Medellin solo travel guide: 7 things to do, where to stay & travel tips (slow travel experience)
- 1 day ago
- 8 min read
I recently spent a few weeks in Medellín (often searched as Medellin), and I wasn’t sure what to expect before arriving. You hear a lot about it before going, and it’s usually quite mixed (with safety being one of the biggest concerns), so I didn’t go in with strong expectations. But after spending a few weeks there as a digital nomad, the version of the city I experienced felt much calmer and more familiar than I thought it would be. It’s not one of those places that instantly feels easy to understand or connect to, it’s more somewhere you slowly get used to, and then start to really enjoy.
Travelling, especially solo, can feel exciting and exhausting at the same time, and I’ve realised over time that the small routines are what keep me feeling grounded while moving around so much. Whether Medellín is a quick stop for you or somewhere you end up staying a little longer, having a few moments in the day that feel calm and familiar really makes a difference. That’s exactly why I created my free Travel Wellness Routine Builder, with simple things like reflective prompts, a printable checklist, and small rituals that help you slow down a bit and feel more settled while travelling. It’s nothing complicated, just simple tools that make travel feel a little more balanced and intentional.
What surprised me about Medellín
Before coming to Medellín, I think I expected the city to feel more hectic and intense than it actually did. But what surprised me most was how green and liveable it felt. There are beautiful trees everywhere, mountains surrounding the city, little parks, outdoor cafés, and somehow a much slower day-to-day rhythm than I imagined before arriving. Of course, like anywhere, there are areas that feel more chaotic than others, but overall I found it easier to settle into than expected. I was also surprised by how quickly I got into a routine there. Medellín does not really feel like a place where you need to constantly rush around trying to see everything. Instead, it is the kind of city where you naturally start revisiting the same cafés, walking the same streets, and building small habits into your days without really noticing it happening.
The kind of rhythm Medellín suits best
I think Medellín works best when you do not overfill your itinerary. Some cities are about constantly moving from one attraction to another, but here I enjoyed the slower days much more. Most mornings started with coffee or matcha latte somewhere in Laureles, then a bit of work, maybe a walk or one planned activity in the afternoon, and slower evenings (filled with fresh guava and mango brought from local shops, see below) without feeling like I always needed plans. And I think that is why I enjoyed it as much as I did. It felt less like being on a trip all the time and more like temporarily building a life somewhere else for a few weeks.
Who I think would really enjoy Medellín
I think Medellín works best for people who enjoy slower, more everyday kinds of travel rather than constantly rushing between major sights. If you like building little routines while travelling, working from cafés for a few hours, walking around neighbourhoods, trying different food spots, and balancing “doing things” with slower days, then you will probably really enjoy it here. I personally think it is one of the best cities to stay in as a digital nomad, and if you are one, you might want to add this city to your list asap.
I also think it suits solo travellers quite well because it is easy to settle into after a few days. There is enough going on that you never feel bored, but there is also a normality to the city that makes everyday life feel quite manageable. Especially in areas like Laureles, it feels less like being in a tourist bubble all the time and more like temporarily living somewhere else. I also think, generally speaking, that Medellín is probably one of the easier places to start with if you want to visit Colombia solo but feel a bit nervous about safety (like I did). Of course, you still need to stay aware and be cautious like you would in any bigger city, but overall I found it a manageable place to explore alone and a good introduction to the country. My personal experience was very positive in Laureles, I have come across many locals who were kind and helpful. But I want to highlight that I always sticked to touristy areas, and didn't really end up going out late in the evening alone in the dark. I heard some bad stories, but they were usually related to partying at night, so for my own peace of mind, I avoided partying and staying out late as a solo female traveller. It may sound like the opposite of fun, but you better to be safe than sorry. And I found that other solo female travellers often did the same, and felt more safe and comfortable that way.
At the same time, I do not think Medellín is the kind of place that instantly appeals to everyone. If your ideal trip is packed with major landmarks, very walkable historic streets, or a fast-paced “let's see everything in three days” type of itinerary, you might connect less with it. When I spoke to other travellers, I definitely have come across some disappointment around what this city can offer in this sense. For me it made sense as I wanted to base myself somewhere for a few weeks where I could space out my activities, without feeling rushed.
Where to stay in Medellín (and why I chose Laureles)
I stayed in Laureles, and I would definitely choose it again without thinking too much about it. It felt residential in the best way, with tree-lined streets, local cafés, and a slower pace that made day-to-day life feel easy. I didn’t feel like I was constantly surrounded by tourists or “in” the busy part of the city, which I really liked. I felt like this neighbourhood really allowed me to get an insight into what a local's day-to-day life may be like.
