As a mixologist with years of experience under my belt, I’m here to guide you through the Medellin gin and tonic tour, take advantage of being in one of the most biodiverse countries in the world and add some exotic fruits to your cocktail.

Does this sound like something you might like? Keep on reading to know everything you need about these drinks in Medellin!

What Gin and Tonic Is

Gin and tonic or gin tonic have two main ingredients: gin and tonic water. The drink is served with some ice cubes to give freshness to your drink. Some bartenders also add lemon or orange zest to give an acid touch to the preparation.

Over the years, many variations of this enigmatic drink have emerged.  For example, the Spanish add more ice and dressings, depending on the type of gin. The cocktail is served here in a ball cup or cognac cup. This difference in the cup allows you to appreciate the aromas. 

In other parts of the world, it is common to add juice or a slice of lemon. Mixologists don’t recommend this since citrus destroys the characteristic bubbles of the cocktail.

Just for clarification: Don’t confuse this drink with Tom Collins’ gin and tonic, which uses a sweeter gin called Old Tom.

Brief History of Gin and Tonic 

Believe it or not, the roots of this drink date back to the 1850s, when the British monarchy took over India. British officers frequently suffered from malaria and used quinine powder to prevent, treat and cure it.

Ingredients such as sugar, gin, and soda are added to the drink to sweeten the flavor. 

Currently, the recipe has crossed the seas and has been redesigned by chefs and mixologists around the world, reaching what we know today as gin and tonic.

Fruits, flowers, flavorings, and lots of ice, made this drink a must-try in restaurants and bars worldwide.

The San Francisco World Spirits Winner

The best gin and tonic drinks are right here in Medellin. Juniper, a luxury cocktail brand, started in the San Javier neighborhood, the birthplace of Juan David Zapata, an industrial engineer and bartender with more than ten years of experience.

In San Francisco, there is the World Spirits Competition. There is a big battle for the best spirits and alcohol-based products. Colombia received a double gold medal in the bottled classic cocktails category.

Juniper surpassed brands that have been doing Gin Tonic in England for over 200 years. This win was a massive surprise in the country!

Juan David Zapata currently holds the award for the best bartender of Colombia 2018 and is ranked as one of the ten best bartenders in the world.

Best Gin and Tonic Spots in Medellin

Now that you know more about this drink and its history, it’s time to stop by the best bars and restaurants in the city and delight your taste buds with the best gin and tonic. Let’s take a look a the top picks!

Ammazza Gin Garden

By far, the best spot for gin and tonics in the city.  You’ll want to stay not only for the gin and tonic but also for the chill vibes and good food. This restaurant is perfect for having a meeting with your friends or inviting a date out. 

There are three venues for this restaurant, all located in busy areas of the city:

• Ammazza Laureles
• Ammazza Indiana
• Ammazza Provenza

In addition to Italian haute cuisine, beers, wines, and spirits, they have an extensive menu specializing in gin and tonics.

This extensive menu can be a little overwhelming at first. However, if you don’t know what to order, I recommend asking the bartender. After answering a few questions, the bartender will suggest a cocktail that fits your palate.

A popular pick for the night is the Plymouth. The Plymouth is very balanced in smell and taste. The cocktail has English gin, accompanied by Coriander, orange, and lemon bark.

Website:https://ammazza.cluvi.co/

Address: Cra. 76 #73b – 39, Medellín, Laureles, Medellín, Antioquia

Sputnik Bar

Sputnik proposes a unique space in Medellin with a galactic atmosphere and a new experience to spend a night relaxing with all kinds of drinks offered on its menu.

If you like techno or electronic music, this is the right place. Some of the genres that attract the majority of customers are:

• EBM
• New wave
• Synth-pop
• Electro
• Post-punk
• Cold wave
• Aggrotech

The bar celebrates its happy hour with a local Dj named Watto.  Occasionally, they have small festivals or techno with no cover fee.  Be sure to check their social networks to know which artists will perform.

As for its gin and tonic menu, you’ll find other variations, such as Hendrick’s gin and tonic, a blend of Hendrick’s gin, tonic water, and three thinly sliced rounds of Cucumber.

Website: https://sputnikbar.co/

Address: Av. 33 #76-28, Laureles, Medellín, Antioquia

Get Your Gin and Tonic in Medellin

Whether you want to try a gin and tonic for the first time or dare to put some exotic fruit in your cocktail, Medellin is the perfect place for your gin journey.

Go and find the gin and tonic that best suits your style and taste. Have fun!

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Plus, the experience of drinking bubble tea in Colombia is different, as this has blended with the wide variety of fruits the country offers.

Are you craving some bubble tea? Then let me walk you through the best bubble tea spots in Medellin. Let’s jump in!

A Brief History of Bubble Tea 

Bubble tea emerged in Taiwan in 1990. Unfortunately, the name of the creator of the delicious drink isn’t known. 

This drink started as popular among teenagers and young people from all over Asia, then spread everywhere. Now you can find Bubble tea shops in every corner of the world. 

You’ll find different types of bubble tea that vary depending on the traditional ingredients of each country. Even in Taiwan, it was declared April 30th as the National Bubble Tea Day.

What’s In It?

There’s a wide variety of bubble tea! The drink has multiple  options, such as  different colors, flavors, and textures. The original consists of ‘boba’ or ‘pearls’ made of yuca or cassava, a very traditional ingredient of Colombia. Boba tea will typically be served with milk tea unless otherwise specified. 

The toppings to choose from are plentiful. There are red beans, syrups, jelly, brown sugar pearls, and milk options, even vegan, gluten-free, or lactose-free. Just pick your favorite and enjoy this highly-customizable drink.

Spots in Medellin for Bubble Tea

Thirsty yet? It’s time to know the best places to get your hands on this yummy beverage.

