Medellin is one of the world’s great music capitals and is an internationally renowned party city. The city today has a great variety of bars and clubs with all types of music and experiences. I have lived in Medellin for over fifteen years and enjoyed so many of the best moments of my life partying in the city.
With lots of dancing, flowing Aguardiente, friendly, beautiful people, amazing views and unique clubs. Medellin really is special and in this article, I will explain what the city has to offer.
Where Is The Best Nightlife In Medellín?
El Poblado District: The Heart of Medellin’s Nightlife
Poblado is the most popular destination for tourists and continues to be the first choice for many Colombians looking to have a good time.
Provenza is a close street that has become hugely popular in recent years with dozens of excellent clubs and bars. The area was made famous by the Karol G hit and she has made impromptu performances in the area. The street has a mix of fancy rooftop bars, restaurants, and underground reggaeton clubs.
Parque Lleras is just down the road and has some very popular clubs. While the park itself is not quite as welcoming as it once was, the area is always busy with some fun places to get drinks and dance.
Further down the hill, Parque Poblado is a popular hangout spot for young students and across the road in Manila there are many rooftop bars with wonderful views of the city.
Poblado is the most expensive area of Medellin and has the highest number of tourists.
Laureles-Estadio: A Booming Nightlife Hub
Laureles is a largely residential neighborhood bordered and intersected by a number of major roads filled with restaurants, bars and clubs.
70 Street is a very busy street that runs from the city’s major sports stadium up to the UPB University in the south of Laureles. From Thursday to Sunday night, la 70 is always busy with dozens of clubs and bars offering a real mix of music and environments.
Check to see if it is a matchday, as this may mean up to 45,000 fans arriving on the street to celebrate or commiserate depending on the result.
La 33 runs to the left-hand side of the neighborhood with many small clubs and bars with a range of music over a long stretch of road. This is another good option but the better venues along the street are more spread out, so best to arrive with a plan or walk down from the top of the hill rather than up.
La Nutibara is a street that runs through the heart of the neighborhood with some really nice restaurants, rooftop bars, and the occasional nightclub.
Finally, Laureles has two parks which have bars, rooftops, and some small clubs.
Laureles has a nice range of options from the bustling 70 Street to the more laid-back options on La Nutibara.
Envigado: A Hidden Gem for Nightclub Enthusiasts
Envigado was once a separate town but as the city expanded south, Envigado became an increasingly integrated municipality of Medellin. This means Envigado still retains the feel of a more traditional town and community while also having close access to Medellin.
It is just a 20-minute drive from Parque Poblado to Parque Envigado but the two have a very different feel. People are very friendly and it is really easy to spark up a conversation.
Most bars and clubs are mostly situated close to the park on streets Calle 38 Sur and 38A Sur. There is also a cluster of fun bars and clubs at the intersection of Carrera 43 and diagonal 40.
Las Palmas: Amazing views and elegant clubs
Las Palmas is a road that runs from Poblado up until the hills and out to the airport. There are spectacular views over the city and the air is fresher. The area has become very popular with some excellent restaurants and fancy, more spacious clubs.
You can find a nice range of options from the elegant and classy to the fun and tacky up on Las Palmas.
Some of the bars and restaurants are focused on the incredible view while there are also clubs that offer a larger, more comfortable space up away from the busy Poblado neighborhood.
The Best Nightlife in Medellin
Salón Amador
Cra 43G #27-10, El Poblado, Medellín
Amador is best known for two things; amazing electronic music and the best gin and tonics in Medellin.
The venue closed its doors over a century ago but has been reborn as the center of avant-garde music in the city. The space still embodies some of that classic style with an impeccably stocked bar adorned with pillars, chandeliers hanging from the ceiling, and elegant wallpaper on the walls.
You take all of that classic elegance and style then throw in a world-class sound system and state-of-the-art lighting and he result is a great experience. The club regularly attracts some of the best DJs from around the world. The venue offers some of the best nightlife in Medellin.
Entrance is around 50,000 COP (US$12) depending on the day of the week and time of evening. One of their famous gin and tonics is also around 50,000 COP (US$12).
