Cali is one of the nightlife capitals of the world. It is crazy and has something for everyone. The places can be hard to find so I have set out the best one’s to get you going. As we all have our different styles, I have tried to give a few full on nightclubs, a couple salsa clubs, a few different style bars, a few parks and a bus!
For Nightclubs you should try Espacio 10-60 and La Pergola Clandestine, for Salsa Clubs, La Topa Tolandro and Donde Fabio, for American Style bar, Bourbon Street, for Colombian Style Bar, El Viejo Barril and Cafe Mi Tierra and of course the party bus, “The Chiva” which we will start with.
Chiva - The Party Bus
A Chiva is basically a school bus either with or without seats that has party music as you drive around the city and dance. They usually give you rum and coke and it normally ends up at a club. The one at 11:30pm on Fridays from Viajero Hostel (cost COP 60,000) is a full on disco on wheels (see below). It ends up at Espacio 10-60 or Cafe Mi Tierra normally with a few stops on the way to stretch your legs or use the facilities. You need to arrange your way home from the club at the end but its not hard to get a taxi. For other Chiva’s just ask your hotel/hostel. (Viajero Hostel and Salsa School, Carrera. 5 #4-56, Cali)
La Topa Tolondra
Still the best Salsa Club in the city. Big dance floor. Great place to practice or watch Salsa. Be careful as you may be asked for a dance which is normal in a salsa club and not that you are being hit on. (Calle 5 ##13-27, Cali)
Cafe Mi Tierra
The mothership. A Cali institution. Huge place which goes hard on the weekends, starts filling in from Wednesday. Its a little on the outskirts in the Menga Neighborhood (about 20 minute cab ride from the center). (Calle 10 #36A-100, Cali)
A lot of people will get a bottle for the table, there is normally table service at the clubs. Rum seems to be the drink of choice and you can normally get a 750 ml bottle of Rum at a club for about COP 30,000 so its not expensive.
Donde Fabio
Cool Salsa Club, dance floor can get crowded on the weekend. small entrance charge on weekends. (Calle 20 #3-14, Cali)
Espacio 10-60
La Pergola Clandestina
Great cocktail lounge and club in the city center, open air rooftop with good views, Dj and dance floors. (Carrera. 2 ##13-42, Cali).
Bourbon Street Pub
American style fun bar with rock music on the weekends and a menu of burgers, wings, nachos and comfort food with a variety of beers. (Avenida 9 #15AN 27 Barrio Granada. Av. 9 Nte. 15, Cali).
El Viejo Barril
Old school Colombian Bar for cheap beers and dancing. (Calle 15 Nte, Cali)
The Park of the Dog ("Parque de Perro)
When in doubt head to Parque de Perro (the “Park of the Dog”) this park is surrounded by a number of small lively bars and restaurants to suit all tastes. ( a 3-166, Carrera 34 #3-2, Cali).
Artisan Park ("Parque Artesanel Loma De La Cruz")
On the weekends you can find some performances or dancing in this park. Grab a beer or cocktail from the street vendors and watch or join in. Here there are two people in the middle doing the dance moves and the crowd following along. (Calle 5 #16, Cali).
Conclusion
Cali nightlife is world famous and it is well deserved. Keep your wits about you and enjoy. If you survive let us know and what happened if you remember. Salud!
Everything is very open with a precise clarification of the issues. It was truly informative. Your site is extremely helpful. Many thanks for sharing!
Thank you, glad you found the site useful, sorry for the late response had a project I had to take care of, will get back to working on this site now, cheers Brent