Simon Willis

Simon Willishttps://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/about/contributors/simon-willisSimon Willishttps://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/explore/south-america/colombia/medellin-nightlifeFrom newly-opened breweries to trendy electro/house clubs, hipster hangouts to traditional salsa bars, Colombia’s second largest city certainly packs a punch when the sun goes down.2019-04-15T10:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/explore/south-america/colombia/medellin-nightlifehttps://www.worldnomads.com<ul> <li><a href="#salsa"> Salsa </a></li> <li><a href="#brewery"> Burgeoning brewery Scene </a></li> <li><a href="#alfresco-drinking"> Alfresco drinking </a></li> <li><a href="#breakfast"> Breakfast and cocktails </a></li> <li><a href="#bars"> Rooftop bars </a></li> </ul> <h2 id="salsa">Salsa in Medellin</h2> <h3>El Tibiri</h3> <p>Many bars in <a href="/explore/south-america/colombia/top-things-to-see-and-do-in-medellin" target="_blank">Medellin</a> chime to the sound of salsa and there’re few better than El Tibiri. This sultry, low-ceiled basement spot in Laureles, attracts the city’s finest dancers, leaving crowds of onlookers awestruck.</p> <h3>Cuchitril</h3> <p>Lesser-known Cuchitril in Poblado reels in romancers to its vine-shrouded garden area. After 11pm dancers entwine together in front of live performances.</p> <h3>Santo Baile and Dancefree</h3> <p>For those wishing to perfect their dance moves, <a href="http://www.santobaile.com/" target="_blank">Santo Baile</a> offers private lessons, while <a href="http://www.dancefree.com.co/" target="_blank">Dancefree</a> spills from the door on Thursday nights during its free, and intensive, group classes.</p> <h2 id="brewery">Burgeoning brewery scene in Medellin</h2> <p>One of the major changes to Medellin’s nightlife has been the emergence of local breweries.</p> <h3>Tres Cordilleras</h3> <p>Tres Cordilleras, located in edgy and industrial Barrio Colombia, attracts the crowds on Thursdays for a brewery tour and live rock music. Buy a ticket at the entrance for five beers.</p> <h3>Cervecería Libre</h3> <p>A few blocks away, lesser-known Cervecería Libre (Wed-Sat) serves four house beers, including one passion fruit infused, and 16 sublime tap tipples best sampled on the taster tray.</p> <h3>Brew House</h3> <p>In Poblado, Brew House merges an array of international bottled beers and ever-changing drafts with live televised sporting events. Head there for UFC nights, the owner is a huge fan.</p> <h2 id="alfresco-drinking">Alfresco drinking in Medellin</h2> <p>Medellin’s spring-like climate deems it necessary to hang out in its plethora of parks and plazas.</p> <h3>Parque Poblado</h3> <p>While Parque Lleras throbs with tourists, Parque Poblado draws an alternative crowd. Groups of friends spread up the rising stairs that encircle the ripped-jeaned musicians, tapping bongos and strumming acoustic guitars.</p> <h3>Ciudad del Río</h3> <p>Over the last few years the city’s hipsters have swarmed upon Ciudad del Río. At night, lines of food trucks sizzle from frying burgers and billow out scents of sweet-smelling pork. Locals grab a beer or a slat-rimmed, lime-tinged <em>michelada</em> from street vendors while cocktails and <em>aguardiente</em> (aniseed-tasting liquor) appear during live music concerts.</p> <h2 id="breakfast">Breakfast and cocktails in Medellin</h2> <p>The emergence of cocktail bars and electro/house spots has injected class and vigor into Medellin’s nightlife.</p> <h3>Alambique</h3> <p>Alambique, located in Poblado, serves the finest gin and tonics around as well as exquisite cocktails. Indulge in its array of elegant dishes, not forgetting the tender lamb stew.</p> <h3>Breakfast Club</h3> <p>Ever since a country house party a few years ago, <a href="http://breakfastclub.com.co/" target="_blank">Breakfast Club</a> has grown in popularity and now leads Medellín’s house/electro scene.</p> <p>Fanatics from all over the country swarm to watch international acts at <em>Breakfest</em> events in Parque Norte. Every weekend, Breakfast club Salón Amador, reverberates the buildings on La 10, attracting a trendy, good-looking crowd.