Daily Life
Articles about Daily Life from Medellin Living — expat guides, news and first-hand experience in Medellín, Colombia.
Cycling the Green Corridors of Medellín: Best Urban Bike Routes and Rental Tips
Short on time? The Medellín River Green Corridor is one of the best urban bike routes in Medellín.
Pico y Placa Medellín: The Lowdown
TLDR? In an effort to reduce congestion in Medellín, regulators issued Pico y Placa, a traffic restriction system that limits vehicles on the road based on their license plate numbers. Numbers rotate periodically, and…
Groupon Medellín: Does Groupon Work (Plus Alternatives) in Colombia
Short on time? Groupon no longer works directly in Colombia the way it did before. But don’t worry, because you’ll find a few Colombian alternatives and local apps where you can score deals on restaurants, spas, tours,…
Cheap Flights to Medellín: When to Travel & How to Score Good Prices
Short on time? You can find the cheapest flights to Medellín during off-peak season, preferably around April to June or September to Early November. To score lower fares, choose midweek departures, book weeks in…
Atlético Nacional Medellín: Everything You Need to Know
Short on time? Atlético Nacional is Medellín’s most successful football club, with a rich history dating back to 1947. Known as “Los Verdolagas”, the club has won numerous Colombian league titles and is one of the few…
Where to Run in Medellín: A Guide to the Best Trails & Circuits.
Short on time? Medellín offers an excellent variety of running routes, from flat urban circuits and riverside paths to demanding mountain climbs. Ciudad del Río and Parque Lineal La Frontera work well for easy runs,…
How Much is Rent in Medellín, Colombia? A 2026 Guide.
Short on time? Rental prices in Medellín vary significantly depending on the neighborhood, furnishings, property type, and lease length. Basic one-bedroom apartments may start near $350 per month, while premium units in…
Safest Places to Stay in Medellín: Neighborhood Guide for Travelers (2026 Edition)
TLDR? Laureles, El Poblado, Envigado, and Sabaneta are some of the safest places to stay in Medellín for travelers. Each area has a different vibe, but choosing the right neighborhood can make your visit feel easier,…
Living in Medellín as an Expat: Cost, Lifestyle, and What to Expect in 2026
Short on time? Living in Medellín as an expat can cost around $1,200 to $1,800 per month on a budget, around $2,000 to $3,000 for a comfortable lifestyle, and up to $5,000+ if you want a premium setup. Medellín has…
How Much Money Should I Take to Medellín? A Complete Budget Breakdown for 2026 Travelers
TLDR? Medellín is still a budget-friendly city for travelers in 2026. Depending on your travel style, plan around $30 to $120 per day for food, transportation, accommodation, and activities. Wondering how much money you…
How Much Are Hotels in Medellín? Luxury, Mid-Range, and Budget Pricing Guide (2026)
Long story short: hotel prices in Medellín can start as low as $18 per night for budget stays and go above $200 for luxury hotels. For most travelers, the best value is usually found in the $40 to $80 mid-range…
The Best Places to Go Horseback Riding in Medellín
Tired of touring Medellin on traditional means of transport? Then you should try enjoying the stunning landscapes and beautiful mountains on horse riding. Horseback riding tours in Medellin are a family-friendly…
Getting Around Medellín by Bus, Train, Tram, or Cablecar
For some, a city as big as Medellin can be intimidating when getting around, whether it’s a tourist spot or your workplace. Luckily in Medellin, there are many ways to get around. They all are easy to use and…
A Few of the Top Parks and Nature Trails Around Medellín
Medellin is one of the most developed and innovative cities in Colombia. Although industrialized, it still preserves a lot of nature around it and even within the urban area. On the outskirts of this city, you can find…
Make a Splash in One of Medellin’s Best Swimming Pools
Life in the tropics may mean sunny weather and great temperatures year-round, but it also means that you’ve got to find some way to cool down when things get too hot. While you can always switch on the AC, I personally…
The Complete Guide to the Termales Santa Rosa de Cabal
Searching for ecotourism alternatives in Medellin isn’t hard. There are tons of great hikes in the area, not to mention places to try stuff like white water rafting and paragliding. Still, if your goal is to extend your…
Your Guide to Cocora Valley: Medellin’s Best Weekend Getaway
Are you thinking of a weekend getaway outside Medellin but still don’t know where to go? Then the Cocora Valley might be a good pick. Thanks to its coffee landscapes and walks through wax palms up to 70 meters high,…
The Best Places to Run a Mile in Laureles
Running is one of the easiest ways to burn calories and stay fit. You don’t need any equipment except for a pair of running shoes, water, and some good music to help you stay focused. Laureles, Medellin is a unique…
How Many Days Should You Stay in Medellin?
Medellin is becoming a popular tourist destination, despite its rocky history. Today, it’s a thriving hub where you’ll find booming business and plenty of fun activities. The trouble is, with so much to enjoy, it can be…
A Guide to Buying an Apartment in Medellin
TLDR? Buying an apartment in Medellin is easy and can be a great way to get a migrant visa. Investing in real estate is always a winning idea, whether you’re looking to live there or just use it as a rental property.…
Medellin Weather: It’s Raining It’s Pouring…AGAIN?!
