Medellin vs Cartagena – Guide To Colombia’s Most Popular Cities
Medellin vs Cartagena, Which city is for you?
So you’re heading to Colombia and aren’t sure which of Colombia’s most loved cities you should visit, Medellin vs Cartagena. Maybe you only plan to have a short visit, or perhaps you’re even looking to stay in Medellin or Cartagena for a longer period of time and aren’t sure which one to choose. Don’t worry! That’s where we can help.
Keep in mind what kind of trip you are looking for as you go through this post. Both cities are amazing, but they are definitely not the same. Both have their charms. In no time, you’ll be fully confident in picking either.
Cartagena de Indias Overview
Cartagena is a beautiful and historic city. The buildings in the historic centre date back to colonial times, when the Spanish reigned Colombia. All of the buildings are stunningly colourful and the historic atmosphere in the streets finishes that historical feeling.
Take in the colonial history by just walking through the walled city. Admire the centuries-old buildings and embrace the history while walking on the beautiful streets.
Watch locals play cards on the streets of Getsemaní. Digest the everyday life of the inhabitants of this and other neighbourhoods by doing a street-food tour.
Cartagena is a holiday destination for Colombians and other South Americans. And it’s not hard to understand why. It’s warm, it’s beautiful, it’s full of amazing things to do, and it has incredible bars and restaurants.
Did you know that according to The World’s 50 Best Bars, the #1 bar in South America is in Cartagena? We have been, and the cocktails were absolutely amazing!
The city is also full of history and street art. It’s a great place to just wander around in.
Where to stay in Cartagena
If you want to be close to all the action, staying in the historic centre is your best bet. We stayed in Casa Movida Hostel, which was amazing. The on-site pizzeria has some of the best pizzas we’ve had on our trip through Central and South America.
Their rooftop bar has some tasty cocktails, along with pizzas from the downstairs restaurant. Plus, there is a refreshing pool to cool down after a day of exploring Cartagena!
Although being a hostel, there are some great private rooms available. If you’re on a budget, booking a bed in their dorms is one of the cheaper options in the historic part of Cartagena. Breakfast is included!
👉 Book this beautiful, comfortable hostel now via this link!
If you want a quieter area, Bocagrande is your best option. This little peninsula has all the high-rise hotels, close to the beach. After the historic centre, we went here to relax a little and visit the beach.
Our recommendation for a fairly-priced but great hotel would be GIO Hotel Tama Cartagena. Hot tubs on the roof, breakfast included and close to some great restaurants!
👉 GIO Hotel Tama Cartagena is waiting for you here!
Medellin Overview
Medellín. Almost everybody has heard of it. Usually for the unfortunate narco history. But these days, Medellin is so much more than its history. The city developed into a tourist destination for its vibrant nightlife, great restaurant scene, and incredible views.
It’s impressive how Medellin has changed over time. It’s a world-class city with over 2,5 million inhabitants. There’s no shortage of colour, street art, and street food. It’s amazing.
Medellin is a busy city. There are always people on the streets and restaurants and bars are open every night of the week.
We spent a week in the Laureles area of Medellin and just had to come back for another week later on in our trip since we felt we needed more time in the city. This time we stayed in El Poblado, the vibrant tourist area with many bars, restaurants and nightclubs. And astonishing views.
Medellín is also a great hub for visiting Salento and for transport options to Guatape.
Where to stay in Medellin
We stayed in the areas of Laureles and El Poblado. Both are safe, busy areas with lots of bars and restaurants. If you plan on staying in Laureles, I 100% recommend Hotel Casa Laureles. This inexpensive but incredibly comfortable hotel has a great location to experience the nightlife of Laureles!
👉 Check out Hotel Casa Laureles right here!
The slightly more vibrant area of El Poblado might be more your thing. ADN Algo de Nosotros is a highly-rated hotel that includes breakfast. It is a little bit outside of the busy centre of El Poblado. Close enough to where it’s happening to walk over, but far enough to have a quiet night!
👉 Book ADN Algo de Nosotros now!
Medellin vs Cartagena: Let’s Compare The Basics
As I said before, which city to pick depends on what your travel goals are. So let’s go over the basics!
What is the Weather like?
Both cities have a warm climate all year round. Medellin, due to its altitude, is only slightly cooler. Both cities have a few rainy months: March to May, October, and November.
Medellin will have some rain almost every day. Short, light rain is expected even in the ‘dry’ months. Whereas Cartagena has a dryer climate. Medellin has an average of 28 dry days a year, and Cartagena has 71.
We didn’t mind the rain. It is usually so short, that we end up being inside at the time it rains. Either in a shop, a restaurant, or just in our accommodation.
How is the Nightlife in Medellin vs Cartagena?
Colombia has a reputation for having great nightlife and for a good reason! In both cities, you’ll find really great bars and nightclubs. The two cities both compete when it comes to nightlife. I find it hard to pick a better one.
So let’s compare the crowds instead. Medellin has far fewer tourists. Both domestic and international. So the crowds mostly consist of locals, except for El Poblado, which is a healthy mix of locals and tourists.