What I like most about this club:
- A stylish interior with a top-quality sound system
- The club attracts some of the top DJs from around the world
- Amador feels like it is at the forefront of the scene in the city
Discoteca Amarna
Cra 43G #27-10, El Poblado, Medellín
Amarna is an ancient Egyptian-styled “crossover” club in Barrio Colombia.
The design of the venue is extravagant and they go all in on the theme with belly dances, muscular topless pharaohs, beautiful cleopatras, sphinxes, and hieroglyphics on every wall.
The venue has high ceilings and table service with performances on the main stage and around the bar. The music ranges from reggaeton, dancehall, and electronica to salsa, merengue and bachata Barrio Colombia is an industrial zone of Medellin with many of the warehouses converted to large modern clubs. I would recommend arriving and leaving a taxi but once you are in and around the bars, then security won’t be an issue.
Entry is usually around US$5. You can get a 750ml bottle of aguardiente for US$35, a bottle of local rum for US$40, and a bottle of Absolut vodka for US$50. A local beer is less than US$3 with imported beer from US$3.50.
What I like most about this club:
- Amarna provides the classic crossover experience in a big, comfortable open club
- The theming is interesting and the performers add to the overall experience
- Prices are fair and it is always a fun time
Dulce Jesus Mío
Carrera 38 # 99C-19, Medellín, Antioquia
Dulce Jesus Mio is quite the experience. Extremely kitsch and borderline tacky, it can be a lot of fun and it will definitely provide a memorable, mad evening with friends.
The club, translated in English to My Sweet Jesus, is situated a short distance from Poblado on the side of the valley overlooking the city of Avenida Las Palmas. The building is in the traditional “fonda” wooden style but is filled with toys and bright models of cartoon characters.
The music is generally the usual mix of reggaeton, salsa, merengue, and electronica with singers and Mexican mariachis performing live. The theme is of a crazy village and the staff are all dressed up as popular characters. Games are played on stage and it is very interactive.
From an English perspective, I would describe it as a bit of “end of the pier” fun. Expect slightly bawdy humor and the occasional mother-in-law jokes but if you can get into the spirit of things it offers some of the best nightlife in Medellin.
The cover is around 25,000 COP (US$6) depending on the day and time. A bottle of 750ml local rum is around US$35 without mixers, aguardiente (local fire water) is US$25 and local beers are less than US$2. A bottle of Absolut vodka is US$40 and tequila is US$45 upwards.
What I like most about this club:
- It is a wild representation of local paisa culture and humor
- The environment brings out the playful, childish side of everyone
- While it is a fairly exclusive place, it is all ultimately very silly and unpretentious
Teatro Victoria
Cra. 35 #8a -73, El Poblado, Medellín
Teatro Victoria is a beautiful venue in the heart of the Provenza, Poblado The building is designed like a classic cinema theater with a ticket booth at the entrance and the entrance to each room is created to look like a movie screening.
Music in the basement is dedicated to reggaeton with the second floor offering a mix of salsa, merengue, bachata, electronica, reggaeton, and pop. On the top floor is a restaurant and rooftop bar with delicious cocktails and a fresh open space.
Entrance to one of the two floors is US$7 and for both is US$9.50. The rooftop bar and restaurant usually don’t have a charge. A bottle of aguardiente in the club is US$45, rum is from US$43 and classic cocktails start at about US$10.
What I like most about this club:
- Teatro Victoria offers a range of experiences and all are consistently good
- The rooftop has delicious food and intricately prepared, specialist cocktails
- Reggaeton in the basement is always fun and lively with a crowd who sing along to all the songs
Jennylao Discoteca
Carrera 70 #C2-36,Medellín, Antioquia
Jennylao is a club that has a strong Afro-Colombian identity. There is a strong influence from Colombia’s Pacific coast with the music and energy in the place. The club has a good mix of people and while most visitors are black Colombians I was made extremely welcome as a very blonde English guy.
The club is on la 70 at the edge of Laureles and a 10-minute walk from Estadio station.
At the weekend the place is always packed. The design is stylish and typical of exclusive clubs in the Pacific region. They have white, curved leather sofas facing towards a black and white chequerboard dancefloor with a second-floor balcony overlooking the action.