Momotea

Momotea is a Colombian brand that specializes in its creations of Japanese food and desserts. Momotea offers drinks and bubble tea of traditional Colombian flavors such as maracuya or passionfruit.

There’s always a crowd in Medellin due to its popularity with the culture and food.  Find the best boba shops here:

• Santafe Mall
• Arkadia Mall
• Viva Envigado Mall
• Viva Laureles Mall
• Euro La Frontera

Mendein businesses have vegan options on menus for all customers!  Commitment to helping the planet is significant in Colombia.  Companies use bamboo strays by default. It’s also possible to reuse plastic cups as pots to plant seeds. 

In addition to bubble teas,  other delicatessens  are perfect for grabbing a bite.  The Hong Kong Waffle is highly rated. The most popular dish is a  puffy little bubble covered in chocolate sauce,  ice cream, or both!

Not in the mood for bubble tea? Delight in something maybe more familiar! Try some Italian sodas.  These are the popular sold flavors:

• Maracuya or passionfruit
• Watermelon
• Lychee 

Momotea fan favorite is the Almond Smoothie: vegan, gluten-free, and lactose-free. It’s a satisfying alternative for those bubble tea lovers that may have dietary restrictions.

IG: @mimomotea

Poblado Address: Calle 185 No. 45 – 03. Santafe Mall, El Poblado, Medellín Colombia

Teamo Teahouse

If you’re in Viva Envigado Mall, head over to Teamo Teahouse.

Most of the menu is inspired by the Japanese teahouse, with traditional flavors such as oolong tea, matcha tea, black tea, and green tea. Choose from plain tea, or turn your tea into bubble tea for an additional price. Add tapioca pearls to your drink for an extra kick of texture!

Staying in for the day? Buy a 1 L bottle of tea and flavor it, add the toppings and enjoy from the comfort of your hotel or Airbnb.

A comforting recommendation is the Suprema drink,  mixed  with orange, lemon, papaya, pitaya, and maracuya. Overall, there are cozy shops scattered throughout the city. It is easy to find a soothing atmosphere almost anywhere in town. 

IG:@teamoteahouseco

Address: Cra. 48 #32B Sur-139, Envigado, Antioquia

T4 Oviedo

T4 is one of the most prestigious chain stores in terms of bubble tea. T4  started in 2004 in Taiwan and eventually spread overseas.

In addition to traditional flavors such as matcha and milk tea, this chain offers other options not as well known, such as flower tea with rose, osmanthus, and Ophelia aloe.

Please don’t miss out on the Taiwanese specialty drinks! Ask about French pudding milk teas or grass jelly milk teas. You won’t be disappointed!

T4 Oviedo is a perfect place to get some work done, thanks to its strong wifi and board game area. It is known for embodying a relaxing and laid-back atmosphere. 

IG: @t4colombia

Address: Cra. 43a #6s-15, El Poblado, Medellín, Antioquia

Satisfy your Sweet Tooth With Bubble Tea

Enjoy a variety of flavors with the natural and typical ingredients of Colombia. There are plenty of spots to taste the best bubble tea in the city. 

So, what do you say? What bubble tea shop will you visit first? Let us know in the comments!

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There’s no shortage of things to do in Laureles, whether you’re in Medellin for a few days or taking a long vacation.

If you still don’t know or aren’t sure what the best things to do at Laureles are, we’ve got you covered! Keep reading to find out how to avoid boredom during a stay at Factory Lofts!

La 70: Bars and Entertainment

One of the most popular places in the Laureles neighborhood is La 70 or Carrera 70. 

Luckily, Factory Lofts is located just one street away, so you don’t have to worry about staying late at night having a drink or enjoying the countless bars, restaurants, and nightclubs with your friends.

Live music, salsa clubs, and techno joints are just some of the many options you find in this street that runs through the heart of Laureles. You never know what genre of music can sweep you off your feet and get you grooving and boogying on the dance floor.

Overall, this area is a party scene that offers locals and tourists soothing vibes and an opportunity to interact and meet new people.

Best Nightlife Spots at La 70

Since La 70 has so much to offer, we’ve created a small list of the top places to have a drink and a good time in the area:

• La Kasica: La Kasica is a crossover nightclub, which means you can find a diverse mix of traditional genres like merengue with rock’n’roll, which is very cool!
• Oye Bonita: A bar with a tropical vibe perfect for live music lovers. It’s also preferred by many locals to sit and watch their favorite football team match.
• Fonda La Chismosa: Another very well-known paisa nightclub.  Known for the mariachi Saturdays.
• La Charcu: It has a chill atmosphere and a very impressive menu of exotic cocktails.

Take a Break in the Laureles Parks

If maybe you’re not into parties, you can also spend the evening taking a walk around the tiny natural corners of Laureles. The closest parks to Factory Lofts are:

• San Joaquin Park
• Primer Parque de Laureles
• Segundo Parque de Laureles
• Belen Malibu Park

For some, it can be hard to believe that you can find peace and quiet in a busy neighborhood like Laureles. 

However, the small local parks are perfect for getting some exercise, doing some people watching, and enjoying a coffee in the nearby cafes.

If you want to take a break from the hustle and bustle of Medellin or have a more family-friendly plan, then the local parks are perfect for you. 

Estadio Atanasio Girardot

Staying at Factory Lofts gives you the advantage of being very close to one of the top must-visit spots of Medellin—the Estadio Atanasio Girardot. 

If you prefer to spend your free time doing some exercise in a more sporty environment, then you can enjoy the services that the stadium offers.

For instance, you can have some fun splashing around in the water complex of Medellin. There you can take a dip in the pool and cool off. 

Or, head over there when a soccer game is on. On game days, the stadium is usually crowded and full of fans of the home team, Atlético Nacional. 

Regardless of the match result, the bars and nightclubs of La 70 will be filled with football fans who want to celebrate victory or drown their sorrows and hope for a better result the next time.