Cartagena is different. Many people come to Cartagena just to party. Not only international tourists but also Colombian people on holiday. As you can imagine, the vibe is different. People are more focused on having fun!
How do you get around the city?
Getting around both Medellin and Cartagena is super easy. There are many taxis in the cities of Colombia. Trust me, they are everywhere. Uber is also available in Cartagena and Medellin and is a great affordable and safe option.
Taxis are, especially in Cartagena, an inexpensive way to get around. If it is just you then Cartagena also has a lot of Motorbike Taxis that can whizz you around quickly and cheaply. This is a great option for when the traffic is bad such as during rush hours.
Medellin has a metro system. This is a very cheap way to get around the city because a ticket always costs the same. You can get a metro card for 5000 pesos. You charge these with money and use it to pay for the metro.
A trip on the metro costs 2930 pesos at the time of writing. Which is only $0.65. Even if you go all the way from the north to the south of the city.
How safe is Medellin vs Cartagena?
Safety in Colombia is a hot topic among travellers. I have not felt unsafe in either city, but: not everywhere is as safe. Keep in mind that the crime rate in Colombia is higher than in the US or Europe.
That being said, if you stick to the more touristy areas, don’t go out by yourself at night and don’t flash your cash and valuables, you should be perfectly fine. But if you look at the stats, Cartagena is slightly safer.
There are some general rules to keep you safe on all your travels:
- Don’t flash your valuables or cash
- Don’t go out by yourself at night
- Don’t go into the poorer neighbourhoods
- Take a taxi in the evenings and nights
- Avoid all drugs
- Don’t get drunk, especially not by yourself
Take these into account, and all will be well.
What is the food like?
The food in both Cartagena and Medellin is pretty similar. There is a lot of foreign influence. Asian, Italian and South American food is all usually served alongside each other.
Where Cartagena is more touristy, and thus has more foreign cuisines, Medellin has more authentic Colombian restaurants.
What is the history of the cities?
The history of Medellin vs Cartagena is very different.
Where Cartagena was a colonial city, Medellin is an industrial city. Yes, Medellin also used to be a colonial city. But their colonial history is different. It is speculated that Medellin was founded by farmers who worked the land themselves.
This independency is vastly different from the unfortunate slave trade that happened in Cartagena.
The more recent history of Medellin, the narco history, has also not been seen in Cartagena. The Medellin cartel killed thousands of people and bombed the streets of Medellin.
Luckily, this is all in the past. And drug crime has plummeted. Making Medellin safe for tourists.
Cartagena still has the old city centre, also referred to as the ‘Walled City’. The buildings within the Walled City are preserved from colonial times, and some date back to as early as the 16th century.
How expensive is it to visit?
Both Medellin and Cartagena are relatively inexpensive compared to cities in the US and Europe.
But, Medellin is definitely cheaper. Although there are some cheap options for accommodation in Cartagena, you get more bang for your buck in Medellin.
On average in Medellin, you’ll pay:
- €5,50 for an average meal in a restaurant, including drinks
- €1,50 for a beer in a bar
- €14,09 for a bed in a dorm with a rating of 8 or higher
- €1 for a black coffee
On average in Cartagena, you’ll pay:
- €12 for a meal in a restaurant, including drinks
- €2,25 for a beer in a bar
- €14,16 for a bed in a dorm with a rating of 8 or higher
- €1,28 for a black coffee
Please keep in mind that I’m vegetarian and Callie is vegan, so our food options are limited. The prices for restaurants could be different for meat options, but we don’t know. I think on average, the difference is accurate.
Getting to Medellin vs Getting to Cartagena
From abroad
Both Medellin and Cartagena have international airports. They are well-connected with countries all over the world.
Since Cartagena is more of a holiday destination, it is slightly better connected to Europe with more direct flights.
It’s also possible to fly into Bogota, and either take an overnight bus or a domestic flight from there.
We ALWAYS use SkyScanner to find the best flight deals!
Heading to Colombia from Ecuador? Check our guide to the biggest market in the country!
From any city in Colombia
Domestic flights are not expensive in Colombia. I wouldn’t say cheap, but they are affordable nonetheless.
The way we did it was by overnight buses. Better for the planet, which we want to enjoy to the fullest. It saves on a night’s accommodation, and since you sleep during the journey, it feels quick.
The website we use for our bus journeys is BusBud. The user-friendly website (and app) gives a great overview of bus companies and schedules. We book all our tickets through them!
🚌 Book affordable buses through BusBud here!
From Panama
There are no roads between Panama and Colombia. So you’d think you only have 1 option: fly. Wrong! The most beautiful way to cross over to Colombia is by boat!
Explore the incredible San Blas islands on a sailing boat during a multi-day trip. These islands have incredible white sand beaches, crystal clear blue water, and beautiful weather.
Medellin vs Cartagena FAQs
After going over the basics, you might have some more questions. Let us dive into the answers.
Which City would be better to live in?
