5 Best Bars in Medellín, Colombia

The best views in town are from the rooftop terrace at the Charlee boutique hotel. It regularly draws the city's beautiful people for evening drinks around the brightly lit swimming pool. Wednesdays are salsa night, while DJs keep the crowds moving Thursday through Saturday.

A bit off of the usual tourist track, this is a pure salsa bar with low ceilings, simple decor, and lots of positive energy all around. Live bands kick off at about 11 pm, but arrive an hour or so beforehand to warm up and sample the mojitos.

A couple of blocks away from Parque Lleras, 37 Park is set on a slightly more tranquil green space with rustic log tables and seating spread over the grass and fairy lights strung between the trees. Great for afternoons and early evening with friends, the drinks menu is solid and the food decent. Service is often sluggish, but the cool outdoor space makes it worthwhile.

In the industrial district near the Medellín Modern Art Museum, this brewpub offers some of Colombia's best craft beers on tap, as well as a number of their excellent house microbrews. A popular fixture on the Medellín nightlife scene, they stay open till 2 am on weekends and occasionally host live bands on Sundays. There are some top clubs nearby, making this a great spot to begin your evening.

Dominated by a long, clean-cut bar, with hanging greenery, wood details, and exposed-brick walls, Salón Amador is one of the best locales in El Poblado to get a well-made drink and dance deep into the night. Mustachioed mixologists serve up oversized gin drinks and tasty house cocktails while DJs play a range of electro and house music. There's also an occasional live rock show; check the website for details.