Music at Jennylao is always lively and energetic. You will hear salsa, reggaeton, dembow, dancehall, and much more. There are also many live performances and the DJs have a real connection to the packed crowd in attendance. If you want something lively and varied, then the music makes this amongst the best nightlife in Medellin.
I recommend getting there early to get a booth or table because the place will be completely packed by 11.30pm. Prices are reasonable. Entrance at the weekend is around US$2, they often have 2×1 deals on bottles of local spirits.
What I like most about this club:
- An excellent chance to experience lively, energetic, expressive Afro-Colombian
- Very good DJs who know their audience and how to keep everyone dancing
- Despite being in the heart of Medellin, you really feel transported to Choco and the Pacific region at Jennylao
Sonorama
Cra. 37 #10-37, El Poblado, Medellín
Opened in 2019, Sonorama is one of the top venues in Medellin for techno, house, progressive, and trance.
The club regularly attracts internationally renowned DJs such Lexlay, Xenia, Valentino Kanzyan, Steve Lawler, Francisco Allendes, SLAM, Hunter/Game, Einmusik, and Joey Daniel.
With a capacity of around 500, the club is modern and fresh with bright LCD screens, spotlights, and lasers throughout the atmospheric space. Sonorama has the feel of a top European dance club The dress code is fairly relaxed but they specifically say no flip flops, sports shirts, or vests to ensure any backpackers at least have a wash and make a bit of an effort.
Expect to pay an entry fee of up to US$10 with drinks inside fairly reasonably priced for such a stylish club with good international DJs.
What I like most about this club:
- Sonorama is an excellent venue to hear some of the best electronic music in Medellin
- It has the feel of a top European club but is filled with warm, friendly Colombian people
- The sound and lighting are superb, really adding to the atmosphere
Discoteca Bolívar
Cra. 36 #10-38, El Poblado, Medellín
Bolívar is a large, elegant club over two floors which is inspired by a combination of 1940s Cuba and 1980s Miami. With checkerboard tiled floors, a roof that can open, palm trees, and balconies on the second floor it has a feel of classic style and decadence inside.
The ground floor is open in the style of a European club and doesn’t have the tables you would expect in Colombia. You can expect to hear a wide range of music from reggaeton, dancehall, champeta, and trap with some genre-specific nights. The club includes live performances, DJs, and dances.
The cocktails are tasty and the overall vibe is that of a lively party in a Caribbean mansion with an open space and strong purple lighting. With a convenient location, fun crowd, and excellent venue, this is some of the best nightlife in Medellin.
Cover is around US$7 and the club can get very busy on the weekends. There is free entry on Thursdays and this can be a good option.
What I like most about this club:
- Bolívar attracts a fun, slightly more mature, and sophisticated crowd
- The space is beautiful and with the roof open on a clear night it is a special place
- It has a more classy feel but still remains lively and fun
Bar El Blue
Cl 10 #40-20, El Poblado, Medellín
Blue has been a popular rock club in Poblado for well over a decade. Known for its loyal core of weekly visitors and impressive live performances, Blue has a large stage, dance floors, and neon lighting.
Expect to hear rock in English and Spanish with a strong focus on 90s classics. The regulars are a slightly more mature crowd and they know what they want to hear – La Blue Band are more than happy to play the hits.
The entrance fee is usually around 20,000 COP (US$5) and drinks are very reasonably priced given the popular location on Calle 10 just before Parque Lleras.
What I like most about this club:
- A great opportunity to get drunk with friends and belt out rock classics
- The crowd is very friendly to visitors and you feel you are entering a real community
- Blue provides a refreshing change of speed from the usual rotation of reggaeton, salsa, and merengue
Club Perro negro
Cra. 35 #7-83, El Poblado, Medellín
Medellin has become one of the global capitals of reggaeton and Perro Negro in Provenza, Poblado is probably the city’s best-known reggaeton club. Global superstars including Bad Bunny, Karol G, Maluma, and Feid have been seen at the club.
Perro Negro is always very busy and very lively. You enter down the stairs and the tight space is filled with people dancing. The dark red and blue lighting really sets the tone and the whole club will sing along to the music all night. You really do feel at the heart of one of the world’s biggest music scenes at this club.
