Founded in 1536 in a fertile Andean valley on the Cali and Cauca rivers, Santiago de Cali is Colombia’s third-most populated city. Its architectural and cultural heritage, warm climate, and status as the “Capital of Salsa Music,” as well as its strategic position between the Colombian Coffee Triangle and the border with Ecuador make Cali one of the most visited tourist destinations in Colombia. If you are looking for the best areas to stay in Cali, you have come to the right place.
Located in the southwest of the country, 3,280 ft. above sea level and only 70 mi. from the Pacific Ocean, Cali is one of the main commercial, industrial and agricultural centers in the country and an important transport hub for visitors traveling from the south. From a tourist’s standpoint, Cali is mainly known for its Carnival celebrations and being home to the Cristo Rey, the Calima Gold Museum, Museo La Tertulia, and the lovely Plaza de Caicedo. As it couldn’t be otherwise, the Capital of Salsa is also famous for its legendary nightlife and attracts visitors from all over Colombia, the Americas, Europe, and beyond. To accommodate its booming tourist industry, in recent years, Cali has seen a surge in both luxury hotels and backpacker hostels, especially in the San Antonio district.
Whether it’s your first time visiting or you’re a seasoned backpacker, keep reading to learn more about the best areas to stay in Cali, Colombia for tourists. We’ve also included a safety section in each area for you to take into account when choosing where to stay in Cali.
If you’re in a hurry, this is a summary of our recommended areas to stay in Cali. Keep reading to learn more about each of the individual barrios.
- Best area for foreign tourists: San Antonio & El Peñón
- Best area for sightseeing & culture: Centro Histórico
- Best areas for nightlife: Zona Rosa (North Cali) | San Fernando
- Best areas for business travelers: North Cali
- Most exclusive area: South Cali
What’s the Best Area to Stay in Cali, Colombia?
The best area to stay in Cali is San Antonio/El Peñón, especially if you’re looking for a fun, charming district with great nightlife, food, and great hotels & hostels. Located west of Cali’s Old Town, San Antonio is a historic district home to some of the city’s best boutique properties, and backpacker hangouts.
Find Available Accommodation in San Antonio & El Peñón.
Best Hotels in San Antonio & El Peñón
- Best five-star hotel: Alko Hotel Casa Nispero
- Best four-star hotel: Hotel El Peñon
- Best three-star hotel: Hotel Colina de San Antonio
- Best budget hotel: Hotel Boutique Cuba de Cali
- Best B&B/Guesthouse: Casa Ruta Sur
- Best hostel: Kingbird Hostel
The Safest Areas to Stay in Cali, Colombia
While Cali has come a long way since the nineties in terms of violent crime, the city still has some work to do to be considered a safe city for tourists. Although you shouldn’t have any problems walking around during the day, some neighborhoods, including the city center, are best avoided after sunset. As a rule of thumb, districts in the west are wealthier and safer than those in the east of the city. Here are some of the safest areas for tourists in Cali, Colombia:
- South Cali is mostly made up of upper and upper-middle class residential barrios and is generally considered the safest area for tourists in Cali. This huge urban sprawl is home to a few sights including Parque del Ingenio and several shopping centers like Jardín Plaza & Unicentro Cali. Our favorite hotel in Cali Sur is Alko Hotel Integrado.
- On the oposite end of town, north of the Cali River, Cali Norte is made up of a series of smart neighborhoods. Home to Cali’s main upscale nightlife & restaurant areas, this section of town also hosts many of the city’s 5 and 4-star properties including Torre de Cali Plaza Hotel and the Four Points by Sheraton Cali.
- Probably the number one option among foreign travelers and backpackers, El Peñón & San Antonio are also considered safe districts for tourists in Cali. Our favorite properties in this charming district include the stunning Alko Hotel Casa Nispero and Hotel El Peñón.
- Finally, San Fernando (Comuna 19) is another lively nightlife district. This area, located south of San Antonio is home to some of the city’s hottest nightclubs and has a strong police presence at nights. A great option in San Fernando is Hotel Piaro In Apartastudios.
