Laureles is becoming an increasingly popular option for visitors and those looking to settle in Medellin. Prices are lower, the area has all of the basic amenities needed, it is generally very safe and there is more of a community feel to the neighborhood.
Laureles is clearly a nice, sensible option but is it fun and is there enough to keep you busy?
I have lived in Colombia for almost 15 years and after almost a decade in Poblado, I made the move back to Laureles recently. In this article, I will share some of my top recommendations and my favorite things to do in Laureles.
1. Experience the passion and energy of ‘clasico’ at the Atanasio Girardot Stadium
📍 Calle 48 # 73 -10, Laureles – Estadio
Football is huge in Colombia and Medellin has two of the most popular teams in the country. You can choose to support the green and white striped “kings of the cups” Atletico Nacional or the red and blue “powerful” Deportivo Independiente Medellin (DIM for short).
The stadium is situated close to Estadio metro station at the end of the lively 70 street. You can buy tickets online or on the club apps, at club stores or at the stadium. The derby between the two is particularly intense.
Until you are familiar with attending games, I would avoid the “popular” sections of the stadium in the North and South tiers as this is where the most hardcore fans are. An amazing experience everyone will enjoy, whether you care about football or not.
Price: Prices vary depending on the game but expect to pay between 30,000 COP (US$7.30) for the North and South stands up to 115,000 COP (US$27) for the upper tier of the covered Eastern stand.
Why I like it:
- An amazing atmosphere with up to 45,000 fans singing, jumping and playing instruments for 90 minutes
- A chance to enjoy good continental football at one of the country’s best stadiums
- The perfect way to connect with the community by sharing the national obsession
Atletico Nacional Ticket Website
2. Test yourself and have fun at El Muro indoor rock climbing
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📍 Cq. 73A #38-82, Laureles – Estadio
Whether you are an enthusiastic beginner or an experienced climber, El Muro Sports Climbing Center will be a great place to spend the afternoon. You can pay to climb for the day, go for a guided session with an instructor or pay for a full month’s worth of classes.
The center has been open for 20 years and is a great place to improve your physical conditioning and test yourself.
Price: A day’s climbing costs 28,000 COP (US$6.80) or 33,000 COP (US$8) with an instructor. It is 174,000 COP (US$42) for a full month or 400,000 COP (US$97) for a month’s tailored plan with a personal trainer.
Why I like it:
- A fun and challenging afternoon activity
- It is also a really intense workout which can improve your strength, agility and balance
- Great chance to make new friends and become part of a supportive, active community
3. Enjoy sweet and savory treats at Crepes and Waffles
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📍 Tv. 39B #73b-60, Laureles – Estadio
Crepes and Waffles has grown to become an important Colombian institution. The restaurant has a policy of offering training, employment and good working conditions for single mothers and the service is always of an exceptional quality. You really feel the staff are happy to be there and are a proud part of the organization.
The food is of a consistently very good standard and prices are very reasonable. You can enjoy breakfast, a savory crepe, a pita, a sweet crepe or a delicious ice cream. The Laureles branch is very nice and always popular. A great place for family lunch or a relaxed afternoon meal.
Price: Prices range from 10,000 COP (US$2.50) to around 30,000 COP (US$7.30) with most dishes at the lower end.
Why I like it:
- Always excellent, friendly and professional service
- Delicious and affordable savory options
- Really nice ice creams cones or larger, more elaborate desserts
https://crepesywaffles.com/ubicaciones/laureles
4. Eat some delicious food and spend a relaxing afternoon with charming feline company at La Gatoria
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📍 Cra. 80C #33-84, Laureles – Estadio
La Gatoria is a cafe in Laureles filled with sweet, playful cat residents as well as great coffee, high-quality food and tasty desserts. You must book in advance to reserve your place and the establishment has strongly upheld rules, to ensure the cats are comfortable and happy.
It is a really nice, relaxing place to spend the afternoon and reservations at the weekend are highly in demand.
Price: 20,000 – 25,000 COP (US$5-US$6) booking fee to be paid in advance which is taken off the final bill. Lunch with drinks can come to around 50,000 COP (US$12) per person.
Why I like it:
- Delicious food and desserts
- Cute, friendly cats who love to play and are very well cared for
- Great place to take the family and a popular spot for sharing on Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/lagatoriacatcafe/?hl=en
5. Work out AnimalX
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📍 Av. 80 #34b-31, Laureles – Estadio
I have been a member of most of the gym chains in Medellin at some point but for me by far the best option is Animal X.
