Where to Stay Your First Time in Medellin, Colombia

[@AKJoel]

🌄 Perfect Week in Medellin (eBook): www.akjoel.com/ebook ☎ BOOK a Call With Me: www.akjoel.com/consultations

[@michaellandis8972]

Getting ready to take my first trip to Colombia & more specifically Medellin. Your vlogs are well put together & very informative. Thanks you, Keep up the GREAT work!

[@AKJoel]

Thank you for your contribution and I'm glad you're finding value in my videos :)

[@MotivatedActionGroup]

I liked La Frontera. When I wasin Medellin, I would start at Mall La Frontera on Sundays n the Avenue El Plobado walk. I loved the park there next to the mall.

[@AKJoel]

Yes - the ciclovia walk is a great activity for Sundays and public holidays!

[@viejoditi]

G´day Joel. I´ve just come across your channel and I enjoy it very much. I am Colombia living overseas (Mexico) but I did live in Oz for nearly seven years. I like watching YT videos on Colombia to deal with homesickness and appreaciate sincere,objective views of the country. So all the best, enjoy Medellin (es una chimba). Cheers mate!

[@AKJoel]

I'm glad I can cure your homesickness a little! 🙂

[@kentcovington]

Great stuff as always, mi amigo. I’m looking forward to the Envigado video also.

[@AKJoel]

Cheers - will have that in the coming months!

[@Niles-Guy]

The best spot to stay in Colombia is Joel’s apartment 😂

[@AKJoel]

😂 I can't lie, it's pretty great!

[@princeoretGodfather]

Thanks for the info, I'll be in Columbia in a few weeks

[@AKJoel]

Enjoy!

[@ekimagem]

My first time In Medellin a couple months back I stayed a couple blocks from Lleras Park....I'll probably still stay in El Poblado again this summer....just find a hotel I'll like a bit more for a longer stay even if its further from that.

[@JetsetterJournals]

I stayed in Poblado in a high rise. It was a nice place but I enjoyed visiting Laureles, Manila, Envigado. I will likely stay in Envigado when I come back. I liked going to the language exchange at Barrio Sur Cafe Bar.

[@AKJoel]

The high rises are nice but you can do that anywhere in the world - Laureles and Envigado give you a very different feel and experience.

[@mikeb2611]

I have been wanting to go to Medellin for over 10 years now.I am 59 years old and would be going solo so Im somehwta apprehensive. My Spanish is minimal. Your videos makes it seem like its not that unsafe if you know where to stay and where not to venture. I had never thought of Manila...It seems like a good place for me to start

[@AKJoel]

Come stay in Manila. You don't need Spanish. If you're worried about traveling solo, I suggest perhaps signing upto some group activities where you can meet other people, such as group Spanish classes. Don't worry about safety - if you've watched my videos on what not to do, then you'll be fine. There were 1.4 million visitors to Medellin last year who had a great time and nothing ever happened to them. You only hear the worst stories.

[@curmudgeoncapitalist]

All of those places are safe, and now because of the popularity, it has become quite expensive. I have been to Colombia several times and after the first two stays, I knew that I wanted to live (retire) here. El poblado and Laureles (spelling CK.) have gotten out of hand with pricing. I have lived in Manizales, Bogota (Madrid) and now back to Medellin.... But, I'm staying in Villa Flora, Robledo... I'd call it "Real Medellin"... Why there? It's one of the few really reasonable places to stay... I can say it's safe, but I don't hang at the bars or disco... Next month I'm moving to Palermo for 4-5 months. If I was any good at video editing I'd post some videos. I have two recommendations. First learn enough Spanish to be able to tell people that you don't know much Spanish And second learn the money quickly. Otherwise you're going to be taking advantage of and you will not - I repeat NOT get the correct change back. Which leads me to advice number two. Learn the phrase "no Dar papaya." By the way, learn to drink coffee tinto.

[@richexperiences1]

Great options. As much as I've visited Medellín, I have yet to stay in Poblado. I've always avoided it because I knew it was a more expensive tourist trap. However, Manila seems like a great option. Thanks for the info, will check it out!

[@AKJoel]

Manila is very tourist heavy, but for first timers it's the perfect intro to Medellin.

[@jackblack2370]

I stayed in Astorga in Poblado and loved it, I'll be back soon!

[@AKJoel]

Yes - Astorga is awesome!

[@burtonknows9201]

Nice info, Joel. I'm visiting Panama City, Panama, for ten days in August. It's a short vacation, so I can see my way around the immediate area and decide if it's a good place to retire. I also plan to visit the Philippines and Thailand, although the latter country just passed legislation that if you live there for eight months, similar to Colombia, you're considered a tax resident. So far, Panama hasn't proposed that--yet. I like making Panama City my jump-off air travel spot to Colombia, Brazil, Argentina, and Mexico. My concern is that Panama has become more popular with American, Canadian, and European expats, increasing living costs. A problem already mentioned by others is the increasing number of expat enclaves. I don't plan on moving six hours by plane to deal with many American expats. That doesn't make Panama an encouraging place to retire.

[@natepersonal6483]

I think I’ll get an airbnb in el poblado for whole long stay then just rent one for 2-3 days in the other areas. Sounds good??

[@AKJoel]

That's a great plan!

[@joefdl]

genius!

[@rhodeso11]

I can’t stay in el poblado again. I’m so over it. Especially after the international headline. Glad you made this video. I went to a Chinese restaurant somewhere in San Diego area. Me and my girlfriend found it when we got off on the wrong stop. It was a sketchy area. We were walking at night and we were okay

[@AKJoel]

How was the Chinese food?

