Laureles is a very popular destination for visitors and with good reason. The neighbourhood has a more relaxed, community feel than Poblado while offering everything you could want.
You can party on the 33 or the 70 streets, you can enjoy a delicious coffee in one of the dozens of boutique cafes, you can enjoy a game at the stadium, tuck into some amazing food and stay active with a wide range of activities. Prices are a little lower than Poblado and it is much easier to connect with the friendly locals.
Originally from the UK I have now been in Medellin for 16 years and after living in a variety of neighbourhoods, I decided to make Laureles my home. In this article I will explain why I love living here and share details of some of the best things to do in Laureles.
- Atanasio Giradot Stadium
A visit to the stadium for a big Atletico Nacional or Independiente Medellin is something you simply must do in Medellin. The atmosphere can be amazing with the drums, songs, trumpets, flares, smoke, flags and banners creating a remarkable spectacle. You don’t need to be a futbol fan to have a great time and the rhythm of the songs will stay with you for weeks.
- Son Havana
Many people in Colombia love to dance and while in town you really need to join in. Son Havana is a great place to fall in love with salsa music with live bands, cozy decor and classes available. Trying to learn to dance like the locals is one of the best things to do in Laureles.
- La Pampa Parrilla
There are many great restaurants in Laureles from all over the world but if you fancy a great Argentine steak then I strongly recommend La Pampa Parilla. Really high quality meat, a charming and sophisticated atmosphere and always excellent service.
- Medellin Aquatic Center
The aquatic center at the Atanasio Giradot sports complex has a huge, modern olympic size swimming pool which is open for free public use. Medellin has warm weather all year round and a relaxing dip in the outdoor pool is one of the best things do in Laureles.
- Animal X
My favourite gym in Colombia is Animal X. They offer hour long circuit training sessions with multiple instructors throughout the day while also having cardio areas you are free to use. Pricing is very flexible and you can get an excellent, intense group workout at any time of the time.
- El Muro
If you want a real physical challenge and a bit of fun then heading to El Muro is one of the best things things to do in Laureles. The indoor rock climbing center has excellent instructors and a good range of tricky ascents depending on your level of experience. Definitely something different.
- La Gatoria
La Gatoria is Laureles’ famous cat cafe in the heart of the neighbourhood. They really take care of the cats and it is a great place to spend a relaxing afternoon with friends or family. You can enjoy excellent coffee and delicious afternoon snacks while the cats play around you and come looking for pets.
- Game Over
Game Over offers something different and is one of the best things to do in Laureles with friends. They have tasty burgers and a good range of beers or cocktails plus all of the games consoles you remember from growing up. Challenge your mates to some N64 or PS2 while enjoying some cold beers and juicy burgers.
- Jennylao
A really nice club on la 70 street which is very popular with the Afro-Colombian residents of the city playing a range of music originating from or popular in the Pacific region of the country. It is always busy at the weekend with amazing music, nice decor, comfortable layout and really friendly people.
- Panorama
A sophisticated rooftop bar close to Primer Parque de Laureles, a short walk from the end of the 70 street. Panorama has amazing cocktails, excellent food, nice music and a really relaxing atmosphere. Heading to Panorama for a date night is one of the best things to do in Laureles.
- Chiva Party Bus
Chivas have been a big part of Colombian nightlife for decades. Jump on a classic old bus packed with music, lights and alcohol that drives around the city as you party on the back with friends and locals. As long as you don’t get car sick then a ride on a chiva is one of the best things to do in Laureles!
Best Things to Do in Laurles
Experience the passion and energy of El Clásico at the Atanasio Girardot Stadium
Calle 48 # 73 -10, Laureles – Estadio
Football is huge in Colombia and Medellin has two of the most popular teams in the country. You can choose to support the green and white striped “kings of the cups” Atletico Nacional or the red and blue “powerful” Deportivo Independiente Medellin (DIM for short).
The stadium is situated close to Estadio metro station at the end of the lively 70 street. You can buy tickets online or on the club apps, at club stores or at the stadium. The derby between the two is particularly intense.
Until you are familiar with attending games, I would avoid the “popular” sections of the stadium in the North and South tiers as this is where the most hardcore fans are. An amazing experience everyone will enjoy, whether you care about football or not.
Prices vary depending on the game but expect to pay between 30,000 COP (US$7.30) for the North and South stands up to 115,000 COP (US$27) for the upper tier of the covered Eastern stand.
