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, it is actually one of the safest and friendliest cities in Colombia. A party town with an ecstatic 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, museums and a colourful downtown area - with places like Comuna 3 adorned with political street murals, and in grand squares like that of the Botero Plaza, lined with sculptures by one of Colombia's most-loved artists, while in the more upmarket sides you find boutiques, concept stores, rooftop bars and gourmet restaurants. To truly appreciate the gorgeous surroundings of the city, take one of the cable cars that stretch across Medellin and see the valley sweeping beneath your feet in stunning panoramas. Outside the city is a different world: forests, lakes, swamps, butterfly enclosures and rivers peppered with gondolas. Exciting and unpretentiously cool, the best places to stay in Medellin are in a range of boutiques, from chic to urban-designer, perfect base-camps to explore the city from.

What not to miss

• Take the metro cable car system for scenic views of the valley.
• Check out Botero Plaza and marvel at the beautiful sculptures.
• Find solace in the Basilica de la Candelaria, one of the few remaining colonial buildings.
• Head to upscale El Poblado and enjoy the range of boutiques, concept stores, clubs, restaurants and rooftop bars.
• Take the Pablo Escobar historical tour.
• Visit Comuna 13 and see the manic and colourful political murals.
• Head 30km from the city centre, to Parque Arvi, and walk amidst the landscape of forest, lakes and rivers - be sure to book a gondola ride.
• Go north of the city, to Sant Fe, the picturesque colonial town teeming with cathedrals, wide plazas, palaces and charming cobbled streets.

A truly mesmerising and colourful city, Medellin is a great stepping stone to the surrounding areas, boasts some great bars and restaurants, a colourful downtown area and a fascinating history. Browse through our list of the best places to stay in Medellin to start planning your trip.

The best places to stay in Medellin

Chic boutique

• 574 Hotel is a boutique hotel 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 jacuzzi. Enjoy a traditional Colombian breakfast at the hotel's Caimán Café terrace. A chic city hotel.
• Patio del Mundo 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.
• The Charlee offers avant-garde, designer rooms that are dressed in 5 styles which blur the line between indoor and outdoor space; book an Envy Suite for a private terrace jacuzzi and teppanyaki grill. Enjoy a lively evening at the rooftop bar; a unique city hotel.

For an apartment or villa

• Our partner Booking.com has a wide range of villas and apartments in the nearby area.

Travel information

• There is never a bad time to visit "the city of eternal spring". The climate remains temperate throughout the year, lying somewhere between 17 and 28 degrees.
• Fly to Jose Maria Cordova International Airport, 20km's from Medellin: get either one of the regular shuttle buses to the city, or book a taxi.
• If you want to rent a car, contact our partner Rentalcars.

Still not sure?

• For a seaside holiday, check out our collection of the best places to stay in Buritaca
• or Colombia
• or contact one of our Gurus for advice.

Weather

Monthly Weather in Medellin