I did spend time in El Poblado as well, and it definitely has more going on in terms of restaurants, nightlife, and things being very close together. But for me, it felt a bit more like a place you visit rather than somewhere you live. Laureles just felt more grounded and natural, especially when travelling solo, because you’re not always looking for something to do, you’re just going about your day.
Things to do in Medellín (a slower pace travel guide)
As I mentioned above, this city does not pressure you to tick off things from a strict itinerary. Most travellers I spoke to ended up doing a different type of itinerary and variety of activities, noone really felt like there are must-see or must-do things. You can explore and get to know this city in whatever way works best for you. I personally loved the local cafes and food spots. but I also ended up booking some activities and doing my own research. This is how I ended up doing the following:
Coffee tasting at Marquee Hotel
This was one of those experiences that ended up being better than I expected. Colombian coffee is obviously well known, but actually sitting down and tasting it properly, and understanding the differences, makes you appreciate it in a completely different way. It’s quite relaxed, not rushed at all, and afterwards you start noticing your coffee a bit more wherever you go.
Medellín Botanical Garden
I found myself coming here when I wanted a bit of a break from the city. It’s green, calm, and just a nice place to walk around without needing a plan. You can easily spend longer here than you expect, just sitting or wandering slowly, which I always think is a good sign. My personal favourite was the butterfly garden.
El Castillo Museum and Gardens
I don't think many travel guides will include this spot, because I came across this place accidentally, and if I am honest it feels a bit unexpected. A castle in Medellín isn’t really what you picture before arriving, but the gardens are what make it worth visiting. It’s quiet, a bit more structured, and feels quite different from the rest of the city. You don’t need loads of time here, just enough to walk around and take it in. If you are travelling solo, and would like to take some nice pictures without feeling conscious that your phone would get stolen, this is also a perfect spot. The garden has lots of different and quiet corners where you can take photos/videos.
Day trip to Guatapé
If you’re going to do a day trip, this is probably the one to choose. It’s colourful, easy to walk around, and has really nice views over the lake. You can climb El Peñol if you feel like it, but even without that, it’s still worth going. I didn’t plan it too much, which made it more enjoyable, just going with the flow and seeing how the day turned out. I booked mine with GetYourGuide, and the itinerary was perfect, I would highly recommend it, search for this one: Medellin: Guatape Tour with Boat, Breakfast, Lunch & Llamas.
Exotic fruit tour
This was one of the more fun and different things I did. You get to try fruits you’ve probably never heard of before, and learn how to eat them properly, which sounds simple but is actually quite interesting. It’s an easy activity to join and a nice way to do something a bit different from the usual sightseeing. Plus you can get an insight of what a market day looks like, without feeling unsafe as this part of the city is not generally recommended to visit alone.
Comuna 13
This is one of the most well-known areas in Medellín, and it does feel very different from the rest of the city. There’s street art everywhere, music, people performing, and a lot of energy. I would recommend doing a tour here so you understand the background a bit more, otherwise it can feel quite surface-level. It’s definitely worth seeing, just go in with a bit of context.
Solo travel in Medellín
Solo travel here felt easier than I expected. People are generally friendly and open, so even small things like ordering food or asking for directions don’t feel uncomfortable. At the same time, it’s still important to stay aware, especially at night or in busier areas, but it never felt overwhelming. You just get used to being a bit mindful, and that becomes part of your routine.
The rhythm of Medellín
What I liked most about Medellín wasn’t one specific place, it was more the overall pace. The weather stays pretty consistent, the days feel quite open, and there isn’t a pressure to constantly be doing something. You fall into small routines quite naturally, like getting a coffee in the morning, going for a walk, having a slow lunch, and then maybe doing one thing in the afternoon.
Final thoughts
I hope this Medellin solo travel guide was helpful if you are planning a trip here or even just considering it. By now you’ve probably realised that Medellín is not really a city where you need to rush around trying to see everything. It works better when you slow down a bit and let your days feel more flexible rather than overly planned.
For solo travel especially, I found it quite an easy place to settle into. It feels manageable, relatively relaxed, and after a few days you naturally start to find your rhythm there. It might not be one of those destinations that instantly overwhelms you with “wow” moments, but it’s the kind of place that slowly grows on you the longer you stay.
And I think that’s what makes it memorable in the end, not ticking everything off, but actually living there just enough to get a feel for it.