Hiking in Pueblito Paisa

You only have to walk for a few minutes to get to Cerro Nutibara, where you can check out the infamous Pueblito Paisa. It only takes you 15 minutes to reach the top, but it’s quite the workout!

In addition to doing some exercise, going up to the Pueblito Paisa is the perfect opportunity to learn more about the region’s history and the city’s way of life many years ago.

Pueblito Paisa is also a quick way to take a break from urban life and fill your lungs with fresh air, as the mountain is surrounded by lush greenery and a healthy environment.

Do Some Shopping in Laureles

If you’re in the mood for me-time or want to renew your wardrobe, you can take a day to do some window shopping or stroll through some of the malls near Factory Lofts:

• Laureles Mall
• Viva Laureles Mall
• Obelisco Mall

Even If you haven’t caught the shopping bug, you can always enjoy the activities they have to offer, such as watching a movie at the cinema or having lunch in one of its countless restaurants.

Explore Laureles During a Stay at Factory Lofts

Now that you know there’s always something to do in Laureles, there’s no excuse not to walk around the neighborhood and enjoy its many activities!

So, what do you think? Do you prefer a crazy party night or a quiet walk in the park? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!

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Whether you hail from Mexico itself or are just a fan of authentic Central American meals, there’s nothing quite like sinking your teeth into a tasty burrito. 

And the good news is that you can find some pretty fantastic burritos in Medellin. So, are you ready to find your new favorite lunch spot? Keep reading for a run-down on the best burritos in Medellin.

Barrita Burrito

Barrita Burrito is a Tex-Mex restaurant specializing in burritos that come jam-packed with all the ingredients you can imagine.

This burrito place lets you build your own burrito, customizing your meal at the bar full of proteins, cheese, and sauce. In other words, this palace is much like Chipotle for our US-based friends out there. 

If you don’t feel like ordering a burrito, you can also get things like tacos and fajitas. A few other choice options on the menu include: 

• Quesadillas
• Nacho bowls
• Mexican soups
• Corn on the cob

It’s all good—regardless of what you pick, you’ll go home with a full belly and a smile on your face.

You can find Barrita Burrito in all sectors of the city, from the extreme north to the center and south of Medellin. Basically, wherever you’re staying, there’s one of these bad boys close by.

Pro Tip: Barrita Burrito offers delivery, so if you don’t feel like dining out, just order takeout to your hotel room or house! 

Roll Up Sushi Burrito

While this isn’t technically a Mexican place, it’s definitely a burrito place. This restaurant makes creative Asian food, such as their famous sushi burrito. 

The sushi burrito is basically a giant sushi roll, complete with seaweed, rice, and tasty fillings. 

Just like Barrita Burrito, you get to pick your fillings to make something you love. Go for classic sushi fillings like salmon or opt for veggie-only rolls—we won’t judge!

You can find this restaurant in Laureles, Envigado, and El Poblado. That makes it super accessible no matter where you happen to be staying in Medellin.

Pro Tip: the restaurant is pet-friendly, so you can go with your four-legged friends!

Brije Restaurante

Brije is a gourmet Mexican restaurant that seeks to highlight all the flavors of the Central American country in an elegant and haute cuisine way.

Brije burritos are distinguished by a pink tortilla filled with rice, beans, cheese, a protein you choose, lettuce, pico de gallo, guacamole, and pickled onion. 

The restaurant has a sit-down atmosphere, so this might be a good place to bring a date if you want to impress that special someone. 

Besides burritos, you can also find quesadillas, fajitas, Mexican bowls, tacos al pastor, enchiladas, Mexican soup, and cuts of meat with accompaniments in this restaurant.

Plus, Brije is super central. It’s located on Via Primavera in El Poblado, close to many shops and hotels and making it an obvious choice for explorers back from a day of traversing Medellin’s streets.

El DF Comida Mexicana

El DF stands for “El Distrito Federal,” which is the capital city of Mexico. This is one of the best-known Mexican restaurants in Medellin and has a pretty extensive menu. 

Aside from things like tortillas, tacos, casseroles, and Mexican grill, you can also find signature burritos: 

• The Burrototote: basically a build-your-own burrito
• Burrototote Campechano: made with chicharron and pork carnitas.
• Burrototote: featuring BBQ ribs.

You can accompany all this food with one of the special drinks on El DF’s menu, including sodas, lemonades, and margaritas.

Now, while there are tons of great meals to be had here, that’s not what really makes this place stand out. What’s cool about El DF is that the decor is made to emulate that of a traditional Mexican town. 

The walls are adorned with Mexican symbols and icons, such as sugar skulls and historical figures (think Frida Kahlo).

Another perk of El DF is that the prices are very affordable. Despite the low prices, the quality and vibe of the place are fantastic! It’s definitely a spot to check out if you want great food at great prices.

Milagros Restaurant

Milagros is another of the most recognized Mexican restaurants in Medellin. It’s also got one of the most authentic atmospheres, so if you’ve spent time in Mexico, this is a good place to go. 

This restaurant has five special burritos, which the restaurant calls burricos. We couldn’t tell you why they named them that, but we can tell you that they’re delicious. 

The five burritos are: 

1. Street burrito
2. Sea and land
3. Maria del Carmen
4. Milagros de Luz
5. Alma Burrito

Each of these has different fillings, such as shrimp, shredded chicken, breaded chicken, pork rinds, and fish. You can also order a combination of different proteins so that you can try out two flavors at once. 

If you want to eat the burrito alone, you absolutely can. Or, you can pair your burrito with salad, nachos, or rice. 

Milagros offers other traditional Mexican meals for those who have already had enough burritos already, too. They’ve got soups, tacos, and grilled meat on the menu, so feel free to pick something you like. 

