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TLDR? Provenza is a popular neighborhood in Medellin where you can go to bars, eat great food, or just hang out!
Provenza is the heart of Medellin’s entertainment scene. So, needless to say, when I first stepped foot in the barrio as a backpacker, I was there almost every night.
The district is located within Medellin’s most affluent area, Poblado. The streets of Provenza are lined with some of the city’s best restaurants, bars, and clubs.
You’ll probably end up here for a night out; however, the area also has some much less known hidden gems that I’ll reveal in this guide!
Provenza is one of the 22 neighborhoods that make up Poblado. Balancing on a sea of hills, Medellin’s flashiest neighborhood hosts an abundance of restaurants, up-scale malls, and boutique hotels.
Its party district, Provenza, stretches from Carrera 37 to Carrera 33.
Locals venture here in the evening to enjoy international cuisines, shop in some of the boutiques, and party in the bars and clubs.
The barrio is one of the more beautiful areas of the city and tends to be the first stop for backpackers and ex-pats alike.
I love that the area is so walker-friendly, with Provenza’s section of Carrera 35 being blocked off from cars. All the businesses are within walking distance.
One important thing to remember: Carreras run North to South, while Calles run east to west. So, when looking up a direction, you will see a Calle 35 and a Carrera 35; they are, in fact, on two completely opposite sides of the city.
Provenza also neighbors Parque Lleras. This is another walkable party district. However, it’s seen as a bit seedy, so Colombians generally prefer later. I also think the quality of nightlife is better in Provenza, along with the restaurants.
The main strip of Provenza on Carrera 35 can be reached from Calle 10. This is the easiest route to take.
The surrounding areas of Manila, Poblado, and Parque Lleras, are a walkable distance. However, it is an uphill walk to Provenza, but good exercise.
The nearest metro station is Poblado. However, you will still need to walk around 15/20 minutes uphill, along Calle 10, to reach Provenza.
It’s best to use Taxi apps like Indriver and Uber in Medellin. With Indriver, the customer suggests a price on the app and pays in cash. Uber is the same in most other countries; you pay by card.
This is the best transport method if you’re coming from somewhere further away like Laureles or Envigado. However, from around 6pm to 9pm, there is a lot of traffic throughout Medellin, especially on the nearby Calle 10.
Influenced by its growing international community, Provenza has developed a pretty extensive range of international cuisines like Italian, Japanese, Turkish, Greek, Arab, and French restaurants, to name a few.
Here are a couple of great places to eat in the neighborhood.
I was practically addicted to Gato while living in the area. Its fusion of Colombian cuisine is perfectly seasoned and flavourful.
If you’re a little greedy like me, you’ll be more than happy with the generous portion sizes. The menu includes Latin classics like ceviche and chaufa, but also Asian fusion dishes like the shrimp and chicken Pad-Thai. My favorite meal was the juicy Chili Ginger Salmon.
Address: Cra. 35 #8A-95, Medellín, El Poblado, Medellín, Antioquia
This is your best option if you’re looking for authentic, quality Turkish food. The beautifully decorated chinaware matches the restaurant’s Mediterranean ambiance.
The menu includes both vegan and carnivore options, and the food is seasoned with unique Turkish spices that you may not taste anywhere else in Colombia.
I would recommend the traditional mint tea to start and the baklava to finish.
Address: Cra. 34 # 7-29, Medellín, El Poblado, Medellín, Antioquia
Not only does Ammazza offer a top-tier selection of gins, but their Italian Colombian fusion dishes will leave you wanting more.
The restaurant is beautifully decorated, and the prices are fair for the quality.
The attentive service and fresh food make Ammazza one of the top places to eat in Provenza, ranking in Medellin’s top 20 restaurants on Trip Advisor.
Address: Cra. 34 #7 – 40, Medellín, El Poblado, Medellín, Antioquia
If you’re not trying to gain a million pounds while in Provenza, you might want to try something with less calories involved.
A great pick is to watch some live music! I’d recommend hitting up Bonhomeia.
Not only does Bonhomia have a gorgeous venue but also an extensive, well-rated menu. In addition, the outdoor seating allows you to enjoy your meal with a live Colombian band.
The band plays late into the night on weekends, providing some great entertainment. The restaurant is ideally located on the cusp of both Park Lleras and Provenza.
Whether you want to finish off a good meal or just feel like snacking on something sweet, there are plenty of great dessert places around Provenza.
Here are a few of my favorites.
This Italian-inspired dessert spot offers a wide range of quality Gelatos and decadent desserts. A few years back, their ‘Mediterranean’ ice cream won an award for the best Gelato in the world!