Why I like it:
- An amazing atmosphere with up to 45,000 fans singing, jumping and playing instruments for 90 minutes
- A chance to enjoy good continental football at one of the country’s best stadiums
- The perfect way to connect with the community by sharing the national obsession
Dance to live Salsa Music at Son Havana
Carrera 73, Av San Juan #44-56
Son Havana is one of the best salsa bars in the city. The famous venue sits one block from San Juan on Carrera 73 with great live musicians and enthusiastic dancers enjoying the great vibes all night.
A real classic traditional venue where you can enjoy some of the best music ever made with passionate local fans. The space is quite tight with chairs and tables filling the room but the cozy atmosphere is all part of the fun.
Price: They offer free salsa classes on Wednesdays and prices are very reasonable for local beers (Aguila, Club Colombia, Pilsen) and spirits (Ron Caldas or Ron Viejo de Medellín and Aguardiente).
Why I like it:
- Foreign visitors are made welcome and encouraged to learn to dance
- Amazing musicians playing some of the greatest salsa ever made
- A close community of salsa lovers of come to dance all night
Enjoy delicious, high quality, Argentine steaks at La Pampa Parrilla
Tv. 39 #76-41, Laureles – Estadio
The restaurant offers really high quality ingredients, simply and expertly prepared. La Pampa Parrilla specializes in beef cuts while the ribs, hamburgers and pasta dishes are also very popular. Add some delicious wine and it is the perfect recipe for a fun, filling afternoon of amazing food.
Prices are quite steep for Laureles but the quality is consistently very good and for meat lovers this heading to La Pampa is one of the best things to do in Laureles.
Price: Pasta dishes are around 40,000 COP (US$9.75) while the classic Argentine mains range from 50,000 COP (US$12) up to 136,000 COP (US$33) for a 900 gram mixed grill.
Why I like it:
- Good service with live music and a candle lit setting in the evenings
- Really high quality meat perfectly prepared
- A comfortable but classy, sophisticated feel to the restaurant
Help a local community and enjoy some amazing coffee at Rituales Cafe
Cq. 74A #39b-22, Laureles – Estadio
La Sierra is a neighbourhood to the east of the city which has suffered from poverty and historically felt the impact violence and instability. Rituales have been working with locals to produce coffee in this region of the city and play an active role in the ongoing transformation.
Price: Drinks prices range from 7,000 COP (US$1.70) to 12,000 COP (US$3) with food options around 20,000 COP (US$5) to 25,000 COP (US$6).
Why I like it:
- A project that is having a positive and important impact on the local community
- Delicious hot and cold coffee
- Really tasty desserts and great healthy lunch options
Swim outdoors for free at the Medellin Aquatic Complex
Carrera 72 # 48-100, Laureles – Estadio
The Atanasio Girardot is the home of the city’s biggest football stadium but also has basketball courts, a skate park, two further football fields, a baseball stadium, a gym and an olympic size swimming pool. All of these sports facilities can be rented on the INDER website and the pool can be used free of charge.
Why I like it:
- The pool is a full olympic size, carefully managed and well maintained
- With Medellin’s near perfect year round weather, it feels great to go for a swim outdoors
- The pool is popular and open late into the evening, a great way to start or end the day
Enjoy an intense circuit training work out at Animal X
Av. 80 #34b-31, Laureles – Estadio
There are a range of membership options which can include a single day up to a set number of sessions per month to a full monthly membership. You don’t have to pay to join and you are not committed beyond what you pay for.
They have an area dedicated to cardio with running machines but most of the space is used for hourly circuit training with multiple instructors who give guidance and support. You really feel the support of everyone else in your class and they push you to make the most of the hour. The circuit includes machines, free weights and a good range of activities. Classes run from 5am to 10pm and you just arrive at the time that is most convenient.
Price: The price per day is 15,000 COP (US$3.65), a full month is 167,000 COP (US$40) and 15 entries per month costs 110,000 COP (US$26).
Why I like it:
- The encouragement and support from the trainers pushes you to complete a high intensity work out
- There is a great atmosphere and it feels like you are part of a team during sessions
- Animal X provides a semi-personal training experience with a lot of flexibility at a good price
Test yourself and have fun at El Muro indoor rock climbing
Cq. 73A #38-82, Laureles – Estadio
The center has been open for 20 years and is a great place to improve your physical conditioning and test yourself.