There are a range of membership options which can include a single day up to a set number of sessions per month to a full monthly membership. You don’t have to pay to join and you are not committed beyond what you pay for.
They have an area dedicated to cardio with running machines but most of the space is used for hourly circuit training with multiple instructors who give guidance and support. You really feel the support of everyone else in your class and they push you to make the most of the hour. The circuit includes machines, free weights and a good range of activities. Classes run from 5am to 10pm and you just arrive at the time that is most convenient.
Price: The price per day is 15,000 COP (US$3.65), a full month is 167,000 COP (US$40) and 15 entries per month cost 110,000 COP (US$26).
Why I like it:
- The encouragement and support from the trainers pushes you to complete a high intensity work out
- There is a great atmosphere and it feels like you are part of a team during sessions
- Animal X provides a semi-personal training experience with a lot of flexibility at a good price
6. Enjoy a relaxing and rejuvenating afternoon at Amatsu Spa
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📍 Carrera 80 # 34-67, Laureles – Estadio
Amatsu Spa offers a wide range of options including massages, therapies, full-day options and aesthetic treatments including facial cleansing and botox. Prices are very reasonable and it can be a great place to spend the afternoon with friends or your partner.
Packages often include massages, a range of therapies such as volcanic rock, time in the jacuzzi and a glass of wine.
Price: Prices range from 110,000 COP (US$25) for a full massage up to 350,000 COP (US$85) for four hours of massages and treatments.
Why I like it:
- They have very talented and experienced professionals providing good treatments
- The space is relaxing and you leave feeling completely refreshed
- It is a great option to spend a romantic afternoon with your partner
7. Stretch, recharge and make friends at Flying Tree Yoga
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📍 Transversal 39a #71-85, Laureles – Estadio
Flying Tree Yoga offers multiple daily classes in both English and Spanish for a range of experience levels. They aim to bring together people from a range of cultures and backgrounds through yoga.
As well as offering classes, they also have accommodation and a 200-hour teacher training course for those who wish to become certified.
Price: Options from 25,000 COP per class up to 170,000 COP for an unlimited monthly pass
Why I like it:
- It is a great place to make new friends from Colombia and around the world
- They have highly trained and experienced instructors
- The spaces are perfectly designed to help you to relax and focus your energy
https://www.flyingtreeyoga.com/english
8. Swim outdoors for free at the Medellin Aquatic Complex
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📍 Carrera 72 # 48-100, Laureles – Estadio
INDER (The Institute of Sports and Recreation in Medellin) is the location government organization that manages the public sports facilities, classes and competitions. They do an incredible job in ensuring people all over the city can enjoy sports and work out for free using the high-quality amenities across Medellin.
The Atanasio Girardot is the home of the city’s biggest football stadium but also has basketball courts, a skate park, two further football fields, a baseball stadium, a gym and an Olympic-sized swimming pool. All of these sports facilities can be rented on the INDER website and the pool can be used free of charge.
Price: Free of charge
Why I like it:
- The pool is a full olympic size, carefully managed and well maintained
- With Medellin’s near perfect year round weather, it feels great to go for a swim outdoors
- The pool is popular and open late into the evening, a great way to start or end the day
9. Try all of the local favorites at Medellin institution Mondongos Restaurant
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📍 Cra. 70 # c 3 – 43, Laureles – Estadio
Mondongos has been one of Medellin’s most recognizable and popular restaurants since it opened back in 1976. The Laureles brand was the first to open, followed by a second in Poblado in 1995. The restaurant was named after Mondongo soup, a local dish made from diced tripe which is slow-cooked with chicken or beef, cilantro and vegetables.
The restaurant has a dedicated local clientele with a growing number of foreign visitors also looking to try the local classics. It is a great place to try Bandeja Paisa and the service is always superb.
Price: Prices for local dishes range from 20,000 COP (US$5) to 40,000 COP (US$10).
Why I like it:
- Consistently excellent and highly professional service
- A great place to try classic Colombian dishes in a famous local restaurant
- Reasonable prices and a very typical Paisa experience
https://www.mondongos.com.co/medellin-mondongo-s-la-70/36/1283/cod1/
10. Help a local community and enjoy some amazing coffee at Rituales Cafe
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📍 Cq. 74A #39b-22, Laureles – Estadio
Rituales is a small cafe which has become a center for coffee aficionados and local baristas. As well as providing a delicious cup of coffee in a beautiful setting, the company also has a strong focus on supporting the community up in the hills of La Sierra. They offer hot and cold coffee options and it has been described as the best coffee in the city.