They offer all the classic dessert staples like cheesecake, tiramisu, and creme brulee, but also some savory snacks for those seeking a light lunch.
Its green outdoor seating makes for a relaxing Medellin afternoon.
Address: Cra 33 #7 167, Medellín, El Poblado, Medellín, Antioquia
As a London native, do I approve of this frozen yoghurt? I absolutely do!
The delicious desserts are entirely customizable, allowing you to choose between the yoghurt flavors and the wide range of tasty toppings. The business is woman-owned; if you ever get a chance to meet the owners, you’ll be delighted by their story.
Address: Cra. 37 #8a 29, primer piso, Medellín, Antioquia
Cherry Sangria, Passion Pisco, and Minty Mojito are just a few of their unique Ice-cream and alcohol combinations.
The alcohol elements aren’t overpowering, but the flavors are still true to the ice cream names. For example, ‘Uchuva On Fire’ combines Uchuva, mandarin, and Colombia’s infamous Aguardiente.
You can definitely feel the kick of the liquor in every flavor. For this reason, the store is strictly 18+.
Address: Cra. 34 #7-86, Medellín, El Poblado, Medellín, Antioquia
Some of Medellin’s best coffee shops are located in Provenza. Here are a couple of places where you can grab a brew or sit down to get some work done.
Pergamino has 3 locations in Medellin, with one being in Provenza. The cafe is known for its delicious breakfast menu and excellent coffee.
They roast with genuine Colombian coffee, grown locally by over 600 producers in the countryside. Their unique blends make the cafe quite popular, so be prepared to wait in line during some peak times.
Address: Cra. 37 #8A-37, Medellín, El Poblado, Medellín, Antioquia
This independent cafe is an excellent stop for your next coffee fix. The indoor aesthetics are wonderfully cozy, with tropical greenery outside, perfect for a catch-up with friends.
Every cup of coffee is presented in delicate China mugs with a small Madeleine cake on the side.
Address: Cra. 37 #8A 46, Medellín, El Poblado, Medellín, Antioquia
There are some spectacular places to party in Provenza. So, if you’re looking to really get the night going, check out these nightclubs.
The club is somewhat legendary in Medellin for its Gringo Tuesdays. So, if you want to connect with other international tourists, this is the perfect place.
Although the club is inside, it has a quieter seating area outside.
It has four floors, each dedicated to either reggaeton, Latin, hip-hop, or electro.
Address: Cra. 35 #8A-39, Medellín, El Poblado, Medellín, Antioquia
The music is varied, playing Latin, hip-hop, and electro; however, it tends to get very packed, so be sure to get there early.
The dress code is smart casual, so no flip-flops are allowed, and the entry fee is $20,000
Address: Cra. 35 #7-114, Medellín, El Poblado, Medellín, Antioquia
The club’s entry leads you down a dark, misty stairwell into the main venue in the basement. It has a mainly local crowd with some tourists.
The DJ is skilled, playing some of the best Reggaeton and urban music in the city. Nights can be very fun here and get pretty wild.
Be warned; if you arrive after 11pm, you’ll likely be left standing outside with the herd of other people trying to gain entry.
Address: Cra. 35 #7-83, Medellín, El Poblado, Medellín, Antioquia
Medellin is known for its amazing street art; however, you can experience fantastic art outside of Comuna 13 and the Graffiti tours. Provenza has a growing art scene, this is where to see some.
Where hotel meets art gallery, meets recording studio. The building is a hub for the local art scene and an excellent place to connect with other artists.
You can feel the creative energy running through the air.
The staff are extremely friendly and hold a live music night on Wednesdays.
Address: Cra. 36 # 7-32, Medellín, El Poblado, Medellín, Antioquia
Browse through the exceptional collections and possibly buy a piece at this well-respected art gallery. In addition, the space holds exhibitions for emerging artists, while focusing on contemporary abstract art.
They also provide workshops and present special talks for the city.
Address: Cra. 34 #8A-42, Medellín, El Poblado, Medellín, Antioquia
What makes Provenza unique is its wide variety of restaurants. Grab the chance to try out various cuisines with a twist from the following dining places.
Mexican food is one of the ultimate comfort cuisines, especially when looking for trash food. And lo and behold, you can satisfy your cravings in Provenza’s Criminal Taqueria.
This street taco shop is on the city’s corner. And it’s one of the crowd favorites because the tacos are cheap and taste premium. Aside from the tacos, the locals and tourists we’ve talked with recommend their Margaritas.
Along Carrera 35 8a 11 is Bastardo Restaurant, a famous dining place for its expansive open terrace. Bastardo Restaurant features international cuisine, but its best-selling dishes involve Italian and Mexican food.
