City in Antioquia, Colombia
Medellín for solo travelers
Is Medellín good for solo travel?
South America's top nomad hub: spring-like weather, fast metro, good coworking and a big social scene. Pickpocketing, dating-app drugging and sex-tourism hustle in El Poblado are the trade-offs.
Solo travel at a glance
| Solo travel | 5/5 · Excellent for solo travel |
|---|---|
| Locals | Friendly |
| English | Limited |
| Safety | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
| 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. |
How to meet people in Medellín
Hostels and coworking in Poblado, language-exchange nights, salsa schools, Comuna 13 tours, running groups and nomad Meetups; expat groups meet most weeks.
Good things to do alone
- Take the Metrocable to Parque Arví
- Join a salsa class in Laureles
- Do a Comuna 13 graffiti walk with a local guide
- Hike Piedra del Peñol day trips from the city
- Eat bandeja paisa at a local fonda
Where to stay in Medellín
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| El Poblado (Provenza, Manila) | First-timers and nomads: cafés, coworking, nightlife; touristy and pricey |
| Laureles | Long stays: local feel, cheaper rent, restaurants, flat streets |
| Envigado | Quiet residential base with parks and a calmer pace |
| Sabaneta | Budget stays and families, near the metro's southern end |
Solo travel across Colombia
| Place | Solo | English |
|---|---|---|
| Medellín | 5/5 | Limited |
| Cartagena | 4/5 | Limited |
| Bogotá | 4/5 | Limited |
| Santa Marta | 4/5 | Limited |
| Cali | 4/5 | Limited |
| Salento | 4/5 | Limited |
| San Andrés | 4/5 | Common in tourist areas |
| Minca | 4/5 | Limited |
| Palomino | 4/5 | Limited |
| San Gil | 4/5 | Limited |
| Pereira | 4/5 | Limited |
| Guatapé | 3/5 | Limited |
| Villa de Leyva | 3/5 | Limited |
| Jardín | 3/5 | Rare |
| Barranquilla | 3/5 | Limited |
| Leticia | 3/5 | Limited |
Quick answers
Is Medellín good for solo travelers?
Excellent for solo travel (5/5). South America's top nomad hub: spring-like weather, fast metro, good coworking and a big social scene.
How do you meet people in Medellín?
Hostels and coworking in Poblado, language-exchange nights, salsa schools, Comuna 13 tours, running groups and nomad Meetups; expat groups meet most weeks. On SoloSquare you can also join small plans with other travelers who are there now.
Do people speak English in Medellín?
Limited.
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.
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
Ratings are SoloSquare's editorial judgment. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.