Five awesome gay hangouts in Medellín, Colombia

This article was first published in January 2018

If you’ve been watching Narcos on Netflix, you’ll no doubt associate Medellin in Colombia as one of the crime capitals of the world.

It certainly used to be during the days of the drug cartels in the 1980s and 1990s. However, over the past 10 years, Medellin has undergone a massive transition to become one of the safest and most advanced places in the entire country.

Medellin is also a very gay friendly city to visit, with a very welcoming open minded population. There’s also a small gay scene to explore around Parque Lleras in Poblado, which is also the touristy heart of the city. We love the atmosphere here – in the evening it’s buzzing and full of life.

These are 5 of the best gay hangouts in Medellin you should check out if you happen to swing by this way:

1) Donde Aquellos

Donde Aquellos is one of the main gay bars in Poblado. It’s got a large seating area, mainly outdoors and is always busy. It’s got quite a cruisy atmosphere, with everyone checking everyone out. It’s a cool spot to come for a cocktails with friends, or to pick up a local hottie.

Donde Aquellos is located at Carrera 38 N° 9A – 26 near Parque Lleras and is open everyday from 5pm – 4am.

2) Bar Chiquita

Look out for the fabulous yellow twin flamingo statues outside. We love the décor here – completely quirky and a lot of fun. The staff are gorgeous and know how to make a killer cocktail.

Bar Chiquita has a large outdoor terrace, which is great to sit for people watching on a sunny clear day. It’s a great place to come to start the night with a few drinks with friends.

Bar Chiquita is located at Carrera 37 # 10-37 Local 205 and is open Weds – Sat from 6pm-2am.

3) Industry Club

Industry is a gay club in Poblado, which mainly plays electronic music. It’s quite big, spread over 2 dance halls. If you love electro music, then this is the place you’ll want to check out in Medellin.

Industry is located at Calle 26A #43F 72 and is open only on Friday and Saturday evenings from 10pm to around 4am.

4) Zero Club

Zero is another gay club in Poblado, right next to Lleras Park. It’s smaller than Industry, but always get packed with cute local guys. We love it because they play a cool mix of Latino pop hits, so plenty of Maluma, Shakira, and of course Despacito remixes.

Whenever we went with friends, the custom was to buy a bottle of rum and cola and share it between us.

Zero is located at Calle 10a # 36-2 and is open Thurs-Sat 10pm to around 4am.

5) Viva Discotek

Viva is a huge gay club in Medellin, not actually in Poblado, but a short taxi ride away close to the main stadium of the city. It’s got a large main dance hall area playing electro music and reggaeton, and a smaller more intimate room with a mix of traditional Latin music including salsa.

Whenever we came to Viva, we’d buy a bottle of the local aniseed tasting brew called “aguardiente” and share it as shots or mixed with coca cola. It’s only around $30/£20 but it’s strong stuff – and the hangovers are quite nasty!

Viva is located as Calle 51 #73-100 near the Stadium and is only on Sat evenings.

For more check out our gay guide to Medellin  and learn more about what gay life is like in Colombia with our interview with local Colombian Jesus.