Quick snapshot: Itagüí is a major city in the Medellín metropolitan area, offering a more affordable alternative to Medellín itself. The city has a pleasant climate year-round due to its elevation in the Aburrá Valley. Base yourself in the center or northern areas for modern amenities and metro access to Medellín. The city is generally safer than some Medellín neighborhoods, making it attractive for longer stays. Stay alert in less safe areas, use official transport, and don't drink tap water.
Personality: If Itagüí were a person it would be a hardworking factory worker who commutes to Medellín and knows all the best local spots.
🔝 Top 7 Things to Do
1. Take the metro to Medellín
Metro connects Itagüí to Medellín, making the major city's amenities easily accessible.
Why 80/20: Access to Medellín's extensive amenities while living more affordably.
2. Explore northern areas for modern amenities
More modern area with better infrastructure, restaurants, and metro access.
Why 80/20: Modern Itagüí and convenience for daily life.
3. Visit the city center during the day
Main commercial area with shops, restaurants, and metro access. Best explored on foot during daylight hours.
Why 80/20: Core city center with local character.
4. Try local food in restaurants
Local restaurants serving typical Colombian food, especially almuerzo corriente.
Why 80/20: Local food culture and affordable meals.
5. Use metro to access Medellín's coworking spaces
Metro makes Medellín's coworking spaces easily accessible for remote work.
Why 80/20: Access to coworking infrastructure while living more affordably.
6. Experience local daily life
Working-class city offering an authentic, more local experience than Medellín.
Why 80/20: Genuine local culture with access to major city amenities.
7. Evening drinks in northern areas
Some bars and restaurants in northern areas offer local nightlife experience.
Why 80/20: Local nightlife, or use metro to access Medellín's extensive nightlife.
🔎 Unusual facts
Itagüí is located in Antioquia department in the Medellín metropolitan area.
The city is one of the largest in the metropolitan area, with a population of over 280,000.
Itagüí has a pleasant climate year-round due to its elevation in the Aburrá Valley, similar to Medellín.
The city is well-connected to Medellín via the metro system, making it an affordable alternative to living in Medellín.
Itagüí's economy is based on industry, commerce, and services, with many residents commuting to Medellín for work.
🕐 Local Time
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👥 Population
281,853
💶 Currency
COP
🗣️ Language
Spanish
English (limited, mainly in business and tourist areas)
💧 Tap Water
Tap water in Itagüí is generally not safe to drink. Use bottled water or filtered water.
Even if treated, the water quality varies and many locals avoid drinking it directly.
💸 Tipping
Tipping is expected in restaurants (10% is standard), and appreciated in other service contexts.
💳 Cards
Cards are widely accepted in restaurants, shops and supermarkets; cash is still common in markets, taxis and smaller establishments.
🔌 Plugs
Type A, B
110V
🧻 Toilet Paper
Do not flush toilet paper in most places. Use the bin provided in bathrooms.
🛡️ Safety
Generally safe in tourist and business areas, but requires street smarts and awareness. Some neighborhoods are less safe.
📋 Basics
🛬 Arrival
Airport
José María Córdova International Airport (MDE) — 18 km from center
Medellín's main airport, serving the entire metropolitan area including Itagüí. Well-connected by transport.
Official Taxi or Ride-hailing
• 35 min
• ≈ COP 60,000–90,000 (€14–20)
Most convenient option, especially with luggage.
Use official airport taxis from the stand or ride-hailing apps (Uber, DiDi, Cabify). Avoid unmarked taxis.
Airport bus + Metro
• 85 min
• ≈ COP 12,000–15,000 (€2.70–3.40)
Cheaper option: take airport bus to San Diego station, then metro to Itagüí.
More complex but affordable. Good option if you're comfortable with public transport.
SIM & Internet
Good mobile coverage in Itagüí. Prepaid SIMs are easy to get at the airport or in the city.
Esim
International eSIMs work but may be expensive. Local prepaid SIMs are usually better value.
Physical
Get a prepaid SIM from Claro, Movistar or Tigo at airport kiosks or city stores. Bring ID to register.
Money
ATMs are common in shopping malls, banks and major streets.
Use bank ATMs inside banks when possible for security. Decline dynamic currency conversion. Watch for card skimming.
First night tip: Take an official taxi or ride-hailing app directly to your accommodation. Avoid walking with luggage, especially after dark. Get your bearings the next morning in daylight.
💰 Costs
Itagüí is more affordable than Medellín, making it attractive for longer stays, though amenities are more limited.
A visitor can get by on COP 55,000–100,000/day (€12–23) excluding accommodation. Digital nomads often live comfortably on COP 1,600,000–2,700,000/month (€360–610) including rent.
Coffee (tinto)
≈ COP 2,000–4,000 (€0.45–0.90)
Cheap local coffee in small cups; specialty coffee costs more.
Beer (local)
≈ COP 4,000–8,000 (€0.90–1.80)
In local bars and restaurants.
Lunch (almuerzo corriente)
≈ COP 10,000–18,000 (€2.30–4.10)
Set lunch with soup, main course, drink and sometimes dessert.
Mid-range dinner
≈ COP 30,000–60,000 per person (€7–14)
Without fancy wine. Expect later dining hours.
Taxi within city
≈ COP 10,000–20,000 (€2.30–4.50)
Depends on distance and traffic. Ride-hailing apps are similar.
Public transport (Metro)
≈ COP 2,950 (€0.70)
Per ride with rechargeable card. Connects to Medellín.
Room in shared flat (long-term)
≈ COP 500,000–1,000,000/month (€110–230)
More affordable than Medellín; varies by neighborhood.
1-bed apartment (long-term)
≈ COP 1,000,000–2,000,000/month (€230–450)
More affordable than Medellín; varies by neighborhood and safety.
