After spending a month living in Palomino, Medellín was exactly what our family needed.
Don’t get us wrong, we loved Palomino. The beaches, the slower pace of life and the feeling of being surrounded by nature made it one of the most memorable parts of our Colombia trip.
But after four weeks of heat, humidity, mosquitoes and sandy roads, we were ready for a city again
Medellín turned out to be the perfect transition.
It had everything we had been missing.
Good supermarkets.
Reliable internet.
Shopping centres.
Walkable neighbourhoods.
Amazing restaurants.
And perhaps most importantly, weather that didn’t leave us dripping in sweat every time we stepped outside.
We originally planned to spend just a short time in Medellín before moving on.
Instead, it quickly became one of our favourite places in Colombia.
If you’re wondering whether Medellín is worth visiting with kids, the short answer is yes.
In fact, if we returned to Colombia tomorrow, Medellín would probably be one of the first places we’d revisit.
Don’t have time to read? Start here:
Would we recommend Medellín with kids?
✅ Absolutely.
How long should you stay?
At least 5–7 days.
Best area for families?
El Poblado.
Best activities?
Comuna 13 and the Sunday Ciclovía.
Where we stayed
For our first stay we booked V Grand Hotel, which included one of the best hotel breakfasts we had in Colombia.
Later we stayed in an apartment at Hashtag 98, which gave us more space and felt perfect for a longer family stay.
👉 Check prices for V Grand Hotel
👉 Check prices for Hashtag 98 Medellin
Would we return?
Without hesitation.
Arriving After One Month In Palomino
The difference between Palomino and Medellín was almost shocking.
One day we were walking down dusty roads in 35°C heat surrounded by jungle.
The next we were in a modern city with shopping malls, high-rise buildings, coffee shops and tree-lined streets.
For the kids, it almost felt like arriving somewhere completely different.
They were excited by the change.
After weeks of beach life, suddenly there were parks, shops and things happening everywhere.
For us, it was the same.
The first thing we noticed was the temperature.
People call Medellín the “City of Eternal Spring” and after experiencing the Caribbean coast, we immediately understood why.
The climate was close to perfect.
Warm during the day.
Cooler in the evenings.
No crushing humidity.
No constant need to find shade.
For family travel, it made a huge difference.
We found ourselves walking far more than we had in Palomino simply because being outside was enjoyable again. We discovered a variety of familyfriendly activities in Palomino that made our stay even more memorable. From local festivals to beachside games, there was never a dull moment. The vibrant atmosphere and welcoming community enriched our experience, making it a destination we will surely revisit.
First Impressions Of Medellín
Before visiting Medellín, we’d heard plenty of mixed opinions.
Some people absolutely loved the city and said it was their favourite place in Colombia. Others warned us about safety, while a few people suggested skipping it altogether.
The reality turned out to be very different from what we’d expected.
What stood out immediately was how modern everything felt. The metro system was efficient, the shopping centres were impressive and there seemed to be quality cafés, parks and apartments everywhere we looked.
In many ways, Medellín felt far more developed than many people imagine when they think of Colombia.
Was it perfect? No.
It’s still a large Latin American city, and like any major city, it requires a bit of common sense. But overall it felt much more comfortable, organised and accessible than we’d anticipated.
For families, that matters.
When you’re travelling with children, convenience quickly becomes one of the most important factors. Being able to easily find groceries, pharmacies, restaurants and reliable transport makes everyday travel significantly easier, and Medellín delivered on all of those things.
Where We Stayed In Medellín
During our time in Medellín, we actually stayed in two different places.
The first was V Grand Hotel. After months of travelling, it felt like a bit of a treat. The rooms were comfortable, the location worked well and the breakfast was genuinely excellent.
Not just a few pastries and a cup of coffee.
A proper breakfast that actually set you up for the day.
When you’re travelling with kids, little things like that make a bigger difference than you might expect.
👉 Check prices for V Grand Hotel
Later we moved to Hashtag 98, which ended up suiting our family travel style perfectly.
Having apartment-style accommodation gave us more space, more flexibility and the chance to settle into a routine. We could spread out, prepare some of our own meals and generally live a little more like locals rather than hotel guests.
