Shopping in Cali, Colombia

Travel Guide Cali

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Shopping in Cali, Colombia

Cali does not have the number of shopping malls you find in cities like Bogotá and Medellín, but you can still do some fine shopping in Cali. There are shopping malls for every taste and budget. Read our tips for shopping in Cali here.

6 shopping tips + bonus tip

CHIPICHAPE

Chipichape is a huge mall in northern Cali with over 400 stores and also an Exito, cinema, casino and several fast food restaurants.There is an open area with several cafes, restaurants and play areas for the kids. This shopping mall also organizes regular cultural activities. Want a special shopping experience? Book a night at the luxury Hotel Spiwak Chipichape, right next to the mall. After a day of shopping, relax in the pool and spa.

JARDÍN PLAZA

Jardín Plaza, with all its branded shops, is an upscale shopping mall in Ciudad Jardin, in southern Cali. Besides the many stores, you will also find a movie theater and some great restaurants, such as the Italian restaurant La Trattorina, several grill restaurants, Crepes & Waffles and fast food restaurants.

CENTRO COMERCIAL CENTENARIO

Centro Comercial Centenario is a smaller mall in the Centenario neighborhood, which borders Barrio Granada. With this, this mall is a lot more central than most other malls. There are 135 stores, a movie theater, a supermarket and a food court with mostly fast food options.

UNICENTRO CALI

Unicentro Cali, a large shopping center in the Las Vegas area.Here you will find a movie theater, a large Exito Wow hypermarket a Happy City section for the kids, among other things.

CENTRO COMERCIAL UNICO

Centro Comercial Unico is an outlet center, where you can buy branded clothes at cheap prices. There is also a spacious food court. There are two outlet centers, on both sides of the road. Address Cl. 52 #3-173 a 3, Cra. 3.

PACIFIC MALL

Pacific Mall, a shopping center in Santa Monica that includes a movie theater, a trampoline park and a large Falabela.

At Palmetto Plaza, you can shop in a large Exito, furthermore there is a cinema and food court with many options, among others.

Colombia My Way Bonus Tip

Shop delicious fresh fruits, vegetables and snacks at the Alameda market (la Galeria Alameda). It is a colorful sight, all those beautiful products. The market is definitely worth a visit if you want to see some couleur locale during your trip. Extra fun (and safe) is if you go to the market with a guide and learn all the ins and outs about this colorful market. With most street food tours, you also go to the market. Alameda market is about a 20-minute walk from San Antonio.

Check out here for the nicest hotels and best neighborhoods to stay in Cali.

Frequently asked questions about Cali, Colombia

Travel Guide Cali

Frequently asked questions about Cali, Colombia

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about Cali. What about safety? What is the weather like? What is the best time to travel? Is Cali expensive and how many days will it take you to see everything? If you don’t find your question among the frequently asked questions, feel free to get in touch!

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Frequently asked questions about Cali

Is Cali safe?

Cali has a reputation for being one of Colombia’s more dangerous cities, but crime has gone down in recent years. Still, it is important to be careful. Leave your gold jewelry at home and take as few valuables as possible. If you take a cab, have the hotel call one for you or use cabs and never stop a cab on the street. Later in the evening, be careful in the San Antonio area. Don’t go into the poor neighborhoods. The city center is good to visit during the day but not after sunset. Also watch out on Sundays, when it is a lot quieter downtown. At night, avoid the area east of Calle 5 and along the Rio Cali. Avoid the dangerous neighborhoods of Aguablanca, Siloé, Los Chorros and Terron Colorado. Keep a close eye on motorcycles, as thieves often steal from motorcycles.

What is the weather like in Cali?

Cali is located in a valley. It is hot during the day (around 32 degrees) and the sun is bright. From about 5 o’clock on, a refreshing breeze picks up and cools. The temperature is about the same during the year. The average maximum temperature over the year is 33 degrees and the average minimum temperature is 23 degrees. . Funny enough, you see few people wearing sunglasses while our eyes squeeze shut because of the bright sun. A tourist is quickly recognized for wearing sunglasses. December through March have the least rainfall, April and May are the wettest months. An air-conditioned hotel room is definitely recommended!

 

 

What is the best time to go to Cali?

Cali can be visited throughout the year. December and January are the best months to visit the city, because of the many festivities surrounding Christmas and New Year, such as the Feria de Cali. In December there is also the annual light show surrounding Christmas. Many parks are illuminated with lights in the shape of animals and plants etc. These are also the busiest (and most expensive) times of the year. Semana Santa (Easter week) and the month of July are also busy in Cali. Also a date to put in your calendar: The Festival Mundial de la Salsa.. At the time of writing this guide, the date of the 2023 festival is not yet known. In 2022, the festival took place from Oct. 26-30.

