Safety in Medellín - Practical Guide for Tourists and Visitors

View Safe Accommodations Read Guide

Is Medellín Safe for Tourists? - 2025 Guide

Medellín has experienced an extraordinary transformation in recent decades. From being considered one of the most dangerous cities in the world in the 90s, today it's a popular tourist destination that receives millions of visitors each year. However, as in any large Latin American city, it's important to be informed and take basic precautions.

This guide provides you with updated information about safety in Medellín, including the safest areas, practical tips, and what to do in case of emergency.

📊 Current Safety Overview

📉

Crime Reduction

Homicide rate has decreased more than 90% since the 90s

✈️

Tourism Booming

Over 1.5 million international tourists in 2024

⚠️

Caution Needed

Petty crimes like theft are still common

🚔

More Police Presence

Especially in tourist areas

🟢 Safest Neighborhoods in Medellín

El Poblado

The most touristy and monitored area. High police presence and private security.

  • 24/7 surveillance
  • Many foreigners
  • Well-lit streets
Safety: ★★★★★

Laureles

Upper-middle-class residential area with safe local atmosphere.

  • Quiet and family-friendly
  • Good services
  • Less touristy
Safety: ★★★★★

Envigado

Southern municipality known for its safety and quality of life.

  • Very family-oriented
  • Good surveillance
  • Upscale area
Safety: ★★★★★

Campo Valdés

Central residential area with good connectivity. Safe with normal precautions.

  • Near Metro
  • Active commercial area
  • Budget-friendly
Safety: ★★★★☆

Sabaneta

Small, family-friendly municipality, popular among young people for its central park.

  • Young atmosphere
  • Very active park
  • Generally safe
Safety: ★★★★☆

La América

Traditional neighborhood near the stadium. Safe during day, caution at night.

  • University area
  • Local commerce
  • Good connectivity
Safety: ★★★★☆

🔴 Areas to Avoid or Use Extra Caution

These areas can be visited with local guides during the day, but it's not recommended to go alone or at night:

  • Downtown Medellín: At night and streets away from main areas
  • Comuna 13: Only with official tour during daylight
  • Hillside neighborhoods: Upper areas without local guide
  • Transport terminals: Extra caution, especially at night
  • Parque Berrío: Active pickpockets, especially during rush hour

💡 Essential Safety Tips

📱

Phone and Electronics

  • Don't take out your phone on the street
  • Use earbuds only in enclosed spaces
  • Avoid visible laptops in window cafés
  • Keep devices in internal pockets
💰

Money and Cards

  • Carry only the cash you need for the day
  • Use ATMs inside shopping malls
  • Have a backup card hidden
  • Split money in different places
🚕

Transportation

  • Use only Uber, DiDi or taxi apps
  • Avoid street taxis at night
  • Share your location with someone
  • The Metro is very safe
🌙

Nightlife

  • Don't accept drinks from strangers
  • Watch your drink at all times
  • Go in groups, not alone
  • Have a safe return plan
👔

Appearance

  • Avoid flashy jewelry
  • Dress discreetly
  • Don't show signs of "wealthy tourist"
  • Blend with local population
🗺️

Navigation

  • Study routes before going out
  • Don't look at maps on the street
  • Ask at your accommodation
  • Avoid dark/lonely streets

🚨 What to Do in an Emergency

Emergency Numbers

  • 123 - Emergency Line (police, ambulance, fire)
  • 112 - Emergencies from cell phone
  • 155 - Tourists in trouble
  • 165 - Reports

If You're a Victim of Robbery

  • Don't resist - Your safety comes first
  • Hand over what they ask without sudden movements
  • Memorize the attacker's characteristics
  • Report immediately to 123
  • File report at Fiscalía (for insurance)

🏥 Medical Care

Reference Hospitals

  • Hospital Pablo Tobón Uribe - High quality
  • Clínica Las Américas - International
  • Clínica Medellín - City center
  • Hospital San Vicente - The largest

Travel Insurance

Highly recommended. Colombia has good medical care but costs can be high for foreigners without insurance.

  • World Nomads
  • SafetyWing
  • Allianz Travel

🔒 Accommodation Safety

When Choosing Accommodation

  • Prefer buildings with 24/7 doorman
  • Check locks and security
  • Read reviews about safety
  • Choose recommended areas

During Your Stay

  • Use safe box for valuables
  • Don't open door to strangers
  • Know emergency exits
  • Have copies of documents

📅 Times of Year

High Season (Dec-Jan, Jun-Jul)

More tourists = more pickpockets. Greater police surveillance but also more opportunists.

