Why Visit Cali, Colombia? Best Things to Do in the Salsa Capital

Last Updated: October 2026

Cali might not be the first destination that comes to mind when planning a trip to Colombia. Known for its turbulent past and reputation for crime, it’s a city that many travellers overlook.

But there’s much more to Cali than its reputation!

Known as the Salsa Capital of the World, Cali is a vibrant city filled with infectious music, colourful street art, lively neighbourhoods and friendly locals. Unlike some of Colombia’s more picturesque destinations, Cali isn’t necessarily about ticking off famous attractions. It’s about soaking up the atmosphere and experiencing the local culture.

During our travels through Colombia, we spent a few days exploring Cali and discovered a city full of character. From wandering the colourful streets of San Antonio to watching incredible salsa dancers in action, we thoroughly enjoyed our visit.

So, is Cali worth visiting? We certainly think so! Here are our favourite reasons to visit Cali, Colombia, along with some practical tips to help you plan your trip.

We visited Cali in 2019. This article reflects our personal experiences at the time, while the practical travel information has been updated for 2026. As security conditions in Colombia can change, always check the latest advice before travelling.

Why visit Cali?

The Salsa

As I said, Cali is the Salsa capital of the world, so if you love Salsa you’ll be in heaven. If you don’t, you might still enjoy Cali anyway. The sound of Salsa music is very addictive and even if you’re not a great dancer, you will still enjoy listening to it.  

Once you’re in Cali, you will truly understand why it’s the Salsa capital of the world. Everyone knows how to dance, your tour guide will show you his moves, the kids in the streets will have a dance; everyone just seems to be a fabulous dancer. The locals say you can’t be a real Caleño if you can’t dance! Fair enough.

If you don’t know how to dance salsa, Cali is the perfect place to learn! La Topa Tolondra, one of the city’s most popular salsa clubs, offers regular salsa lessons throughout the week, usually in the early evening.

After your lesson, you can dance the night away alongside the locals, whose incredible salsa moves are a show in themselves!

Entrance and lesson fees vary depending on the night, so check their latest schedule before visiting.

Don’t worry if you are not a great dancer, you’ll be able to improve while dancing in Cali and the locals don’t care how good you are. They like to have fun and they want you to have fun too. That’s why you go to Cali!

Barrio San Antonio

Our favourite place in Cali was the little Barrio San Antonio. Not only is San Antonio a safe place to walk around but it also has a great atmosphere. 

This neighbourhood is packed with colourful houses and hidden gems. It’s the place to go to find great restaurants and cafes, and there are also many artisanal shops just made for souvenir shopping.

Make sure you walk up the small hill to the San Antonio church for a great view out over the city. 

Explore Colombia’s Coffee Region: Head to the colourful town of Salento, surrounded by lush coffee plantations and the spectacular Cocora Valley, famous for its towering wax palms. Read our Salento travel guide for the best things to see and do.

Cali has awesome street art

If like us, you love street art, you’ll have fun walking around Cali’s Centro district. It is packed with street art. You’ll come across entire walls of street art as you wander the streets. Some are extremely colourful, some send a message and some are just super weird!

You can stroll along the river and take selfies with cats!

A walk along the Cali River is a nice way to pass some time in Cali. Once thought of as the most dangerous part of town, the area along the riverfront has gone through a huge transformation in recent years, being converted into parkland.

With its ample shade, it’s great for escaping the midday heat, riding a bike or taking a walk. Be sure to stop and check out the iconic sculpture of “El Gato”, an 11 foot tall, 11 foot wide, and three-tonne sculpture of a cat by sculptor Hernando Tejada.

El Gat memorialises all the stray cats that had to be euthanised during the clean up of the area. It’s a sad story for us animal lovers, but it’s nice that they put up this statue to remember them by. El Gato became a little lonely, so ten years later, he was joined by several other cat figurines, “las gatas”. Those were created by different artists and each has its own story to tell. 

Cali has some fantastic viewpoints 

The Cristo Rey viewpoint is one of the best places to admire Cali from above. Standing 26 metres tall, the impressive statue of Jesus Christ overlooks the city, with panoramic views stretching towards the surrounding sugar cane fields.

The monument is now part of Cristo Rey Ecopark, which features walking trails, landscaped areas and additional viewpoints.

Entry to the ecopark is free, although access to certain trails may be restricted, so check the latest opening conditions before visiting. 

