Where to Stay in Cali
Colombia
|Pop. 2.4M
|4 neighborhoods covered
Cali at a Glance
8 categories
Top Tips for Cali
Things to know before you go
Local Tip
Learn a few basic salsa steps before you go; even a little effort will greatly enhance your experience in Cali's legendary dance clubs.
Getting Around
Use app-based rideshares (Uber/Didi) for safety and price transparency, especially at night. Ensure the driver matches the app details.
Watch Out For
The 'spill' scam (someone 'accidentally' spills something on you and tries to distract you while an accomplice picks your pocket).
Solo Female Travel
Exercise increased caution, especially at night. Stick to well-populated areas, avoid displaying expensive items, and trust your intuition. Using reputable transport options is crucial.
Hidden Gems in Cali
Lesser-known spots the locals love
La Tertulia Museum
This cultural gem houses an impressive collection of Colombian art, including works by masters like Omar Rayo and Fernando Botero. It's a tranquil escape with beautiful gardens, offering a deep dive into the country's artistic heritage.
Mirador Sebastian de Belalcazar
FREEWhile not entirely unknown, this viewpoint offers a less crowded alternative to the Christ the King statue, with panoramic vistas of Cali and the surrounding mountains. It's a great spot for sunset and people watching.
Zaperoco Bar
A local favorite for its lively atmosphere and delicious craft cocktails, Zaperoco is known for its eclectic decor and vibrant music scene. It's the perfect place to experience Cali's energetic nightlife away from the tourist crowds.
Colina de San Antonio
FREEThis charming hill is dotted with colorful colonial houses, artisan shops, and small cafes. It's a peaceful area perfect for a leisurely stroll, offering lovely city views and a glimpse into a more traditional side of Cali.
Mercado de Petecuy
FREEExperience the authentic hustle and bustle of a local market where you can find fresh produce, regional snacks, and everyday goods. It's a fantastic place to sample local flavors and observe daily life.
Jardin Botanico de Cali
Escape the city heat in this lush botanical garden, home to a vast array of tropical flora and fauna, including an impressive butterfly house. It's a serene and educational spot perfect for nature lovers.
What It Costs in Cali
Daily budget per person in COP
💡80% cheaper than London
COP 150000/day
COP 300000/day
COP 700000/day
Where to Stay in Cali
Honest neighborhood guide: where to stay and where to avoid
Best for
Walk to
- Cerro de las Tres Cruces30 min
- Gato de Tejada Park10 min
- Centro25 min
Pros
- +Beautiful architecture
- +Excellent dining and nightlife options
- +Central location for exploring
Cons
- -Can be noisy at night
- -Some streets can feel a bit tourist-trappy
Top stays in El Peñón
Hotel Spiwak Chipichape
$$$Modern hotel with excellent amenities and a rooftop pool, located adjacent to a major shopping center.
Hotel Dann Cali
$$Classic hotel offering comfortable stays with good service and a central location.
Plaza de Bolivar Hotel
$$Charming boutique hotel in a historic building, offering a more intimate experience.
Hostal La Luna
$Budget-friendly hostel known for its social atmosphere and friendly staff.
Best for
Walk to
- El Peñón15 min
- Parque del Amor10 min
- Centro30 min
Pros
- +Abundance of high-quality dining and entertainment
- +Safe and well-maintained streets
- +Modern and chic atmosphere
Cons
- -Can be expensive
- -Less traditional Cali vibe
Top stays in Granada
Hotel InterContinental Cali
$$$Luxury hotel offering premium services, spacious rooms, and excellent city views.
MS Hotel Chipichape
$$Comfortable hotel with good amenities, located near shopping and dining.
Hotel Cali Plaza
$$Well-regarded hotel offering good value and a convenient location for exploring.
Best for
Walk to
- Plaza de Cañonazo5 min
- El Peñón15 min
- Centro20 min
Pros
- +Authentic Cali atmosphere
- +Beautiful views from the hill
- +Many cultural points of interest
Cons
- -Can be hilly and require more walking effort
- -Nightlife is more subdued than El Peñón or Granada
Top stays in San Antonio
Hotel Del Mar
$Simple and clean hotel offering basic amenities at an affordable price.
Hostal La Comuna
$Popular hostel with a great view and a relaxed atmosphere, known for its community feel.
Casa Panela
$$A beautifully restored colonial house offering unique rooms and a tranquil courtyard.
