Medellin is an incredible city that’s quickly transformed from the world’s most dangerous under Pablo Escobar’s thumb, to a bustling arts hub full of beauty, culture and resilience that is now one of South America’s top tourist destinations.

I’ve been here multiple times, and absolutely love Medellin’s hostel scene. It has several large hostels that cater specifically towards backpackers. English-speaking staff, regular activities, security, and wild parties!

The majority are in El Poblado, a leafy neighbourhood which is safe to walk around by day, I even saw people sitting in cafes with their laptops out. Laureles is also popular.

Here I’ll cover the best spots to stay!

Grafitti in Comuna 13 in Medellin, Colombia
The Colombians setting the stage.
Photo: @Lauramcblonde

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In a Rush? Here Are my Favourite Medellin Hostels

a group of friends at a hostel
Ohh, hotel friends!
Photo: @amandaadraper

Let’s Check Out Medellin’s Top 5 Hostels

These are some of my personal favourite places, mixed with a few of the highest-reviewed hostels in Medellin, broken down into categories to help you find the one that’s perfect for you. With this guide, you’ll be able to crack on with finding a place to stay in Medellin, so you can just worry about having a good time.

1. Los Patios Hostal Boutique – Best Overall Hostel

Los Patios Hostel is stunning!
This image doesn’t really need a caption to be honest… LOOK AT IT!
  • Price: $$
  • Best for: Backpackers looking for a social vibe, regular parties, and opportunities to meet others
  • Highlights: They host multiple daily events from cooking classes, to market trips, to parties and more. Plus there’s a swimming pool and a small gym
  • Dorm (mixed): From $17/night
  • Private Room: From $77/night
  • Address: Carrera 43E N° 11 – 40 Barrio Manila – El Poblado, El Poblado, 050021 Medellín

Los Patios Hostal has previously won the Hostelworld award for the best large hostel in the world! Yes, you read that right, not just Medellin, Colombia, or South America, this has been hailed as one of the best hostels in the world! This isn’t the only award it’s won either, (see below). Rated 9.3 on the Hostelworld site by over 4,000 other backpackers, the reviews speak for themselves – Los Patios is fantastic.

Los Patios Hostelworld Awards – A truly remarkable hostel.

The list of facilities on offer here is bonkers. Aside from what I’ve already covered, there’s a gym, coworking rooms, a café, sun deck, Spanish School, Kitchen/self-catering facilities, Salsa lessons, a tour desk offering unique expeditions, a ping pong, foosball table and pool tables, AND more. That’s why I always come back to Los Patios whenever I visit Medellin.

Why you’ll love this hostel:

  • Endless amenities: I’ve never been to a hostel that has so much going on. You can spend a week here without ever going outside, and you won’t get bored
  • The social vibes: Los Patios comes alive at night with games and parties at the rooftop bars, and many opportunities to mingle
  • Perfect Location: Located in El Poblado, I found it to be a great spot, just 10 minutes from major shops, and literally a minute away from several restaurants

This stylish and upscale hostel, split over two buildings is beautifully decorated. Each floor represents a different region of Colombia from the jungle to the coast, each with a description meant to inspire and inform travellers.

They offer stylish and modern private rooms and each dorm bed has its own privacy curtain, fan, two plugs, and a light. Although breakfast isn’t included, there is a kitchen free for guests to use and there are many restaurants in the area.

If you’re not sold yet, the location of Los Patios is ideal, right in El Poblado. Just two blocks away from El Poblado metro station, you can wake up and crack on with your itinerary. This place really has it all, check out their reviews to learn more using the link below.

2. Hostel Metro Floresta – Best Hostel for Solo Travelers

Hostel Metro Floresta medellin
Hostel Metro Floresta is THE place to be.
  • Price: $
  • Best for: Budget backpackers looking for a social experience over anything else
  • Highlights: Free Wi-Fi, privacy curtains on the beds, and access to a communal outdoor swimming pool
  • Dorm (mixed): From $17/night
  • Private Room: From $33/night
  • Address: Calle 46 # 81-38, Medellin, Colombia

As Colombia gets safer each year, there have never been so many solo travellers heading there. If you’re lucky enough to be one of these and you’re planning on heading to Medellin, Hostel Metro Floresta have some ideal digs for solo travellers looking to socialise and check out the city. 

Why you’ll love this hostel:

  • It’s easy to make friends: This is more intimate than some of the other activity-focused hostels here, but it has a few communal spaces where it’s easy to meet others
  • Great privacy options: All the beds have curtains on them, so if you aren’t feeling sociable, you can hide away and get some peace
  • Breakfast included: Unlike some of the larger hostels, you can enjoy free scran when you wake up

Within a couple of kilometers of the city, this hostel is close to tourist destinations, a public swimming pool you have free access to and La Floresta station. 

