City in Antioquia, Colombia
Is Medellín safe?
Much safer than its 1990s image, but phone theft and drugging are common in El Poblado and the centre.
Is Medellín safe?
Much safer than its 1990s image, but phone theft and drugging are common in El Poblado and the centre. Normal big-city care with extra caution at night.
Key facts
- SoloSquare safety rating: 3/5, take real precautions.
- Homicide rate in Colombia: 24.9 per 100,000 people (2023, UNODC via World Bank).
- Road deaths in Colombia: 15.4 per 100,000 people a year (2019, WHO).
- Emergency numbers: Police 123 · Ambulance 123 · Fire 119 · All emergencies 123.
Safety in Medellín at a glance
| What to expect | |
|---|---|
| Overall | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
| Crime | Phone snatching by motorbike or on the metro, pickpocketing, and drink spiking with scopolamine or burundanga linked to dating apps and bars. |
| At night | Provenza and Laureles stay lively late. Take Uber or DiDi at night instead of walking or hailing street taxis, and keep phones out on the street. |
| Solo women | Many solo women live here and catcalling is common. Meet dates in public, never leave drinks unwatched, and use ride apps at night. |
| Other risks | Phone theft from motorbikes on busy streets; Heavy afternoon rain with flooding; Fast motorbike traffic at crossings |
Scams, areas and local laws
Common scams
- Dating-app date leads to a bar, drugging and robbery
- Overpriced bar bills and 'free' drinks around Parque Lleras
- Street dealers or fake police in the city centre
- Taxi drivers skipping the meter or taking long routes
Take care
- Parque Lleras late at night: spiking and theft
- City centre (La Candelaria) after dark: robbery
- Comunas hillsides: do not wander without a local guide
Calmer areas to stay
Laws visitors break by accident
- Carry your passport or a copy; police checks are common.
- Buying drugs is illegal, and street deals are a common setup for robbery.
How Medellín compares in Colombia
| Place | Safety |
|---|---|
| Salento | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Guatapé | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| San Andrés | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Minca | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Palomino | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Villa de Leyva | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| San Gil | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Jardín | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Leticia | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Medellín | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
| Cartagena | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
| Bogotá | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
| Santa Marta | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
| Cali | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
| Barranquilla | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
| Pereira | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
Quick answers
Is Medellín safe for solo female travelers?
Many solo women live here and catcalling is common. Meet dates in public, never leave drinks unwatched, and use ride apps at night.
Is Medellín safe at night?
Provenza and Laureles stay lively late. Take Uber or DiDi at night instead of walking or hailing street taxis, and keep phones out on the street.
What is the crime rate in Medellín?
Phone snatching by motorbike or on the metro, pickpocketing, and drink spiking with scopolamine or burundanga linked to dating apps and bars. Nationally, Colombia records 24.9 homicides per 100,000 people a year (2023).
What number do I call in an emergency in Medellín?
Police 123 · Ambulance 123 · Fire 119 · All emergencies 123.
More about Medellín
Going to Medellín solo?
SoloSquare is where travelers, nomads and locals in Medellín meet up for small plans: coffee, dinners, walks and day trips. Join one, or start your own in a minute.
Sources
- Metro de Medellín
- Aeropuerto José María Córdova
- Medellín tourism
- World Bank: intentional homicides (UNODC)
- World Bank: road traffic deaths (WHO)
Safety ratings are SoloSquare's editorial judgment from official advisories, crime data and local reporting. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.