Where to Stay in Medellín: 5 Best Areas for All Budgets

A practical Medellín accommodation guide with top areas to stay, neighborhood tips, and hotel picks for every budget.

I think it’s safe to say that a visit to the city of Medellín should be on everybody’s South American bucket list!

While the city was one of the most dangerous cities in the world for quite some time, Medellín has rebounded on a massive scale and is now a flourishing metropolis that is rich in history, innovation, and art.

So, you’re finally planning a visit to the Colombian City of Eternal Spring? I’ve got you covered in this up-to-date and comprehensive accommodation guide featuring the best neighborhoods and places to stay in Medellín. Whether you’re looking for a luxurious resort or a budget-friendly hostel, you’ll find it below!

Quick Roundup: The Best Hotels in Medellín

Here's a quick article summary of the best places to stay in Medellín, including the four best hotel picks.

The most popular area to stay in Medellín is El Poblado. This is the main tourist district and features plenty of great cafes, nightclubs, restaurants, and activities.

However, if you're the type who would prefer to detour from the gringo trail, check out Laureles (my favorite), Envigado, or Belén. Below are four great recommendations.

1. Elcielo Hotel & Restaurant

The ultimate luxury experience in El Pobaldo. This is the top-rated 5-star hotel in the city and combines lush greens with a modern wood interior for the perfect luxury ambiance.

2. 23 Hotel Medellin

A mid-range jungle-themed hotel with a rooftop pool and access to a hot tub overlooking El Poblado.

3. Hotel Casa Laureles

The best-rated hotel in the alternative neighborhood of Laureles. Excellent 4-star luxury for a fraction of the price.

4. Rango Hostel Boutique Budget

Probably the best backpacker hostel in Medellín. Features an epic rooftop bar and plenty of co-work and common spaces to hang out.

Where to Stay in Medellín: The 5 Best Neighborhoods

Medellín is the second largest city in Colombia (after Bogota) with an estimated population of approximately 4 million people.

However, it certainly feels like one of the biggest cities I've ever visited! That's because its unique position in the Aburrá Valley combined with its steep mountains means you can see far into the city no matter where you are! Also, the endless, unique brick skyscrapers dominate the valley resulting in a unique and ever-expanding cityscape unlike anywhere else.

Before I get into the hotel and accommodation recommendations, below is a quick run-down of the 5 best neighborhoods to stay in Medellín.

• El Poblado - the upbeat tourist hub of Medellín
• Laureles - university district with a vibrant nightlife and trendy cafe scene
• Envigado - quiet residential area close to El Poblado
• Belén - a residential area best for cheaper accommodation and long-term rentals
• El Centro/La Candelaria - Medellín's historical city center and business hub (downtown Medellin)

Below, I'll go into a bit more detail about each neighborhood in Medellín including the pros and cons of staying in each.

Furthermore, you'll also find a few hand-picked recommendations for each area to help you decide where to spend your trip.

El Poblado - Best Tourist Area to Stay for Luxury & Nightlife

Upscale El Poblado is the most popular area for visitors to Medellín and it's easy to see why. It offers a great location, with many restaurants, bars, and shops close by, as well as being home to some of the best hotels in the city.

El Poblado is generally one of the safest areas to stay in Medellín and great for finding luxury hotels and live music venues. If you're looking for a place to stay where you can enjoy all the best that Medellín has to offer, El Poblado is going to be the place for you.

El Poblado Highlights & Attractions

El Poblado is one of the most popular tourist areas in Medellín. It is well known for its luxury hotels, high-end restaurants, many shopping malls, and lively nightlife scene. In fact, there are dozens of trendy cafes for working, shopping centers, outdoor concerts, and events, all within walking distance of central Poblado.

There's also the famous El Castillo Museo y Jardines, which houses amazing art and sculptures. The main restaurant and nightlife area is called El Parque Lleras, where you will find loads of bars, street vendors, live music, and great food (try bandeja paisa).

Additionally, if you're going to explore the city, most of the tours including the famous Comuna 13 tour and the electric bike city tour depart from El Poblado.

Pros & Cons of Staying in Poblado

Where to Stay In El Poblado

Below are the top 5 best boutique hotels and budget options worth booking in the popular neighborhood of El Poblado.

