Today I want to tell you about my favorite area to go out to eat, have a coffee or a couple of beers in Medellín. And, without a doubt, the area where I would stay if I came to visit the city. It is Barrio Manila, a small sector in the lower part of El Poblado that, over time, has become a curious mixture of the past and present of the capital of Antioquia.
Being such a touristic city, many places in Medellín have gone from being residential areas to centers of commerce and entertainment. This is what has happened with places such as Provenza, Comuna 13, among other tourist sites.
What makes Manila special is that despite the arrival of incredible restaurants, small cafes, hotels and hostels of very good quality, it still retains most of its traditional architecture, with large houses over 50 years old; it retains its ancient trees and, especially, its quiet streets that give it a touch of mystery.
Manila has been one of the historic neighborhoods where Medellin families settled several decades ago. And in fact today you can still see older families going for a short walk in the neighborhood and sharing the space with young people from all over the world and from other parts of the city who come to enjoy the mobilizing vibe of the area.
In this post I will tell you about my favorite places and everything you need to know to enjoy the place.
Location
The Manila neighborhood is located just below El Poblado Avenue and above Las Vegas Avenue. It is also located on the north side of 10th Street. It is like a small island within El Poblado, away from the chaos and mass movement that, in general, there is in the area.
How to get there
The best way to get to Manila is by Metro, as it is a 5-minute walk from Poblado station. If you are in other areas of El Poblado, you could also walk there, although being surrounded by main avenues, the walk may not be the most comfortable. In this case, I recommend you order a cab, Uber or other mobility apps.
Restaurants
Bihao
This restaurant is a gastronomic journey throughout Colombia. At Bihao they recover the culinary traditions of the different regions of our country to create a high level cuisine.
Bihao is in a very quiet area and is pet friendly, so you can even bring your pet. They also have live music on weekends and various rituals perfect for celebrating special occasions.
Recommended dishes
- Marranitas.
- Capon de ahuyama.
- Rice endiablao.
Idílico
Idílico, a small place of typical Colombian food reimagined in a very creative way.
The kind of restaurant where it is worth ordering variety and sharing, as each dish is a surprise for the palate. If you go as a couple, my advice would be to order at least 2 appetizers and 2 main courses, accompanied with some of their delicious sodas prepared with local fruits such as Gulupa and Tamarind.
Recommended dishes
- Tentacles of corncob (entry)
- Pork and Milhoja
- White fishing
Halong Vietnamita / Saigon Fire
A little piece of Vietnam in Medellín. This restaurant is one of the best rated in the city and this is due to the variety of its menu inspired by oriental cuisine. Additionally, it has two atmospheres; one more familiar (Halong) and one more lively for the night (Saigon Fire). The special thing about this place, apart from the delicious and abundant dishes, is that it is in the middle of a small forest that has been adapted by the owners of the restaurant with some traditional Vietnamese elements.
Recommended dishes
- Any Ramen from the menu
- Pork and pork rinds Baos
- Tapioca Dessert
Tal Cual / Mi Ceviche
Tal Cual is a signature cuisine restaurant with a lot of tradition, which was founded in 2014. Initially it served as an art gallery and restaurant at the same time. And today, so many years after that moment, it still retains that bohemian touch, full of iconic pieces both in the decoration of the place and in the dishes themselves. Because of the ambiance, it can be the perfect place for a date with someone special.
Recommended dishes
- Octopus Carpaccio (appetizer)
- Sea and Land Trilogy
- Pacific fishing
Criminal Taqueria
If you prefer something relaxed, to have a few good chelas, in a lively atmosphere and eat something quick to start the night, perhaps the best option in Manila is Criminal. It is a taqueria with a very urban touch, from the music, the ambiance and the flavor. Any taco on the menu is fine, but we really like the quesadilla and the shelled corn.
Creta
Creta is a Mediterranean restaurant, with a unique decoration. Entering there is like immersing yourself in a small Arab palace. The fountains, the music, the textures of the furniture and even the smells transport you to the Middle East and Mediterranean area. From our list, this may be the option with the most expensive menu. But it’s really worth it. Especially if you are celebrating a special occasion. In this case I recommend you to go on Thursdays (when there is an Arabian dance show) or Saturdays (when there is live music).