There’s a well equipped kitchen outdoor space and common area, as well as tea and coffee making facilities. When the time comes to leave this home away from home, they can also assist with onward travel plans. Plus I found the host Ricardo to be very friendly and helpful.

3. Noah Boutique Hostel – Best Cheap Hostel

Noah Boutique rooftop.
Rooftop vibezzz.
  • Price: $
  • Best for: Backpackers looking for a bit of balance between a fun place to stay, and saving money
  • Highlights: Free coffee all day, and a good social atmosphere
  • Dorm (mixed): From $8/night
  • Private Room: From $32/night
  • Address: Carrera 43 E # 12-11 Piso 2, El Poblado, 050021 Medellín

Be Okay Hostel (as it was originally known before changing to Noah) was designed with comfort in mind. Dutch and English-owned, perhaps the two nationalities that know hostels the best, this place has everything a hostel could ever need.

With bigger beds, amazing pillows, and individual reading lights you can be sure your stay will be as comfortable as possible. The rooftop terrace is a great place to mingle and meet other guests. Located in El Poblado, in a quiet area near lots of delicious restaurants and bars, this is a great hostel for couples. It’s definitely one of the best hostels in Medellin.

Why you’ll love this hostel:

  • Good for digital nomads: There are plenty of spaces both indoors and outdoors where you can plug in your laptop and get some work done
  • Netflix room: Once you’re done exploring Medellin for the day, you can wind down and watch a movie
  • Great location: Not only is it in popular El Poblado, but a quieter part of the neighbourhood

This hostel has a great location in the heart of El Poblado. Metro Poblado and Parque Lleras (a place to go out) are only a short walking distance away. They also have a tours and a travel desk so you can book all your activities here, direct with the hostel.

There is a lovely lady here who prepares a free breakfast every day for the guests. If you don’t fancy it, you have the option to make your own in the kitchen. The main selling point of this hostel is its great value. It should be noted that the dorms are only 4-person dorms which edged it for me in terms of value. The beds are extra wide and super comfy, so for me, this is the best cheap place to stay.

4. Masaya Medellin – Best Party Hostel

Masaya Medellin is AMAZING.
Masaya Medellin looks how it really is…. AMAZING.
  • Price: $$
  • Best for: A premium hostel experience, with everything you could want (parties, events, co-working etc.) but at a higher price
  • Highlights: The large rooftop swimming pool
  • Dorm (mixed): From $19/night
  • Private Room: From $52/night
  • Address: Calle 8 #43A – 89 El Poblado, El Poblado, 050022 Medellín

It’s not secret Medellin is known for being one of the best party cities in the world, and trust me, you’re in for a GOOD time. If you don’t believe me, it’s rated 9.2 on Hostelworld by loads of other backpackers. This place is not your average hostel. Right in the centre of the popular area of El Poblado, is the new 7-storey hostel of Masaya Medellin, and things can get pretty WILD.

Masaya does offer private rooms, but these are not cheap. Instead, I would recommend the super comfy pod-style dorm beds. These are ideal for getting a degree of privacy at a fraction of the price. They do have a coworking area here too which makes it great for nomads, but it comes with an additional cost.

Why you’ll love this hostel:

  • One of Medellin’s best pools: I’ve stayed in every notable Medellin hostel at least once, and Masaya has by far the most impressive pool
  • Easy access: If you’re tired after a long flight, it’s just a 35-minute drive from the main airport (Jose Maria Cordova International), and less than 10 minutes from Olaya Herrera, a domestic air hub
  • Free events: I partook in salsa classes, yoga, cooking lessons and more during a 5-day stay here

The rooftop terrace of this place is what should lure you in. It is PHENOMENAL. When I was backpacking Colombia and stayed here, there was a live band performing in front of a very busy crowd. Everyone had a drink in their hand from the bar, and people were chatting in the pool. It was only a Tuesday! I went on to have an amazing night out in Medellin with people I met here, it was a great experience.

The downstairs cafe was amazing, and I had one of the nicest coffees in Medellin here. Some of my mates enjoyed a hangover-curing, premium-looking breakfast, and the staff were especially friendly and helpful.

Masaya is one of a kind. Forget Medellin, I would go as far as saying this is one of the best hostels in Colombia. It’s a very clean and modern hostel, located brilliantly and always active with other backpackers.

