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As the second largest and most populous city in Colombia, Medellin is a popular destination for tourists from all over the world. Medellin has over 3 million residents who call this city in the Andes mountains home. It is famous in Colombia and around the world for its year-round series of festivals, such as the spectacular annual Flower Festival, the Jazz Festival, the International Poetry Festival and of course the beautiful Christmas lights celebration in early December.
Medellin has a lot to offer besides festivals. The city dates back to the mid-1500s when it was founded by the Spanish. The city’s original architecture still stands among its modern buildings, creating a fascinating fusion between the old world and the new. Tourists are eager to see structures such as the Metropolitan Cathedral, Antioquia Train Station, Parque Explora, Planetarium and more.
Overall, there are many things to see and do in Medellin for tourists. Medellin is dedicated to artists and art, which can be seen in many places that display sculptures and paintings.
With Jose Maria Cordova International Airport in the heart of Medellin, it is easy for visitors from the US and other countries to fly into Medellin. But is this art? How safe is it to visit Medellin?
Risks of travel in Medellin
Overall: Medium
The overall threat level in Medellin is medium for a large South American city where various crimes against tourists can be committed. The US State Department has an overall level 3 warning for Colombia, which translates to “reconsider travel.”
When visiting, tourists should be aware of their surroundings, and should avoid behaviors such as getting into street taxis, going on solo tours, displaying wealth, money, phones and tablets in public.
Also, tourists should know the level of danger in different areas. For example, Poblado is safe during the day and at night, but in other neighborhoods, tourists should be careful at night, and at night they should use Uber or taxi.
Transportation: Medium
Public safety experts recommend that you prepare personally for taxis. Don’t ask someone else to come and get you a taxi, and don’t get into strange vehicles on the street, even if they show a taxi sign.
At the same time, Medellin’s roads are very busy, so driving is not recommended. Pedestrians also need to be careful because traffic signals are often ignored and pedestrians do not have the right of way, even when there are clear signs and sidewalks.
Wallets: Max
Like other big cities, Medellin is a hot spot for crimes like pickpocketing.
Petty crime rates in Medellin are bad and getting worse. Unsuspecting tourists can be victims of theft of cell phones, wallets, purses, jewelry, tablets, laptops, and more.Even when you think you have valuables stashed away in your backpack, your smart wallet can get to them without you knowing.
Zoom: Medium
Zooming is worse than pickpocketing because it causes chaos. In general, violent crimes against tourists are not common, but they do happen.
As some places should be avoided Comuna 13, Parque Leras, Parque de las Luces, Parque San Antonio, Parque Periodica, Prado, Barrio Trinidad and La Sierra. Avoid going anywhere in Medellin after dark. The best advice is to only carry what you need for the day and if you are overwhelmed, give them what they ask for because if you refuse, they will not hesitate to hurt you.
Scams: High
While the average citizen of Medellin is kind and honest, there are always rude people who want to take advantage of tourists. Unfortunately, they prey on tourists, so if you visit you’re likely to encounter a lot of scams. These scams range from money-changing scams to overcharging for services, to credit card fraud machines to bribe police officers.
Overall, Medellin is one of the most dangerous places to visit in South America. But if you travel with a group, respect each other and stay alert whenever you go out, you can come home with all your valuables and some incredible lasting memories.
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