The Best Areas for Tourists in Cali, Colombia: District by District
1. San Antonio & El Peñón: Best Location for Foreign Visitors & Backpackers
Located west of the city center, El Peñón and neighboring San Antonio are very lively & charming areas to stay in Cali, Colombia.
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Why is this the best area to stay in Cali, Colombia:
- Very central location
- Packed with boutique hotels & hostels
- Favorite area among foreign travelers
- Safe area to stay
- Restaurants & nightlife
- La Tertulia Museum
San Antonio is located on a steep hill south of the Cali River, in the northwest of the city. One of the oldest areas in town, San Antonio is especially known for its tiled-roof colonial-style houses and colorful buildings.
The origins of this vibrant neighborhood date back to the construction of the chapel atop San Antonio Hill in the mid-18th century. By the early 19th century, the northern slopes of San Antonio and El Peñón were home to tradesmen and merchants, while the southern face of the hill received a large influx of rural migrants from Valle del Cauca and Nariño.
The San Antonio Chapel and its hill were declared a National Monument in 1993.
Thanks to its central location, undeniable charm, and historic significance, San Antonio is one of the most visited barrios in Cali and an all-time favorite when it comes to the best areas to find accommodation.
Many of its grand old mansions have been turned into boutique hotels and hostels, and the district is also home to a large number of nightlife venues, including salsa clubs, hipster bars, and quaint cafés.
North of San Antonio, near the Cali River, lies El Peñón, a residential, commercial, and cultural area home to La Tertulia Museum, a contemporary art space that also hosts frequent events.
Not far away, on top of a hill, you’ll find the statue of Sebastián De Belalcázar, founder of the city. From this viewpoint, you can get impressive views of Cali and the river.
Is San Antonio a safe area to stay in Cali? El Peñón is an upscale and modern area and it’s safe day and night. On the other hand, San Antonio is generally very safe, but petty crime is not unheard of. That said, as long as you use common sense, you should be fine.
Best Hotels in San Antonio & El Peñón
Alko Hotel Casa Nispero
Located in Cali, Alko Hotel Casa Nispero provides accommodations with a restaurant, an outdoor swimming pool, a bar, and a garden. The hotel is close to several noted attractions and has a 24-hour front desk, a shuttle service, room service, and free WiFi.
Hotel El Peñon
El Peñon Hotel is located in the El Peñon neighborhood, only 100 yards away from the financial area and the center of the city. The area offers a wide range of restaurants, bars, offices, and business centers. Breakfast and WiFi are included.
Hotel Colina de San Antonio
Located in Cali, Hotel Colina de San Antonio features a garden and views of the mountain. This hotel offers a concierge service and a tour desk. The property has a 24-hour front desk, airport transportation, room service, and free WiFi.
Hotel Boutique Cuba de Cali
Located in Cali, Hotel Boutique Cuba de Cali features a garden, allergy-free rooms, and free WiFi throughout the property. Featuring family rooms, this property also provides guests with a sun terrace.
Casa Ruta Sur
Comfortable rooms with regional décor can be enjoyed in Cali, a 5-minute walk from the Gold Museum and historical district. Free WiFi and local calls are included.
Kingbird Hostel
Kingbird Hostel is located in Cali’s traditional San Antonio sector, within walking distance of a vibrant artistic scene. Free WiFi access is available.
2. Cali Norte: Best Location for Nightlife, Restaurants & Luxury Hotels
Home to Zona Rosa, the main nightlife and restaurant district in the city, North Cali is made up of a succession of upscale residential and commercial districts with many luxury hotels.
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Why is this the best area to stay in Cali, Colombia:
- Centrally located
- Luxury hotels
- Nightclubs and bars
- Safe area to stay
- Upscale restaurants
- Shopping centers & boutiques
Located north of the Cali River and centered around Avenida 6, Cali Norte includes some of the most exclusive neighborhoods in the city such as Versalles, Granada, and Centenario.
