Trevor
Administrator
While its not quite a hidden gem anymore, Here is why you should avoid Poblado and stay in Laureles.
The first place tourists stay when headed to Medellin has always been Poblado. Its high energy atmosphere, parties, night clubs and restaurants drive tourists from all over the world. You won't even go one block without seeing other tourists. Its famous for it's debauchery to be honest and the mayor is working hard at changing every aspect of the problem. Earlier bar closing hours, huge police presence and a huge campaign to discourage men that only come to Medellin to pay women for a "date". The problem with that is if you are a man traveling solo, guess what? You are stereotyped as one of them.
Enter Laureles.... It also has a famous nightlife but a more local feel. Even though Laureles was named coolest neighborhood in the world by Timeout, it is far from being overrun by tourists. While Poblado is focused on one street (calle 10), Laureles is very spread out so it maintains its authentic vibe. The selling point for me is that going for a walk at night feels far safer then Poblado and without the working girls. As a gringo in Poblado you are constantly harassed by beggars, rappers, sellers and you name it. You wont go one block without somebody offering you something. Laureles on the other hand is far more calm in that aspect. Just the odd beggar you might run into but its few and far between compared to Poblado.
There is a growing anti-tourism movement in Poblado and the "welcome" feel is gone. It almost feels as you are a bother to anyone you meet. On the other hand Laureles maintains that friendly Colombian vibe. Look at it this way, walking down Calle 10 in Poblado you will see at least 10 police officers per block due to recent unsavory actions by both criminals and visitors. In Laureles however there is just a sprinkling of police throughout the main parks but they are definitely not seeing a lot of action and look bored to tears. They are still friendly, say hello and make you feel welcome, just like the locals in Laureles.
So my point is if you want the unsavory debauchery, Poblado is for you.
If you are looking for a more friendly, authentic Colombian experience that still offers amazing restaurants and a vibrant nightlife on LA 70, Then Laureles is for you.
Sooo... Hidden Gem time? Here are a few places to stay where its relatively safe for travelers but wayyyyy even more authentic. Check out Envigado or Belen.
The first place tourists stay when headed to Medellin has always been Poblado. Its high energy atmosphere, parties, night clubs and restaurants drive tourists from all over the world. You won't even go one block without seeing other tourists. Its famous for it's debauchery to be honest and the mayor is working hard at changing every aspect of the problem. Earlier bar closing hours, huge police presence and a huge campaign to discourage men that only come to Medellin to pay women for a "date". The problem with that is if you are a man traveling solo, guess what? You are stereotyped as one of them.
Enter Laureles.... It also has a famous nightlife but a more local feel. Even though Laureles was named coolest neighborhood in the world by Timeout, it is far from being overrun by tourists. While Poblado is focused on one street (calle 10), Laureles is very spread out so it maintains its authentic vibe. The selling point for me is that going for a walk at night feels far safer then Poblado and without the working girls. As a gringo in Poblado you are constantly harassed by beggars, rappers, sellers and you name it. You wont go one block without somebody offering you something. Laureles on the other hand is far more calm in that aspect. Just the odd beggar you might run into but its few and far between compared to Poblado.
There is a growing anti-tourism movement in Poblado and the "welcome" feel is gone. It almost feels as you are a bother to anyone you meet. On the other hand Laureles maintains that friendly Colombian vibe. Look at it this way, walking down Calle 10 in Poblado you will see at least 10 police officers per block due to recent unsavory actions by both criminals and visitors. In Laureles however there is just a sprinkling of police throughout the main parks but they are definitely not seeing a lot of action and look bored to tears. They are still friendly, say hello and make you feel welcome, just like the locals in Laureles.
So my point is if you want the unsavory debauchery, Poblado is for you.
If you are looking for a more friendly, authentic Colombian experience that still offers amazing restaurants and a vibrant nightlife on LA 70, Then Laureles is for you.
Sooo... Hidden Gem time? Here are a few places to stay where its relatively safe for travelers but wayyyyy even more authentic. Check out Envigado or Belen.