	Option	Price
	Elcielo Hotel & Restaurant	$$$$
	Charlee Hotel	$$$$
	Click Clack Hotel	$$$
	23 Hotel	$$
	Rango Hostel Boutique	$

Elcielo Hotel & Restaurant

• Price: $$$$
• Best for: Couples wanting a world-class service and stay

Located in the heart of El Poblado, this 5-star hotel is within walking distance of some of the best bars and restaurants in the city.

The Elcielo Hotel features an outdoor swimming pool, a fitness center, a bar, and an onsite restaurant.

This hotel is located in a safe area and close to El Poblado park and within walking distance of Parque Lleras and other interesting attractions. Of course, being a 5-star offering, you'll get impeccable room service, and you'll be guaranteed a luxury experience.

The Charlee Hotel

• Price: $$$$
• Best for: Those wanting a world-class luxury experience at an affordable price

The Charlee Hotel is also located in El Poblado and similarly to the other luxury options, Charlee features an outdoor swimming pool, a fitness center, excellent room service, and free wi-fi access.

At this Medellín hotel, you'll find a retro/modern design throughout the facility which creates a stunning luxury atmosphere.

If you're a fan of a big buffet breakfast, then this is one of the best in the city! The restaurant Lucia is also on-site and one of the best places to eat in Medellín. Luckily, you can work that breakfast off in the gym which even has a steam bath!

The hotel staff are also very helpful and can provide great recommendations for what to do in Medellín during your stay.

The Click Clack Hotel Medellín

• Price: $$$
• Best for: Couples or solo travelers wanting to experience El Poblado's neighborhood and tourist attractions

See a theme occurring here? Yes, El Poblado is the best neighborhood in the city, especially when it comes to high-end resorts.

The Click Clack is in a great location, close to El Poblado Park, Parque Lleras, and the El Poblado Metro Station.

Like the others on this list, it also features an excellent restaurant and bar.

Each room includes desks for working, a large bed, TV, wifi and a private bathroom. Additionally, the outdoor pool overlooks the city of Medellín and is the perfect place to unwind.

23 Hotel Medellín - Best Budget Hotel in Poblado

• Price: $$
• Best for: Great for travellers who want to be close to bars, restaurants, and things to do

In terms of location, you really can't beat 23 Hotel Medellín, which is smack-bang in the heart of El Poblado, the best neighborhood in Medellín.

As you might expect, there are lots of restaurants and bars around. Panka, a Japanese restaurant, is just a short walk away and I had the best Salmon Roll here and would highly recommend to try.

Additionally, guests will find a rooftop hot tub, as well as a large terrace with even grander views. Overall, 23 Hotel has a great reputation for offering amazing comfort, a fantastic free breakfast, and a relaxing ambiance, all for a decent price.

Rango Hostel Boutique

• Price: $
• Best for: A great pick for backpackers wanting a social atmosphere.

Looking for the best hostel in El Poblado? Here you have it. Rango Hostel Boutique is an amazing Medellín hostel that's full of life, color, and a friendly, uplifting vibe. This one is popular with solo travelers and backpackers who want to meet other travelers since there are loads of activities, including table tennis at the hostel.

If you're thinking "dingy backpacker place", don't. This is very much a "boutique" hostel option, complete with a rooftop swimming pool and bar, an immaculate shared kitchen, and clean dorms.

Laureles - Best Medellín Neighborhood For an Authentic Experience

Laureles is a great neighborhood to stay in if you're looking for a more laid-back and local atmosphere.

This area is known for its parks and green spaces, as well as its many restaurants and coffee shops. The neighborhood Laureles is very much a university district, and the majority of its inhabitants are students, young expats, and digital nomads.

As a result, you'll find a lively bar and restaurant scene, and the neighborhood comes to life every night.

Highlights in Laureles

If you're looking for things to do in the neighborhood, you won't find a shortage! Laureles is close to 70 Avenue (Avenida 70), which has loads of attractions and restaurants.

There are also loads of restaurants, trendy cafes, co-working spaces, and bars, especially off the streets leading from Circular 1. If you're looking to do some shopping, Uni Centro is also one of the largest shopping malls in the city. The relaxing park and historical village of Pueblito Paisa is also very close by.

