Is Cali Safe to Visit in 2025? Local Tips

When I talk to travelers about Cali, one of the first questions I hear is always:

“Is Cali safe to visit?”

And honestly… it’s a fair question. Like any big Latin American city, Cali has its good areas, its not-so-good areas, and a personality that depends on how you approach it.

As someone born and raised here, I can tell you: Cali isn’t dangerous if you understand it.
It’s a city full of music, energy, and joy but also one that requires a bit of street smarts and local awareness.

So let’s go over what safety in Cali looks like in 2025, which zones are safest, which ones to avoid, and my personal tips to help you enjoy the city like a local.

The Good News: Cali Is Safer Than You Might Think

Despite its reputation from decades past, Cali has changed a lot.
Most visitors who come here especially those who stay in the main tourist districts have a safe and memorable experience.

The key is knowing where to go and how to move around.

Here are some of the safest and most tourist-friendly areas in Cali right now:

Granada – great for restaurants, bars, and boutique hotels.
San Antonio – full of colonial charm and lively cafés.
El Peñón – upscale, clean, and close to top attractions.
Ciudad Jardín – a bit farther south, quiet and modern.

These neighborhoods are where most travelers (and locals like me) spend their free time — dancing, eating, or relaxing. You’ll find plenty of police presence, walkable streets, and a welcoming vibe.

“I learn a lot by taking on this tour with Andres and he could give me local advice on how to move around the city.” — Cali’s visitor

The Reality: Areas to Be Careful With

Like any large Latin American city, Cali has some neighborhoods that are better avoided especially at night or if you’re new here.

Here’s what you should know:

Aguablanca and parts of Siloé can be risky for outsiders, these are working-class neighborhoods where petty crime is more common.
Terrón Colorado and some areas around the bus terminals are not ideal for walking alone at night.
Pickpocketing and phone snatching (“dar papaya”, as we say in Colombia) are the most common issues for tourists, not violent crime.

Also, don’t flash valuables. Walking around with a brand-new iPhone in your hand or wearing visible gold chains is asking for trouble not because Cali is “dangerous,” but because opportunity crimes happen fast here.

Safe Zones vs. Caution Zones (2025 Update)

Here’s a practical summary I share with visitors during my tours:

🟢 Safe & Recommended Zones

Granada – upscale, lively, well-patrolled.
San Antonio – bohemian, artistic, great for tourists.
El Peñón – safe day and night, full of boutique hotels.
Ciudad Jardín – residential, calm, modern cafés and parks.
San Fernando – safe around its main avenues.

🟠 Zones Requiring Caution

Downtown (El Centro) – okay by day for sightseeing; avoid at night.
Siloé, Aguablanca, Terrón Colorado – avoid unless with a local guide.
Bus Terminal areas – keep belongings close, avoid walking around late.

These zones don’t define Cali, they’re simply places where you need to use common sense. Most tourists never even go near them.

🚕 Transportation Tips for Safety

This is key.
Most issues happen in transit, not at the destination itself. Here’s what works best in 2025:

Use Uber, DiDi, or InDriver instead of hailing a random taxi on the street.
If you need a taxi, ask your hotel or restaurant to call one for you.
Avoid the MIO bus system late at night it’s not unsafe per se, but petty theft happens.
Always double-check your route in Google Maps if you’re new to the city.

I personally move around by app-based taxis and uber all the time it’s reliable, fast, and affordable.

2025 Snapshot: What’s Really Happening

As of October 2025, Cali continues to work on improving urban safety.
While isolated incidents still happen like in any major city, most problems are avoidable with simple precautions.

There were reports of a few regional security alerts earlier in the year, but they were far from tourist zones. If anything changes, local news and hotels are quick to share updates, so you’ll always know what’s going on.

Bottom line: Cali in 2025 is not “unsafe” it’s just real.
You’ll meet kind people, hear incredible music, and see a city that’s both proud and raw. That’s the beauty of it.

My Honest Verdict as a Local Guide

So, is Cali safe to visit in 2025?
Yes — if you visit smart.

Stay in the right neighborhoods, keep your awareness up, and you’ll be just fine.
Cali is full of joy, music, and energy that you won’t find anywhere else in Colombia.

If you come here looking for authenticity, connection, and maybe a little salsa, you’ll find it safely.
Just remember: respect the rhythm of the city, and the city will respect you back.