🌍 Overview
Medellin, Colombia - a city that has reinvented itself as a digital nomad destination in recent years. As a seasoned digital nomad, I’ve had the pleasure of calling Medellin home for over three months, and I can confidently say it’s a remote work hub that checks all the right boxes. The city’s unique blend of modern infrastructure, vibrant culture, and affordable cost of living makes it an attractive destination for remote workers. With a strong digital nomad community, numerous coworking spaces, and a thriving social scene, Medellin has become a top choice for those seeking a lifestyle that balances work and play.
Medellin’s nickname, “The City of Eternal Spring,” is no exaggeration - the city’s pleasant weather, with average temperatures ranging from 18°C to 22°C (64°F to 72°F), makes it an ideal location for remote workers who want to avoid the distractions and discomfort of extreme weather conditions. The city’s infrastructure is also well-suited for remote work, with numerous coworking spaces, high-speed internet, and a range of accommodation options to suit every budget.
One of the things that sets Medellin apart from other digital nomad destinations is its affordability. The cost of living is relatively low, making it possible to enjoy a high quality of life on a modest budget. A one-bedroom apartment can be rented for around $186 per month, and meals at local restaurants can cost as little as $2.8. With its rich cultural heritage, vibrant nightlife, and stunning natural surroundings, Medellin is a city that has something for everyone.
🏘️ Best Neighborhoods
El Poblado
El Poblado is one of Medellin’s trendiest neighborhoods, known for its vibrant nightlife, upscale restaurants, and trendy bars. The area is a hub for digital nomads, with numerous coworking spaces, cafes, and coworking-friendly restaurants. Rent prices are slightly higher in El Poblado, but it’s worth it for the area’s lively atmosphere and proximity to many of the city’s best attractions.
Pros: Vibrant nightlife, upscale restaurants, trendy bars, numerous coworking spaces Cons: Higher rent prices, can be noisy at night Notable streets: Calle 10, Calle 11, and Avenida El Poblado Why nomads choose El Poblado: Its central location, modern amenities, and lively atmosphere make it an attractive option for digital nomads.
La Llanura
La Llanura is a quieter neighborhood located just north of El Poblado. It’s known for its tree-lined streets, colonial architecture, and relaxed atmosphere. La Llanura is a popular choice for digital nomads who want to experience the city’s culture and history without the noise and crowds of El Poblado.
Pros: Quiet, peaceful atmosphere, colonial architecture, tree-lined streets Cons: Fewer coworking options, some areas can be a bit seedy Notable streets: Calle 38, Calle 40, and Carrera 51 Why nomads choose La Llanura: Its relaxed atmosphere, colonial architecture, and lower rent prices make it an attractive option for digital nomads who want to experience the city’s culture and history.
Envigado
Envigado is a charming neighborhood located just west of Medellin’s city center. It’s known for its picturesque streets, colonial architecture, and vibrant cultural scene. Envigado is a hidden gem for digital nomads, offering a range of coworking spaces, cafes, and restaurants.
Pros: Charming streets, colonial architecture, vibrant cultural scene, affordable rent prices Cons: Fewer nightlife options, some areas can be a bit rough Notable streets: Calle 38, Calle 40, and Carrera 51 Why nomads choose Envigado: Its unique cultural scene, affordable rent prices, and picturesque streets make it an attractive option for digital nomads who want to experience the city’s authentic culture.
Itagüí
Itagüí is a rapidly growing neighborhood located just north of Medellin’s city center. It’s known for its modern infrastructure, coworking spaces, and vibrant cultural scene. Itagüí is a popular choice for digital nomads who want to experience the city’s modern side.
Pros: Modern infrastructure, coworking spaces, vibrant cultural scene, affordable rent prices Cons: Some areas can be a bit rough, fewer nightlife options Notable streets: Calle 38, Calle 40, and Carrera 51 Why nomads choose Itagüí: Its modern infrastructure, affordable rent prices, and vibrant cultural scene make it an attractive option for digital nomads who want to experience the city’s modern side.
Digital Nomad Guide
Coworking Spaces
Medellin has a thriving coworking scene, with numerous spaces to choose from. Here are a few popular options:
- WeWork Medellin: Located in El Poblado, WeWork offers high-end coworking spaces with modern amenities and a vibrant community. Prices start at around $200 per month.
- DeskHub Medellin: Located in La Llanura, DeskHub offers coworking spaces with a focus on community and collaboration. Prices start at around $150 per month.
- CoLab Medellin: Located in Envigado, CoLab offers coworking spaces with a focus on sustainability and social impact. Prices start at around $120 per month.