</p> <h2 id="bars">Rooftop bars in Medellin</h2> <p><a href="/explore/south-america/colombia/medellin-one-day-itinerary" target="_blank">Medellin’s</a> skyline turns even more magical while mingling with the city’s IT crowd in a rooftop bar.</p> <h3>Panorama</h3> <p>Panorama, set among the twinkling palm trees on Provenza, fuses slick modern décor with high-end liquor. Bar staff craft cocktails with the upmost precision making the high prices bearable. Don’t miss the stand-out drink: a sublime sangria.</p> <h3>Envy, Charlee Hotel</h3> <p>Nothing says extravagance like a club with a swimming pool and scantly-dressed clientele. <a href="http://thecharlee.com/envy-roof-top-2/" target="_blank">Envy, atop Charlee Hotel</a>, entices the who’s who of Medellín – soap opera stars included. Wednesdays welcome live salsa bands, Saturdays bounce with electro DJ sets, and keep an eye out for daytime pool parties.</p>iStock/brendanvanson 0469838790 iStock Medellin

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/explore/south-america/colombia/getting-around-medellinFirst time in Medellin? Find out how to get around like a local with these tips from a nomad.2017-02-22T11:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/explore/south-america/colombia/getting-around-medellinhttps://www.worldnomads.com<h2>Medellin Metro</h2> <p><span>The quick and convenient metro <a href="/explore/south-america/colombia/top-things-to-see-and-do-in-medellin" target="_blank">cuts through the city from north to south</a></span><span>. A single ticket costs COP$ 2,300 (US $0.70) but lines may stretch out of the station, so buy multiple trips. </span></p> <p><span>The <strong>Metroplus</strong> joins the network and has separate lanes on many roads. Stations, which boast user-friendly maps, remain spotless, so no eating or drinking. </span></p> <p><span>Some cable car lines, which head up the surrounding mountains, are included in the price.</span> </p> <h2>Taxis in Medellin</h2> <p><span>Taxis are cheap and plentiful. The phone app <strong>EasyTaxi</strong> provides secure rides with registered drivers; the minimum fare is COP$3,000 (US $1). </span></p> <p><span>Try to <a href="/explore/south-america/colombia/medellin-nightlife" target="_blank">resist taking taxis from the street at night</a>, </span><span>and travel in pairs or groups.</span></p> <h2>Buses in Medellin</h2> <p><span>Try to get used to the bus network, as it services the entire city. </span></p> <p>Fares cost about COP$2,000 (US $0.70) and in places where there’s no metro, like <strong>Laureles</strong> and <strong>Poblado</strong>, buses are useful. Pay cash to the drivers once on board.</p> <h2>Get our FREE Insider’s Guide to Colombia!</h2> <p><a href="/explore/guides/colombia-insiders-guide" target="_blank"><strong>From Colombia's Caribbean Coast, to the Pacific - and everything in between - download our FREE Insider's Guide to Colombia to make the most of your trip.</strong></a></p>iStock/piccaya 0499288736 iStock Medellin, Colombia - March 11, 2015: Cityscape and road sign pointing the direction to Poblado district with traffic on the road. Medellin, Colombia 2015 (selective focus)

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/explore/south-america/colombia/cali-nightlifeCali wears the title ‘world capital of salsa’ with aplomb. Traditional bars brim with passionate locals whose blood pulsates salsa rhythms. Get ready to fall in love.2019-04-16T10:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/explore/south-america/colombia/cali-nightlifehttps://www.worldnomads.com<ul> <li><a href="#salsa"> Salsa in Cali </a></li> <li><a href="#edgy-night-out"> Experience an edgy night out in Cali </a></li> <li><a href="#marathon-dancers"> Marathon dancers </a></li> </ul> <h2 id="salsa">Salsa in Cali</h2> <p><a href="/explore/south-america/colombia/top-things-to-see-and-do-in-cali" target="_blank">Cali</a> offers dance classes, live bands and expert salsa performances every day of the week. Not many Colombian cities can say this.