Cali, Colombia might be the country’s third largest city, but beyond its reputation as the salsa capital, it often gets overlooked along the backpacker trail. It’s true the hips here certainly don’t lie – but Cali is also a city full of art, history, and nature to explore.
I’ve spent time in Cali on multiple occasions and love the city’s artsy, eclectic vibe. It’s a city home to activists and artists, with salsa caleña at its core. So whether you’re in town to brush up on your salsa skills, or looking to sample some of the tastiest food in Colombia, there’s something for you in Cali.
In this article, I’ll share all the best things to do in Cali, Colombia, as well as where to stay and how to get around the city. So strap on your dancing shoes, because Cali here we come!
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Recommended Reading: The Ultimate Guide to Salento, Colombia’s Coffee Town
The Best Things to Do in Cali, Colombia
Cali is a city with something for everyone, so whether you’re looking for tranquil nature or busy nightlife, there’s adventure to be found in Cali. Here are some of the very best things to do within the city.
1. Explore the murals in San Antonio
Dance is not the only form of art you’ll find in Cali. The city is a hotspot for street art, and this is perhaps no more prevalent than in the city’s colorful neighborhood of San Antonio.
Centrally located and home to a number of hostels, coffee shops, and historic sites, San Antonio is a popular place to stay in Cali, but no matter where you’re based in the city, the neighborhood is worth a visit. Grab a coffee at one of the quirky restaurants and spend a morning getting lost in this colorful neighborhood.
2. Relax in Parque San Antonio
Right outside Barrio San Antonio is Parque San Antonio, home to one of the most incredible views in the city. The viewpoint is usually filled with vendors selling everything from refreshing raspados (shaved ice) to handmade souvenirs, so it’s a great place to relax for a bit and admire the city.
Parque San Antonio is also home to La Iglesia San Antonio, one of the oldest churches in the city and a beautiful example of baroque architecture. The church is open to visitors but is still an active parish, so please be respectful if you choose to enter.
3. Take a Salsa Class
It wouldn’t be a visit to the salsa capital of Colombia without trying your hand at least once at salsa caleña. This quick-moving take on the dance is unique to Cali, but the city itself is one of the best places in the world to learn a variety of dance styles – from bachata to merengue and everything in between.
While salsa originated in Cuba, the dance has grown to captivate people all over the world, and in Cali, it’s a way of life. Dance schools occupy nearly every corner of the city and clubs blast salsa music on a nightly basis, so you’ll never be at a shortage of places to put your skills to the test. However, I highly recommend signing up for a few salsa lessons while you’re in Cali to learn this unique style. Here are a few of my top recommendations:
Rumba y Salsa Dance School | My top salsa school in Cali, Rumba y Salsa offers everything from private salsa lessons to free group starter lessons. They also host a number of events for students, from Halloween parties to language exchanges. It’s not just a great place to learn to salsa, but to find a community in Cali.
Viajero Hostel and Salsa School | This popular Colombian hostel chain has a unique element in Cali – it’s very own salsa school! Located in Cali’s popular San Antonio neighborhood, it’s a great spot for backpackers looking to meet other travelers and learn a little salsa along the way.
Salsa Pura | Salsa Pura is one of the most highly-rated dance schools in Cali, offering group and individual lessons in everything from salsa caleña to reggaeton. Open to foreigners and locals alike, it’s a great place to connect with travelers and natives and truly immerse yourself into the salsa culture of Cali.
ALSO CHECK OUT: If you’re interested in learning a little more about the history and legacy of salsa in Cali, check out this unique walking tour through some salsa hotspots of the city.
4. Visit a Salsa Club
Already got the salsa moves it takes to dance the night away? Cali is a hotspot for nightlife, so there are plenty of places to put your dance moves to the test. Whether you’re looking for salsa, reggaeton, or just a casual dive where you can sip on a cold Poker, there’s plenty to be found in this bustling city.
Here are some of the top neighborhoods for nightlife in Cali, Colombia:
Barrio Granada | Perhaps the most popular spot for nightlife in Cali, this neighborhood is home to some of the trendiest clubs and bars in the city. Home to rooftop bars and stylish clubs, I highly recommend it to travelers looking for a bougier night out.