Recommended dishes
- Hummus (starter)
- Lamb Kebab
Hotels
Landmark Hotel Medellin
Price per night: $580.000 ($80 usd)
Score: 4.6
Based on 2,178 reviews from Google Maps / Trip Advisor / Booking
Booking on Booking.comIf you are a demanding traveler, who always asks and expects a little more from your lodging experience, you will love Landmark. In addition to the design and decoration touches of a Boutique hotel, what I like most about this option is that it has a very nice pool on the rooftop, a gym and a space in the rooms to work comfortably.
Landmark is located in the Manila neighborhood, which we have described in this blog as one of the best mixes of cosmopolitan atmosphere, nightlife and local experience in Medellín.
The best thing about staying in this area is that you are at the most central point of all the good things happening in El Poblado. While Manila itself is a great experience, when you want to go to busier areas such as El Lleras or Provenza, or when you want to go to a tourist area at another end of the city, you will be a few minutes walk away.
Viajero Medellin Hostel: Best Hostel in Manila
Price per night: $194,367 (40.03 usd)
Score: 4.3
Basado en 1.697 reseñas de Google Maps / Trip Advisor / Booking
Booking on Booking.comManila is a charming neighborhood, with very good accommodations, restaurants and much less overcrowded than Lleras or Provenza. The hostel chain Traveler chose this very patched-up place to set up its cool Medellín headquarters.
Its main attraction is the terrace, which offers a privileged view of the city and has 2 Jacuzzis and a bar, the ideal place to meet more young people from all over. And in its modern facilities there are also other common areas such as the lobby with ping pong table and kitchen/dining room.
Rooms can be private or group (and there is an option of shared rooms for women only), but as is often the case in hostels, privacy is sacrificed in order to create an environment where travelers can have fun and interact.
Los Patios: Best hotel to meet people
Price per night: $258.692 ($58.53 usd)
Score: 4.6
Based on 8,603 reviews of Google Maps
Booking on Booking.comLos Patios is another of the great jewels of the Manila neighborhood. Among wonderful restaurants, bars and cafes, this hostel stands out, very well rated by internet users due to its family atmosphere, excellent customer service and facilities ready to meet with others.
Here there is always something to do and something to share with other people. Within its program you can participate in all kinds of activities, from yoga and dance classes to city tours. In addition, you can hang out on their rooftop with bar, pool and a good reputation among tourists for their incredible parties.
Poblado Guest House: Apartamentos económicos
Price per night: $198.333 (40.85 usd)
Score: 4.3
Basado en 1.051 reseñas de Google Maps / Trip Advisor / Booking
Booking on Booking.comThe building is located in the Manila neighborhood, 4 blocks from the Poblado Metro station and very close to the Exito supermarket on 10th Street. This is the right choice if you are looking for rest in a cozy place with an excellent location.
Poblado Guest House has 4 apartments, totaling 19 private rooms available, some with private bathrooms and all spacious enough to accommodate 2 people for a very favorable price.
Among its attractions are the good customer service, breakfast for only $10,000 (if not already included in the reservation), kitchen and common areas to hang out. Being a family site, they prohibit parties and are strict with schedules in the common areas.
¡Hola, soy Jorge! Medellinense por obligación y convicción. He vivido en dos países y cuatro ciudades. He viajado por el mundo (Suramérica, Centroamérica, Norteamérica y Europa). Pero debo decirte algo, para mí no hay ninguna ciudad como Medellín.
Después de haber compartido con grandes anfitriones, me propuse algo: si alguien viene a “medallo” voy a asegurarme de contarle todo lo que debe saber para enamorarse de ella. Y aquí me tienes. 30 años viviendo en Medellín y unos 10 años viajando por aquí y por allí me han dado un poco de experiencia para poder compartirte y contarte lo que sé sobre mi ciudad.
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