There are three different places around the city where you can find Milagros: in the south, in the north, and in the Laureles neighborhood. 

Find the Best Burritos in Medellin

In Medellin, there are many places where you can enjoy Mexican food. But, the real secret is knowing how to choose a good place. 

With this guide, you should have a good starting point when it comes to finding some tasty Mexican meals around the city. 

Not in the mood for Mexican? Check out some of our other posts on local meals and where to find the best ones in the city. 

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In fact, Medellin has some of the most diverse food options in South America. 

While you can get pretty much anything your heart desires, for those who love Italian meals, you’ve got to check out Abbiocco by Carmen.

Keep reading and find out everything you need to know about Abbiocco by Carmen, a high-class Italian restaurant located in one of the most luxurious hotels in Medellín.

Getting to Abbiocco by Carmen

Abbiocco by Carmen is located in the heart of Parque Lleras, on the first floor of the  Marquee hotel. The Marquee happens to be one of the best hotels in the city and was actually the set for reggaetón star J Balvin’s music video El Poblado. 

The hotel’s central location makes it easy to get to. There are a few different ways to arrive, which we’ve outlined for you below. 

Arriving by Metro

To get to Abbiocco by Metro, just get on from any station, take Line A heading south, and get off at the Poblado station. There, you can take a bus from the integrated route system to Parque Lleras. Or, if you prefer, you can walk. 

The exact amount of time it will take you to get to the restaurant depends on where you’re coming from. From Laureles, for example, it can take approximately 30 to 40 minutes. However, if you’re already in the Poblado area, you’re likely able to cut that down by as much as half.

Arriving by Private Car 

Lots of visitors to Medellin choose to rent a car. Renting a vehicle is a fast, easy way to get around the city. And, with ample parking even in the center, you shouldn’t have a problem making your way around Medellin in your own car. 

Abbiocco has some dedicated parking in the next-door mayor’s office. Otherwise, you can park in the larger lot about half a block from the Marquee.

Alternatively, you can book a driver service. This is probably your best bet if you’re nervous about driving in another country or don’t have an international license. 

Other Transportation Options 

Aside from the metro, you can also arrive at Abbiocco by bus. There are a number of different nearby stops, so it’ll make it a short walk to get there.

However, by far the easiest way to get to Abbiocco by Carmen is to simply stay at the Marquee Hotel. Not only are the rooms fantastic, but you can head up to the rooftop or down to the jazz bar after you’ve finished your meal at Abbiocco. 

The Idea Behind Abbiocco by Carmen 

Okay, enough about transportation—let’s get to the point. 

Abbiocco’s food promises an explosion of flavors that combines the best of Colombian ingredients, creating Italian dishes. 

The whole idea behind the restaurant, in other words, is to use Colombian ingredients and flavors to add to and inspire Italian dishes. 

Abbiocco obtains all the ingredients of its preparations from small suppliers, supporting artisan fishermen and farmers and guaranteeing the highest quality products given its selected ingredients.

All the fish and shellfish in this place are obtained from suppliers that use traditional and responsible fishing methods from the coastal communities of Colombia.

By eating here, you’re not just supporting a fantastic restaurant; you’re also supporting hardworking communities and ethical sourcing here in Colombia.

What’s on the Menu

Abbiocco splits its menu into four main sections: 

• From the Garden: salads, varieties of vegetables, and vegetarian pizzas
• From the Sea: Italian-style fish and seafood
• From the Land: beef and pork, pasta, meat pizzas, or a Colombian-Italian cheese board.
• Sweet: desserts and finishers

You can order cocktails, wines, and liquor to accompany these dishes. Or, of course, there’s always water, sodas, and juices. Finish off with one of the many types of coffee as a way to settle your stomach!

On top of the dinner and lunch menu, special breakfast meals are available for those staying at the hotel. Just like the dinner and lunch courses, all these foods are prepared using wholesome Colombian ingredients. 

The breakfast menu is quite different from the dinner menu, with things like granola, yogurt, fruit, or croissants. Just make sure to pair whatever you order with a tasty mimosa. It’s the perfect way to wake you up and get you ready for the day ahead. 

What We Recommend

We know that it can be tough to make a decision about what to order at Abbiocco. After all, with a menu as mouthwatering as theirs, it can be hard to order just one thing. 

If you’re on the fence, there are a few critically acclaimed dishes that are sure to satisfy even the pickiest of pallets. 

Here are a few of our top recommendations: 

• Pez Bianco: catch of the day poached & encrusted in Pecorino Romano & walnuts, leek risotto, seafood consommé.
• Porchetta: slow-roasted pork bacon porchetta, accompanied with arracacha, garlic fermented honey, citrus & oregano salad.
• Honeycomb: two rolls of local honey crisp with caved aged, creamy Potê cheese and Andean cloud forest blueberries.
• Blu Lagoon Cocktail: lime-infused Havana Club rum, green chartreuse, coconut falernum, orange & lime

Of course, anything is good. But, these are a few fan favorites that are sure to please the crowd no matter what you’re looking for. 

Abbiocco: A Must Visit 

Abbiocco is one of those places that everyone should visit at least once. Even though it’s an Italian restaurant, all the ingredients are local, and the dishes combine Colombian flavors with classic Italian recipes.

Even if you’re just in the city for a short visit, we’d say this place should still be at the top of your list. 

And, if you’re looking for other great restaurants? Be sure to check out our other posts. We’ve done tons of reviews on restaurants and bars around the city that you shouldn’t miss when you’re in Medellín. 

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While many places around the globe have luxury hotels available at outrageous prices, in Medellin you can get luxury on a budget, so to speak. Even the most expensive rooms usually aren’t as wild as you might imagine. 

So, if you’re headed to Medellin for a day, week, month, or hey, even a year, it’s nice to know the best places you can stay. Here’s a look at some of the best luxury hotels in Medellin.