There's also a free recreation area called Unidad Deportiva Atanasio Girardot which is the largest sports complex in the city. Here you'll find basketball courts, tennis courts, running tracks, and gyms, which are one of the most popular places to do some exercise in the city.

Perhaps the biggest attraction in this neighborhood is the Atanasio Girardot Stadium, which is the place to go if you want to watch a game of Colombian futbol.

Pros & Cons of Staying in Laureles

Where to Stay In Laureles

Below are the top 3 best hotels & accommodation options in the neighborhood of El Poblado.

	Option	Price
	Hotel Cavalta	$$$
	Hotel Casa Laureles	$$
	The Wandering Paisa	$

Hotel Cavalta

• Price: $$$
• Best for: Perfect for those wanting a five-star hotel experience at a great price

If you're looking for accommodation in Laureles, you'll find that it is much more affordable than in El Poblado. Hotel Cavalta is a great example. This is a 5-star hotel, but you can find rooms at almost half the price of comparable hotels in El Poblado.

Cavalta is located close to Avenue 70 and is within walking distance of many restaurants. However, many guests tend to eat their meals here, since the on-site restaurant has some of the best reviews in the city.

Upstairs, you'll also find a rooftop hot tub and an outdoor terrace!

Hotel Casa Laureles

• Price: $$
• Best for: Couples or budget travelers wanting to enjoy Medellin cheaply

Hotel Casa Laureles is a popular pick for travelers looking for a 4-star option at an excellent price. This hotel offers spacious rooms with garden views, great wifi, a large bed, a private bathroom, and a minibar.

Furthermore, reviews rave about the excellent buffet breakfast, which offers fresh fruit & bakery sweets.

If you're looking for a place to eat nearby, I suggest checking out Le Brunch or La Cometrapo - Laureles, which both had excellent food on my last visit.

The Wandering Paisa

• Price: $
• Best for: Backpackers wanting to meet others and enjoy hostel events in a great location

The Wandering Paisa is often referred to as the best backpacker hostel in Laureles. Conveniently located, this Medellín hostel has a huge shared lounge area, an outdoor terrace, a games room, and, of course, a bar. It is also just a short walk to Éxito for those looking to cook their own meals in the shared kitchen.

The private rooms and dorms on offer at the Wandering Paisa are colorful and clean. There's always a great vibe at this hostel, which means it's a great spot to meet other backpackers who are usually starting or ending their Colombia trip in Medellín.

If you're looking for a cheap backpacker place with an excellent atmosphere, then the Wandering Paisa is a popular choice.

Envigado - Best Place to Stay for a Quieter Alternative

Envigado is a great neighborhood for visitors who want to experience regular life in the city of Medellín. This area is known as a safe residential area. And, while there's not as much going on as in Laureles and Poblado, Envigado is still an excellent choice.

This is especially true for families, digital nomads, and those looking for the best place to stay in Medellín for a long visit.

Highlights In Envigado

Truthfully, Envigado is an excellent place to stay in Medellín, especially if you're a digital nomad or if you want cheap accommodation. We stayed here for a few nights during our visits to Medellín and while we treated it as a rest stop, there are some main attractions nearby as well.

The most notable attraction in this Medellín neighborhood of Envigado is Parque Envigado. This is a large garden surrounding a beautiful church where many locals come to sit and relax. You can also try to play a game of Cancha de Tejo Envigado, which is an interesting clay-throwing game you can play or watch at the Polideportivo Sur De Envigado.

If you're looking to learn Spanish, there are also loads of English schools in this area. Don't miss the Colombia Immersion Friday Night Language Exchange, which is a weekly event where you can meet people interested in learning English or Spanish while sipping beer and eating delicious snacks.

For general day-to-day life, you'll have easy access to local grocery stores (cheaper than Exito), Lavanderías (laundries), and public transportation.

Pros & Cons of Staying in Envigado

Where to Stay in Envigado

Does Envigado sound like the best area to stay in Medellín for you? Here are three hotel recommendations you can't miss.

	Option	Price
	Arame Hotel	$$
	Apartamento Envigado	$$
	Hotel Casa Madero	$

Arame Hotel

• Price: $$
• Best for: Couples or travelers wanting an affordable stay with close access to transportation

Want a relaxing base that you can use to explore the city? Arame Hotel is a great option that is conveniently located close to local transport and a large shopping district.