</p> <p>Salsa club Tin Tin Deo’s reputation spans the entire country, attracting the finest movers and burgeoning stars. This diminutive second-floor venue, its walls emblazoned with salsa icons, is very foreigner-friendly. Go on a Thursday night if you can for a discount entry.</p> <p>Legendary Topa Tolondra specializes in authentic salsa, live shows, and professional performances. There's no need to go with a partner as local dancers scour the surrounding tables picking up newbies. Get there early, as it soon fills up.</p> <p>Stepping away from tradition, <a href="https://delirio.com.co/">Delirio</a> fuses world-class dancing with circus acts and various themes.</p> <p>Two giant tents, located in the northern outskirts at the Valle del Pacífico Events Center, host these monthly performances watched by more than 1,000 people. And while tickets are not cheap – at around 150,000-260,00COP (US $38-65) – where else can you witness salsa dancers swinging from trapezes to the beat of Michael Jackson?</p> <p>Or, go during the Feria de Cali, the country’s major salsa festival held here in December, for the end-of-the-year extravaganza.</p> <h2 id="edgy-night-out">Experience an edgy night out in Cali</h2> <p>Keen for a night off salsa? Then head to Martyn’s Bar. For over 30 years, this American-style rock-and-roll joint has exuded fun. With license plates, flags, vinyl records and motorbikes dotted around, Martyn’s Bar (Wed-Sat) entertains with blaring classic rock music, live bands, and even singing contests.</p> <h2 id="marathon-dancers">Marathon dancers</h2> <p>Just as everything begins to close, Menga, an area in the north, ramps up the party.</p> <p>Café de Mi Tierra merges salsa, electro, and commercial music to the mixed crowd mingling in the dance area. In its garden, sweating dancers take a breath while groups of friends pass around bottles of rum or <em>aguardiente</em> – a must-try, aniseed-flavored liquor.</p> <p>Still energized? Head to Lolas, a white-domed club whose crossover beats and piercing lasers excite its beautiful clientele every weekend.</p> <p>Favela also stays open until 6.00am, thrilling guests with its industrial design, fully equipped with container-style platforms rising above the strobe-illumined dance floor.</p>iStock 0

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/explore/south-america/colombia/getting-around-caliIt's never easy to make your way around an unfamiliar city, especially if you can't speak the local language! A nomad shares his top tips on modes of transport in Cali.2017-02-27T11:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/explore/south-america/colombia/getting-around-calihttps://www.worldnomads.com<ul> <li><a href="#bus"> Catching the bus in Cali </a></li> <li><a href="#taxi"> Taxis in Cali </a></li> </ul> <h2 id="bus">Catching the bus in Cali</h2> <p>There’s no metro in <a href="explore/south-america/colombia/top-things-to-see-and-do-in-cali" target="_blank">Cali</a>, but the <strong>Masivo Integrado de Occidente</strong> (Mio) mass transit system runs through 95% of the city in separate lanes.</p> <p>It's a nice way to explore the city too and get to know the lay of the land. The stations remain clean and the carriages are air-conditioned.</p> <p>You can get a Mio card for 3,000COP (US $1) from many stations. Each trip costs 2,000COP (US $0.70). Try to avoid peak times in the morning and evening, as lines can be lengthy.</p> <h2 id="taxi">Taxis in Cali</h2> <p>Taxis provide a reliable and inexpensive means of transport. Use the <strong>EasyTaxi</strong> app to order from the plethora of drivers.</p> <p>Note that minimum fare is 4,200COP ($1.40) and increases slightly after 8.00pm and on Sundays.</p> <p>Take a taxi in groups to ensure safety, especially at especially at night <a href="/explore/south-america/colombia/cali-nightlife" target="_blank"> after exploring the city's nightlife.</a>.</p> <p>Taxis from the airport to the bus terminal costs around 50,000COP (US $16). From there, take a bus or another taxi, which should generally cost no more than 6,000COP (US $2) to the city center or 10,000COP (US $3.30) to the south.</p>iStock/holgs 0458940877 iStock "Cali, Colombia - June 20, 2009: Main Street in the southern city of Cali Many people can be seen on the sidewalk as traffic goes by"