Marquee Medellín

The Marquee is a boutique hotel created for those who seek to live a hotel experience, The Marquee should definitely be at the top of any list of luxury hotels. 

The Marquee has a slightly industrial-style design, but it’s industrial chic. Plus, it’s handily located in Parque Lleras, putting it at the center of some of the best nightlife spots in the city.  

The hotel has six different room types, including:

• King suite: featuring a single king-size bed

• Deluxe room: featuring two king-size beds

• Corner king suite: a corner room with panoramic views of the city. It has floor-to-ceiling windows and of course, a huge king-size bed for you to lounge in. 

• Jacuzzi king suite: a room with a king-size bed and a jacuzzi. There are great views, too, so you can lounge in the tub while taking in the sights of the city. 
• Luxury penthouses: The Marquee has two luxury penthouses that feature a living room, dining room, a jacuzzi, private bathrooms, and multiple bedrooms.

Aside from the beds, all the rooms feature air conditioning, Wi-Fi, a minibar, a filtered water station, a smart TV, and a desk. They also have gold-plated furniture and wooden accents. 

If you venture out of your room, you’ll be treated to a stunning rooftop with a swimming pool and 360 views of the city. 

Still, one of the stars of the show at The Marquee is their Italian restaurant, Abbiocco by Carmen. The food is incredible, and it’s well worth booking a table there. 

[Check Prices]

Celestino Boutique Hotel

Celestino Boutique Hotel is located on Vía Primera, the most commercial zone of El Poblado. That gives you easy access to restaurants, fashion stores, supermarkets, and bars in the city.

Celestino has a unique interior design with green accents. If you’re an architecture lover, you’re going to enjoy the decor here. 

Celestino has four types of rooms:

• Standard
• Deluxe
• Superior Deluxe
• Deluxe Balcony

All the rooms feature a king-size bed, USB charging ports, air conditioning, and a smart TV. 

The hotel’s restaurant, Azul Selva Brunch Cafe is located in the hotel lobby. You can add breakfast to any of the rooms, and it’s definitely worth doing – the food is excellent. In fact, Azul Selva is one of the best brunch spots in Medellin.

As an additional service, this hotel offers transport from the airport and VIP bilingual chauffeur service. You can just let the concierge know and they’ll help you organize those services. 

[Check Prices]

The Landmark

The Landmark Hotel is relatively new in the city and is located in the Manila neighborhood, a few minutes away from some of the most popular tourist spots. The Landmark is pet friendly and suitable for families with children, too.

The hotel has eight different types of rooms. Although, if you’re going for a truly luxurious experience, the ones you want to book are: 

• Deluxe Queen with balcony: a room featuring a private outdoor area and extended balcony space.
• Duplex Double: featuring two floors with a queen-size bed on each one. There are also two bathrooms, allowing for added privacy.
• Duplex king Suite: a two-floor room with two king-size beds, two bathrooms, a sofa-bed, a jacuzzi, and sweeping views of the city.

Every room is equipped with an electric kettle and a refrigerator so you can prepare tea and coffee in-room. Plus, you can access the laundry service 24 hours a day if you need to take care of personal services.

On the rooftop of Landmark, there’s a swimming pool area, and sun loungers to enjoy views of the whole city. 

In terms of the food, there’s Smash Avocaderia next door. This is a great place for enjoying healthy meals, coffee and smoothies, and snacks. 

[Check Prices]

Loma Verde Hotel

Loma Verde has all the comforts of a hotel but in one or two-bedroom apartments. The maximum amount of people allowed in these rooms is four. 

Located close to Provenza and Parque Lleras, Loma Verde has a strategic location close to restaurants, bars, and nightclubs.

Loma Verde has a bilingual reception service 24 hours a day, and parking in case you decide to rent a car. Likewise, on the first floor, you can find a patio like a park inside the hotel. It’s a great place to enjoy a cup of tea and some fresh air. 

On the roof of the building, you’ll find a swimming pool as well as a steam room, Turkish bath, gym, and barbecue area.

This is the closest thing to a luxury apartment. If staying in hotels isn’t your thing, this is a good choice. 

[Check Prices]

Other Notable Hotels

There are some other great hotels around the city where you can stay, too. A few top picks among tourists include:

• Click Clack
• Charlee
• 23
• El Cielo 
• Marriott

Any of these are great places to kick your feet back and relax. They all come with amazing restaurants and most of them have some pretty stunning rooftops, too. 

Are You Ready for a Luxury Getaway to Medellin?

Medellin is home to some pretty incredible hotels. Whether you’ll be living it up on the rooftop of the Marquee or you’ll be settling in for the night at the Marriot, there are plenty of great places to stay around the city. 

So, which will it be? Let us know your favorite pick in the comments. 

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Where to eat

Note: many of these restaurants are in hotels, as most Colombian restaurants close over the holidays. Nonetheless, the restaurants below have been vetted and come highly recommended.

Resaurante Lucia

Calle 9A #37-16

Located in The Charlee – a luxurious hotel in the heart of El Poblado – Lucia is ideal for those who want to splash out and indulge for Christmas. The Italian restaurant serves up Tuscan cuisine, bursting with flavors, textures, and a special European flare. The open-space setting looks out onto Parque Lleras, and is particularly fantastic when the sun sets and the area is illuminated with lights.

After dinner, head up to Envy, the rooftop bar with an aquarium-style pool, live DJs, cocktails, and breath-taking views of the cityscape.

Diez Restaurante

Calle 10A #34-11 

Another Poblado favorite, found a little higher up in the hills, Hotel Diez is a trendy building with a contemporary on-site restaurant. On the entrance floor of the hotel, the sleek décor combined with the natural lighting and fantastic service make this an easy pick for Christmas with a group of friends. The menu is a mixture of traditional Colombian dishes or a range of international foods.