The rooms are very comfortable and spacious, with a mini bar, private bathroom, and TV included. You also get all the basic luxuries like air conditioning, hot water showers, and large, comfortable beds.

This hotel is also just a 2.5 km walk from the Castle Museum, which is another notable attraction in this neighborhood.

Apartamento Envigado

• Price: $$
• Best for: Small families or couples wanting an apartment style stay!

This compact, private apartment is located in a quiet part of Envigado, offering a more authentic Medellín experience away from the busy tourist zones.

The apartment includes a small kitchen, private bathroom, and a comfortable living space. It’s a good fit for short or mid-length stays, especially if you value a quiet stay.

The area is safe and well-connected to public transport. Shops, restaurants, and cafés are within walking distance, making it easy to settle in and explore.

Hotel Casa Madero

• Price: $
• Best for: Those wanting a relaxing stay out of the city and amongst nature

If you're after something different from the usual city hotel, take a look at Hotel Casa Madero. It’s set on a quiet street in the hills of Envigado giving it a tucked-away feel while still being within reach of the city.

This property features individual bungalows with cabin-style rooms, surrounded by trees and mountain views. It’s a good spot if you’re looking to disconnect, enjoy nature, and stay somewhere quiet. Expect fresh air and the sounds of birds waking you of a morning.

This place works well for couples or solo travelers wanting something peaceful with a touch of nature, without being too far off the grid.

Belén - Best Neighborhood in Medellín For Long-term Stays

Looking for long-term accommodation in Medellín? Perhaps you want to experience an authentic neighborhood with far fewer expats and tourists.

Belén is my fourth recommendation for where to stay in Medellín, and there are some great accommodation options here are very affordable prices. We lived in Belén for just over a month and it was an excellent place to work and you can live very affordably here.

Highlights In and Near Belén

Belén is a beautiful residential area where a lot of Medellín locals live. There aren't hundreds of hotels or hostels here, but visitors will find many long-term accommodations and a few very affordable short-term options as well.

The main attractions include Belén Park and the nearby Pueblito Paisa. Laureles, Comuna 13, the metro cable cars, and other areas of interest are also quite close-by. The scenic viewpoint hike called Cerro de las Tres Cruces is also found just outside this neighborhood.

Pros & Cons of Belén Neighborhood

Where to Stay in Belén

Does Belén sound like the best area to stay in Medellín for you? Here are my three top picks of the best hotels in this neighborhood.

	Option	Price
	Ayenda Zona Verde	$$
	80Cooliving	$
	International House Co-Living Hostel	$

Ayenda Zona Verde

• Price: $$
• Best for: Couples or families wanting great value for money accommodation

The Ayenda Zona Verde is a very well-rated hotel featuring a stylish combination of modern decor and natural elements. Each room is very spacious and some include beautiful forest views.

This is a great option for where to stay in Medellín for visitors wanting to check out Ecotourism Park Arví and Belen Park, since they are both very close. There are also plenty of local cafes, bars, and restaurants in this part of the neighborhood. I suggest grabbing a bite from Guadalupe Belen a Mexican restaurant across the road from the hotel.

80Cooliving

• Price: $
• Best for: Couples or solo travelers wanting an apartment at a budget price in a great location

Want an affordable long-term option with all the amenities and close to Belen Park and restaurants? 80Cooliving is an awesome apartment with a fully equipped kitchen (including stove, and fridge) which is great if you want to practice your Colombian cooking.

This apartment is just 600 m from Belen Park and the view from the rooftop terrace spans over the mountains and the surrounding barrios.

Smart Fit Los Molinos and a large shopping centre is a few minutes walk away which is a convenient choice to explore if its raining or you'd like to burn some calories.

International House Co-Living Hostel

• Price: $
• Best for: Digital nomads looking to meet others whilst staying at a co-working accommodation

Are you a digital nomad or an expat looking to network or get some work done in Medellín? International House is a hub for entrepreneurs, expats, and remote workers looking to meet like-minded people in the heart of the city.

This co-working hostel offers cheap accommodation in a great area and includes all the facilities and amenities you need. As one of the leading co-working spaces in Medellín, you can also expect fast (100mb/s+) internet, with comfortable work desks and plenty of power outlets.

