What are the best things to do in Cali? What to visit in Cali? And let’s face it, is a visit to Cali one of the must-dos of any trip to Colombia?
To tell you about our experience, we discovered Cali quite late in the day, and we really fell under its spell! There’s so much to see and do in Cali, including some great museums and cultural venues.
Cali isn’t just the Salsa capital of the world, it’s the cultural capital of Colombia!
To be honest, we weren’t expecting much from our visit to Cali, but we were pleasantly surprised. In this post we give you our ideas of the must-see places in Cali.
Cali es Cali! Lo demás es loma.
Disclaimer: we apologize in advance for any grammatical or syntactic errors, as our native language is not English (we're a Colombian-French couple), so we hope you'll forgive us and still enjoy the information we share with you! Please note that all the information on our blog is based on our own experience, and is checked and updated regularly.
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English guided tour of Cali
BEst things to do in Cali
There’s nothing like visiting a city with a local, and that’s what we did with Natalia! She was born in Cali and lived part of her life in France before returning to her beloved city. She’s a Caleña committed to providing travelers with authentic experiences.
What we love about these guided tours with Natalia is that they give you a better understanding of the complexity of Cali’s history and society, while allowing you to meet the locals.
Good to know
To do as soon as you arrive in Cali
These guided tours in English are a must when you arrive in Cali! They’ll give you all the tips and tricks Natalia has up her sleeve for the rest of your stay in the Salsa capital of the world!
The tours include visits to popular, non-touristy places to promote understanding and cultural exchange.
Natalia offers two guided tours of Cali in English: a City tour and a popular Salsa tour .
Guided tour of Cali’s must-sees
This tour allowed us to stroll around and get to know the emblematic places of Cali in the “center” and get a context of the city, know a little more about its history and meet other locals! The tour also includes a detour to the San Antonio district. “El centro” is a bit of a rough neighborhood, so walking it with a local means you can do it safely, and know the places to avoid. Natalia will share her love of the city with you, and we guarantee you’ll have a great time!
- Tour duration: approx. 4 hours
- Price for 2 people: $350.000 COP
- Price for 3 or more people: $130.000 COP per pers.
Transportation during the tour is included in the price
Popular Cali Salsa Tour
We loved this tour, and it’s well worth the money. And why? Because on this tour, we go to several places to soak up the city’s festive atmosphere. You’ll also have the chance to visit, among other places, the Obrero district, where the heart of popular salsa beats.
Here you’ll find the traditional “viejotecas” and “salsotecas”. Here you can feel how salsa is part of the history and life of all Cali’s inhabitants. This district is not at all touristy, and the places have their own codes, so it’s best to go with someone who’s used to them.
This tour allows you to enter a world that would be difficult to access on your own.
- Tour duration: 4 hours
- Price for 2 people: $490.000 COP
- Price for 3 or more people: $180.000 COP per pers.
Price includes transportation, local food and beverage tasting.
Price DOES NOT INCLUDE: Entrance fees and individual drinks at the places visited.
The “Centro”
What to visit in Cali
Traces of Cali’s colonial past have been reduced to a bare minimum. The 1980s saw the modernization of the city and the predominance of the car, and its face was transformed by the destruction of the past and the construction of large avenues.
However, there is still some evidence of the region’s colonial past, with architecture that can be seen more clearly in the barrio San Antonio and in the villages of the region: small houses with whitewashed walls and tiled roofs.
La Merced church
The La Merced church is a perfect example and one of the city’s landmarks. Cali’s oldest sanctuary, this church was built in 1545 on what legend has it is the site of the city’s foundation. The religious “complex” houses an archaeological and religious art museum.
More info
- Address : Carrera 1 #1
- Opening hours : 9am – 12pm and 2pm – 5pm / Saturday 9am – 12pm (closed on Sundays)
- Admission: $4.000 COP
- Website: facebook.com/museocolonial.lamercedcali
Plaza Caicedo
Cali’s plaza mayor, for once in Colombia, is not a “plaza Bolivar”, but takes the name of a Caleño hero, a figure of independence. It’s one of the city’s nerve centers. There are many important buildings here, and you can feel the city’s energy. Like us, you can try chontaduro, another of Cali’s gastronomic icons.