La Provincia

Carrera 42 #3 Sur 81

Nestled along the Milla de Oro (the ‘Golden Mile’), La Provincia is an upscale restaurant that has been open for 25 years in Medellín. The family business fuses Mediterranean food with cooking techniques from Asia, experimenting with new sensory experiences all while maintaining an elegant and minimalistic presentation. Some of their best dishes include pork rind with spiced coconut sauce, octopus carpaccio with saffron vinaigrette and passion fruit, and chateaubriand with red wine sauce and exotic mushrooms. La Provincia is definitely on the higher end of prices but the extra cost is well worth such a gastronomic treat at Christmas.

Restaurante The Market 

Calle 1A Sur #43A-83 

If you’re traveling around Colombia over December and prefer a meal in the company of other extranjeros, The Market is a suave restaurant in Marriott Medellín, boasting foods from around the world made by internationally-acclaimed chefs. In fact, guests at the restaurant can even see their food being prepared at the open chef bar. The service here is known to be exceptionally great, and the food and general ambiance always to a high standard but without being pretentious.

On December 24^th, at 7 pm, The Market has a Christmas-themed buffet available, as well as live music performances. Tickets for the buffet cost $95,000 COP for children and $190,000 COP for adults.

What to do

Los Alumbrados

Multiple locations

One of the best things to do on Christmas Eve in Medellín is to take advantage of the quiet streets while most people celebrate with their relatives. Medellín’s Christmas lights are world-renowned and normally draw huge crowds. Christmas Eve tends to be less packed, so for an after-dinner activity or just to curb some homesickness, head to Parque Norte or Parques del Río for the main shows. Alternatively, many of the smaller parks like Parque Sabaneta and Parque Bello how their own min-versions.

We recommend going in the evening, buying a hot chocolate to stroll around with and embracing all things Christmasy.

Barrio parties

Multiple locations

If you’re looking for an authentically Paisa Christmas Eve with a lower budget, simply venture into a residential neighborhood and join the party. Towards the end of the night (after a few drinks) families leave their homes and gather on the streets in their local area to welcome in Christmas in style – meaning sancocho, music, and lots of Aguardiente. Traditional Colombian foods like natilla, buñuelos, and hojuelas are offered out, and some roads are even closed off to cars to allow the parties to happen safely.

These kinds of parties don’t take place as often in Laureles or Poblado, but in Barrios Populares and Envigado they’re more common.

Pueblito Paisa

Cerro Nutibara

For those who enjoy being active throughout the holidays, why not walk up Cerro Nutibara on Christmas Eve and spend some time in Pueblito Paisa? The replica of a typical colonial town in Antioquia has an especially festive feel to it, complete with lights, food trucks, and a church where masses are held. Weather-permitting, Pueblito Paisa has beautiful views across Medellín and is a romantic spot to watch the sunset and share the arrival of Christmas with your significant other. If you stay for midnight, there may also be Christmas carols and hymns sung as people leave the church.

Volunteering

Multiple locations

Christmas can be the most difficult time of year for the most vulnerable people. Medellín has lots of fantastic organizations that bring gifts and happiness to those who need it most in December. Whether planning a visit from Santa for kids in lower-economic neighborhoods, cooking meals for the homeless or teaching English, your help goes a long way to make a positive difference on Christmas Eve. Check out these 6 Christmas Charity Activities in Medellín to get involved with.

From everyone at Medellín Living, we wish you a very happy Christmas and New Year!

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Lina Florez, the twenty-four-year-old owner, moved from the Colombian coast to study law in Medellín eight years ago. But, after qualifying and landing a great job, she realized that she was more passionate about food and decided to pursue that instead. Despite her family’s fears that she was giving up a profitable career in law, Lina’s heart was set on waking up every day and doing what she loves. So, in July 2017, she opened Florez Food Garden and made that dream a reality.

The Concept

The concept for Florez is quite simple really: it’s about having something for everyone. The menu is honest and transparent, with international cuisine created from local ingredients native to South America. Each diner can have the type of food they want, with no compromise.

Lina created the menu with the help of her head chef, keeping her clients firmly in mind. Together, they created an indulgent list of options that are at once fun, indulgent and nutritious.

The dishes on the menu are marked according to where they sit in the categorizations that Lina has devised to fit with her “something for everyone” mantra. ‘Consciente’ dishes are healthy, wholesome and nutritious; ‘full plomo’ plates are for customers who want something a little more indulgent and, dare we say it, naughty; and ‘80/20’ options are a perfect balance of the two. There are also plenty of vegan and vegetarian options available, so there’s something for everyone’s personal taste. The menu is available in English too, in case you haven’t mastered the language well enough to know your burrata from your bacon purée en Español.

On our visit I chose the ensalada cavernícola, a ‘full plomo’ offering consisting of sirloin steak, quinoa, bacon, mushrooms and pearl tomatoes on a bed of pumpkin and bacon purée with a dressed mezclum leaf salad. The dish was 32,900 COP ($11.66) and was a perfectly balanced flavor combination of sweet, smoky and vibrant. The beef was tender and perfectly cooked, and the portion was generous and filling.

My friend went for the sin culpa dish, which is a grilled salmon burger with roasted asparagus, salad, orange segments and macadamia sauce, all contained in fresh whole-wheat beetroot bread. The salmon was deliciously succulent and the roasted asparagus complemented the sweetness of the fish perfectly. The side of wedges were well cooked and tasty and were included in the 32,900 COP ($11.66) price.

The Menu

Other popular options on the menu include the bowl tigre marañón, consisting of prawns and brown rice bursting with Asian flavors for 37,900 COP ($13.44); taco Xochimilco, with stewed orange pork and grilled pineapple for 18,900 COP ($6.70); and the vegan-friendly bowl Thai with quinoa and veggies for 24,900 COP ($8.82). There is also a selection of sharing platters starting from 23,900 COP ($8.47), and plenty of soups and starters with prices as low as 17,900 COP ($6.35).