Medellín, Colombia’s second-largest city, has grown more than any other city. Despite its complicated past, Medellín is now a modern, innovative, and beautiful city. Also called the City of Eternal Spring, Medellin is…
Everything You Need to Know About Pollution in Medellín
We look at the facts about pollution in Medellín, which is a major concern of expats living in the city.
Things to Do in Medellín on Mondays
Monday — the start of the working week and usually people’s least favorite day. While Monday is typically associated with feeling glum, bored or still a little hungover from the weekend, in Medellín, there’s plenty…
Uber Banned in Colombia: What Happened & Alternative Rideshare Apps
Update: On February 20th, Uber returned to Colombia after finding “alternative” means to operate in the country. As of midnight January 31st, 2020, the ride-sharing app Uber will not function in Colombia. The decision…
Uber Banned in Colombia: What Happened & Alternative Rideshare Apps
Update: On February 20th, Uber returned to Colombia after finding “alternative” means to operate in the country. As of midnight January 31st, 2020, the ride-sharing app Uber will not function in Colombia. The decision…
Things to Do in Medellín on Tuesdays
Tuesday. The second day of the week, when you’ve only just recovered from partying, and the next weekend seems so far away. But fear not – the City of Eternal Spring is home to fiestas, culture, and awesome experiences…
Things to Do in Medellín on Wednesdays
Wednesday. The day before Thursday, which is the day before Friday, and therefore a sign that you’re close to the end of the working week. Or maybe you’re lucky enough to be traveling and Wednesday is simply another day…
A Guide to Buying a Motorcycle in Medellín
Exploring on two wheels is one of the best ways to travel in Colombia, and tons of locals don their helmets every day to skip the heavy congestion in cities. In Medellín, in particular, motorcycles (or ‘motos’ as…
Things to Do in Medellín on Thursdays
The City of Eternal Spring is never short of activities and events taking place all through the week. So, if you’re not in town over a weekend, don’t worry – there’s still plenty to keep you entertained. While Thursdays…
Free Things to Do in Medellín
Medellín is packed with tons of exciting activities to keep visitors entertained – from picturesque parks, cultural museums, salsa dancing, community tours and a vibrant nightlife, the City of Eternal Spring is never…
Safety in Medellín – Tips for Expats (2019 Update)
Colombia has undergone a significant transformation over the past decade, however, the country still has a somewhat negative international reputation. The combination of a half-century civil war, mass cocaine production…
Things to Do in Medellín on Fridays
Friday – probably everyone’s favorite day of the week. The day that signifies the weekend has arrived and two whole days free from work. Whether you’re looking for the top places to let loose, to soak up some culture or…
Lessons from Paisas: How to Dress in Medellín
All travelers have had the same moment standing over their suitcase, staring blanking at the clothes they’ve laid out and exhaling loudly at the prospect of being too cold, hot, uncomfortable, or unstylish. Especially…
How to Make Friends in Medellín
There are countless reasons to move to or visit a new city – experience cultures, see incredible scenery, learn a new language – but people often don’t talk about how travel can be lonely. You’re miles away from home…
The Advantages of Growing Old in Medellín
As Medellín becomes more popular with young travelers making their way through South America, what about the older generation of ex-pats who have lived in Colombia for many years? Or those considering moving to retire…
Things to Do in Medellín on Saturdays
The weekend has finally arrived and with weather as perfect as Medellín’s, it’s difficult to stay in bed past 10 am without deep feelings of guilt. If you’re not too hungover from the night before, Saturdays in the City…
Things to Do in Medellín on Sundays
Sundays are a family day in Colombia – traditionally spent at church, sharing a meal and spending quality time together. As a foreigner however, Sundays in Medellín can be a little quiet. Most businesses close,…
10 Running Races in Medellin
There are a variety of running races taking place in Medellin, including 5Ks, 10Ks, and marathons.
2017 Update: How to Buy and Use Colombian Cell Phones
Regulations have changed in Colombia so we update a very popular article about how buy and use Colombian cell phones.
Weather and Climate in Medellín: The City of Eternal Spring
We look at the weather in Medellín in detail including temperature range, temperature in different neighborhoods, typical rainfall and humidity in the city.
Medellín’s Traffic Problem and Tips for Avoiding Traffic
Jeff looks at Medellín’s traffic problem and also provides tips for avoiding traffic in the city
15 Best Mobile Apps to Use in Medellín
We look at several of the best mobile apps for traveling to and living in Medellín and help you navigate around the city.
AcroYoga in Medellín and The Upcoming Primavera Event
AcroYoga Medellín has been practiced for years and has a growing community! They’re having an event in April with two workshops created for all levels.
Living Cheap in Medellín – But Still Living Large and Enjoying Life
Sonja provides her experiences as a single woman on a 6-month tourist visa and how she is living cheap in Medellín on less than $900 per month.
The Best Medellín Neighborhoods (2016 Update)
Jeff updates a popular post looking at the best Medellín neighborhoods for foreigners, including El Poblado, Envigado, Laureles, Belén and Sabaneta.