Poblado is the most popular neighborhood with foreign visitors and understandably so given there is so much to do. From bars, clubs and restaurants to children’s activities, shopping, outdoor spaces and kart racing you can have a lot of fun in Poblado.
Originally from the UK, I have lived in Colombia for almost fifteen years and I have spent much of that time in Poblado. After all that time I am still loving life in Medellin and these are some of my favorite things to do in Poblado.
1. Step back in time at El Castillo Museum
Ver esta publicación en Instagram
📍 Calle 9 Sur #32-269, El Poblado, Medellín
El Castillo was built by Jose Tobon Uribe in 1930 in the style of French castle Valle del Loire. The castle is filled with antiques and art dating back to the early twentieth century and is surrounded with beautifully maintained gardens that overlook the city.
It is the perfect place to take photos and enjoy a relaxing picnic in an amazing setting. A very unusual building that has become an important Poblado landmark.
The museum is open 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday and 10am to 5pm on the weekends.
Price: 20,000 COP (US$4.90) to visit the gardens and for a tour of the house or 17,000 COP (US$4.15) to just visit the gardens.
Why I like it:
- The castle is filled with beautiful art and furniture
- There is an amazing view over the city
- It is a nice place to walk and enjoy a relaxed afternoon
https://www.museoelcastillo.org/
2. Delight your taste buds at Mercado del Rio
📍 Cl. 24 #48-28, El Poblado, Medellín, El Poblado
Mercado del Rio is a converted warehouse which now includes restaurants and food stalls offering food, drinks and desserts from around the world.
The space was inspired by gastronomic delights such as El Mercado de San Miguel in Madrid and Chelsea Market in New York. There is huge variety and if you go with a group of friends you can each find exactly what you are craving.
As well as a nice range of delicious food, they also have live music and performances which add to the great vibe.
Price: Main courses from 15,000 COP (US$3.65) up to 60,000 COP (US$15) depending on the restaurant with a range of snacks, drinks and desserts available.
Why I like it:
- A wide range of international food options including Italian, Mexican, Thai, Chinese, Colombian and barbeque
- Live music and performers in the evenings which adds to the fun atmosphere
- Cocktails, wine and a good range of beers available as well as delicious ice creams and desserts
https://www.medellin.travel/mercado-del-rio/
3. Enjoy a Bubble Tea and Hong Kong waffles at Momotea
Ver esta publicación en Instagram
📍 Calle 185 No. 45 – 03. Santafe Mall, El Poblado
Momotea in Santa Fe mall offers the iconic sweet tea as well as waffles and iced drinks.
Bubble tea originates from Korea in the 1990s and features ‘boba’ which are like pearls made of yuca, a very popular Colombian ingredient. Milk is added and then there are a wide range of toppings such as syrup, jelly, fruit and brown sugar.
Mamotea also has Hong Kong waffles which are delicious with chocolate sauce and ice cream and Almond Smoothies for bubble tea lovers with dietary restrictions.
Price: 13,000 COP for a drink, 12,000 COP for a waffle with toppings and 15,000 COP for a waffle with a fruit tea.
Why I like it:
- Really tasty drinks that combine Asian recipes with good quality Colombian ingredients
- The waffles are amazing with chocolate and ice cream
- They also offer vegan, gluten-free and lactose-free variants
https://www.instagram.com/mimomotea/?hl=es
4. Overlook the lights of Medellin with cocktails at OS Mirador
View this post on Instagram
📍 Cl. 19a #27231 a 27-259, Medellín, Buenos Aires
Sitting in a deep valley surrounded by mountains, there are many places you can enjoy an incredible view in Medellin. OS Mirador is an excellent and conveniently located option.
Up above Poblado and close to the exit of the mountain tunnel you will take from the airport, this restaurant and bar has a great location. Lit only by candles on the tables, you get a perfect view of the whole city. They offer simple food options as well as cocktails, beers and sangria. Seating all faces out to the view with bean bags and sofas.
Price: Burgers are good and prices from 30,000 COP (US$7.30) to 35,000 COP (US$8.50) with cocktails 23,000 COP (US$5.60) and a large jar of sangria for 95,000 COP (US$23).
Why I like it:
- Amazing views over Medellin with fresh air high above the city
- Good value cocktails and really good sangria
- A good selection of tasty burgers
https://www.instagram.com/osmirador/?hl=en
5. Sing along to classic 80s and 90s hits at Pub Rock Lleras
View this post on Instagram
The incredible live band at Pub Rock play excellent covers of the biggest rock hits from the 80s and 90s in English and some in Spanish. The crowd is filled with regulars who are ready to sing along to every word as the band plays the hits.