For longer stays in Medellín, this is the type of accommodation we’d choose every time.
👉 Check prices for Hashtag 98
Why El Poblado Worked So Well For Families
If you’ve done any research about where to stay in Medellín with kids, you’ve probably seen El Poblado recommended again and again. Familyfriendly hotels in Medellín are plentiful, offering various amenities for families. Many of these hotels provide kid-friendly activities and services, ensuring a comfortable stay for both parents and children. Additionally, their central locations make it easy to explore the vibrant attractions Medellín has to offer. Some of the top family hotels in Medellín also feature swimming pools and playgrounds, allowing kids to have fun after a busy day of sightseeing. Moreover, these hotels often host family-oriented events that can make your trip even more enjoyable. By choosing one of these accommodations, you can ensure that your whole family has a memorable experience in the city.
There’s a good reason for that.
Simply put, it’s easy.
Restaurants are everywhere, supermarkets are easy to find and the streets are generally walkable. There are also plenty of cafés, parks and family-friendly spaces, which makes day-to-day life much easier when travelling with children.
What we particularly liked was that, despite being one of the city’s most popular areas for visitors, it didn’t feel like a tourist bubble.
There was a healthy mix of locals, professionals, families and travellers. It felt like a real neighbourhood rather than a place designed solely for tourism.
For families visiting Medellín for the first time, El Poblado is where we’d recommend starting.
The Weather Alone Makes Medellín Worth Visiting
One thing we kept talking about throughout our stay was the weather.
It sounds like a strange thing to get excited about, but after spending a month on Colombia’s Caribbean coast, it became one of Medellín’s biggest selling points.
We could walk comfortably around the city. The kids weren’t constantly overheating, and we could sit outside without feeling exhausted after ten minutes. Most importantly, we could actually explore during the middle of the day.
That simply wasn’t possible in some of the hotter destinations we’d visited.
For us, Medellín offered one of the best climates we experienced anywhere in Latin America. Over a longer stay, that becomes a surprisingly big quality-of-life improvement and one of the reasons we enjoyed the city as much as we did.
Don’t Forget The Boring Stuff
Whether you’re renting a car, whale watching in Uvita, exploring national parks, or travelling between destinations, things don’t always go to plan.
We’ve used SafetyWing throughout our travels because it gives us flexible coverage while travelling long-term as a family.
Sunday Ciclovía Was One Of Our Favourite Days
Don’t Miss Ciclovía
If you’re lucky enough to be in Medellín on a Sunday, don’t miss the Ciclovía.
Every week, large sections of the city’s roads are closed to traffic and opened up to cyclists, runners, walkers and families. We’d heard about it before arriving but didn’t really know what to expect.
What we found was one of the most family-friendly experiences we had anywhere in Colombia.
Thousands of people were out exercising, cycling, walking and simply enjoying the atmosphere. Children rode bikes alongside their parents, runners filled the streets and music seemed to come from every direction.
What stood out most was how local it felt. This wasn’t a tourist attraction designed for visitors. It was everyday Medellín at its best.
The kids loved it, and so did we. Best of all, it’s completely free.
For families visiting Medellín, it’s easily one of the best experiences in the city.
Comuna 13 With Kids
Before arriving in Medellín, Comuna 13 was probably the attraction we heard about most.
Years ago, this was one of the most dangerous neighbourhoods in the city. Today, it’s become one of Medellín’s biggest success stories and one of the most visited areas in Colombia.
We decided to visit as a family and were glad we did.
The neighbourhood is packed with colourful street art, live music, breakdancers, food stalls, outdoor escalators and incredible views across the city. There was far more going on than we expected.
The kids enjoyed watching the dancers and performers almost as much as the artwork itself. Despite being busy, it never felt overwhelming and the atmosphere was surprisingly welcoming.
Would we visit with young children? Yes.
Would we recommend going during the day? Definitely.
And if it’s your first visit, a guided tour can really help bring the history and transformation of the neighbourhood to life.
The Shopping Malls Were Surprisingly Useful
This probably won’t appear in many travel guides, but after travelling continuously for months, we ended up loving Medellín’s shopping malls.
