Where to Stay in Medellin: Why Envigado is the Best Choice
As part of my boyfriend and I’s 3-month South America excursion, Medellin, Colombia was our final stop. We stayed here for a full month, and I felt it was going to be my favorite place from the moment we arrived at the airport. Between the tropical climate, lush mountains and rich history, Medellin is an amazing travel destination.
However, as with any foreign city, figuring out where to stay in Medellin was tricky at first. On the other hand, with some exploring & help from locals, we ended up very satisfied with our final choice.
To help you figure out where to stay in Medellin, this article will provide both my personal recommendations and unbiased suggestions, as everyone’s travel preferences are subjective!
The Different Areas of Medellin: Quick Guide
The most popular places to stay in Medellin appear to be Poblado and Laureles. Envigado is the third option, though locals will immediately correct you by explaining its technically its own municipality. However, geographically, they are right next to each other and spoiler alert! – this is where we stayed! Therefore, for the purpose of this article, consider Envigado a part of Medellin.
All three options are safe and offer different pros and cons, so it’s all up to your personal preferences! Here are the key differences:
Poblado: Short-term Tourism
Though I’m hesitant to say this, it’s possible that Poblado may be the best place for your stay in Medellin. Poblado is the hip, trendy area of Medellin. Therefore, there are tons of cool restaurants, cafes, and nightclubs.
When we first drove through on the way back from the airport, I was like, “Wow! This area is awesome!” However, I later realized I was just gravitating towards what felt the most familiar. The spots in Poblado reminded me of home . . . and that’s not really the point of traveling, right?
However! I’m not here to judge, merely provide information. If your trip is short and you want to party and eat good food, Poblado is probably a great option. Just be aware, it’s most definitely more expensive here and you’ll be surrounded by tourists.
Laureles: The Middle Ground
If you want a mixture between city & residential vibes, Laureles seems to offer a perfect balance of both. This probably would have been our second choice, had we not settled on Envigado. Laureles is still walkable and urban, hosting many restaurants and other activities.
There are more locals than in Poblado, so you can still immerse yourself in Colombian culture whilst having your normal amenities. Laureles offers a balance between the three options, making it a great place to stay in Medellin for any occasion.
Envigado: For Authentic, Long-term Stays
If you want the most authentic Colombian experience, I believe Envigado is the best place to stay in Medellin. Known for its local and community-centered vibe, we truly felt immersed in Colombian culture here. We seldom heard people speaking English, which for us, was a pro.
Businesses are more spread out here, so living in Envigado definitely required more walking. However, doing so allowed us to stumble upon hidden gems scattered amongst the residences. It’s the ultimate setting to get a real sense of local life near Medellin.
If you’re interested, I will provide a more in-depth description of Envigado later in this article. For now, if you’re staying for a longer period or looking for the best place for remote work, Envigado is the best place to stay in Medellin!
Where Should You Not Stay in Medellin?
Normally, when traveling to a new city, I would assume the city center is the best place to stay. In this case, my initial research of Medellin told me otherwise. Many people suggested not to stay in El Centro, also referred to as “La Candelaria.” After visiting twice, I was glad we listened to this advice.
Of course, it’s still worth a visit as there are significant cultural landmarks here. However, even the local guides we met called it sketchy. Despite Medellin going through a complete social transformation in recent years, there are still places to be extra cautious.
Therefore, I’d stay somewhere else and use Medellin’s (amazing) metro system to get around.
Quick Summary: Choosing the Best Place for You
👉El Poblado: Short-term stays, modern comforts, nightlife & social scene
👉Laureles: Short- to mid-term stays, urban feel balanced with local vibes
👉Envigado: Mid- to long-term stays, quiet, super local, best for digital nomads
If I’ve piqued your interest in Envigado and you want to learn more, keep reading!
Insider Tip for Long Term Stays
As I mentioned, we stayed in South America for three months during this trip. The first two were spent in Argentina and Peru, both of which we booked month-long Airbnb’s for prior to arrival. We were lucky in both circumstances, but we felt a bit more conflicted about where to stay in Medellin.
Therefore, we took a different approach for this last stop, deciding to only buy a few nights in a cheap, centrally located Airbnb. Our plan was to spend those days exploring ourselves and then decide where we liked the most.
On our first full day, we booked a Comuna 13 Tour, and it just so happened that our guide, Kevin, lived in Envigado. Long story short, we had dinner together after and he convinced us to stay in Envigado. This all happened both by chance and our choice to remain open and flexible.
If this is an option for you, I highly recommend doing it this way! By exploring yourself and booking some walking tours, you can really make the most informed decision. After all, everyone’s preferences are different, and therefore my personal advice may not apply to you!
However, my advice is pretty good, and you should continue reading . . .
Why Envigado is the Best Place to Stay in Medellin
As I mentioned, after our wonderful dinner with Kevin, we were convinced to book a month in Envigado. Despite our initial hesitations about it being a bit further from the city, we never regretted our choice. Here are all the reasons why!