This upmarket section of Cali houses residential developments, office towers, shopping and leisure areas, medical centers, and a multitude of hotels of all categories, particularly 4 and 5-stars.
Avenidas 6 and 6A, as well as a good portion of the Versalles and Granada neighborhoods, are considered the city’s “Zona Rosa” or nightlife and dining district. Cali’s Zona Rosa stands out for its impressive variety of restaurants, bars, and nightclubs.
One of the area’s attractions is the Cali Tower, which, at 600-ft-tall (183 m) and 46 floors, is the tallest skyscraper south of Bogotá. The tower also houses a luxury hotel with spectacular views of the city.
Other attractions in the area include urban parks like Parque Simón Bolívar and Parque Versailles, as well as wilder natural areas like the Parque Natural Bataclán on the Hill of Three Crosses.
Cali Norte is one of the best places to stay in Cali for foreigners as it is home to a wide variety of internationally-renowned mid-range and luxury hotel brands.
Is North Cali a safe area to stay? North Cali is one of the safest districts in the city. That said, because it is a nightlife area, common sense is recommended at night around avenidas 6 & 6A.
Best Hotels in North Cali
Cali Marriott Hotel
The modern Cali Marriott Hotel is located in Granada and offers a spa, a Finnish sauna, a fitness room, 3 restaurants, an ample terrace, and a bar that overlooks the outdoor pool.
Four Points Sheraton Cali
Four Points is a modern hotel in the north of Cali. Guests can enjoy 2 restaurants. Free WiFi is available throughout the hotel. Rooms at Four Points Sheraton Cali have elegant lighting and pale cream décor.
Hotel Ibis Cali Granada
Located in Cali, Hotel Ibis Cali Granada offers a restaurant, free private parking, and a bar. Among the facilities at this property are a 24-hour front desk and a business center, along with free WiFi throughout the property.
Gran Hotel Cali
Located 2 blocks from Cali’s best restaurants in Zona Rosa, Gran Hotel Cali offers fully furnished rooms and apartments in the entertainment district. It features a popular cafe bar on street level.
Hostal La Mercedes Boutique
Featuring a garden, Hostal La Mercedes Boutique is located in Cali in the Valle del Cauca region, a 6-minute walk from La Ermita Church and Jorge Isaacs Theater.
The Pelican Larry Hostel
Set in a charming house featuring a garden and common kitchen facilities, Hostel Pelican Larry offers rooms with free Wi-Fi in Cali. Free parking is provided. The Zona Rosa is a 15-minute walk away.
3. San Fernando & Comuna 19: Great Nightlife & Local Atmosphere
Down-to-earth, safe, and packed with nightlife venues, San Fernando is home to Parque del Perro, a youthful and vibrant area where locals hang out.
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Why is this the best area to stay in Cali, Colombia:
- Great location
- Close to San Antonio
- Budget & mid-range hotels
- Great local nightlife
- Restaurants & cafés
- Connected by MIO
- Museum of Natural Sciences
If you are looking to party like a local, then San Fernando is for you.
The San Fernando neighborhood is located about 2 miles (3 km) southeast of central Cali, in the heart of Comuna 19.
Developed in the 1940s as a residential area for the upper classes, San Fernando soon became home to the local bourgeoisie and, later on, to an influx of wealthy European and Middle Eastern immigrants, making it one of the most cosmopolitan areas in Cali.
Today, this predominantly low-density residential area also hosts one of the most important nightlife and food districts in Cali: Parque del Perro (Dog’s Park). This otherwise mundane square is at the heart of a commercial and leisure area with many restaurants, bars, and nightclubs frequented mainly by young caleños.
Comuna 19 is connected to the rest of the city through the MIO system, which runs along 5th Street.
Attractions in this area include the Museum of Natural Sciences, the Jorge Garcés Borrero Library, and the Center for Science.
Is San Fernando a safe area to stay in Cali? Comuna 19 is generally quiet and safe. The nightlife district around Dog’s Park is guarded by a strong police presence, but, as always, caution is advised late at night.