[@bhutchin1996]

I didn't visit Manila when I was there, but I was mostly familiar with Laureles and less so with Poblado. I might have to get one of those "I'd Rather Be In Medellin" shirts or hoodies. Glad to see you're still enjoying Medellin!

[@AKJoel]

Thanks Blakester!

[@bobbergin28]

By Joel, what do you know about La Castellana/Santa Monica neighborhoods. I stayed there for a few weeks, first time in Laureles. The area seemed to have a sewage problem. It would smell bad from time to time and when it rained. If it rained my apartment would smell bad. It was weird. I was wondering if this was limited to the area or if it’s just a thing in Laureles that no one seems to mention.

[@JohnKaman]

We are going to Medellin soon. We have visited about 25 countries and we both speak some Spanish. Your videos are very helpful but I have one question. Is there a centre ville and if so is it worth visiting. Thanks.

[@petertrzos6645]

Great advice! What do you think about the Guayabal area? I'm thinking about staying closer to MMA Colombia during my next trip so I can get in a ton of training, and I can't decide if it's sketchy or not!

[@AKJoel]

Are you an experienced traveler? Probably not recommended for your first time in the city, but if you know what you're doing and how to use common sense - you should be okay. Just check the Airbnb reviews before to make sure it's in a safe area of Guayabal - because there's some dodgy sections.

[@CarRentalPapi]

I just returned yesterday and I stayed in Guayabal. For several nights. I loved it. ❤ Although,I have been to Medellín several times. Sabaneta is nice as well.

[@ChrisOnez718]

Look up the dish 'migos' or 'migaos', it may make sense once you do.

[@AKJoel]

I thought that was a rap group from Atlanta! lol

[@backstagecomedyshow4727]

Thanks!

[@AKJoel]

Thank you :)

[@djtruedomination]

Which vegan spot is your favorite in Laureless?

[@thisisagtv]

I’ve been to that gym when I was staying out there last year. I have to stay one of the dirtiest gyms I’ve ever been too. The men’s bathroom was sticking from the moment I stepped in. Very strong. I would never go again. They may have cleaned it up but who knows 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@AKJoel]

Damn! Maybe you just got it on a bad day lol

[@thisisagtv]

@@AKJoel Yea, its a night and day difference compared to the other I went too 1 which was the smart fit in Campestre, the restrooms were always getting cleaned by the cleaning ladies almost everyday or everytime I went

[@PassportPowell]

Can you do this for other areas in Colombia like Cali? Also i'm more of a nature person so are there any other parts of CO that you would recommend looking into living for a bit?

[@AKJoel]

Sorry mate, I don't know anything about Cali and I'm not that interesting in it to be honest. I stay focused on Medellin cos I love it here! If you like nature, try the Eje Cafetero region.

[@rondensmore200]

Thks you

[@AKJoel]

Con gusto!

[@DondiniMontefusco]

From Poblado Metro to the end of Calle 10 takes about 30 minutes walking (not 10 minutes)😬👍🏼

[@AKJoel]

Not if you walk fast 😅😅😅

[@rhodeso11]

Anyone want to meet up in Medellin for some coffee in August? Maybe talk business and other tips and advice?

[@DJV94022]

😂😂😂 you dont do that

[@davidcruise4978]

I am interested in traveling to Colombia to establish residency? Is this possible

[@AKJoel]

Yes definitely

[@davidcruise4978]

Do you have a video showing how?

[@rondensmore200]

Really like to chat with you soon !! Ron

[@AKJoel]

Hey! You can book a time to chat with me here : www.akjoel.com/consultations

[@alexanderagudelo4215]

Hey bro, how did you manage with the language there? I’ve heard they speak Spanish and it is hard to understand

[@AKJoel]

I learnt Spanish haha problem solved!

[@rakeitin_]

How much do these language exchange events cost?

[@AKJoel]

They're free!

[@TCKe]

If you speak spanish and understand the culture please avoid el poblado. And perhaps Medellín all together... if you still want to go Laureles is an option.

[@yamicanada]

❤❤❤

[@GRehillMusic]

Sabaneta.

[@genghiskhan3311]

Now you are talking..!! best spot in Medellin to meet real Colombians , and safe .

[@AramSahakian-q5i]

Olivia is good?

[@DSRB11]

It is

[@mrlouielou32]

Laureles. Nice, many things around, flat.

[@AKJoel]

My favourite part of the city!

[@hermanc.4420]

“The Grumpy Gringo” says rionegro

[@AKJoel]

If you like a slower pace of life and a bit cooler weather, Rionegro is great!

[@jeffschueler1182]

The best place to stay in Medellin is anywhere without tourists and gringos.

[@AKJoel]

Haha that's for experienced travelers, but for first timers, the best place is probably somewhere with other tourists!

[@Rainissick]

Avoid anything near poblado you WILL GET GRINGO TAXED

[@AKJoel]

You'll get gringo taxed if you rent on Airbnb, yes.

[@hejiranyc]

Those larger, more "natural" city parks seem like a perfect place to get robbed. Lots of places to hide. Not too many people around, so nobody to help you out. Is it really worth it??

[@AKJoel]

Check out the reviews, plenty of people who've been there and didn't get robbed.

[@michaelvasquez9645]

Why would you go to another country and live like you are back home? 😂

[@sunilmandavkar7270]

You look like indian...origin