The city of Medellin, Colombia, was a new destination for me. Indeed, this was my initial visit to the South American continent. After hearing nothing but glowing reports about the country of Colombia, I decided to spend a week there, beginning with a stay in the city of Medellin.

I've just returned from a three-night stay in the "city of everlasting spring," and I thought I'd tell you a little about it. Medellin is an enormous city that seemingly keeps growing. It wasn't easy to take it all in when I drove down into the valley from the airport.

Security In Medellin, Colombia

Authenticity is essential to me. Thus I will describe my experience in Medelln as accurately as possible. Personal security in Colombia consistently ranks high among visitors' primary concerns. Medellin has had a violent history and drug issues and was once considered the most dangerous city in the world. Even though the city is undergoing significant transformations, and I found a much to like during my visit, I have conflicting feelings about my overall impressions of it.

My City Experience

One of the most enjoyable parts of our vacation was the free walking tour around the city's historic district. The Colombians have a saying: "no dar papaya." Do not place oneself in a position to be taken advantage of, as suggested by the English translation, "do not offer papaya."

Things like taking solitary strolls or flaunting expensive possessions come to mind. On our trip, our guide would inform us of the "dar papaya" level using a scale from 1-10, with ten, meaning extreme caution was required.

How To Prepare For A Trip To Medellin

Safety:

This topic is elaborated upon above. Stay in well-known, secure areas like El Poblado, and don't flash your cash or other valuables in public.

Transportation:

Traveling by metro is the safest option. Enter the gates with your tickets, and you're good to go on the metro. Consider using Uber, or have your hotel arrange a reliable cab to pick you up.

Money:

The Colombian Peso is used as the currency. Some merchants need cash payments, so it's a good idea to stop by a reliable bank's ATM before you go shopping. Credit cards are accepted at most eateries and coffee shops.

Plan Your Arrival At The Medelln Airport

Several planes land at José Mara Córdova International Airport, making it a convenient destination. Upon arrival, you may anticipate a modest customs section and a luggage claim area.

If you have trouble understanding the Spanish on the customs form, don't hesitate to contact a flight attendant for assistance. Drivers will be waiting for you at the airport, giving trips to Medelln. If you need a reliable driver, call the official taxi service or use an app like Uber.

The travel into the Poblado neighborhood should take between 45 and 1 hour.

Weather In Medellin

Due to its higher altitude, Medelln has distinctly different weather from the rest of Colombia. It might be hot and muggy during the day, but it usually cools down at night. Light jackets and sweaters are recommended throughout the cold months.

The dress in Medelln is different from that in Cartagena. You'll stand out if you go around with flip-flops and short shorts. The level of formality in the clothing here is on par with that of New York City.

Almost all males wear button-downs and slacks, while the women are always impeccably dressed. If I had thought ahead, I would have packed more trousers and blouses, especially for the meals in Poblado.

Modern Lodging Options

El Poblado is the only area I am comfortable recommending to anyone. We stayed for three nights, and it was the perfect home base for exploring the city on foot. We recommend these three hotels highly:

The Art Hotel:

This hotel was booked solid for all three of our nights. The rooms have the bare essentials and an air of modern chic. The stay is worth the amount you pay for it. It's convenient to go around Medelln, and the rooftop breakfast is a nice perk.

Celestino Boutique Hotel:

I recommend this boutique hotel if you can afford to splurge a little extra. Conveniently situated, it also has a cozy atmosphere and elegant furnishings.

The Charlee Hotel:

This hotel is conveniently located in the heart of El Poblado and has many rooms. The hotel receives the most positive reviews and recommendations on travel sites like TripAdvisor.