What are the best things to do in Cali?
Top picks in Cali include St. Peter the Apostle Cathedral, The River Cat statue. See the full list and itinerary on this Cali travel guide.
Why visit Cali
Travel guide for Cali, Colombia — practical tips, places to visit, and planning help.
Cali is a stop in Colombia, not a country-in-a-weekend. Most people stay 2–4 days. If time is short, prioritise St. Peter the Apostle Cathedral, The River Cat statue instead of racing the whole list. Mid-range ground costs are about 35–100 USD per person per day, excluding international flights. Best time: The dry season (roughly May–September) is ideal. Rankings, stay length and cost bands on this page come from Global Itinerary’s trip-planning models.
Best time
The dry season (roughly May–September) is ideal
Weather
From highland cool to tropical warmth
Experiences
Things to do in Cali
1
St. Peter the Apostle Cathedral
2
The River Cat statue
Budget
Cali trip cost
Budget
USD 15–35
per person / day
Mid-range
USD 35–100
per person / day
Luxury
USD 115–190+
per person / day
Typical on-the-ground spend in Cali, Colombia. Hostel/guesthouse + local meals ≈ budget; comfortable hotels + mix of dining ≈ mid-range; luxury hotels and fine dining ≈ luxury. Figures exclude international flights.
Trip budget estimator
Typical mid-range for Cali
Estimated total (USD)
$1,935
≈ $968 per person · $276 per day group total
Ground costs ≈ $70/person/day (lodging + food + transport + activities)
Defaults match Cali mid-range ground costs (budget 15–35 · mid 35–100 · luxury 115–190+ USD/day). Edit freely — flights vary by origin.
Where to eat
Local favourites
- $$
El Solar
A fun place with outdoor seating, many options in the menu. Live music on weekends.
- $$
Pacífico
Well-made seafood, many recipes from the Colombian Pacific.
- $$
Ringlete
Well done and served local food. Many recipes with plantains.
- $$
El Patio Verde
Plantain is king in this restaurant. Local food.
- $$
Faro El Patio
Large menu, outdoor area. Live tropical bands on Fridays and Saturdays.
Parque del Perro
More than a dozen restaurants, many of them upscale and offering foreign cuisine, and bars surround this small park, making it something lik
Where to stay
Tourist favourites & top-rated
Yotoco Lodge Birding
Family-run birdwatching lodge geared toward birders and nature photographers, on the western slope of the Western Andes. Serves as a base fo
- $
Cali Plaza Hotel
American-owned hotel with apartments and 24-hour security in the heart of Cali.
- $
Hotel Astoria Real
A historic hotel overlooking Caicedo Square. Most rooms have a balcony. Aging, but affordable and safe. Centrally located. Hot water, cable
Hotel Dann Carlton
Excellent too.
Casa Agua Canela
Beautiful views over Cali from the lovely balcony if you stay on the top floor, a good location in the Miraflores area, and bright, clean, s
Shopping
- Chipichape
- Unicentro
- Palmetto Plaza
Nightlife
- Blues Brothers Bar
- La Matraca
Museums & culture
- St. Peter the Apostle Cathedral
In pictures
Cali gallery
Photos: Aleko | David Alejandro Rendón ©, KANDU, Joaquinfranke, Mario Carvajal, Reg Natarajan — via Wikimedia Commons
Good to know
Cali travel FAQs
When is the best time to visit Cali?
The dry season (roughly May–September) is ideal.
How many days do I need in Cali?
Most travellers spend 2–4 days in Cali, depending on how many day trips you want in Colombia.
Where should I stay in Cali?
Popular stays in Cali include Yotoco Lodge Birding, Cali Plaza Hotel, Hotel Astoria Real. Book central areas if you want to walk to major sights.
How much does a trip to Cali cost?
On the ground in Cali (excluding international flights), budget travellers often spend about 15–35 per person per day, mid-range about 35–100, and luxury about 115–190+ (USD). Typical on-the-ground spend in Cali, Colombia. Hostel/guesthouse + local meals ≈ budget; comfortable hotels + mix of dining ≈ mid-range; luxury hotels and fine dining ≈ luxury.
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