Location & Walkability of Envigado
Envigado is located south of Medellin and therefore is surrounded by nature. As opposed to a downtown with high-rises, the quiet streets are filled with small businesses. You can find anything you need, from barber shops to nail salons to tiny fruit stands. There are tons of old-fashioned convenience stores, all of which have TVs where locals gather around to watch soccer late at night.
Depending on where you are, the Metro is still relatively close. Occasionally, we walked 25 minutes to the station, which was no problem for us as we enjoy walking. However, the Ubers in Medellin are so cheap, we often just used that! We never felt isolated or “too far outside the city,” which had been an initial concern.
Envigado’s Tight Knit Community
The locals we did meet were extremely friendly, and I felt at home immediately. While sitting at a cafe in Envigado, you can expect to see workers waving to pedestrians on the street, or neighbors talking to each other from inside their apartment windows.
On one of our first days, James and I were walking up a steep hill when we heard an older woman yelling behind us. At first, I was confused and startled, until I realized she was asking him for help. “Ayudame!” (“Help Me!”) she insisted, holding her groceries out for James to carry, while also saying something along the lines of, “Aren’t you going to help your grandma out?”
After the initial shock, we couldn’t stop laughing once we parted ways. We immediately felt the tight sense of community that Kevin had described, and our choice to stay in Envigado felt right.
👉Sunday Community Walks: To prove my point, every Sunday morning, the main road between Envigado and Poblado is closed to cars. It appears the entire community comes to this path, either running, biking, roller blading, or merely strolling with their dogs. Vendors line the sidewalks selling fresh-squeezed orange juice or Salpicón – the most refreshing Colombian-style juice with fruit chunks! This walk provides an opportunity to see the surrounding areas and walk amongst the local community!
Plenty of Restaurant Options – Both Authentic & Not
As I mentioned, our main concern was that Envigado would be too residential, lacking spots for us to observe Colombian food and culture. This was actually the opposite of our experience. There are hidden gems everywhere, and unlike Poblado, they’re not overrun with tourists! You can find authentic “Paisa” cuisine everywhere, as well as many cafes.
La Calle de la Buena Mesa
In addition to the local spots, Envigado also has a smaller central food scene called La Calle de la Buena Mesa! This area is a hub for the “trendier” restaurants, hosting both traditional and international cuisines. We had both sushi and burgers here, so the options are endless.
Local Favorites
Not only did Kevin give an awesome tour of Comuna 13, but we also remained friends and visited a few other local food joints together. We never would have found either of the following places without a local guide, and after trying the food, we were extremely grateful.
This small curb-side food stand serves up the most delicious street tacos. They also serve those loaded Dorito bags, stuffed with taco toppings. We were served once by Jaky herself and once by her son, and both times were delicious. They have special homemade sauces, and everyone eats the tacos on the street curb after ordering.
The hours are funky, and we were disappointed a few times to find she was closed on our way over. However, this was part of the charm. It felt like all the locals knew her hours, so it was sort of fitting that us Americans had to guess.
👉Mony Arepas
📍Search on Google Maps: Arepas de chicharrón, carne desmechada, chorizo y queso
Like Jakys Tacos, Mony Arepas barely had a sign to advertise its existence, and the name on google was not helpful. Thankfully, we had Kevin to show us this hidden gem, serving up authentic arepas and “patacónes” – double fried plantains topped with meat and guac.
The patacónes were so delicious, James and I kept ordering more of them, until Mony herself came out and told us they were closing soon.
Some of Our Non-Colombian Favorites
On the other hand, don’t be concerned that you can’t find more familiar food either. Something that came as a surprise to us . . . Colombia loves burgers! Every street in Envigado had a burger restaurant. There were also other cuisines from Mexican restaurants to this amazing shawarma place.
👉Rómulo de Calle: local spot for great, inexpensive steak. The burger sliders were insane
👉SMASH Envigado: best place for delicious and healthy, whole food meals (we went multiple times a week)
👉Shawarma House comida Arabe: delicious shawarma wraps and falafel (They don’t have a website, but the location is located right near Envigado’s central square)
While there may be more trendy options for other cuisines in Poblado, most of our meals were under 10$. That’s right – you can eat a filet mignon, with sides, for around 10$ here! Sometimes, higher prices don’t always mean better food!
If you’re on a budget, this factor is just another reason that Envigado is the best place to stay in Medellin for you!
Endless Places to Work or Relax
If you’re staying in Colombia long term like us, it’s possible you need places to work, read or relax. There are endless options for all three in Envigado! Many places have Wi-Fi, and it’s not uncommon to see people busting out their laptops at “normal” restaurants either.
Working Cafes (or Just Great Coffee)
If you’re a digital nomad, no need to worry about finding places to work in Envigado. Also, most cafes (obviously) serve local Colombian coffee, ensuring a delicious cup as you work.
