Let me share with you my absolutely stunning and budget-friendly Airbnb, where I spent 10 unforgettable days in Medellin. I’ll also dive into the safety aspects of Colombia to give you a clearer picture.
The property is nestled in Laureles, not exactly central but brimming with charm. It’s perfectly safe, and within walking distance, you’ll find an array of restaurants, supermarkets, and public transport options. The house spans three floors, offering three cozy rooms for rent. The hosts? A delightful elderly couple whose first-floor living room is adorned with countless family photos.
This home feels like a window into their lives—a warm and welcoming microcosm of their story. They couldn’t have been nicer. When I wanted to extend my stay, they simply replied, “Of course! You can even choose one of the other two rooms.”
P2 My bathroom
P3 My room
P4-5 Common areas
P6 The other two rooms
P7 Host information
P8 Location details: Marked by a pink heart on the map, this is where the property lies. Within easy walking distance, you’ll find Pergamino, a famous coffee shop. My personal favorite, though, is Bistrea Coffee (marked in red). Vibras serves up some incredible burgers, and Parrilla delivers mouthwatering steaks.
The main hubs for foreign tourists are El Poblado and Laureles. Comparing the two, Laureles offers a quieter, more comfortable vibe with a genuine local flavor. On the other hand, El Poblado feels like a glossy pink bubble—more akin to Bali or Thailand, dominated by white tourists and, unsurprisingly, pricier. I’ve never been a fan of overly “tourist-friendly” places, so Laureles was my clear choice.
Although Medellin once bore the infamous title of being one of the world’s most dangerous cities, during my nearly two-month stay, I felt remarkably safe. I also stayed in Robledo, located in the northern part of the city. From its base to mid-slope, it’s a peaceful, secure, and comfortable residential area that feels authentically local. Some of my local friends reside in Envigado to the south, just a 15-minute motorcycle ride from El Poblado, and it’s equally charming.
Initially, I hesitated about visiting Colombia due to safety concerns. However, upon arrival, I discovered that it’s simply a place where ordinary people live their everyday lives. Locals assured me that as a tourist, you typically only visit areas frequented by travelers, making them relatively safe. The guide who took me to Comuna 13 mentioned that although it might look chaotic, it’s perfectly fine to explore alone.
So, what does Colombia mean to me? It’s the place where, when I couldn’t locate a phone top-up center, a street vendor left his tricycle to escort me there. It’s where, during a torrential downpour, a kind stranger asked if I needed help, lent me his umbrella, and later assisted in finding several spots for a yellow fever vaccine. Countless moments like these define my experience here.
Of course, I wouldn’t go so far as to call it a completely safe destination. But it’s certainly not as perilous as I had imagined. A Brazilian girl once advised me that as long as you’re aware of potential dangers—avoid flaunting valuables or wandering out late at night—you can leave the rest to luck.