Here, it’s best to stroll around during the day and watch out for your belongings. In short, “No dar papaya”
Ermita Church
To the north of Plaza Caicedo, on the outskirts of Parque Bolivar, stands the Ermita Church, its Gothic style striking the eye in the midst of clusters of modern buildings. A sight incongruous enough to be worth the trip, as is the Puente Ortiz a few metres away, which spans the Rio in a rather amusing rococo style! It’s a great place to take a stroll and enjoy the breeze that refreshes the city in the late afternoon!
Bulevar del Rio
This is the perfect area for a stroll along the river. We really enjoyed this walk, which leads to another emblematic point: the Cat Park!
The Gato del rio
Continuing along the Rio, you arrive at the Parque de los gatos in Barrio Normandia. This is where you’ll find THE emblematic Cali statue: the big-eyed Gato del Rio, byartist Hernando Tejada. The funny cat is surrounded by no fewer than 25 different pretenders, all painted differently by different renowned artists. A pleasant stroll.
Good to know
Safety
You can find our safety tips at the end of this post. But since we’re talking about the center of Cali, we’d like to remind you that it’s not advisable to wander anywhere at night, downtown included.
In the center, it’s only possible to stroll safely on the Bulevar del Rio (police presence) and around the Ermita church, but for the rest of the district, take precautions and prefer to take a cab to go to a restaurant or bar and leave by the same means.
La Tertulia
We’re not really in the center anymore, but as long as you’re in the Parque de Los Gatos, you’ll find the city’s Museum of Modern Art on the other side of the Rio Cali. It’s a must-see. The museum doubles as a Cinematheque, whose programming is chosen with the utmost care.
Further information
- Address : Av. Colombia #5-105 Oeste
- Opening hours : 10 am – 7 pm / Sunday 2 pm – 6 pm (closed on Monday)
- Admission: $ 17.000 COP
- Website : museolatertulia.com
Barrio San Antonio
What to do in Cali
When you’re looking for what to visit in Cali, Barrio San Antonio is at the top of your list. Just across the Quinta (calle 5) from the center, you’ll find yourself in one of Cali’s oldest districts, with a real identity. It’s a great place to stroll at any time of the day or night! Like Medellín’s Poblado district, Bogotá’s Candelaria or Cartagena’s Getsemani, it’s also one of the most recommended areas for accommodation in Cali.
So we stayed here and loved the atmosphere, a little cool, a little bohemian, a little chic and popular…. all at the same time!
Here you’ll find the combination of street art and good restaurants that has made bobo neighborhoods around the world so successful. But Cali es Cali, and even if you’re allergic to that kind of atmosphere, it would be a real shame not to go and sample the relaxed ambience of San Antonio.
Parque San Antonio
With its 22 hectares and paths for strolling, Parque San Antonio is the neighborhood’s green lung, although it’s true that nature is very present in Cali in general. The park is a great place to relax on the grass, and 70 species of birds can be spotted here. In fact, you’ll see families and groups of friends coming to enjoy the park almost every evening on weekdays and weekends! There’s always a great atmosphere here.
San Antonio Chapel
One of the town’shistoric monuments, the small Baroque-style San Antonio chapel sits on a hill inside the park. A meeting place for Caleños, it always has a lively atmosphere and a nice view over the city of Cali.
Street art and street culture
Although there are many other street art spots all over Cali, San Antonio is one of the best-known and safest neighborhoods in which to discover the work of street artists . As you wander through the alleys, you’ll discover the heart of Cali beating on the walls through the many works of street art that mark the city’s identity.
La Linterna
This place is simply UN-BELIEV-ABLE and now a Cali institution!
La Linterna is Colombia’s only remaining artisanal print shop. It was inaugurated in 1934 and continues to operate with vintage machines, a French one dating from 1870 and an American one from 1890!
For many years, posters for concerts and important city events were printed here. As the years passed and modernity took hold, it lost its strength, and by 2016, its owners had decided to wind up the business and sell the machines for scrap.