The atmosphere is great, the music is loud, the drinks are fairly reasonably priced and they have decent food. A consistently fun night to be enjoyed with friends.
Price: Beers cost around 15,000 COP (US$3.60), cocktails are 30,000 COP (US$7.30) and food prices are from 25,000 (US$6) COP to 55,000 COP (US$13.40).
Why I like it:
- An incredible band playing excellent covers of beloved rock hits
- Decent prices on cocktails
- A great atmosphere with the crowd singing to all of the words
https://www.instagram.com/pubrocklleras/?hl=en
6. Have fun with friends and try to get out of the Enigma Escape Room
Ver esta publicación en Instagram
📍 Cl. 8 # 43A-89, El Poblado, Medellín, El Poblado
These are great fun as you and a group of friends have 60 minutes to decipher codes, search for clues and crack all of the mysteries to escape from the room.
The Poblado location has a revolution theme set in 1819 and you are tasked with liberating Colombia. It is located conveniently just one block from Parque Poblado.
Price: A game costs 45,000 COP (US$11) per person for 2 players, 40,000 COP (US$9.75) per person for 3 players and 35,000 COP (US$8.50) per person for 4 to 6 players.
Why I like it:
- A great way to spend an afternoon with friends
- Really challenging but also really rewarding (if you can escape!)
- When you get out you can take a great selfie with friends holding up funny signs in triumph
https://enigmamedellin.com/poblado/
7. Enjoy a cocktail with a spectacular view at the sophisticated Envy Rooftop
Ver esta publicación en Instagram
📍 Cl. 9A #37-16, El Poblado, Medellín
Envy is a rooftop bar at the top of the Hotel Charlee which is the tallest building in Parque Lleras. You have amazing views across Medellin at any time of the day with sunset particularly spectacular.
The bar has a great selection of cocktails, a good menu and the DJs are always very good at setting the mood. It is a great option to impress on a date or to hang out with friends and survey the city. A cocktail or two at Envy and then on to dance at a club is a perfect Saturday night recipe.
Price: Food is priced around 30,000 COP (US$7.30) to 50,000 COP (US$12) with cocktails around 35,000 COP (US$8.50) to 50,000 COP (US$12).
Why I like it:
- Amazing views of the city in the early evening
- Perfect way to stay your night out and enjoying great music
- Delicious cocktails and some tasty food
https://www.thecharlee.com/es/espacios/envy-roof/
8. Bounce and play at the Summit Trampoline Park
📍 Cl 10 #50-267, Guayabal, Medellín
Located just across the river from Poblado metro station, Summit Adventure Park is the perfect option for children to have fun and burn off some excess energy.
The huge space includes over 3,000 meters of fun activities including trampolines, ninja warrior assault course, free fall area, rotating wipeout obstacles, giant airbags, dodgeball, climbing walls, zip wires, trampoline basketball and many more activities.
Price: One hour costs 37,000 COP (US$9) and two hours is 50,000 COP (US$12).
Why I like it:
- A huge variety of activities for children to enjoy
- Lots of fun for a couple of hours
- Parents can relax and grab a coffee while their kids wear themselves out
9. Relieve all of your stresses of the day at the Akzara Spa
Ver esta publicación en Instagram
📍 Carrera 36 # 1 sur – 75, El Poblado
Akzara Thematic Spa offers relaxing massages and treatments in Hindu, Hawaiian and Egyptian themed rooms. The facilities are excellent with dedicated rooms for a range of treatments as well as jacuzzis and an outdoor pool.
You can select specific massages or treatments or go for a half day package which can include facial treatment, champagne, fruit, massage, body scrub and steam bath amongst other options.
Price: Massages and facials start at 130,000 COP (US$31) with full half day spa treatments going up to 730,000 COP (US$170) for the Golden Ritual option.
Why I like it:
- The massages are incredibly relaxing and can quickly relieve all of your tension
- Treatments are highly recommended
- Staff are friendly and professional with superb, relaxing facilities
10. Enjoy a taste of Japan at the Tamagotchi Ramen Bar
Ver esta publicación en Instagram
📍 Carrera 43b, Cl. 10 #12, El Poblado
Tamagotchi is a Japanese restaurant that specializes in ramen and that is perfectly situated in Provenza. The restaurant is heavily themed with all of the walls covered in Japanese pictures and cultural memorabilia.
The menu is not particularly large but they focus on what they do best and their ramen is very good. They also have Japanese beer, wine and desserts on offer.
