El Poblado, the most affluent area of Medellin, is the playground for the young, the well to do, and the international tourist crowd. Easily identifiable from anywhere in the city by the forest of high rise apartment buildings, El Poblado (the village) is a hub for nightlife, world class shopping, boutique shops, and fine dining.
There are several outdoor parks to enjoy including Parque Lleras, Parque Poblado, and Parque Centenario all of which can be visited day or night and provide the public with plenty of open air to enjoy the scenery.
Public consumption of alcohol is legal here and the drinking age is rarely enforced so you’ll find many locals and visitors alike enjoying cold beers or rum while chatting with friends in the park.
Parque Lleras is the nucleus of Medellin’s nightlife with dozens of bars offering patrons everything from dancing to discos to 3 for 1 drinks. A visit to Medellin is not complete without a trip to the heart of its party scene.
By day, the once packed bars are deserted and Zona Rosa takes on a whole new light. Clothing, jewelry, furniture and even lingerie boutiques can be found, as well as artists selling authorized replicas of Fernando Botero’s most famous works alongside their original pieces.
One thing that never fails to surprise visitors is the grandeur of the shopping malls in El Poblado. They certainly rival if not undoubtedly outdo some of the best shopping centers in the United States and Europe. Clean, modern and new with a mix of internationally recognized shops as well as brands exclusive to the country, South America’s Milan, as Medellin is known, does not disappoint even the most serious of shoppers.
Finally, to balance out the nightlife and shopping, take a visit to the culturally and architecturally impressive Castle Museum (Museo El Castillo). Built in the style of a French castle in the Loire Valley in the year 1930, Museo el Castillo was once the home to a wealthy landowner. In 1971 the home, furniture and artwork was donated by the second owner and can be toured by the public. Visitors are permitted to roam the French-style formal gardens.
The finca was unbelievable. The house was open-aired with hammocks hanging everywhere, sitting right atop a high bluff looking down at a valley and river, with steep rock cliffs and a waterfall behind you. The horses were young and eager to run (much different than the old sway backs you get at a dude ranch!), and the food there was wonderful. -Ashley E.
Hands down, the highlight of my trip to Colombia was my stay with Marcela and Noah at Su Casa Colombia. It is clear how much they love their country and their enthusiasm is contagious! I learned so much about the culture (especially the food!) and felt that my time spent there was truly unique and authentic...livin' like a local! Our trip to the finca and waterfall rappelling was crazy fun! I knew I was in good hands and it definitely rivals sky diving for the biggest adrenaline rush I've had. And let's not forget all the wonderful food we had thanks to the incredible staff at the finca. I can't wait to go back! Thank you Su Casa Colombia! -Joanna M.
