This blog post will go through some major questions that you may have about visiting Medellin, Colombia so you can ensure that your trip is enjoyable and you can fully take in the fun culture of the Colombian people.
How Many Days Do You Need to Explore Medellin, Colombia?
To best visit Medellin, Colombia and the surrounding areas that are most attractive to tourists, you need at least 2 full (and fully packed) days. We recommend spending at least 3 days, if not 4, to fully take in the different things that the city has to offer.
A Two-Day Itinerary
Day 1
Comuna 13 Tour
Day 2
Tour of Guatape
A Three-Day Itinerary
Day 1
Museo de la Memoria
Day 2
Comuna 13 Tour
Take the Metrocables
Day 3
Tour of Guatape
Safety in Medellin, Colombia
Medellin, Colombia has had a complete transformation since it was one of the most dangerous cities in the world in the 1990s and 2000s. It had the highest murder rate and was overrun by guerilla and paramilitary groups. However, since the signing of a treaty with the guerilla group, FARC, in 2016, city tourism has exploded.
Prior to COVID 19, the city had made incredible strides in making the tourist areas within the city feel safe. (It is still a big city and has always had the same cautions as other big cities around the world regarding pick-pockets and being in deserted areas.) It had a lively nightlife that attracted people from all over the world to celebrate in the exuberantly joyful culture of the city. However, after the pandemic subsided, the city emerged worse off than before.
There are a complexity of factors that have affected the country’s recovery efforts, especially in this city. With a weak economy, the government has not been able to maintain the treaty with FARC, causing some of the members to return to their guerilla efforts. In addition, the demand for cocaine in the United States and Europe has expanded, increasing the production and trade of the drug within the country, and you can see the effects of this on Medellin. When walking the streets, you will see a large number of homeless people, largely impacted by drug addiction.
The presence of homelessness and drug addiction can make traveling within Medellin uncomfortable. Crime of opportunity is most common so be cautious in the evenings and stay away from any places that feel deserted. In addition, people going on dates with locals have been drugged and robbed so avoid using dating apps within the city. When in doubt, ask a local for their opinion about walking, taking an Uber, or using public transportation between places. With a high level of caution and the awareness of the drug addiction and homeless problem that has plagued this city, you can still enjoy the fun and vibrant culture that Medellin has to offer.
Note: We mention that this destination is fun and vibrant. That being said, it is not a place for drug tourism. Colombia has been devastated by the drug trade, funded by the usage of the United States and Europe and taking advantage of the drug industry here is disrespectful and damaging. Drugs are illegal in Colombia and you could face harrowing consequences. Police officers enforce this by stopping cars entering into popular tourist neighborhoods, such as El Poblado, searching all bags extensively (including all the pockets of your wallet), and giving you a thorough pat-down.
Where to Stay in Medellin, Colombia
El Poblado
The Poblado neighborhood is a small and dense area within Medellin, Colombia and is the most popular one for tourists. It is the nightlife hub of the city for travelers and is full of restaurants, bars, and clubs. The restaurants here appeal to an international palette and range in price point from casual dining spots to higher-end creative cuisine. One great restaurant to try in the area is Alambique, a restaurant with unique and delicious takes on Colombian cuisine in a beautiful ambiance.
During the day, the neighborhood has some nice parks, some with markets, that are great to walk through and explore. Parque Lleras and Parque de el Poblado are the two main central squares where you can people-watch and find some souvenirs. At night, the neighborhood completely transforms into a party. If you are interested in seeing some local salsa dancing, Son Havana Poblado is a great bar for that with live music after midnight. You can watch some locals expertly spinning around while listening to some Colombian classics.
El Poblado is also conveniently located near a metro station (at most, you may walk 30 minutes to the metro station), making it easy to get around the city with public transportation. While you will want to use Uber in the evenings, even for short distances in the neighborhood, the metro is a very safe option for transportation within Medellin, Colombia.
Laureles
This neighborhood is a peaceful residential neighborhood that is full of cute coffee shops, delicious restaurants, and tree-lined streets. If you are looking for a peaceful and local place to stay, then this is the neighborhood for you and staying near Segundo Parque de Laureles is preferable. It is calmer than El Poblado and feels safer than other parts of the city, making it a great place for families to stay in. In addition, it is a nice place to walk around and people-watch throughout the day.
Similarly to El Poblado, Laureles is near a metro station (at most, you may walk 30 minutes to the metro station), making it easy to get around the city with public transportation. While you will want to use Uber in the evenings, especially for longer distances, the metro is a very safe option for transportation within Medellin, Colombia.
How to Get Around Medellin, Colombia
Walking Around the City of Medellin, Colombia
Walking through the city is the best way to experience the culture, see the sites, and discover the city. However, there are some areas within Medellin, Colombia that you should avoid and others where you should be more aware of yourself and your surroundings. Make sure to ask guides, locals, and accommodation hosts where you can and cannot walk. Typically, it is safe to walk within neighborhoods but you may want to look for other modes of transportation (metro or Uber) to get between different areas, especially at night (Uber will be your best form of transportation in the evenings.)
Taking Uber or Taxis
Uber is a great way to get around the city, especially in the evenings. The reason we highlight Uber rather than taxis is because they reduce the possibility of being scammed, which could happen as foreign tourists with taxis (or people who pose as taxis). When it comes to Uber, you know the price upfront and the navigation of the car is tracked. In addition, it removes any communication barrier that you may have in Colombia.
Taking the Metro and Metro Cable
The Metro of Medellin is a point of pride for the city. It is a clean, efficient, and safe form of transportation within the valley of the city, connecting the majority of the tourist attractions that you will visit in Medellin, Colombia. To take the Metrocable and Metro (or any form of public transportation in Medellin), you can purchase a card and add money on it with cash at the ticket counters of the metro or metrocable stations.
