Short answer: The three best hostels in Medellín are 1. Los Patios Hostel (polished design, great for couples and solo women), 2. Rango Hostel Boutique (boutique feel, ideal for digital nomads and backpackers), and 3. Medellin Vibes Hostel (calm, with a pool, made for solo travelers). Compare live prices for all three on Hostelz before you book, because rates in Medellín swing more than you’d think.
Ready to be blown away by the three best hostels in Medellín, Colombia? This city is a magnet for backpackers and digital nomads, and for me the priority was simple: somewhere safe with a bit of life to it. Turns out that’s not hard here. The options are genuinely good.
In this guide I’m sharing what I saw first-hand. I stayed in all three of these hostels (and a few more), and I’ve dropped them on a map so you can plan without the guesswork.
The City of Eternal Spring is calling. Let’s go.
Our favorite hostels in Medellin are:
- Los Patios Hostel - best for Female Solo Travellers
- Rango Hostel Boutique - best for Backpackers
- Medellin Vibes Hostel - best for Solo Travellers
Money-saving tip: Compare hostel prices with Hostelz.com. They compare prices from Hostelworld, Booking.com and others with 1 click.
1. Los Patios Hostel
2. Rango Hostel Boutique
3. Medellin Vibes Hostel
Medellín, Colombia’s second-largest city, sits in a green valley that never really gets cold. It’s that mix of mountains and metro, street food and rooftop bars, that keeps pulling travelers back. It’s also become one of the most popular bases for remote workers in South America.
And the hostels? A few of them are seriously good for solo travelers and backpackers passing through.
If you’re moving around the region, we’ve also got a guide to the best hostels in Guatape.
This guide is perfect for YOU, when you…
- are tired of crappy hostels!
- want a social Hostel to actually meet people
- are happy to spend $1 to $2 more for a much better experience
We boiled it down to the 3 coolest hostels in Medellín. No filler, no sad bunk rooms. We vetted them so you don’t have to.
Why only three? Because that’s all you really need. Three solid choices beat thirty mediocre ones.
Hot off the press: best hostels in Colombia
You’ll also find the best party hostel in El Poblado for the big social nights, plus picks for solo and female travelers further down.
Heading elsewhere in Colombia, maybe the capital? We’ve got the 3 best hostels in Bogotá and the best hostels in Cartagena too.
- Basics to know: prices, safety and check-in
- 3 Best Hostels in Detail
Quick Introduction to Medellín Hostels
Average price for a bed: A dorm bed can run as low as €7–14 per night. That’s a rough guide, not a promise. Prices climb in high season and around holidays, and honestly, Medellín isn’t the bargain it was five years ago. The digital-nomad boom pushed rates up. Always check live rates on Hostelworld.com or Booking.com, or compare both at once on Hostelz so you’re not flicking between ten tabs.
Check-in and check-out: Check-in is usually from 15:00 (3pm), with check-out before 11:00 (11am). Most places store luggage if you arrive early or leave late. Just ask whether storage is free or costs extra, because it varies.
Medellín tax: There’s a 19% VAT in Colombia. The good news: as a non-resident tourist you shouldn’t pay it on hostel stays. Show your passport at check-in and remind the staff not to charge you, since it sometimes slips onto the bill anyway.
🎁 New to Hostels? Read our guide to staying in a Hostel for the First Time here. We especially recommend reading:
- How to book hostels? (and websites to save $)
- 23 clever items: the hostel packing list to download
- How does the Hostelworld App work exactly? Our Advanced Guide
The 3 Best Hostels in Medellin are …
Let’s jump right into the coolest hostels in Medellin.
- Los Patios Hostel – best for Female Solo Travellers
- Rango Hostel Boutique – best for Backpackers
- Medellin Vibes Hostel – best for Solo Travellers
These are our favorite hostels in Medellin. We want to make your life even easier, so we put all accommodations on a map for you. We even added our own tips for favorite restaurants, things to see, and more.
1. Los Patios Hostel
2. Rango Hostel Boutique
3. Medellin Vibes Hostel
Overview: Best Hostels by Traveler Type
| 🦸 Solo Traveler: | Medellin Vibes Hostel |
| 🙎♀️ best for Female Solo Traveler: | Los Patios Hostel |
| 🥳 Party Hostel: | Purple Monkey Hostel Medellin |
| 👩❤️👨 Couple Hostel: | Los Patios Hostel |
| 👨👩👦 Family Hostel: | Los Patios Hostel |
| 👩💻 For Digital Nomads: | Rango Hostel Boutique |
| 🧘 Cozy Hostel: | Medellin Vibes Hostel |
3 Best Hostels in Medellín in Detail
Here’s the quick comparison before we get into each one. Skim it, then read the full write-ups below.
