado: This is the most popular neighborhood in Medellín among tourists and expats. It offers all the amenities you need, along with a vibrant nightlife and an excellent selection of restaurants. If you’re looking for something more authentic, consider staying in Laureles or one of the two alternative neighborhoods—Belén or Envigado. However, most tourists tend to choose El Poblado.
- Laureles: A quieter alternative to El Poblado, Laureles still offers great restaurants and nightlife, though they are more spread out across the neighborhood. Its central location provides good access to some of the city’s key attractions.
- Belén: An increasingly popular neighborhood just south of Laureles, offering convenient access to both El Poblado and Laureles. If you prefer a neighborhood where you won’t encounter many tourists or expats, Belén is a good choice. Opt for an Airbnb, as the hotel options here are quite limited.
- Envigado: A local neighborhood in the southern part of the city, known for its authentic food scene and proximity to shopping centers. While it’s a charming area, it is farther from the main attractions, making it an alternative option for those seeking an authentic experience.
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About the author
My name is Joost, a travel enthusiast and a true foodie with a deep passion for exploring new places and cultures. Since 2017, I’ve been living abroad, immersing myself in diverse communities and cuisines. I spent four unforgettable years in Southeast Asia, where I fell in love with its vibrant street food, unique history, and beautiful landscapes. Since 2021, I’ve been calling South America home, continuing my journey of discovery and sharing tips to help fellow travelers make the most of their adventures.