Aerial panorama of the city of Cali taken from the top of Cristo del Rey in Colombia

Things to do in  Cali

Welcome to salsa central

Internationally acknowledged as the salsa capital of the world, Cali is a city that thrums with rhythm and rumba. Often overlooked in favor of Medellin and Bogota, Cali is a worthy addition to any Colombian itinerary—it boasts eternally warm weather, cuisine inspired by its diverse cultural mix, and some of Latin America’s best nightlife. Add some striking Gothic and colonial architecture, leafy parks, and vibrant markets to the mix, and you’ve got yourself a life-affirming destination that’s guaranteed to get your toes tapping.

Top 12 attractions in Cali

Cat Park (Parque del Gato de Tejada)

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Located on the northern bank of the Cali River, the aptly named Cat Park (Parque del Gato de Tejada) came into being in 1996, when local painter and sculptor Hernando Tejada Sáenz donated his bronze El Gato Rio (The River Cat) sculpture to the city of Cali. The park where the sculpture resides has since welcomed more than a dozen feline friends, so-named “the cat’s girlfriends” (las novias del gato).More

Hacienda el Paraíso

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With its fragrant rose gardens and water features, Hacienda el Paraíso (Paradise House) lives up to its name. Originally built in 1816 as a base for supervision of the region’s sugarcane plantations, the hacienda became famous in the 19th century when it was used as the setting forMaría, a novel by iconic Colombian writer Jorge Isaacs.More

Sebastian de Belalcázar Statue and Viewpoint

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Reigning supreme over Cali from its hilltop perch, the Sebastian de Belalcázar Statue is one of the city’s most iconic landmarks. Erected in honor of the Spanish conquistador who founded the city in 1536, the statue depicts Belalcázar leaning on his sword and pointing towards the ocean as he admires Cali spread out below.More

Plaza de Caicedo (Plaza de Cayzedo)

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Serving as the epicenter of Cali’s historic district, the bustling Caycedo Square (Plaza de Caicedo) is a charming mix of classic and contemporary architecture. While also a fitting showcase of modern Cali, the square’s stately architecture lends the square an air of grandeur, with the snow-white facades of the National Palace (Palacio Nacional) and the Metropolitan Cathedral looming over the south and east corners.More

San Antonio Church

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With its white adobe façade, red-brick tower, and an entryway fronted by a set of crumbling stone steps, Cali’s humble San Antonio Church (Iglesia de San Antonio) stands in stark contrast to the fanciful Metropolitan Cathedral just a few blocks east. Perched on a small hill in the lively historic district of San Antonio, the church affords beautiful views of the city.More

San Antonio

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A short walk from bustling Caycedo Square (Plaza de Caicedo), San Antonio is hailed as the historic heart of Cali. Crowned by the hilltop San Antonio Church, this lively neighborhood is not only one of Cali’s oldest districts, it’s also its most bohemian. Come here to explore a jumble of cozy cafés, gourmet restaurants, art galleries, designer boutiques, market stalls, and dance clubs blasting salsa until the early hours.More
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Metropolitan Cathedral

Metropolitan Cathedral

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Abutting the Plaza de Caicedo, the Metropolitan Cathedral is arguably Cali’s most important church, as it is the official seat of the city’s Roman Catholic Archdiocese. Construction of the cathedral began in 1772, although it was not completed until 1841, 69 years later, for political reasons. It was designated as a national monument in 1982.More

Popayán

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The former regional capital of Popayán is best known for an abundance of whitewashed buildings, earning it the nicknameCiudad Blanca (White City). Popayán is among Colombia’s best preserved colonial cities, and is home to one of the country’s oldest, most prestigious universities, which counts 16 Colombian presidents among its alumni.More

Buga

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Founded under the order of Sebastián de Belalcázar in 1555, Guadalajara de Buga is one of Colombia’s oldest cities. Guadalajara de Buga—or Buga, as it’s more informally known—attracts more than three million pilgrims a year seeking its salmon-pink Basilica of the Lord of Miracles (Basílica Menor Señor de Los Milagros) and its crucifix, which legend says grew from a small statue to its current life-size version without human intervention.More
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La Merced Church Museum (Iglesia de la Merced)

La Merced Church Museum (Iglesia de la Merced)