Flower Festival (August)

Massive event. Extra caution at parades and large events. Very safe but crowded.

Low Season

Fewer tourists, less extra surveillance. Normal precautions apply.

✅ Reality vs. Myths

❌ Myth: Medellín is still very dangerous

Reality: The city has changed dramatically. It's one of the most visited in Latin America with millions of annual tourists.

❌ Myth: You can't walk at night

Reality: In areas like El Poblado, Laureles, and Envigado, it's safe to walk at night with normal precautions.

✅ Truth: Petty theft is common

Reality: Yes, phone and wallet theft is the most common crime. That's why precautions are important.

✅ Truth: Transport apps are safer

Reality: Uber, DiDi, and similar apps are definitely safer than street taxis, especially at night.

Looking for Safe Accommodation in Medellín?

All our accommodations are in safe areas, with doorman, good lighting, and near the Metro. We help you have a peaceful stay.

View Safe Accommodations

Discover our exclusive selection of premium properties in the best locations

Sencilla con baño privado 1
habitacion
Available

Sencilla con baño privado

Medellín, Colombia View on Map

Habitación sencilla con baño privado en Campo Valdés, Medellín - Reserva tu alojamiento en Medellín y Valle de Aburrá

Nearby Places

Jardin Botanico
Parque de los Deseos
Estación Metro de Universidad

Facilities & Amenities

Booking Requirements

Details

1 bed
1 Private Bath
12 m²
2 Guests
Contact Us
Habitación con cama de 1.40 y baño privado 1
habitacion
Available

Habitación con cama de 1.40 y baño privado

Medellín, Colombia View on Map

Habitación con cama de 1.40 y baño privado en Campo Valdés - Alojamiento temporal en Medellín

Nearby Places

Jardin Botanico
Parque de los Deseos
Estación Metro de Universidad

Facilities & Amenities

Booking Requirements

Details

1 bed
1 Private Bath
15 m²
2 Guests
Contact Us
Habitación Doble con baño privado 1
habitacion
Available

Habitación doble con baño privado

Medellín, Colombia View on Map

Habitación doble con baño privado en Campo Valdés - Reserva alojamiento en Medellín

Nearby Places

Jardin Botanico
Parque de los Deseos
Estación Metro de Universidad

Facilities & Amenities

Booking Requirements

Details

2 beds
1 Private Bath
15 m²
3 Guests
Contact Us
Apartaestudio 101 1
apartaestudio
Available

Apartaestudio 101

Medellín, Colombia View on Map

Apartaestudio 101 en Campo Valdés - Apartamentos para reservar en Medellín

Nearby Places

Jardin Botanico
Parque de los Deseos
Estación Metro de Universidad

Facilities & Amenities

Booking Requirements

Details

1 bed
1 Private Bath
25 m²
2 Guests
Contact Us
Apartaestudio 102 1
apartaestudio
Available

Apartaestudio 102

Medellín, Colombia View on Map

Apartaestudio 102 en Campo Valdés - Alojamiento temporal en Medellín

Nearby Places

Jardin Botanico
Parque de los Deseos
Estación Metro de Universidad

Facilities & Amenities

Booking Requirements

Details

2 beds
1 Private Bath
25 m²
4 Guests
Contact Us
Apartamento 202 1
apartamento
Available

Apartamento 202

Medellín, Colombia View on Map

Apartamento 202 en Campo Valdés - Apartamentos para reservar en Medellín

Nearby Places

Jardin Botanico
Parque de los Deseos
Estación Metro de Universidad

Facilities & Amenities

Booking Requirements

Details

3 beds
1 Private Bath
35 m²
4 Guests
Contact Us
Apartamento 203 1
apartamento
Available

Apartamento 203

Medellín, Colombia View on Map

Apartamento 203 en Campo Valdés - Alojamiento temporal en Medellín

Nearby Places

Jardin Botanico
Parque de los Deseos
Estación Metro de Universidad

Facilities & Amenities

Booking Requirements

Details

4 beds
1 Private Bath
40 m²
6 Guests
Contact Us
Apartamento 204 1
apartamento
Available

Apartamento 204

Medellín, Colombia View on Map

Apartamento 204 en Campo Valdés - Reserva alojamiento en Medellín

Nearby Places

Jardin Botanico
Parque de los Deseos
Estación Metro de Universidad

Facilities & Amenities

Booking Requirements

Details

3 beds
1 Private Bath
35 m²
4 Guests
Contact Us
Apartaestudio Niquia 203 1
apartaestudio
Available

