All the Best Nightclubs and Late-Night Bars in Medellin

TLDR? Salon Amador is one of the best nightclubs in Medellin!

Even the pandemic couldn’t put pay to one of the paisas’ favorite pastimes, perreo, the act of grinding to reggaeton.

During lockdown and restrictions, the opening hours just shifted the city’s party calendar to all-dayers and underground after-parties. That said, post-COVID perreo is going to be off-the-charts.

This list is designed for out-of-towners looking for Medellin’s top DJs and a hip, well-to-do crowd. In the best of times, the places on this were and still are the best of Medellin’s bars and nightclubs. These are the places to put the dark days of social distancing behind us once and for all.

Salon Amador

Salon Amador

This pumping club in Provenza pulls in Medellin’s electronic dance music faithful with international DJs and the city’s top house and techno deck technicians.

A pretty bunch packs the club out at weekends but despite the eye-watering price of drinks you can forget Las Vegas-style table service, you’ll be fighting to get served all night, so bag yourself a bottle and be grateful if you can find somewhere to put it.

Opening hours:
Fri – Sun: 7:00pm – 2:00am

IG: @SalonAmador

Address: Calle 10 #40-30, Poblado, Medellín

La Oculta 

La Oculta 

This petite crossover club is part of a hedonistic three-story compound in Provenza that includes popular late-night bars, Belisario and La Guardia.

Concealed by a door camouflaged as a bookshelf, La Oculta is ridiculously small but beautifully decorated by Medellin’s beau monde.

It pays to put some plastic behind the bar to bag yourself access.  Head to Belisario first to get those wooden hips loosened up with a couple of Martinis.

IG: @LaOculta.mde

Address: Cra. 35 #7-114, Poblado Medellín

Perro Negro

Perro Negro

Packed, steamy, and proud of their perreo, this trendy nightclub in Provenza pulls in a good-looking crowd that loves being packed like sardines into one of Medellin’s hottest underground dancefloors.

The DJs at the black dog keep the bow-wows and the bitches euphoric with a popular mix of reggaeton while the doormen keep the vibe local by cock blocking big groups of guys looking to hit upon girls.

Single guys will need to get strategic on entry but there are normally plenty of girls looking for a sponsor to get them in. Get to work.

IG: @Clubperronegro

Address: Cra 35 #7-83, Poblado, Medellín

Son Havana

Son Havana

Medellin’s top salsa venue is a swirling delight for lovers of the Fania and Colombia’s tropical rhythms.

With a frenetic crowd getting hot and sweaty to the magical sounds of a 10-piece band, Son Havana is for serious salsa dancers and fearless novices.

It gets crowded early and getting a table can be complicated so expect to dance for your supper. If you’ve been looking for your Latin lover you’ll definitely find him here hurling someone around the dance floor. 

IG: @SonHavana

Address: Carrera 73, Av. San Juan #44-56, Laureles, Medellín

Fonda La Chismosa 

Fonda La Chismosa 

Mariachis meet mayhem on most nights at this OTT Fonda-themed nightclub for a crazy crowd of busty beauties and their plastic-flexing, plus-ones.

Popular with a celebrity mix of footballers, models, and musicians, the girls leave little to the imagination in this contagiously kitsch canteen. Unbeatable for people watching. If the live Mexican sing-a-long isn’t your thing, there’s a dingy basement downstairs for a bit of perreo.

Another similar Fonda-themed Mariachi joint, La Chula serves up a similarly spicy, Mexican mix-up in Avenida Las Palmas. 

IG: @Fondalachismosa

Address: Cl. 18, Poblado, Medellín

Where You Can Experience The Best Nightlife in Medellin

There’s a reason why Medellin is Time Out magazine’s third-best city in the world, where you can enjoy fantastic nightlife. Thanks to the city’s unique startups, delicious gastronomy, and impressive architecture, Medellin’s nightlife is one you should never miss out on when visiting this part of Colombia. 

If you’re curious about where to witness the best nightlife experience, we’ve got you covered. 

