Marjolein Dilven
Do you love exploring the city and the bustling nightlife? Cali Colombia nightlife might be right up your alley! Some of the city’s hottest and most trendy bars and clubs are here.
Cali, Colombia, is considered the salsa capital of the world. Since the mid-20th century, locals have embraced this dance from Eastern Cuba as their own. Salsa is part of Cali’s lively nightlife scene; however, there’s more to Cali nightlife than that.
If you visit Colombia and want to enjoy your getaway trip to the max, read on for trip ideas, tips on the best places to stay, fun activities you can do, and exciting events when the sun goes down in Cali.
Best Bars in Cali – Cali Nightlife
Zaperoco Bar
If you want to experience the performance of one of the best salsa dancers in the world, visit Zaperoco.
This dance club also offers live music on Thursday nights, so jump on the stage and start showing off your dance moves. No matter how bad you are at dancing, the locals will always appreciate the effort.
Tin Tin Deo
Tin Tin Deo, a famous bar located near Parque del Perro, is the bar to visit if you really want to learn salsa dancing.
You will find many people with fine dancing skills in this bar, allowing you to learn quickly with their help.
Bourbon Street Bar
It’s an excellent place to visit if you do not want a crazy, wild atmosphere but just some banging tunes and bouncing crowds.
We highly recommend you only go for drinks in this bar, because the food quality isn’t extremely high. Remember that it is not the place to go if you are looking for salsa dancing.
La Colina Tertuliadero
Located in San Antonio, La Colina Tertuliadero is one of the oldest bars in Cali. The beer and food here are cheaper than at most bars, making it one of the ideal places to spend your night. The bar also features some classic salsa.
La Pergola Clandestina
If you are tired of salsa rhythm and want to experience a mix of salsa and other music, head to La Pergola Clandestina, located at the top of the downtown tower block.
It is an open-air bar with some of the finest cocktails, and the bar is mainly filled with youngsters.
Lolas Colombia
Lolas Colombia is an excellent place to go if you want to watch people dancing on tables with lights moving around the high-energy bar with smoke clouds. The whole atmosphere is absolutely electric.
Licores Delirio
Licores Delirio allows you to experience Cali legends. Delirio is a show which is a mixture of traditional Colombian salsa and circus.
The show takes place in Parque de Amor once a month, which gives you the experience to remember for life.
Tienda Vieja
Tienda Vieja plays salsa, hip-hop, and pop. If you are a person who likes to dance and doesn’t want to sit down at all, this is the best place for you to spend your night.
The only downside of this bar is that it is short of space to sit.
Best Clubs in Cali – Cali Nightlife
La Topa Tolondra
La Topa Tolondra is within walking distance of many hostels and hotels, making it the first choice of most tourists.
This nightclub has an atmosphere worth experiencing, especially on Wednesdays when everyone is welcomed on the dance floor to show off their dance moves.
Viejoteca Tardes Otoñales
Viejoteca Tardes Otonales is an open-air nightclub located at the top of the senior citizens association (viejoteca means “old man”).
If you are not interested in dancing and just want some laid-back vibes, this is the place where you can just sit back, enjoy others dancing to salsa and electric beats, and nurse your Martini cocktails, beers, or Aguardientes.
The Lobby
The Lobby is a nightclub located in El Peñón. It is not like other old nightclubs where loads and loads of people visit every night.
The up-and-coming club has everything you want to have for a perfect night out.
Sonido Central
As the name suggests, Sonido Central is located at the center of Granada. The route towards the club is a bit dangerous, but it is all worth it because of the fantastic crowd and music at the nightclub. Try to avoid this by taking a cab.
Mazao Park
If you are staying in Parque del Perro, we highly advise you to visit this nightclub on Tuesday night. The place completely transforms into an electric party as midnight arrives.
You can also visit Mazao Park on weekends as the atmosphere doesn’t change much compared to weekday nights.
La Purga
Want to listen to one of the best reggaeton and trap? La Purga is the best place to be. This club supports the LGBTQ community, so you might find a lot of LGBTQs dancing here all night long.