 

 

 

 

Is Cali expensive?

Cali is still relatively unknown to many tourists which also makes it not that expensive to stay in the city. Prices in the shopping malls are almost up to European level, though. However, in the neighborhoods and in restaurants “along the road”, on the contrary, much lower. There the price is often 50-70% cheaper than in the malls. Expenses for food and drink are a lot cheaper in Cali than, for example, in Cartagena or Medellín. Going to the hairdresser is nice for COP28,000/€7. Foot and hand care / pedicure idem, a fraction of NL.

How long to stay in Cali?

There is much to see in and around Cali. To see the most beautiful places of Cali and its surroundings, you will need three days. If you want to explore the surroundings of Cali by car, you can easily set aside 5 days for that.

3 days:
In 3 days you have enough time to visit the most famous sights and museums in the historic center and to make trips in the area. You can start with a tour through San Antonio, then you immediately have a nice introduction to the city center. You can also visit San Antonio Park. In the afternoon you can take a cab to Cristo Rey. You will have a beautiful view of the city. On day 2 you can visit the Ciudad Jardin district in the morning and experience the big difference between rich and poor. In the afternoon you can take a cab to Alto Pance to experience the real Colombian family feeling and have a swim in the river. On day 3 you can go to KM 18. The neighborhood is so big and beautiful that you can certainly spend a whole day driving through the mountains and stopping at a roadside restaurant to taste authentic Colombian food.

5 days:
With two extra days you can rent a car and go to the villages around Cali. On day 4 you can go to Lago Calima and Buga (beautiful churches and old buildings). On the last day you can go to colorful Salento and the beautiful Montenegro amusement park. All beautiful locations surrounded with lots of mountains, coffee plantations and green nature. Definitely worth seeing! )

 

 

 

 

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Where to stay in Cali, Colombia?

Travel Guide Cali

Where to stay in Cali, Colombia?

The nicest neighborhoods + tips

Cali is not yet as touristy as Medellín or Cartagena. Lodging is also a lot cheaper than in other well-known cities as a result. In Cali you will find accommodations ranging from a simple hostel to extravagant hotel with all the trimmings.

There are over 200 barrios and the hotels and hostels are scattered in a number of safe neighborhoods. The difference between the rich and poor neighborhoods is huge. Partly because of this, it is important to orient yourself well when booking a hotel.

Are you -like most travelers- coming to Cali for the nightlife? Then book a hotel or hostel in the neighborhoods San Antonio, Granada or El Peñon. Here you are close to the nightlife and these are the safest neighborhoods in the city. Read on to learn more about Cali’s safest neighborhoods.

San Antonio

The colonial district San Antonio is the most popular neighborhood with travelers. San Antonio is Cali’s oldest neighborhood, with colonial architecture, narrow streets and parks. There is a cozy local, “artsy” vibe and you will find beautiful murals. Central to the district is the Iglesia de San Antonio, surrounded by a park with panoramic views of the city. There is a great choice of hotels and hostels for every budget, and plenty of options for a bite to eat at the many restaurants and cozy cafes. One of the most popular salsa clubs – La Topa Tolondra-is within walking distance of most hostels in San Antonio.

    Barrio Granada

    Barrio Granada is a centrally located neighborhood with many good restaurants and bars, stylish clothing stores and boutique hotels, this is also called the Zona Rosa of Cali. Here you will find a number of chic nightclubs and gay bars. Barrio Granada is one of the richest neighborhoods in the city.

    Centenario

    Centenario is located southwest of Granada and here is the place to go if you are looking for a hotel in a quiet -but still centrally located- residential area, e.g. at hotel Casa del Hidalgo. Centenario attracts many expats and digital nomads, due to its quieter location within walking distance of El Peñon and Granada. Centenario is also home to the Centenario shopping center and one of the city’s most iconic spots; Plazoleta de la Caleñidad, a tribute to the culture of Cali.

      El Peñon

      El Peñon is located west of the city center and southwest of the Cali River. Every evening there is an atmospheric performance by -each alternate- singers in the small park in el Peñon. This old park is a favorite with locals. There are many good restaurants and many street food stalls. El Peñon is home to many extra security personnel, which adds to the sense of security in this neighborhood.

      San Fernando

      San Fernando is a neighborhood very popular with students. The biggest attraction in San Fernando is the Parque del Perro, which is surrounded by local bars and restaurants.

        Ciudad Jardín

        Ciudad Jardín is one of the most upscale neighborhoods in the south of the city and an option if you’re looking for peace and quiet. You’ll find plenty of nature here, with parks, country clubs and some good hotels, but you’re further away from downtown, so not the best place for sightseeing.

