10 Jan 2025
This practical guide covers Medellin safety tips for enjoying your vacations, focusing on nightlife, transportation, and key neighborhoods like El Poblado, Laureles, and the city center.
Over the past few decades, Medellín, has undergone a remarkable transformation: From being the most dangerous city on earth to become a hotspot for tourists eager to experience its vibrant culture and modern infrastructure.
To give you an idea, in 1991 the homicide rate in the city was higher than 390, while in 2024 it was just 14 (homicides per 100 thousands inhabitants). It’s a mind blowing change!
However, as with any big city (Medellin has more than 3.5 million people), pick-pocketing is always an issue to keep in mind before getting there. Whether you’re exploring the bustling streets of Provenza or riding the metro, these tips will help you make the most of your visit with confidence and peace of mind.
Medellin Safety Tips: Golden Rules.
No Dar Papaya!
This is easily the only rule all Colombians know by heart: Do Not Give Papaya! Meaning “Do not make it easy for others to take advantage of you”. It’s as simple as using common sense: Avoid lonely streets, avoid poorly lit streets, do not flash your valuables in crowded areas, look after your belongings in public spaces, and so on.
In my opinion is just a matter of paying attention. There is no need to be afraid, or to be constantly on edge or on defence mode: Just be aware of your belongings and your suroundings.
In the City Center: No Phone In The Front Pocket.
During the day Medellin is very safe, the biggest threat is pick-pocketing in the very crowded areas like the city centre.
There we have a lot of experience as we go there every day, twice a day for the last 12 years. We have lernt the following: The main target of pick-pocketing are men, not women. The main target is the cell-phone and they always try to get it from the front pocket.
It’s very smooth and very seldom violently. They way it works is that some one drops something in front of you and blocks your way, then that person knees in front of you to “pick-up the fallen object” but instead distracts you by shaking your leg. In that moment, behind your someone else pulls the cell-phone from your front pocket. Then passes it to a third person. All that happens within 3-4 seconds.
Best antidote: Do not keep your cell-phone on the front pocket. They wont target you.
Medellin Safety Tips to Enjoy Nightlife
Most popular areas where tourist hang out.
1. El Poblado:
Known for its buzzing nightlife, El Poblado is a favorite among visitors. Here, you’ll find many bars, clubs, and restaurants, particularly in Provenza and around Parque Lleras. While the area is relatively safe during the day, late night is better to take care. Avoiding walking alone from the night club to your hotel/hostel. Particularly drunken men are an easy target.
1. Laureles:
If you’re seeking a calmer vibe, Laureles offers charming cafés, low-key bars, and a more local ambiance. It’s an excellent spot for relaxed dinners or casual evenings. Unlike El Poblado, Laureles has a lot of lonely streets but it does not mean it’s a dangerous place at all. As locals, we generally speaking feel safe in Laureles. Just remember: “do not give papaya”! if your gut feeling tells you that it’s best to avoid that dark and lonely street, then just follow your instinct.
3. Medellín’s Downtown (El Centro):
While the city center is vibrant and full of life during the day, activity dies down significantly after sunset. It’s generally advised to avoid this area at night without a local friend who knows how to navigate the area, as it can feel deserted and dodgy. Important to highlight though, that there are some fun spots in the city centre (bars, restaurants and lots of theaters), but this is not an area for beginners.
Medellin Safety Tips for Transportation at Night
- Ride-hailing apps: Use reliable platforms like Uber, Didi, or Cabify. These apps allow you to share your location in real-time, providing an added layer of security. Within the Uber app we strongly recommend to choose “Uber Taxi” option, as it works super efficiently (price, waiting time, cancellation rates, …)
- Street taxis: I personally have no issues with street taxis and have never had/heard an issue with them. However I’d recommend this option if you speak spanish very well. Otherwise, stick to the ride-hailing apps.
- Metro: The metro only works until 10ish and at that time the metro is super safe. So no worries about it.
- General tips: Avoid displaying valuable items, such as phones or jewelry.
Medellin Safety Tips to Navigate Transportation System
Medellín boasts one of the most modern and efficient public transportation systems in Colombia, getting around the city can be safe and convenient when approached with caution.
Metro de Medellín
The metro system is the pride of Medellín, known for its cleanliness and reliability. Unfortunatelly in the last years, it gets extremelly crowded in some directions during the afternoon hours (starting at 2pm and extending all the way until 8pm). Particularly from South to North (Poblado to City Centre) and from East to West (from City Centro to Laureles or Comuna 13).
- Daytime use: The metro is a great option for exploring the city’s key attractions and connecting neighborhoods like El Poblado, City centre and Comuna 13.
- Cellphone caution: Once it gets very crowded, make sure to take well care of your cell-phone. Your front pocket is not a safe place when super crowded. Better in the biggest pocket of your bag, and your bag on your front.
- Avoid being at the door of the train: I know this one is hard to follow when the train is very crowded. But when you are staying at the door, it’s a sweetspot for pickpocketers to snatch and run when the doors are closing and the train starts to move.
For more information on how to use the Metro, visit our blog on how to use the metro.
Taxis and Ride-Hailing Apps
- Medellin Safety tips for taxis: As previously mentioned. I love local taxis, but I understand that it might be easier for a foreigner to just order via an app. If you decide to use a taxi make sure that the meter is on when you enter.
- Ride-hailing apps: Apps like Uber, Didi, and Cabify not only ensure safety but also provide the convenience of tracking your trip and sharing your location with trusted contacts.
Medellin Safety Tips to Explore The Coolest Neighborhoods El Poblado
El Poblado is Medellín’s most tourist-friendly neighborhood, known for its luxury hotels, vibrant nightlife, and culinary diversity.
- Medellin Safety tips: It’s one of the safer areas in Medellín, with frequent police patrols. Still, be mindful of pickpocketing in crowded spots like Parque Lleras.
- Provenza: This trendy area is perfect for exploring restaurants and boutique shops during the day. At night, use ride-hailing apps to ensure a safe return to your accommodation.
Laureles
This residential neighborhood offers a quieter, more local experience compared to El Poblado.
- Medellin Safety tips: Laureles is very safe during the day, with wide streets and pedestrian-friendly areas. At night, avoid dimly lit streets and stay in popular spots like Avenida Nutibara or La 70.
- What to explore: Enjoy cozy cafés, authentic Colombian food, and laid-back nightlife in this charming area.
Medellín’s Downtown (El Centro)
The city center is a hub of historical and cultural attractions.
- Medellin Safety tips: Visit landmarks like Plaza Botero and the Museum of Antioquia during the day. Be vigilant with your belongings and plan to leave before 6 p.m. to avoid less secure evening hours.
- What to explore: Dive into the local markets and immerse yourself in Medellín’s vibrant street culture.
Other Safe Neighborhoods Worth a Visit.
Envigado: A quiet, residential area south of Medellín. Perfect for those seeking a more peaceful atmosphere and authentic local experiences. Specially recommended the area around “Barrio Sur Cafe Bar“
So pack your bags, follow these tips, and get ready to experience the best of Medellín—safely and confidently.
