Looking for the safest areas to stay in Medellin? Look no further! I’ve got you covered with my top recommended neighborhoods and hotels, catering to all budgets from luxury to more affordable options. Find here where to stay in Medellin!
El Poblado, the Best Area to Stay in Medellin
1. Elcielo Hotel & Restaurante (High-End Hotel)
2. The Charlee Hotel (Mid-Range Hotel)
3. Rango Hostel Boutique (Budget Lodging)
Los Laureles, a Middle-Class and Safe Area
1. Hotel Laureles Plaza (4-star, excellent location)
2. The Wandering Paisa (Best hostel in the area)
Sabaneta, a Blend of Town and City
1. Fairfield by Marriott Medellin Sabaneta
2. Hotel Porton Sabaneta
Belen, a Residential and Cultural Area
1. Ayenda Zona Verde (Very good hotel in Belen)
2. International House Co-Living (Great hostel)
Envigado, a Safe and Peaceful Environment
1. Arame Hotel (4-star hotel, good location)
2. Coliving El Jardin de Envigado (Budget lodging)
Where to Stay in Medellin
1. El Poblado,The Best Area to Stay in Medellin
El Poblado is the largest and safest of the 23 districts in Medellin. It is more renowned for its nightlife and culinary scene than its attractions, particularly when compared to areas like El Centro-La Candelaria. However, it still offers several must-visit points of interest waiting to be explored. Some of these include:
The Manila Neighborhood
This neighborhood is situated between the 10th and 14th streets in Medellin. You will find a huge choice of dining options catering to all tastes, from traditional Colombian dishes to international cuisine, as well as numerous gourmet cafes.
Parque Lleras
Parque Lleras, considered the hub of nightlife in Medellin, is a small square surrounded by trendy restaurants, bars, and cafes. Some of the bars play salsa or vallenato, the traditional music of Colombia. Gay clubs are also found here. Parque Lleras is one of the liveliest and most illuminated corners of the city. It is the heart of the party scene in Medellin, where you will always feel safe and at the same time never bored.
Calle 10
Calle 10, also known as “La Diez,” is the liveliest street in El Poblado, with an array of shops, cafes, and street vendors. The street is also home to numerous art galleries and cultural centers, such as the Museo El Castillo. La Diez offers a vibrant nightlife scene, hosting some of the best salsa clubs in the city. It’s also known to be a gay-friendly area.
Shopping Malls
Santafe Shopping Mall is the biggest in the city, with 5 floors featuring the best brands and shops catering to everybody’s choices. It has many food options, a bowling alley, kids play areas, and even an indoor dog park. Other good malls include Centro Comercial Oviedo and Monterrey. The latter is specialized in technological products.
Where to Stay in El Poblado
Elcielo Hotel & Restaurante (high-end)
This 5-star hotel is located in the safest area and heart of the El Poblado district, close to Parque Lleras. It features an outdoor swimming pool, fitness and spa center.
Book a stay at Elcielo Hotel & Restaurante here
Hotel Estelar Milla de Oro (high-end)
This 5-star hotel is just one block from El Poblado Avenue. It offers a terraced hydromassage tub that overlooks Medellin. The Ocre restaurant serves Colombian and international dishes.
Book a stay at Hotel Estelar Milla de Oro here
Leblon Suites Hotel (mid-range)
The suites are decorated with wooden furnishings. Self-catering facilities include dining areas and fully-equipped kitchens. Oviedo and La Strada Shopping Malls are 1 km away.
Book a stay at Leblon Suites Hotel here
The Charlee Hotel (mid-range)
This hotel offers a chic retreat with a rooftop pool, design discotheque, and city views from all rooms. Enjoy art exhibits, massages, and a gym. The hotel’s retro-style decor with modern accents creates a luxurious atmosphere.
Book a stay at The Charlee Hotel here
Ibis Medellin (budget)
This hotel features a restaurant and a bar, with free private parking. The Modern Arts Museum is 100 m away. Rooms have air conditioning and a flat-screen TV.
Book a stay at Ibis Medellin here
Rango Hostel Boutique (budget)
Undoubtedly the best hostel in Medellin, it is close to several attractions, such as El Poblado Park and Parque Lleras. The hostel has a garden, shared lounge, a terrace, and a restaurant.
Book a stay at Rango Hostel Boutique here
2. Los Laureles, A Middle-Class and Safe Area
This neighborhood was planned as a garden city from the beginning, promoting a child-friendly environment through circular streets, green spaces, and trees. The neighborhood’s name comes from the “False Laurels” trees, and it initially attracted a well-educated middle-class community of professionals and technicians due to its proximity to the University. Many expats and digital nomads choose to live in this area since it is cheaper than El Poblado.
There is a good gastronomical offer on Nutibara Av. in Los Laureles, as well as pubs and bars. Additionally, the neighborhood has three malls.
Some attractions in Los Laureles or close by are:
Pueblito Paisa
Pueblito Paisa is a famous attraction in Medellin. It is a replica of a typical Antioquian village, complete with a church and town hall, at the top of Nutibara Hill, which rises 80 meters above the Aburra Valley. From this site, which features restaurants serving typical food and artisanal shops, one can enjoy a good view of Medellin. This attraction is only 4 km from Los Laureles.
