Christine Gilbert, author of The Best Digital Nomad Neighborhoods in Medellin, shares her picks for the best places to eat, drink, and get your work done in this colorful Colombian city.

The Best Restaurants in Medellin for Digital Nomads

Carmen: Order the multi-course tasting menu of international fare at this restaurant helmed by Le Cordon Bleu-trained chefs.
El Cielo: El Cielo provides a meal that feels like a luxurious experiment: a molecular gastronomy tasting menu of modern Colombian cuisine, made up of “moments” that engage all of a diner’s senses.
In Situ: Located inside the Jardín Botánico, this swanky restaurant serves pasta, meat, and seafood dishes, alongside excellent cocktails.
Pizzaiolo: This small pizza spot in Provenza fires up Neapolitan-style pizza in its brick oven. Pies range from savory to sweet.
Bao Bei Cocina Asiática Contemporánea: A hip, contemporary Asian eatery in Poblado, Bao Bei prepares creative baos, dumplings, and noodle dishes.
Restaurante Kai: This stylish vegan restaurant with attentive staff serves large bowls of grains and vegetables bursting with color alongside kombucha, coffee, and the occasional spicy cocktail.
Hatoviejo: A favorite among both Paisas and transplants, Hatoviejo has cooked traditional Colombian food, like Bandeja Paisa, Ajiac, and juicy steaks, for over 30 years.
OCI.MDE: Slow-cooked meats, fresh-caught fish, and select wines grace the tables at this eatery tucked into a leafy street in Provenza.
La Provincia: A popular date night spot, La Provincia’s menu spans Mediterranean and French cuisine, culminating in beautifully-plated seafood dishes.
Sambombi Bistro Local: A small restaurant full of flavor, Sambombi’s kitchen creates innovative plates, mixing ingredients in surprising ways, like goat cheese and potato pasta.

The Best Bars in Medellin for Digital Nomads

Ping Pong Drinks: Cheap drinks, billiards, and ping pong come together at this unassuming Laureles bar.
La Octava Bar: Jump in the giant ball pit, take shots, and dance to rock music at this Poblado bar, open until 4 a.m.
Son Havana: Free salsa classes and a live band make this Cuban-themed bar one of the most popular places to dance in Medellin.
Calle 9 +1: DJs spin house, techno, funk, electronic, pop, and more in this two-room discotheque where artists and backpackers groove in a chill atmosphere.
Cervecería Maestre: Drink a pint of amber, IPA, or stout, at this hole-in-the-wall craft beer bar to sample some of Medellin’s best microbrews.
Envy: Featuring some of the best cocktails in Medellin, come here to wade in the Charlee Hotel’s rooftop pool during a boozing (but classy) brunch.
20Mission Cerveza: Set in a warehouse in Manila, this craft beer bar has six beers on tap, beer-based cocktails, and tribute concerts ranging from pop to rock.
Dancefree: The place to dance salsa and bachata in Poblado, Dance Free is a dance school-turned-bar, open Thursday through Sunday.
Blue Bar: A classic rock bar with live music, Blue hosts events including standup comedy and parties dedicated to the 80s, 90s, and aughts.
Alambique: Located above an art gallery in Parque Lleras, this laidback speakeasy serves delectable cocktails and hosts a live band fromThursday through Sunday.

The Best Digital Nomad Cafes in Medellin

Pergamino: Medellin’s specialty coffee powerhouse, check out the Provenza location on Carrera 37 for expertly pulled espresso shots, strong WiFi, and a leafy, sunlit patio.
Hija Mia: A small cafe and batch roastery, Hija Mia’s is away from the center of Poblado making it quieter and less crowded than other top coffee shops.
Café Revolución: High-speed WiFi, multiple coffee preparation techniques, and delicious brunch options combine at this Laureles spot.
Café Velvet: Easily work from your laptop at this coffee shop in Parque Lleras where outlets are plentiful, chairs comfy, and the coffee mugs large.
Café Noir: Sip cold brew or a siphon-prepared coffee at this spacious cafe by the river. Beautifully designed, it’s comfortable with fast WiFi and lots of outlets.

The Best Coworking Spaces in Medellin for Digital Nomads

Circular Coworking: With hour, day, and monthly pass options, this Laureles coworking space provides flexibility along with a WiFi speed of 200MB, rest areas full of plants, plus private offices and call booths in a pet-friendly environment.
WeWork: The company has three locations in the city, but the one on Carrera 42 distinguishes itself from the others with its famous rooftop.
Bloom Ecoworking: Open-air meeting spaces surrounded by trees give this space a jungle vibe. Plans range from four- to 200-hour packages and offices and meeting decks are available for rent.
Semilla: An artisanal cafe-meets-coworking space in Laureles offers day, week, or month passes. Fixed desks, call booths, meeting rooms, and rest areas round out this great concept.
Noi Co.Creative Spaces: Open 24/7 to dedicated pass holders, Noi also has a day pass option, fixed workstations, virtual office service, and many events and talks.

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