It’s hard to believe that Medellin was once known as “the most dangerous city in the world”. The former hometown of Pablo Escobar is now one of the hottest destinations in South America. Known as the City of Eternal Spring, it’s packed with parks and gardens to visit during the day, and the nightlife is unparalleled once the sun goes down.
It won’t take a lot to convince you to visit this vibrant cosmopolitan city, but finding somewhere to stay can be a bit of a minefield. Rather than settling for your average hotel or hostel, why not take a look at an Airbnb in Medellin? With a range of properties to suit all budget and travel styles, you’re sure to find a place for you.
In this post, we’ll take a look at rentals in Medellin. Not only that, but we’ll also help you find your way around the city with the top Airbnb Experiences on offer. Let’s jump straight in!
Quick Answer: These are the Top 5 Airbnbs in Medellin
Pool Apartment with Outdoor Kitchen
- > $$
- > 4 guests
- > Incredible location
- > Shared Pool and Hot Tub
Patricia’s House Medellin
- > $
- > 2 guests
- > Central location
- > Living room and dining room
Mansion on top of the World
- > $$$$$$$$$$
- > 10 guests
- > Swimming pool
- > Incredible sunsets
La Casa de Olga Lu
- > $
- > 1 guest
- > Laptop-friendly workspace
- > Private bathroom
Comfortable Place in Medellin Downtown
- > $
- > 2 guests
- > Laptop-friendly workspace
- > Lovely balcony
What to Expect from Airbnbs in Medellin
There are a few things to consider when it comes to setting your expectations for your Medellin Airbnb. First of all, budget. At the lower end of the scale, you can expect private rooms and homestays, which are great for saving money and getting local tips. This makes backpacking Medellin on a budget super enjoyable, since you don’t have to rely on cheap hostels. Mid-range, you can expect delightful flats – perhaps even a penthouse with a pool. At the top end, you can get something truly special – like a mountainside mansion!
Most Airbnbs in Medellin are managed by locals, who just want to share their space with you and help you get to know their city. However, some of the bigger and more expensive properties are (understandably) run by a business.
A popular destination for digital nomads in South America, that’s reflected in the availability of private rooms in Medellin. You’ll often find them in the city centre, close to the cafes. So, you can trade your laptop-friendly workspace and fast Wi-Fi when you fancy a change of scenery.
A private room in an apartment is the cheapest way to stay in Medellin (and sometimes it can be the most fun). However, if you want your own space and privacy, it’s better to look for an entire flat. The safest and most popular locations are Poblado, Envigado, and Laureles. While there are a lot of attractions in La Candelaria (sometimes known as Centro), it’s not the best place to book a hotel; this is still the most unsafe part of the city.
Hugely popular in Latin America, especially colonial cities, is the Boutique Hotel. With more than 50 rooms to choose from on Airbnb, you’re spoiled for choice. Unlike regular hotels, which can often be lacking in character and be a bit boring, boutique hotels put you right at the centre of your stay.
We love a good deal!
We’ve included links to Booking.com as well throughout this post — as we have found many of the same properties available on Booking and they are usually at a cheaper price! We’ve included both button options where we can to give you the choice of where you book 🙂
The Top 15 Airbnbs in Medellin
Now, let’s get to the bit you’ve all been waiting for. You’ve seen plenty of reasons to stay in an Airbnb in Medellin, and also what you should expect. Here are the 15 best Airbnbs in Medellin – which one will you choose?
Pool Apartment with Outdoor Kitchen | Overall Best Value Airbnb in Medellin
If we praise a place as overall best, you know you’ll be in for a treat. This stunning apartment doesn’t just offer comfy vibes, you can also enjoy a shared pool, your own private kitchen and a cute balcony. It’s located in a super safe and quiet neighbourhood, but still only 5 minutes away from the heart of the city. A bonus point: Both bedrooms are equipped with a strong AC – no more sweating during the hot summer months!