But thanks to two of its employees and their love for their craft and their machines, this place is still alive today and constitutes a cultural heritage. In fact, instead of liquidation, they preferred to be left with the place and the machines. So, with the help of several urban artists, designers and cultural managers, they gave new life to this place , which is home to precious art and is truly amazing when you see the men working and the machines running.
La Linterna has become a cultural venue open to all, and its owners are delighted that people visit them and take an interest in their work! They also run workshops to pass on their passion, and collaborate with numerous street artists.
If you’re wandering the streets of San Antonio, you’re bound to be drawn to this colorful storefront with its thousands of posters… so don’t be afraid to push open the door! We assure you, it’s worth it. You’ll be amazed by the place, the beautiful retro-style posters, and the intergenerational team working to the rhythm of a good salsa!
They also have a small boutique where you can buy their posters, t-shirts and other products. We really liked this place, and for us, it’s one of Cali’s must-visit spots. We couldn’t resist and left with several posters under our arm, which now decorate our house and we love them!
- Address: Carrera 5 #2-70 – Barrio San Antonio
- Opening hours: 9 am – 6 pm
- Website: lalinternacali.com
Markets in Cali
Visit Cali
The market is the heart of a neighborhood, a city, a country. We can’t recommend enough that you breathe in the atmosphere of the markets wherever you go, because it’s here that life is in full swing!
In Colombia, markets are an opportunity to discover the local culture, whether in terms of gastronomy or handicrafts. And more often than not, you can grab a bite to eat for very little money in a unique atmosphere. Cali is no exception to the rule, and some markets have become icons of the city and well worth a visit.
The Alameda market
South of Calle 5, just a 5-minute cab ride from the San Antonio barrio, lies one of the city’s most popular markets. We went there for a walk and a bite to eat, and we can tell you it’s well worth it! You’ll be able to discover local produce, fruit, vegetables and other witches’ herbs.
The market surprised us with its cleanliness and organization! What’s more, there’s an area of restaurants where you can eat very well and cheaply. Chez Basilia was recommended to us, and we’d recommend it too. It’s quite copious.
More info :
- Address : Carrera 26 #8 37
- Opening hours : 6h – 18h
- Website : facebook.com/GaleriaAlameda
Loma de la Cruz market
Heading south out of the San Antonio district, we cross the San Cayetano barrio and head for the Loma de la Cruz market. This is more of a craftsmen’s market, but it’s renowned for its atmosphere, especially on Sundays, when apparently there are shows or entertainment.
More info :
- Address : Calle 5 #16
- Opening hours: 8am – 11pm
Cali, Salsa capital of the world
What to visit in Cali
Cali, self-proclaimed Salsa capital of the world, vibrates to the rhythm of this music that originated in Cuba, but which Colombia and Cali in particular have played a major role in making known throughout the world. The Feria de Cali has been held since 1952, and every year between Christmas and New Year’s Eve, Salsa is the backbone of the event. The “caleño” style is recognized worldwide, and some of the world’s greatest salsa singers and dancers hail from Cali.
Every first Saturday of the month is Salsa al Parque, when salsa lovers gather to dance to free open-air concerts. But if you really want to feel the pulse of Cali, you’ll have to put on your best face and get your groove on in one of the city‘s many salsa clubs! There are many clubs in the city, but not all are equal. If you like real salsa, you’ll want to head for La Quinta (5th Avenue).
Jairo Varela de la Salsa Square and Museum
You won’t want to miss this square with its giant trumpet, a tribute to one of the country’s most emblematic salsa groups: Le Groupe Niche! It’s great to take a break under the trumpets, where you can listen to well-known songs by this iconic Caleñan salsa group.
A little further on, you’ll find the Jairo Varela Museum (founder of the Niche group). It was still closed due to COVID when we came to Cali, but we really wanted to visit it.
In this museum you can find out a little more about this artist and his importance in the history of salsa in Cali and Colombia.