Best Hotels in San Fernando & Comuna 19
Hotel Piaro In Apartastudios
Located in Cali, Hotel Piaro In Apartastudios features views of the city, room service, and free WiFi. The air-conditioned rooms offer a desk, a dishwasher, a microwave, a safety deposit box, a flat-screen TV, a balcony, and a private bathroom with a shower.
Hotel Karlo
Set in a charming building built in the 1950s, Hotel Karlo offers rooms with free Wi-Fi and plasma TVs in Cali. Breakfast is provided and a hot tub is featured. The historical quarter is 0.6 mi away.
Hotel Parque del Perro
Located in Cali, Hotel Parque del Perro provides accommodations with a bar, private parking, a shared lounge, and a garden. The property has a 24-hour front desk, airport transportation, room service, and free WiFi.
Ding-Dong Hostel
Featuring a garden, terrace, and views of the city, Ding-Dong Hostel is located in Cali. Among the facilities at this property are a shared kitchen and a shared lounge, along with free WiFi throughout the property.
4. South Cali: Safest Area to Stay in Cali, Colombia
Packed with shopping centers and swanky residential developments, Cali Sur is a well-developed & safe area to stay in Cali Colombia.
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Why is this the best area to stay in Cali, Colombia:
- Upscale neighborhoods
- Shopping centers & malls
- Luxury hotels
South Cali is made up of a succession of low-rise upscale neighborhoods and parklands connected by wide avenues and shady streets. It has a somewhat suburban atmosphere, with many single-family homes, private residential compounds, and new shopping centers.
Cali Sur is also considered the city’s university area, home to Universidad del Valle, Universidad Autónoma De Occidente, Universidad Antonio Nariño and Universidad Cooperativa de Colombia.
The Ciudad Jardín neighborhood, located at the city’s south end is one of the most luxurious residential developments in Cali, home to some of the richest people in Colombia. Nearby, Jardín Plaza Shopping Center is a huge outdoor-indoor mall with popular chain retailers, restaurants, and a food court.
While safe and upscale, South Cali neighborhoods are quite far from the major tourist attractions in town, and the best way to get around is by car or taxi.
Is South Cali a safe area to stay? South Cali’s neighborhoods are the most exclusive and safe in the city. That said, because its streets are mostly residential, they can be very lonely at night.
Best Hotels in Cali Sur
AcquaSanta Lofts Hotel
Boasting cutting-edge designer style décor, an outdoor swimming pool, and gym facilities, Acqua Santa offers modern lofts with city views, spa baths, and free WiFi in Cali. Private parking is available.
Alko Hotel Integrado
Set in Cali, Alko Hotel Integrado features air-conditioned rooms and free private parking. Every room has a flat-screen TV. Every room comes with a private bathroom. Alko Hotel Integrado features free WiFi throughout the property.
Malik Hotel Boutique
Malik Hotel Boutique in Cali provides adults-only accommodation with a garden, a pool, and a terrace. Rooms have air-conditioning, a closet, a safety deposit box, a flat-screen TV, and a private bathroom with a shower.
Hotel MS Ciudad Jardin Plus
Offering a restaurant and a fitness center, Hotel MS Ciudad Jardin is located in Cali. Free WiFi access is available. Each modern-style room here will provide you with a TV and air conditioning. Featuring a shower, the private bathroom also comes with bathrobes.
Babilla Suites
Located in Cali, Babilla Suites has accommodations with free WiFi, air conditioning, an outdoor swimming pool, and a shared lounge. Guests at the bed and breakfast can enjoy a continental breakfast.
5. Centro Histórico (Old Town): Best Location for Sightseeing & Culture
Home to most historic and cultural attractions in Cali, Centro Histórico offers a look into the city’s past.
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Why is this the best area to stay in Cali, Colombia:
- Very Central
- Caicedo Square
- Colonial architecture
- Gold Museum
Located south of the Cali River, in the heart of Comuna 3 lies Cali’s Centro Histórico.
This historic area has its origins in the early 16th century, when Spanish conquistador Sebastián de Belalcázar traveled north from Quito in search of El Dorado, founding the cities of Asunción de Popayán and Santiago de Cali in 1536.
