Medellín was once known as the “murder capital of the world”, but is it safe to visit in 2023? In general, this city is just as safe as any other major metropolis in the world. That being said, there are still some precautions that tourists should take when exploring this vibrant city. Violent crime in Medellín has been drastically reduced, and it’s mostly confined to parts of the city that tourists don’t visit anyway. The reduction in crime has happened in tandem with Medellín’s broader transformation; it’s gone from the home of one of the world’s most infamous drug cartels, to a city that’s received worldwide recognition for its urban planning, medical advancements, and overall cultural vitality.
What does this mean for tourists, though? People who are going on Medellin tours will certainly learn about the city’s past at some point, but some of them could end up learning about the current-day risks the hard way. Fortunately, this can largely be avoided by following some expert advice.
How to stay safe when going on Medellín tours
For a lot of tourists, most of their explorations will center around the popular parts of the city. Whether they’re on a tour of the city center, or they’re taking a guided trip through Comuna 13, there’s always a strong emphasis on keeping everyone safe and happy. This means avoiding certain areas that have higher crime rates, and keeping everyone in a group that’s less likely to be targeted by scammers or thieves. The tour guide will also be able to help you make purchases or translate conversations. Aside from the obvious advantages of being able to communicate through a translator, there’s another benefit to this: since the tour guides know their way around the city, they’ll know if a vendor is trying to charge too much, or sell an inferior product. Going on Medellín tours doesn’t mean you can stop watching out for scams or pickpockets, but it does mean that you’ll have someone to help you navigate your new surroundings safely.
How to stay safe when visiting Medellín as a solo traveler
If you’re visting Medellín on your own, the situation is a bit different compared to traveling with a group. However, it’s still fairly safe provided you take the right precautions. The main reason why it’s better to travel as part of a group is that petty thieves usually prefer to target people who seem to be alone. If you want to be less conspicuous, a valuable safety tip for solo travelers is to dress like a local as much as possible. Wear nice but sensible clothes, and avoid wearing expensive items or flip-flops – those are dead giveaways for anyone who’s trying to spot a tourist. It’s also important not to go anywhere on your own after dark (more on that below). Even so, if you don’t have a travel buddy to take with you, it’s still possible to safely explore Medellín on your own.
How much crime is there in Medellín?
Crime rates have been decreasing in Colombia as a whole over the past couple of decades, and Medellín is no exception. The city has even seen huge drops in certain statistics thanks to new security policies. For example, the number of registered gang members dropped by almost half between 2019 and 2022; in the same time period, the city’s homicide rate dropped by 45%. These sweeping reductions in crime haven’t been seen in every category, but progress is still being made overall.
As far as tourists are concerned, they won’t generally need to worry about violent crimes like kidnappings, terrorism, or murders. There are higher rates of petty crimes like pickpocketing in the city center, but it’s possible to lower the risk of becoming a target by following the tips below.
Top tips for staying safe in Medellín
Even though this city is relatively safe to visit, you should also err on the side of caution and follow these tips.
- Don’t be conspicuous with your valuables; this could make you a target for thieves.
- Wear clothes and shoes that won’t make you stand out. The more you look like a tourist, the more likely you are to get scammed or pickpocketed.
- Avoid going out after dark, especially if you’re alone. Areas of Medellín that are safe during the day can become hotspots for drug use after sunset, plus there’s just more criminal activity in general at night. What if you want to go out and party, though? In that case, just make sure you use Uber or Didi to take you directly from your hotel to whatever bar you want to visit, and then directly back. Taxis are another option, but there are reports of taxi drivers who scam their passengers; Uber and similar platforms are a safer bet.
- If you’re out drinking, especially if you’re on your own, keep an eye on your beverage at all times. This should be common knowledge, but it’s especially important if you’re traveling internationally.
- Be smart about the amount of cash and other valuables you take with you on Medellín tours. On the off-chance that your wallet gets stolen, you won’t lose any more than you have to. Don’t take your passport with you, and only take one or two credit/debit cards along.
- Be wary of anyone who randomly approaches you. If a friendly stranger tries to strike up a conversation, there’s a very good chance that they’re actually sizing you up as a potential target.
- Make copies of your passport and other IDs, as well as your credit and debit cards. If any of them get stolen or lost, at least you’ll have a backup.
Staying safe in Medellín is easier than some people think
Although there’s plenty of advice on keeping yourself safe while visiting Medellín, the truth is that most of these tips are second nature for anyone who’s traveled internationally. Once you become a little more familiar with them, you’ll be free to focus on exploring the beautiful city of Medellín.