More info :
- Address: Plazoleta Jairo Varela
- Website: museojairovarela.org
La Topa Tolondra
This is probably one of the best-known clubs in Cqli. La Topa Tolondra has become a cult venue for locals and tourists alike. La Topa Tolondra is a huge bar with walls filled with old salsa posters. The atmosphere is warm, and you can sit at a table and watch the dancers put on a show, but be prepared, you’re likely to be asked to dance! Dance classes are offered several times a week.
More info
- Address : Calle 5 #13-7
- Opening hours : 20h – 04h (closed on Sundays)
- Entrance fee : $10.000 COP
- Website: facebook.com/Latopabar
Barrio Obrero
This is the traditional neighborhood of salsotecas and viejotecas, Cali’s popular salsa district! The salsotecas and viejotecas are a kind of “dance hall” where salsa standards are played and where enthusiasts come to dance salsa from afternoon until night.
The Obrero district is the history of salsa in Cali. But beware! Nothing touristy here. We’re in the heart of a working-class district, where it’s best to go with a local or a guide who knows the area’s codes and rules.
Cali from above
What to do in Cali
Surrounded by nature, Cali is a city that can be contemplated from its vantage points and surrounding hills. While in the city, places like the Parque San Antonio already offer the chance to take in the sights, it’s to the Cerros that you’ll have to head to fully embrace the scale of the Sultana del Valle.
Cerro Cristo Rey
Standing 26 m high, the immense Christ on the hill above Cali is an imposing sight! We went there to watch the sunset, but don’t wait until the last minute to make the most of it. It closes early too.
That’s why our friend Natalia prefers to go in the afternoon to get a better view of the city.
In any case, it’s a very popular visit in Cali, but it’s best to go by cab or in your own car for safety reasons. If you go in the evening, we advise you to bring a sweater, as it’s blowing hard and can be chilly…
Cerro de las Tres Cruces
We’d heard a lot about the Cerro de las tres cruces as the ideal place to admire the succursa del cielo from above. We’d also read that it’s a popular spot for caleños to get in some exercise in the early hours of the morning.
We didn’t manage to get there, though, as everyone advised us against it at the time, and we couldn’t even find a cab to get us there…
That said, we know that sometimes group outings were organized on Tuesday and Thursday evenings to get there safely, but we don’t know if they’ve resumed since the end of Covid… Don’t hesitate to ask about them if you’d like to try your luck.
Caliwood
What to visit in Cali
As you’ll have gathered, Cali has an intense cultural life, but it’s not all about Salsa or Barrio San Antonio!
Cali has an important cultural past in music, photography and cinema. Following the worldwide social movements of 1968, Cali became the capital of artistic experimentation in Colombia, with a real influence on the whole of Latin America. A movement of multidisciplinary artists called Grupo de Cali revolutionized the world of visual arts, and Cali became Caliwood !
Influenced in particular by the New Wave, and with a resolutely critical and political approach focused on the streets and working-class districts of Cali, the Grupo de Cali reinvented a way of showing reality. They include Luis Ospina, Oscar Muñoz, Fernell Franco, Eduardo Carvajal, Carlos Mayolo and others.
Caliwood, cinema museum
Not just afilm museum! This museum showcases a magnificent collection of old cameras and other film materials, tracing technical developments from 1899 to 1985. You’ll learn a lot about Colombian and Caleño cinema (like Ospina’s cinema, for example).
The museum also boasts a projection room showing original silent films from the 1950s.
This museum was also closed because of Covid at the time of our visit, but we know it’s still open, and every Saturday they organize guided tours by the museum’s founder, including screenings of old short films.
More info :
- Address: Av. Belalcázar #5A-55
- Website: caliwood.com.co
- Facebook page
Get in touch with a local guide
English speaking tour in Cali
Responsible tourism
Natalia is a Caleña who is very sensitive to her city’s culture and committed to providing authentic experiences. Natalia’s tours enable visitors to better understand the complexity of Caleña history and society, while meeting the locals. Her tours include visits to places that are not necessarily tourist attractions, to promote understanding and cultural exchange. For us, going beyond clichés to meet the locals is part of responsible tourism.
