Son Havana El Poblado Medellín
Son Havana: Medellín's premier salsa club with live bands, vibrant energy, and an authentic dance experience in El Poblado.
Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Live music & vibrant atmosphere
Son Havana El Poblado Medellín
Best Time
Live music & vibrant atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Son Havana: Medellín's premier salsa club with live bands, vibrant energy, and an authentic dance experience in El Poblado.
"By far my favor salsa place in Medellin for live salsa music."
🎯 Arrive Early for Live Music
For the best views of live bands, especially at Son Havana, arrive by 9 PM or earlier. Tables fill up fast!
💃 Dance Floor Etiquette
Dance floors can be small. Be mindful of others and approach tables politely for a dance.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Son Havana Salsa Club
El Poblado
Experience authentic live salsa music and dancing in a vibrant atmosphere. A must-visit for music lovers and dancers!
La Provenza's Trendy Streets
El Poblado
Explore a lively district packed with stylish bars, restaurants, and clubs offering diverse culinary and entertainment options.
Rooftop Bars with Views
Various locations in El Poblado
Enjoy breathtaking city panoramas from unique rooftop bars, perfect for cocktails and memorable evenings.
SB Acuario Bowling Alley
El Poblado
A unique entertainment spot featuring fire shows, a live DJ, a large bar, and delicious food for a fun night out.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Nightlife Vibe
Salsa & Beyond
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Arrive Early for Live Music
For the best views of live bands, especially at Son Havana, arrive by 9 PM or earlier. Tables fill up fast!
💃 Dance Floor Etiquette
Dance floors can be small. Be mindful of others and approach tables politely for a dance.
🍸 Minimum Spend for Tables
Some venues, like Son Havana, may have a minimum spend for tables. Clarify this upon arrival.
🎶 Music Variety
Son Havana primarily plays salsa and cha-cha-cha. Other venues in Poblado offer diverse music genres.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Arrive Early for Live Music
For the best views of live bands, especially at Son Havana, arrive by 9 PM or earlier. Tables fill up fast!
💃 Dance Floor Etiquette
Dance floors can be small. Be mindful of others and approach tables politely for a dance.
🍸 Minimum Spend for Tables
Some venues, like Son Havana, may have a minimum spend for tables. Clarify this upon arrival.
🎶 Music Variety
Son Havana primarily plays salsa and cha-cha-cha. Other venues in Poblado offer diverse music genres.
💰 Cover Charge
Expect a cover charge, which is often lower on weeknights.
🍽️ Dining Options
Some salsa clubs don't serve food. Plan to dine at a restaurant before heading to the dance floor.
🌃 Rooftop Vibes
Explore unique rooftop bars for stunning city views and craft cocktails.
🎳 Unique Entertainment
Check out SB Acuario for a fun bowling experience with live entertainment and a great bar.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Son Havana is highly praised for its authentic live salsa music and energetic dance atmosphere, making it a top choice for dancers. While the music and vibe are consistently lauded, some visitors note the small dance floor and the need to dine elsewhere as the venue focuses on dancing and drinks. Service is generally friendly, though table reservations can sometimes involve minimum spend requirements.
"I'm told this is the best place in Medellin to go to for dancing salsa. They have a live band on some nights. Come early if you want to watch the live band so you can get a table close enough to view it as the room is shipped in a way where half of the dining room cannot see the live band.
The service is very friendly and efficient. I had dinner and the food was okay. It's a menu of basically grilled meats. If you want food you have to sit on the other side of the building which is the restaurant and then transfer over to the club. Proper for dancing and more drinks."
Minh Hua
"By far my favor salsa place in Medellin for live salsa music. Here they only play salsa, maybe with a little cha cha cha mixed in. The dance floor is really small so you usually have to dance between tables. Dancers are good to fair, but the music, usually Cuban is off the chain. Very good energy, women travel in groups so you will have to approach a table for a dance. I love this place."
languageb
"Great vibes though the band actually starts at 11 pm going midnight, be prepared to arrive later or to wait"
Anat Kamrad
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The easiest way to reach El Poblado from Medellín's city center is by taxi or ride-sharing app (like Uber or Didi). The journey typically takes 20-30 minutes, depending on traffic.
