Medellin’s city center is a vibrant hub where the past and present coexist. Visitors can enjoy the city’s cultural legacy, exploring historic bars that showcase its tango heritage and resilience. At the same time, contemporary spaces like La Pascasia blend local and international influences, offering live music, art, and a fusion of cuisines that celebrate Medellin’s unique identity. Whether drawn to the city’s storied past or its dynamic present, there’s ample opportunity to discover the multifaceted cultural landscape that defines the heart of this remarkable Colombian destination.
Good To Know
- Discover Medellin’s vibrant cultural scene through a guided night tour visiting historic bars like Salon Malaga and Homero Manzi Cultural House.
- Experience live tango music performances and learn about the rich cultural heritage preserved in these iconic venues.
- Explore La Pascasia, a multifaceted cultural hub featuring an art gallery, live music, and a selection of craft beers and local cuisine.
- Enjoy an intimate group experience limited to 10 travelers, allowing for a personalized exploration of Medellin’s cultural hot spots.
- The tour concludes at La Pascasia, providing an opportunity for further culture and independent exploration.
Tour Overview
The small-group guided tour provides an immersive exploration of Medellin’s cultural hot spots.
Visitors can expect to visit historic bars like Salon Malaga, which has been around since the 1950s, and Homero Manzi Cultural House, a venue that survived the violence of the 80s and 90s.
The tour also includes a stop at La Pascasia, a bar and restaurant that features an art gallery and live music.
With a maximum of 10 travelers, the intimate experience allows visitors to fully engage with the cultural offerings and gain a deeper understanding of Medellin’s vibrant nightlife.
Tour Experience
This night tour showcases a different side of Medellin, providing an intimate experience for a maximum of 10 travelers.
The tour includes two beers as part of the experience, allowing visitors to enjoy the city’s vibrant nightlife.
The tour stops at several historic bars, including:
- Salon Malaga, a 60-year-old bar known for its tango music.
- Homero Manzi Cultural House, which hosts tango events and workshops.
- La Pascasia, a bar and restaurant with an art gallery and live music.
The tour ends at La Pascasia, where visitors can continue exploring the city’s cultural offerings.
Meeting and End Points
The meeting point for the tour is El Poblado Metro station at the ticket booth.
From there, the group will embark on their cultural exploration of Medellin’s historic bars and venues.
After the tour, the group will end up at La Pascasia, a bar, restaurant, and art gallery that features live music.
The trip from the starting point to the ending point at La Pascasia costs approximately $4 by taxi.
This intimate tour experience is limited to a maximum of 10 travelers, ensuring a personalized and immersive outing showcasing a different side of Medellin’s vibrant cultural scene.
Salon Malaga
After departing the metro station, the tour makes its first stop at Salon Malaga, a 60-year-old bar known for its tango music.
Visitors spend around 45 minutes here, with free admission. The bar offers guests a glimpse into Medellin’s past, having survived the turbulent 80s and 90s.
The experience includes:
- Listening to live tango music that has filled the bar for decades.
- Observing the bar’s vintage decor and ambiance, transporting visitors to a bygone era.
- Enjoying a complimentary beer as part of the overall tour experience.
- Learning about the bar’s rich history and role in Medellin’s cultural heritage from the knowledgeable guide.
Homero Manzi Cultural House
Next, the tour group makes its way to the Homero Manzi Cultural House. This historic venue hosts tango events and workshops, offering visitors a glimpse into Medellin’s rich cultural heritage. Visitors can expect to spend around 45 minutes exploring the space, with free admission.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Events | Tango performances and workshops |
| History | Survived the city’s turbulent 80s and 90s |
| Admission | Free entry for tour participants |
The Homero Manzi Cultural House provides an authentic and immersive experience, allowing travelers to connect with Medellin’s vibrant tango scene and appreciate the resilience of the city’s cultural institutions.
La Pascasia
As the final stop on the tour, La Pascasia offers visitors a multifaceted cultural experience. This bar and restaurant features an art gallery, showcasing local artists, and live music performances.
Guests can enjoy:
- A selection of craft beers and cocktails in an intimate setting.
- Perusing the rotating art exhibits adorning the walls.
- Listening to live music, ranging from jazz to traditional Colombian rhythms.
- Savoring the flavorful cuisine, which blends international and local culinary influences.
Traveler Feedback
Travelers have left overwhelmingly positive reviews for this cultural tour of Medellin’s city center.
With a perfect 5.0 rating from 16 reviews, it’s clear that guests are delighted by the experience. Reviewers praise the knowledgeable guides who bring the city’s history and vibrant culture to life.
The mix of iconic bars, live music, and art galleries creates an engaging and immersive evening. Travelers appreciate the intimate group size, which allows for a more personalized experience.
The tour’s flexible cancellation policy also provides added peace of mind. This tour offers an excellent introduction to the lesser-known cultural side of Medellin’s city center.
Getting There
The tour begins at the El Poblado Metro station, where guests can meet the guide at the ticket booth.
From there, it’s a short taxi ride to the tour’s endpoint, La Pascasia, located in the La Candelaria neighborhood. The taxi fare is roughly $4 USD.
The tour includes the following stops:
- Salon Malaga: A 60-year-old bar featuring tango music.
- Homero Manzi Cultural House: Hosts tango events and workshops.
- La Pascasia: A bar, restaurant, and art gallery with live music.
The tour ends at La Pascasia, where guests can continue exploring the city’s cultural offerings.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Best Time of Year to Take This Tour?
The best time to take this tour is year-round, as Medellin’s vibrant nightlife and cultural attractions are lively throughout the seasons. The tour offers a unique glimpse into the city’s historic bars and music venues any time of year.
Is Photography Allowed During the Tour?
Yes, photography is allowed during the tour. The tour guides encourage guests to capture the historic bars, art galleries, and live music performances they’ll experience on the tour.
Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks?
No, you can’t bring your own food and drinks. The tour includes 2 beers as part of the experience, so it’s best to enjoy the local beverages provided during the tour.
Do I Need to Make a Reservation for the Tour?
You don’t need a reservation for this tour. It’s a small-group experience, so the group size is limited to 10 travelers. You can simply show up at the meeting point to join the tour.
Is the Tour Suitable for Children?
The tour is not recommended for children. It’s an adult-oriented experience focusing on bars, music, and art galleries. The tour operator advises it’s best suited for travelers 18 and older.
The Sum Up
Medellin’s city center offers a rich cultural experience, blending historic landmarks like Salon Malaga and Homero Manzi Cultural House with contemporary venues like La Pascasia. Visitors can enjoy the city’s vibrant tango heritage, vibrant art scene, and diverse culinary offerings, showcasing Medellin’s unique identity and resilient spirit. Exploring this cultural tapestry provides a deeper understanding of the city’s storied past and its ongoing evolution.