La Sierra is a neighborhood to the east of the city which has suffered from poverty and historically felt the impact violence and instability. Rituales have been working with locals to produce coffee in this region of the city and play an active role in the ongoing transformation. They sell the coffee in their cafe but you can also buy it online here.
Price: Drinks prices range from 7,000 COP (US$1.70) to 12,000 COP (US$3) with food options around 20,000 COP (US$5) to 25,000 COP (US$6).
Why I like it:
- Amazing hot and cold coffee
- Really tasty desserts and great healthy lunch options
- A project that is having a positive and important impact on the local community
11. Half-price cinema on Wednesdays at Cine Colombia
📍 Calle 9 Sur #32-269, El Poblado, Medellín
All tickets are available at a 50% discount at Cine Colombia on Wednesdays across the country. This turns an affordable outing to an absolute bargain and there are some very good cinemas in Laureles.
Unicentro Mall is in the heart of Laureles while Los Molinos is also very close, just across into Belen on La 80. There is also a Royal Films cinema close to the stadium which doesn’t offer the 50% discount but generally has very low prices.
Price: Prices on Wednesdays are 10,500 COP (US$2.50) until 5pm and then from 8pm to midnight, from 5pm to 8pm an adult costs 12,100 COP (US$3).
Why I like it:
- The cinema’s in Colombia are very modern, comfortable and well-maintained
- Most films are available with original English audio with Spanish subtitles (subtitulado) or dubbed into Spanish (dublado) – checking the cinema listings.
- Perfect option on a rainy day or if you want enjoy some media in English
https://www.cinecolombia.com/medellin/multiplex/unicentro-medellin
12. Tuck into some delicious, high-quality, Argentine beef at La Pampa Parrilla
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📍 Tv. 39 #76-41, Laureles – Estadio
The restaurant offers really high-quality ingredients, simply and expertly prepared. La Pampa Parrilla specializes in beef cuts while the ribs, hamburgers and pasta dishes are also very popular. Add some delicious wine and it is the perfect recipe for a fun, filling afternoon of amazing food.
Prices are quite steep for Laureles but the quality is consistently good.
Price: Pasta dishes are around 40,000 COP (US$9.75) while the classic Argentine mains range from 50,000 COP (US$12) up to 136,000 COP (US$33) for a 900 gram mixed grill.
Why I like it:
- Really high-quality meat perfectly prepared
- A comfortable but classy, sophisticated feel to the restaurant
- Good service with live music and a candle-lit setting in the evenings
13. Party at Jennylao, the best Afro-Colombian club in Medellin
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📍 Carrera 70 #C2-34, Laureles – Estadio
The 70th Street has dozens of bars and clubs which are worth exploring but one I would recommend is Jennylao. The club is nicely designed with tables and booths facing towards the dance floor downstairs and an open second floor overlooking the action.
The club is inspired by and celebrates the predominantly Afro-Colombian community from the Pacific coast of Colombia, with the original Jennylao club opening in Quibdo, Choco. Many visitors to the club are originally from that area of Colombia, looking to enjoy and celebrate Afro-Colombian culture. The music is lively and energetic with everyone dancing all night.
Price: There is a cover charge to enter but drinks prices are reasonable. They often have 2 for 1 deals on bottles of local spirits such as rum or aguardiente.
Why I like it:
- Great energy and a lively community feel
- A really nice opportunity to enjoy and celebrate music from all over Colombia and the Caribbean
- Affordable drinks places in a very nice club
https://www.instagram.com/jennylaomedellin/?hl=en
14. Play beach volleyball
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📍 Cra. 74 #178, Laureles – Estadio
The Atanasio Girardot Sports Complex also has a number of beach volleyball courts just outside the stadium. It is possible to rent these courts for free directly from INDER or you can join one of the clubs that play competitively.
Price: Free of charge to rent with membership costs to play competitive games
Why I like it:
- A really fun, challenging team sport
- Medellin has everything but a beach so this is as close as you will get
- Nice facilities and completely free of charge with a reservation
https://www.instagram.com/diamantevoleyplaya/
15. Salsa at Son Havana
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📍 Carrera 73, Av San Juan #44-56
Son Havana is one of the best salsa bars in the city. The famous venue sits one block from San Juan on Carrera 73 with great live musicians and enthusiastic dancers enjoying the great vibes all night.
