Laureles–Estadio: Local Life, Football and La 70

Flat, leafy and full of local life, Laureles is where many travelers who stay a few weeks end up living. Time Out magazine named it the coolest neighborhood in the world, and it's easy to see why: tree-lined streets, neighborhood parks, great food and football nights at the stadium next door.

What to see and do

• Primer Parque de Laureles: the roundabout park at the center of the neighborhood. The streets around it are full of cafés and restaurants, and the Mercado del Parque food hall is right next to it.
• Avenida Jardín: a pedestrian-friendly avenue that links the Primer and Segundo Parque, perfect for an evening walk.
• La 70: Carrera 70, the neighborhood’s busiest street for bars and local food. On match days it fills with fans in green or red.
• Estadio Atanasio Girardot: home of Atlético Nacional and Independiente Medellín, part of a sports complex where locals run, swim and train.

Who should stay here

Laureles is ideal if you want to see how people in Medellín actually live, if you plan to stay more than a few days, or if you want to walk everywhere on flat streets. Nightlife is calmer than in El Poblado (except on La 70), and prices for food and lodging are usually lower.