🏘️ Where to Stay
Itagüí is organized into zones: center (commercial, mixed), north (more modern, safer), and south (more local, some areas less safe).
Best for first visit
Northern areas
— Modern, safe and well-connected
More modern area with better infrastructure, restaurants, and metro access to Medellín.
Pros
- Safer than other areas.
- Good metro access to Medellín.
- More modern amenities.
- Better infrastructure.
Cons
- More expensive than other areas.
- Less local character than some neighborhoods.
City center
— Central and convenient
Main commercial area with shops, restaurants, and metro access.
Pros
- Central location with easy access to everything.
- Metro access to Medellín.
- Most amenities within walking distance.
Cons
- Can be noisy and busy.
- Some areas require extra caution.
- Limited English speakers.
Good for digital nomads
Northern areas
Best mix of internet access, metro connection to Medellín, and modern infrastructure.
Good internet infrastructure. Metro access to Medellín's coworking spaces. Some cafés with Wi-Fi, though fewer options than Medellín.
City center
More affordable alternative with metro access to Medellín's amenities.
Good for longer stays if you want more affordable living and don't mind fewer expat amenities. Metro makes Medellín's coworking spaces accessible.
Beach areas
Not applicable
Itagüí is an inland city in the mountains. No beaches nearby.
Quiet areas
Residential areas in the north
More residential, quieter neighborhoods with local shops and parks.
Good for longer stays if you want peace and don't mind being further from nightlife.
🔎 Is this city for you?
Come if
- You want affordable living near Medellín with metro access.
- You're looking for a more local experience than Medellín while maintaining access to amenities.
Avoid if
- You want the same amenities and digital nomad infrastructure as Medellín (though metro provides access).
- You want a completely safe city with zero crime concerns (requires street smarts and neighborhood awareness).
🛡️ Safety
Itagüí has mixed safety: northern areas and the center are generally safe, but some southern neighborhoods have higher crime rates. Petty crime like pickpocketing is common. Violent crime against tourists is rare but can happen in less safe areas.
Common Issues
- Pickpocketing and phone theft, especially on public transport and in crowded areas.
- Scams targeting visitors (fake taxis, overpriced services).
- Mugging in less safe neighborhoods, especially after dark.
Simple Rules
- Don't flash expensive phones or jewelry in public.
- Use ride-hailing apps instead of hailing taxis on the street.
- Keep bags in front of you and stay alert in crowded places.
- Avoid empty streets and parks after dark.
- Be extra cautious in southern neighborhoods.
🚨 Emergency Numbers
General: 123 (emergency services)
National Police: 112
💻 Digital Nomad
Affordable alternative to Medellín with metro access, though less established digital nomad community.
🚇 Getting Around
Mix of metro (connects to Medellín), buses, taxis, ride-hailing apps, and walking in safe neighborhoods.
- Metro for main corridors and connection to Medellín.
- Buses for local routes.
- Ride-hailing apps (Uber, DiDi, Cabify) are popular and safer than street taxis.
- Walking is fine in safe neighborhoods like northern areas.
🎭 Culture
Working-class pace, functional and straightforward, with emphasis on work and family life.
Mealtimes
🍽️ Lunch
Usually 12:00–14:00. Almuerzo corriente is the main meal of the day for many locals.
🍽️ Dinner
19:00–22:00, though some restaurants serve later.
😴 Siesta
Not common; businesses generally stay open all day.
What Tourists Get Wrong
- Expecting the same amenities as Medellín – Itagüí is more affordable but has fewer options.
- Assuming everyone speaks English – Spanish is essential outside tourist areas.
- Walking around with expensive phones visible – keep them hidden.
- Drinking tap water – stick to bottled or filtered water.
- Not being aware of neighborhood safety differences – some areas are less safe.
Useful Phrases
¿Cuánto cuesta?
How much does it cost?
¿Dónde está el baño?
Where is the bathroom?
¿Dónde está la estación del metro?
Where is the metro station?
📅 When to Visit
Special Events
- August – Flower Festival (shared with Medellín metropolitan area).
- December – End-of-year celebrations.
👥 Meet People
Limited language exchange opportunities in Itagüí itself, but metro access makes Medellín's language exchanges easily accessible.
Nightlife Areas
- City center – local bars and restaurants, popular with locals.
- Northern areas – some bars and restaurants.
- Medellín via metro – extensive nightlife options accessible.
❓ FAQ
Can you drink tap water in Itagüí?
No, tap water in Itagüí is generally not safe to drink. Use bottled water or filtered water. This is standard practice throughout Colombia.
Is Itagüí safe for solo travellers and digital nomads?
Itagüí has mixed safety: northern areas and the center are generally safe, but some southern neighborhoods have higher crime rates. Petty crime like pickpocketing is common. Stick to well-lit areas at night and be aware of neighborhood differences.
What is the best area to stay in Itagüí for a first visit?
For a short first stay, northern areas and the city center are the best 8020 options. Northern areas are safer and more modern, while the center offers convenience and metro access.
What is the best area to stay in Itagüí for digital nomads?
Northern areas have the best mix of internet access, metro connection to Medellín, and modern infrastructure. Metro access makes Medellín's coworking spaces easily accessible.
How do you get from Itagüí airport to the city centre?
Itagüí uses Medellín's José María Córdova International Airport. The 8020 option is a taxi or ride-hailing app which takes about 35 minutes and costs around COP 60,000–90,000 (€14–20). Alternatively, take the airport bus to San Diego station, then metro to Itagüí.
Do you need to tip in Itagüí?
Yes, tipping is expected in restaurants (10% is standard and often added automatically). Rounding up for taxis and leaving small change in cafés is appreciated.