El Centro / La Candeleria - Medellín's Central Neighborhood

Okay, unlike many cities in South America, downtown Medellín, known also as El Centro, or La Candeleria isn't actually the best place to stay for tourists.

That's because this region is mostly an administrative and business district, and unfortunately does attract some petty crime (especially at night). In saying that, if you're a business traveler or need a night stay close to Medellín's museums, there are some great options, though I wouldn't recommend using it as a long-term base.

Highlights at El Centro / La Candelaria

Okay, while I'd choose one of the other neighborhoods in Medellín over El Centro, there are loads of attractions here. These include the Basilica of our Lady of Candelaria (church), the Museo de Antioquia, Catedral Basilica Metropolitana, the Mega Mall Center, Parque de Las Luces, and Plaza Botero.

If you choose El Centro, then you can also go on a Free Walking Tour from the metro stop.

Pros & Cons of Staying in Downtown Medellín (El Centro / La Candelaria)

Where to Stay in El Centro

Looking for a place to stay in El Centro? Check out the below three hotels.

	Option	Price
	Hotel Nutibara	$$
	61Prado Hotel	$
	Mandala Hotel	$

Hotel Nutibara

• Price: $$
• Best for: Couples wanting to be in the city centre

This historic hotel offers spacious rooms and a prime location right on Plaza Botero. It’s a solid pick for budget travelers looking to stay in the heart of the city, close to museums, metro stations, and major cultural landmarks.

Expect large rooms, city views, and easy access to the Metro and Museo de Antioquia.

61Prado Hotel

• Price: $
• Best for: Those wanting a comfortable stay at a great price in a historical area in Medellin

Another great and comfortable hotel close to the metro station is the 61Prado Hotel. This hotel features a homie European design and is close to several of the best restaurants and bars near La Candelaria.

There's also an excellent terrace and great showers (with warm water)– something that you won't find in many Medellín hotels at this price point.

Mandala Hotel

• Price: $
• Best for: Great for those wanting a low-price stay in a central area in La Candelaria

For business travelers looking for an easy, comfortable, and affordable place to stay in Medellín, make sure to check out Mandala Hotel.

This hotel offers bright, modern accommodations and is close to the Our Lady of Candelaria Cathedral. Best of all, the hotel can arrange international or domestic airport transfers, which makes a quick visit to the city very easy.

Best places to eat in Medellin

One of the best things to do when visiting a new city is exploring different cuisines to satisfy the tastebuds. Below are my must visit restaurants to try on your next visit to Medellin.

• Panka (Japanese, Envigado) – Quality sushi with a standout Salmon Roll in a relaxed setting
• Alambique (Colombian Fusion, El Poblado) – Creative local dishes, popular spot which is a great choice for dinner
• Il Castello (Italian, El Poblado) – Classic Italian menu with fresh pizza, and one of the city's top spots for Italian food
• Carmen (Modern International, El Poblado) – Upscale tasting menu, ideal for a special anniversary
• Mondongo’s (Traditional Colombian, Laureles & El Poblado) – Hearty local food, big portions with quick reliable service
• Guadalupe Belen (Mexican, Envigado) – Great tacos and margaritas with a casual and lively atmosphere
• Herbario (Vegetarian, El Poblado) – Fresh ingredients, balanced meals and good vegetarian choices
• Zaaika (Indian, Laureles) – Authentic curries and fresh naan!

And that's a wrap for this Medellín accommodation mega-guide. I hope that this article has been useful for planning your visit to this amazing city in Latin America and that you now have a better idea of where to stay.

Looking to explore more of Colombia? My next, immediate recommendation would be the colorful city of Guatapé (here's a guide on how to get here from Medellín).

Otherwise, check out some of my other articles for more travel blogs and inspiration for your adventures in the country.

• San Andrés Island: Guide to Colombia's best Caribbean Island
• Minca Travel Guide: Discover incredible hikes, beautiful fincas, epic jungle waterfalls, and all-around relaxing vibes.
• Lost City Trek : trekking through the jungle in search of an abandoned city
• Best of Cartagena: exploring Colombia’s most visited city

Colombia Accommodation Guides

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• Top Hotels in Minca
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• Where to stay in Cartagena