A real classic traditional venue where you can enjoy some of the best music ever made with passionate local fans. The space is quite tight with chairs and tables filling the room but the cozy atmosphere is all part of the fun.
Price: They offer free salsa classes on Wednesdays and prices are very reasonable for local beers (Aguila, Club Colombia, Pilsen) and spirits (Ron Caldas or Ron Viejo de Medellín and Aguardiente).
Why I like it:
- Amazing musicians playing some of the greatest salsa ever made
- A close community of salsa lovers of come to dance all night
- Foreign visitors are made welcome and encouraged to learn to dance
16. Naturalia Café
📍 Cq. 3 #70-39, Laureles – Estadio
Naturalia has a very tasty, reasonably priced menu with great baked goods and pizzas. The space is beautiful and they have a huge space in the back for events such as movie nights, live model drawing, live music and ping pong tournaments.
Popular dishes include homemade breads and pizzas, brownies and healthy vegetarian lunch options.
Price: Lunch options start from just 10,000 COP (US$2.50) with visitors typically spending around 25,000 COP (US$5) each at the restaurant.
Why I like it:
- A beautiful space which is very comfortable and well-designed
- Great food at affordable prices
- Regular interesting, cultural events held at the venue
https://www.instagram.com/naturaliacafe/?hl=en
17. Panorama Rooftop Bar
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Panorama offers a fun, relaxing escape with a strong menu of Latin American fusion dishes plus a good range of drink options including sangria and cocktails.
A really nice atmosphere with DJs at the weekend, it is a great place for a fun date or to hang out with friends.
They also have brunch available on Sundays.
Price: Most food options range from 30,000 COP (US$7) up to 55,000 COP (US$13) with cocktails between 40,000 COP (US$10) and 50,000 COP (US$12).
Why I like it:
- A really nice space surrounded by trees up above the busy street
- Great food with lots of tasty seafood options
- A good range of delicious, well-prepared cocktails
https://panoramarooftopbar.negocio.site/
18. Enjoy authentic Korean food at Oppa Asado Coreano
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📍 Cl. 40 #73-108, Laureles – Estadio
Oppa Asado has an experienced Korean chef and owner who prepares excellent, really authentic food. Some of their most popular dishes include Bulgogi (thin slices of barbecue cooked beef, pork or chicken), samguopsal (barbecued pork belly), bokkeumbap (fried rice with sauce and vegetables) and galbi (barbecue pork ribs).
They also have great ramen and a good range of beers available.
Price: Prices for mains range from around 15,000 COP (US$3.65) to about 25,000 COP (US$6).
Why I like it:
- Really good quality and truly authentic Korean food
- The staff are friendly and the small restaurant has a nice intimate feel
- Very competitive prices and a real change from typical Colombian food
19. Play SNES and N64 with your mates at Game Over Arcade Bar
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📍 Tv. 39B #75 25 Int 201 sector, Laureles – Estadio
Game Over is a great place to have fun on a date, to hang out with friends or take the children. When making a reservation you confirm the number in your party and you choose your games system with options ranging from the original Nintendo, up to the Super Nintendo, the N64, PS1, PS2 and Xbox 360.
They have a well-stocked bar, tasty desserts and gourmet fast food options. They also have a good range of arcade cabinets to enjoy. Game Over also hosts events and competitions on their classic consoles.
Price: Most food costs around 30,000 COP (US$7.30), beers are around 10,000 COP (US$2.50) and video game-themed cocktails are 30,000 COP (US$7.30).
Why I like it:
- Great nostalgia-filled fun with friends
- Really good burgers and snacks
- Nice cocktails and sangria available
20. Experience the art and music of the nearby Comuna 13
Comuna 13 may be just outside of Laureles but given it is less than 10 minutes by taxi or a couple of stops on the metro, I am including it!
This neighborhood was once the most dangerous area of Medellin but it has been rejuvenated by the local community which has used art, music and culture to transform perceptions. The government installed the world’s first urban escalator network to help locals climb the steep hills and the area has become a shining example of what is possible.
You can get a guided tour of the graffiti across the neighborhood, listen to rappers improvise rhymes about those passing, enjoy some breakdancing and then grab a drink overlooking the city.
Price: During the day it is possible to visit the area without any problem and there are many guided tours available.
Why I like it:
- It is impactful and interesting to hear from locals about the difficult times and how things have improved
- The art, music and dance is incredibly impressive
- Towards the end of the day, DJs play in the small bars overlooking the city and it is a great place to grab a beer
https://colombia.travel/es/medellin/graffiti-tour