As a remote worker, the freedom to travel wherever you please is exciting, rewarding, and honestly a little addictive. After your first trip as a digital nomad, you will have a myriad of unforgettable experiences under your belt that you could not achieve at your average day job.
What better place to start your digital nomad journey than in Medellin, Colombia's second-largest city and industrial hub. It is a beautiful and historic city full of culture, scenic views, and vivacious nightlife. There is so much to explore in Medellin, allowing travelers to make long-lasting memories. We recommend adding the city to your bucket list, especially if you plan to travel with Wifi Artists on our trip in February 2022.
This travel guide will cover what you need to know as a digital nomad residing in the city. Whether your stay is planned for two weeks or two months, we are sure you can benefit from these helpful travel tips. The topics we will review in this post include:
Visa requirements for U.S. citizens
Best neighborhoods to stay in Medellin
Coworking spaces
Language barriers
Noteworthy attractions & sights
Safety & transportation tips
Wireless internet speed
Dating & nightlife scene
Visa Requirements For United States Citizens
Visas are not required or necessary for U.S. citizens if their stay is less than 90 consecutive days. Business-related travel is included in the ninety days. All you have to bring with you to the airport is a valid U.S. passport! You may also apply for an extension for an additional ninety days following your stay, allowing for 180 cumulative days per calendar year. However, you will be subjected to a fine if you remain in Colombia longer than visa-free entry allows.
What Neighborhoods Should You Stay In?
Many neighborhoods in Medellin are safe for travelers. Although, the three areas below offer the most in terms of nightlife, professional opportunities, safety, and transportation access.
El Poblado – The financial district of the city boasts many shops, restaurants, and trendy hotels. It is the safest and highly upscale neighborhood in Medellin.
Laureles – If you want a laid-back area with delicious eateries and vibrant nightlife, you will adore Laureles. It is one of the safer areas in Medellin and home to many young professionals.
La Candelaria – This neighborhood is at the city's center, with easy access to most tourist attractions and the metro system. It is very safe but be sure to avoid pit-pocketing in large crowds as tourism attracts such crimes.
Plus, those involved with the Wifi Artists program have access to special accommodations made by our team.
Coworking Spaces In Medellin
Medellin has various coworking spaces available, making it a hot spot for digital nomads. Several of these cafes and office buildings are in the city's financial district, El Poblado. In addition, there are also coworking spaces in Laureles. Working in these areas provides access to boutiques, cocktail bars, and gourmet restaurants where you may interact with other professionals.
However, those who choose to travel to Medellin with Wifi Artists will have access to the best coworking spaces in the city. Our team carefully selects functional yet vibrant facilities allowing creatives, entrepreneurs, freelancers, and solo travelers to feel more productive.
A few stellar coworking spaces in Medellin include:
Language Barrier
The official language of Colombia is Spanish. Since Medellin is a large city and commercial hub, it is possible to get by mainly speaking English. Although, we recommend obtaining a basic or intermediate understanding of Spanish before visiting, especially for those staying for extended periods. Having the basics down (at least) will allow you to explore local spots, meet new people, and fully immerse yourself in the city's vibrant culture.
However, language exchange nights are hosted at various bars, cafes, and hostels throughout the city. Some popular venues include the Toucan Café and Wandering Paisa's hostel bar. Attending these events is a terrific way to brush up on your Spanish skills and connect with locals or fellow travelers.
Noteworthy Sights To See In Medellin
Below are some of the best attractions worth checking out in the city. Many of these activities are budget-friendly and easily accessible by Medellin's metro system. So, grab a cup of authentic Colombian coffee and start exploring!
Museo de Antioquia – It was formally Medellin's city hall building before its conversion in 1881.
Parque Arvi - This stunning nature preserve has many hiking trails, exotic plants, and a tasty food market onsite. It is located in Santa Elena, a rural area in Medellin accessible via the metro cable system.
Plaza Botero - At the city's center, you will find a beautiful park filled with unique sculptures donated by Medellin native Fernando Botero. The artist also has numerous works in the Museum of Antioquia, which is right next to the plaza.
Parque Explora - This fascinating science museum is home to interactive exhibits, massive dinosaur statues, a planetarium, and the biggest freshwater aquarium in South America. Plus, tickets are relatively affordable.
Nutibara Hill - The iconic hill boasts outstanding views of Medellin and the Aburra Valley. It has a rich history with deep connections to the city. You can also find some fantastic deals on souvenirs, stroll through the sculpture garden, and eat delicious Colombian meals at one of the town's restaurants.
Safety & Transportation
Medellin is a relatively safe city for solo travelers and digital nomads. It is actually among the safest cities in Colombia, with over five hundred thousand tourists visiting every year. Hence, the reason for the increase in tourism over the last decade. Petty crime is common in Medellin, particularly pit-pocketing and other robberies. It is also best to avoid parks or desolate areas when alone late at night. As always, when traveling to a new city, it is essential to be aware of your surroundings, take proper safety precautions, and keep your phone fully charged.
One of the coolest parts of visiting Medellin is getting around with the metro cable system. While this may not be the preferred mode of transportation for those afraid of heights, it allows riders to catch exceptional views of the city below. It is also an affordable way to travel without a car service. So, we totally recommend facing your fears for this portion of the trip! Plus, the cable cars act as a unique way to connect all Medellin's different neighborhoods.
Wireless Internet Speed
As a remote worker, it is essential to have a strong internet connection to complete your work on the go. Luckily, Medellin is known for its speedy internet, making it popular among digital nomads. There are two primary service providers in the city: Claro and UNE. Claro has proven to be most optimal for remote workers, thanks to its accessibility and speed. Plus, costs for wireless internet are significantly less in Colombia compared to the United States.
Dating Scene In Medellin
The city boasts one of the liveliest nightlife scenes in Colombia, which is ideal for young digital nomads. There are many breweries, clubs, dive bars, and restaurants spread across Medellin. Some of the best areas to check out include Lleras, Barrio Colombia, and Las Palmas. With a bustling party scene, you will have numerous opportunities to meet people during your trip.
Medellin is a magnificent city with fascinating architecture, lively nightlife, rich culture, and tasty food. It is an excellent place to visit for young people and digital nomads looking to explore what Colombia offers.