        Even if you want to escape the heat for a while during your stay, there are plenty of options for a nice place to stay outside the city, e.g. in the village Pance, or around KM18.

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        Tips for booking your hotel or hostel

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        €€ price range €30 – €75

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        Hotels in Cali

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        The best salsa clubs in Cali, Colombia

        Travel Guide Cali

        The best salsa clubs in Cali, Colombia

        Cali is the city of salsa and there is no better place in Colombia, to dance on late into the night in the many salsa bars and clubs. Check out the best salsa clubs in Cali here.

        Home 9 Category: Travel Guide Cali

        #1 La Topa Tolondra

        The salsa club where we ourselves had our first salsa club experience in Cali, and what a one! A night of dancing at La Topa Tolondra guarantees an unforgettable experience. The club is within walking distance of most of the hostels in San Antonio, so you will always run into backpackers here.Especially cozy on Wednesdays. Read about our own salsa adventure in Cali here.

        More info

        #2 Zaperoco

        Zaperoco bar in the Granada neighborhood, is one of the hot spots in the salsa scene, which celebrated its 30th anniversary in 2023. Talented salsa dancers can be found here almost every day. If you don’t want to dance yourself, it’s still great fun to admire the dancing couples. On Thursdays, there is live music.

        More info

        #3 Siboney club

        This salsa bar in Parque Alameda is “the place to be” on Tuesdays, for the best party in town. The salsa bar has been around for over 35 years and is known for its “old school” Pachanga sound. If you go here, make sure you put on your neatest outfit!

        More info

        #4 El Rincón de Heberth

        It doesn’t get more local than this! A small bar across from shopping center Centro Comercial Roosevelt con Quinta. A hot spot with locals, where friends gather for a beer and dance to their favorite music. On Thursdays, in addition to salsa, bachata and kizomba.

        More info

        #5 Carpa Delirio

        Carpa Delirio is not a club, but a monthly salsa show in the Parque del Amor. The event takes place every last Friday of the month and is still best described as a combination of a salsa show and “circus act.” More than 120 artists and a live orchestra participate. The show guarantees a lot of spectacle. Tickets can be purchased through this site.

        More info

        #6 El mulato cabaret

        Every Sunday at the Domingo Social, you can attend El Mulato Cabaret in the San Fernando neighborhood. Via this site you can buy tickets.

        More info

        Ready to book your trip to Cali? Then check out our travel guide Cali, with tips on what to do in Cali, tips for the best neighborhoods to spend the night, how to get to Cali, transportation in Cali, restaurants in Cali, shopping and practical information about Cali.

        Transportation in Cali, Colombia

        Travel Guide Cali

        Transportation in Cali

        Metro, Taxi, Apps

        MIO bus system

        Getting around Cali is easy. There is an ov-network with separate lanes the so-called MIO, similar to the Transmilenio in Bogotá; the blue buses, which allow you to go through most of the city. You can change buses as often as you want at the bus stations. Once you leave the bus zone you check out with an ov card with chip, so very modern. There is 1 line that connects with the cable car that goes from Canaveralejo to the poorer barrios.

        You need a MIO card, which you can buy for about a euro at the main stations. For each ride you pay COP2700 /€0.70. (rate 2023)

        Tip: If you can, travel outside the morning and evening rush hour, as it can get very crowded. It is also easier then for pickpockets to go about their business unseen.

          Cab

          Cab rides in Cali are relatively cheap.For a short ride, you’ll pay around COP10,000-COP15,000 (€2.50-€3.75). For a slightly longer half-hour ride around town, you’ll pay around COP25000/€6.25.

          Have your hotel call licensed yellow cabs or use one of the cab apps. Then you know the ride is safe and legal and registered. Never stop a cab on the street. You don’t know who you are getting into the cab with. Want an afternoon cab to yourself? Ask a reserved yellow cab for its daily fare. We did once get a whole day’s ride in the yellow cab for COP50,000/€12.50.

          Apps

          In addition to the Uber app, there are other cab apps in Colombia, such as InDriver, Didi and Easy Tappsi These apps work like Uber, where you can track the driver. This makes it a safe, alternative way of ordering a cab. The starting fare is around COP5000/€1.25

          Uber is known among locals as the more expensive app. We ourselves have had good experiences with InDriver. The app is easy to use and both during the day and at night, we never had to wait longer than 5 minutes for a cab.

          How does InDriver work?
          Unlike the other apps, you, the customer, offer a price for the ride. The drivers can accept your price or make a counter-offer. There are often more than one driver willing to do a ride, so you can make your choice and even view reviews about the driver if you want.

