Does four days still count as a layover? I am not so sure about it, however it is such a short stay that one can't really do that much. Plus I had few things to take care of, so few easy days in Medellin came just in the right time.
Nonetheless it is a cool place and for that reason it is loved by many expats and travelers alike. Unfortunately this fact is being slowly imprinted into the local rent prices and locals start to feel like the Gringo is to blame. I am comparing everything with Quito now as I have really enjoyed my time over there. And Medellin surely stands high up if not right after Quito on my favorite places. I just want to mention even though both cities are awesome, Medellin has a vibe which I am not sure if I like that much. It is slightly bigger and busier place and also a totally different country. Even though Ecuador and Colombia were one country before, it is two different worlds now. In fact it is so different you instantly feel it when crossing the border...
Second day in Medellin I have decided to visit famous Comuna 13. One could say a city within a city. Located on the east facing slope this barrio offers perfect views over Medellin.
Believe it or not this place used to be one of the most dangerous places in the world not so long ago. During the time of Pablo Escobar gang violence was a daily bread for the locals. Luckily to everyone this is no longer the case and Comuna 13 became quite an attraction. Now there are escalators bringing the hordes of tourists up the steep hill, so even disabled can enjoy the view and vibrant atmosphere. There are mostly bars with loud music trying to sell you a drink even though they are mostly empty. Street performers doing break-dance and artists selling all sorts of handmade jewelry and tourist products.
I have accommodated just down the street from Comuna 13. The area is no longer mountainous and for that reason is very popular with older people. Less attractions and nightlife opportunities also means less crime. Not a bad area at all. I have public transportation of all sorts and I prefer to walk everywhere I can. It is quite possible here in La Floresta.
Observing life of locals is what I do everywhere I go to get an idea or glimpse of how it might be to live in the place. I can honestly imagine living here or in some barrio bordering La Floresta. Who needs to be living above a busy street full of bars? Maybe some people like it but than you better go out every night and sleep late, to avoid the noise and live with the rhythm.
I definitely didn't had enough time to properly investigate where is the best address in Medellin, but it highly depends on your income or financial statement. Some places can be off the roof as Airbnb market absolutely took over...
On my last day here I took a cable car ride as it was very cheap compared to other places in the world like Austria for example. The line had two middle stations and was maybe five kilometers long. It took me to areas where living might be much more affordable, but than you need to imagine to commute with the gondola all the time... I am not sure if that is something that would be worth doing if you're location independent or foreigner. Maybe if you don't have to go anywhere and you're taking the cable just once or twice a week it could be interesting, but again in such case you're not living in Medellin, but on the hill next to it.
All the best,
Global Local