Hipster and High-Class in El Poblado

If you frequently visit Medellin, you will know that El Poblado is the central neighborhood for the best bars and nightclubs in the city. But because this neighborhood is huge, there’s a vast selection of places to go to experience nightlife in Medellin. 

Parque Lleras is one of the must-see locations in El Poblado for Medellin nightlife. It features various restaurants, bars, and clubs, making it a perfect spot to stroll around to cap off a busy night. 

But if you wish to experience nightlife in a less crowded spot, Provenza is the right place. It’s a smaller locality within El Poblado, featuring more sophisticated vibes than Lleras. This trendy neighborhood has three-story hipster nightclubs and hole-in-the-wall bars. 

The classier the bar, the pricier the drinks are. But these high-end nightclubs are normally preferred by foreigners.

Exclusive Las Palmas Vibe

Some people prefer enjoying nightlife away from crowded bars and nightclubs. And if you’re one of them, head to Las Palmas. This neighborhood has incredible local clubs, and it’s only a quick taxi ride when you’re coming from El Poblado. 

Moreover, you can book budget-friendly apartments and villas in Las Palmas. And because it’s located at a higher altitude, expect cooler temperatures than other Medellin neighborhoods. You can also expect beautiful city skyline views at night beneath you.

Colombian Fiesta at Laureles

We totally understand when you want to experience authentic Colombian nightlife in Medellin. And Laureles is the best neighborhood for that kind of entertainment. Particularly in La Setenta or La 70, experience unique combinations of dancing, color, and lights. 

What we love about Laureles are the cheaper drinks and fewer crowds. You can also expect fewer foreigners around this area than in El Poblado and Las Palmas. Plus, why not elevate your nightlife experience by joining a salsa class? 

La 70 is the neighborhood’s main scene for night parties and bar hopping. And it’s the best place to let you experience Colombian parties.

Dancing in Barrio Colombia

Barrio Colombia is another location known for the best late-night bars in Medellin. Specifically, it’s known for its spacious clubs, ideal for dancing! Barrio Colombia features upscale and high-end bars with table services that exude class and elegance. 

If you’re willing to spend more, we definitely recommend Barrio Colombia. Experience luxurious nightclubs in the area, and have the most memorable night in Medellin. 

Medellin Nightlife Recommendations

Bolívar

Bolívar takes you on a quick trip down memory line – specifically during the 1980s in Miami and 1940s in Cuba. Experience various dance sessions, including champeta, reggaeton, trap, dancehall, and Latin hits. 

There’s nothing to worry about when you think you have two left feet! Bolívar showcases friendly professional dancers who can teach you while you’re having fun. Try out the bar’s tropical cocktail and experience the Caribbean heat right in the heart of El Poblado. 

If you don’t want to pay extra cover charges, head to Bolívar on Thursday nights. Plus, it’s the perfect midweek break after busy days at work! 

IG: @bolivarmedellin

Address: Cra. 36 # 10-38, El Poblado, Medellin

Vintrash Bar

Looking for a less crowded bar in Provenza? Check out Vintrash Bar. 

You can find a pretty good mix of tourists and locals in this bar, which features different ambiances of electronic, indie, and Latin. But the best spot is right on the rooftop, where you can experience the cool breeze while dancing to fun music and entertainment! 

Vintrash Bar also has a wide selection of main dishes, so you can head over there to dine before drinking your hearts away. Locals love hanging out in this bar because it’s one of the best places to get wild and experience a fun night out.

IG: @vintrash_bar_medellin

Address: Cra. 35 #8A-39, El Poblado, Medellin 

Envy Rooftop

Nightclubs don’t have to be always about dancing and singing to loud electronic music. You can also enjoy a nightcap by drinking cocktails and appreciating beautiful sunset views. And if you want to experience just that, Envy Rooftop is the right place. 

Envy Rooftop features beautiful city views as you try its best-selling Asian-style starters and main dishes. It also has a live DJ and lounge playlists, ideal when your idea of a fun night out is chill drinking with your friends. 

