Here are my picks for LGBTQ-friendly things to do and see in Medellín.
I was dancing to disco-pop music on a flatbed truck behind the DJ when someone spilled aguardiente on me. (It’s an anise-flavored liqueur Colombians seem to drink by the gallon.) But I was unbothered: my tank top was already soaked from rain and sweat, I was surrounded by a sea of smiling people, and I was having the time of my life at Medellín’s pride parade.
Medellín’s annual pride parade takes place at the end of June and has recently been competing with Bogotá for being Colombia’s largest pride festival. With nearly 90,000 people attending this year’s parade, it culminated after a month of LGBTQ events and festivities. The parade included an early afternoon street fair featuring independent shops, health organizations, and nonprofits, and concluded after dusk in the historic Parque de las Luces. The parties, however, went all night well past sunrise.
My trip organizer, the gay travel agency Out in Colombia, arranged for my friends and me not only to attend the parade but also to join it. We hopped onto the float sponsored by one of Medellín’s biggest gay clubs, Club Oráculo, and partied with DJ Nicolas Machado. After the march, I found myself bouncing between a few different gay clubs where I made new friends and danced until the clubs closed down.
I partied in the Provenza area, a wealthier district in the El Poblado neighborhood. The areas around the main gay clubs were blocked off, barricades made streets pedestrian-only, and police were visible. As a gay man, I felt extremely safe the entire time in Medellín.
Medellín, renowned for its culture and as a hub for creatives, has seen a resurgence in tourism since the Colombian Peace Accord in 2016. In fact, Medellín surpassed Bogotá and Cartagena as Colombia’s most touristic city in 2022. My long weekend was filled with cultural and social activities planned by Out in Colombia. (This agency began curating itineraries for gay travelers in 2016, focusing on tailor-made experiences, LGBTQ tour guides, and sustainable, educational tourism.)
What to See and Do
Capilla del Rosario, a 120-year-old coffee farm, offers tours, specialty coffee tastings, and educational sessions to learn about the farms. The family-run farm features 25 different varieties of specialty Colombian coffees across its 65,000 trees on 45 hectares.
For a unique city experience, visit the Moravia neighborhood, a former landfill transformed into a cultural and arts hub since the early 2000s. Local leaders, including 87-year-old Gloria, run a cultural center that hosts street art tours. Check out MamaChilla Tours for visitors. Another option is the Barrio Transformation tour to learn about the neighborhood’s changes. This inspiring region is one many might overlook.
Moreover, since the city is located in a valley, heading to the mountains offers exquisite views from the scenic vistas.
If you’re seeking local brands, Industrias Roboto is a Colombian fashion brand specializing in techno-party clothes with a modern aesthetic in Medellín. The owners also run La Panaderia Rusa, known for parkas and hoodies.
Where to Eat and Drink
Provenza offers numerous restaurants with open-air eateries beneath the lush green canopy of trees lining the streets. For quick bites and coffee, keep Repostería Astor in mind—a traditional Colombian pastry shop and café with several locations across the city.
Brunch at Repeat is a staple, featuring an eclectic international menu. With a large patio, spacious interiors, and a wrap-around bar offering great cocktails, this venue hosts live DJs in the afternoons and evenings, making it a fantastic spot to enjoy a meal and relax.
Another excellent lunch spot is Lavocaderia, where avocados take center stage in every meal. For instance, you can enjoy a burger served between giant avocado halves instead of buns.
For fine dining, reservation-only Test Kitchen Lab is a must-visit. Each dish emphasizes Colombian ingredients, paired with enticing drinks or cocktails, and the open kitchen allows for interaction with the chef, making it a memorable dining experience.
Where to Party
While Medellín doesn’t have an official “gay neighborhood,” Provenza has the largest concentration of gay bars, and its safe, welcoming atmosphere makes it easy to enjoy the nightlife there.
Mad Radio is my favorite hangout spot in the city. This indie club feels like someone’s home, featuring an open-air living room that spills onto the sidewalk. Additionally, a trickling creek outside enhances the cozy ambiance.
The bar centers around a DJ booth in the middle of the venue, attracting crowds eager to dance. While not exclusively a gay spot, it offers a queer-friendly atmosphere and even hosted a pride party over the weekend showcasing women DJs.
Other traditional gay bars in Medellín include Donde Aquellos Bar, a casual hangout with great cocktails and outdoor seating, and Bar Chiquita, located just up the street. This upstairs bar and club features a back room that hosts regular drag shows. (Insider tip: they’re famous for their lychee martinis.)
The heart of gay Medellín, however, is Club Oráculo, a massive gay club boasting three separate dance floors. One floor plays traditional gay pop with a massive stage for elaborate drag performances; another upstairs floor offers techno; and the last one features Latin and samba music.
Where to Stay
Many of the city’s best hotels are in the Provenza neighborhood, but I stayed at The Click Clack Hotel Medellín. This Colombian brand is the second hotel after its flagship property in Bogotá. The luxury hotel features a large open-air, green lobby under towering trees, where breakfast is served daily.
There are three on-site restaurants serving Colombian, Greek, and Thai cuisines, in addition to two separate rooftop bars. The newest addition, Náufrago, is a panoramic rooftop cocktail bar offering 360-degree skyline views. Their delicious cocktails are inspired by various Colombian regions, each designed with unique local liquors and flavors.
Consequently, there’s no need to leave the hotel with all its amenities, including a downstairs art gallery. Furthermore, it’s within walking distance to all the attractions and gay bars in Provenza, making it an ideal base for exploring Medellín.