Where to stay in Cali
Cali, Granada
Hotel
Hotel Casa del Hidalgo Cali
La Casa del Hidalgo is located close to the Rio Cali in the Granada district. With its refreshing swimming pool and Turkish bath, this hotel offers a tastefully decorated ambience. A good option, highly rated by travelers.
Cali, Granada
Hotel
Leclerc Hotel Boutique
A boutique hotel in the Granada district, perfectly located and offering quality service. Good breakfast, warm welcome and comfortable rooms, what else?
Cali, Miraflores
Hostal
Oasis Cali Hostel
L’Oasis is a classic budget hostal with an established reputation. You’ll find the good atmosphere of a hostal in the Miraflores district
Cali, San Antonio
Hotel
Moonshine Hotel
The Moonshine Hostel is a great option for those who want a nice double room with a great terrace all to themselves! Ideally located in San Antonio, the Moonshine was our second accommodation option in Cali during our stay.
Cali, San Antonio
Hotel
Hotel Magic Garden
This is where we stayed during our stay in Cali, and we recommend it with our eyes closed! Superbly located right next to the park in the San Antonio district, Cali’s best neighborhood, it feels like home, the breakfasts are top-notch and the view from the terrace is brilliant.
Cali, Miraflores
Hotel
Blue Garden House
If you’re looking for a hotel on a quiet street and in a quiet neighborhood, far from the hustle and bustle of the city, Jardin Azul is surely an option for you. A simple, clean hotel in the Miraflores district, with the sweet advantage of a small swimming pool! And in Cali’s heat, that’s something to be appreciated!
Cali, San Antonio
Hostal
Hostal Ruta Sur
A hostel recommended by our readers, located near San Antonio Park in a superb colonial house. Friendly staff, cleanliness, comfort and above all peace and quiet! Lots of private rooms available, and a dormitory area too. No restaurants on site, but the neighborhood is full of them!
Getting around Cali
Bus terminal transfer
Cali bus terminal
- Website: terminalcali. com
- Address: Calle 30N 2AN-29
- Phone: 57 (2) 668 3655
- Mail: info@terminalcali.com
Cab to/from the Bus Terminal
The Bus Terminal is about 15 minutes by cab from downtown Cali.
Airport transfer
CaliAlfonso Bonilla Aragón Airport (CLO)
- Website: aerocali .com. co
- Address: Cali, Valle, S.A.
- Tel: 57 (2) 280 1515 / 57 (2) 441 7041
- Email: acliente@aerocali.com.co
Cab to/from airport
The airport is about 50 minutes by cab from downtown Cali
- Fare: approximately $60.000 COP
- Official cab company: Asotaba: 57 (317) 648 1269
Bus to/from the airport
The airport is about 40 minutes from the bus terminal
- Fare: approximately $7.000 COP
- Companies: Expreso Siglo XXI : ( 57 (2) 666 3086) / Rápido Aeropuerto: ( 57 (2) 668 0648) / Líneas Cónsul : ( 57 (2) 668 7450) / Expreso Palmira
Safety in Cali
On the whole, it’s best to keep an eye on Cali at all times… the city has a fairly high level of delinquency. That said, with the necessary precautions, it’s quite possible to stroll around during the day without any problems.
At night, however, it’s a different matter: with the exception of a few areas mentioned below, it’s best to avoid wandering around. This doesn’t mean you can’t get around, but the advice is simple: take a cab to a specific address and leave by the same means, without loitering in the area.
To sum up, here are the safest places to stroll at night (while remaining vigilant):
The section of the Quinta where the Topa is located.
- San Antonio
- Barrio Granada
- La loma de la cruz
- Barrio Normandia
- Along the Bulevar del Rio
Restaurants and bars
Find all our best restaurants, cafés, bars and nightlife in Cali.
Generally speaking, the best neighborhoods for restaurants and bars are those that surround the city center to the north and west, and are all in the same area:
- Barrio Miraflores
- Barrio Granada
- Barrio El Peñon
- Barrio San Antonio
- Barrio San Fernando
