Friday – probably everyone’s favorite day of the week. The day that signifies the weekend has arrived and two whole days free from work. Whether you’re looking for the top places to let loose, to soak up some culture or to enjoy new hidden gems, here are the best things to do in Medellín on Fridays. (And when you’re ready to continue exploring over the weekend, check out the best things to do in Medellín on Saturdays and Sundays.)
Cultural Activities
Get artsy at MAMM (Museo de Arte Moderno de Medellín)
Carrera 44 #19A – 100
If your Fridays are normally spent feeling exhausted and slightly terrified at the thought of going to a club, you’re not alone. Luckily, Medellín is packed with fun, cultural spots, one of the most popular being the Museo de Arte Moderno de Medellín (the Museum of Modern Art). Located in Ciudad del Rio, the museum is housed in a chic building, complete with a Ganso y Castor restaurant at the back, and steps that look onto Medellín’s skyline and the many dog walkers strolling by.
Not only is MAMM a great place to relax and people-watch, but it also has an impressive collection of displays (including performance and experiential art), a rooftop terrace and a cinema. Even better, every last Friday of the month, entrance to MAMM is completely free between 6 pm – 10 pm.
Learn about Medellín’s past at Museo Casa de la Memoria
Parque Bicentenario, Calle 51 #36 – 66
An option for during the day, Casa de la Memoria is a museum and information center dedicated to representing Colombia’s armed conflict and violence and subsequent transformation. The variety of exhibits, videos and artwork tell the story of Colombia and Medellín’s past through the voices of the people affected, and a visit here is a truly sobering experience. Whether you live in Colombia permanently or are traveling through, Casa de la Memoria is one of the most distinct places to understand the country’s turbulent history.
The museum is always free to enter, and each Friday and Tuesday guided tours are given in English between 9 am to 12 pm, and 2 pm to 6 pm. To arrive, take the metro to San Antonio station, then the Tranvía to Bicentario.
See a play at El Pequeño Teatro
Carrera 42 #50A – 12
Whether you’re hoping to impress a date or spend your Friday appreciating the arts, the El Pequeño Teatro (The Little Theatre) is a fun alternative to partying your way into the weekend. Based over in Centro, the theatre is a quaint building with a beautiful interior and two theatre halls where local productions are staged most nights. Shows vary from dance to drama and comedy, and even if performing arts isn’t normally your thing, a visit here is well worth the experience alone. Plus, shows are always in Spanish, so it’s a great way to practice your listening skills!
El Pequeño Teatro promotes free access to art and culture for people in Medellín, meaning there is no charge to see any of the performances – although a voluntary contribution is encouraged. Shows begin at 7.30 pm and visitors can find a full calendar of upcoming events on the website.
Dancing & Music
Salsa at Cuchitril
Calle 10 #52 – 87
When in Medellín do as Paisas do and salsa! Friday in the City of Eternal Spring sees locals strut their best moves across sweaty dancefloors all over. In Poblado, Cuchitril is a hotspot for budding and professional salsa dancers. The club may be small but what it lacks in size, it makes up for in energy. The place is usually packed on Fridays when a live salsa band performs for spinning attendees. If you’re only in Medellín for a few days, this is one of the most authentically Colombian experiences you can have. Entrance ranges between $15,000 – $20,000 COP.
Listen to live music a Café Naturalia
Circular 3 #70 – 39
For a low-key evening with friends, drinks and a cozy atmosphere, Café Naturalia has live music every Friday. The Laureles-favorite is known for its delicious snacks, markets, hippie vibes and welcoming community. The genre of music changes every week (past acts have included indie, jazz, funk and electronic bands) and so draws in a rare mixture of people. Cover charge is normally around $10,000 COP but can be lower or higher based on the performers. Shows begin at 8 pm but guests are welcome to arrive earlier and settle in.
Socializing
Party on Hostel Ondas’ rooftop
Carrera 81 #45G – 52
For those who want to socialize and practice their Spanish/salsa skills at the same time, Ondas’ rooftop party is a must. The hostel in Floresta has a lively atmosphere and its events always draw foreigners and locals alike. The hostel is artsy, has friendly staff and cheap prices – every Friday there’s a three-for-two deal on beers and pizzas.
Attendees to the Friday night party are welcome to use the entire building (there’s a café on the ground floor and lounge spaces dotted throughout the other floors), but the rooftop is really the place to be. Here, guests are treated to views over the neighborhood rooftops, good music and lots of dancing. Entrance is free.
Take a brewery tour at 3 Cordilleras
Calle 30 #44176
No day of the week are you more deserving of a drink than on Fridays. If you prefer to savor your beverages rather than chug overpriced cocktails at a club, 3 Cordilleras is a brewery in Industriales and has a large selection of quality handcrafted beers ranging from blanca and mestizo to mulata and negra. The cerveceria is spread across two floors in a converted warehouse with huge windows and fermentation cylinders decorating the room and has a buzzing ambiance. There’s also a stage for live music – normally playing classic rock songs – and every Friday tours are available to brush up on your brewery knowledge or simply sample the different beer flavors, colors and aromas (the tours include five free samples). 3 Cordilleras is open from 6.30 pm to 11. 30 pm and the cover is $30.000 COP.
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!
