Colombia – a vibrant country with a rich tapestry of culture, history, and natural beauty, has emerged as a top destination for solo travellers and digital nomads.
Once considered a dangerous country, Colombia now offers many opportunities for digital nomads who mostly travel alone. And for the ladies among the community. With its unique blend of nature, culture and adventure, digital nomad-friendly environments, and thriving art scenes, you will have an unforgettable journey, and even travelling on your own, you will most probably end up having company. In Colombia’s vibrant cities I felt like the proverbial fish in the water. Here you can work, you can paint, you can dance, you can eat well.
Why did I choose Colombia?
Personally, because I needed a change from my beloved Bali. For the last 10 years I’ve been spending the European fall in SouthEast Asia. Having my base in Bali and then travelling around. This year, precisely a decade after my first steps on the Asian grounds, I decided to take a break and go discover another part of the world. I heard great things about Colombia. Especially among the digital nomads. I had to see for myself.
Travelling from Germany I found a good flight deal to New York and so it was decided. My main flight connection for this adventure was FRA – JFK – FRA and from the Staates it was only a small jump to Medellín. Flights were cheap too! I visited friends in Manhattan and Fort Lauderdale and then took off towards the South.
Culture, Art, Dance and Coffee
Colombia’s art scene is as dynamic as its landscapes. Fine arts and performances in Medellín and Bogotá or Cali’s dance scene. If you are a creative soul, you will find something for yourself here. Let me introduce you to Colombia’s vibrant cities.
Medellín: Digital Nomads and Coffee Lovers
As a digital nomad, finding a place that balances work and leisure is crucial. Medellín, known as the ‘City of Eternal Spring’, is a favourite among remote workers. With its pleasant climate, affordable cost of living, and a growing expat community, it’s an ideal base.
Medellín counts numerous cosy cafes and brunch places. Coworking spaces like Selina and WeWork, where you can find reliable internet, networking opportunities, and a supportive community are continually growing. The best and most vibrant neighbourhoods are El Poblado and Laureles. Here you can have a ‘hipster style’ brunch (avo & co.) in cute cafés along ‘planty’ streets. It’s so green and lush here. The humidity and the vegetation made me feel like eating in a greenhouse. Tropical, affordable, beautiful. Can you ask for more?
After work, you can explore the city’s vibrant nightlife and art scene in Poblado. Walk into one of the artsy spaces for a painting class with a local art teacher and a glass of wine in a ‘homy’ atmosphere, visit little art galleries and have a sundowner in one of the rooftop terrasses. (My recommendations at the end of this article.)
My Airbnb was a modern shared apartment in the heart of Poblado, run by two lovely sisters. I had all those cosy cafés nestled among lush plants and the vibrant evening buzz right at my doorstep.
Especially cosy was Poblado during the Día de las Velitas (Day of the Little Candles). celebrated on the night of December 7th. The event marks the beginning of the Christmas season. Locals light candles and lanterns in their homes, on the streets, in parks and public spaces to honour the Virgin Mary. Everyone gathers together with colourful lights in their hands. There are flickering candles and lanterns everywhere which creates a beautiful and serene atmosphere across the neighbourhoods.
I have to admit, I didn’t really like the downtown district but it’s a must if you want to visit the Museum of Modern Art (MAMM) and Plaza Botero, where large sculptures by the local artist Fernando Botero are displayed. While downtown you can take a free (by donation) city tour. Our guide explained not only about the visited places but also about their historical and political contexts. Being in the city center you have to be more aware of pickpockets (‘no das papaya’ – explanation further down).
Up in the hills – Comuna 13
In Medellín, the transformation from one of the world’s most dangerous cities to a cultural hub is remarkable. Worth visiting is Comuna 13. Up in the hills lies a neighbourhood that used to be a daily crime scene which now has become a symbol of resilience and artistic expression. For an immersive experience, explore the street art while walking up and down the hilly streets of the Comuna. Talk to locals, have a beer, listen to music, dance on the street and enjoy the views. If you prefer, there are also guided tours that offer insights into the area’s history and reveal the stories of the murals. My tip: Additionally, take the cable car. For the cost of a normal metro ride you will see the neighbourhood from above. Amazing!
Paradise for Baristas – Medellín’s Coffee Culture
If you love coffee, Medellín is a top destination for you. The city earned a reputation as a hub for coffee culture, attracting enthusiasts from around the world. Medellín is located in the heart of Colombia’s coffee-growing region, also known as the Coffee Triangle’ (Eje Cafetero). This proximity means that the city has access to some of the freshest and highest-quality beans in the world. The cafés are known for their creativity and innovation and local coffee brands gain recognition for their quality and ethical sourcing practices.
Over the past decade, Medellín has seen a boom in specialty coffee shops and cafes that focus on high-quality brewing techniques, artisanal methods, and showcasing Colombian coffee varieties. Local and international baristas (or aspiring baristas) flock to the city to experience its coffee scene and to learn and refine their skills in numerous coffee schools and training centres. The city hosts coffee-related events and festivals.