San Antonio | This quaint, backpacker-friendly neighborhood is one of the best spots to find rumba in Cali, offering everything from craft breweries to salsa clubs. It’s one of the best places to base yourself in the city, for culture and nightlife alike!
San Fernando | Located further south in the city, this neighborhood is popular with students and travelers for its more budget-friendly nightlife options. Most are located around El Parque del Perro, aptly named for the dog statue that calls the park home!
Looking for salsa specifically? Check out this walking tour of some of the best salsa clubs in Cali!
5. Watch a Salsa Show
Want to see how the professionals do it? Attending a salsa show in Cali is one of the best ways to see the famous salsa caleña in action and connect with the salsa culture in the city. Trust me, you haven’t seen salsa until you’ve seen it in Cali!
There are a few places throughout the city that offer regular salsa shows. Here are some of the most recommended spots:
Mulato Cabaret | With live salsa performances every Sunday night and a number of unique events every month, Mulato Cabaret is one of the best places to connect with salsa culture in this colorful city. There’s even a dance floor in front of the stage, so be prepared to put your own salsa skills to the test alongside locals and tourists alike! Check out Mulato Cabaret on Instagram for the entire lineup of events.
Delirio | Called the “salsa circus,” Delirio is often considered the Cirque du Soleil of Salsa! The show combines the famous salsa caleña with everything from acrobatics to fireworks, making it one of the most epic shows in the city. Tickets can book out quickly, so it’s recommended to book in advance. Check out Delirio on Instagram for all their upcoming events.
6. Explore the Historic Center
Cali’s historic center is a bustling, lively, and quite frankly, somewhat chaotic experience. However, full of historical sites and tasty local foods, it’s worth a stop on any trip to the salsa capital.
Make sure to stop by La Iglesia La Ermita on your stroll through downtown, a stunning white and blue baroque-style church right in the heart of Cali. Outside you can pick up some local snacks – from chocolate stuffed buñelos to the famous chontaduro fruit.
One of the best ways to explore Cali’s city center is via a walking tour. This highly rated tour with a local guide covers many of Cali’s most notable sights, giving you a unique insight into the history and culture of the city.
7. Visit the Cat’s Girlfriends
Cats are a symbol of Cali, thanks to Hernando Tejada’s iconic “El Gato del Río” sculpture that lies beside the Cali River. This giant red cat has called the river home since 1996 and inspired a wave of other artists to create cat sculptures of their own, known as “Las Novias del Gato,” or, “The Cat’s Girlfriends”
The majority of the cat’s girlfriends are located in Parque de Los Gatos, where you can admire the diversity of the colorful cats. From studded to bedazzled to covered in flowers head-to-toe, las novias del gato are emblematic of the creativity of this city.
8. Take a Stroll Along the Cali River
While you’re visiting El Parque de Los Gatos, you might as well enjoy a stroll along the Cali River, an urban river that flows through the center of town. The banks of the river are home to a number of sites worth visiting, from tasty restaurants to picturesque bridges to archeological sites!
The banks of the river are a peaceful respite from the chaos of the city, with uninterrupted nature unique for a bustling city like Cali. It’s a great place for a city break – without leaving the city!
Here are some recommended stops along the Cali River:
😺 Parque de Los Gatos | Urban park filled with colorful cat sculptures.
💧 Cimientos del primer Puente Ortiz | Archaeological site of first bridge built over the Cali River.
🏙️ Boulevard del Río | Boardwalk filled with trendy cafes and bars.
🖼️ Museo La Tertulia | Modern art museum with a large garden area.
🦁 Zoologico de Cali | Giant zoo with over 200 species of animals.
9. Eat Cholado at Canchas Panamericanas
An iconic Colombian snack originating from Cali, you can’t miss an opportunity to try cholado while in the city. This refreshing snack is usually a base of shaved ice, topped with fresh fruit, sweetened condensed milk, and sometimes even a few scoops of ice cream. Decadent is certainly one way to describe it – just come prepared for sweetness overload!
