A Solo Traveller's Guide to Medellín

With Medellín’s blissful temperate climate, it’s known as the City of Eternal Spring – and the city of Medellín has transformed and blossomed over the decades into a cosmopolitan hub oozing sophistication. There are plenty of places to stay for all types, not to mention authentic places to eat and trendy microbreweries for solo travelers to settle into – and, of course, make friends.
What’s the vibe?
Medellín is a multifaceted hub of Paisa culture. The city is a place of bustling markets, colorful neighborhoods and lots of green spaces. Factor in public sculptures to admire and a boisterous nightlife, solo travelers to Medellín are well and truly sorted.

Destinations Unlocked:
Let our travel expert Stefano help you find your perfect Culture tripCentralAmerica
1. Guatemala
An express adventure for those with limited time off. Prepare yourself incredible experiences. You will hike a volcano, visit mayan temples and witness a ceremony and take in beautiful colonial Antigua.CentralAmerica
2. Belize
A quick trip not too far away for those seeking a relaxing mini break. You will have plenty of free time to relax but also some awesome activities to experience the rainforest and the caribbean sea.CentralAmerica
3. Mexico
An exciting mini trip exploring the lesser known colonial towns of central Mexico. This is hte perfect trip for someone with limited time off and still wants to turn on explorer mode and do something different.SouthAmerica
1. Ecuador
A remarkable 8 days adventure through the Andes and the Amazon rainforest. The best choice for adventure seekers wishing to visit the 2 most iconic areas of South America, in only 1 week and no flights.SouthAmerica
2. Peru
An alternative itinerary to classic Peru, from Cusco to Arequipa. This itinerary is great combination of highlights Cusco and Machu Picchu with the lesser known Arequipa and Colca Canyon.Europe
1. Italy
The ultimate Italian experience from the vibrant streets of Naples to the breathtaking sceneries of the Amalfi Coast followed by Matera and down to Puglia with its golden beaches, intense flavours and fascinating destinations.Europe
2. Scotland
Embark on this great adventure starting from London all the way to Scotland with a true Scottish experience made of breathtaking sceneries, whisky tasting and ..lots of fun! Ideal for train lovers and explorers.Europe
3. Portugal
A wonderful train journey around Portugal, from the romantic city of Porto to the Douro Valley, to the beautiful Aveiro all the way to Lisbon and Sintra. The perfect trip to train, culinary and culture lovers.Asia
1. South Korea
Discover incredible temples, mountains and modern cities on this 10 day adventure. This trip is perfect for those seeking immersion in the cuisine, culture and natural wonders of South Korea.Asia
2. Thailand
From Bankgok to Angkor Wat to Ho Chi Minh City and everything in between - adventure through the heart of South-East Asia. Taste the delights, see history brought to life and unwind on a Mekong River cruise.Asia
3. Sri Lanka
A fantastic adventure that showcases Sri Lanka's fantastic landscapes, wildlife and flavours. With 3 epic rail journeys, 3 UNESCO heritage sites and time to relax, this trip has loads to offer at a great priceAfrica
1. Morocco
An epic journey across Morocco: from Casablanca to Marrakech, through the blue city of Chefchaouen to the wonders of the desert and deep to the High Atlas Mountains - this trip has it all! Ideal for true explorers!Africa
2. Egypt
From Cairo to Aswan, this trip brings the land of the pharaohs to life. You'll visit the Pyramids, Valley of the Kings and Luxor Temple and cruise down the Nile in style. This is the perfect way to explore Egypt.Where to stay in Medellín for solo travellers
Elcielo Hotel
Luxury

With all marble floors, Italian-style bathtubs and luxury amenities, the Elcielo Hotel is one of the most elegant hotels in Medellín. The hotel has a rooftop pool with panoramic skyline views, and the Elcielo restaurant is world-class: come for molecular gastronomy, an avant-garde dining experience that bends scientific techniques with Colombian ingredients.
Masaya Medellín
Hostel

This newly-built hostel is popular for its 360º city views. Hit the rooftop for the heated pool, hot tub and multi-level bar and seating area. Stay in for multiple restaurants, a shared kitchen and social lounges with cultural activities and super-sociable events for Medellín solo travelers. For extra privacy, splurge on a private room: a spacious suite decorated in a tropical theme with bohemian-style decor.
Los Patios Hostel
Boutique Hotel, Hostel

A short walk from Lleras Park, the poshtel Los Patios goes all out to connect solo travelers. These colorful, Colombian-centric buildings have thought of everything and then some: rooftop pool, gym and organic garden; two bars and multiple lounge areas hosting events daily: salsa lessons, pub crawls, yoga classes, mojito-making sessions and bike tours. There’s even a Spanish school if your lingo’s rusty.
Eating and drinking in Medellín
OCI.Mde
Restaurant, Contemporary

