Where To Stay In Medellín For Nightlife 2024 - A Short Party Guide
When wondering where to stay in Medellín for nightlife it’s good to know that you only have a few options.
I’ve been living in Medellín since 2022 and explored the city’s nightlife scene extensively.
Now, it’s not that I’m inside nightclubs every weekend, but I do love to visit unique restaurants and end the evening at a nice bar or rooftop lounge.
And whenever there is something to celebrate, we sometimes end up in a nightclub with friends in one of the popular areas, including the local ones.
The purpose of this short article is to give you all the information you need for the best areas in Medellin for nightlife.
In summary: the best areas to stay in Medellín for nightlife are El Poblado and Laureles.
In and around Provenza, an area within El Poblado, you will find the most exciting nightlife venues for foreigners in all of Medellín.
For the majority of tourists, this is by far the best option.
If you’re looking for a more local experience, then Laureles is a great option.
In and around La 70 (pronounced La Setenta), you can find a high concentration of local bars.
Later that evening, people flock to La 33, another main street in Laureles where you can find plenty of nightclubs, although it’s not as concentrated compared to Provenza.
These two areas are the most relevant ones for tourists. You can always go to Las Palmas after Provenza when you’re in the mood for a crazy nightclub, or to Envigado for an authentic experience, but these are not-so-common areas among tourists.
In the next paragraphs, we dive much deeper into each recommended area.
1. El Poblado
While El Poblado is considered one of Medellín’s safest neighborhoods, it’s still wise to leave valuables behind when heading out. The high number of foreigners can attract pickpockets, especially in parks, where they often target tipsy tourists. Nevertheless, El Poblado’s prime location makes it easy to access the city’s main attractions.
If you love vibrant nightlife, a diverse dining scene, and the chance to connect with fellow travelers, staying near Provenza is highly recommended.
For those seeking a quieter, more authentic experience away from the tourist hotspots, neighborhoods like Laureles may be a better fit.
This area will be discussed in the next paragraph.
However, many visitors still choose El Poblado for its all-encompassing convenience, providing a seamless and enjoyable Medellín experience.
2. Laureles
Laureles offers a peaceful alternative to the bustling energy of El Poblado.
But don’t let its calmness fool you—this neighborhood is far from boring.
Around La 70 (pronounced “La Setenta”), you’ll discover a lively mix of nightlife and dining options. While expats and tourists often head to El Poblado for a night out, many locals prefer the vibrant scene along La 70.
Later in the evening, many visitors change from bars to nightclubs, and most nightclubs are located in and around La 33.
That said, Laureles isn’t all about nightlife. Many residents are drawn to its quiet, residential feel, all while enjoying a central location that offers easy access to the rest of the city.
Laureles is well-served by the metro, though you might find it’s easy to get around without needing it often.
In our experience, Laureles feels safer than El Poblado, with fewer tourists and a lower risk of pickpocketing.
The neighborhood also provides great access to key attractions like Comuna 13 and the football stadium—both must-see spots in Medellín.
You’re also close to Tres Cruces, a steep hike in the Loma de Los Bernal area that rewards you with panoramic views once you reach the top.
Personally, we prefer staying in Laureles to avoid areas packed with expats and tourists, and we know the neighborhood inside and out. However, if it’s your first visit to Medellín, you might find El Poblado’s more compact layout easier to navigate.
While much of Laureles’ appeal is centered around La 70, the neighborhood itself is quite large, making it less convenient to explore solely on foot.
In contrast, El Poblado’s Provenza area is packed with restaurants and bars, offering a more centralized nightlife experience.
As many citizens complained about the vast difference between Laureles and Poblado, many restaurants and bars are renovating and revitalizing the main parts of Laureles for a more attractive nightlife scene.
This looks very promising.
But if you’re after a more local, tranquil vibe with all the amenities close by, Laureles is an excellent choice!
3. Alternative areas
While Provenza and La 70 are the most important areas in Medellín for tourists to go out, there are always alternatives.
The first one is Envigado, a large area in the southern parts of Medellín. This is not that of a common area among tourists, but nowadays, many expats tend to live there. It has an incredible local food scene and there are several major shopping centers that come with a lot of convenience.
It does offer some nightlife concentrated around Calle 39 Sur but it’s definitely an area for a wild night out.
Another alternative option in Manila, an area within Poblado. As you’re located further away from Provenza, the main nightlife area in El Poblado, you will find fewer tourists here, but you do find some nice bars.