Cali, Colombia Review: They all warned me, but I did it anyway.

So here’s my honest Cali, Colombia Review. You’ll want to sit down for this.

Okay, so where do I start…let’s just dive right into it!

Before I came to Cali, I heard the same warnings over and over again.

“Isn’t Cali dangerous?”
“Why Cali?”
“Why not Medellin or elsewhere instead?”

Chances are you’ve heard similar things. Cali tends to come with a reputation — and not a flattering one.

So instead of relying on opinions of others (many of whom have never even been there), I decided to try it out for myself. So this is my honest, boots-on-the-ground experience of Cali, specifically written for U.S. Travelers curious about Colombia, but unsure whether Cali is even worth it.

[Watch the Video Below for Full Insight]

Why Cali Raises So Many Red Flags for North Americans

When most U.S. travels think about Colombia, they think of Medellin, Cartagena, or Bogota. Cali usually enters the conversation as a warning rather than a recommendation.

Part of that is historical. Part of it is media. And part of it is because Cali isn’t built for tourism in the same way other Colombian cities are.

Cali is a working city. It doesn’t soften itself for visitors — and that alone can feel intimidating if you’re used to highly curated travel experiences.

Arriving in Cali: First Impressions

I flew into Alfonso Bonilla Aragón International Airport, which is located outside the city.

The airport itself was normal — nothing sketchy, nothing luxurious. Immigration was smooth, and getting into the city was straightforward.

The real impression hit during the drive in.

Cali immediately feels louder, hotter, and more chaotic than most U.S. cities. There are people everywhere, traffic is constant, and the city feels very much alive. If you’re used to driving everywhere and spending most of your time indoors, this can be a culture shock.

Weather: What You Should Expect

Cali is hot. Consistently.

Think Florida in August — but year-round. Air conditioning exists, but it’s not universal, and you feel the heat as part of daily life.

Because of that, the city moves differently. Afternoons slow down, and Cali Colombia Nightlife comes alive! People adjust their schedules instead of fighting the climate.

If you expect crisp mornings and cool evenings, Cali may not be your place.

Granada: A Good Starting Point for U.S. Travelers

Granada is a neighborhood that most U.S. travelers will feel comfortable in upon first visit.

It’s walkable, has plenty of cafes, restaurants, and bars, and there’s always activity around. It feels somewhat comparable to a lively downtown area in a mid-sized U.S. city — just warmer, louder, and less polished.

For first-time visitors to Cali, Granada is a safe entry point into the city.

Chipichape: Quieter and More Familiar

Chipichape feels very different from Granada.

It’s quieter, more residential, and centered around one of the city’s main malls. If you’re coming from the U.S., this area may feel more familiar — almost suburban in comparison.

If your priority is comfort and calm rather than nightlife and energy, Chipichape makes a lot of sense.

Why Malls Matter So Much in Cali

This surprises a lot of U.S. Citizens. Malls may be dying in the U.S., but they’re alive and kickin’ in Latin America!

Places like Unicentro and Mall Plaza aren’t just for shopping. People meet friends, eat meals, and spend hours there. They’re air-conditioned, clean, and central to daily life.

Think of them as climate-controlled town squares.

Cali, Colombia Review — SALSA — The Cali Culture

Cali is known as the Salsa Capital of the World— and that’s not a marketing slogan.

This isn’t “tourist salsa.” It’s not something people try once and move on from. Salsa here is cultural muscle memory.

Bars like La Topa Tolondra, Malamaña Salsa Bar, and Cimarrón Salsa Bar are packed with locals who grew up dancing. Live bands are common, and the energy is intense — but welcoming.

You don’t need to dance. You don’t need lessons. You just need to respect the space.

Safety: An Honest Reality Check for U.S. Travelers

This is the big question.

Yes, Cali has safety concerns. And no — that shouldn’t be ignored.

But it’s important to frame it correctly, especially for North Americans.

Cali feels similar to rougher neighborhoods in large U.S. cities. You wouldn’t wander unfamiliar areas late at night back home, and the same rule applies here.

I avoided flashing valuables, used ride apps, didn’t walk aimlessly at night, and stayed aware of my surroundings. Doing that, I felt fine.

Cali isn’t constant chaos — it’s a city where common sense matters.

Cost of Living: A Big Win for U.S. Travelers

This is where Cali really shines.

Food is inexpensive. Transportation is cheap. Going out costs a fraction of what it does in the U.S.

What you might spend on one night out back home can cover several days of living here. That alone changes how relaxed daily life feels.

Accommodations: Set the Right Expectations

I stayed exclusively in Airbnbs.

You’ll find plenty of functional, clean options in good neighborhoods — but Cali is not a luxury apartment city like Medellín.

If you lower your expectations slightly and focus on location over aesthetics, you’ll be comfortable.

Cali, Colombia Review: Traffic and Getting Around

Traffic in Cali is real.

Short distances can take a long time, and patience is required. Walking works in certain neighborhoods, but ride apps are the easiest way to get around.

If you’re used to efficiency and rigid schedules, Cali will challenge you.

Food: Simple, Local, and Honest

Cali’s food scene isn’t flashy, but it’s authentic.

You’ll find a lot of local dishes, street food, and no-frills restaurants. This isn’t a city built around international cuisine or Instagram-friendly plates — it’s about everyday food for everyday people.

And honestly, that’s part of the charm.

Is Cali a Good First Colombia Trip for U.S. Travelers?

It depends.

If this is your first time leaving the U.S., Cali may feel overwhelming. It’s not curated, it’s not easy, and it doesn’t hold your hand.

But if you’ve been to Latin America before and want to experience Colombia beyond the highlight reel, Cali can be incredibly rewarding.

It’s raw. It has soul. And it offers a version of Colombia many travelers never see.

Cali, Colombia Review – Final Thoughts: Would I Recommend Cali?

Would I recommend Cali to every North American traveler? No.

But if you’re curious, open-minded, and willing to meet a city on its own terms, Cali might surprise you the way it surprised me.

It’s not pretty in the obvious way — but it’s real.