The vibrant, wealthy and bustling capital of the mountainous province of Antioquia, Medellin is known as "the city of eternal spring" for its temperate climate, and though it was once synonymous with the drug kingpin Pablo Escobar (the eponymous Pablo Escobar tour is a must!), it is actually one of the safest and friendliest cities in Colombia. A party town with an vibrant nightlife, nestling in a narrow valley with skyscrapers tall and bright against a backdrop of rugged Andean peaks, it boasts a fantastic range of art galleries and museums. The downtown area is colourful - a mix of political street murals in Comuna 13 and grand squares like Botero Plaza, lined with sculptures by one of Colombia's most-loved artists, while in the upscale El Poblado district you will find boutiques, concept stores, rooftop bars and gourmet restaurants. Exciting and unpretentiously cool, the best places to stay in Medellin range from cosy boutiques to chic, urban-designer hotels, all of them perfect base-camps for exploring this amazing city.
But to truly appreciate all that Medillin has to offer, you must not miss its gorgeous surroundings. A trip in one of the cable cars that stretch across the city opens up some stunning panoramas, while not far away in Parque Arvi you can explore a different world: forests, lakes, swamps, butterfly enclosures and rivers peppered with gondolas. Last, just an hour north by road is the charming Sant Fe de Antioquia, a picturesque colonial town teeming with cathedrals, wide plazas, palaces and charming cobbled streets - well worth a day trip.
In summary, Medellin is a truly mesmerising and colourful city as well as a great stepping stone to the surrounding area. Browse through our list of the best places to stay in Medellin to start planning your trip.
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Medellin (El Poblado)
This boutique hotel is located in the heart of the El Poblado District in Medellín. Rooms are bright and simply dressed with white linens and wicker accents; the best suite offers a private indoor hot tub. Enjoy a traditional Colombian breakfast at the hotel's Caimán Café terrace. A chic city hotel.
Medellin (El Poblado)
This contemporary hotel offers guests the opportunity to live like a local in one of Medellín's residential neighbourhoods. The purpose-built property offers lofts and apartments with chic wooden floors, a cosy sitting room and kitchenette, plus city views. Unwind at the rooftop pool; a smart hotel.
Medellin (El Poblado)
This contemporary design hotel is located in the vibrant El Poblado district of Medellín. Set behind an asymmetrical facade, rooms feature boutique design pieces inspired by the art of photography; book a suite for a luxury freestanding bath. Head to the patio restaurant for dinner; a chic hotel.
Medellin (El Poblado)
This hotel is housed in a charming villa in Medellín, Colombia. The individually styled rooms are inspired by different parts of the world and feature boutique furnishings and rich linens; the best suites offer a private patio. Relax with a drink in the hotel's tropical gardens. A chic city oasis.
Medellin (El Poblado)
This boutique hotel is located in Medellín, Colombia. The avant-garde, designer rooms are dressed in 5 styles which blur the line between indoor and outdoor space; book an Envy Suite for a private terrace hot tub and teppanyaki grill. Enjoy a lively evening at the rooftop bar; a unique city hotel.