Best for
Walk to
- Estadio Olímpico Pascual Guerrero25 min
- River Cali20 min
Pros
- +Unrivaled salsa clubs and experiences
- +Authentic local nightlife
- +Affordable drinks and food options
Cons
- -Can be very noisy and crowded at night
- -Primarily a nightlife destination, less for daytime activities
- -Safety can be a concern outside of main club areas
Areas to be cautious
- Barrio Sucre: This area has a reputation for higher crime rates, particularly petty theft and muggings, and offers little of tourist interest.
- Areas immediately surrounding the main bus terminal (Terminal de Transportes): While convenient for transport, the immediate vicinity can be chaotic and is known for pickpocketing and scams targeting arriving travelers.
Insider tip: Learn a few basic salsa steps before you go; even a little effort will greatly enhance your experience in Cali's legendary dance clubs.
Safety in Cali
ModerateSolo Female Travel
Exercise increased caution, especially at night. Stick to well-populated areas, avoid displaying expensive items, and trust your intuition. Using reputable transport options is crucial.
At Night
Can be risky outside of popular, well-lit entertainment districts like Granada and El Peñón. Be aware of your surroundings, avoid poorly lit streets, and travel in groups or use trusted transport.
Emergency
123
Common Scams to Watch For
- 1The 'spill' scam (someone 'accidentally' spills something on you and tries to distract you while an accomplice picks your pocket).
- 2Fake police stops (individuals posing as police demanding money or 'fines'). Always ask for official ID and to go to a police station.
- 3Overly friendly strangers offering unsolicited help or tours, leading to theft.
Getting Around Cali
Transport, connectivity, and costs
✈️
Airport to City
Taxi: ~50,000-70,000 COP, 45-60 mins. App-based rideshare (Uber/Didi): similar cost, potentially slightly cheaper. No direct public transport.
🎫
Day Pass
Not applicable for Mio Bus; single rides are cheap.
Single: Mio Bus: ~2,300 COP. Local bus: ~2,000-2,500 COP.
🚶
Walkability
Good TransitUber, Didi
📶
WiFi
Good25-50 Mbps (in cafes/hotels)
Public Transport
Mio Bus: Cali's Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system with dedicated lanes and stations. Also, numerous local bus routes and extensive taxi/rideshare network.
Ride-share
Uber, Didi. Typical cost for short rides (3-5 km) is 10,000-20,000 COP.
Transport Tip
Use app-based rideshares (Uber/Didi) for safety and price transparency, especially at night. Ensure the driver matches the app details.
WiFi & Remote Work
Free WiFi
Most cafes, restaurants, shopping malls, and hotels offer free Wi-Fi.
Coworking
Selina Cowork Cali (daily pass ~35,000 COP), Co-Work-In Cali (daily pass ~30,000 COP).
Weather & Best Time to Visit
Best months to visit: Jan, Jul, Dec
Hotels & Accommodation in Cali
Browse and compare hotels, apartments, and hostels on the interactive map below.
Powered by Stay22. We may earn a commission from bookings made through this map.
Ready to book in Cali?
Compare prices across Booking.com, Expedia, Hotels.com and more.
Who Is Cali Best For?
Matched recommendations for different traveller types
First-Time Visitors
Offers a great introduction to Cali's charm, culture, and dining scene within a walkable and visually appealing area.
Foodies
This upscale district boasts the highest concentration of trendy restaurants, international cuisine, and sophisticated dining experiences.
Culture Enthusiasts
Provides an authentic glimpse into Cali's history, art, and traditional atmosphere with its plazas and colonial architecture.
Nightlife Lovers
The undisputed epicenter of salsa dancing, offering an intense and authentic experience for those seeking to dance the night away.
Couples Seeking Romance
Its picturesque streets, intimate restaurants, and vibrant yet charming atmosphere make it ideal for romantic evenings.
Budget Backpackers
Offers affordable accommodation and a chance to experience local life without the higher costs of more tourist-centric areas.
About Cali
Santiago de Cali (Spanish pronunciation: [sanˈtjaɣo ðe ˈkali]), or Cali, is the capital of the Valle del Cauca department, and the most populous city in southwest Colombia, with an estimated 2,280,522 residents in 2023. The city spans 560.3 km2 (216.3 sq mi) with 120.9 km2 (46.7 sq mi) of urban area, making Cali the second-largest city in the country by area and the third most populous. Cali is the main urban and economic center in the south of the country, and has one of Colombia's fastest-growing economies.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cali
Is Cali safe for tourists?
What is the average hotel price in Cali?
What area should I stay in Cali?
When is the best time to visit Cali?
How do I get around Cali?
Cali Guides by Traveller Type
Tailored neighborhood picks for how you travel