The Football Stadium
Atanasio Girardot Stadium is the third biggest stadium in Colombia and has a capacity for 45,000 people. If you are a football fan, you can watch a Colombian game at this stadium.
Where to Stay in Los Laureles
Hotel Laureles Plaza (mid-range)
The hotel is a 4-star establishment with an excellent location. It features a terrace, a restaurant, and a bar. Great restaurants and attractions are just a few minutes away. Additionally, the hotel offers a shared lounge and air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi.
Book a stay at Hotel Laureles Plaza here
Hotel Boutique Laureles Medellin (mid-range)
This modern 4-star hotel is conveniently located near a metro station, as well as many shops and restaurants. It is situated close to Laureles Park and the bull-fighting plaza.
Book a stay at Hotel Boutique Laureles Medellin here
The Wandering Paisa (budget)
This is the best hostel in Los Laureles, offering a common lounge, terrace, bar, and free WiFi in common areas.
Book a stay at The Wandering Paisa here
3. Sabaneta, a Charming Blend of Town and City
Located only 20 minutes away from Medellin, Sabaneta is a charming town that combines the best of both town and city life. Despite its small size, there are plenty of options for entertainment.
As 42% of Sabaneta is rural, it’s not uncommon to see walkers on the sidewalks on weekends, enjoying the clean air and exceptional views at their own pace. The green zones of Sabaneta offer a wealth of possibilities for tourists, with various packages available for bird watching, visiting coffee farms, and hiking.
If you want to enjoy living like a Colombian, Sabaneta is the place to be. The Santa Ana Church is the most distinctive spot in town, and Sabaneta’s famous cheeseballs, called “buñuelos,” are a must-try.
Where to Stay in Sabaneta
Fairfield by Marriott Medellin Sabaneta (high-end)
This is a very good hotel with outstanding service, located close to Mayorca Mall. It has a restaurant serving international cuisine, a fitness center, free private parking, and a garden and terrace.
Book a stay at the Fairfield by Marriott Medellin Sabaneta here
Hotel Porton Sabaneta (mid-range)
This is a good hotel with a restaurant and bar, located a 2-minute walk from the metro station. It is also close to the best restaurants, nightclubs, and shopping centers in Sabaneta.
Book a stay at Hotel Porton Sabaneta here
Shared Apartment (budget)
This place offers comfortable accommodation with great views of the city, as well as a fitness center and free WiFi. Breakfast is optional and can be added for an additional fee.
Book a stay at this shared apartment here
4. Belen, a Residential Area and Cultural Hub
Belen is situated to the south of Los Laureles and is known for being a quiet and traditional residential area. It is also a cultural hub, featuring several entertainment and shopping centers. The famous Pueblito Paisa is located in this district.
The University of Medellin is also situated in Belen, which has a thriving theater scene. The Library Park in Belen is a well-known landmark in the city and a cultural hub. It features reading and computer rooms, temporary exhibits, and lovely outdoor areas.
Accommodation prices in Belen are cheaper than in the more touristy areas.
Where to Stay in Belen
Ayenda Zona Verde
This hotel is located near Pueblito Paisa and is in close proximity to both Laureles Park and Belen’s Park. It features a restaurant, a bar, a shared lounge, and free private parking.
Book a stay the Ayenda Zona Verde here
International House Co-Living
This establishment features 14 private rooms for single or double occupancy, two triples that can accommodate up to 3 people, and two dorms with ensuite bathrooms (one 6-bed dorm and one 8-bed dorm). Additionally, it has a fully equipped industrial kitchen, making it ideal for long stays.
Book a stay at the International House Co-Living here
5. Envigado, a Safe and Peaceful Environment
Envigado is a safe residential area located south of Medellin and has been recognized as one of the municipalities in Colombia with the best quality of life. It is a great choice for experiencing a more “local” feel for Medellin in a low-stress environment.
There are plenty of fun activities to do, such as bird watching, climbing, and hiking. You can visit El Salado Park and hike to Salto del Angel, a natural waterfall, or go shopping at the nice Indiana Mall. If you’re a digital nomad or planning a long stay in Medellin, staying in Envigado can be an excellent option.
Where to Stay in Envigado
Arame Hotel
This 4-star hotel has an excellent location with numerous food and drink options nearby. It offers a restaurant, fitness center, sauna, and terrace with a beautiful view of the city. Envigado Park and Viva Shopping Center are both located nearby.
Book a stay at the Arame Hotel here
Coliving El Jardin de Envigado
This guesthouse is located in a very good area close to a metro station, shopping, and parks. The rooms are spacious and feature an ample co-working space. Some rooms also come equipped with a kitchen including a fridge, microwave, and minibar. The guesthouse offers free WiFi and paid airport shuttle service.
Book a stay at Coliving El Jardin de Envigado here
6. El Centro – La Candelaria
El Centro-La Candelaria is the heart of Medellin and is home to most of the city’s attractions, including the Plaza Botero, the Cathedral, and the Museo de Antioquia. However, it is primarily a business and administrative district.
For safety reasons, it may not be the most recommended place for tourists to stay. Nonetheless, in case you need to stay in the area for some reason, I recommend you 61Prado Guesthouse. This hotel provides excellent value for your money and offers a relaxed atmosphere. It is conveniently located close to the main attractions in the city and also features a great restaurant.
Book a stay at 61Prado Guesthouse here
Read more about Medellin in my post The Best 8 Things to do in Medellin.