Best Hostels in Medellín Compared at a Glance
| Hostel | Best for | Vibe | Area | Standout |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Los Patios Hostel | Couples, solo women | Polished, design-led, 5-star | El Poblado, steps from nightlife | Luxury female-only dorm, rooftop bar, gym |
| Rango Hostel Boutique | Digital nomads, backpackers | Boutique, homey, photogenic | Calle 8 hilltop, near El Poblado | In-house restaurant and rooftop, free breakfast |
| Medellin Vibes Hostel | Solo travelers | Calm, polished, poolside | El Poblado, 500m to the metro | Outdoor pool and poolside bar |
| Purple Monkey Hostel | Partiers (18+) | Loud, social, graffiti-covered | El Poblado | Biggest rooftop bar in the city |
| Black Sheep Hostel | Budget backpackers | Homey, low-key, long-running | El Poblado | Big kitchen, hammock balcony |
| Casa Kiwi Hostel | Social backpackers | Rustic-modern, chilled | El Poblado / El Lleras | Roof terrace, pool, table tennis |
How to Pick the Right Medellín Hostel
Not sure which one is you? Here’s the shortcut.
- Couple wanting privacy: Los Patios Hostel
- First solo trip, want design and a safe base: Los Patios Hostel
- Female solo traveler: Los Patios Hostel (luxury female-only dorm)
- Digital nomad: Rango Hostel Boutique
- Backpacker on a budget: Black Sheep Hostel or Rango Hostel Boutique
- Want a pool and a calmer scene: Medellin Vibes Hostel
- Here to party: Purple Monkey Hostel
- Travelling as a group: Casa Kiwi Hostel
- Cheapest bed, full stop: compare all of them live on Hostelz
Hostelgeeks Tip: Prices for these three move around a lot week to week. Run all of them through Hostelz on your actual travel dates before you commit. The cheapest bed in January is rarely the cheapest in July.
1. Los Patios Hostel (modern, eye-catching design)
Los Patios Hostel opened back in 2018 and still feels a cut above. It’s upscale without being stuffy, and it leans into Colombian design instead of the usual hostel beige.
It’s the one and only 5 Star Hostel in Medellin! Read full guide here!
The mix of social space and room types makes it work for almost anyone. But I’d point solo female travelers here first.
Why? There’s a luxury female-only dorm, and it’s properly thought through:
- Vanity mirror
- 2 bathrooms, yes, two
- Plenty of clothing hooks
- Hairdryers
- Private balcony
- Told you it was luxury
Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com
Not a solo lady? You’ve still got 4, 6 and 8-bed dorms, or one of the 19 private deluxe suites.
Note: there’s no breakfast included here. But there are good breakfast spots nearby, and the big Éxito supermarket is close if you’d rather stock up and sort yourself out.
Common areas? Plenty:
- Dedicated chill-out spaces
- Recreation area
- Coworking room
- Gym
- Rooftop bar
- Proper kitchen
Ask the friendly staff about in-house activities and possible tours, too.
Arriving at an odd hour? No problem. Reception is open 24/7 and there’s no curfew. Win.
Just so you know: there’s a maximum stay of 14 days, so try not to get too comfortable.
Nightlife, art galleries, shops and restaurants are all within a two-block walk of the hostel.
1. Los Patios Hostel is the best choice for:
- Female solo travelers
- Couples
Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com
2. Rango Hostel Boutique (an Instagrammer’s paradise)
Let’s pay a visit to the Rango family over at Rango Hostel Boutique. This is one of those places that’s better lived than told.
Rango is the kind of place where you arrive and immediately feel at home, only a little better than home.
It’s a stylish boutique hostel that pulls off the rare trick of hotel comfort with a social-hostel heartbeat.
Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com
Rooms run from 4 to 6-bed dorms up to private twins and doubles. Pay a little extra for a dorm and you’ll get the luxury of an en-suite bathroom.
Whatever you pick, you get all of this:
- TV with HDMI, so you can watch a movie in your room
- Mini fridge
- Linen and towel
- Power sockets
- Reading light
- Lockers
The design leans on natural light and local materials, and the beds feel properly sturdy. No more rattling bunks at 3am.
Fancy doing nothing all day? The free coffee will happily keep you company.
Just rise in time for the free breakfast, which is a lot more than the usual sad toast and cereal.
Honestly, the best thing about Rango might be the restaurant downstairs. Grab some hot food and a cocktail to kick off the evening.