Price: Most mains are around 30,000 COP (US$7.30) to 35,000 COP (US$8.50)
Why I like it:
- Really good quality and authentic ramen
- A fully committed and playful interpretation of Japanese style and culture
- Friendly staff and a nice atmosphere
https://www.instagram.com/tamagotchi_ramen_bar/
11. Experience some contemporary culture at the Museo de Arte Moderno
Ver esta publicación en Instagram
📍 Cra. 44 #19a-100, El Poblado, Medellín
The Medellin Museum of Modern Art was founded in 1978 and moved to Ciudad del Rio in 2015, with its new home a renovated former steel mill which dated back to 1938.
The museum includes modern and contemporary art from important Colombian and Latin American artists including Débora Arango, Beatriz González, Hernando Tejada, Bernardo Salcedo, Álvaro Barrios and Edgar Negret.
As well as showcasing some of the region’s most important works, it is also a meeting place for cultural and artistic projects. The museum is open Tuesday to Friday at 11am to 7pm and from 11am to 6pm on Saturdays, Sundays and national holidays.
Price: General entrance costs 20,000 COP (US$4) with discounts for students and over 60s.
Why I like it:
- The space has been beautifully renovated and provides a peaceful, inspirational backdrop
- The art on show is thought provoking and fascinating
- The museum has become an important cultural and artistic meeting place
12. Learn to salsa and bachata at one of the Dance Free group or private classes
Ver esta publicación en Instagram
📍 Cl 10A #40-27, El Poblado, Medellín
Dance Free hosts free salsa and bachata classes as well as language exchange events at their own venue and on the rooftop bar at Masaya Hostel. The dance teachers are enthusiastic and have a lot of experience. The free classes can get quite busy but it is a great way to learn some new steps (of your first steps) and meet new people.
They also offer private classes which can be booked most days from 9am to 9pm.
Price: You just need to bring ID to join up to one of the free salsa or bachata classes. Prices for private classes range from 55,000 COP (US$13.40) to 75,000 COP (US$18.27) per hour for a single person depending how many hours you book.
Why I like it:
- Great way to meet new people in a relaxed atmosphere
- The free classes really are free and provide a good way to learn the basics
- Teachers are all experienced and enthusiastic
13. Have a drink and enjoy some food in the park in Ciudad del Rio
📍 Cra 43G #24-20, Ciudad del Rio, Poblado
Ciudad del Rio is a very relaxing place to spend the afternoon outside. Pack a picnic or choose something from one of the local food trucks and spend an afternoon enjoying the sun with friends.
The park has activities for children, a skatepark and people bring their pets. It is walking distance down from Manila and Parque Poblado and it is a great place to meet locals and enjoy the sun.
Price: Free
Why I like it:
- It is a really nice relaxing place to spend the afternoon
- Reminds me of some of the big parks in London or New York in the summer with lots of people enjoy themselves in the sun
- A good variety of good quality options at the food trucks around the park
https://visitarmedellin.com/ciudad-del-rio/
14. Xtreme Carts
Ver esta publicación en Instagram
📍 Carrera 43a, Calle 7 Sur – 170, El Poblado
On the bottom floor of the Santa Fe mall is a really fun karting track which I would highly recommend. Surprisingly very few foreigners or Colombians seem to have found this place but I have been twice and it was great.
The track is challenging and it is a great place to race against your friends. Lap times are recorded as well as top speeds. In my experience you can arrive and then you should be able to schedule your race within an hour with helmets and a full briefing provided.
Price: Obligatory membership is 10,000 COP (US$2.45) and races cost 25,000 COP (US$6) for 5 minutes.
Why I like it:
- Great fun to race against friends and family
- The electric karts have fast acceleration and are fun to handle in the corners
- Staff are friendly and ensure safety for everyone taking part
https://www.santafemedellin.com/marca/xtreme-karts
15. Get yourself a bargain on phones and laptops at Monterrey Mall
Ver esta publicación en Instagram
Prices of imported electrical goods in most of Medellin’s malls will generally be above what you will find in the US and Europe. If you are looking for a new phone or laptop and you want a great deal then Monterrey is the perfect option.
Situated next to Poblado Station, Monterrey has hundreds of small stores offering new and refurbished technology. I always buy my phones and laptops here, taking advantage of the discounted rates for former display models. You can compare prices at multiple stores and then negotiate down to the best price.
Stores will provide guarantees for the products they sell and you can save a lot of money.
Price: New and refurbished laptops, cell phones, computers and a range of technology available from 50% reduced prices up to retail.
Why I like it:
- Prices are significantly lower than Santa Fe or El Tesoro Malls
- You can find newly released and previous editions at reduced prices
- It is possible to haggle and negotiate a really good deal when you find what you want
16. Sample some of the best local craft beers at the Metropole Beer Lab
Ver esta publicación en Instagram
📍 Cra 43C #9 – 03, El Poblado, Medellín
Located in the “craft beer corner” of the Manila area of Poblado, Metropole has a wide variety of local beers on tap or in bottles. You can order a sampler which has four small glasses, allowing you to try a range of local options and find your favorite.
