Cartagena vs Medellín

Cartagena or Medellín? Both compared across the three travel tiers — budget, mid-range and luxury — for daily costs, hotels, food, things to do and the practical stuff that actually decides which one you should visit.

Cartagena

Colombia · South America

Cartagena is the jewel of the Colombian Caribbean — a UNESCO-listed walled city of candy-coloured mansions, bougainvillea-draped balconies, and steamy Caribbean nights. Colonial grandeur meets Caribbean music, and the beaches of the Rosario Islands are a short boat ride away.

Medellín

Colombia · South America

Medellín is one of the world's great urban transformation stories — a former byword for violence that has become a city of innovation, urban cable cars, extraordinary orchids, and year-round spring weather. The City of Eternal Spring rewards curious travellers with excellent cuisine, world-class coffee, and a warm culture that delights in sharing both.

Daily cost per tier (USD)

Tier	Cartagena	Medellín
Budget	$25–$55	$30–$55
Mid-range	$70–$170	$75–$135
Luxury	$300–$600	$220–$420

At a glance

	Cartagena	Medellín
Country	Colombia	Colombia
Currency	COP ($)	COP ($)
Language	Spanish	Spanish
Best months	December – April (dry season)	December – March, July – August (drier)
Climate	Hot, humid tropical Caribbean year-round (28–32°C). The dry season (Dec–Apr) is sunniest and busiest; rains come May–Nov, heaviest in October. Sea breezes take the edge off the evening heat.	The "City of Eternal Spring": a near-perfect ~22°C year-round thanks to its valley altitude (1,495 m). No real seasons, just drier and wetter spells with brief afternoon showers in the rainy months.
Visa	Visa-free for up to 90 days (extendable to 180) for most Western nationalities.	Visa-free for up to 90 days (extendable to 180) for most Western nationalities.
Safety	Generally safe in tourist areas — watch for pushy vendors and overcharging; take care outside the walled city at night.	Exercise caution — much improved, but petty crime, scams and drink-spiking occur; stay in El Poblado or Laureles and use apps.
Tipping	A 10% "propina voluntaria" is usually added; extra is optional. Tip guides and boat crews.	A 10% "propina voluntaria" is usually added and you'll be asked to approve it.
Metro	No	Yes