Medellín Travel Guide: How to Plan Your Trip

I’m so excited for you that you’re finally visiting Medellín! And if you’re looking for a full Medellin travel guide, I got you.

I spent 4 days in Medellín on my month-long trip to Colombia. It quickly became one of my top 5 favourite cities in the whole world, and I’ve now been raving about it to anyone who will listen.

And that also means I’m here to help you plan your trip to Medellín. I’ve included everything I know about:

• How many days you need
• Where to base yourself
• How to get in and around the city
• Roughly what to budget
• What the ideal itinerary looks like

You’ll leave this Medellín, Colombia travel guide with a complete idea of how to make your trip happen.

How Many Days Do You Need in Medellín

You definitely should have at least 3 days in Medellin, even 4 if possible. Any less and you’re going to miss out on some of the best things to do in the city.

I had actually planned to be there for 2 work days, which meant I only had the late afternoon/evenings to explore. I ended up extending my time there by a couple days.

And the funny thing is, every girl in my hostel dorm did the same thing too. They extended.

You can see some of the highlights in 2 days, maybe enjoy a couple nice things in 24 hours. But you should ideally have 3–4 days.

Read Next: I have a complete guide on how to spend 3 epic days in Medellin and see everything

Where to Stay in Medellín

If it’s your first time there, definitely stay in El Poblado. I did a ton of research first and then saw from personal experience that it’s such a perfect neighbourhood to stay in.

El Poblado is central, calm, and safe. It has a really distinct vibe, with big trees, vines, and exotic plants breaking through sidewalks and climbing the buildings.

That’s why Medellín gets its nickname the “City of Eternal Spring,” and El Poblado is where you feel it most.

El Poblado also has really trendy restaurants with delicious food and amazing shopping too, especially around Lleras Park, which turns into the nightlife hub after dark.

Most Medellín tourist spots, restaurants, and nightlife are a short Uber ride from El Poblado.

I have a deeper guide on the other neighbourhood alternatives and hotel options for each in this guide on where to stay in Medellin. Including a full review of my stay at Los Patios.

Read Next: Where to stay and best hotel options for Medellin

Getting Around Medellín

Medellín’s airport is actually 45 minutes outside of the city. The drive in is super scenic though.

You actually get a bit of a “wow” moment when you catch your first glimpse of the city sprawled around mountains.

I’d recommend arriving in daylight if your flight timing allows it, just to catch that view.

Taking a white taxi from the line at the taxi stand is the easiest way to get into the city. Ubers don’t pick people up from the airport, I’ve heard because of regulations. And the bus is pretty complicated.

The taxi needs to be white to be an official taxi. The ones lined up at the stand have the best price.

Apparently the guys who shout asking if you want a taxi from right inside the airport will upcharge you, so go out to the actual line of taxis.

Read Next: How to Get Around Medellin – Ubers vs Taxi vs Metro

Getting around by Uber in Medellin

Once you’re in the city, Uber is the way to go. Fares felt ridiculously cheap to me, to the point that tipping 50% still only cost a few dollars.

As a solo female traveler, I also felt safer in Ubers than taxis, since your trip is tracked.

I used the metro a couple of times too, mostly to get from El Poblado into downtown for a walking tour, and it was easy, scenic, and something I’d happily use again.

The closest metro station to El Poblado is an easy walk or a two-minute Uber from most hotels.

What a Trip to Medellín Costs

Medellín tourism has grown a lot in recent years, but it’s still very affordable compared to North America or Western Europe.

Medellín definitely has inflated prices compared to smaller towns and less touristy places. But I still found it ⅔ of what I paid in Canada.

I could eat at a fancy restaurant with a meal, drink, and dessert for the price of a single meal item in Canada.

Whether you visit Medellín, Colombia for 3 days or 3 weeks, your money stretches further than it does back home.

Do you need cash in Medellin?

Yes, you do need some for taxis, smaller shops, markets, and tips.