IG: @envyrooftop1

Address: Calle 9a #37-16, El Poblado, Medellin

La Tienda de la 70

La Tienda might literally translate to store, but it’s more than an average neighborhood store. You can enjoy music and paisa decorations, allowing you to experience authentic Colombian culture. Locals recommend ordering a bottle of guaro or aguardiente if you want to dance all night long. 

IG: @latiendadela70

Address: Bulevar Libertadores De América (Carrera 70), Laureles, Medellín

The Blue Bar

If you want to experience the international scene in Medellin, The Blue Bar is one of the best spots. No matter what day, it always gets packed with locals and tourists looking to have fun and enjoy the night. 

The Blue Bar features live DJs, rock and roll music, dancing, and other entertainment to keep you awake. It also serves a wide variety of delicious cocktails and hard liquors that suit your preferences. 

Moreover, The Blue Bar is located at the heart of the lively El Poblado. It’s one of the go-to nightclubs when you want to experience bar hopping in Medellin. 

IG: @bluemedellin

Address: Cl 10 #40-20, El Poblado, Medellín, El Poblado, Medellín, Antioquia, Colombia

Sweet Jesus Mine

Sweet Jesus Mine is another iconic nightclub in Las Palmas, Medellin. Aside from being a nightclub, it also serves as an entertainment venue where you can book a table and order food and drinks. Plus, you can also watch live performances. 

As the night goes on, you’ll see more people getting drunk and dancing to the music. But what makes Sweet Jesus Mine deserving of a spot on this guide are its intricate and beautiful interiors. You’ll see splotches of colors, making the place look quirky and fun. 

IG: @dulcejesusmiola70 

Address: Cra. 38 #19-255, Medellín, El Poblado, Medellín, Antioquia, Colombia

Calle 9+1

Calle 9+1 is famous for backpackers because there’s no official dress code to get in. You can get a table even with a simple tank top, shorts, and sandals!

Calle 9+1 only has two rooms, so we wouldn’t call this nightclub spacious. It’s a go-to bar for a more intimate atmosphere within a huge crowd. If you’ve been staying in Colombia for a long time already, you might be glad to know that Calle 9+1 does not have merengue music or salsa. 

Instead, enjoy more upbeat and funky vibes that will get you moving in no time!

Address: Cl 10 #40-10, Medellín, El Poblado, Medellín, Antioquia, Colombia

Bogota Beer Company

And finally, our list will not be complete without Bogota Beer Company. It’s not only the most popular bar in Medellin but of the entire Colombia! As mentioned in its name, this bar started in Bogota before it branched out to several branches in Colombia. 

The branch in La Provenza features a traditional English pub brewery style. It consists of various Colombian seasonal and craft beers you can easily choose from. The atmosphere at Bogota Beer Company is also relaxing, and you can listen to good music. 

Bogota Beer Company typically has indoor and outdoor spaces and a pool table where certain guests can play and enjoy. 

IG: @bogotabeercompany

Address: Cra. 34 #7-165, Antioquia, Medellín, El Poblado, Medellín, Antioquia, Colombia

The Cost of Medellin Nightlife

If you are experiencing Medellin nightlife for the first time, you might be wondering how much you must prepare for the drinks, food, entrance fees, and other charges. On average, Medellin’s late-night bars and nightclubs are cheaper than the ones in Western countries. 

But if you’re coming from Peru or Bolivia, you might find the bars in Medellin to be a little bit more expensive. Nonetheless, the amount depends on your budget and how much you’re willing to spend. 

Basically, if backpacker bars are your target, 20 to 30 dollars is enough. But you might need to prepare around a hundred dollars if you prefer hard and high-end liquors with table service. Here’s a quick estimation of the cost of various drinks in Medellin:

  • A small beer: $2 to $6
  • A cocktail: $12 and above
  • A mixed drink: $2 to $8
  • Imported liquors: $50 to $200
  • A glass of wine: $2 to $8
  • Local liquors: $30 to $80

Dance the Night Away at the Top Medellin Nightclubs

Any of these Medellin nightclubs will make for a fantastic evening out. Grab a drink, grab some friends, and enjoy a fun time on the town!

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