Quickly Shots
Quickly Shots is a small nightclub in Granada. It does not have a lot of space, so we recommend bringing your date or a couple of friends to dance the night away in this jam-packed club.
The club is known for reggaeton and trap, so don’t go there if you are looking for some typical salsa music.
Café Mi Tierra
If you want to meet friendly locals and eat affordable food at a nightclub, visit Café Mi Tierra.
An open-air café with a bunch of Caleños (Cali natives) seen on weekends, this is the best nightclub in Menga.
Salsa Dancing in Cali, Colombia
Some people believe salsa dancing can teach you leadership lessons. We’re not sure about that, but salsa is indeed a great source of entertainment and fun.
Cali offers a wide range of packages that teach foreigners and tourists to dance to Latin music. There are more than 200 schools in Cali that offer salsa dance lessons. The prices are quite reasonable so that you can choose a package according to your budget.
You can also watch professional salsa dancers performing on big stages every other day. Most of the dance clubs in Cali play salsa music in the bars.
Even if you do not like salsa at all, some crossover bars play a variety of music, but the atmosphere will not be as electric.
Nightlife Culture in Cali, Colombia
Nightlife culture varies from city to city in Colombia, and Cali has an entirely different city nightlife than other parts of the country.
It’s not only the iconic salsa scene that makes Cali a most memorable destination for a night out but also the variety of lively, eclectic music and dance venues that electrify the night scene in this Latin-American city.
People living in Cali prefer to hang out with their childhood friends, so you will see a lot of social cliques hanging out late at night.
When you go to a salsa club, people will be very open to dancing with you. If you’re not a dancer, it’s also a lot of fun to watch other people on the dance floors.
If you’re traveling alone and want to get the best experience of Cali after dark, we recommend finding a good partner at gringo-friendly places or at the hostel where you’re staying. You now have a partner who can help you get into any nightclub or bar in Cali. Plus, you’ll earn yourself a friend at a place where you are all alone.
Should I Speak Spanish in Cali, Colombia?
There aren’t as many tourists in Cali as in Bogota or Medellin. So, you won’t see people speaking any other language than Spanish. Before visiting Cali, we advise you to learn some Spanish.
In most parts of the world, Night bars, pubs, and clubs are so loud that you cannot even properly hear the person sitting next to you. However, here in Cali, salsa music allows you to have a proper conversation with the locals. Night clubs can be a good spot for making new friends.
Where To Stay In Cali Colombia
Hotel Farallones Cali (Budget)
Hotel Farallones Cali is just a short walk from Saint Peter Cathedral. It’s a simple hotel in Cali with a shared space for guests to relax. The reception desk is open all day and night, and room service is offered. The hotel also has free Wi-Fi everywhere. It has rooms suitable for families, too.
Granada Real (Mid-range)
Granada Real offers various amenities, including a restaurant, a 24/7 front desk, and room service. Additionally, free Wi-Fi is available throughout the property. Certain rooms also have a patio offering views of the city.
Hotel Intercontinental (Luxury)
Hotel Intercontinental offers cozy rooms in shades of gold and peach and complimentary WiFi. The well-lit rooms feature wooden floors and are equipped with air conditioning, cable TV, and queen-size beds.
For more accommodation options, you may click on the map.
How to Stay Safe in Cali Colombia at Night
Staying safe in Cali, Colombia, especially at night, requires vigilance and adherence to safety precautions tailored to the local context. Cali, known for its vibrant culture and salsa dancing, can be enjoyed safely with the right approach.
Additionally, consider protecting yourself with travel insurance such as SafetyWing, which can cover medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and other unforeseen incidents during your stay.
Use the widget below to snag the perfect policy for your needs and travel with peace of mind knowing you’ve got your back covered, no matter what adventures come your way!
Frequently Asked Questions – Cali Colombia Nightlife
Is it Safe to Party in Cali at Night?
While Cali has become a safer place to visit in the last couple of years, it still faces some issues that the government should address to make this place ideal for tourism. So, observe the usual nighttime precautions whenever abroad.
Some people living in Cali may not be too friendly as they are not used to communicating with foreigners a lot, but once you befriend them, they are the nicest people in the world. They do not speak English, so the best way to stay safe in Cali is to learn some Spanish before visiting there.
At What Time Should You Go Out?
The best time to go out for the nightlife experience of your life is between 10 pm to 1 am, and it is when you can enjoy partying to its fullest. Some clubs offer free entry if you visit them early, so get ready to leave your house before others if you want a free pass.
Please beware of scammers and hustlers who may be looking for trusting tourists.
Is There a Dress Code to Enter Cali Night Establishments?
There is no specific dress code for you to enter the nightclubs, bars and restaurants, but we recommend following the standard establishment dress code: a regular t-shirt or blouse and pants or skirt, or a dress.
Shorts and flip-flops may be comfortable, but we advise you to give up on them as they make you look out of place in a nightclub.
Conclusion – Cali Colombia Nightlife
Cali’s exciting nightlife and club scene are famous worldwide, thanks to its salsa discos, a wide variety of musical entertainment (hip hop, trap, pop, reggaeton, rock, jazz; name it), and live dance music, even circus fare.
With these travel tips, go forth and plan your trip towards an amazing Cali Colombia nightlife, be safe, and have a good time! Go to the best nightclubs, live music venues, and night bars we recommend to experience your best nightlife.
Want to Experience the Nightlife in Cali? – Best Booking Resources
I use a couple of favorite companies every time I travel. They have the best prices, great value, and customer service you can wish for. They’re much better than the competition, and I use them a lot. Every time I travel, these are the companies I go for:
Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my go-to platform for booking flights. It’s so easy to use. Skyscanner also searches the smaller websites and airlines that are often skipped, which means more savings in your pocket. They are hands down the number one place I book my flights.
Booking.com – Looking for the cheapest and lowest rates? Booking.com is the best platform out there. They have the widest selection and availability worldwide, ideal for travelers on a budget. I book 90% of my travels through Booking.com because they always have the lowest rates
Hostelworld – If you’re into hostels, Hostelworld is the best site to compare hostel accommodation. It’s easy to use, has many options, and has the best availability.
Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is an online marketplace where you can book tours and excursions. They have tour options worldwide, with any experience you wish for. This includes walking tours, cooking classes, street art lessons, and more unique experiences.
12Go Asia – This platform is my ultimate travel companion in Asia, offering the best budget service platform for seamless booking of trains, buses, ferries, and flights. The platform is easy to use and I have used it extensively when I traveled through Southeast Asia.
Rome2Rio – Rome2Rio is a convenient website where you can see how to get to your destination the quickest and cheapest. It gives you options for train, bus, plane, or even boat routes and tells you exactly how often they operate and how expensive they are.
SafetyWing – If you’re looking for affordable travel insurance, Safety Wing has you covered. It’s ideal if you’re traveling often or for the long term. I never travel anywhere without travel insurance, and I’ve used it often while on the road. So, I can recommend you look into Safety Wing. They have good monthly prices, the best customer service, and a convenient, easy-to-use process to make claims on the road.
LifeStraw – I love LifeStraw, and it’s been my go-to reusable water bottle with built-in filters for 10 years now. With their bottles, you make sure your drinking water is always clean and safe. I’ve used it everywhere, from South America to Southeast Asia, and I’ve always been perfectly safe drinking the local tap water.
Do you find this article helpful? Check out our other articles about enjoying your Cali experience:
Founder of Spark Nomad, Radical FIRE, Copywriter
Expertise: Personal finance and travel content. I’m a full-time traveler, and I’ve been to 49 countries and 5 continents.
Education: Bachelor of Economics at Radboud University, Master in Finance at Radboud University, Minor in Economics at Chapman University.
Over 200 articles, essays, and short stories published across the web.
Marjolein Dilven is a journalist and founder of Spark Nomad, a travel platform, and Radical FIRE, a personal finance platform. Marjolein has a finance and economics background with a master’s in Finance. She has quit her job to travel the world, documenting her travels on Spark Nomad to help people plan their travels. Marjolein Dilven has written for publications like MSN, Associated Press, CNBC, Town News syndicate, and more.