It’s also a great spot to catch up on remote work. So you’ve got a choice: restaurant or rooftop. Tough life.
The staff are always running something, so ask what’s happening while you’re around.
Rango sits at the top of a hill on Calle 8, not far from El Poblado.
2. Rango Hostel Boutique is the best hostel for:
- Backpackers in Medellín
- Digital nomads
Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com
3. Medellin Vibes Hostel
Vibes, what vibes? At Medellin Vibes Hostel, expect calm, quiet and frankly luxurious ones. Just look at the place. It’s hard to believe it’s a hostel and not a boutique hotel, the service and design are that good.
It’s a big spot with a real range of rooms: 4, 6 and 8-bed mixed dorms, female-only options, plus 15 private rooms. Good luck choosing, though. They’re all lovely.
Whatever you book, you’ll have air conditioning, a reading light and a curtain. What else?
- Outdoor pool
- Poolside bar selling cocktails
- Communal kitchen
- 24/7 reception
- Free breakfast
Good to know: there’s a maximum stay of 14 nights, so don’t get too comfortable.
Have a chat with the staff about upcoming events and tours. They know the area inside out and will sort you with anything you need.
The location is top-notch too. It sits in El Poblado, with the metro station just 500 metres away and Lleras Park, full of bars and nightlife, a short walk off.
Medellín Vibes Hostel is one of the best hostels in Medellín for solo travelers.
Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com
Best Party Hostels in Medellín
Let’s be frank: the Medellín party scene is about to blow your socks off. And I’ve got one great recommendation for you.
Time to find killer graffiti and proper party energy at Purple Monkey Hostel Medellin.
This is home to the biggest rooftop bar in Medellín, with good cocktails and regular events. The staff handle tour bookings and pretty much everything else at the 24/7 reception.
Note: this is an over-18s-only party hostel.
Wind down on banana-shaped beanbags, demolish the free breakfast, and lean on the reliable WiFi.
Compare prices and read reviews at: Booking.com | Hostelworld
Best Hostels in Medellín for Solo Travelers
Worth saying up front: there isn’t one type of solo traveler. There are female solo travelers, budget backpackers and digital nomads, and they don’t all want the same thing.
So here’s the quick rundown of the best hostels for each kind of solo trip in Medellín.
So far we’ve already covered the…
- Best hostel in Medellín for female solo travelers: Los Patios Hostel
- Best hostel for digital nomads in Medellín: Rango Hostel Boutique
- Best place to stay in Medellín for backpackers: Rango Hostel Boutique
But hang on, there’s another great backpacker hostel in Medellín worth knowing about.
One of the most popular, The Black Sheep Hostel Medellin has been New Zealand and Colombian run for 13 years now.
It’s friendly and homely, with spacious rooms at a budget-friendly price. Thanks to the big kitchen and central location, you needn’t spend a fortune staying here.
Chill out on the balcony in a hammock, or wind down with a film in the TV room.
Compare prices and read reviews at: Booking.com | Hostelworld
Then there’s Casa Kiwi Hostel Medellin. This modern-but-rustic spot is built for slow, sunny days in the city.
With a roof terrace, a pool for cooling off and some seriously good hammocks, it’s set up for proper siestas. Sitting right in the heart of the party zone, around El Poblado and El Lleras, Kiwi also has:
- A 24-hour front desk
- A shared kitchen
- Free WiFi (handy for digital nomads)
- Tours for guests (good for meeting people)
- BBQ facilities
- A shared lounge
You can play table tennis here too.
Compare prices and read reviews at: Booking.com | Hostelworld
What about the cheapest hostels in Medellin?
Of course, there are always cheap hostels. But how do you actually find them? When you are traveling on a shoe-string budget and you want to save every dollar, there are ways to find the cheapest places in Medellin.
- Open Hostelz.com with a full list of all hostels in Medellin
- add your dates
- Order the listings by price
Simple as that.
Hostelz.com is a price comparison site for hostels. They list every single one in the world and tells you exactly which website is cheaper to use.
Another smart Tip: Check what is actually included, and what is excluded. Take a closer look at the location, too. A further location might mean more costs in transport.
Any Discounts?
You can find all our hostel discounts worldwide here. Subscribe to our newsletter to receive the freshest hostel discounts directly in your inbox. We even have special discount codes we only share in the newsletter.
It is completely free to join!
How to book?
The most popular booking platforms are Booking.com and Hostelworld.com. On both platforms, your credit card is 100% protected and the booking 100% confirmed.
We included some handy links to each of the recommended hostel. Just click on the hostel name. The link will lead you to check prices and availability.
