Vía Primavera: Medellín’s Boutique Stroll Through Style, Coffee, and Culinary Calm
If El Poblado is Medellín’s beating heart of cool, then Vía Primavera is its quietly pulsing design district—green, walkable, and humming with the clink of coffee cups and clack of boutique door latches. Nestled along Carrera 37 between Calles 8 and 10, Vía Primavera offers a curated blend of Colombian fashion, urban art, alfresco cafés, and a growing roster of health-conscious, globally inspired restaurants.
Technically part of the larger micro-barrio of Provenza, it is a little pocket neighborhood that is remarkable for its almost severe rejection of the hectic and loud Lleras and Provenza/Carrera 35 that are just blocks away. It is a tranquil area to unwind under enormous trees, in cafés and restaurants with outdoor seating, and plenty of interesting boutiques to peruse. If Lleras is where people party, Vía Primavera is where they recover—with espresso, handmade jewelry, and boutique ambiance. It is an island of tranquility hidden amongst the party atmosphere and hustle and bustle of the big city.
A Living Design District
Since its revitalization in the early 2010s, Vía Primavera has championed locally made fashion, artisan accessories, and sustainable urbanism. Independent boutiques line the walk, from leather bag ateliers to minimalist jewelry pop-ups. This “open-air shopping gallery” hosts rotating cultural events and art installations, and as of 2022, a pedestrian-only experiment has further prioritized foot traffic and community space over cars.
But shopping isn’t the only reason to visit.
Everything You Need to Know Before Coming to Medellín
Cafés and Restaurants on Vía Primavera
Whether you’re looking for a quick smoothie, a long brunch, or a place to recharge with Wi-Fi and espresso, Vía Primavera offers a little of everything. Here are six verified restaurants and cafés currently open along the corridor, complete with addresses, food types, and plant-based options.
1. Pergamino Café The cornerstone of La Via Primavera.
▪ Address: Carrera 37 #8A–37, El Poblado
▪ Hours: Mon–Sat 7:30 a.m.–8 p.m., Sun 9 a.m.–7 p.m.
If Medellín had a temple of third-wave coffee, this would be it. Pergamino’s flagship location offers open-air seating, single-origin Colombian beans, and one of the city’s best brunch menus.
▪ Menu: Avocado toast, breakfast burritos, baked goods, specialty lattes
▪ Plant-Based Options: Vegetarian friendly; oat milk and dairy-free options available
▪ Vibe: Digital nomads with dogs, locals with laptops, perfect ambient buzz
2. Velvet Café
▪ Address: Carrera 37 (between Calle 8A and Calle 9)
A leafy competitor to Pergamino, Velvet offers a slightly quieter alternative with a strong espresso program and cozy indoor seating. While the menu is lighter, it’s a lovely stop for pastries or a coffee break.
▪ Menu: Croissants, empanadas, espresso drinks
▪ Plant-Based Options: Vegetarian-friendly; occasional vegan sweets
▪ Vibe: Softer lighting, good for reading or solo journaling
3. Azaí Praia Lovers
▪ Address: Carrera 37a #7–78 (just off Vía Primavera)
Azaí bowls and fruit smoothies dominate the menu here, with a laid-back beachy vibe and colorful, Instagram-worthy presentations. Technically just a block off the main stretch but part of the broader Provenza vibe.
▪ Menu: Açaí bowls, granola, cold-pressed juices
▪ Plant-Based Options: Vegan and vegetarian options front and center
▪ Vibe: Healthy, fresh, and fast; surfer-chic energy
4. Mundo Verde
▪ Address: Carrera 37 #8A–40, El Poblado
A Colombian health-food franchise with a strong presence in Medellín, Mundo Verde is perfect for clean-eating travelers or plant-based locals.
▪ Menu: Wraps, quinoa bowls, vegan burgers, smoothies
▪ Plant-Based Options: Vegetarian and vegan dishes clearly marked
▪ Vibe: Bright and green inside and out; feels like a wellness break
5. 37 Park Bistro & Bar
▪ Address: Carrera 37 #8A–4, El Poblado
An upscale bar-meets-bistro where you can sip a cocktail and enjoy a refined meal with meat or meatless options. It transitions smoothly from midday lunch spot to date-night venue.
▪ Menu: Risottos, grilled meats, vegetarian milanesa, tofu and eggplant bowls
▪ Plant-Based Options: Several well-conceived vegetarian and vegan dishes
▪ Vibe: Elegant, relaxed, candlelit at night
6. Bonhomía
▪ Address: Carrera 37 (near Calle 10, exact number not posted but confirmed on Vía Primavera)
A stylish deli concept offering cheese boards, local cold cuts, and plenty of wine. Their updated menu includes lighter, more plant-based fare to complement the traditional meats.
▪ Menu: Cheese & charcuterie, soups, fresh-baked bread
▪ Plant-Based Options: Some vegan cheeses and vegetarian-friendly platters
▪ Vibe: Wine bar meets rustic bistro—sit, sip, and people-watch
Where Exactly Is Vía Primavera?
▪ From Parque Lleras: Walk 2 blocks uphill via Calle 9 to Carrera 37. You’ll see the street narrow into a tree-lined pedestrian zone.
▪ In Provenza: Vía Primavera is the central spine of this leafy sub-neighborhood. It blends seamlessly with Calle 10B and Carrera 36, creating a compact, walkable circuit of shops, cafés, and bars.
▪ Landmark Nedarby: Pergamino Café is often used as a local marker—once you find it, you’re in the heart of Vía Primavera.
When to Visit
▪ Best Time: Weekdays from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m., or Saturday mornings for brunch and boutique hopping.
▪ Tip: Come early if you want to grab a sunny café table; late afternoon fills up fast.
▪ Transit: Hop off at Poblado Metro Station and walk ~10 minutes uphill, or grab a short cab ride to Carrera 37 & Calle 8.
Final Thoughts
Vía Primavera isn’t Medellín’s loudest street—but it might be its most stylish. Between coffee aromas, boutique windows, and soft acoustic playlists wafting from tree-shaded patios, this street gives you a different taste of the city: creative, grounded, and green. Whether you’re sipping, shopping, or scouting Instagrammable backdrops, Vía Primavera proves that sometimes, the best places are the quiet ones.
For more on navigating the sometimes confusing culture of Medellin, see my compreshensive guide to Medellin and the surrounding area in the Aburrá Valley.
