Medellín · Nightlife

The El Poblado blocks around Parque Lleras and Calle Provenza hold the densest run of bars, rooftops and clubs in the city and by far the highest proportion of foreigners. Busiest Thursday to Saturday; expect cover charges, persistent touting, and prices several times what the rest of Medellín pays.

The city's dedicated electronic-music room, running since 2014 at Cl 10 #40-30, with a serious sound system and international techno bookings most weekends. Doors are late and the crowd is there for the booking rather than the view, which makes it the antidote to the Lleras rooftops.

The strip beside the Atanasio Girardot stadium is where Medellín actually drinks: plastic chairs on the pavement, open-fronted bars, salsa and vallenato and reggaetón competing with each other. Estadio metro station puts you at one end, and a beer costs a fraction of El Poblado.

Rooftops are the city's signature night out, and the official city guide counts them in Provenza, Perpetuo Socorro, Manila, Comuna 13, Manrique and Calasanz. Some are restaurants that slide into a dance floor, some have pools and live music at weekends; which side of the valley you choose changes the view completely.

The painted open-sided chiva buses run night circuits with a band on board and aguardiente included — touristy, but a real local tradition and a decent first night. However the night ends, use a ride-hailing app rather than a street taxi, and do not walk back up to El Poblado from the centre.