Patricia’s House Medellin | Best Budget Airbnb in Medellin
If you’re looking to keep your costs low when you travel to Medellin, look no further than this private guestroom. There’s a plant-filled living room where you can chill out when you’re not in your room, and you may even meet your host’s cute cat. It’s not just a place to stay here though, it’s a place to learn about Colombia through dance. That’s right, you can do salsa and tango classes here!
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View on Osprey View on REIMansion on top of the World | Over the Top Luxury Airbnb in Medellin
While on the subject of absolutely stunning Airbnbs in Medellin, let’s look at this mansion on top of the world. Okay, it’s not in the city centre, but that’s a small price to pay for this level of luxury. And it’s not that far away, really! With six queen beds, it’s an awesome place to stay with a group of friends or family. Hey, you could even host a pool party!
La Casa de Olga Lu | Perfect Medellin Airbnb for Solo Travellers
If you’ve been travelling for a long time and are missing your friends and family, why not stay with a Colombian family to remind yourself of what you’re missing? This shared home gives you a single bed, desk, and private bathroom. But most importantly, you’ll get a warm welcome and be treated like one of the family! Colombians are famous for their hospitality, so you’re sure to be taken good care of here – starting with a free breakfast.
Comfortable Place in Medellin Downtown | Perfect Short Term Airbnb in Medellin for Digital Nomads
If you feel inspired working outside to the chatter of the city while being surrounded by plants, then this private room is right up your street. Your host is a traveller too, so they know a thing or two about what you might like when you’re on the road. You’ll have access to the kitchen so you can whip yourself up a quick lunch on a break from working. Most importantly, there’s fast Wi-Fi and a laptop-friendly workspace that isn’t on the balcony, too.
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Hide Yo’ Money!More Epic Airbnbs in Medellin
Here are a few more of my favorite Airbnbs in Medellin!
Loft in Poblado | Best Short Term Rental for Couples
You can have privacy from the beginning of your trip with this secure loft in Poblado because there’s self-check-in. The small and cute studio has everything you could need squeezed into a small and cosy space, and the price is seriously low. This place books up quickly, so you’ll have to be fast. It’s close to all the action in El Poblado, so it’s not far to all the best romantic restaurants!
Cozy apartment in Lleras Park Spring | Best Airbnb in Medellin for Families
Wow. This is one of the best Airbnbs in Medellin if you’re looking for something that will take your breath away. Right near Lleras Park, it’s got space for five guests, but just look at that living area that opens onto a terrace. This open plan place is sure to have you feeling relaxed and comfortable – and that’s before you get into the jacuzzi! It might be a bit more expensive than your average Medellin Airbnb, but you’ll struggle to find many that look this good.
Room with Private Bathroom | Best Private Room in Apartment in Medellin
This is more than just a private room: you have access to a kitchen, living room, dining room, and balcony. It’s a double room with a laptop-friendly workspace, so it’s suitable for a digital nomad or a couple. Staying with a Colombian family means they’ll be able to help you out with what to do in the area, but the main attraction of this apartment is how cool and stylish it is!
Modern penthouse in Medellin | Best Entire Flat in Medellin
Ever wanted to look at the stars from your terrace in an Andean apartment? Even if you haven’t, you’ve got the chance to do so now. The telescope in the living room will see to that! This apartment has space for up to six guests and boasts a fully equipped kitchen should you want to take a night off from eating out. You could spend it in the gym or Turkish solarium, which you’re welcome to use when you stay here.
Air Guest House | Best Boutique Hotel in Medellin
Just one of the great things about this boutique hotel in Medellin is that there are rooms for single occupancy all the way up to four guests. Another is the rooftop jacuzzi, which is the perfect place to rest those aching muscles after a tiring day of walking around the city. Your room will come with a private bathroom, and you can enjoy watching the sunset from the cool roof terrace. You might even make some friends up there!
