Exploring the Vibrant Laureles Neighborhood in Medellín, Colombia
Medellín breaks every stereotype imaginable and carries a comeback story that few cities have. As more folks venture to the City of the Eternal Spring, the Laureles-Estadio neighborhood has cemented itself among the best places to experience all that Medellín offers.
Spanning the bustling stadium home for the country’s most popular soccer team, a colorful street perfect for a bottle of aguardiente, and avenues adorned with lush fauna and towering brick buildings, there has never been a better time to be in Laureles.
Founded as a working-class neighborhood in the 1940s, the Laureles of today is a haven for middle to upper-class living. The barrio generally encompasses the urban mass south of Avenida Colombia, west of Autopista Sur, north of Avenida 33, and east of Avenida 80.
Estadio and La 70: Goals and Good Times
The Estadio Atanasio Girardot complex hosts Medellín’s two soccer teams that compete nationally and occasionally internationally. On one end, Atlético Nacional stands out as the most popular soccer club in Colombia. Its bitter intercity rival, Deportivo Independiente Medellín (DIM), also calls this vibrant stadium home. Game days see the venue drenched in either green (for Nacional fans) or red (for DIM fans), creating an exhilarating atmosphere, especially during derbies.
On game days, La Setenta (Carrera 70 or “La 70”) is the place to be. Fans, proudly donning flags and tattoos of their team’s logos, gather hours before the matches, spilling out of La 70’s endless stretch of tiny bars, open-air clubs, and street food stands. Moreover, when games are not in play, La 70 remains a thriving hub for party enthusiasts.
For immersive enjoyment, buying a bottle of Aguardiente Antioqueño at a nearby liquor shop, cozying up with amigos at a roadside table, and watching the energetic crowd is highly recommended. An excellent choice for this experience is one of the Lico Express establishments along La 70.
The Neighborhood’s Artistic Side
There’s more to Laureles than its lively streets. In fact, the neighborhood is home to some of the city’s best-kept cultural secrets. Located just a block north of the otherwise-bustling Avenida San Juan is the Fundación Aburrá, a small museum boasting a rotating collection of nearly 3,000 pre-Hispanic era statues and art pieces.
For a splash of modern art, an open-air, graffiti and mural gallery covers the walls of the aquatic complex near Estadio Atanasio Girardot, displaying 13 colorful pieces inspired by the activities happening in the area.
Live Performances in Laureles
Theater and Comedy
Teatro Barra del Silencio offers a glimpse into Medellin’s dynamic theater scene, initially established in 1982. Today, it attracts artists from across the valley for weekly performances, contributing to the rich cultural fabric of the city. For comedy lovers, the Teatro de Laureles has been a go-to spot since 2006, showcasing various comedic acts that entertain a full audience.
A Musical Evening in Medellín
If you’re looking to unwind with music, Naturalia Café off La 70 serves as a great venue. This spacious, naturally-lit spot doubles as a daytime workspace and, by night, transforms into an intimate setting for some of Medellín’s best musicians.
Where to Find the Best Eats
Taste Colombia’s Favorites
Laureles is loaded with family-owned restaurants and local chains, such as Crepes y Waffles, El Corral, and Bogotá Beer Company.
Among steakhouses, Barbara Cocina Primitiva stands out with its ambiance and the highly praised 1,000-gram Tomahawk Steak. For dessert, their banana lasagna—with layers of arequipe cream and caramelized bananas—is a must-try.
For authentic Colombian fare and the best bandeja paisa in Medellín, Restaurant Las Delicias de La Nena (Carrera 70, Circular 3) is unbeatable. Their massive bandejas include pinto beans, grilled chicken, and a chunk of avocado served with homemade ají that packs a flavorful kick. It’s conveniently located across from Mondongo’s, another Laureles favorite.
Go International
When ready for a change of pace from Colombian dishes, Laureles features a variety of international dining options. The Mercado del Parque gastronomic market, opened in 2018, boasts 14 fast-casual options ranging from Arabic to sushi, offering an exciting culinary experience.
Get Coffee-Buzzed
No day in Colombia is complete without its signature coffee. Nestled off Avenida Nutibara, Rituales Compañía de Café encapsulates the specialty coffee experience with a pour-over bar and engaging displays about the farmers behind their beans.
Where to Stay
Inntu Hotel overlooks the Segundo Parque de Laureles, where a vibrant local market takes place on Saturday mornings. Its rooftop offers panoramic views of the city, along with a Turkish steam room and jacuzzi. Alternatively, TRYP Medellín is conveniently located near the stadium complex and the Estadio metro station.
Getting There
Navigating Laureles can be tricky due to its unique geography, including periodic roundabouts. However, it is approximately eight kilometers northwest of El Poblado and less than five kilometers from El Centro. Accessible by taxi or by using Medellín’s efficient metro system, the Estadio station serves as a great central starting point for your Laureles adventure.