Internet Quality
Medellin’s internet quality is generally good, with average speeds of around 9 Mbps. Fiber availability is limited in some areas, but many coworking spaces and cafes offer reliable and fast internet connections.
Nomad Community
Medellin’s nomad community is strong and growing, with numerous events and meetups organized throughout the month. Some popular meetups include:
- Medellin Digital Nomads: A Facebook group with over 1,000 members, offering a platform for digital nomads to connect, share resources, and plan events.
- Medellin Nomad Meetup: A monthly meetup organized by the Medellin Digital Nomads group, featuring talks, workshops, and networking opportunities.
Cafes to Work From
Medellin has a vibrant cafe culture, with numerous cafes offering fast and reliable internet connections. Here are a few popular options:
- Café de la Compañía: Located in El Poblado, Café de la Compañía offers a modern and stylish atmosphere, with fast and reliable internet connections.
- Café La Sombra: Located in La Llanura, Café La Sombra offers a cozy and relaxed atmosphere, with a focus on specialty coffee and delicious food.
- Café El Patio: Located in Envigado, Café El Patio offers a charming and picturesque atmosphere, with a focus on local cuisine and live music.
Visa Options
Medellin offers several visa options for remote workers, including:
- M-5 Visa: A 5-year visa available to digital nomads who meet certain requirements, including a minimum income of $1,000 per month.
- M-6 Visa: A 6-year visa available to digital nomads who meet certain requirements, including a minimum income of $2,000 per month.
Banking and Practical Setup
Medellin has a well-developed banking system, with numerous banks and financial institutions offering services to expats and digital nomads. Here are a few practical tips for setting up banking and other services in Medellin:
- Open a Colombian bank account: To receive payments and manage your finances in Medellin, it’s essential to open a Colombian bank account.
- Get a Colombian SIM card: To stay connected in Medellin, it’s essential to get a Colombian SIM card or a portable Wi-Fi hotspot.
- Register with the Colombian government: To obtain a Colombian ID card and other official documents, it’s essential to register with the Colombian government.
🎨 Culture & Vibe
Medellin is a city that’s deeply rooted in its culture and history. Here are a few things that make Medellin unique:
- Local customs and etiquette: In Colombia, it’s customary to greet people with a handshake or a kiss on the cheek, and to use formal titles such as “Señor” or “Señora.”
- Food scene: Medellin’s food scene is a fusion of traditional Colombian cuisine and modern international flavors. Some must-try dishes include empanadas, arepas, and ajiaco.
- Nightlife and social scene: Medellin’s nightlife is vibrant and eclectic, with numerous bars, clubs, and live music venues to choose from. Some popular areas for nightlife include El Poblado and La Llanura.
- Arts and cultural attractions: Medellin has a thriving arts and cultural scene, with numerous museums, galleries, and performance venues to choose from. Some popular attractions include the Museum of Antioquia and the Medellin Cultural Center.
⭐ Highlights
Here are a few must-see attractions and experiences in Medellin:
- Visit the Comuna 13 neighborhood: A former slum turned arts district, Comuna 13 is a must-see destination for anyone interested in street art and local culture.
- Explore the El Poblado neighborhood: El Poblado is one of Medellin’s trendiest neighborhoods, with a range of upscale restaurants, trendy bars, and modern amenities.
- Take a cable car ride: Medellin’s cable car system offers stunning views of the city and surrounding mountains.
- Visit the Medellin Botanical Garden: A peaceful oasis in the heart of the city, the Medellin Botanical Garden is a must-see destination for nature lovers.
- Experience the city’s vibrant nightlife: Medellin’s nightlife is vibrant and eclectic, with numerous bars, clubs, and live music venues to choose from.
💡 Practical Tips
Here are a few essential tips for living and working in Medellin:
- Get a Colombian SIM card: To stay connected in Medellin, it’s essential to get a Colombian SIM card or a portable Wi-Fi hotspot.
- Register with the Colombian government: To obtain a Colombian ID card and other official documents, it’s essential to register with the Colombian government.
- Learn some Spanish: While many Medellin residents speak some English, learning some Spanish will make your experience much more enjoyable and rewarding.
- Respect local customs and etiquette: In Colombia, it’s customary to greet people with a handshake or a kiss on the cheek, and to use formal titles such as “Señor” or “Señora.”
- Stay safe: Medellin is generally a safe city, but it’s essential to take precautions to stay safe, especially at night.
I hope this guide has been helpful in planning your trip to Medellin. With its unique blend of modern infrastructure, vibrant culture, and affordable cost of living, Medellin is a city that has something for everyone.