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As Cali’s oldest church, Iglesia de la Merced was established in the 16th century. Built in the typical whitewashed Spanish colonial style, it features wood and stucco construction and a long, narrow nave. Adjacent to the church is the La Merced Church Museum, housed in the oldest building in the city, the former La Merced convent. It features centuries ­old artifacts, including an impressive collection of pre­-Columbian pottery left behind by different cultures from central and southern parts of Colombia. The church and museum can be visited as part of a Cali city sightseeing tour, which includes a visit to the city’s other major attractions, including Plaza Caicedo, San Antonio hill, and El Gato del Rio park.More
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National Palace

National Palace

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One of Cali’s most impressive buildings, the National Palace (Palacio Nacional) demands attention from its perch at the head of Caicedo Plaza (Plaza de Cayzedo). Built in 1928, the 4-story palace’s neoclassical design was the work of Belgian architect Joseph Martens, and features an ornate, chalk-white façade capped with a slate-gray roof and dome.More
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Phoenix Air Museum (Museo Aereo Fenix)

Phoenix Air Museum (Museo Aereo Fenix)

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Located near Santiago de Cali, the Phoenix Air Museum (Museo Aereo Fenix) is the only civil aviation and railroad museum in Colombia. In addition to more than 25 full-sized aircraft, several locomotives, engines, and vintage cars, the museum also houses a large collection of scale models, including aircrafts, airports, and railways.More

All about Cali

When to visit

The best time to visit Cali is from Dec. through Mar., which is Colombia’s winter.This is the driest and most comfortable time to visit, although Cali enjoys a pleasant climate year-round. To see Cali at its brightest and brashest, visit during Cali Fair—an end-of-year festival that takes place from Christmas Day to New Year’s Eve. Expect parades that celebrate Cali’s cultural diversity, a horseback procession, live music concerts, and, of course, lots of salsa dancing.

Getting around

Cali doesn’t have a subway system, but it does have a robust bus network called MIO that covers all of the city. You’ll need to buy and fill a MIO card from any of the bus stations (of which there are plenty throughout the city). There’s also a MIO cable car that departs from the central bus station and offers views of the city and its surroundings. Ride hail apps such as Uber also operate in Cali.

Traveler tips

If your appetite for salsa isn’t satiated by dance lessons and bars, plan your Cali vacation around Delirio, a salsa-circus extravaganza that happens monthly. The show is a kaleidoscope of colorful costumes and high-octane choreography. Book in advance, as tickets fly off the shelves. For something quieter, head to the north of the city for a wander along the banks of the Cali River, where you’ll also find the famous Cat Park.

Local Currency
Colombian Peso (COP)
Time Zone
COT (UTC -5)
Country Code
+57
Language(s)
Spanish
Attractions
12
Tours
111
Reviews
1,319
EN
36765254-0f36-4974-897d-fdcfdd6a5fcd
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People Also Ask

What is Cali famous for?

Cali is most famous as the salsa dancing capital of the world, although the high-tempo dance wasn’t invented here. No matter, as caleños (Cali residents) eat, breathe, and sleep the dance—you’ll find dance schools for lessons, as well as bars and performance halls that specialize in different interpretations of salsa.

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Is Cali worth visiting?

Yes, Cali's combination of natural landscapes and energetic culture makes it worth a visit. As the global salsa capital, it's a must-visit for lovers of the dance, as well as partygoers and nightlife fans. It's warm, year-round climate also makes it a great place to escape the winter blues.

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What are the three best attractions to visit in Cali?

One of Cali's most famous sights is the Sebastian de Belalcázar Statue and Viewpoint, built to celebrate the city's 400th birthday. Other top attractions include the Cat Park, created by local sculptor Hernando Tejada, and the bustling Plaza de Caicedo in the city center.

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How many days do you need in Cali?

Spend three to five days to experience the full spectrum of Cali's nature, culture, and nightlife. That gives you time to see the sights in the historic center, try a salsa dancing class, and take a day trip to the White City of Popayan or the coffee country of Salento.

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Where are the best views in Cali?

The best view in Cali is from the statue of Cristo Rey, a mountaintop statue of Christ with his arms spread wide. You’ll also find panoramic vistas and a striking Christian monument at the top of the Hill of the Three Crosses in Bataclan National Park.

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Where is the best nightlife in Cali?

Salsa dominates Cali’s nightlife scene, considered one of the best in Colombia. To dance to the pulsating rhythm of salsa, head to the party neighborhood of San Vicente. There, along Avenida 6 Norte, you’ll find buzzing bars and Zaperoco Bar, a Cali institution with DJs who pull high-energy revelers Thursday–Sunday.

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Frequently Asked Questions
The answers provided below are based on answers previously given by the tour provider to customers’ questions.
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