Neighborhood guide
Where to stay in Laureles, Medellín — a practical guide for travelers & digital nomads
Laureles is the neighborhood travelers move to once they know Medellín. Flat, leafy and refreshingly local, it was named one of the coolest neighborhoods in the world by Time Out. Here's an honest look at why people stay here — and how to make the most of it.
Laureles vs El Poblado: which should you pick?
This is the question almost every visitor asks. El Poblado is the polished, hilly, nightlife-driven side of Medellín — convenient but touristy and pricier. Laureles is flat, walkable and far more local: tree-lined streets, family bakeries, neighborhood cafés and a calmer pace, usually at better value.
If you want rooftop bars and a party on your doorstep, Poblado wins. If you want to live in Medellín — walk everywhere, sit in a café with locals, and still be 15 minutes from Provenza — Laureles is the smarter base.
Is Laureles safe?
Laureles - Estadio is consistently ranked among the safest, most livable areas of Medellín. It's residential and busy with locals day and night. As anywhere in a big city, keep normal street awareness after dark and use a registered taxi or rideshare late at night — but most visitors describe Laureles as relaxed and easy to walk.
Best things to do in Laureles
- Walk the Primer and Segundo Parque de Laureles — the two leafy roundabout-parks at the heart of the barrio.
- La 70 (Avenida 70) — the classic strip for bars, casual food and Colombian nightlife.
- Specialty coffee crawl — Laureles is full of independent cafés perfect for a slow morning or a work session.
- Estadio & Atanasio Girardot — sports complex and pool, a short walk away.
- Day trip to Guatapé — the iconic rock and lake town, ~2 hours out.
Laureles for digital nomads
Laureles has quietly become one of Medellín's favorite bases for remote workers — and for good reason. It's flat and bikeable (unlike Poblado's hills), the internet is fast, and there's no shortage of cafés and coworking spaces like Impact Hub Laureles. The vibe is more integrated with local life than the expat-heavy parts of the city, which is exactly what slow travelers are looking for.
Practical wins: fast WiFi everywhere, a desk in most good rooms, Metro access at Estadio and Floresta stations, and everything you need within a walkable radius.
Getting around
Laureles connects to the rest of the city through the Metro (Estadio and Floresta), and it's flat enough to walk or cycle. Rideshares are cheap and easy. The international airport (MDE / José María Córdova) is about 45 minutes by car; the regional Olaya Herrera airport is roughly 10 minutes.
Where to stay in Laureles
Laureles has everything from hostels and colivings to boutique hotels. If you want design, comfort and a real sense of place, URBIT Social Lofts sits right in the heart of the neighborhood — industrial-design suites with exposed concrete and Bauhaus art, fast WiFi, work desks, and breakfast on a rooftop with city views. It's a Tripadvisor Travelers' Choice 2026 pick and a natural fit for couples and digital nomads who want to be walking distance from the best of Laureles.
Stay in the heart of Laureles
Design suites, included rooftop breakfast and the best location in the neighborhood.
Laureles FAQ
Is Laureles safe in Medellín?
Laureles - Estadio is widely considered one of the safest and most livable neighborhoods in Medellín. It's residential, walkable and full of locals; use normal big-city awareness at night.
Laureles or El Poblado — which is better?
El Poblado is touristy, hilly and nightlife-heavy; Laureles is flat, walkable, more local and usually better value. For an authentic, calmer base, most travelers prefer Laureles.
Is Laureles good for digital nomads?
Yes — flat and bikeable, fast internet, plenty of cafés and coworking spaces, and Metro access at Estadio and Floresta.
How far is Laureles from the airport?
About 45 minutes by car from José María Córdova International (MDE); roughly 10 minutes from the regional Olaya Herrera airport.