The weather is perfect

After having days of overcast weather while in Ecuador, a fair bit of rain and even some days where we had to put our winter coats back on, Cali was love at first sight when it came to the weather. It was hot!

The Caleños will tell you how good their weather is and it is. The average temperature in Cali is 25-30 °C all-year-round with June and July (when we were there) being the warmest months. If like me, you like the heat then you will love Cali. 

Next, the question that everyone is wondering …

Is Cali Safe to Visit?

Our time in Colombia didn’t start particularly well, with our camera bag being stolen in Pasto on our second day in the country. Naturally, we were a little apprehensive about visiting Cali, given its reputation.

However, during our visit in 2019, we felt relatively comfortable exploring the city. We stayed alert, kept our valuables out of sight, avoided areas locals advised us against visiting and used taxis after dark.

Unfortunately, Cali continues to experience problems with violent crime and security incidents, so visitors should take precautions. Stick to well-established tourist areas, use reputable transport providers and avoid walking alone at night.

Our advice: Be street-smart, keep your belongings secure and listen to local advice. Security conditions can change, so always check the latest information before travelling.

Despite our initial concerns, we enjoyed our time in Cali and met plenty of friendly, welcoming people. We certainly wouldn’t want its reputation alone to overshadow everything the city has to offer.

Best Time to Visit Cali

Cali enjoys warm temperatures year-round, typically ranging from 25°C to 32°C during the day, making it a great destination at any time of year.

The drier months are generally December to February and June to August, while March to May and September to November tend to bring more rainfall. However, showers are often short-lived, so they shouldn’t ruin your sightseeing plans.

One of the most exciting times to visit is during the Feria de Cali, held every December between Christmas and New Year. This famous festival celebrates the city’s salsa culture with spectacular dancing, music, parades and street parties.

If you love salsa and lively celebrations, December is a fantastic time to experience Cali at its best!

How Many Days Do You Need in Cali?

Two to three days is ideal for exploring Cali’s main attractions, wandering through San Antonio, enjoying the city’s colourful street art and experiencing its famous salsa nightlife.

If you have more time, consider visiting some of the surrounding countryside or taking a day trip to the beautiful Pance River.

Even if you’re not a salsa dancer, Cali is worth including in your Colombia itinerary for its vibrant atmosphere and local culture!

How to Get Around Cali

Cali is a large city, so you’ll likely need transport to reach some attractions.

Walking is a great way to explore San Antonio and parts of the historic centre during the day. For longer distances, taxis and ride-hailing apps are convenient options. Cali also has a public transport system called MIO, with buses connecting many parts of the city.

For safety, we recommend using reputable transport providers, particularly after dark, rather than walking through unfamiliar neighbourhoods.

Where to Stay in Cali

Choosing the right neighbourhood is important when visiting Cali. We recommend staying in San Antonio, El Peñón or Granada, where you’ll find plenty of restaurants, cafés and accommodation options within easy reach of the main attractions.

Here are three hotels to suit different budgets:

Budget – Hotel Boutique San Antonio

Located in Cali’s charming San Antonio neighbourhood, this small colonial-style hotel offers comfortable rooms, a rooftop terrace and a convenient location for exploring the historic centre. A lovely option for travellers looking for character without spending a fortune.

Mid-Range – Hotel El Peñón

This modern boutique hotel is situated in the popular El Peñón neighbourhood, surrounded by restaurants and cafés. Its comfortable rooms and excellent location make it a convenient base for sightseeing.

Upscale – Hotel Stein Colonial

Set in a beautiful colonial-style mansion in Granada, Hotel Stein Colonial offers traditional charm, peaceful gardens, a swimming pool and an on-site restaurant. A great choice for travellers looking for a little extra comfort.

Our tip: Whichever neighbourhood you choose, use reputable taxis or ride-hailing apps when returning to your hotel late at night.

If none of those hotels take your fancy, try using the search box below:

Where to Go Next in Colombia

Explore Colombia’s Coffee Region: Head to the colourful town of Salento, surrounded by lush coffee plantations and the spectacular Cocora Valley, famous for its towering wax palms. Read our Salento travel guide.

Discover Medellín: Once known for its troubled past, Medellín has become one of Colombia’s most fascinating cities, with vibrant neighbourhoods, street art and beautiful mountain scenery. Check out our Medellín travel guide.

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