           

          Car rental

          Want to take a car tour in and around Cali? You can! There are several car rental companies at the airport and in Cali itself. Because Cali is so large and the areas around Cali are so beautiful, renting a car can be very convenient. You will spend about COP 120,000 / €30 per day for this, including insurance. Avoid driving in the evening hours for safety reasons.

          The best restaurants in Cali, Colombia

          Travel Guide Cali

          The best restaurants in Cali

          Here you will find the best restaurants in Cali Colombia, for every taste and budget. On the culinary front, you won’t have to bore yourself in Cali. The selection of international restaurants is not as large as in Bogotá and Medellín, but there are good restaurants and bars for every taste and budget. Since San Antonio is the most popular neighborhood with travelers and many locals, most of the restaurants and bars can be found here. The neighborhood of Granada, is considered a foodie neighborhood, due to its many good restaurants and also in Ciudad Jardín you will find a wide choice of (more expensive) restaurants. Want to dance after dinner in one of the many salsa clubs and bars? Check here the best salsa clubs of Cali.

           

          Our tips

          ZAHAVI GOURMET

          San Antonio

          Considered by many to be the best bakery in Cali. Its specialty is the Pandebono. Also a popular place for brunch.

          ZEA MAIZ

          San Antonio

          For Cali’s best arepas, which you eat in a colorful setting. Also gluten-free, vegetarian and vegan options. From 4000COP/1 euro for a small arepa.

          MACONDO CAFÉ

          San Antonio

          Macondo café, named after the fantasy village from Gabriel García Marquéz’s novel “100 Years of Solitude,” has long been a favorite in Cali. Not only for the good coffee and delicious desserts, but also for the free movies shown every day. Each month there is a particular movie theme.

          EL BUEN ALIMENTO

          San Antonio

          A vegetarian/vegan restaurant, which has been serving up the most delicious dishes for over 10 years. You can choose from a very wide menu, from falafel, to lasagna and Colombian specialties like Ajiaco soup.

          TIERRADENTRO

          San Antonio

          A nice terrace in a beautiful green setting for a nice cup of coffee or a good glass of wine

          LA COLINA TIENDA TERTULIADERO

          San Antonio

          The oldest bar in San Antonio and you can feel it in the atmosphere when you enter. In 2022, the bar already celebrated its 80th anniversary. A good place to have a good beer with a tasty snack, while enjoying old salsa music.

          RINGLETE

          Granada

          An icon in Cali! Here typical dishes from the Valle de Cauca, are prepared in a culinary way and presented in an original way. The building in a bright pink color is not to be missed.

          EL TEATRO MÁGICO DEL SABOR

          San Antonio

          Not a regular restaurant, but a live cooking show, where chef Michael explains the menu and prepares the food à la minute. Best described as a combination of food and stand-up comedy. The restaurant is set up like a “theater,” with tables overlooking the kitchen. This is fun to do if you want something different. Expect about 3 hours for the entire experience. Check out here for more info.

          TRILOGIA

          San Antonio

          A trilogy of wine, art and gastronomy. The restaurant describes its menu as “Euro-pacifico.” This colorful restaurant regularly hosts live performances and salsa shows.

          LA TRATTORINA

          Ciudad Jardín

          In Ciudad Jardín there are all kinds of trendy and expensive restaurants. So you can also eat out culinary here. You can eat out in the €€€€ google category, but comparatively by Colombian standards. For example, for COP100,000 for 3 people you can go to Italian La Trattorina in shopping center Jardín Plaza.

          ANTIGUA CONTEMPORANEA CAFÉ

          San Antonio

          This attractively decorated restaurant, feels like a piece of Bali in San Antonio. You can choose from a menu of international and local dishes. Also a favorite with locals, who like to come there to celebrate and take beautiful photos.

           

          RESTAURANTE PLATILLOS VOLADORES

          Centenario

          This “upscale” restaurant in Cali, has branches near Centenario shopping center and Ciudad Jardín. The cuisine is Fusion, with Colombian and Asian dishes beautifully presented. Main courses cost between 30,000COP/€7.50 and 80,000COP/€20.

          Bonus Tip:

          Tip #1
          In Cali Culinary you can read more about the food and drink in Cali and Southwest Colombia: traditional dishes, snacks and street food.

          Tip #2
          Take a trip to Restaurante las Neblinas por lo alto
          The typical Colombian restaurant Las Neblinas is located on KM18 and – besides the beautiful view – is famous for the “patacón gigante,” the giant patacon. A kind of crispy “cake” made of banana, which is served with various toppings, such as chicken, pico de gallo, beef and hogao, a tomato-onion sauce. The patacón is so big, you can share it with the whole family -:)

           

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