Once upon a time, Medellín was best known for cartel violence and cocaine trafficking.
The Colombian city worked long and hard to shake its narco reputation — and succeeded. Medellín has been declared one of the most remarkable urban reinventions in modern history, earning accolades for bold moves in public architecture and urban planning. Instrumental in Colombia’s tourism boom, the city draws a flood of travelers with spring-like weather, jewel-like valley setting, and famously beautiful locals (nicknamed "paisas").
Why do digital nomads love Medellín?
In addition to traditional tourists, the self-proclaimed Valley of Software has caught the eye of a new kind of traveler: So-called "digital nomads". An estimated 8,300 remote workers arrive in the city each month, making it one of the biggest digital nomad destinations in the world.
Medellín lures nomads with a remote work-friendly infrastructure — including coffee shops with WiFi, co-working spaces, and widespread high-speed WiFi. Not to be overlooked is its convenient time zone: Medellín aligns with US Eastern Standard Time (EST) for most of the year and is one hour behind during daylight savings time.
When nomads need a break from their screens, the city delivers with thumping nightlife, exciting new restaurants, and lively festivals. Travelers seeking to escape the city's trancón (traffic) will find coffee plantations, orchid farms, and historic pueblos (towns) only a bus ride away.
Are you considering joining the growing community of remote workers in Colombia's Ciudad de Eterna Primavera (City of Eternal Spring)? Read on to learn everything you need to know about digital nomading in Medellin, including top neighborhoods, coworking spaces, and practicalities.
Medellín at a glance
- Climate: Mild, year-round temperatures (20–25°C/68–77°F) with occasional rain.
- Getting there: Fly into José María Córdova International Airport (MDE), located 40 minutes outside the city. Direct flights available from major US and international cities.
- Living Costs: Budget around $1,200–$1,800/month for basic expenses, including a furnished apartment rental, food, and transportation.
- Spanish Requirements: Basic Spanish is helpful for daily interactions; English is less commonly spoken outside tourist areas like El Poblado and Laureles.
- Safety: Generally safe, especially in El Poblado and Laureles. Petty theft can occur; use common sense and avoid displaying valuables, especially at night or in less-touristy neighborhoods.
- Visa options: The country's Visa V Nómadas Digitales allows nomads to live and work in the country for up to two years. Learn how to apply for Colombia's digital nomad visa step-by-step.
Where to live: Top digital nomad neighborhoods in Medellín
Medellín is made up of 16 comunas (communes) divided into distinctive barrios (neighborhoods). While many neighborhoods are worth exploring, a few stand out as optimal home bases for remote workers due to factors like coworking and cafe spaces, walkability, and safety. Here are the best digital nomad neighborhoods in Medellín:
El Poblado. Medellín's poshest neighborhood, El Poblado is where you'll find the bulk of the city's coworking spaces and some of its hippest cafes. The trendy barrio is home to an abundance of Airbnbs, hotels, and hostels, as well as restaurants and museums. El Poblado is also the nightlife center of the city, so you'll never have to walk far to find a trendy cocktail bar or buzzy nightclub.
Laureles. Heralded as the coolest neighborhood in the world, Laureles is another digital nomad darling. Compared to El Poblado, Laureles is a little less glamorous and touristy, a little more down-to-earth and residential. The up-and-coming barrio holds its own when it comes to cafes, coworking spaces, and eclectic dining options. It's also where you'll find La 70, a street of bars where paisas love to party.
Envigado. Of the three popular digital nomad neighborhoods in Medellín, Envigado is the quietest and greenest. Located one subway stop south of El Poblado, Envigado is technically a separate municipality (locals will be quick to inform you they aren't from Medellín). The area is popular among nomads seeking a more authentic, small-town Colombian experience, but with easy access to coworking spaces, cafes, and nightlife.
Where to work in Medellín
In response to the influx of remote workers, cafes and coworking spaces have cropped up all over Medellín. Here's a roundup of the city's best digital nomad-friendly cafes and coworking spaces.
Best cafes in Medellín for digital nomads
- Pergamino Cafe (Carrera 37 #8A-37, El Poblado). A Medellín institution, Pergamino offers some of the city's finest coffee. The original El Poblado location features a sprawling patio and two stories of indoor seating and is always packed with nomads. WiFi is so-so; outlets are plentiful.
- Cafe Noir (Carrera 37 #8A-42, El Poblado). If Pergamino cafe is full, head down the street to Cafe Noir. The swanky joint is outfitted with chandeliers, chaise lounges, and cushioned chairs, plus speedy WiFi and outlets.
- Café Revolución (Carrera 73 |, Cq. 4 ##6, Laureles). With Medellin's best chai latte and tasty breakfasts, Café Revolución is a digital nomad hub. The original Laureles location has sufficient outlets and solid WiFi.
- Cafe Zeppelin (Dg 75 #76-12, Laureles - Estadio). Cafe Zeppelin is packed with charm, with nostalgic decor plus hidden nooks and crannies for cozy remote work sessions. WiFi is decent; desserts are phenomenal.
- Semilla Cafe (Circular 5 #70-23, Laureles): Part cafe, part coworking space, Semilla gives you a choice: Sit downstairs in the more traditional coffee shop, or buy a day pass to get access to the upstairs workspace with unlimited coffee.
Best coworking spaces Medellín
- NOI Coworking (Calle 17 # 43F - 287, El Poblado). Expect lightning-fast WiFi, comfy seating, and friendly vibes. (FYI: Howdy.com's Medellín team operates out of NOI Coworking — be sure to come say hi!)
- Selina Medellín & Cowork (Carrera 32D #9-17, El Poblado). Part of the global hostel chain, Selina Medellín is a mammoth, eight-story building with two restaurants, wellness areas, and a sprawling coworking space with five seating areas.
- Tinkko Coworking & Flex Office (Carrera 42 #3 Sur 81 Torre 1 Piso 15, El Poblado). Located on the 15th floor of a commercial building, Tinkko offers top-notch views and unlimited coffee. Unlike many coworking spaces in Medellin, Tinkko offers hourly rates, which is handy if you only plan on putting a few hours in.