From here, you can take tours to nearby coffee farms (fincas) to see the entire production process firsthand, from bean to cup. But even better, go and stay in Eje Cafetero for a while. If you need another city break, go to Guatapé to climb the famous El Peñol rock and enjoy the colourful town.
My Medellín-Experience – Conclusion
I loved Medellín and my time there. It was my arrival and departing hub. On the way to explore Colombia I got an initial feeling of the city – walked around with a friend, had nice meals and cocktails. After spending 8 weeks travelling through the country, I came back and stayed a week before taking my return flight back to NYC and then Europe. Coming here for the second time I had a feeling of coming home (I also stayed in the same airbnb).
This time I immersed deeper into the energy of the city. I met new people and saw again people who I met on my travels (the city is a hub!). I visited museums, went to galleries and to a painting class, I had coffees and brunches around Poblado and drank cocktails on rooftop bars. Great experience! I’ll be back.
Cartagena – The Colonial Emerald
With the stunning Caribbean coast Cartagena attracts tourists and digital nomads from all over the world. The historic walled city, with its colonial, picturesque architecture and lively plazas, provides a picturesque backdrop for your work. You can spend your evenings strolling through the cobblestone streets of the historic centre, visiting local markets and eating yummy ceviche. During my week’s stay there I frequented different ceviche restaurants, trying all kinds of different variations of this lovely dish. YUM!
My Airbnb was in a lovely colonial house, in the famous street Calle del Quero. It was newly refurbished and I shared it with the owner – a young business lady. I recommend staying either in the historic centre or in Getsemani.
Getsemani – I loved this neighbourhood, especially after dark. Its bohemian artsy style attracts the laid-back artsy soul, as well as the dancing queen. During the day you can visit cute small art galleries, enjoy street art graffiti and once the sun goes down you grab a cocktail and start moving your hips – right there on the streets alongside with the locals.
Should you want a break from the colonial atmosphere, visit Bocagrande – the modern Cartagena. Here, where skyscrapers meet coastal vibes you will feel like in Miami. There is a promenade that goes all the way around the Bocagrande ‘peninsula’ (if you look at Google Maps it actually looks like a phallus LOL). I went for a long sunset walk around ‘it’. Really cool!
Cartagena is the city where you can buy beautiful emerald jewellery. I have to admit, before coming here I wasn’t even a fan of green stones but after I scanned the shops looking for my mum’s birthday present, I got addicted. By the end of the week I knew half of the vendors by name and left with many sparkling beauties.
My Cartagena-Experience – Conclusion
I walked around the city, taking many pictures of the colourful houses and the street art – at first with my travel companion Francesca, then alone after she departed back to Europe. There was a Carnaval-like street party (Independence Day) which we were able to enjoy together while she was still here. I enjoyed lovely sunsets on the walls (of the walled city) overlooking the ocean. Drunk cocktails with my landlady, met up with a friend who was here on a business trip, ate a lot of ceviche and shopped emeralds. I left happy and with great memories of Cartagena.
My fav’s – Art, Food & Drinks
Medellín:
Poblado:
- Brunch places: Imago, Hija Mia Nomada, Mija Masa Madre, La gallina coffee
- Lunch/ dinner: El Altar Taqueria Manila (tacos), Oh la la Bistro (french), Tirrena Pasta, Crepes & Waffles Poblado (crepes & gelato)
- Art: Art café, vintage shop and painting classes: Milnueve32 café
- Rooftop Bar: Rango Boutique Hostel, Mosquito Rooftop
- Biggest supermarket: Exito
Elsewhere:
- Museums: Medellín Modern Art Museum, Museum de Antioqui & Plaza Botero
- More art: enjoy the last two floors of National Palace Mall
- Murals: Comuna 13
- Laureles: Delirio Exquisito (Cocktails & Tacos)
Cartagena:
Historic Centre:
- La Serrezuela (charming shopping mall)
- Brunch: Amasa Café (my fav! – good for work), La Brioche, Época Café, el Alma
- Ceviche: Tomillo, Pezeterian, Buena Vida, La Cevicheria,
- Gelato: Patti
- Cocktails: Alquimico
- Spa: Uraku
- Sunset: Cafe del Mar
- Museo de Arte Moderno
- Plaza Santo Domingo, Plaza de la Aduana, Plaza de San Diego (and all the churches)
Gatsemani:
- Stroll around the barrio and enjoy the murals during the day and nightlife after sunset
- Calle de las Sombrillas – lively street with bars etc.
- Calle de San Juan – small lane with cute art galleries
- Food & drinks: El Arsenal, Cerveceria Cartagena (craft beer), Sobreano
- Iglesia de la Trinidad: pittoresque colonial square with bars around it
Now, let me take you to Bogotá and Cali…
In my related articles you can discover Colombia’s Nature and get practical Safety Tips.