The dessert menu features four decadent options, including banana bread with a strawberry and banana garnish for 13,900 COP ($4.93) and a vegan chocolate tart for 16,900 COP ($5.99). We definitely recommend that you save room for dessert; they’re the perfect sweet end to a delicious meal.

The drinks list is as impressive as the food menu, and the creative cocktail list was devised in conjunction with a local award-winning mixologist. There’s also a wide array of beers, wines and spirits available, as well as a selection of soft drinks.

The ambience is cool and relaxed, and Lina’s specially chosen electronic playlist is the perfect background to your meal. She invites local DJ’s to play at the weekends too, making their patio an awesome setting for dinner or drinks (or both).

Florez isn’t only for evening diners, and their daytime offerings should be more than enough to tempt you during daylight hours. If you’re craving a new take on the classic menú del día (there’s only so much chicharron that one person can eat, trust me), Florez’ lunches are refreshingly interesting and innovative. For just 22,000 COP ($7.80), their stunning three-course menus contain flavorful and nutritious dishes such as topped toasts and rich soups to start, tacos and salads for the main course, and ice creams and exotic fruit salads for dessert.

Speaking of daytime offerings, Lina is also working hard to cater to the city’s workers and digital nomads. The Wi-Fi is great, the coffee is fresh, the power points are plentiful, and it’s so easy to focus in the calm, green environment at Florez.

Lina’s attention to detail is the reason that her customers come back time and time again, and her passion for the concept behind Florez is evident in every last detail. She’s always learning about food and healthy eating and is passionate about sharing this love with the people of Medellín. If you’re looking for gorgeous, Instagrammable food at surprisingly low prices, Florez Food Garden should be your next stop.

Hours and Location

Carrera 34 #7-95, El Poblado

Open Sunday – Thursday 12pm – 10pm and Friday and Saturday 12pm – 1am

https://www.facebook.com/Florez-Food-Garden-1902891546643528/

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The Birth of the Project

Bardesono is a passion project of one of the owners, and that passion is evident in every single aspect of the venue. Rubén Tobón had the idea for the concept during a visit to Switzerland in 2013. Before an evening at the opera, Rubén went to a café to have a drink. As he sat at the bar, he heard a beautiful voice singing, which belonged to one of the waitresses. Rubén loved the combination of food, drink, and live singers so much that, upon returning to his home city of Medellín, he got to work recreating the concept of live music and dining for a Paisa audience.

Upon our visit we were warmly greeted and shown to our table: a small and cozy spot with velvet cushioned seats and a great view of the semi-open kitchen. The dining room is large and spacious, but the smart use of low light retains an intimacy that is often lost in larger venues. On the Thursday night that we visited, just one week after the grand opening, the elegant dining room was almost at capacity with a varied clientele.

Once seated, we were given the menu, which was an event in itself. The food has been thoughtfully curated by Argentinian-trained Colombian chef Alejandra Mejia, using local and international ingredients to create an innovative take on classic dishes. Each cocktail and plate is named after a song to tie in with the venue’s musical theme, which adds a bit of fun to choosing your meal.

The Drinks

I asked for a New York, New York cocktail to start with, which was 26,900 COP ($9.74) and was a beautiful blend of vodka, fresh red apple, juniper, ginger beer, lemon and peppermint. The flavor was fresh and light, with a gentle warmth from the spicy ginger beer and the generous slug of vodka. The drinks menu is impressive, and, in addition to the list of interesting cocktails, there is a gin and tonic list, a selection of sangrias, several beers, wines and juices, and the best list of spirits and liquors that I’ve seen in my four months in Medellín.

The Food

Onto the food, and my friend and I chose an entrada to share. We went for the Soy Antioqueño, which was 27,900 COP ($10.11). The dish consisted of perfectly grilled morcilla (blood sausage), thinly sliced and fried chips made from a South American root vegetable called arracacha, and a mayonnaise flavored with hondashi, which is made from smoked and dried Bonito fish and used widely in Japanese cuisine. The textures and the flavors worked perfectly together, and the portion size was just right for a shared appetizer.

Other sharing starters include perhaps the best plate of nachos that I have ever seen and a delicate octopus dish served with edible flowers and white vegetables. If you don’t want to split an entrada, there’s also a rich, roasted tomato soup and an arepa dish with cheese and bacon, which are both perfect for one.

For our main course, we went for Somos Pacífico and El Día Que Me Quieras. Somos Pacífico, which my friend ordered, was 41,900 COP ($15.18) and consisted of a beautifully cooked piece of salmon flavored with a citrus and smoked tandoori marinade. It was served with laban, cucumber jus and melon gazpacho. The plate was bursting with freshness, and the smoky spiced marinade complemented the delicate flavor of the fish perfectly.

My chosen dish was centered on beef, which is something that I rarely order in Medellín as it tends to be tough. But, my 200-gram portion of chateaubriand was melt-in-the-mouth perfection. It was cooked medium rare, as requested, and was incredibly tasty and tender. The star of the show was accompanied by mushrooms, potato puree, beans, and a brilliant combination of an acidic vinaigrette and a rich and deep sauce. At just 38,900 COP ($14.10), this is a spectacular dish for a great price. In addition to the dishes that we ordered, there are four other tempting entrees, including a meat-free rice and zucchini plate and a burger that looks so good that I need to have a second visit to try it.

The Music

Now for the entertainment. The in-house artistic director, Lalis Solórzano, curates the musical program, which includes traditional favorites, such as tango and salsa, as well as other party-oriented songs from genres like rock and pop.

