Things to Do at Night in Medellin

a view of the botero square at night

When I first stepped foot in Medellin, I realized that despite being a city dedicated to green tourism, it’s no slouch when it comes to its nightlife, in fact, going out at night is a must.

Whether you’re a party soul looking for wild nights out or just want to take a tour and enjoy the city lights, you’re bound to find plenty of hidden gems just around the corner.

I don’t blame you if you don’t want to search through the city and just want to go straight to the fun, that’s why I’m revealing to you the ultimate guide of things to do at night in Medellin

Having boring nights in Medellin is impossible, as there is no shortage of things to do.

Treat Yourself for Some Dinner

If it’s dinner time and you would prefer to delight your taste buds with some haute cuisine, there are many incredible places near your hotel or Airbnb that prefer to open their doors after 6 pm. 

Whether you prefer to snack on something or end the day with a good meal, I’m sure you’ll find your favorite flavors in Medellin. Here are a few of my top spots to have a bite.

Abbiocco by Carmen

some ingredients to prepare italian food

One of the most exclusive and popular restaurants in the city for its proposal to fuse Italian flavors with traditional Colombian ingredients and recipes that will certainly leave you wanting to savor every last crumb.

It’s located in the heart of El Poblado, so any local you ask will give you a good review of their signature dishes. If you’re a picky eater like me, you’ll be more than happy to try their exotic combinations.

My favorite meal was the “Fideua de la huerta”, crispy thin pasta, asparagus, mushrooms, aubergine, mushrooms brodo, and tomato petals.

Address: Cra. 38 #9a-13, El Poblado, Medellín, Antioquia

Olivia Pizzeria Laureles

delicious pizza broken into several pieces

Who doesn’t crave pizza for dinner once in a while? In Medellin there are thousands of places to have a slice, however, I bring this hidden gem to you for a reason, in Olivia you’ll find the most delicious pizzas with that glorious stretchy cheese.

If Italian food isn’t your thing, you can make your own pizza with the crust thickness of your choice and by adding fresh, high quality ingredients.

They have locations in the El Poblado and Laureles neighborhoods.

Other than that, its soothing and chill atmosphere makes this place one of the best spots to meet with friends and hit for a social gathering. 

Address: Av. 74B #39-46, Laureles, Medellín, Antioquia

Madelo

ice cream trays of all flavors

Then, for dessert. Head out to Madelo, certainly a spot to check out if you love ice cream, milkshakes, frozen yogurt, and sweet bites like me.

Their ice cream flavors and chocolatey creations are changing from time to time, so you’ll never get bored of their variety of treats. Having a sweet moment after dinner is something no one would turn down!

Address: El Tesoro Parque Comercial Local 3723, Medellín, Antioquia

Burn up the Dance Floor

Put on your dancing shoes – having a wild night out is no problem in Medellin, there is a corner for every musical taste.

One of the most well-known party spots is La 70, a street where you can find restaurants, bars, and nightclubs open from early the afternoon until the wee hours of the morning.

Throughout this area of the city, you can get ready to throw a party by yourself at the liquor stores that offer lower-than-usual prices, or spice things up with colorful cocktails while you wait for your pals at any quiet bar.

This party street is very comfortable and pleasant, perfect for those expats who are still learning Spanish.

Now, if you’re experienced enough, or you’re looking for a genuine paisa experience, then La 33 should be your choice. Salsa, merengue, vallenato, reggaeton, dembow, rancheras, and much more, even for those who have two left feet.

The style of this place is very popular among tourists for the music, food, and entertainment straight from Colombia.

As always, there are some other more exclusive party spots such as Barrio Colombia or Las Palmas, which although a bit more pricey, are worth a visit.

LaZotea Rooftop Bar

If you want the night to be really intense, the atmosphere at LaZotea is perfect for boogie on the dancefloor in the company of one of Colombia’s most popular drinks, aguardiente.

The temperature rises with urban and crossover music, just what the locals call “perreo intenso“. 

Address: Cra. 37a #8-59 2° Piso, El Poblado, Medellín, Antioquia

Chiva Rumbera Tour

chiva rumbera with its lights on

The Chiva Rumbera sounds interesting as well as intriguing, the truth is that I could not believe it when I knew that it’s actually a night bus tour of the city, adorned with party decorations, lights, and even a crystal ball, like a mobile dance floor.

By far, it’s one of the most fun things to do at night, not only because it’s a unique experience, but also because it’s a fun way to get to know the most popular parks in Medellin, some of the most visited in this type of events are:

  • Puente de la 4sur
  • Avenida El Poblado
  • Parques del Rio
  • Parque de las Luces
  • Pueblito Paisa
  • Parque del Poblado
  • Parque de los Pies Descalzos

There are a lot of agencies that offer you to choose which places in the city you want to visit and celebrate your birthday or bachelor party, many of them include music, shows, and drinks. 

