Medellin, Colombia has gained a reputation as a romantic destination in South America, especially for foreign men. And after spending five months in the city, I can promise you that it delivers on its reputation. Nicknamed the “City of Eternal Spring” due to its temperate climate, it offers beautiful scenery, vibrant culture, and plenty of date night options for couples.
From sipping cocktails at rooftop bars overlooking the city, to road trips into the lush countryside, Medellin provides the perfect blend of urban excitement and natural beauty. Even though I don’t drink alcohol anymore, the rooftop bars are still worth going to just for the breathtaking views of the Medellin mountains.
While Medellin does have a turbulent past, it is also praised as one of the most progressive cities in Latin America. However, exercise extreme caution dating in Medellin, because the risks are substantial. Although I cannot guarantee your safety in Medellin, I did write an article about how to lower your risks: 9 Tips For Dating Safely In Medellin From My Experience.
With its stunning mountain views, blossoming arts scene, and passionate Latino spirit, Medellin is as a hidden gem for romantic dates. This article will highlight some of the top romantic date ideas to enjoy in this rejuvenated city.
Also see: The Complete Guide To Dating In Colombia As A Foreigner
Rooftop Bars
Medellin is known for its beautiful views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. What better way to enjoy these vistas than from a rooftop bar on a romantic date? Some of the most popular rooftop bars for dates in Medellin include:
Charlee Hotel – This hip hotel in El Poblado has a sleek rooftop bar (Envy Rooftop) with panoramic views. Enjoy craft cocktails and share a platter of tapas as you watch the sun set over the city. The atmosphere is lively but also intimate.
Haven Hotel – Located right in El Poblado, Havel Hotel hosts the 360 Rooftop Bar that bar offers stunning views of the mountains and city. The ambience is romantic with candles on the tables and lush greenery. They play chill music and serve delicious cocktails and bites.
Panorama Rooftop bar – Located in Laureles, this rooftop bar has a large terrace bar perfect for couples. Check out the Instagram page and all the beautiful Colombian women that have tagged themselves at Panorama. There’s ample comfortable seating and firepits to stay cozy. Sip tropical cocktails and nibble on ceviche while admiring the lights of Medellin.
No matter your taste, visiting a rooftop bar is a quintessential romantic experience when visiting Medellin. The views, drinks, and atmosphere make for an unforgettable date night.
Road Trips You Can Do In One Day
When building a relationship with a Colombian woman it is important to create unforgettable experiences. Road trips provide a wonderful opportunity to create a lasting memory. If you one to take the romance one step further, consider booking a hotel for one or two nights in your destination.
Road Trip to Jardín
Jardín is a small colonial town located in the southern region of Antioquia, Colombia. It makes for an excellent romantic weekend getaway from Medellín. The journey takes about 4-5 hours by car or bus.
The beautiful cobblestone streets, colorful buildings, and surrounding misty hills give Jardín a fairy tale charm. Walking with your girlfriend through the lively squares and markets is a delight. Stop for a café con leche (coffee with milk) and soak in the slow pace of life.
Don’t miss visiting the yellow and white Gothic-style Basilica Menor. Its history dates back to 1890. Climb the steep staircase up Cerro de Cristo Rey for panoramic views of the verdant valley. The hike takes about an hour roundtrip. You can even go horseback riding through the hills or book a jeep tour to the coffee plantations.
Jardín comes alive in the evenings when the lights strung across the plaza create a romantic atmosphere. Spend the night at one of Jardín’s boutique hotels or family-run hostels. Escape the city for a rejuvenating and memorable getaway. Jardín offers natural beauty, small town charm, and quality time with your loved one.
Road Trip to Guatapé
Guatapé is a picturesque colonial town about 2 hours east of Medellín. It is most famous for its giant rock, called El Peñol, that you can hike but it also has colorful buildings and a beautiful lake. It makes for a romantic and fun day trip or weekend getaway. It does get a ton of tourists, but transportation is easy because of the many buses, taxis, and ubers going to Guatapé. Opt for weekday trips over weekends for less crowds.
Climb the 700+ stairs to the top of El Peñol, the massive granite rock with incredible panoramic views of the surrounding lakes and landscape. Enjoy the adrenaline rush and sense of accomplishment when you reach the top together.
Take a boat ride or kayak out on the emerald waters of the Guatapé Lake. Float peacefully and take in the tranquil atmosphere. For more adventure, try stand up paddleboarding.
Stay until sunset to watch the sky turn pink and orange over the lake. It’s an incredibly romantic setting. You can stop for dinner at one of the restaurants along the waterfront before heading back to Medellín, or opt for a hotel room.