Price: A day’s climbing costs 28,000 COP (US$6.80) or 33,000 COP (US$8) with an instructor. It is 174,000 COP (US$42) for a full month or 400,000 COP (US$97) for a month’s tailored plan with a personal trainer.
Why I like it:
- A fun and challenging afternoon activity
- It is also a really intense workout which can improve your strength, agility and balance
- Great chance to make new friends and become part of a supportive, active community
Spend the afternoon with a coffee, a cake and some friendly feline company
Cra. 80C #33-84, Laureles – Estadio
La Gatoria is a cafe in Laureles filled with sweet, playful cat residents as well as great coffee, high quality food and tasty desserts. You must book in advance to reserve your place and the establishment has strongly upheld rules, to ensure the cats are comfortable and happy.
It is a really nice, relaxing place to spend the afternoon and reservations at the weekend are highly in demand. If you like your coffee with a lazy cat on your lap then this is one of the best things to do in Laureles.
Price: 20,000 – 25,000 COP (US$5-US$6) booking fee to be paid in advance which is taken off the final bill. Lunch with drinks can come to around 50,000 COP (US$12) per person.
Why I like it:
- Great place to take the family and a popular spot for sharing on Instagram
- Delicious food and dessert
- Cute, friendly cats who love to play and are very well cared for
Party at Jennylao, the best Afro-Colombian club in Medellin
Carrera 70 #C2-36, Laureles – Estadio
The club is inspired by and celebrates the predominantly Afro-Colombian community from the Pacific coast of Colombia, with the original Jennylao club opening in Quibdo, Choco. Many visitors to the club are originally from that area of Colombia, looking to enjoy and celebrate Afro-Colombian culture. The music is lively and energetic with everyone dancing all night.
Why I like it:
- Great energy and a lively community feel
- A really nice opportunity to enjoy and celebrate music from all over Colombia and the Caribbean
- Affordable drinks places in a very nice club
Play SNES and N64 with your mates at Game Over Arcade Bar
Carrera 70 #C2-36, Laureles – Estadio
They have a well stocked bar, tasty desserts and gourmet fast food options. They also have a good range of arcade cabinets to enjoy. Game Over also hosts events and competitions on their classic consoles. This is really unique and one of the best things to do in Laureles.
Price: Most food costs around 30,000 COP (US$7.30), beers are around 10,000 COP (US$2.50) and video game themed cocktails are 30,000 COP (US$7.30).
Why I like it:
- Great nostalgia-filled fun with friends
- Really good burgers and snacks
- Nice cocktails and sangria available
Cocktails and great food at the relaxed, sophisticated panorama rooftop bar
Calle 8 # 34-33, Laureles-Estadio
Panorama offers a fun, relaxing escape with a strong menu of Latin American fusion dishes plus a good range of drinks options including sangria and cocktails. A really nice atmosphere with DJs at the weekend, it is a great place for a fun date or to hang out with friends.
They also have brunch available on Sundays and the food is excellent, albeit a little pricey by local standards.
Price: Most food options range from 30,000 COP (US$7) up to 55,000 COP (US$13) with cocktails between 40,000 COP (US$10) and 50,000 COP (US$12).
Why I like it:
- A really nice space surrounded by trees up above the busy street
- Great food with lots of tasty seafood options
- A good range of delicious, well prepared cocktails
A ride on a classic chiva party bus
Cra. 70 #45e – 93, Laureles-Estadio
When spending time in Medellin you may see a brightly coloured, old fashioned bus drive pass with loud music and flashing lights packed full of people drinking and dancing. Those buses are called chivas and you can rent one with your friends or you can book yourself a spot on a bus full of locals and foreigners.
These chivas were once traditional forms of transport, and still operate that way outside of the cities, but are now also famous party buses. The route often includes a ride up into the hills for a nice view over the city and they cut through party streets where people will wave at the passing chiva. A typical lap will be about 4 hours but it can be shorter with beers and aguardiente, local firewater, provided for the guests. A wild ride on a chiva is one of the best things to do in Laureles with dancing, singing and drinking around the winding roads of Medellin
There are a number of spots along the 70 street where you can pay to jump on or you can book in advance.
Price: Prices in Laureles start around 50,000 COP (US$12) per person if there is a group of at least 20 onboard.
Why I like it:
- A unique way to party and enjoy some great music with friends
- You get some nice views of the city along the way while drinking and having fun
- Dancing to reggaeton whilst the driver navigates a tight roundabout at high speed is an exciting challenge!