The bar has a nice industrial style with a fun atmosphere and offers tasty pizzas if you want something to eat.
Price: Prices typically range from around 10,000 COP (US$2.45) to 15,000 COP (US$3.65) for most beers.
Why I like it:
- A really stylish industrial style to the bar
- An excellent range of tasty local beers on offer
- The opportunity to sample a number of options to find your favorite
https://www.instagram.com/metropole.beer/
17. Play Football in Manila
Ver esta publicación en Instagram
📍 Cra 43D #11-44, El Poblado, Medellín
Every neighborhood in Medellin has a range of synthetic 11 a side, 8 a side and 6 a side football pitches plus micro football and futsal courts. People love football and the sport is well supported by INDER who provide free access to facilities for communities all over the city.
Futbol en tu Ciudad is an initiative launched by foreigners and locals to arrange daily organized football games with the support of the local government. Participants can sign up on the website here and then secure the spot. Games often include paid high level semi-professional goalkeepers, referees and full game footage after the full time whistle with rented Veo cameras.
Every player registered can track their monthly performances on the website with wins, goals and win percentage recorded. At the end of the month players with the best scores win prizes. They also organize games with some of the stronger players against rival Colombian teams at La Marte 1 stadium.
Participants in games pay a little extra and all the money raised each game goes towards charity projects around the city.
Price: Between 5,000 COP (US$1.20) to 12,000 COP (US$3.60) depending on the game.
Why I like it:
- Great opportunity to make friends
- With the website recording results, there can be a sense of friendly competition
- It is a way to support local charities by having great fun
https://www.instagram.com/futbolentuciudad/?hl=en
18. Sunday Ciclovia
Ver esta publicación en Instagram
📍 Parque Poblado, Calle 10 Con Av. El Poblado
Every Sunday morning Poblado Avenue is closed for traffic and turned into a running and cycling track for locals and visitors to enjoy exercising in the sun.
The ciclovia runs from Parque Poblado south to Envigado and north to downtown Medellin. You can rent bicycles along the route, buy freshly squeezed orange juice and pets are very much welcome. It is great to see all sorts of people running, cycling, skating and walking on Sunday morning with their friends and families.
Price: Free
Why I like it:
- It is a fun physical challenge to run down to Envigado back on a Sunday morning
- The orange juice and fruit on sale is delicious and perfect to enjoy in the sun
- They often also have free dance and aerobics classes in front of Santa Fe and Oviedo malls
https://twitter.com/INDERMEDELLIN
19. Perro Negro
Ver esta publicación en Instagram
📍 Cra. 35 #7-83, El Poblado, Medellín
Medellin has become one of the global capitals of reggaeton and Perro Negro in Provenza, Poblado is probably the city’s best known reggaeton club. Global superstars including Bad Bunny, Karol G, Maluma and Feid have been seen at the club.
Perro Negro is always very busy and very lively. You enter down the stairs and the tight space is filled with people dancing. The dark red and blue lighting really sets the tone and the whole club will sing along to the music all night. You really do feel at the heart of one of the world’s biggest music scenes at this club.
Price: Entrance is around 35,000 COP (US$8) and prices for drinks are above Colombian average but still reasonable.
Why I like it:
- An increasingly famous club which still remains lively, energetic and authentic
- The club delivers the wild feel of an intense, underground reggaeton club
- It is great to feel at the heart of what is now a huge international musical movement
https://club-perro-negro.cluvi.co/club-perro-negro/reservar
20. Half price movies on Wednesdays at Cine Colombia
📍 Vizcaya Centro de Negocios Calle 10 # 32-115, Medellín, El Poblado
On every Wednesday at Cine Colombia, the country’s biggest chain of movie theaters, tickets are half price to see any film. Poblado has Cine Colombia cinemas at Oviedo mall, Santa Fe mall and Vizcaya, which is just a few streets up from Parque Lleras and Provenza.
Price: Cinema tickets at Vizcaya on Wednesday’s are just 5,400 COP (US$1.30) up until 5pm and then from 8pm to midnight. From 5pm to 8pm they are 6,200 COP (US$1.50).
Why I like it:
- All of the cinemas are very modern and well maintained with large screens
- Vizcaya in particular is exceptionally cheap
- They have all of the latest films with both Spanish dubbed and English audio with Spanish subtitled screenings
https://www.cinecolombia.com/medellin/multiplex/vizcaya