Medellin Neighborhood Guides: Envigado

TLDR? The perfect escape from the hectic city of Medellin, an encounter with an authentic calm town.

Envigado is to Medellín what Brooklyn is to New York. While the distinction between Medellín and Envigado may seem unclear at first, you’ll start a notice a more residential mood and warmer inhabitants. 

The environment of Envigado is nothing like the rapidly modernizing, high-flying feel of neighboring El Poblado, instead remaining unpretentious, urban, and hardworking. 

In this friendly town, you’ll see kids playing outside and people on the street playing table games while drinking coffee or Aguardiente. Read ahead to find out everything you need to know about the wonderful Envigado! 

Remarkable things about Envigado

Demographically, Envigado is the wealthiest municipality in Colombia with a population of about 20,000 people. 

Bordered north with El Poblado, south with Sabaneta, west with the Medellín River, and east with the mountains, and El Retiro, Envigado’s location provides the town with many advantages. 

Let me take you through some of the best places to visit, restaurants to eat at, and things to do!

How to Get to Envigado

This area of Antioquia is recognized for its excellent transportation system, and it’s simple to travel from one place to another. There are a handful of ways to get to and from Envigado. 

Bus

The bus is the cheapest, quickest, and easiest form of transportation. You can go to Avenida El Poblado and hop on the first bus you see marked “Envigado” or “Sabaneta” in big letters on the front. 

The drive takes around 20 minutes, depending on traffic. 

Metro

If you’re in the mood for a local adventure, you can take the metro from the center of the city to the Envigado station, which will take about 25 minutes. From the metro station to the main square you might want to take a bus. 

But if you’re coming from El Poblado, I recommend simply taking the bus. 

Taxi

If you decide to take a taxi, I highly recommend learning the following phrase: “A El Parque de Envigado, por favor.” If you’re using Uber, enter “Parque Principal Marceliano Veleze Barreneche” as your location. This way you’ll be sure you’re going to the right place! 

By your means 

On Saturdays between 7 am and 1 pm El Poblano Avenue is closed to vehicles for what Colombians call Ciclovia. During this time period, you can bike, walk, or run down the avenue without worrying about getting in the way of traffic. 

Transportation recommendations

Try to avoid going anywhere in Medellín during the rush hours of 4:30 pm to 7 pm. Grab a quick meal like an empanada and a beer and wait out the traffic. 

What Can You Find in Envigado 

Safer than Medellín, Envigado has some great neighborhoods for tourists. 

Check out El Dorado, full of small businesses, houses, markets and shops along its narrow streets. Downtown or Central Envigado will make you forget all about Medellín, and Northern Envigado’s fine dining and entertainment district has some of the best restaurants in town. 

Casa Museo Otraparte

Casa Museo Otraparte is a house, museum, and garden located in what was once the house of local poet and philosopher Fernando González. It’s a great place to chill and enjoy a coffee. 

Address: Avenida Fernando, Cra. 43A #27A Sur 11, Envigado, Antioquia

Arenales Hill

A great trip for athletic tourists looking to get some exercise, a hike up the forested Arenales Hill leads to La Catedran and the Angel Waterfall. 

Make sure you’re in good shape – the hike is a bit strenuous! 

Las Piedritas House

You’ll need to investigate Las Piedritas house yourself. If I tell you too much about it, you’ll miss out on all the fun and magic of this “house.” So, just be friendly and curious to see whatever mysteries this place contains! 

Address: Cl. 40 Sur #31-1, Envigado, Antioquia

The best time to visit Envigado is in December. The town is decked out in delightful Christmas decorations. Take some time and stay a while in the main square, sipping on a drink and enjoying a chat with friends, family, or even locals. 

What to Eat on Envigado

There are without a doubt some amazing restaurants in town. I recommend trying out the restaurants in Calle de la Buena Mesa, a couple of square blocks full of amazing restaurants. 

Two recommendations of mine are: 

• Antonio’s Gelato & Cafe Address: Cl. 31 Sur #43A-81, Envigado, Antioquia   
• Burro Pizzería Address: Cra. 42 #40 d sur 58, Envigado, Antioquia

Don’t miss Envigado! 

Envigado has so many different activities, moods, and places that it would be a shame to miss! Take a break from Medellin and check out this safe, calm, but nonetheless exciting place. 
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