The oldest surviving Building in Cali’s Historic City Center is the 1545 Iglesia de la Merced, now part of the Museo Arqueológico La Merced. Across the street, the Calima Gold Museum exhibits pre-Hispanic jewelry, handicrafts and other artifacts. Nearby, on Plazoleta de San Francisco, the bell tower of the Chapel of the Immaculate Conception displays one of the most prominent examples of Mudéjar style architecture in the Americas.
Perhaps the most striking architectural landmarks in the center of Cali can be found around Plaza de Caicedo. This palm-tree filled square is home to the beautiful Catedral Metropolitana, an 18th-century grand baroque-style cathedral, as well as the French-inspired Palacio Nacional and Otero Building.
On its north end, Centro Histórico is bordered by the Boulevard del Río Cali, a leafy park along the riverbank home to the neo-Gothic Iglesia de la Ermita and several other European-inspired buildings including Edificio Coltabaco.
Is the City Center a safe area to stay in Cali? The Old Town is not the safest area to stay in Cali. While there should be no major problems during the day, the whole area should be avoided after dark.
Best Hotels in Cali’s Historic City Center
Hotel Faranda Collection Cali
Hotel Faranda Collection Cali in Cali provides adults-only accommodations with a restaurant, a fitness center, and a bar. Among the facilities at this property are a concierge service and a tour desk, along with free WiFi throughout the property.
Ayenda 1421 Americana
Just 2 blocks from historic Caicedo Square the hotel offers modern accommodations and practical amenities in the commercial area. There are free unlimited local calls. Wi-Fi is also free in common areas.
Hotel Farallones Cali
Conveniently located in the center of Cali, 300 m from Caicedo square, Hotel Farallones Cali offers free Wi-Fi and rooms with private bathrooms. The Olympic Stadium is a 10-minute drive away.
La Vaina Cali
La Vaina Hostel Cali has an outdoor swimming pool, bar, a shared lounge, and garden. Boasting a tour desk, this property also offers a terrace, a 24-hour front desk, airport transfers, a shared kitchen, and free WiFi.
Where to stay in Cali: Useful Information
Cali, or Santiago de Cali, is the capital of the department of Valle del Cauca in Colombia and is located in the southwest of the country.
Cali is the third most populated city in Colombia, after Bogota and Medellin, and one of the most important economic and industrial centers of the South American country.
Among the main attractions to see in Cali, highlights include the picturesque neighborhood of San Antonio, the walk along the Cali River, Caycedo Square, the archaeological museum and the Cristo Rey statue.
Its cultural importance and geographical position (Cali is halfway between Bogota and Quito), as well as its historical attractions and nightlife, have made Cali one of the most visited tourist destinations in Colombia.
Therefore, Cali is almost a mandatory stop for backpackers who travel through South America, lovers of salsa, and business travelers.
Despite being 3280 feet (1000 meters) above sea level, being a city near the equator, the climate of Cali is filled with high temperatures that can exceed 86ºF (30ºC) during most of the year. The rainy season runs from March to May, and from September to November.
Santiago de Cali has the Alfonso Bonilla Aragón International Airport, located in the City of Palmira. It is the third most important airport in the country, and a connection center for the national airline of Colombia, Avianca.
In terms of transport, the city of Cali is connected through MIO, a system of rapid transit buses that is similar to Bogota’s Transmilenio. Taxis, mobile application vehicles, and city buses are other ways to get around the city.
Safety is one of the main factors to consider when looking for the best areas to stay in Cali. Although crime levels have decreased in the city compared to a few years ago, Cali is considered one of the most dangerous cities in Colombia.
For your peace of mind, in each area, we have added a section entitled “Is this a safe area to stay in Cali?” with safety recommendations adapted to each neighborhood.
As for the best areas to stay in Cali, we highlight the recommended San Antonio, the most atmospheric neighborhood in the city, and the northern area, the safest area to stay. See accommodation in San Antonio) | See hotels in North Cali).