Half-Day Trip To Sabaneta
Sabaneta is a charming small town on the outskirts of Medellín that’s perfect for a romantic stroll. With its colorful houses, cobbled streets, and friendly locals, it retains a quaint, old-world feel despite being so close to Colombia’s second largest city. In fact, the metro subway in Medellin can take you right to Sabaneta.
A lot of foreign expats actually prefer to live in Sabaneta over downtown Medellin. It offers a slower pace of life, rent is usually cheaper, and has a more local vibe with less tourists. You can wander down the narrow streets, popping into little shops selling handicrafts, sweets, and souvenirs.
Riding the Metrocable
Taking a romantic ride on the Metrocable gondola in Medellin offers a unique and captivating experience for couples. As you both ascend into the picturesque skies, you’ll be treated to breathtaking views of the city, lush green mountains, and cascading rivers below. The gentle swaying of the gondola creates an intimate atmosphere, allowing you and your partner to bond and enjoy each other’s company in a serene and tranquil setting.
If your girlfriend is from Medellin, chances are she has already been on the metrocable, but she’ll be eager to point out things along the ride and show off her picturesque city. The ride also provides a sense of adventure and excitement, making it an ideal choice for a romantic date.
Bowling and Movies
Bowling and going to the movies are classic date ideas, and Medellin offers plenty of options for both. The main bowling alley in Medellin is Bolera Suramericana, located next to the large Unidad Deportiva sports complex. It has a lively atmosphere, and a full restaurant and bar. Reserving lanes in advance is recommended as it can get quite busy, especially on weekends.
Because of the strong language barrier that can exist in Medellin (most women can’t speak English), going to the movies is a great way to spend time together. I took a date to the movies, and she told me afterwards that she’d only been to the movie theater once in her lifetime before this. I didn’t realize it would be such a treat for her.
I wouldn’t normally recommend going to theaters on a first or second date but if there is a strong language barrier then it’s worth considering. Instead, that time is usually better spent trying to build some rapport with each other. Also, pay attention to what spoken language and subtitles your particular movie will be in. We opted for Spanish spoken with English subtitles which made both of us happy.
When it comes to movie theaters, the main chains in Medellin are Cinemark, Cine Colombia, Royal Films, and Cinemas Procinal. These can be found in most of the major malls. The theaters show the latest Hollywood blockbusters as well as some Colombian films. Make sure to catch a movie in the VIP cinema sections which have large reclining seats for a comfortable viewing experience.
Playing Sports at Unidad Deportiva de Belen (Laureles)
Medellin’s Unidad Deportiva is a sprawling sports complex with a scenic outdoor track, tennis courts, soccer fields, and more. One hidden gem is the pickleball get-togethers which meet several times a week. Pickleball is an easy-to-learn racket sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton, and ping pong. It’s a great way to immerse yourself in the Medellin expat community and make some new friends.
I took my girlfriend to the weekly pickleball meetup at Unidad Deportiva and she had a blast. They provide all the equipment for beginners and are very welcoming. Although I am quite good at pickleball because of my tennis prowess, the sport is easy enough for a beginner to get the hang of it on their first day. The courts are surrounded by lush greenery and views of the mountains.
There are Colombian-style food stands at Unidad Deportiva where you can buy freshly sliced fruits and smoothies. After playing pickleball, we got some smoothies and strolled around the outdoor track that provides a breathtaking view of the mountains.
Tennis Lessons at Estadio Atanasio Girardot
The Estadio Atanasio Girardot sports complex in Medellín is a great place to play tennis and take lessons. Commonly referred to by locals as just “Estadio”, it is where the futbol stadium is located and home of Independete Medellin futbol club. Next to the stadium is over 14 tennis courts available for public rental. They may try to talk you into a tennis membership but you should be able to pay for single day passes. I bought the monthly membership to get the discount because I am an avid tennis player.
On different occasions, I bought my girlfriend private tennis lessons, which is very affordable compared to North America or Europe. There are always tennis coaches available right at the courts looking for students. Private lessons can be had for as little as $5-10 USD an hour. The coaches are knowledgable and can work with all skill levels.
The courts themselves are red-clay and are kept in good condition. It’s best to call ahead to reserve a court if you want to ensure availability at peak times. Overall though, the facilities at Estadio Atanasio Girardot make it one of the best places in Medellín to play tennis and get professional instruction.
Dance Classes
Medellin is known as the salsa capital of the world, so taking dance lessons is a must for any romantic date night. You and your partner can learn salsa, bachata, or cumbia from expert local instructors. Although, be prepared that your Colombian girlfriend may already be a highly skilled dancer. They start learning how to dance from a young age and it is in their blood.
For a truly memorable experience, time your lessons right before a social dance night. After practicing your new moves, you can head to a popular salsa club like El Tibiri or Son Havana to show off your skills. Moving to the rhythms of salsa and bachata on a dance floor surrounded by locals is an unforgettable date night.
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