Colombia stole my heart! I stayed in Medellín for nearly two months, and bidding farewell was undeniably challenging. The scenery is incredible, with towering mountains draped in lush green foliage. The hospitality was exceptional, with warm greetings and helpful support. Before arriving in Colombia, I admit to feeling a bit apprehensive about traveling solo, largely due to the portrayal of the country in shows like “Narcos”. However, as I settled into Medellín, those concerns gradually faded away. To ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience, I compiled a list of do’s and don’ts for navigating through the city!

Do:

Meet the locals!

It may sound simple but can feel daunting, especially when you’re unfamiliar with the language, but fear not! Though my Spanish skills are elementary at best, where there's a will, there's a way! You won't regret the incredible people you'll meet; the locals know all the hidden gems! I struck up conversations with folks at bars and restaurants, and let me tell you, Negroni's can fuel some fascinating and dynamic chats—I guess I have that effect!

Some fun stories include:

As I wandered the streets, fate led me to two gals while asking for a lighter. Little did I know, we'd spend the rest of the day together laughing, eating, smoking, and I forgot to mention the glaring language barrier. Boundless are the good vibes.
At a restaurant, a group of wonderful souls adopted me as their own, and together we ventured to a punk-rock bar where Disturbed played violently in the background, quite a switch-up from the reggaeton beats on the streets.
Seeking a gym, I asked a gal at the lavandería, and she went above and beyond, offering me to be her guest the next morning.
I was walking through a park when a young man crossed my path. We both turned back to each other and laughed. We each continued walking and a few minutes later he ran back to strike up conversation. He remains a dear friend to this day.
Embrace these experiences, follow your instincts, and trust your gut; it won't lead you astray!

Experience the nightlife!

Undoubtedly, Medellín is the ultimate city for a night out. The city consists of roughly 2.5 million people and is broken up into 16 comunas. The primary hotspot for nightlife is Poblado - specifically, Provenza, Poblado. Provenza is home to one of my favorites, Karol G (reggaeton/latin trap/pop icon) and one of the wealthiest areas in Medellín.

In Provenza you will hear lively music blasting from all corners, see bright lights and aesthetic bars and restaurants. There are a plethora of eateries, hotels, coffee shops, clubs, shops, and anything else you might need. Be aware that the partying goes into the early hours of the morning and if you’re staying nearby, it could be a bit loud (put in some earbuds and loosen up).

Visit these places!

In addition to excellent nightlife in Poblado, be sure to visit other districts like Comuna 13, Laureles, Sabaneta, and attractions like Parque Arvi. Medellín has excellent public transit, with a metro system that locals are incredibly proud of, being it is the only rail-based metro system in Colombia. In addition to the metro, there are also ridesharing services available.

I highly recommend Comuna 13 - during the 80’s & 90’s, it stood as one of the world’s most dangerous neighborhoods and in 2011 was transformed through the construction of outdoor escalators. The streets of this hillside community are colorful and lively with many different bars, activities, delicious street food, not to mention a breathtaking view of the city. I recommend doing research beforehand to understand the history and booking a tour if you decide to go!

Don’t

I'm a little hesitant about this section because my love for Medellín knows no bounds, but it's important to be mindful and considerate when visiting. A good starting point is to be aware of your surroundings, just like in any big city. If you happen to come across someone acting suspicious in an alleyway or notice a group causing trouble, it might be a good idea to take a different route or avoid eye contact. You know the routine—staying vigilant is always a smart choice!

Walk and text

Don’t walk around texting or looking lost, you make yourself a target. In fact, don’t have your phone, camera, or other easily snatchable valuables out. Poverty is prevalent, and your phone could be worth a monthly income. Take it from me, someone who was swindled in broad day light (keep your windows up while in taxis/Ubers). That story alone deserves its own blog post.

Wear flashy jewelry

Sure, you might spot fellow tourists flaunting diamond earrings, gold necklaces, and fancy designer purses, but hold your horses—it's not the time for that. Especially when visiting lower-income districts, folks might be struggling, and while their intention might not be to harm you, they could be desperate to provide for their families, and your stuff could be like a golden ticket to their next meal. Stay sharp, stay cautious, and keep your belongings close.

Walk alone at night

Be smart, walk with purpose, and zip up those bags—confidence over arrogance, always. If you find yourself strolling solo, keep your wits about you and take in your surroundings. The scenery can change from one street to the next, no need to stumble into an unwanted mess. Stay street-smart and best to make a mental plan of your route ahead of time to avoid issues!

San Rafael, Colombia ( 2.5 Hours from Medellín, 45 minutes from Guatapé)

To Sum it Up

Taking everything into account, Colombia left me in awe with its incredible beauty, and I'm itching to return! My next adventure awaits along the coastline to explore Santa Marta, Cartagena, and who knows, maybe I'll even venture down to the Amazon if the stars align. Wishing you all loads of fun and safe travels!

Medellín, Colombia - The Do’s and Don’ts

Do: