Marjolein Dilven
Are you a party person? Try to experience the amazing Medellin Colombia nightlife! Dance to your favorite music genres, party with DJs and live bands, and visit the best bars and restaurants in the city.
When you visit Colombia, we highly suggest you try and experience the nightlife in Medellin.
We have prepared this Medellin nightlife guide featuring a list of the best places in the high-energy, lively city so you’ll know where to go. Also, it’s best to come prepared as you explore the nightlife to the max while keeping safe and not burning a hole through your pockets.
What Is So Great About Medellin Nightlife?
Medellin is South America’s best destination to visit. Its nightlife can make introverts take to the dance floor like they are born for parties and discos. The place is full of entertainment, good vibes, and friendly locals ready to make your adventure memorable and exciting.
In many nightclubs, you will see people dancing salsa, one of the skills Colombian people are known for. Don’t worry if you don’t know how to dance because paisas (Medellin locals) will teach you the basics so quickly that you forget you have two left feet.
Check out the live music scene whether you are a reggae, jazz, rock, techno, hip-hop, or Latin music fan. Also known as a party city for bachelors, Medellin is home to breathtaking Colombian locals who make the city nightlife fun and exciting.
Where To Party In Medellin
El Poblado
The best place to party in Medellin is El Poblado, where the most well-known restaurants, best dance clubs, chillout pubs, music venues, LGBT bars, strip clubs, sports bars, and other nighttime establishments are located.
When tourists first visit Medellin, they head out to El Poblado because of its bustling nightlife and bar scene. The entertainment district is crowded even at midnight, and drinks and food prices may vary from place to place.
There are three districts in El Poblado with lively nightlife where you can party all night long.
- Parque Lleras
- Manila
- Provenza
La 70
La 70, also known as Libertadores de America, is where the main party starts when the sun goes down. You can get lost in your own world by drinking as much as you want, but make sure you prepare your stomach for the shots by eating some food before starting your party.
Compared to El Poblado, there are fewer tourists in this area, and drinks are much cheaper. You will mostly find locals in the pubs and sports bars, brews in hand, celebrating their football team victory after matchday or salsa dancing to the beat of Latin music.
Some of the best night bars you can visit in La 70 are Son Havana and El Tibiri.
La 33
Once you are tired of partying in La 70 and El Poblado, you can head to La 33. It is the cheapest option where the pace is much slower and more laid back, so it does not make you feel tired when the party ends.
To have a chill experience, we advise you to choose one bar on La 33 Street instead of roaming around here and there looking all night for different activities.
Las Palmas
Want to feel like a rich VIP by enjoying your night at a luxurious bar or upscale nightclub? Las Palmas is the place for you. Located on a hill near the Expositiones metro station, the place is packed with nightclubs, bars, hotels, and restaurants.
Keep in mind that drinks are a little more expensive in this area, but it may be well worth the experience. The big parties usually take place on the weekends.
Barrio Colombia
Barrio Colombia is within a 10-minute drive from El Poblado. It is a much more expansive place where bars and clubs have more space to provide various entertainment.
We highly recommend Barrio Colombia as it has one of the most famous nightclubs in Medellin, but be prepared to pay the entrance fees and follow other requirements for the experience.
Best Bars In Medellin
Envy Rooftop
This rooftop is part of the famous Hotel Charlee. You can enjoy the views from the top inside a pool while drinking. If you visit the place on Tuesday, you can enjoy live salsa music with couples showcasing their talent.
El Social
It is one of the oldest bars in Medellin. The pace is slow and laid back. You can drink and sit with friends on one of the five floors, and the bar also has snacks available.
La Octava
If you have had your fill of traditional Latin music and are missing mainstream rock music, La Octava is the place for you. You can enjoy the main action on the weekends.
Fun alert! This place has a ball pit for you to jump into after getting drunk. It’s super fun to go there, and I can personally recommend it. La Octava is the perfect place to be if you want to experience something new and bold.
Panorama Rooftop Bar
The Panorama Rooftop Bar is not like any other rooftop with amazing views. It provides a unique experience as you can just sit peacefully under the sky full of stars with your partner and enjoy your date.
Weekends get a lot more crowd than usual, so you can also use this place as a starting point before moving on to big clubs in El Poblado. You can try a pub crawl while you’re at it.
Barrio Central
If you prefer variety, Barrio Central is a bar where you can enjoy different events almost every night. While the crowd is usually full of youngsters, it has adequate seating space, and it is also the perfect place to bring your date.
Best Nightclubs In Medellin
Babylon
If you are looking for a fun night in Medellin, we advise you to visit Babylon. It is also a place packed with young people dancing on tables as the party progresses. The atmosphere gets crazier at night and lasts until 1 to 2 am.
Bendito Seas
Another great place to meet some gorgeous paisas, Bendito Seas has an atmosphere worth experiencing. An open bar is organized on Thursdays for 15,000 Colombian Pesos, so don’t miss your chance to drink and dance at one of the craziest places in the world.
Dulce Jesus Mio
Visit Dulce Jesus Mio if you want to enjoy traditional Colombian culture. Located in Barrio Colombia, this place offers delightful night entertainment– from dancing, costumed staff, loud music, colorful lights, and performances.
Son Havana
Son Havana is one of the most famous nightclubs in La 70. The dancing competition is exciting and energizing. You won’t want to stay behind with people showcasing their talents to impress and outperform others on stage. So, bring your partner to this dance club and show them what you got.
Where To Stay In Medellin Colombia
Hotel Nutibara (Budget)
Hotel Nutibara features a tour desk and storage for luggage. Guests can benefit from a 24-hour front desk, airport transportation, an ATM, and complimentary WiFi accessible throughout the property.
Mandala Hotel Medellin (Mid-range)
At Mandala Hotel, amenities include a 24-hour front desk, room service, and free property-wide WiFi. Situated 300 yards from the city center and 3.4 miles from Lleras Park, guest rooms feature a flat-screen TV with cable channels, a private bathroom with free toiletries, and complimentary bed linen.
Hotel Intercontinental Medellín (Luxury)
The rooms at Hotel Intercontinental are generously sized and include LCD cable TV as well as complimentary high-speed internet access. Certain rooms come with a fully-equipped kitchen and a separate living area. Additionally, room service is accessible 24/7.
For more accommodation options, you may click on the map.
What To Watch Out For In Medellin Nightlife
If you want to get the best nightlife experience, there are plenty of things to watch out for. Enjoy Medellin’s amazing nightlife scene without getting into trouble.
Basic Nighttime Safety
Around Medellin or anywhere in the world, remember these standard precautions to ensure an enjoyable, hassle-free stay.
Know your destination and plan your night out by getting information from trusted sources before going out. Always bring your ID and a copy of your passport while leaving your actual passport at the hotel.
Don’t wear expensive jewelry if you are dancing in a crowded club. These are robber magnets, so leave the sparkles at your accommodations.
Stranger Danger
Exercise caution with strangers. In a party mood, it’s one thing to enjoy the hospitality of the locals or fellow tourists, and it’s another, possibly dangerous, thing if you are too trusting.
Robbers, scammers, and other predators often target obvious tourists who are friendly and unsuspecting.
Mind Your Liquor
You can be an easy target for no-gooders if you are blackout drunk at the bar. So, keep an eye on your drinks, don’t leave them unattended, and drink moderately.
Whether you are going clubbing, dancing, or on a pub crawl, it’s best to eat beforehand and pace your drinking. You will also have a better memory of experiencing the exciting variety of Medellin’s nightlife when you wake up the next day.
How To Stay Safe In Medellin At Night
Staying safe in Medellín at night requires caution and following safety guidelines for a pleasant, secure visit. Despite its vibrant nightlife and transformation, being safety-conscious in this bustling city is crucial.
Additionally, consider protecting yourself with travel insurance such as SafetyWing, which can cover medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and other unforeseen incidents during your stay.
Use the widget below to snag the perfect policy for your needs and travel with peace of mind, knowing you’ve got your back covered, no matter what adventures come your way!
Frequently Asked Questions – Medellin Colombia Nightlife
Is It Safe To Party In Medellin At Night?
There is no place in this world that is entirely safe. However, as a city famous for its nightlife district, Medellin is safer than most. You will need to consider normal safety precautions if you are going for a night out for the first time.
At What Time Should You Go Out In Medellin Colombia?
