Great places to stay and things to do Medellín’s El Poblado neighborhood

Because Medellín, Colombia, is a such large city, it can be a challenge deciding the best place to stay. While many of the cultural and historical site of Medellín are located downtown, most travelers prefer to base themselves  in the upscale neighborhood of El Poblado, a great place to stay with plenty of lodging, dining, shopping and nightlife options.

Why Medellín’s El Poblado neighborhood is a great place to stay

Medellín’s urban area is divided into 6 zones and 16 communes (comunas), which are ranked by socio-economic stratus from 1 (poorest) to 6 (wealthy). Those with higher ranking, such as El Poblado (5-6), Envigado (3-4), Laureles-Estadio (4-5), Sabaneta (3-4) and Belén (3-5) tend to be favored by visitors and expats living in the city.

El Poblado, also known as Comuna 14, has been the most popular choice for visitors for the last decade because it has an abundance of hotels, live-work spaces for digital nomads, great restaurant and nightlife options and a few relatively safe, walkable neighborhoods (keeping reading below for more on that).

This last part is the key. El Poblado is subdivided into 22 neighborhoods (barrios), so knowing which one to pick can make or break your stay. Let’s break down the favorites.

Where to stay within Medellín’s El Poblado neighborhood

1. Central Poblado

This is the epicenter for shopping, restaurants, nightlife, particularly around the Parque Lleras, which tends to appeal to a younger crowd. Recommended stay: The Charlee Lifestyle 

2. Provenza

Just up the hill from Central Poblado, Provenza is popular with locals and expats with a wide variety of dining and nightlife options. Recommended stay: Happy Buddha

3. Manila

This is an up-and-coming walkable neighborhood that’s quickly becoming the go-to place, whether it’s for morning coffee or the nightlife. It’s a great alternative for those who have tired of the crowds at the Parque Lleras. When you’re based here, it’s a 10-minute walk to both Central Poblado and the super clean and efficient metro. Recommended stay: Los Patios Hostel Boutique

4. Astorga

Astorga is another emerging neighborhood that was once a weekend country estate (finca) bearing the same name. In the 1950s, the owners decided to build homes for residential living in the countryside. These days, El Poblado’s expansive growth surrounds this leafy neighborhood, which home to shops, galleries, antique stores and cafes. Recommended stay: Travelers Orange Suites Medellín

5. Patio Bonito

Patio Bonito, which means “pretty patio” in English, lives up to its name with flowering trees and colorful planters decorating the streetscapes. The neighborhood is an oasis of relaxed living with a selection of hipster hangouts. Recommended stay: Black Sheep Hostel

5. La Florida or Las Lomas

These are the safest barrios, but definitely more residential, which is perfect for families. However, it is further away from the action down the hill, which means walking longer distances, taking an Uber or ordering delivery with the Rappi app. Recommended stay: Apartamentos Loma Verde 

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The best things to do in El Poblado

El Poblado has no shortage of things to keep you busy on your visit to Medellín, Colombia. Here are a few of the places that should be on your radar:

Museo de Arte Moderno, also known as El MAMM: This seven-story exhibition space in El Poblado celebrates contemporary art that is culturally, socially, politically and aesthetically relevant to the local community. in addition to the galleries, the museum has a theater, a book shop, gift store and a café.  On the last Friday of each month, the museum is free from 6 to 10 p.m. The evening includes a movie in the plaza that starts at 7:00 p.m. Address: Carrera 44 #19a-100

Salsa dancing: Salsa music practically courses through the veins of most Colombians. It’s an integral part of the culture and Medellín has an active dance scene. This makes it easy to find private or group lessons and plenty of salsa clubs in which to apply what you’ve learned. Try SkyBar in the Parque Lleras, which has free salsa classes on Thursdays.You can mingle with some skilled dancers moving to salsa, bachata, kizomba and some reggaeton as the night wears on. Address: Carrera 38 #8-83

Mercado del Rio: This foodie destination is housed in a large warehouse pack with more than 50 food and drink vendors. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, the space offers wide variety of gastronomical options from burgers to sushi, plus free Wifi. Opens everyday at 7a.m. except for Sunday (8 a.m.). Address: Calle 24 #48-28

El Castillo Museo: Inspired by the medieval castles of Europe, El Castillo is a former estate turned museum of decorative arts featuring everything from furniture to housewares. It’s also a center for cultural arts that hosts music and dance exhibitions. The striking gardens surrounding the castle have statues, fountains, exotic plants and wildlife. Address: Calle 9S #32-269

Dining: You’ll find all kinds of great options that suit any palate. The following restaurants in central El Poblado are stand outs: Carmen, Shanti Cocina Vital and Bao Bei Cocina Asiatica Contemporanea. Head to Ajiacos y Modongos for the best traditional paisa cuisine. For dessert, try Sharbets, which has guilt-free vegan gelato made with fruits and veggies. I like to get a scoop of Golden Eye with chocolate, orange and carrot.

 

Toucan Cafe: One part coffee show and one part tour desk, the Toucan Café is a great place to hang out and plan excursions within the city or beyond. Address: Calle 10 #41-32

Shopping: Centro Comercial El Tesoro, which has more than 400 shops and businesses of all types, is one of the most popular malls in the city. There’s even a small amusement park in the center of the mall with a ferris wheel, train, water ride and games to keep kids entertained for a long time.

In terms of Colombian-made goods, Mattelsa is a local clothing designer with a shop in El Poblado. Pergamino is a coffee shop that sells beautifully presented coffee and souvenir mugs. Monstera sells handmade crafts from around the country, including bags, hats, jewelry and kitchen utensils. Makeno has apparel, jewelry and crafts made in Colombia.

 

Should I stay in La Candelaria in downtown Medellín instead of the El Poblado neighborhood?

La Candelaria, in downtown Medellín, is home to a slew of cultural sites that visitors to the Colombian city shouldn’t miss. However, it can be risking walking around at night. I’ve had plenty of taxi drivers tell me to take care of my belongings and be vigilant since muggings and pickpocketing are not uncommon. According to the newspaper El Tiempo, La Candelaria had the most homicides and thefts in the city in 2016.

Despite the warnings, many travelers base themselves without incident in La Candelaria (Comuna 10). It’s a great budget-friendly location for travelers who want to be centrally located, don’t care about places that are showing their age and want the convenience of being in a transportation hub close to the bus station and metro. The classic Hotel Nutibara is right next to the Parque Botero and has spacious rooms, even if they are a little worn.

I personally prefer to be able to walk out the door in the evening and stroll to a nearby restaurant or café without feeling like I’m a target. Solo female travelers and families with children may feel more comfortable in El Poblado. Remain vigilant no matter where you are, as the wealthy neighborhoods are often targeted by thiefs, too.

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[Would you like more information on safety in Colombia? Read all about what you need to know before you travel to the South American country.]