Read: Step-by-Step guide on how to book with Hostelworld
We recommend booking your hostel as early as possible! All of Medellin best hostels are popular; especially in high-season. To make sure you end up in those stylish and good hostels, secure your room/bed as soon as you have your travel dates fix.
The coolest Hostel App you need comes as well from Hostelworld. It gives you super cool features like you can contact your hostel mates beforehand, ask questions, and make plans together. Find more details in our review of the app.
Scan the QR Code with your Smartphone to download the Hostelworld App from the App Store - like a real Hostel Geek!
Want the cheapest bed in Medellín, full stop? Don’t just open one site. Compare prices across Hostelworld and Booking in one place on Hostelz, then book wherever it’s cheapest for your dates. Five minutes, real savings.
Need an eSIM Card for Medellin?
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Our Favorite Hostels in Medellin put on a map + sights
Map of Medellín Hostels and Top Sights
Now the handy part: putting your chosen hostel on a map.
We’ve pinned all of the hostels plus the coolest places to visit in Medellín, so you can see what’s near what.
The top sights include:
- Arvi Park
- Antioquia Museum
- Botanical Garden Medellin
- Explora Park
- Barefoot Park
- Medellin Modern Art Museum
- Plaza Botero
- Santa Fe Zoo
- North Park
Visiting the Botanical Garden is one of the best free things to do in Medellín.
If you want to get out of the city, consider a Full Day Tour to Guatape.
Or do something different and join a Pablo Escobar Tour. The history is darker and more complicated than most people realise.
Good to know: Escobar is a genuinely sensitive subject here. Please don’t wander around quoting the “Narcos” series like you’ve got it all figured out. That show isn’t a documentary, and locals lived through the real thing.
Any questions about hostels in Medellin? 🤔
Join our Facebook Group!
Ask all your questions and connect with like-minded wanderers 🔥
Plan Your Medellín Trip
When to Visit
Medellín earned the “City of Eternal Spring” nickname honestly. Sitting at around 1,500m, it stays mild all year, basically spring weather on repeat. There’s no truly bad season. The drier stretches tend to fall December to March and July to August, though an afternoon downpour can show up whenever it feels like it. If you can line your trip up with the Feria de las Flores (the Flower Festival) in early August, do it. The city goes all in.
How Many Days Do You Need?
Three to four days is enough to get the feel of Medellín: the metro and cable cars, Comuna 13, a couple of neighborhoods, a long lunch in Laureles. Add a day or two if you want to slow down or day-trip out to Guatapé. Plenty of people come for three nights and quietly end up staying three weeks. Consider yourself warned.
Getting There and Around
Most international flights land at José María Córdova (airport code MDE), out in Rionegro, about 45 minutes to an hour from El Poblado depending on traffic. Take an Uber, an official airport taxi, or a shared van, and agree the fare or check the meter before you set off. The smaller Olaya Herrera airport (EOH) handles some domestic routes and sits much closer to the center. Once you’re in town, the metro is the city’s pride: cheap, clean, safe, and weirdly satisfying to ride. Pair it with Uber or DiDi after dark.
Is Medellín Safe?
Short version: yes, in the tourist neighborhoods, with normal city sense. El Poblado, Laureles and Envigado are busy, well-policed and fine to walk by day. The real risks here aren’t the dramatic ones; they’re petty theft (phone snatching around Parque Lleras and Plaza Botero), the odd taxi scam, and drink-spiking in nightlife spots. So use Uber or DiDi instead of street taxis at night, keep your phone out of sight in crowds, and never leave a drink unattended or take one from a stranger.
One that catches travelers out: dating-app meetups. Drugging-and-robbery cases linked to apps like Tinder are a known problem here, and they target solo travelers of every gender. Meet in public, tell someone where you are, and don’t bring a stranger back to your hostel. Locals have a phrase for not making yourself an easy mark: “no dar papaya.” Live by it and you’ll very likely have zero issues.
Hostelgeeks Tip: Solo female travel in Medellín is common and very doable. Base yourself in El Poblado or Laureles, use ride apps after dark, and book a female-only dorm if you want extra peace of mind. 1. Los Patios Hostel has one of the best in the city.
FAQs
The questions travelers actually ask before booking Medellín, answered fast.
What is the best hostel in Medellín?
The best hostels in Medellin, Colombia are in this guide, if we have to recommend any hostel at this beautiful city, we recommend to check out top 3:
- Hostel Boutique - great for backpackers
- Los Patios Hostel - top pick for female solo travellers
- Medellin Vibes Hostel - best hostel for solo travellers
How much does a hostel in Medellín cost?
