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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
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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