Medellin

Dance the Night Away

To Your Health

Colombians have a wild party spirit ingrained in their culture which influences many of the festivals and events that take place. Medellin is a great example of this vitality and is home to countless bars and clubs from up market dance palaces and restaurants to simple cantinas.

An essential part of Medellin nightlife includes the local liquors and other drinks that are sure to set your night on fire. As expected, the most popular beverage in Medellin is beer (Cerveza) with popular brands including Poker, Aguila, Club Colombia or a selection from local breweryTres Cordilleras. Cerveza is often chased down with licorice spirit Aguardiente, or a variety of rum (ron) including locally produced favorite Ron Medellín Añejo. To make your evening even more interesting, choose from the multitude of cocktails (cocteles) on offer. For a lighter experience, try out the Refajo that combines beer and a local soft drink.

The best districts in which to find a bar to your liking are Carretera Las Palmas, Pargue del Periodista, Parque Lleras (in El Poblado), and the area surrounding the Museo de Arte Moderno. Respected drinking holes for fans of bolero and tango include Salon Málaga,Bermellón, and Casa Gardeliana. For something simpler try out Niagara or go high-class and off-the-wall at Vinacure where you’ll experience design from a well-known national sculptor.

For those who want to boogie the night away, an impressive number of clubs will keep your dancing shoes moving all night long. Most clubs feature professional dancers on stage.Palmaia wins top nods for the nightclub experience in Medellin, while Kukaramakara is also a good choice. El Eslabón Prendido is one for the traditionalists, while The Set (formerlyCircus) is as much a place for the Medellin panorama as the music. Last but not least,Mangos sits highest in the pile for flamboyance with a blend of merengue, vallenato and salsa.

Table for Two

The experience of dining out with friends and family is big among the residents of Medellin. This is reflected in the wealth of options available with a strong representation of Italian and Spanish cuisine, together with Chinese, Cuban, Argentinean and many others. Colombian food is tasty and quite diverse taking its reference points from Europe and Africa. It‘s claimed that the common dish arepa (a stuffed, pancake like corn dish) was first created in Medellin, while tamales (stuffed, steamed or baked corn dough wrapped in leaves) are standard. The impressive array of fresh fruit in Medellin will provide you with a very juicy time.

In Medellin you’re likely to start your day with a breakfast of scrambled eggs and arepas orbuñuelos (fried corn flour balls). A deliciously filling lunchtime choice is sancocho de gallina(a substantial chicken soup), while potato, chicken and beef empanadas (pastries) are also popular. Other Medellin favorites include carne desmechada (shredded meat) and bandeja antioqueña, a filling dish that comprises cheese flatbreads, rice, beans, chicken, bacon and fried eggs.

Whether you go for local or international cuisine, there’s a host of well-priced restaurants with a plethora of choice in the Zona Rosa district. For excellent Italian food try Il Castello or Nino e Pastino, a favorite among tourists and locals alike. El Herbario is a fresh and cosmopolitan Spanish restaurant, while you should head down to El Cielo for a tapas adventure. One of the most highly-rated establishments in the city is La Provincia, which has a delicious Mediterranean fusion menu. Another good option is Restaurant Amelia which offers up Swiss fondue. For a more down-to-earth offering check out the Lion’s Den Sports Pub where you can catch a game or two.

Soak up the Culture

Show Time

You can enjoy an interesting show in Medellin during any evening of the week, with the scene focused on the entire spectrum of dance and music. Popular theaters include Teatro Lido (for established acts), Pablo Tablon Uribe (a specialist in dance), and Teatro Metropolitano de Medellin (traditional and classical music). An art-loving date will appreciate any performance you take her to. Colombians are huge football (soccer) fans and you can catch a match at the Atanasio Girardot Stadium.

To really make an impression, an even better option in Medellin is to participate in the fun yourself. You’re sure to find a willing partner for cumbia, salsa, tango or bolero at any of the many bars and clubs in Medellin. If you need a little practice, you can have a session at one of the many dance schools such as the Che Tango Dancing School or El Ultimo Café.

Take a Piece Back

The Colombian Peso is sure to serve up a few bargains and some beautiful souvenirs during your trip. There are plenty of gastronomic gifts to be found in Medellin such as high-quality coffee, local rum (Ron Medellin), andAguardiente. Be sure to check your country’s Customs regulations for allowed food items before you buy.

The shopping malls are plentiful and often located in buildings of historical significance. Go on a souvenir spree at El Tesoro Parque Comercial, Oviedo Centro Comercial or San Diego Centro Comercial. Here you’ll find a range of handcrafts and leather goods together with Medellin’s specialty, textiles.

Make it an Event

The most significant event in Medellin and surrounding Anitoquia is the week-long Festival of Flowers (La Feria de las Flores). An early August treat, it includes the Parade of Flower Carriers with old-fashioned cars, horses and other vehicles. Another event that shouldn’t be missed is the Christmas lights extravaganza of Los Alumbrados from December to January.

As expected, dance is an important part of the events calendar in Medellin, with theInternational Tango Festival held in June and the excitement of Tangovia taking place every month with live street dancing. Medellin also annually hosts the world-famous Poetry Festivalwhich attracts poets from far and wide.