Music is a huge part of Medellin culture and the city has become internationally renowned for its excellent performers. Salsa is regularly on rotation at hundreds of bars and clubs across the city but there are certain spots where salsa music and culture are at the very heart of proceedings.
In this article, I will share some of the best salsa clubs in Medellin, locations that have a great community, offer top salsa classes, have a unique salsa culture,e and play some of the best music in the world. I have lived in Medellin for over 16 years and salsa music has become an absolute favorite. Salsa bars and clubs have some of the best atmospheres and offer a great place to connect with locals.
Salsa Clubs in Medellin
El Tíbiri
Laureles
This is one of the classic salsa spots in Medellin. The very definition of a hole-in-the-wall venue, El Tibiri very easy to miss as you walk up la 70 from Estadio metro station. Entry is free and you head down a staircase into a small, hot, and sweaty room filled with incredible dancers. The music is always exceptionally good and the regulars adore the place.
El Tibiri is open from 8 pm to midnight Thursday and Friday then until 4 am on Saturday. Don’t arrive too late if you want a table and be prepared to get hot and sweaty. A lot of fun with some cool beers and a bit of Aguardiente.
El Jibarito
El Centro
El Jibarito is very popular on Thursday nights when they have live performances from groups and singers. The bar offers a true celebration of salsa and is an intimate venue for those who love the music and culture. The owner has an excellent selection of vinyl records and they are always looking to buy, sell, and trade.
This is one of the centers of the salsa community in Medellin and a great place to share moments with lovers of the music. You will hear all kinds of styles and many records which you have never heard before. A real experience in a friendly, intimate venue.
Social Club
Aguacatala
Social Club is a great place to learn salsa or improve your steps during the week and then party at the weekend. They offer both free and paid personalized or group classes. The venue is unusually situated on a large roundabout close to Aguacatala metro station to the south of Poblado.
At the weekend they offer sharing platters, salads, burgers, and steaks as well as spirits and cocktails. Another great option if you are looking to make some salsa-loving friends, connect with the dance community, and then party late into the evening.
Son Habana
Laureles & Poblado
Son Havana is a very popular salsa bar that celebrates Cuban culture and music. They have excellent live salsa performances and great DJs as well as dance classes every Wednesday. It is a great option if you want to enjoy the music over some beers or dance.
The space to dance is a little tight with all of the tables but that is all part of the fun. They have some really nice cocktails too and the place has a really authentic feel with paintings of salsa stars on the walls and a stoned floor. Son Havana is highly recommended.
Dance Free
Poblado
This group has been offering free salsa and bachata classes for many years and has a venue in Poblado. You can sign up for their free classes which are very popular every week. It is a great way to improve some of your salsa skills while meeting other locals and foreign visitors. As well as offering free group classes, Dance Free also provides private classes for individuals, couples, or small groups as well as language exchanges.
After the salsa classes are finished the venue turns into a club with bar service and lots of space to dance. This is a great option if you want to improve and learn about the salsa scene in the city. A very good first stop for those intrigued by salsa or wanting to find new salsa-loving friends.
Mulenze Salsa Bar
Laureles
Mulenze is a very nice salsa club on La 33, which runs alongside Laureles. Known as ‘El Templo de Salsa Romantica’ they specialize in smooth, romantic salsa which is perfect for couples. The club has table service with excellent modern lighting and lots of fans to cool off the dancers. A break from the more traditional feel that many salsa bars go for.
If you like romantic salsa then this is an excellent option. They have a loyal clientele who come in big groups and many people will celebrate their birthdays here.
Charrupi
Manrique
Charrupi is a salsa bar on Carrera 45 that has attracted some of the top DJs, groups, and singers. Manrique has been revitalized following the extension of the Metro Plus network and this area of the neighborhood now has a handful of very popular bars, restaurants, and clubs.
The club has a low ceiling with portraits of great salsa artists on the walls. It is an intimate, modern space with table service with salsa aficionados drinking and singing. As with many clubs in Medellin, dancing space can be quite limited with seating the priority. There is a really nice atmosphere with lots of interaction between the tables and lots of friendly people to dance with.