The best place to try Cholado in the city is outside Canchas Panamericanas. Besides being the salsa capital of Colombia, Cali is also known for being a hub for many sporting events, and the cholado stands outside of Canchas Panamericanas have been whipping up cholado for hungry sports spectators for years.
10. Try the Famous Chontaduro
It’s hard to walk five feet in Cali without being offered Chontaduro, or “the fruit of love” thanks to its aphrodisiac properties. This fruit is native to the Amazon palm tree and is grown in abundance along Colombia’s pacific coast.
The fruit itself is hard and dry, with a texture similar to a pumpkin or squash. As such, it’s often served with honey for sweetness, and sometimes even topped with salt for an extra kick. You’ll be able to spot plenty of vendors selling the brightly colored fruit by the bunch in all areas of the city.
If you’re a big chontaduro fan you’re in luck in Cali, where you can find everything from chontaduro ice cream to refreshing chontaduro juice. The fruit itself has an interesting history and a number of nutritional benefits, so if you’re interested to learn more I highly recommend this article by World Gastronomy!
11. Explore Alameda Market
The largest local market in Cali is the Alameda Market, the perfect place to get a taste of the unique flavors of the Valle de Cauca region. From fresh sugarcane juice to chontaduro straight off the vine, there’s no better place to experience a local side of the city as you explore the wandering alleys of the Alameda Market.
The Alameda market is also home to a number of unique handicrafts, from handwoven bags typical of the southern Cauca department to a selection of locally-crafted jewelry perfect for remembering your trip to the city. Don’t be afraid to put your Spanish skills to the test and try your hand at haggling, just remember to be respectful of local vendors and prices!
Want to explore the Alameda Market with a local guide? Check out this guided tour to experience the very best flavors of Cali!
12. Learn about Cinema History at Caliwood
Cali is often considered the Mecca of filmmaking in Colombia, and the Caliwood Museum pays tribute to this star-studded history with its extensive collection of cinematic devices. It’s not only a great place to learn about the culture of filmmaking here in the city, but the history and evolution of cinematography on a global scale.
Notable for its camera collection, visitors to the Caliwood Museum can see both the largest and smallest cameras ever produced on display. The museum itself is a labor of love by cinema-buffs in the city, so a guided tour is highly recommended. Tours are available in Spanish and English, although it’s recommended to call ahead for an English-speaking guide.
The museum is open 8AM-6PM Monday through Friday, 3PM-6PM on Saturday, and 10AM-5PM on Sunday.
13. Hike to Cristo Rey
An icon of Cali, the towering statue of Cristo Rey observes the city from a nearby peak, making it one of the best places to find epic views of the city. The statue itself was a gift to the city following 50 years since the Thousand Days War, and has since served as a reminder of peace and resilience overlooking the city.
The hike to the peak is a little under 3 kilometers, though can be steep at times, so I recommend starting early. Along the way you’ll pass the work of artist Carlos Andrés Gómez, whose sculptures serve as a sort of pilgrimage as you make your way up the mountain. Finally, as you reach the peak, you’ll be awarded with the best views in the city, so grab an empanada from a nearby vendor and enjoy!
IMPORTANT NOTE: The icon of Cristo Rey recently reopened to tourists in 2024 following 2 years of construction. The site is now open Tuesday through Saturday and offering 5 guided tours a day, lasting 45 minutes each. Tours take place from 2PM-5PM.
14. Hike to Tres Cruces
Towering over the city of Cali is yet another spectacular viewpoint, three crosses (tres cruces) standing tall on top of the hill. Hikers to el cerro de Tres Cruces are rewarded with epic views of the city, but getting there is no small feat!
The hike begins within the city, but quickly turns uphill and covers 400 meters of elevation gain in just 4 kilometers! While the beginning part of the hike wanders along a forested path, near the top the trail opens up, covering an arid, rocky landscape with epic views in all directions. There’s virtually no shade from this point onwards, so I recommend an early start to avoid the heat.
From the peak, visitors will have stunning views of the city, as well as be able to snack on empanadas de carne and ice-cold gatorade. The views are worth the effort, making this one of the most popular day hikes in Cali.
