Attraction
Cristo Rey Cali
The white Christ statue stands on a hill west of the city and is 26 meters tall with its base. From its summit, the view reaches over Cali and southern Valle del Cauca. Many come for sunset.
Colombia
Cali
City
Cali, with around 2.3 million inhabitants, is the largest city in southwestern Colombia and is known as the capital of Salsa. You come here for dancing, for the Valle del Cauca cuisine, and for the view from Cristo Rey.
by Felix Gillen
Cali, with around 2.3 million inhabitants, is the largest city in southwestern Colombia and is known as the capital of Salsa. You come here for dancing, for the Valle del Cauca cuisine, and for the view from Cristo Rey. Worth seeing are the colonial quarter San Antonio, the Granada restaurant district, and the Bulevar del Río in the center.
Sights in Cali
Discover the most important sights and attractions
Historic Landmark
El Gato del Río
The bronze cat by sculptor Hernando Tejada has become a symbol of Cali. In the riverside park, there are around 25 more cat sculptures, designed by Lucy Tejada and Maripaz Jaramillo, among others.
Church
Church of San Antonio
The white chapel on San Antonio Hill dates from 1747. The surrounding neighborhood is one of the city's most traditional, with colonial houses, handicrafts, and cafés.
Attraction
Bulevar del Río Cali
The riverwalk along the Río Cali connects the historic center with the Ermita. Evenings, bars on the boulevard play classic salsa.
Museum
Zoológico de Cali
Cali Zoo is home to lions, pumas, bears, zebras, and more. Check current hours before visiting.
Park
Plaza de Cayzedo
The central main square is the starting point for Old Town strolls. Next to it on Calle 11 is Calle del Sabor, where multiple venues play salsa.
City walks in Cali
Curated walking tours through the city's highlights, handpicked by experienced travel journalists.
San Antonio and Downtown Tour
The tour starts at Gato del Río by the Río Cali, ascends to the chapel on San Antonio hill, and descends into the colonial quarter of La Merced. Passing the Torre Mudéjar and Plaza de Cayzedo, it ends at Puente Ortiz. The route is just under 3 km long; allow about two hours.
Stops (7)
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Restaurants in Cali
Traditional cuisine from Valle del Cauca in the Granada neighborhood. The menu features Arroz atollado, Chuleta valluna, and Sancocho de gallina.
Contemporary Colombian signature cuisine with ingredients from Valle del Cauca and influences from the Pacific Coast. The restaurant is located on Avenida 3 Norte, north of the center, and has received national and international awards. Upscale pricing.
Chef Catalina Vélez's restaurant is situated in a restored colonial house in San Antonio. The tasting menus feature the cuisine of the Colombian Southwest, showcasing ingredients from small producers, such as shrimp from Tumaco or arroz atollado with duck.
Food & Drink in Cali
Cali's cuisine is sweet, fried, and fruity: street vendors sell cheese pastries, fruit drinks, and ice desserts. Many specialties originate from Valle del Cauca and the towns surrounding the city.
Lulada
Refreshing drink of crushed Lulo fruits with lime juice, water, sugar, and ice. A specialty of Cali and the entire Valle del Cauca.
Shampoo
A cold drink of corn, lulo pulp, pineapple pieces, cinnamon, and panela syrup. Alongside Lulada, it's one of the city's classic drinks.
Cholado
Dessert made from shaved ice with chopped fruit, condensed milk, and fruit syrup, often served with a waffle. Its origin is attributed to the neighboring town of Jamundí.
Pandebono
Small cheese pastry made from yuca starch, cheese, and corn flour, wheat-free. It is enjoyed for breakfast, in the afternoon, or in the evening, and TasteAtlas named it the world's best bread in 2024.
Salsa as a Way of Life
Salsa is part of everyday life in Cali: Many bars offer classes in the early evening, followed by dancing until late. Nightlife districts include El Peñón, La 66, and the city center around the Bulevar del Río.Feria de Cali: every year from December 25th to 30th.Try: Lulada, Champús, Pandebono, Chuleta valluna, and Arroz atollado.
Nightlife
Bar on Bulevar del Río in the center with classic salsa every evening. Fridays and Saturdays feature outdoor surprise concerts, with past performers including Guayacán Orquesta and Grupo Niche.
The large Salsa bar on Calle 5 is also a cultural center, hosting dance classes, concerts, and film nights. Several times a week, early evenings feature Salsa lessons, then dancing.
The bar on Avenida 5 Norte, founded over 30 years ago by the Levy Cote family, plays classic Salsa and Salsa brava. Weekly concerts and shows by professional dancers, open from Thursday.
The Salsoteca in Barrio Obrero was founded 40 years ago by María Nelly Parra. Here, Bolero, Son, and Guaguancó are played, opening already in the afternoon.
Getting There and Around
Flights: Alfonso Bonilla Aragón Airport (CLO) is located in Palmira, east of the city.MIO: The rapid bus system is operating again after the August 2026 earthquake; the MIO Cable car was still out of service in September 2026.Nightlife: To get to salsa bars in Barrio Obrero and other neighborhoods outside the center, it's best to take a taxi.Cristo Rey: You can go up by car or taxi, or alternatively on foot.Check the current UK FCDO travel advice before your trip.
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