With its extensive food and drinks menu, we recommend trying its Sangria and nachos. Plus, you will definitely love the restaurant’s ambiance.
Visiting Medellin will not be complete without going back to its roots and honoring good-quality Colombian cuisine. With that, visit Cucayito. Every aspect of this restaurant will make you appreciate Colombia’s beautiful history and culture.
Cucayito offers huge dishes ideal for sharing at affordable price points.
Mistura should be on your list for tourists who are fans of Peruvian dishes. It has the best ceviche we’ve ever tried in Medellin, making this restaurant worthy of its almost perfect 5 rating.
Mistura also offers other dishes from its extensive menu. And it also offers a modern fusion of various cuisines, such as its unique sushi rolls.
Who doesn’t love the usual comfort Asian dishes? Check out Yacky Chan; you’ll easily be transported to a small Chinatown with its atmosphere and decoration. This restaurant serves various kinds of sushi, rice dishes, and ramen.
Teatro Victoria is one of the best nightclubs in Provenza. With its variety of environments, you can choose from urban, rooftop, and crossover music. We love the bar’s outstanding DJs, who knew how to get the vibe going to keep people dancing and having fun.
Ticket prices at Teatro Victoria start at 30,000 Colombian pesos. Plus, we’ve heard the bar is also pretty strict with the dress code. Wear anything too informal, and you’ll be asked to leave the place.
El Social is one of Provenza’s typical canteens. This historical casual bar is perfect for listening to music and drinking while enjoying the open air with friends. Plus, you don’t need to love dancing when visiting El Social.
What we even liked about this place is that there’s no entrance fee. Simply order a couple of drinks or dishes, and you can stay at El Social for as long as you want.
Arte Dolce is Provenza’s famous Italian gelateria. It features incomparable flavors you won’t taste elsewhere. Plus, this gelato place also offers good coffee when you want to hang out with friends.
If you get a chance to visit this place, we recommend Arte Dolce’s Cannoli and cheesecake gelato flavors.
Along Carrera 37 is Mon Rou Caffe, a newly-opened coffee shop near Pergamino. Tourists eventually loved this place because it’s the first cafe to serve coffee with CBD. Moreover, Mon Rou Caffe is also well-known for its delicious carrot cake, affordability, and bilingual staff.
Digital nomads who love working in different cafes should try Cafe Velvet. It’s a quiet coffee place with comfortable sofas and large tables, ideal if you must bring your laptop. Plus, it’s definitely an advantage that Cafe Velvet has a fast and stable WiFi connection.
We recommend the cafe’s Belgian Chocolate, best paired with their pastries.
Whether you’re looking for native clothes or small items as souvenirs for your loved ones, Provenza got you covered! This entertaining neighborhood in Medellin offers various boutique stores and shops for your retail therapy needs!
If you want to get right into the heart of Provenza, it’s best to look for exceptional accommodations. Don’t worry because we also looked into the best hotels you can stay in when visiting Provenza.
Selina and Cowork is one of the most affordable yet premium quality accommodations in Provenza. It’s the perfect hotel for staying in Provenza’s “zona rosa,” where you’re free to meet and hang out with locals for entertainment.
Plus, because this hotel is near 10th Street, you can easily get to active locations like Manila and Parque del Poblado.
What sets Selina and Cowork apart is its multidimensional space with vibrant colors and beautiful murals. It’s also filled with study and work areas and on-site restaurants, ensuring the hotel feels like home.
Rooms at Selina and Cowork are either private, fully shared, or private with a shared bathroom. However, some tourists mentioned that the hotel’s overall room maintenance and cleanliness should still be improved.
14 Urban Hotel is another accommodation in the heart of the entertaining Provenza. Its location is halfway between Carrera 35 and Lleras, making it a great alternative to Selina and Cowork because it’s in close proximity to various shopping centers, restaurants, and cafes.
Aside from comfortable and spacious rooms, 14 Urban Hotel also has various attractions, including boutique-style rooms, to guarantee comfort. There’s also a rooftop coffee bar, where you can enjoy a tasty cup of joe while admiring city views.
With the Diez Hotel’s proximity to pubs, restaurants, and nightclubs, tourists love this comprehensive and complete accommodation. Plus, you’ll hardly get disturbed by all the noise in the city because of Diex Hotel’s remoteness.
One of the favorite amenities in this hotel is the private parking, which is beneficial when renting a car. Most guests enjoy this because parking problems are common in Provenza. Moreover, Diez Hotel features three on-site hotels, a vaping area in a bar, a spa, and a sauna.
