Manila – a small yet mighty neighborhood located in el Poblado, Medellín, is quickly gaining recognition as one of the best places to stay in Medellín. Stick with us as we explore this quirky barrio and why it’s one of Medellín’s hottest up-and-coming areas.
Manila is a semi-residential, leafy neighborhood with a fascinating history. At the beginning of the 20th Century, wealthy families who lived in Medellín’s Prado and Centro neighborhoods would get the tram and then a horse and cart over to Manila. Here, they constructed a collection of fincas (rural estates) as their vacation homes. They populated them with animals and fruit trees and made fresh mountain water wells. Now part of the bustling metropolis of el Poblado, Medellín, it’s hard to believe the way this neighborhood started out. This curious mix of past and present adds to the irresistible charm and character of Manila.
Manila: 20th Century Charm meets 21st Century Modernity
Today, Manila is characterized by its modern coffee shops, international restaurants, and quality hotels and hostels. It still retains a hint of its past, with traditional architecture, big houses, and old trees lining its streets. Manila is located right between Avenida El Poblado and Avenida Las Vegas. It is like a small island within El Poblado; a refuge from all the chaos and movement that you will generally encounter around Parque Lleras and Provenza. However, these tourist attractions are just a 10-minute walk away, and the metro station is just a 5-minute walk. Just one of many reasons why Manila is one of the best places to stay in Medellín.
Where to stay in El Poblado?
If you’re looking for accommodation options for El Poblado, Manila is without a doubt the best area to stay in Medellín. We recommend this house in Manila, a super stylish 4-bedroom condo with room for up to 10 guests. This new place feels cozy yet still gives the vibe of a 5-star hotel. With warm lighting, high-quality furnishings, and sophisticated, locally sourced decor, you won’t want to leave this home from home. Of course, one of our favorite features is the hot tub, which stands pride of place in the living area. We will run it fresh for you upon arrival. Crack open a bottle of bubbly and live the life you know you deserve!
The apartment doesn’t skimp on luxury amenities. For example, in every bathroom, you will find shampoo and conditioner from a luxury local Colombian brand, plus everything that you need to feel right at home. There is a free washer/dryer in case you are staying for a longer period of time, and every room is equipped with A/C and fans to keep cool. There are also cooking basics in the kitchen. However, one of the biggest benefits of this condo is that the price includes a maid service for your cooking and cleaning needs from 8 AM to 4 PM.
Private accommodations in Manila: A superior stay in Medellin
8 Bedroom House: Walking Distance to Best Places
Discover this spectacular house located in one of the best places in El Poblado. This brand new house is one of the best places to stay in Medellin, as it has 8 fully equipped rooms with private bathrooms and all the amenities available. It also has a rooftop with a jacuzzi where you can relax and enjoy the view, and a barbecue for you to enjoy a good BBQ day. In addition, its privileged location means that the best restaurants such as Carmen, Oci, or Dos Santos, and the best nightclubs such as Vintrash, Teatro Victoria, or Gusto, are only a walking distance away.
12 Bedroom Luxury Villa in El Poblado: Perfect for Large Groups
This is definitely the best place to host large groups or entire families in all of Medellín. This 12-room brand new house is a total luxury thanks to all the spaces it has: private bathrooms in each room, three living rooms, a fully equipped kitchen, dining room, work area, two hot tubs, a rooftop, and a laundry area. It is also very well located, so you will find the best restaurants, coffee shops, boutique stores, bars, rooftops, and nightclubs just a few steps away.
Where to eat and drink: The best bars and restaurants in Manila Medellin
Best eats in Manila, Poblado
Manila is full to bursting with fantastic places to eat and drink. It was hard to narrow the list down, but below you can find some of our favorites in Manila. Mamasita Medallo is a restaurant that sells typical Colombian food and has a great daily happy hour. If you have a hankering for pizza, head down to El Zorro y la Gitana for incredible artisan pizzas. We have already raved about Alambique in our Medellín Best Restaurants Blog, and it’s definitely worth a visit. If you fancy some Asian food, the best in Manila is Bao Bei; so good, in fact, that they have a waiting list via WhatsApp. El Altar Taquería sells tacos exactly as they should be sold: cheap, messy, and full of flavor. If it’s coffee or brunch you’re looking for, Hija Mía sells a fantastic cup of home-roasted coffee and has a super varied menu.
Nightlife in Manila, Poblado
In Manila, the vibe is very different from the bars you generally find in Parque Lleras or Provenza. Think more underground, more speakeasy-style. We love 7 Pulgadas – they call themselves a “Listening Bar”: it is super small and intimate with low lighting and old records everywhere. You can’t leave Manila without visiting Palma Piton. This architecturally stunning bar has live music, great drinks, and plants everywhere. La Pequeña Gran Libreria (The Little Big Bookstore) is a super unique bar concept where you can play classic board games on little tables outdoors whilst sipping wine. And if you want to party or dance, you can head to the rooftops of local hostels El Viajero and Los Patios. They open their rooftop parties to everyone, and not just hostel guests.
Find out all the things that Medellín has to offer; from tours to real estate
Manila: A Cultural and Gastronomic Hub
Despite its small size, Manila spearheads and participates in many cultural events throughout the year. The community feeling of Manila as a neighborhood manifests itself in many ways. For example, back in 2022, Manila hosted an “Encanto” themed event. The community opened dialogues about mental health, whilst celebrating the famous “Feria de las Flores” (Medellín Flower Festival). Every year on December 7th, Manila also celebrates “Día de las Velitas” (little candle day). This is a Colombian Christmas tradition where people light candles in the street, representing hope and faith. Festival Manila a la Calle also saw varied gastronomic offerings, dancing, and the celebration of Colombian culture. Manila also got the original nickname of “Calle de la Buena Mesa”, a gastronomic celebration of the varied international offerings that can be found in one street.
Safety and Accessibility in Manila Medellin
It is well-known that el Poblado is one of the safest areas for travelers and tourists in Medellín. Within el Poblado, Manila is specifically praised for its safety, tranquillity, and green landscapes. Provenza can be loud and filled with people partying at all hours of the day and night. Manila is quieter and has a more chill atmosphere. However, it is still plenty close to the action, and Ubers are cheap and plentiful in the area. In terms of safety, it goes without saying that you will be fine in Colombia if you make smart decisions. Keep your wits about you at all times, and “don’t give papaya” as they say in Colombia. This basically means don’t flash what you’re not prepared to lose.
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