3 Things to Know Before Visiting Medellín, Colombia

Medellín has been one of my favorite surprises as a traveler.

But before I get into the good stuff, there are a few things I wish someone had told me before I landed. Consider this your honest primer.

Ignore the Haters

If you've mentioned Medellín or Colombia to friends or family and gotten a nervous reaction, you're not alone. Some people only know Colombia through the lens of news coverage that profits from fear, and that framing is hard to shake. But here's the reality: Medellín is vibrant, beautiful, and full of some of the warmest, most welcoming people I've encountered anywhere in the world. There is so much to see, eat, explore, and experience here.

That doesn't mean you throw common sense out the window. Like any major city, there are neighborhoods to be aware of and basic safety practices worth researching before you go. Do your homework, read recent firsthand accounts from travelers, and make an informed decision for yourself. But as a solo female traveler, I can tell you without hesitation: I highly recommend it.

Don't let someone else's fear write off a place this special before you've given it a chance.

Ignore the Weather Report

Medellín sits at around 5,000 feet above sea level and has earned its nickname, the City of Eternal Spring, because the temperature stays mild and pleasant year-round. What the weather app won't tell you, though, is that the daily forecast is basically decorative information.

It doesn't matter whether you visit in dry season or rainy season: the weather here is famously unpredictable, and you should pack accordingly regardless. I was there in February and March, which technically falls in dry season, and it rained for a few hours every single afternoon like clockwork. Light layers, a compact umbrella, and the willingness to just wait it out over a coffee will serve you far better than obsessing over the forecast.

Get Ready to Do Some Math

Nothing prepares you for the first time you see a price tag in Colombian pesos. When I was there, the exchange rate was around 3,700 pesos to $1 USD, which means prices that look alarming at first glance are actually very reasonable once you do the conversion. A dinner bill that comes out to 75,000 pesos sounds like a lot until you realize it's about $20 USD.

A conversion app is your best friend here, and most people rely on one heavily, especially in the first few days. If you want to try doing the math in your head, a rough shortcut is to drop the last three digits and divide by four, and you'll land in the ballpark. It takes a few days to recalibrate your brain, but once it clicks, you'll start to realize just how far your dollar goes in this city.

Medellín is so magical and is absolutely worth a visit. If you've been on the fence, consider this your sign to book the trip.