Every year six students are selected from local universities to perform songs for diners. These talented singers perform throughout the evening in the dining room, and each Sunday other performers from the local community also put on a family-themed show during brunch service. Social programs are at the forefront of the venue, and at the end of each year one of the six student performers will be selected for a full scholarship to the USA or Europe to study singing, with all costs being covered by the owners of Bardesono.

The Passion

The word that sums up Bardesono for me is passion: for the food and drink, the service, the performances, and the community which it serves. At once, you are transported to a place far away from Medellín. It’s easy to forget where you are: Bardesono kind of consumes every one of your senses in a way that other restaurants just aren’t capable of.

Hours and Location

Calle 8 #43a-57, El Poblado

Open 4pm – 12am Tuesday to Thursday, 5pm – 1am Friday and Saturday, and 9am – 3pm Sunday

https://www.facebook.com/bardesonomedellin/

https://www.instagram.com/bardesono_/

All photos courtesy of Bardesono.

This post was written in collaboration with Bardesono.

About Sophie

Sophie is a freelance writer from the north of England. She has been traveling and working in South America since August 2017, and currently lives in Medellín. She runs the blog Table for One, where she writes about what it’s really like to travel as a solo woman.

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When you hear “Peruvian cuisine,” the first thing that probably comes to mind is ceviche. Well, let me tell you that Kuélap has so many options that the last thing you will remember is ceviche. They have over 45 options, plus the chef specialties that change every two weeks, which means that every time you visit the place you can order something completely different. It won’t be easy to pick though, since everything sounds (and looks) delicious.

In my case, I had shrimp ceviche, lomo saltado and spaghetti a la huancaína with shrimp. Now, I must clarify that I only tasted the ceviche and the lomo saltado; I’m a foodie but my stomach has a limit, so I had the entire spaghetti (ok, almost). Turns out with all the tasting I couldn’t finish my meal–Kuélap is very generous with the portions! So, sadly, I didn’t have room for dessert, which was terrible for me because I was looking forward to the chocolate volcano.

Ok, let me tell you more about the food, starting with the ceviche. The shrimp were perfectly marinated, having a great balance of saltiness and lemon covered with purple onions, a special type of corn grain brought directly from Peru that gave a crispy touch to the experience, along with the soft yucca, 28,900 COP ($10.59). Then I had a bit of lomo saltado, 31,900 COP ($11.69), which had a smoked flavor with a delicate sweet essence that impregnated the onions and fried potatoes. The rice, perfectly cooked, was the companion.

And now it’s time to talk about the spaghetti! It was so good that I literally rolled my eyes. I love papas a la huancaína because of that delicious sauce, so when I heard that two of my favorite things (pasta and shrimp) were mixed with this heavenly sauce, I knew that was exactly what I was going to eat. I mean it’s like The Avengers on a dish! The shrimp, once again, were perfectly cooked, and the sauce was softly creamy and had a bit of spice to give it that extra score to the mix of flavor and textures; 31,900 COP ($11.69). Oh, and I had a great mango juice for 6,900 COP ($2.52)

The Menu

Kuélap also offers four ceviche options from 26,900 COP ($9.60) to 29,900 COP ($10.67); twelve different appetizers starting at 17,900 COP ($6.39); four types of soup, three kinds of salads and twelve rice dishes from arrisotado to the traditional chaufa, a fusion between Chinese and Peruvian cuisine with an interesting story behind it.

When it comes to rice dishes, you can either have a half or full portion (for 5,000 COP [$1.77] extra). You can also order fish, pasta, the house specialties, kid’s menu and desserts, of course. I missed the chocolate volcano dessert, but there’s also the arequipe or dulce de leche volcano (arequipe is prepared by slowly heating sweetened milk to create a creamy substance with an appearance and flavor similar to caramel), and the Peruvian suspiro limeño.

A variety of drinks is also available, such as wine from 12,900 COP ($4.58) to 89,900 COP ($31.95) for the 750 ml bottle, beer for 6,900 COP ($2.45), cocktails, soft drinks, and natural juices with water or milk and hot beverages.

Convenience and Friendly Service

At Kuélap they really care about giving people a great experience. They want you to feel at home, to experience Peru once again if you’ve already been there or to have a taste of it if you haven’t visited yet. The place is nice, has cool music, and the staff are very attentive and friendly. Plus there’s free parking right next to the restaurant. And if you don’t feel like going out, you can always order their food for delivery on Rappi or Uber Eats.

The two owners and the chef are from Peru, so it’s guaranteed you’ll have an authentic taste of Peruvian food. They also participate in culinary events around the city. Right now they’re part of Medellin Gourmet, an event that last year granted them the best seller award. You can visit any time until April 30, 2018 and enjoy the special menu they created for the event. For 59,000 COP ($21.63) you get two glasses of the house wine, an appetizer, two dishes and a dessert, having three options each to choose from.

A cool thing about the Kuélap menu is that they have one in Spanish and one in English, so you won’t need a dictionary, an app or a friend to translate the dishes for you in case you don’t feel like practicing your Spanish.

Hours and Location

Kuélap opens its doors from 12:00pm – 10:00pm Monday through Saturday. For the month of April only, they’re opening on Sundays from 12:00pm – 5:00pm because of the aforementioned Medellin Gourmet event. So you can stop by Calle 3 Sur 43A – 40, Medellín, to enjoy the food and the history behind it, especially if you find Jorge Picon (one of the owners), who’s always happy to talk about interesting facts and the history of his Peruvian cuisine.

facebook.com/restaurantekuelap/

instagram.com/kuelapcocinaperuana/

All photos courtesy of Kuélap.

This post was written in collaboration with Kuélap.

About Ann

Ann is a journalist and freelance writer from Caracas, Venezuela who recently started the adventure of traveling the world on her own. She’s a geek who adores music, books, drawing and movies. She can be found on Instagram here.

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