Apartaestudio 203

Bello, Colombia View on Map

Apartaestudio 203 en Niquía, Bello - Reserva alojamiento en Medellín y Valle de Aburrá

Nearby Places

Puerta del Norte
Estaciones de Metro de Bello y Niquia

Facilities & Amenities

Booking Requirements

Details

2 beds
1 Private Bath
45 m²
4 Guests
Contact Us
Casa Eterna Estudio 101 1
apartaestudio
Available

Casa Eterna Estudio 101

Medellín, Colombia View on Map

Casa Eterna Estudio 101 en Casa Eterna - Reserva alojamiento en Medellín

Nearby Places

Jardin Botanico
Parque de los Deseos
Estación Metro de Universidad
Universidad de Antioquia
Parque Explora
Planetario
Hospitales

Facilities & Amenities

Booking Requirements

Details

1 bed
1 Private Bath
35 m²
2 Guests
Contact Us
Casa Eterna Estudio 102 1
apartaestudio
Available

Casa Eterna Estudio 102

Medellín, Colombia View on Map

Casa Eterna Estudio 102 en Casa Eterna - Reserva alojamiento en Medellín

Nearby Places

Jardin Botanico
Parque de los Deseos
Estación Metro de Universidad
Universidad de Antioquia
Parque Explora
Planetario
Hospitales

Facilities & Amenities

Booking Requirements

Details

1 bed
1 Private Bath
35 m²
2 Guests
Contact Us
Casa Eterna Estudio Doble 1
habitacion
Available

Casa Eterna Estudio Doble

Medellín, Colombia View on Map

Casa Eterna Estudio Doble en Casa Eterna - Reserva alojamiento en Medellín

Nearby Places

Jardin Botanico
Parque de los Deseos
Estación Metro de Universidad

Facilities & Amenities

Booking Requirements

Details

1 bed
1 Private Bath
35 m²
3 Guests
Contact Us
Casa Eterna Estudio 103 1
apartaestudio
Available

Casa Eterna Estudio 103

Medellín, Colombia View on Map

Casa Eterna Estudio 103 en Casa Eterna - Reserva alojamiento en Medellín

Nearby Places

Jardin Botanico
Parque de los Deseos
Estación Metro de Universidad

Facilities & Amenities

Booking Requirements

Details

1 bed
1 Private Bath
35 m²
4 Guests
Contact Us
Casa Eterna Estudio 105 1
habitacion
Available

Casa Eterna Estudio 105

Medellín, Colombia View on Map

Casa Eterna Estudio 105 en Casa Eterna - Reserva alojamiento en Medellín

Nearby Places

Jardin Botanico
Parque de los Deseos
Estación Metro de Universidad

Facilities & Amenities

Booking Requirements

Details

1 bed
1 Private Bath
35 m²
4 Guests
Contact Us
Agape 1
apartaestudio
Available

Agape

Itagui, Colombia View on Map

Ágape en Itagüí - Reserva apartamentos en Medellín y Valle de Aburrá

Nearby Places

Parque de Itagui
Viva Envigado
Estacion de Metro de Envigado

Facilities & Amenities

Booking Requirements

Details

1 bed
1 Private Bath
30 m²
2 Guests
Contact Us
Terrasol 1714 4
apartamento
Available

Terrasol 1714

Medellín, Colombia View on Map

Terrasol 1714 en América, Medellín - Reserva alojamiento en Medellín y Valle de Aburrá

Nearby Places

Estadio
Parque de Laureles
Exito de Laureles

Facilities & Amenities

Booking Requirements

Details

1 bed
1 Private Bath
45 m²
2 Guests
Contact Us Reserve
apartamento en Copacabana - Copacabana - Alojamiento temporal en Medellín y Valle de Aburrá
apartamento
Available

Copacabana

Copacabana, Colombia View on Map

Copacabana - Apartamento para reservar en el Valle de Aburrá

Nearby Places

Estación Metro de Bello
Parque de Copacabana

Facilities & Amenities

Booking Requirements

Details

3 beds
2 Private Baths
80 m²
5 Guests
Contact Us

Why choose Andaliving?

We offer the best temporary accommodation experience with first-class services

Premium Locations

Apartments in the best areas of Medellín and Valle de Aburrá, close to shopping centers, transport and points of interest.

24/7 Service

Customer support available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to resolve any questions.

Complete Amenities

High-speed WiFi, equipped kitchen, laundry, workspaces and everything you need for your stay.

Total Flexibility

Stays from one night to several months, with special rates for long-term guests.

WhatsApp