15. Attend a Festival
Cali is home to some of the most renowned festivals in Colombia, with thousands of visitors flocking to the city every year to celebrate. Perhaps the most well-known festival is la Feria de Cali, a salsa festival that takes place every year from the 25th to the 30th of December. It’s a celebration of all things dance and music in the salsa capital itself, and a great time to connect with the culture of the city. You can learn more about Feria de Cali here.
Another important festival is El Petronio Álvarez, a celebration of the country’s afro colombian culture that takes place every year in August. As the city with the second-highest afro colombian population in the country, the festival celebrates many elements that are at the core of afro colombian identity, from marimba music to traditional dance. It’s a great time to visit the city and get to know a too-often-overlooked side of Colombian history. Learn more about El Patronio Álvarez here.
More Things to Do in Cali, Colombia
Looking for even more things to do in Cali? The city is the perfect jumping off point for a number of unique day trips around the Cauca Valley, from exploring the colonial architecture of Buga to tubing through the San Cipriano Rainforest Reserve (and everything in between!) I’ve actually written an entire guide to the best day trips from the city, so go check it out to keep planning your trip to the Valle de Cauca!
Looking for more inspo around Colombia? Check out my 32 Departments of Colombia series to explore the diversity of Colombia along with me!
Where to Stay in Cali, Colombia
Cali has a number of neighborhoods to choose from, but by far the most popular with visitors is Barrio San Antonio. This quaint neighborhood is home to colorful houses and cobblestone streets, not to mention a coffee shop on nearly every corner! It’s walking distance from most of the major tourist attractions, so it’s an attractive spot for those without their own method of transportation looking to make the most of the city. Here are a few recommended spots in the area.
Hostals in Cali, Colombia
Viajero Hostal | This popular Colombian hostal chain has a special element in Cali — it’s very own salsa school! It’s a great place to meet other travelers, not to mention it’s also home to a pool and lounge area — perfect for those hot Cali afternoons!
Moonshine Boutique Hostel | Moonshine Boutique Hostel might just be the cutest place to stay in the city, complete with colorful Spanish tile that mirrors the colorful neighborhood outside. It’s perfectly located near all the major attractions, plus it has epic views of the city, so need I say more?
Casa Blanca San Antonio | True to it’s name, this quaint white house is home to one of the best hostels in Cali. Perfect for travelers looking for a little more privacy, this hostel us home to affordably priced single rooms while still offering common spaces to meet other travelers.
Hotels in Cali, Colombia
Alko Hotel Casa Nispero | Home to a stunning garden, a massive pool, and a delicious restaurant, you’ll forget you’re in the middle of a bustling city at Casa Nispero. It’s the perfect place to kick back and relax after a long day of salsa dancing, fruity cocktail from the bar in hand of course!
Hotel el Peñon | Filled with plants, light, and exposed brick, Hotel el Peñon feels more like a funky loft than a hotel! If you needed more convincing, it’s also home to one of the most delicious restaurants in the city — think french toast for breakfast every day. After all, you’ll need fuel for all your city exploring!
Casa Carambolo | For those looking to feel a little more at home in the city, Casa Carambolo is the perfect option. Complete with a kitchen and cozy courtyard, this place will feel like home in no time. It’s the perfect mix of tranquility and accessibility.
If you’re looking to stay outside the San Antonio neighborhood, here’s a great guide to some of the best neighborhoods in Cali. Don’t forget to check all hotel prices online at Booking.com
Why Visit Cali, Colombia?
There are a million reasons to visit Cali — from salsa dancing to sugarcane juice, city views to hiking trails. It’s a city with something for everyone, yet still somewhat undiscovered along the Colombian backpacking trail. Los Caleños are musicians and activists, dancers and artists, and the pride for the city can be felt everywhere.
So for whatever reason you find yourself in the salsa capital, it’s time to break out your dancing shoes and experience the very best of what the city is made of. Break a leg!
Want to explore more of Colombia? Check out all of my articles about Colombia, from the Caribbean Islands to the coffee region. There’s no shortage of magic to be found in this country full of beauty.
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Virginia Taylor (Ginna) is a travel writer and photographer exploring the world until her boots wear through. She’s currently on a mission to explore all 32 departments of Colombia, though she formerly called the Middle East home. Want to know more? Visit the About Page.
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