Places like Santa Fe and El Tesoro became useful for far more than shopping. They offered air conditioning, food courts, supermarkets, coffee shops, play areas for the kids and somewhere comfortable to escape the occasional rain shower.
For long-term family travel, those sorts of facilities make life much easier.
Sometimes you don’t need another attraction. Sometimes you just need somewhere comfortable to sit down, recharge and let the kids enjoy an ice cream for half an hour.
Medellín delivered that better than anywhere else we visited in Colombia.
What We Loved About Medellín
There was a lot to like.
The weather was probably the biggest factor. After spending time in Cartagena, Santa Marta and Palomino, Medellín’s climate felt almost perfect.
But beyond the weather, we loved the walkability of El Poblado, the variety of restaurants, the excellent coffee culture and the city’s modern infrastructure. Reliable public transport, plenty of green spaces and a generally family-friendly atmosphere all added to the experience. Climbing Piedra del Peñol tips can greatly enhance your experience when visiting the area. Consider taking an early morning hike to avoid the heat and enjoy breathtaking views. Additionally, wearing comfortable shoes and staying hydrated are essential for a successful ascent.
Most importantly, the city felt easy.
Travelling with children often comes down to how easy somewhere is to navigate on a day-to-day basis. Medellín scored highly on that front and quickly became one of the most comfortable places we visited in Colombia. Exploring familyfriendly activities in Colombia also adds to the fun. From engaging museums to scenic parks, there’s something for every family member. The vibrant culture and welcoming locals make the experience even more enjoyable.
What We Didn’t Love
No destination is perfect.
Medellín included.
Traffic could be frustrating at times, and journey times often took longer than we expected. Like any major city, there are also areas where you need to stay aware of your surroundings and use common sense.
After spending time in places like Minca and Palomino, there were also moments when we missed having nature quite so close to our doorstep.
That said, these were relatively minor negatives. None of them would stop us returning.
Medellín vs Cartagena For Families
This is one of the most common questions people ask when planning a Colombia itinerary.
Our answer?
Both are worth visiting.
They simply offer very different experiences.
Choose Cartagena if you’re looking for Caribbean beaches, colourful colonial streets, history and architecture, or a shorter family city break.
Choose Medellín if you want better weather, more family-friendly activities, better value accommodation and an easier day-to-day experience over a longer stay.
If we only had a week in Colombia, we’d try to visit both.
If we were spending a month somewhere as a family, we’d choose Medellín every time.
Would We Live In Medellín?
Out of all the places we visited in Colombia, Medellín is probably the city we could most easily imagine living in.
It has the infrastructure needed for everyday life, plenty of accommodation options, reliable internet, great food and lots of activities for children. Combined with one of the best climates we’ve experienced anywhere in Latin America, it’s easy to see why so many people choose to stay longer than planned.
Could we see ourselves spending several months there?
Absolutely.
In fact, if we ever returned to Colombia for an extended stay, Medellín would likely be our base.
For digital nomads, slow travellers and families, it’s easy to understand why so many people arrive for a few weeks and end up staying for months.
Final Thoughts
After a month in Palomino, Medellín was exactly the change of pace we needed.
It gave us everything we loved about Colombia while adding comfort, convenience and one of the most enjoyable climates we’ve experienced anywhere in Latin America.
The city surprised us.
Not because it was spectacular.
But because it was so liveable.
That’s ultimately what makes Medellín special. It’s a destination that’s enjoyable to visit, but it’s also somewhere you can genuinely imagine calling home.
For families travelling through Colombia, that’s a rare combination.
Quick Family Verdict
Would we recommend Medellín with kids?
✅ Yes, without hesitation.
Best area to stay?
El Poblado.
Best family activity?
Comuna 13 and Sunday Ciclovía.
Best for?
Families, digital nomads and slow travellers.
How long should you stay?
At least 5–7 days.
Where would we stay again?
👉 V Grand Hotel for shorter stays
👉 Hashtag 98 for longer stays
Would we return?
Absolutely.
Our family rating
⭐ 9/10