Effortlessly cool but unpretentious OCI.Mde in El Poblado serves elevated comfort food made with farm-to-table ingredients. The industrial-style contemporary Medellín restaurant tends to fill up quickly – reserve ahead. For an unforgettable meal, order the short ribs: they’re braised for 12 hours in a lemon and chili caramel sauce and served with a side of sticky rice.
Alambique
Restaurant, Authentic
Behind an inconspicuous blue door is this rustic-chic open-air speakeasy restaurant, covered in greenery. With its wooden interior and antiques-sale-meets-library vibes, it’s an intriguing place for a gargle – and dinner – near Parque Lleras before you get stuck into the nightlife. Try the ceviche, octopus, or vegetarian-fusion dishes, paired with creative spicy cocktails – say a Beso de Mezcal made with a dash of jalapeno and cayenne pepper.
Cafetera Restaurante la Casa de Beto
Restaurant, Authentic
This modest restaurant makes up for its lack of decor with an affordable and high-quality menu del dia – hit or miss in most restaurants in El Poblado. Restaurants around here tend to be pricey, but this place does authentic food at budget prices. Beyond the standard set meal of grilled meat and rice, it sends out daily-changing meals including triple-meat rice with a giant helping of fresh salad.
What to do in Medellín for solo travelers
Bone up on history at the city’s museums

Understanding Medellín requires a grasp of its history and transition to a modern metropolis. Impressive museums include the Museo de Antioquia, which holds a huge collection of work by Colombia’s most famous artist, Fernando Botero. Medellín’s past is revealed in the Museo Casa de la Memoria, with its poignant interactive exhibits, it’s a powerful history lesson about the decades of armed conflict in Colombia and of the resilience of its people.
For a first-hand account of Medellín’s story, a guided walking tour of Medellín is included in Culture Trip’s Colombian Andes adventure, led by our Local Insider.
Explore the impressive Jardín Botánico de Medellín

The Botanical Garden of Medellín is a great introduction to the city’s love of everything floral, with more than 1,000 species – and let’s hear it for the two large iguanas roaming around. Spend an afternoon exploring different eco-systems and admire the modern architecture of the Orquideorama – the canopy structure. Events year-round include yoga sessions and festivals focused on beer and music.
Take the Metrocable to Parque Arvi

Getting to the park is half the fun – by gondola, for amazing city views. The Metrocables were built as a way to reach the very steep residential neighborhoods. Take the L line Metrocable to escape urban thrum in Parque Arvi. Here, serene nature is laced with trails for hiking, biking and birdwatching. Guided tours are also available.
Stay safe, stay happy in Medellín

Once rough, Medellín has completely cleaned up its act. Now it’s firmly on the Colombia solo travel map, beloved of digital nomads. Petty crime does occur here – but you can avoid it with simple steps: avoid wearing anything that makes you stand out and keep your belongings secured to you at all times. Reassuringly today there is a noticeable police presence, especially in the more touristy areas and crowded public plazas and parks.
Getting around Medellín for solo travelers

The city can lay claim to an impressive Metro and MetroCable transportation system that gets you to the most popular sights with ease. There is also a bus rapid transit system called MetroPlus connected to the Metro line to get you to the other parts of the city safely and efficiently. Just avoid it during rush hours in the early morning and after work, when the whole transport system gets cramped and claustrophobic.
Link up with a small group of like-minded travelers and a Local Insider on Culture Trip’s eight-day Bogota to Medellín adventure, which visits the Colombian Andes and has plenty of time for city fun in the cosmopolitan capital as well as magical Medellín.
This is an updated rewrite of an article originally by Chris Bell.
Volcanic Iceland Epic Trip
meet our Local Insider
Hanna

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A GUIDE?
2 years.
WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT YOUR JOB?
It's the personal contact, the personal experiences. I love meeting people from all over the world... I really like getting to know everyone and feeling like I'm traveling with a group of friends.
WHAT DESTINATION IS ON YOUR TRAVEL BUCKET-LIST?
I have so many places on my list, but I would really lobe to go to Africa. I consider myself an “adventure girl” and Africa feels like the ULTIMATE adventure!


Every CULTURE TRIP Small-group adventure is led by a Local Insider just like Hanna.


KEEN TO EXPLORE THE WORLD?
Connect with like-minded people on our premium trips curated by local insiders and with care for the world
Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.
Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.
Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.
Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.
We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.