Additionally, you can also inquire the hotel about sponsoring events, including weddings and corporate celebrations.
Soy Local has two branches in Colombia: Primavera in El Lleras and right here in Provenza, a single block away from Carrera 35. One thing you’ll like about this hotel is its prime location near discos and pubs for the complete nightlife experience.
We highly suggest staying in this hotel if you’re traveling in groups of party-goers. Say Local Medellin features spacious apartments for large groups and a terrace bar. The loft-style apartments include your own kitchen for preparing meals. But there are no common areas for recreational activities.
Another recently-opened hotel is Jo and Joe. And because it’s one of the newest hotels in the neighborhood, tourists love going back because of its affordability. But don’t expect several reviews online because it’s fairly new.
You’ll find Jo and Joe around the corner, where it’s packed with restaurants, dance studios, and boutique stores. This hotel’s design combines an artistic mix between a low-cost hotel and a hostel.
Jo and Joe also offers a restaurant bar and a common area for your snacks.
Aside from the usual restaurants, nightclubs, and shopping sessions, Provenza features a pretty long list of tourist attractions for everyone. Here are our top favorites.
A pretty unique tour to experience is the Communa 13 Tour. Most tourists might recognize this place because of its bustling art district. There’s also a cable car ride after a quick tour to enjoy mountain views while eating ice cream.
The entire tour takes four hours with a tour guide to explain the neighborhood’s dangerous past. Enjoy the following inclusions in this guided tour:
This tourist attraction is ideal for adrenaline junkies. Experience a bird’s eye view of Medellin’s beautiful mountains with a paragliding excursion.
The excursion starts with the tour guide picking you up from your hotel. But it’s also possible to meet at Parque Lleras. The drive to reach the launching pad takes 45 minutes. And with the staff’s reliable and high-quality gear, you can guarantee your safety and unique experience.
Before the paragliding proper, you will be given an introductory lesson to learn all about the gear and how paragliding works. The experience starts over the Aburra Valley, allowing you to witness the following majestic nature scenes:
Another unique touristy thing to do is enjoy a guided city tour while riding electric bikes. This 4-hour tour gives you an opportunity to witness local and iconic hot spots while enjoying world-class coffee and tropical fruits.
The tour starts in Provenza, and you will be crossing the bike lane to reach Cuidad del Río. It’s a recently-transformed area filled with cultural and historical spots. A knowledgeable tour guide will also give you everything you must know about the places you’ll encounter.
The city tour also includes climbing Cerro Nutibara, a sacred hill that features beautiful mountaintop city views. You can also visit Laureles for a unique Colombian coffee experience. After taking a coffee break, continue biking to reach the City Stadium area, Plaza de las Luces, and The City Hall.
You deserve to know about the dark times in Medellin, especially during Pablo Escobar Gaviria’s gruesomeness. The Pablo Escobar Tour allows you to discover the city’s troubled past and the famous drug trafficker’s bloody legacy.
Parque de la Memoria is the first place you’ll visit. It’s a newly-renovated Monaco building after it was demolished last February 22, 2019. Parque de la Memoria features art and culture.
The next destination is Barrio Pablo Escobar, which Escobar himself founded. The neighborhood offers free houses for lodging to the poorest and homeless in Medellin.
Your last destination will be on the west of the city, where you’ll tour inside the house where Pablo Escobar died in a dilapidated state.
Who does not want to experience coffee workshops in the heart of Colombia? The coffee workshop experience starts in Avoden Cafè. For the most authentic experience, the tour is limited to smaller groups.
The entire coffee workshop takes two hours, and you’ll discover the entire process from crop to cup. At the same time, you will also discover the coffee production history in Colombia. And the best part? There are complimentary coffee samples you can try using various brewing techniques.
The barista guide is also a professional in the coffee-making field. With this, you can expect to learn all there is about making coffee and choosing the best beans to match your preferences.
This private guided tour gives you an exotic experience of the Botanical Gardens in Medellin. Experience old churches while discovering the artistic and historical contexts of the bronze statues located in Plaza Botero.
You will be picked up from your hotel and head straight to the Botanical Gardens. Witness beautiful views of the birds, exotic plants, animals, and lakes. This day tour also includes a tour of Medellin’s downtown area, where you’ll see the Palace of Culture, old colonial churches, and the plazas.
The Botanical Gardens Day Tour is perfect for tourists who seek different kinds of adventures when they travel. Plus, the flowers, plants, and scenic routes you’ll witness are definitely worth the price!
Provenza truly has something for everyone; it’s one of Medellín’s most exciting neighborhoods. Make sure you add it to your list of places to see in the city!
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