For anyone who has spent time in Medellín, it doesn’t take long to notice a very particular phenomenon: the lighthearted but very real rivalry between expats who live in Laureles and those who call El Poblado home. It’s a bit like the 1995-97 East Coast vs. West Coast rap beef—except instead of hip-hop legends, we have digital nomads and retirees, and hopefully instead of tragic endings, we just have a lot of eye-rolling and muttered complaints about traffic.
I’ve lived in both neighborhoods, but for the past five years, I’ve called Ciudad del Río home—putting me in the neutral zone, a bit like Switzerland, but with better arepas. So, I have no dog in this fight. But let’s break it down: what is it about these two areas that keeps their expat communities locked in a never-ending debate?
The Laureles Loyalists
Laureles people will tell you they live in the “real Medellín.”, there was even a preposterous article that made the rounds last year, crowning Laureles the “Coolest neighborhood in the World”. They’ll argue that their leafy, walkable streets, local bakeries, and abundance of family-run restaurants give them an authentic Colombian experience that Poblado could never match. They see themselves as the cultural purists, the ones who have cracked the Medellín code and figured out how to live like a local—except with better Spanish and a preference for craft beer over aguardiente.
What do they do for fun? Laureles is a paradise for those who love a good café culture, casual nightlife, and a strong sense of community. You’ll find expats working on their laptops in places like Café Cliché or Rituales, then heading to bars along La 70 for a few cold ones while cheering on Atlético Nacional or DIM. The neighborhood is also home to some excellent local and international food options—think Mondongo’s for a Colombian classic or the cozy atmosphere of El Gringo for a burger fix.
But the real crown jewel of Laureles? The pace of life. Unlike the hustle and bustle of Poblado, Laureles moves at a more relaxed speed. People walk instead of Ubering everywhere, the sidewalks aren’t a death trap, and you don’t need a Sherpa to navigate the hills. This is a neighborhood where people value quality of life over clout.
The Poblado Powerhouses
Then we have the Poblado crew, who are living in Medellín’s glitziest, most international neighborhood. They see Laureles as quaint, sure—but also kind of sleepy, like a place you visit on a Sunday but wouldn’t necessarily want to call home. Poblado, they argue, is where things happen. The bars, the clubs, the rooftop parties—this is Medellín’s heartbeat after dark, and if you’re in the city to network, date, or just be where the action is, Poblado is the place to be.
If you’re looking for nightlife, you can’t beat the bar and club scene in Parque Lleras and Provenza. Whether it’s a classy cocktail at Mosquito, reggaeton-fueled dancing at Vintrash, or a night out at Gusto (no judgment), Poblado is where you go when you want to turn up. The restaurant game is also strong here—think Carmen for high-end dining, Oci.Mde for a killer slow-cooked meal, and El Parche Grill for burgers that are worth the hype.
Of course, Poblado’s lifestyle comes with its own set of trade-offs. The traffic is legendary (and not in a good way). The hills will test your lung capacity. And while the area is undeniably polished, some argue that it feels a little too international, a little too curated—like Medellín with training wheels.
Why They Side-Eye Each Other
So, why do Laureles and Poblado expats throw shade at each other? Part of it is the classic “my neighborhood is better than yours” mentality, but a lot of it comes down to the lifestyle differences. Laureles residents see Poblado as overpriced, overdeveloped, and overrun with tourists. Poblado folks see Laureles as… nice, but kind of boring—a place where people go to bed early and get excited about a new bakery opening.
And then there’s the metro problem. Laureles has solid access to the metro with Estadio and Floresta stations. Poblado has, well, Poblado station—but good luck getting there without a 20-minute uphill walk or an Uber ride through traffic that will make you question your life choices. This lack of seamless connectivity only deepens the divide, making cross-neighborhood friendships feel like long-distance relationships.
The Truth? They’re Both Great (But Different)
At the end of the day, Laureles and Poblado are two sides of the same Medellín coin. Each has its perks, each has its flaws, and where you choose to live mostly comes down to what kind of experience you want. Laureles offers a more laid-back, community-driven vibe with a touch of old-school Medellín charm. Poblado is modern, fast-paced, and packed with energy.
And honestly? The rivalry is part of the fun. Just like Biggie and Tupac fans back in the day, neither side is going to admit the other has a point—but deep down, they know they need each other. Laureles keeps Medellín grounded, and Poblado keeps it exciting. The real winners? Those of us who get to enjoy both.
So whether you’re grabbing a coffee in Laureles or sipping a cocktail in Poblado, let’s all agree on one thing: Medellín is big enough for both crews. Now, if we could just do something about that damn traffic…
One Response
Good article. I agree. Currently live in Laureles, the walkability is a big factor for me. I don’t care about the clubs, and yeah Poblado has way too many tourists, I came to Colombia to be around Colombians, not to be in the Latino version of New York.