Cards are often accepted at restaurants, hotels, and bigger touristy businesses. But there are often smaller shops and local spots that only take cash.

Colombia uses Colombian pesos. There are ATMs all over Medellín to get cash out.

One thing worth budgeting around: ATM fees. I was charged roughly $10 USD per withdrawal, regardless of how much I took out or which bank’s machine I used. And that fee held consistent everywhere in Colombia over my full month there.

I just withdrew larger amounts less often rather than making frequent small withdrawals.

Do you need to tip in Medellin?

Tipping about 10% is the norm in Medellin. That goes for servers at restaurants, tour guides, and if you get anything done in the beauty industry (like I got my nails done).

Even on more expensive tours, 10% is customary. It’s one of those things where they say its not expected but appreciated, but then I believe every other tourist does it.

I tipped 10% at all restaurants and for my guides on tours. Even when I did a tour in Salento, Colombia that cost me $250 USD.

Weather and When to Go

Medellín’s “City of Eternal Spring” nickname is also partly because it holds the same temperatures consistently year round. They don’t really have seasons.

They do have some rainier periods, like April–May and then October–November. Even then, it’s more like short afternoon showers, not the miserable all-day rain we all imagine of “rainy season.”

December–February is the most popular and priciest time to visit. If you’d rather have fewer crowds and don’t mind more frequent rain, the shoulder months are a reasonable tradeoff.

Entering the Country: Visas and Forms

One thing to know before traveling to Colombia: most passport holders from Canada, the US, Western Europe, Australia, and New Zealand don’t need a visa for under 90 days.

It’s one of the easier South America entry processes I’ve dealt with.

You just get a tourism permit stamped on arrival at the airport.

Colombia does require you to fill out a “Check-Mig” form before you arrive. You have to do it 72 hours to 1 hour before you arrive in the country. It’s free to do. If any website tries to charge you for it, that’s not the right website.

They didn’t actually check for this form when I arrived, but I think you need to have it in case they do check. It is listed as required.

What to Expect: Essential Things to Know

Medellín, Colombia travel is easier than people expect once you know the basics.

I personally felt perfectly safe in Medellín. I just kept my usual standard of cautiousness that I hold worldwide.

Is Medellín safe for tourists?

So how safe is Medellín, Colombia really? Safer than most people assume, especially in El Poblado and Laureles. Petty theft picks up after dark downtown like in any big city.

Use the same street smarts you’d use in any big city.

You should also take Ubers around the city at night, even if it’s a short walk away to your hotel. Robbery is something to look out for at night.

And really keep an eye on your phone. A girl in my hostel dorm got hers stolen from her purse on a night out dancing. Also, phone snatching in the downtown core isn’t uncommon so keep it in your purse there.

Other than that, I felt completely comfortable my whole time there!

Do I need to speak Spanish in Medellin?

Not really. I barely speak any Spanish and got by just fine.

Most people working in hotels, restaurants, and tours in the touristy areas speak enough English. You’ll definitely encounter moments with uber drivers or some restaurant workers who don’t speak Spanish. But you can typically get by using Google Translate.

I’d say maybe learn a few basic phrases, like asking for the bill. But other than that, you can fumble your way through it enough.

Read Next: Important Tips for Visiting Medellin (What I Wish I Knew)

What is Colombian food like?

I found Colombian food to be pretty greasy. They have lots of fried dishes and fatty chorizo. I ate a lot of it my first few days there. It is pretty tasty. But then I ended up getting sick of it quick because my stomach was so bloated.

The classic bandeja paisa (rice, beans, fried pork belly, chorizo, a fried egg, plantain, and avocado all on one plate) is basically the poster child for this.

I did happily learn about some other traditional Colombian meals that weren’t fried or heavy: ajiaco and sancocho. They are stews, both with potatoes and meat, but they have their own signatures.

Ajiaco ended up being my favourite Colombian food, so make sure to try it!