Medellin Night Tour

Surely you’ll find many agencies that offer different types of tours around the city, many of them take you on a special transport to areas such as markets, restaurants, and popular parks in the city to have a night full of flavors and experience the traditional paisa life.

Viewpoints, nightclubs, and other tourist sites will give you another point of view of Medellin and the potential for hours of fun that a night out will give you.

You can also join the free walking tours with other expats. The best thing about these kinds of meetings is that they’re totally free, and usually there is a guide who speaks fluent English and advises you on the best places to visit.

Shopping

girl with many bags after a day of shopping

If you’re a shopaholic like me, shopping will be one of the first things you cross off your to-do list. 

From thrift stores to designer clothes, finding what you need is not as difficult as it seems. In fact, one of the local’s favorite pastimes is window shopping in the malls while eating ice cream.

Another interesting fact is that Medellin is considered one of the main cities that most promotes the textile and clothing industry in the country, becoming a convention center for important fashion events such as Colombiatex.

Other than that, If you’re looking for some Colombian fashion, I would recommend you to visit some malls such as:

  • Santafé Mall
  • El Tesoro Mall
  • Viva Mall

Parque de Las Luces

lights on in the park of lights

It’s an iconic spot of Medellin very frequented by locals and tourists, mostly during the Christmas season. More than 300 columns of light that simulate the phases of the moon make this a very common place for photographers and architecture lovers to spend the afternoon capturing the magic of this place.

Of course, the best time to visit this park is after 6 pm, when you can enjoy this beautiful place and get some spectacular pictures.

This was once one of the largest markets in Medellin, as it is located in the heart of the city, however, this is no longer the case and that is why we can enjoy this beautiful night light show now.

Around the park, you’ll also find the buildings El Carré, El Vásquez, and the library of the public companies of Medellin, which also adorn with their dim lights this nocturnal landscape that leaves anyone speechless. 

Address: Parque De Las Luces, La Candelaria, Antioquia

Parque Arví

arvi park lake view

I never imagined I could be so close to the city and still feel like I was in a forest a thousand of kilometers away from civilization. In the Arví Park they take advantage of the calm and beauty of nature in the moonlight.

For this holiday season, the park has prepared an event with a movie night and a night walk through the forest, obviously accompanied by a guide who will tell the ancestral history of the park and its natural attributes.

Then you’ll have to prepare dinner at the campfire and warm up with some hot chocolate and marshmallows. Then you can lie under the stars in your tent and fall asleep to the silence of the night.

In addition to this incredible experience in the park, you will have access to the museum and butterfly farm. It’s definitely an experience worthwhile, and even more so when Christmas is approaching.

Even at other times of the year, the park offers activities like these to the public and guided night tours of the park, so you should check their website from time to time to be aware of their upcoming events.

Address: Via a Piedras Blancas, Medellín, Antioquia

Botanical Garden

Getting some fresh air or taking a walk through the peaceful nature trails of the botanical garden is also an activity you can enjoy at night. Most of them are free activities, so you have nothing to worry about. 

This is one of my favorite activities, being totally suitable to go with your family or friends and enjoy the lights of a more natural environment or just stay thinking in the dark.

Each month, the garden organizes one or two night activities, most of them for a reasonable price.

I was able to participate in the flashlight tour, where the guide showed us all the secrets of the rainforests and the insects that inhabited them. Without a doubt, an incredible plan to spend a Saturday night enjoying the plants and wildlife that live in the park.

Address: Cl. 73 #51d-14, Aranjuez, Medellín, Antioquia

Movie Nights in The City

popcorn packets

Instead of spending all night on the couch watching Netflix, you can spend the afternoon at the cinema watching movies on the big screen, munching on some popcorn or nacho cheese, and drinking slushies until you burst.

Most groups of friends or couples decide to take the whole evening and night off to jump from room to room watching all the movies available.

Lucky for you, most movie theaters in Medellin have evening shows from 6 pm to 9:45 pm and sometimes until 10 pm.

Usually, you’ll find the most popular movie theaters in the largest malls of the city, some of the most well known are:

  • Cine Colombia
  • CineMark
  • Royal Films 
  • Cinepolis

Weekday Nights 

It’s been a tough week and you’re looking for a way to release stress? Take a mid-week getaway to treat yourself and enjoy the tons of activities that Medellin has prepared for its guests.

Some are totally free, perfect for those looking to save some money on the trip, others just need some exercise and willpower to lose some calories gained from eating some extra dessert and bandeja paisa.

Go Watch a Play

shadow reflection of three actors

Another of my favorite activities is spending the night at a theater enjoying my favorite shows. Whether you like drama or comedy or prefer something more complex like opera, you can find something that suits you and your tastes.

Fortunately, there are many weekday evening performances, however, I highly recommend getting your tickets in advance, as these types of plays are very popular with expats in Medellin.

Unleash your love for plays at any of the city’s public theaters, but don’t forget that there are some other hidden gems where you can enjoy a cup of coffee and live music while you get caught up in some of Medellin’s theatrical art.