Beautiful Apartment with Rooftop and Jacuzzi | Best Airbnb for Throwing a Party
Did somebody say pool party? If so, this is just the place for it. With a rooftop pool, hot tub, inflatables, and sun loungers, you have everything you need to impress your friends. There’s no bar, but buy your drinks at one of the nearby supermarkets beforehand and serve them up with your BBQ food. If you want to sleep off your hangover the following day, choose from a bed across four rooms or curl up in a hammock!
Cabana de Montana | Best Tiny House in Medellin
This compact Medellin Airbnb will put a smile on the face of anyone who loves nature. Your morning coffee can be had either in the house itself or out on the balcony, where you’ll find chairs and a swing. Enjoy that while listening to the twittering of birds in the trees around you! While there’s not a whole lot in the way of facilities here, it’s all about location. This is one of the best Airbnbs in Medellin if you want to disconnect from the stress of everyday life.
Magic House in Las Palmas | Most Beautiful Airbnb in Medellin
Alright, so it’s not in the city centre; however, if you’re looking for a beautiful house in Medellin, you have to get the mountain surroundings in there too. This finca-style house is surrounded by nature but has a touch of luxury, too. It’s up to you whether you’d prefer to sunbathe out in the garden or get warm and cosy on an evening in the enormous living room!
CasaFern Laureles | Best Airbnb Plus in Medellin
Airbnb Plus properties are usually quite stunning, and this one is no different. Surprisingly, though, it’s quite inexpensive! Located in Laureles, it’s a short and easy walk to the tourist attractions, restaurants, and bars. However, you might end up spending more time in the apartment as you lose track of time chilling out with a book in the hammock. The rain shower and soaking tub are great for relaxing after a day in the city!
Rooftop Hot Tub with View | Best Airbnb in Medellin for a Group of Friends
One of Medellin’s best features is the skyline. Why not make the most of it while you’re here and admire it from a rooftop jacuzzi? This place gives you the chance to do that with four of your best mates. It’s not a party house, more of a place to chill out and enjoy each others’ company with a few beers. If you want to go out and party, some of the best nightspots are on your doorstep!
What To Pack For Medellin
Pants, socks, underwear, soap?! Take it from me, packing for an Airbnb stay is not always quite as straightforward as it seems. Working out what to bring and what to leave at home is an art I have perfected over many years.
Ear Plugs
Snoring dorm-mates can ruin your nights rest and seriously damage the hostel experience. This is why I always travel with a pack of decent ear plugs.
Hanging Laundry Bag
Trust us, this is an absolute game changer. Super compact, a hanging mesh laundry bag stops your dirty clothes from stinking, you don’t know how much you need one of these… so just get it, thank us later.
Sea To Summit Micro Towel
Hostel towels are scummy and take forever to dry. Microfibre towels dry quickly, are compact, lightweight, and can be used as a blanket or yoga mat if need be.
Monopoly Deal
Forget about Poker! Monopoly Deal is the single best travel card game that we have ever played. Works with 2-5 players and guarantees happy days.
Grayl Geopress Water Bottle
Always travel with a water bottle! They save you money and reduce your plastic footprint on our planet. The Grayl Geopress acts as a purifier AND temperature regulator. Boom!
Don’t Forget Your Medellin Travel Insurance
ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.
They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.
SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!
Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.
Final Thoughts on Medellin Airbnbs
Now that you’ve seen the best things to do and where to stay in Medellin, all that’s left for you is to choose the perfect accommodation. Will you go for a friendly and inexpensive homestay, an apartment with a rooftop pool, or will you go all the way and get a stunning mountain house for the whole family?!
If you’re still finding it difficult to make up your mind, go for our overall best Airbnb in Medellin. That’s the Pool Apartment with Outdoor Kitchen. It’s great for a couple or solo traveller and is in a top location.
- Check out our Backpacking Medellin guide for in-depth info for your trip.
- Use our Where to Stay in Medellin guide to plan your adventure.
- Backpackers and frugal travellers can use our budget travel guide.
- That will of course include many of the stunning National Parks of Colombia.
And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links. That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!
