Cali, Colombia, the salsa capital of the world, is of course an excellent nightlife spot. With an abundance of clubs, bars, and restaurants, the city offers an unforgettable experience for people of all ages. In this blog post, we’ll explore the best Cali nightlife and the best places to party at.
First and foremost, Cali is known for its love of salsa dancing. This passionate and energetic dance form has a long history in the city, and you’ll find people of all ages and abilities hitting the dance floor every night of the week.
If you’re looking to experience Cali’s salsa culture, be sure to check out one of the city’s many salsa clubs. Here, you’ll find live bands playing music, professional dancers showing off their skills, and locals ready to teach you the ropes.
Where to Party in Cali, Colombia
Possibly the most popular nightlife spot is the Barrio Granada neighborhood. This hip and trendy neighborhood is home to some of Cali’s most stylish bars and clubs, and is a popular destination for those looking for a more sophisticated night out.
If you’re looking for a cheaper area to party and stay, check out San Fernando, a mostly student-oriented area with lots of affordable bars and clubs, especially around the Parque del Perro area.
To the north you’ll find the San Antonio neighborhood, which is the touristic part of Cali and popular with travellers. This quaint cobblestone barrio is full of bars and clubs where tourists will feel home with no pressure to dance salsa or bachata.
Lastly, we have the Menga neighborhood to the north. This place has some of the biggest and most extravagant nightclubs in the city. Some clubs will play a variety of music, but most will play salsa – which shouldn’t be shocking since you’re in Cali after all.
Cali Nightlife & Safety Tips
– Feria de Cali is an annual salsa festival held in the city which happens every December, it’s a must do for every salsa and festival lover!
– The culture in Cali is a bit different than say Bogota or Medellin, the locals are a little less friendly and it’s harder to mingle and meet others at bars or clubs. They typically stay in groups of friends they know from the town.
– The crime in Cali is a little bit worse than Bogota or Medellin, so be on guard at all times, definitely do not walk alone at night, and keep an eye on your belongings.
– Like every other city in Colombia, be wary of women approaching you at a bar, who may try to drug you with ‘devil’s breath’ or scopolamine. This drug makes you pretty much unconscious and easily taken advantage of.
– Colombians love to dress up when going out, and Cali is no exception. Dress to impress and don’t wander around in flip flops and expect to get into a nightclub.
– Spanish is spoken less here than the other cities in Cali, so if you don’t speak at least a little bit of the language, you’re going to have a difficult time.
How Expensive is it to Party in Cali, Colombia
Cali nightlife is cheaper than other cities in Colombia, more on par with Medellin. You can expect to pay around $30 to $60 USD on a night out. Accomodation is quite cheap in Cali, and you’ll probably be staying in the touristy areas in which case you can pretty much walk everywhere or take a short cab ride.
Here is a basic overview of what you can expect to pay to enjoy the Cali nightlife scene:
Nightclub cover: 10,000 – 50,000 COP ($2.15 – $10.50 USD)
Bottle of beer: 4,000-15,000 COP ($0.85 – $3.20 USD)
Cocktail: 12,000-45,000 COP ($2.50 – $10 USD)
Bottle Service: 45,000 – 300,000 COP ($10 – $65 USD)
Best Bars in Cali, Colombia
La Terraza de Granada
First on our list is La Terraza. Located on the roof of a hotel in the heart of Cali, this bar offers breathtaking views of the city skyline. Whether you’re sipping on a signature cocktail or a glass of wine, the view alone is worth the visit. But, don’t let the stunning surroundings fool you – the drinks here are top-notch as well.
Martyn’s Bar
If you’re looking for a break from the salsa scene, then Martyn’s Bar is the place for you. With a classic American rock-and-roll vibe, this bar has been a staple of Cali nightlife for over 30 years. From the décor of license plates, flags, vinyl records, and motorbikes, to the live music, singing contests, and classic rock tunes, Martyn’s Bar is the ultimate destination for a fun night out.
Bourbon St. Pub
Similar to Martyn’s Bar, it’s a great bar if you’re looking for something other than salsa. They mostly play live music here, and it doesn’t get too crazy, but it’s a great place to start the night.
Antaño Cervecería Artesanal
If you’re looking for some delicious craft beer in the Granada neighborhood then definitely check out Antaño Cervecería. Another great place to pre-drink with friends and get ready for the wild Cali nightlife experience that awaits you.
Best Salsa Clubs in Cali, Colombia
La Topa Tolondra
Topa Tolondra is perhaps the most famous salsa club in all of Cali, popular with both foreigners and locals, they regularly have live shows with local talented dancers who might approach you for a dance. Definitely check it out on Mondays , their busiest night.
MalaMaña Salsa Bar
A very popular local salsa bar just south of the Granada neighborhood, MalaMaña gets very crowded and very hot with people dancing all night long to the rythyms of salsa. Don’t come here and expect not to leave dripping in sweat.
Zaperoco Bar
Zaperoco is a hidden gem located in the trendy neighborhood of Granada – one of the top destinations for travelers in Cali. If you’re staying in Granada and looking to hit the salsa dance floor, this is the perfect starting point and not as intense as other salsa clubs in the city.
Best Nightclubs in Cali, Colombia
Living Night Club
Living Club, located in the Menga neighborhood, is a renowned giant club that is a popular destination for locals. If you’re a foreigner visiting on the weekend, it’s recommended to have a date or be with locals or you may not get in.
The club boasts a lively atmosphere with an emphasis on salsa, so if you’re looking for a night of high-energy dancing, this is the place for you. Just be prepared for a salsa-focused experience as other musical styles may not be as readily available.
Quickly Shots
If you’re looking for something other than salsa to party to, then check out Quickly Shots in the Granada neighborhood for some Reggaeton and Trap music. It gets really packed on the weekends and is quite small. Also be prepared to do lots of shots here – hence the name.
Café Mi Tierra
Café de Mi Tierra combines the sounds of salsa, electro, and commercial music, creating an energetic atmosphere that draws in a diverse crowd of revelers to its dance floor. Meanwhile, in its lush garden, dancers take a break to catch their breath and socialize with friends, passing around bottles of rum or aguardiente. If you’re looking for an authentic Colombian nightlife experience, a visit to Café de Mi Tierra is a must.
Lolas Club
A similar venue to Living Club also located in the Menga area, don’t expect to gain entry into this huge club without a date or locals. They play a mix of music, not just salsa like other clubs in Menga.
Sonido Central
Sonido Central is the ultimate destination for electronic and house music fans in Cali. Located in the heart of the city near Granada, it is recommended to take a taxi to and from this club as the surrounding neighborhood can be unsafe after dark. Despite its location, the lively crowd and top-notch sound system make it a must-visit for music lovers seeking an electrifying nightlife experience.
The Lobby Disco
A mixed-music just to the north of Granada in El Penon, the lobby is a super fun place to let loose and dance the night away with friends and locals. They play everything from Cuban Rumba to Reggaeton.
La Purga
Playing mostly reggaeton, this is Cali’s biggest and most popular club popular with the LGBT community. It is not too big and can get quite crowded on weekends.
Cali Nightlife Summary
In conclusion, Cali nightlife ranks among some of the best in Colombia, and it’s a city that truly comes alive at night. With its love of salsa, abundance of bars and restaurants, and wild nightclub scene, there is something for everyone. So, if you’re looking for an unforgettable night out, be sure to add Cali to your list of must-visit cities.