Going early for the party can give you a free pass, as most clubs allow people to enter for free before midnight. If there is no live band or open bar event, we advise you to get there at around 1 a.m., when the real fun begins. You do not want to be tired when your jam comes on.
Is There A Dress Code In The Clubs In Medellin Colombia?
Wearing casual clothes is recommended, but it is entirely up to you. For men, we recommend giving up your flip flops and shorts and wearing some jeans and a t-shirt. For women, you can wear whatever you feel comfortable in, except leave the flip flops at home, too.
Is It Necessary To Bring Girls To Enter The Club?
Not every club allows you to enter if you are in an all-male group. Places like El Poblado and Laureles would not stop you in that situation, but there are fancy places such as Barrio Colombia and Las Palmas where they might refuse entry.
Conclusion – Medellin Colombia Nightlife
Medellin at night offers a wide variety of memorable entertainment for everyone. You can dance the night away, listen to live music, watch salsa competitions, go stargazing on rooftop bars, go bar-hopping, and more.
It is no wonder Medellin is one of the best cities in the world for travelers.
Enjoying the fantastic Medellin Colombia nightlife is an experience to die for! Not literally, of course. That is why we shared our nightlife safety guidelines in this article, along with our take on the best night party and chillout places in this bustling city. Take care and party on!
Do you want to visit other amazing places in Colombia?
Nightlife in Medellin Colombia – Best Booking Resources
I use a couple of favorite companies every time I travel. They have the best prices, great value, and customer service you can wish for. They’re much better than the competition, and I use them a lot. Every time I travel, these are the companies I go for:
Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my go-to platform for booking flights. It’s so easy to use. Skyscanner also searches the smaller websites and airlines that are often skipped, which means more savings in your pocket. They are hands down the number one place I book my flights.
Booking.com – Looking for the cheapest and lowest rates? Booking.com is the best platform out there. They have the widest selection and availability worldwide, ideal for travelers on a budget. I book 90% of my travels through Booking.com because they always have the lowest rates
Hostelworld – If you’re into hostels, Hostelworld is the best site to compare hostel accommodation. It’s easy to use, has many options, and has the best availability.
Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is an online marketplace where you can book tours and excursions. They have tour options worldwide, with any experience you wish for. This includes walking tours, cooking classes, street art lessons, and more unique experiences.
12Go Asia – This platform is my ultimate travel companion in Asia, offering the best budget service platform for seamless booking of trains, buses, ferries, and flights. The platform is easy to use and I have used it extensively when I traveled through Southeast Asia.
Rome2Rio – Rome2Rio is a convenient website where you can see how to get to your destination the quickest and cheapest. It gives you options for train, bus, plane, or even boat routes and tells you exactly how often they operate and how expensive they are.
SafetyWing – If you’re looking for affordable travel insurance, Safety Wing has you covered. It’s ideal if you’re traveling often or for the long term. I never travel anywhere without travel insurance, and I’ve used it often while on the road. So, I can recommend you look into Safety Wing. They have good monthly prices, the best customer service, and a convenient, easy-to-use process to make claims on the road.
LifeStraw – I love LifeStraw, and it’s been my go-to reusable water bottle with built-in filters for 10 years now. With their bottles, you make sure your drinking water is always clean and safe. I’ve used it everywhere, from South America to Southeast Asia, and I’ve always been perfectly safe drinking the local tap water.
Related Reads:
- Where To Stay In Cali Colombia – 5 Best Places To Stay For Your Next Trip
- Where to Stay in Medellin, Colombia: 5 Best Places To Stay In The City
Founder of Spark Nomad, Radical FIRE, Copywriter
Expertise: Personal finance and travel content. I’m a full-time traveler, and I’ve been to 49 countries and 5 continents.
Education: Bachelor of Economics at Radboud University, Master in Finance at Radboud University, Minor in Economics at Chapman University.
Over 200 articles, essays, and short stories published across the web.
Marjolein Dilven is a journalist and founder of Spark Nomad, a travel platform, and Radical FIRE, a personal finance platform. Marjolein has a finance and economics background with a master’s in Finance. She has quit her job to travel the world, documenting her travels on Spark Nomad to help people plan their travels. Marjolein Dilven has written for publications like MSN, Associated Press, CNBC, Town News syndicate, and more.