Yes, you can take the Metro to the Poblado station. From there, it's a short walk or a quick taxi ride to the main entertainment areas like La Provenza.
Absolutely! Many services offer private tours and transportation within El Poblado and surrounding areas. It's recommended to book in advance.
For safety and convenience, especially at night, taxis or ride-sharing apps are highly recommended for getting around El Poblado.
While El Poblado is generally safe, it's always wise to be aware of your surroundings, especially at night. Avoid displaying valuables openly.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
While not always mandatory, it's advisable to check if reservations are needed, especially for tables, as they can have a minimum spend.
Cover charges can vary, but expect around 15,000-20,000 COP for popular salsa clubs like Son Havana.
Most clubs and bars in El Poblado have an age restriction of 18 or 21 years old. Bring a valid ID.
You can often enter without a reservation, but tables might be reserved or have a minimum spend requirement. Standing room or bar seating is usually available.
Yes, dance classes are often offered earlier in the evening, typically ending around 9 PM, before the live band starts.
🎫 💃 Onsite Experience
Son Havana is famous for playing authentic salsa music, often with some cha-cha-cha mixed in. They focus on Cuban rhythms.
The live band usually starts between 10:30 PM and 11:30 PM. Arriving around 9 PM allows you to catch dance classes and secure a good spot.
La Provenza is known for its energetic and trendy atmosphere, with streets bustling with people enjoying bars, restaurants, and nightlife.
Yes, SB Acuario offers a unique bowling experience with fire shows and a DJ, and many rooftop bars provide stunning city views.
Casual but stylish attire is common. Comfortable shoes are a must for dancing!
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Technically, Son Havana is primarily a dance club and does not serve food. You'll need to dine at a restaurant beforehand.
The La Provenza area surrounding Son Havana is filled with diverse restaurants, from casual eateries to upscale dining.
El Poblado offers a wide range, including Colombian traditional dishes, international cuisine, and trendy fusion options.
Yes, several hotels and standalone venues in El Poblado feature rooftop restaurants offering great food and city views.
No, outside food is not allowed in Son Havana.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture stunning shots from rooftop bars, the vibrant streets of La Provenza, and unique venues like SB Acuario.
Generally, casual photography is allowed, but professional shoots might require permission. Be mindful of others' privacy.
The colorful streets of La Provenza, panoramic city views from rooftops, and the lively dance floor at Son Havana are great photo subjects.
Yes, you can take photos of the bands, but avoid using flash as it can be disruptive.
Look for trendy cafes, art installations, and well-designed interiors in La Provenza for visually appealing photos.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
💃 Couples & Date Nights
🎶 Music & Dance Enthusiasts
🍸 Cocktail & Bar Aficionados
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Heartbeat of Medellín Nightlife: El Poblado & La Provenza
Many visitors highlight the unique ambiance of La Provenza, noting its well-maintained streets and the sheer density of quality establishments. It's a place where you can easily hop from one venue to another, experiencing different vibes throughout the night. From chic rooftop bars offering panoramic city views to specialized venues like the SB Acuario bowling alley with its live entertainment, El Poblado ensures there's something for every taste. The area is also known for its luxury hotels and modern apartments, contributing to its upscale reputation.
When exploring El Poblado, especially La Provenza, it's recommended to dress smart-casual and be prepared for a bustling environment. While many places are welcoming, some of the more exclusive venues might have a dress code. The area is generally safe, but like any popular urban district, it's wise to stay aware of your surroundings and use reputable transportation options when moving between locations.
Salsa Nights at Son Havana: More Than Just Dancing
Many patrons emphasize the importance of arriving early, particularly if you want to secure a good spot to watch the live band. The dance floor, while sometimes small, is where the magic happens, with dancers of varying skill levels coming together. The music is consistently praised as 'off the chain,' providing a fantastic backdrop for an unforgettable night. While the club itself doesn't serve food, there are excellent restaurants nearby in the La Provenza area where you can dine before heading over.
Beyond the music and dancing, Son Havana offers a great vibe and energy. It's a place where you can meet new people and immerse yourself in the local culture. While there's a cover charge, it's often considered reasonable for the quality of the live music and the overall experience. For those looking to refine their moves, dance classes are often available earlier in the evening, making it a comprehensive salsa experience.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit