Cali, Colombia, is hailed by many as the salsa capital of the world, and it pulses with an energy that’s entirely its own. Known for its legendary nightlife, vibrant salsa culture, and year-round warm weather, Cali offers visitors a rich cultural experience far removed from the typical tourist destinations of Medellín and Cartagena.
That being said, Cali is also the most dangerous city in Colombia, and currently ranks as the 21st most dangerous city in the world.
That is to say, when you’re choosing where to stay in Cali, it’s important to be mindful about safety, especially as a traveller and somebody who doesn’t know the city well.
Contents
- Where is Safe to Stay in Cali?
- Hostels in Cali
- Regular Hotels in Cali
- Upscale Hotels in Cali
- Dance School in Cali
- How Long to Stay in Cali
- Frequently Asked Questions About Staying in Cali
- Conclusion
Where is Safe to Stay in Cali?
If you take a look at the map on any booking website, you’ll see that most hotels and hostels are concentrated in a specific area of the city around San Antonio and Miraflores. San Antonio and Miraflores are known to be the two safe areas of Cali, but I really mean it when I say to check with your accommodation or somebody local before you go anywhere, especially at night time. There was one club we went to at night in Cali, and even in a group of 15 people (including around five people who were from Cali) it wasn’t safe for us to walk – we had to take Ubers to about four blocks away!
I’m not saying this to scare you, I just want to make sure you’re aware of the situation before you arrive in Cali. I turned up, hopped into a random cab at the bus station and then took myself out for lunch alone. Of course, I stuck to the local San Antonio neighbourhood, but I didn’t feel unsafe at all – it’s just about making sure you don’t end up on a street that you shouldn’t.
🇨🇴 Read more: How to Get from Cali to Medellín
Hostels in Cali
Best for: Budget Travellers & Dance Enthusiasts
The hostel scene in Cali is very salsa-focussed. The vast majority of people I met in hostels in Cali were taking salsa classes, although most of them had started from scratch in Cali. A lot of them had stayed longer than planned, because they’d turned up and caught the salsa bug! Most hostels will have daily salsa classes onsite or in a school nearby, as well as offering packages of private salsa classes. They’ll also organise events almost daily to head out to salsa clubs or shows, which I guess is somewhat necessary because going out in a group is the safest way to explore the city.
Best Hostels in Cali
- El Viajero (San Antonio) – This is where I stayed, and it’s the most popular and best known hostel for learning salsa. I had a great time here and the salsa classes were really reasonably priced. It’s also one of the only hostels around that has a pool, which was really great to have in Cali’s heat!
- La Vaina Cali (San Antonio) – We met a few people who were staying here and said it was a really good destination for salsa.
- La Casa de Adry (San Antonio) – A great budget option, but doesn’t have any onsite salsa classes.
- La Palmera Hostel (Miraflores) – A social party hostel with free salsa and bachata group classes
- Oasis Cali Hostel (Miraflores) – Another dance hostel with both salsa and bachata classes
Regular Hotels in Cali
Best for: Mid-Range Comfort
Cali’s mid-range hotels offer excellent value for money, with many providing comfortable rooms, pools (essential in Cali’s heat), and good security. Again, the majority of hotels are in either San Antonio, Miraflores, or Barrio Granada (which is a little further north – I don’t think I went there when I was in Cali, but there seem to be plenty of nice hotels there).
Most mid-range hotels understand that their guests might be returning late from salsa clubs and have 24-hour reception and security to make sure you can get in and out safely.
Best Regular Hotels in Cali
- Hotel MS Granada – A modern, comfortable chain hotel, and the reviews say it’s in a good area
- Apartasuites Isabel – Self-service apartments with an onsite coffee shop in San Antonio
- Casa Hotel Jardin Azul – This hotel has a pool, which is definitely a plus!
Upscale Hotels in Cali
Best for: Luxury & Business Travellers
The luxury hotels in Cali are primarily concentrated in Granada and Ciudad Jardín, offering high-end amenities and excellent security. These properties often feature multiple restaurants, spa facilities, and sophisticated business centres.
