Blog

Stories, guides, and insights about Medellín

Supporting Local in Medellín: A More Intentional Way to Experience the City

Supporting local in Medellín goes beyond where you eat or shop. It shapes how you experience the city and who benefits from its growth. This article explores why intentional spending matters, how platforms like Search Small make it easier to discover community-rooted businesses, and why shifting perceptions around neighborhoods like Centro can lead to a deeper, more authentic connection to Medellín.

Janelle Cooper May 06, 2026
Accommodations

Where to Stay in Medellín: Choosing the Right Neighborhood for Your Experience

Where you stay in Medellín can completely shape your experience. From the polished, tourist-heavy streets of El Poblado to the balanced, local feel of Laureles and the deeply authentic energy of Centro, each neighborhood offers something different. This guide breaks down what each area वास्तवely feels like so you can choose a place that aligns with how you want to experience the city—not just where everyone else is staying.

Janelle Cooper May 06, 2026
Why Medellín? A Real Look at Life in Colombia’s Most Talked-About City

Why Medellín? A Real Look at Life in Colombia’s Most Talked-About City

Medellín has quickly become one of the most talked-about cities for travelers, remote workers, and foreigners, but the reality of living here goes far beyond what you see online. Known for its year-round spring weather, evolving lifestyle, and layered cultural experience, the city offers both opportunity and complexity. Your experience here largely depends on how you choose to live, where you spend your time, and which communities you engage with.

Janelle Cooper May 05, 2026
The Best Hidden Coffee Shops in Medellin

The Best Hidden Coffee Shops in Medellin

Beyond the famous chains, Medellin has a thriving specialty coffee scene rooted in Colombian culture. We visited 12 independent cafes to find the ones truly worth your time.

Janelle Cooper Feb 14, 2026
A Local's Guide to Shopping in El Centro

A Local's Guide to Shopping in El Centro

El Centro is Medellin at its most authentic — chaotic, vibrant, and full of incredible finds if you know where to look. Here's how to navigate it like a local.

Janelle Cooper Feb 07, 2026
10 Locally Owned Restaurants You Should Know

10 Locally Owned Restaurants You Should Know

These are the places where Medellin's residents actually eat — not the expat favorites, but the neighborhood institutions that have been feeding locals for decades.

Janelle Cooper Jan 30, 2026