I’d say, Medellin would be the better of the two cities to live in. Cartagena is absolutely beautiful and overall a great place to visit. But Medellin is cheaper, has more shops, malls and other interesting areas, and has a bigger ex-pat community.
Medellin is also better if you have kids. There are many indoor entertainment halls like trampoline halls, arcades, outside playgrounds, and more.
Which Is Better For A Bachelor Party?
If you’re planning a Bachelor party then without a doubt, Cartagena. It is THE party destination of Colombia. Party all night in one of the many bars, and relax on the beach with your hangover until you’re ready for your next nightly adventure.
Cartagena also has many more party options available, like party buses and pub crawls.
Which is better for Couples?
Again, I’d vote for Cartagena as being the better choice for visiting couples. But this does come with a side note.
Together, we’re deciding which cities are better for different types of travel. So in this case, it depends on the needs of the couple, and the reason for travel.
That being said, there are SO many romantic things to do in Cartagena. Watch the sunset over the sea from Cartagena’s historic wall. Or go on a boat trip to one of the picturesque white sand beach islands.
Which is better for Solo Travellers?
We feel that Cartagena would be the best choice for solo travellers. Medellin is much, much bigger. Which makes it harder to meet people anywhere other than your hostel.
Cartagena has more tourists and solo travellers, who generally are more open to meeting new people. Opposed to the locals in Medellin, who just want to get home from work on the metro. Which is fair enough.
Planning a longer trip? This is what we packed for our travels through Central and South America.
Medellin vs Cartagena – What Is There To Do?
Ok so, we’ve gone over a lot of different things already. But what are the BEST things to do in Medellin vs Cartagena? Let’s find out!
Best Things To Do In Medellin
There are many different things to do in Medellin, too many to list them all! But these are my top 3:
Day Trip To Guatapé
Famous for its enormous rock, colourful streets, and a man-made lake that only adds to the scenic views. I recommend visiting Guatapé for more than just a day, but if you’re short on time, I highly recommend this day trip.
A more countryside feel might just be what you need after spending some time in the city of Medellin!
⭐️ Book a day trip to this amazingly stunning village right here!
Do A Pablo Escobar Tour
I advise you to consciously pick a tour that DOES NOT GLAMOURISE this era of Medellin.
I find it important to learn about the history of the places I visit. But I’m aware that in the case of Escobar, there are many people that glamourise his time. Or people that only visit Colombia for narcotics. Please, don’t be this person. Even if only out of respect for all the victims and survivors.
This tour tells the REAL story of the Escobar era. How he terrorized the city of Medellin and her citizens. You will still visit one of his old residences, the jail he built for himself, and his grave. All while learning about the REAL story of the drug trafficker.
⭐️ Book this tour now, and learn about the history of Escobar
Watch A Live Football Match
Colombians love football (soccer, for our North American readers). And to be fair, so does the rest of Latin America.
The passion they have for their teams is unrivalled. Experience this in the stadium for the most fantastic atmosphere you will ever experience during a sports match!
It is advised to do this with a tour because it’s quite hard to get tickets as a foreigner.
⭐️ Book your Football Match tour here, and have the experience of a lifetime!
Best Things To Do In Cartagena
Cartagena attracts a slightly different crowd and is amazing for different things than Medellin. My top 3 things to do in Cartagena are different than in Medellin:
Do A Sunset Cruise, With Open Bar
Watching the sunset is always special. But how about doing it from the water, while enjoying unlimited drinks, music, and great company?
See the sunset on one side and the fantastic skyline of Cartagena on the other. What a great way to start your evening!
⭐️ Book now and watch the stunning sunset!
Explore Cartagena At Your Own Pace With A Hop-on Hop-off Bus
Agreed, these buses are a little bit cringe, but hear me out.
With the option to get a 2-day pass, it is a great and highly affordable way to get around the city. There are 14 different stops across Cartagena, and you get unlimited hop-on and offs. You’ll get information about the city and can join their 1.5-hour walking tour, included in the price.
Going on a few trips per day makes up for the price since you save on taxis.
⭐️ Book your 1 or 2-day ticket now, and enjoy unlimited trips around Cartagena!
Island Hop All Day, With Meals and Refreshments Included
Yes, another ocean-related activity. But when it is as hot as in Cartagena, you can’t deny the idea of jumping in the ocean is on your mind all the time.
Enjoy a boat trip to multiple, beautifully picturesque Caribbean islands. Relax on the beaches, swim in the Caribbean waters and enjoy the party with other travellers.
No better way to spend your time!
⭐️ Book this impressive day trip now, and don’t miss out on the beauty of nature!
For more ideas on how to spend your time in Cartagena we created a 2 day itinerary.
Medellin vs Cartagena – Final Thoughts
Both of these incredible cities have something unique and interesting to offer. In my experience, Cartagena is prettier and has more of a holiday and party vibe. Medellin has more cultural experiences and amenities for longer visits.
Which one should you pick? Well, consider this… Do you want to relax, party and lay in the sun? Cartagena is the city for you. Do you want to experience real Colombian city life, learn about the history and culture, or just go on a shopping spree in one of the multiple malls? Medellin is the best choice.