Despite its growing popularity it still does retain a bit of an underground feel as you head down the stairs.
If you arrive late it can be a struggle to get in and the bouncers will manage numbers given the tight space. It is possible to reserve online here. Entrance is around 35,000 COP (US$8) and prices for drinks are above the Colombian average but still reasonable.
What I like most about this club:
- An increasingly famous club that still remains lively, energetic, and authentic
- The club delivers the wild feel of an intense, underground reggaeton club
- It is great to feel at the heart of what is now a huge international musical movement
La Octava
Cl. 8 #37a-49, El Poblado, Medellín
La Octava is an old favorite at the back of the Parque Lleras area of Poblado. It has the feel of a fun student bar but also attracts many foreigners and graduates looking to recapture their uni days.
The bar is most famous for having a massive ball pool in the middle of the bar. This is a fun addition that adds some fun to the place and is popular with those looking to take pics. There are two areas with different music, one focuses on classic rock and the other provides a broad mix. They have a good selection of artisanal beers, tasty cocktails, and a range of specialty shots.
Shots are around US$1.30 and cocktails are about US$7.50. Entry is often free although sometimes there is a small charge to get into the ball pool area which can be used against drinks purchases.
What I like most about this club:
- It has a ball pool. Perfect for pushing your friends in for a laugh or carefully posing to get that shot the ‘gram.
- An excellent selection of drinks for all occasions at affordable prices
- A fun student bar atmosphere but with a more diverse clientele.
Envy Rooftop
Cl. 9A #37-16, El Poblado, Medellín
Medellin sits in a valley and Poblado runs down the hill towards the river. The vista from the tall rooftop bars during the day, at sunset, and into the evening is always spectacular. Envy sits above everything with incredible views from any seat in the two-story bar.
Envy is on the top floor of the Charlee Hotel which is in the corner of Lleras Park. Tell security at the entrance of the hotel that you are going to Envy and take the elevator in front up to the top floor.
The bar has a pool and two floors with very comfortable sofas or stooled seating. They have live salsa performances on Wednesday night while from Thursday to Sunday they have DJs mixing electro, house, reggaeton, and hip-hop. The music at Envy usually provides the perfect accompaniment to the general vibe and ambiance rather than dominating.
In terms of views, Envy has to be included in a list of the best nightlife in Medellin. Cocktails are good and on the final Sunday of the month, they offer brunch with a DJ and a relaxed pool party. In my experience service is also always excellent.
My advice is go to Envy for a cocktail at sunset before moving on to somewhere more lively. Drinks are expensive by Colombian standards but it is a great way to start your evening. A gin and tonic costs US$14, a beer is US$5.50 and a bottle of local rum starts at US$60.
You can get a bottle of Dom Pérignon for US$845.
There is no entrance fee and the bouncers are generally very relaxed and welcoming. There isn’t a particularly strict dress code and as long as you are presentable you should find a table without any problem
What I like most about this club:
- Incredible views and a stylish, classy vibe without feeling overly pretentious
- Delicious cocktails with friendly, professional service
- Nice music that compliments rather than dominates the chilled atmosphere
La Ruana de Juana
Cl 10 #41-75, El Poblado, Medellín
La Ruana de Juana is a classic Medellin “crossover” club. They play a full mix of music with big switches in vibes across the night.
One minute everyone will be romantically swaying to some bachata, then shuffling to merengue, swinging to salsa, getting down to reggaeton and ending the night drunkenly belting out the sad vallenatos songs of past generations.
This is a typical Colombian club done well. From the street, it looks like a small, old-fashioned bar but inside it is bigger than it seems with a big, single-storied area. They have a stage in the middle with singers and DJs.
On Friday and Sunday nights, there are often 2×1 deals on bottles of local and imported spirits. They also have popular birthday packages which include table decoration, brownie, free entry, a free bottle of local spirits, and a welcome cocktail.
What I like most about this club:
- The club delivers a classic and typical Colombian night out
- The music shifts unpredictably but sends visitors on an emotional journey and never gets repetitive
- The atmosphere is fun and upbeat with a lot of mingling between large group