Dorm beds start around €7–14 per night, though prices have climbed since the digital-nomad boom and jump in high season. Always compare live rates on Hostelz before you book, since the cheapest option changes week to week.
What is the best area to stay in Medellín?
El Poblado is the easy first-timer choice for nightlife, cafes and hostels. Laureles is more local and often better value, while Envigado is quieter and residential. Most travelers base themselves in El Poblado or Laureles.
Is Medellín safe for travelers?
Yes, in the tourist neighborhoods with normal precautions. The main risks are petty theft, taxi scams and drink-spiking, not violent crime. Use Uber or DiDi at night and keep your phone out of sight in crowds.
Is Medellín safe for solo female travelers?
Yes, and lots of women do it. Stay in El Poblado or Laureles, use ride apps after dark, and be especially careful with drinks and dating-app meetups, since drink-spiking disproportionately targets women.
What is the best party hostel in Medellín?
Purple Monkey Hostel Medellin, home to the biggest rooftop bar in the city and a reliably social crowd. Note that it’s strictly over-18s only.
What is the best hostel for backpackers in Medellín?
How many days do you need in Medellín?
Three to four days covers the city comfortably. Add a day or two if you want to day-trip to Guatapé or simply slow down, which a lot of people end up doing.
When is the best time to visit Medellín?
Any time, really. The climate is mild year-round, with slightly drier spells December to March and July to August. Early August brings the Feria de las Flores, the city’s best week.
How do I get from Medellín airport to the city?
Most flights land at José María Córdova (MDE), about 45 minutes to an hour from El Poblado. Take an Uber, an official airport taxi, or a shared van, and agree the fare or check the meter first.
Do tourists pay VAT on hostels in Medellín?
Colombia has a 19% VAT, but as a non-resident tourist you shouldn’t pay it on accommodation. Show your passport at check-in and remind staff not to add it, since it sometimes ends up on the bill.
Is Medellín good for digital nomads?
Very. There’s fast WiFi, plenty of cafes and coworking around El Poblado and Laureles, and hostels like 2. Rango Hostel Boutique are built with remote workers in mind.
Should I book hostels in advance in Medellín?
In high season and around the Flower Festival, yes, the best beds go quickly. Otherwise you have more flexibility. Either way, compare prices on Hostelz so you’re not overpaying.
Flights to Medellin?
Now that you know where to stay in Medellín, it’s time to sort your flights. Medellín works well as a starting point, and you can often find cheap direct flights from the US and Europe. In our case they came in cheaper than flying into Bogotá. We’ve also seen direct flights into Cartagena de Indias if you’d rather flip the route.
We use Skyscanner and Omio.com to find cheap flights and good connections all over the globe.
Skyscanner has a bunch of cool features like Multi-City Trip. Instead of doing this research step-by-step, Skyscanner offers this flight planning tool.
More Epic Hostels in South America
We’re here to help you stay in safe, genuinely good hostels around the world. Want the absolute best of the best? Take a look at the 5 Star Hostels.
Colombia is loaded with great backpacker stays, so here are more guides for you:
- 43 Best Hostels in Colombia – full country guide + map
- Best Hostels in Cartagena
- Best Hostels in Cali
- Best Hostels in Bogota
- Best Hostels in Salento
- Best Hostels in Santa Marta
- Best Hostels in Taganga
- Best Hostels in San Andres
- Best Hostels in Palomino
- Best Hostels in Guatape
- Best Hostels in Minca
- Best Hostels in Popayan
Party hostels in Colombia:
- coolest party hostels in Cartagena de Indias
- coolest party hostels in Bogota
- coolest party hostels in Medellin
For more cool hostel guides around South America, check out:
- 3 best hostels in Quito, Ecuador
- 3 Best Hostels in Cuenca, Ecuador
- 3 Best Hostels in Baños, Ecuador
- Best hostels in Lima, Peru
- 44 BEST hostels in Costa Rica
- best hostels in Panama City, Panama
- best hostels in Bocas del Toro, Panama
- 3 Best Hostels in Aruba
- 22 Best Hostels in Caribbean
Over to you
Do you have any questions left, maybe doubts? Then please leave it in the comment below. We are very keen to help you - and actually you would even do us a favor!
Your question will help us to improve this Medellin guide.
Last note: Our commitment
This is a genuine article to help you travel a bit smarter, and find the best place on a budget! We will never recommend you any place we haven’t evaluated or are not convinced by. We are constantly updating all our guides to keep them as fresh and accurate as possible.
Safe travels,
The Hostelgeeks
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