Pro Tip: “Tinto” is the instant coffee served at most places here in Colombia. I was confused at first, since Colombia is known for having some of the best coffee in the world. However, I learned that much of the “best” coffee was saved for exporting in the past, so drinking the “leftover beans” became part of the culture. Tinto is a cheaper option, enjoyed with friends and family! Now, if someone offers you Tinto, you know what they mean! 😉
On the other hand, if you’re looking for a cafe in Envigado with great espresso and atmosphere, here are some ideas:
1️⃣Don Alirio: our favorite outdoor cafe for “old-timey” vibes and the friendliest staff. We came here at least 3x a week for strong espresso, once for an awesome breakfast, and on one occasion, for mid-thunderstorm croissants and hot chocolate.
Being there clearly made me very happy:
2️⃣DiverGente: A small, quiet cafe with plenty of outlets and great coffee. While working, you can watch (and smell) the staff baking fresh breads and pastries. If you go, try the “torta de Almojábana,” made from traditional Colombian bread and topped with guava jam!
3️⃣Hojarasca: Where I tried my first “aromática” a commonly served drink here, containing fresh fruit & herbs steeped in hot water. I also tried another Colombian favorite – stuffed hot chocolate. Yup, “chocolate con queso” is hot chocolate packed with things like cheese, arepas and crackers.
4️⃣Cafe Fika: Another quiet space with loads of seating options, including three levels and a balcony! I enjoyed their cold brew, and James became obsessed with their mochaccinos (which, BTW, in Colombia, don’t come loaded with sugars – just cocoa powder!)
5️⃣Kadosh: Finally, Kadosh was an amazing cafe, located on top of a hill, away from the downtown. The owner is extremely friendly, preparing all of the drinks himself, peeling mango in his free time. The space is beautiful with large windows, making it the perfect place to watch an inevitable thunderstorm while working. I (surprisingly) enjoyed the cold brew lemonades here, in addition to “limonada con yerbabuena” – fresh squeezed lemonade mixed with mint.
Cultural Centers & Libraries
In addition to the cafes, there are multiple libraries and cultural centers to work in Envigado too.
Biblioteca Pública y Parque Cultural Débora Arango
This space in the center of Envigado hosts a library and other public spaces for workshops. At night, they even have events, such as a random outdoor concert we stumbled upon one night. It’s a true cultural immersion space, showcasing the sense of community in Envigado.
Casa Museo Otra Parte
Casa Museo Otra Parte is another cultural space in Envigado, which is a house / museum dedicated to the famous Colombian philosopher Fernando Gonzalez. The space has a library and beautiful courtyard with a cafe, perfect for studying, reading, or simply enjoying the green atmosphere.
Envigado’s Access to Nature
Because of its location outside the main city, nature is extremely accessible in Envigado. After spending two months in both Lima and Buenos Aires, this was another big pro for us when we came to Medellin.
One day, we were laying in the hammock on our balcony and saw two green & red macaws flying overhead. As someone who’d only seen these birds in captivity or on the Rio cartoon movie, it was an amazing experience.
Though everywhere is filled with lush greenery, Envigado is just a short uber/bus ride away from many awesome spots:
1️⃣Parque Ecoturístico El Salado: A quick drive from Envigado, with a beautiful walking trail and activities like rock climbing and ziplining.
2️⃣Parque La Heliodora: Right in Envigado, this lush park was directly across from where we stayed. It’s small, but worth a walk-through if you’re in the El Dorado area! There’s a short trail, social pavilion where I saw various events, and randomly, a calisthenic park!
3️⃣Hike to La Catedral & Salto del Angel Waterfall: Hike outside of Envigado leading to Pablo Escabar’s old “prison,” as well as a beautiful waterfall.
4️⃣Take metro cables to Parque Arvi: Though outside of Envigado, this park was worth the mention. You can easily take the metro train & cables from Envigado to this stunning park in the mountains, spending the whole day if you’d like!
Local Soccer Field & Track
If you want to offset the fried arepas and empanadas you’ll be eating, Envigado also has a free public space to workout. Here, at “Cancha El Dorado,” there is almost always a local soccer game going on, as well as runners circling the track. There’s a basketball court next to the field, as well as a small calisthenics area.
If you’re staying a while and are interested, we also joined a local gym in El Dorado called Gimnasio Cuerpos!
Wrapping up . . .
Where to Stay in Medellin: In Sum
As you can see, Envigado is truly the best to place to stay in Medellin for long term trips, offering a complete cultural immersion. Though we felt out of place sometimes, it’s this uncomfortable feeling that makes traveling so special! We were able (or forced?) to practice our Spanish and ask locals for help / recommendations!
On the other hand, no matter where you stay in Medellin you’re going to have an amazing time. As I mentioned, due to their top-notch metro station, you can easily access any part of the city from anywhere. Or be a loser and take advantage of the insanely low Uber prices. You really can’t make the wrong choice when choosing where to stay in Medellin. Enjoy your trip!
Speaking of your vacation . . .
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