What sets Cali’s luxury hotels apart is their combination of international standards with local flavour – many offer salsa classes and cultural experiences alongside typical luxury amenities.
Best Luxury Hotels in Cali
- Hotel Osvé Boutique Cali – A boutique hotel with great views, a pool, and a spa
- InterContinental Cali – This hotel is top luxury with excellent service, and restaurants onsite so you don’t have to venture out at night if you don’t want to.
- Hotel Spiwak – Panoramic views of the city, upscale hotel, attached to the shopping mall
🇨🇴 Read more: How to Get from Salento to Cali
Dance School in Cali
Best for: Salsa Students
One of Cali’s unique features is its abundance of dance schools, that usually have deals or packages with nearby accommodation. These mostly tend to include hostels because they get the most salsa-interested travellers, but many hostels have various levels of comfort and private rooms if you’re not into sharing!
Of course, if you want to stay in one of these hostels then scroll up to the hostel section – I wrote a little about the dance classes offered at each of my favourite hostels in Cali.
Best Dance Schools in Cali
How Long to Stay in Cali
Most people I met in Cali had arrived intending to stay for a few days and ended up staying for weeks. Even I, who had a really tight schedule, ended up staying for an extra few days because I made some great friends there and I was really enjoying learning salsa caleña (Cali-style salsa), which is quite different from the styles of salsa that are common in Europe (or anywhere else, in fact – salsa caleña is quite unique).
If you’re not interested in salsa, I’d recommend staying for just a couple of days. Whilst the city is beautiful, you really need to make friends with a local to experience it properly because it’s just too dangerous otherwise.
If you just want to take a few classes and have a boogie, a week or two in Cali is perfect, or if you really want to master the art then I’d recommend staying for a month or more.
FAQs About Staying in Cali
Which neighbourhoods in Cali are safe for tourists?
San Antonio and Miraflores are the two main safe areas for tourists in Cali. These neighbourhoods have good security, plenty of accommodation options, and are home to most of the city’s tourist-friendly restaurants and cafes.
What are the nicest areas of Cali, Colombia?
The most attractive areas in Cali include Granada, with excellent restaurants and boutique hotels; and San Antonio, which offers a charming mix of historic architecture and bohemian culture, and Miraflores, popular with both tourists and dance schools.
Is Cali worth visiting?
Yes, Cali is absolutely worth visiting if you’re interested in salsa dancing, authentic Colombian culture, or want to experience a city off the typical tourist trail. It’s the world’s salsa capital with an incredibly vibrant dance scene, great nightlife, and excellent food.
How many days should you spend in Cali, Colombia?
If you’re interested in learning salsa, plan for at least a week to immerse yourself in the dance culture, though many visitors end up extending their stay to several weeks or even months. For those not focused on dancing, 2-3 days is enough to experience the city’s highlights.
Is it expensive in Cali Colombia?
No, Cali is generally very affordable by international standards. Hostel dorms cost $10-20 per night, local meals can be found for $3-5, and salsa classes typically range from $10-20 per hour for private lessons. Even luxury hotels are reasonably priced compared to similar properties in Medellín or Bogotá.
Do I need to book accommodation in advance in Cali?
Yes, it’s recommended to book in advance, especially if you want to stay in the safer areas of San Antonio or Miraflores. The popular salsa-focused hostels can fill up quickly, particularly during peak seasons or local festivals.
Is it safe to use Uber or taxis in Cali at night?
Using registered taxis or ride-sharing apps like Uber is the recommended way to travel around Cali at night. Most hotels and hostels can call trusted taxi services for you, and it’s best to avoid walking at night, even in groups.
What’s the average cost of accommodation in Cali?
Hostel dorms range from $10-20 per night, mid-range hotels cost between $40-80, and luxury hotels start from $100 per night. Many places offer discounts for longer stays, especially if you’re taking salsa classes.
Conclusion
Whether you’re drawn to Cali long-term for its legendary salsa scene or just passing through, there’s accommodation for everyone. San Antonio and Miraflores are the safest and most convenient areas, offering everything from budget-friendly hostels to luxury hotels. While safety considerations are important, with proper planning and research it doesn’t need to affect your stay in Cali too much!