What Cali, Colombia Is Really Like: A Local’s Guide

Cali will probably become
your favorite place in Colombia

While I could go on about the reasons why Cali is one of my absolute favorite places in the world, I asked my gorgeous Cali friend Dayan to share her input about her hometown. 

This local Cali guide shows you what Cali is really like.

 

Once you make it here, there is a risk that you won’t want to leave. 

Let’s start with some info about you.

I am a social, outgoing, and friendly person. As a typical “caleña”, I enjoy a happy atmosphere, dancing, and spending time with my friends outdoors.

How would you describe the culture in Colombia?

Colombia is multicultural. Each region is so different. Ranging from the way people speak to the music, the food, and so on.

Wherever you go, people are warm and welcoming.

How would you describe Cali?

COLORFUL!

What do you like most about Cali?

If Cali was a person, it would probably be the most friendly person you know. It’s a city where you feel free and happy. Where people say hi, even if you don’t know each other. Where there are music and dance in every street corner. And you’re invited to join.

Cali would not be what it is if it wasn’t for the Caleños (the locals). That’s what I love the most about my city: the people.  As well as the food. El Aborrajado, La Lulada, El Chontaduro, and La Empanada are some of the traditional must-tries in the city. And I could go on, but let’s get more into food later…

What are the downsides (if any)?

The free spirit of the city makes it chaotic at times. You might feel that it lacks organization and that some people don’t take care of the public spaces.

What are the most common stereotypes about Cali and what do you think about them?

When people hear Cali, they usually think of salsa music. And if you are “caleño” you have to be a great dancer. And usually, we are… But well, there are some caleños who didn’t end up with that part of the recipe LOL.

Unfortunately, some people from abroad do also think about Colombia as a country which is all about drugs, which is far from reality. I would like that stereotype to disappear completely. We have so much more to offer, like food, hospitality, and rumba.

Reasons to visit and daily life in Cali

Why visit Cali?

• Delicious Food
• Beautiful Women
• Warm People
• Party

What time of the year do you prefer in Cali?

Any time is a good time. Cali always spoils you with warm weather, which makes it perfect all year around.

If you would like to get a real taste of the Cali Salsa environment, we celebrate “La Feria de Cali” (The Cali’s Fair) during the last week of December.

The whole city transforms, and there are big parties wherever you go.

What’s the best way to get to know the locals?

Go out dancing! There are discotecas where they teach you how to dance salsa, which is a great way to interact with the locals. There are also options like Couchsurfing and dating apps.

What’s the best way to get around?

Depending on where you are, you can use the public transportation system “MIO”, or use an app like Uber, Didi, or Way Cali.

What’s dating like in Cali?

Depends. To be honest I feel like it’s easy for men here. Caleñas are beautiful women, and there are more women than men in general. We are a bit traditional. Men are usually the ones who make the first move and invite on the first date.

What’s daily life like?

People love doing sports. You’ll see people working out in parks and gyms across the city from 5 am. The majority then head to work between 8 am to 6 pm. Then you either hang out with family or friends, having drinks or food.

Can you name one thing about your city, that most people who are not from there don’t know?

The Free Museum of Public Art of Colombia.

Where to hang out, eat, and have a good time

What are your favorite neighborhoods in Cali (and why)?

• Peñon
• San Antonio
• Granada
• San Fernando
• Centenario

If you only had one day in Cali, what would you do?

I would start by hiking really early to “El Cerro de las tres cruces”. Then do a tour from The Boulevard to the Sebastian de Belalcazar Statue, down to The Cats of the river. I would have lunch at the Alameda Gallery.

After that, I’d go to San Antonio. Just to walk around in the colorful neighborhood, with a stop to eat some Aborrajado and Marranitas at J&J Fritanga. Before it gets too dark, I would take a lift to go and see the sunset at Cristo Rey. I would have a cocktail drink at a bar in El Peñon. Finally, but most importantly, I would end up at La Topa Tolondra, one of the most famous salsatecas in Cali, to dance salsa all night long.

What to eat in Cali

What is the must-try food in Cali?

You can’t leave Cali without trying:

• Cholado (cross between a frozen dessert, fruit cocktail, and a drink, It is made with crushed ice, fresh fruit)
• Aborrajado, marranita, empanada ( Made with plantain sweet and green)
• Lulada ( refreshing drink make with mashed lulos, lime juice, water, sugar, and ice)

What are your favorite restaurants?

• Platillos Voladores
• J&J Fritanguería
• Amelia Cafe
• The Alameda Gallery in general. Here, you’ll find different types of restaurants with the flavor of the Pacific Colombian Region

Favorite places for a drink and/or dancing?

• La Topa Tolondra
• The Lobby
• Elsa Café
• Absenta
• La Pergola
• Donde Fabio

The last Friday every month, the show Delirio is on. It brings together some of the best dancers and salsa bands in the world. Presented in a circus format, unique and unforgettable!

Get out from town

What other places close to Cali do you like?

• Km 18
• La Hacienda La María
• Ginebra
• Pance
• Dapa

You might also like:
– Fall in love with Cali, Colombia’s colourful salsa capital