Some of the best known theaters in the city are:

  • Pequeño Teatro de Medellín
  • Teatro Metropolitano José Gutierrez Gomez
  • Teatro Pablo Tobón Uribe
  • Teatro Lido
  • Teatro Universitario Camilo Torres
  • Teatro de la Universidad de Medellín 
  • Teatro Prado El Águila Descalza

Take an Art Tour Through Medellin Museums

In Colombia, they have the habit of promoting museum nights, and some host important events such as new exhibitions or well known artists who have a place in the world of urban art in Medellin. 

Many of the museums in Medellín even offer discounts on entrance tickets if you go at a certain time or on Sunday nights.

Whether you want to tour the halls of the city’s museums on your own or you prefer to receive a guided tour, I assure you that this is one of the best ways to spend the night if you’re not a party soul or prefer indoor activities.

Check for upcoming events at museums near you, as these evening tours are often part of a program rather than regular museum hours.

These are the museums you can’t miss spending the night at:

  • Museo San Pedro 
  • Museo de Antioquia
  • Museo del Agua EPM
  • Museo de Arte Moderno de Medellín
  • Museo Pedro Nel Gomez

Take Part in the Night Bike Ride

some people and children using the bike path

After the pandemic, the night bike rides are back, so it’s time to drop those extra pounds and ride your bike around town.

Currently, you can take this tour on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 7 pm to 9:30 pm at the Atanasio Girardot stadium and Avenida del Rio, so you can take the opportunity to come back from work or school while enjoying the city lights or just stroll around Medellin.

You can bring your own bike or rent one from the city’s EnCicla system, you just need a Civica card and register on the city’s public bicycle system website. Don’t forget you can also make memories on a motorcycle tour through Medellin.

Of course, many tourist agencies offer guided tours and even lend you a bike, which is a more suitable option to get to know the city with your family or friends without losing your way or ending up in the wrong places.

Website: https://encicla.metropol.gov.co/

Catch a Sunset and City Lights 

To do some late night hiking and enjoy a sunset in the mountains of the city, I recommend you make a 1 or 2 hour hike so as not to come back too late at night, as usually these mountains don’t have street lighting.

You can also choose to walk to one of the many viewpoints that Medellin has to offer, where at the top you will find restaurants and bars where you can have a cool drink while watching the night fall and thinking about life.

Other viewpoints full of lush greenery are the perfect place to have a picnic or set up your tent and spend the evening with your date or friends, no doubt it’s a good idea for a first date or popping the question

Some of the mountains where you can find beautiful night landscapes are:

  • Cerro El Picacho
  • Cerro Nutibara
  • Cerro de las Tres Cruces
  • Cerro El Volador 
  • Cerro La Asomadera

Pueblito Paisa

paisa village cathedral

I am a big fan of visiting Pueblito Paisa every Sunday and setting up my picnic set to have a nice view of the Medellin night at this high point of the city.

If I then find myself craving some snacks or looking for a good meal, I can find what I need in the nearby stores and cafes.

Right now at Christmas time, it’s a very busy place due to the lights, decorations, and Christmas events that are held in the place, so if what you want is a quiet time with your thoughts, I recommend you to visit this place during weekdays.

Go Bowling 

Another interesting idea for a first date or fun activity for a night out in Medellin is to test your skills in a game of bowling.

The most exclusive places offer you the full experience with delicious dishes to have for dinner after a couple of hours of play or an exotic cocktail bar to add some fun on the bowling lane.

Only a few venues are open until the wee hours of the morning – certainly, an option that will allow you to kick off a wild night. Some bowling centers that are open until 1 am are the start of a night out at La 70 or any other nightclub in the city.

My favorite place is Super Bowling, with more than 16 bowling lanes and an exclusive specialty cocktail bar, in addition to preparing some of the most delicious burgers in town.

Address: Cra. 27 #23 Sur-120, San Jorge, Envigado, Antioquia 

Bounce in Indoor Trampoline Fun Parks

trampoline park with balls inside

If you have children at home, trampoline parks are an excellent option to expend your little ones’ energy from noon to night.

These indoor parks are places where you can easily spend all day entertaining yourself with the dozens of rides and attractions, I just recommend you not to eat too much before you start doing pirouettes and somersaults in the air.

You’ll just need some non-slip socks and a strong stomach to withstand the bouncing and playing through the night.

The largest trampoline park in Medellin is Flying Squirrel, where they also hold a neon party on Fridays and Saturdays, for all ages with lights, colorful smokes, and live DJs.

Address: Piso 8, Los Molinos Centro Comercial, Medellín, Antioquia

Enjoy Medellin’s Thriving Nightlife

Medellin nightlife really has something for everyone, whether you want to spend a quiet night out or show off your dance moves on the dance floor, I’m sure you’ll find your ideal thing to do at night in Medellin after the sun goes down.

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