Many stores and restaurants are closed on Sundays

Some restaurants are still open Sundays. I was at Palma Pitón for brunch on a Sunday morning. But there can be more cafes and shops completely closed across the city.

Just keep that in mind when you’re planning your Medellín itinerary.

What to Do in Medellín

Medellín, Colombia tourism has exploded over the last few years, and these were my personal favorites out of everything I tried.

1. Comuna 13 Walking Tour

My single favourite activity in Medellín was the Comuna 13 tour: the history of this neighbourhood during the Pablo Escobar cartel era in the late 80s to the early 2000s.

It’s crazy to see how far the city has come. Now it is so full of energy.

There are break-dancing street performers, young men carrying boom boxes around to make up personalized raps for you, tons of shopping, and the best street art I’ve ever seen.

⭐ Check out: The Graffiti Street Tour of Comuna 13 that I did (It also has street food samples included).

2. Take a Walking Tour of Downtown Medellín

I also did a downtown walking tour. It shows a different, more modern, local-life side of the real city.

You stop at Plaza Botero, which has the famous Colombian artist Fernando Botero‘s sculptures. There are tree lined pedestrian streets, historic churches, and big statues that still show the aftermath of the drug war.

Comuna 13 and downtown cover such different ground that doing them as two separate tours, rather than picking just one, is worth the extra time.

⭐ Check out: the best walking tour of Medellin’s downtown

3. Have Dinner or Drinks at the Rooftop Piso 10

I visited Piso 10 after dark when the city is all lit up. One word: wow.

I took so many pictures that night of my same table. I just couldn’t get over how stunning it was.

The rooftop is on the 10th floor of the La Rioja hotel and has the most stunning views of the city and mountains around it.

The food was delicious, the drinks were good, the service was fantastic. And the highlight is still somehow the bathroom.

They have this beautiful scenic bathroom, exposed to the night air. I never thought I’d choose to visit somewhere because of its bathroom.

4. Relax on a Rooftop Pool

Medellín is an incredibly scenic city and the rooftops have the best views. So naturally, spending a couple hours reading poolside on a rooftop is one of the most epic things to do in Medellín.

My #1 tip for Medellin is to book a hotel that has a rooftop pool. There are tons of them.

I stayed at Los Patios, which is a huge hostel with a stunning pool. I absolutely loved the hostel for many reasons but the pool was the highlight. They have private rooms too if dorms aren’t your thing.

Some other spots with rooftop pools:

• Envy Rooftop Bar and Pool
• Masaya Medellín
• The Charlee

5. Try a Salsa Class

Dancing is a huge part of Medellín and Colombian culture. And the best way to experience it is by doing a class.

I did mine through my hostel, Los Patios. But tons of other hostels and hotels either have them or know the number for a salsa class place.

The one at Los Patios turned into a full dance party on the roof afterward.

I also really recommend this salsa tour if you don’t have one through your hotel. It is actually a full tour of all the best salsa spots in Medellin with a local dancer. You get to learn salsa in the heart of salsa nightlife. It’s great for cultural immersion.

There are a ton of amazing things to do in Medellín, so you can find the complete list of them in my guide here.

⭐ Check Out: The most epic Salsa Nightlife Tour with a Local Dancer

Read Next: The Top Things to Do in Medellin

Next Step: Planning Your Activities in Medellin

Medellín ended up being one of the easiest trips I’ve planned in Colombia. Now that you’ve got an overview of what it all looks like, I’d start by choosing the things you want to do there.

I always start by narrowing down the top things to do in Medellin, then booking my accommodation and then figuring out the transportation logistics.

Whatever your Medellín trip looks like, base yourself in El Poblado, keep some cash on hand, and build in more days than you think you need.

That’s this Medellín travel guide in a nutshell. Go book it.

Read More About Travel in Medellin

• Medellín Travel Guide: How to Plan Your Trip
• 3 Day Medellín Itinerary: The One I’d Actually Follow