5. Black Sheep Hostel Medellin – Best Hostel for Digital Nomads

Black Sheep Hostel photos showing all areas.
Hammocks, BBQs, and great WiFi – Black Sheep Hostel is the best hostel in Medellin for Digital Nomads.
  • Price: $$
  • Best for: Its wide range of co-working spaces, and cheap beers
  • Highlights: You can have a few beers and a barbecue here, what’s not to love?
  • Dorm (mixed): From $17/night
  • Private Room: From $40/night
  • Address: Transversal 5A 45-133, El Poblado, 050034 Medellín

Medellin is quickly becoming a global hotspot for digital nomads. There are so many options to choose from for this category. But, I’ve gone for… The Black Sheep Hostel!

The owner of Black Sheep Hostel has done a ton of travelling so he’s designed his hostel with travellers in mind. He can help you book tours within Medellin as well as the rest of Colombia.

Rated 9.6 on Hostelworld, this is another terrific choice for a Medellin hostel. It’s also a relatively cheap option – great for nomads trying to make money on the road – not lose it!

Why you’ll love this hostel:

  • Socialising over food: They often host barbecues in the garden, so you can easily meet others here
  • Hammocks: The thing I like about this hostel, is that you can party hard, or just chill out
  • Easy to book activities: The staff are very knowledgeable about everything going on

The hostel hosts many activities on site, most notably the Sunday roast where they make a massive feast on the Argentinian-style grill, creating a very social atmosphere.

They have invested heavily in their internet with a fibre optic line running directly to the hostel and three different Internet Service Providers. This reliable WiFi is so hard to beat for nomads and is what edged it for me as the best digital nomad spot, especially for solo travellers.

The location is pretty good, in El Poblado and the tours and travel desk make it easy for you to book tours to explore the city. If you’re looking to get some work done during the day and meet some new friends or socialise in the evenings, this hostel is a great choice for you.

6. Viajero Hostel – Best Hostel for Activities

Viajero Rooftop Jacuzzi.
Jacuzzi time!
  • Price: $$
  • Best for: Social travellers looking for a place with a lot to do
  • Highlights: The regular games, activities and parties on offer here
  • Dorm (mixed): From $20/night
  • Private Room: From $84/night
  • Address: Calle 11A # 43D – 11, El Poblado, 050001 Medellín

This was where I stayed on my most recent trip to Medellin. The reasons why I loved Viajero Hostel, and would recommand it, are infinite. If you don’t believe me, check out all their reviews on Hostelworld which place them at 9.4 rated!

In my opinion, this is one of the best Hostels in Medellin too! The pod-style beds with curtains are in beautifully designed rooms, ideal for all types of backpackers. Equipped with all the facilities one could need, including a coworking area, a kitchen and my personal favourite, a ping pong table. This is a pretty big hostel with one of the most stunning rooftop views (360 degrees) of Medellin.

Why you’ll love this hostel:

  • Privacy for those who want it: I loved having a curtain on my bed to get some rest after heavy parties
  • International cuisine: Viajero has a variety of dishes on option from many different countries
  • Pet-friendly private rooms: Not many hostels let you bring your furry friends, but Viajero does

I couldn’t sing this place’s praises any higher – I had a wonderful stay here.

The only downside to this hostel was, because it was so big, I struggled to make friends here so explored other hostels in the evenings. But, I’m sure that on other days it will be much busier than when I was there – so go check it out for yourself! It’s definitely a safe bet as I can personally vouch for it.

Getting Insured BEFORE Visiting Medellin

Unfortunately, things can go wrong when you least expect it. This is why good travel insurance is essential before you head on your trip. You can definitely party too hard in Medellin. Also, the corner to the left as you exit Los Patios has been known for muggings at night. Insurance will cover you in case of issues.

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.

Still Pondering Over Which Medellin Hostel to Pick?

Get ready, because Medellin is a wild and exciting ride. Remember, while Colombia as a whole is getting safer, it’s always best to book accommodation in areas that are popular with tourists. That’s why my number one recommendation is Los Patios Hostal Boutique, my go-to when I come here.

Medellin has a wide range of activity-focused hostels with a lot going on, often offering pools, bars, and regular parties.

If you’re a sociable backpacker looking for new friends, pretty much any of these do the job, whilst they all have good setups for digital nomads too.

Pick the one that suits your needs, then go out and explore the winding slopes of Comuna 13, squeeze in a cheeky day trip to Guatape, and come back to party in Poblado like there’s no tomorrow. Peace out!

Looking for more info on travelling to Medellin and Colombia?