Tuesday. The second day of the week, when you’ve only just recovered from partying, and the next weekend seems so far away. But fear not – the City of Eternal Spring is home to fiestas, culture, and awesome experiences no matter the day. Whether you’re visiting and want to see all the best gems or just want a little early-week inspiration, here are the top things to do in Medellín on Tuesdays:
Salsa at El Eslabón Prendido
Where: Calle 53 #55
When: 9pm
Charge: $10,000 – $15,000 COP
There are few activities more Colombian than heading downtown and working up a salsa sweat. This unassuming salsa bar is where the locals go to show off their fluid hips and impressive footwork. Even if you’re a complete beginner in salsa dancing, you’re bound to be dragged into a sea of bodies and put through your paces by the Paisas here. If you’re really not the dancing type, go along to appreciate the fantastic live band.
Listen to live music at Alambique
Where: Carrera 41 #10
When: 7pm
Charge: Free
One of the most easily-missed restaurants in Poblado is also one of the coolest. Hidden above Calle 10, Alambique is known for its rustic décor, delicious hearty dishes, and smooth tunes come Tuesday. Each week, a band plays live for diners; spanning genres like Cuban jazz, Bosa Nova, blues, and Brazilian-inspired covers. The intimate atmosphere, combined with a cocktail, is a particularly special event on Tuesdays. We recommend booking a table in advance to ensure you get a good view.
Join the Ciclovía del Estadio
Where: Start at Jumbo supermarket (Avenida Las Vegas), finish at Puente de Barranquilla
When: 7pm – 9pm
Charge: Free
Colombia is famous for its ciclovías – where on certain days, roads are closed to cars and motorbikes, and cyclists, skateboarders, rollerbladers or walkers take over. The ciclovías on the weekends and festivos take place during the day, but on Tuesday and Thursday, smaller night versions happen. Over in the neighborhood of Laureles-Estadio, people who love to explore on two wheels can join the masses of cyclists and spend a couple of hours whizzing down the autopista. There’s no pre-registration necessary, simply show up with a bike, helmet, and lights, and enjoy the much calmer Medellín roads.
Attend the Toucan Café Language Exchange
Where: Toucan Café, Calle 10 #41-32
When: 6pm – 8pm
Charge: $5,000 COP per person
For those who like immersing themselves in the culture and language, Toucan Café is paired to one of the best Spanish schools in Medellín. Their Tuesday event is led by teachers from the school who provide exercises and activities to different tables of attendees. Unlike other language exchanges, this one is a little more formal and spans beyond the normal niceties of only introducing yourself. The café itself has cheap drinks, a friendly vibe, and is located in the heart of Poblado (so plan to head out dancing after).
Practice Spanish at Barrio Central
Where: Circular 2 ## 68 – 123
When: 7pm
Charge: Free
Located just off La 70 – the buzzing strip for nightlife in Laureles – Barrio Central is a homely spot with a crowd of regulars. Each Tuesday, the place hosts a language exchange for people of all Spanish abilities. If you’re looking to brush up on your vocabulary or finally understand the subjunctive, there are games, trivia, and tailored discussion topics to help. Complete with an outdoor patio, bar snacks, and music, Barrio Central is great for relaxing with friends, as well as seriously improving your Spanish.
Party at Dulce Jesús Mio
Where: Carrera 38 #19-255
When: After 10pm
Charge: $15,000 COP
You may think that a Tuesday evening in Medellín is pretty low-key. Well, not at Dulce Jesús Mio. This fonda is one the most bizarre and incredible bars you can check out in the city. There are two locations, we suggest the one in Las Palmas (which is a little smaller and better suited to Tuesdays), where a comedy show, staff in crazy outfits, luminous decorations, and lots of Aguardiente are on the menu. It’s best to go with a group of people, so you can all confirm what you saw the next day – especially the Miss Piggy and Kermit the Frog urinals.
Want to fill your itinerary with events on other days? Check out our ‘things to do’ guides for Saturday and Sunday, or keep yourself thoroughly entertained throughout the week on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday.
If you are looking for other fun activities to do while you are in Medellín, don’t forget to visit our article “Top 10 events of the week in Medellín” where you can find a variety of events: from art exhibitions, to movie nights, free language exchanges, classical music concerts, theater nights, gastronomy events and much more!
