Granada: the neighborhood where modern architecture blends with tradition

Granada: where concrete meets bougainvillea

If you walk along Avenida 9 Norte between calles 6 and 10, something will happen to you. It's not just the smell of freshly ground coffee mixed with the smog from passing MIOs. It's that you suddenly look up and see a 1950s facade with clean lines, huge windows, and a balcony that seems to float. On the same block, a republican colonial house with clay tiles and solid wooden doors. And next to it, a glass and steel building that looks like it just came out of a render. That's Granada. A neighborhood that didn't settle on a single era, and that's why it's so interesting.

Granada is not the oldest neighborhood in Cali (that would be San Antonio), nor the most exclusive (El Peñón beats it in square meters of garden), nor the most party-oriented (Juanambú has the nightlife). But Granada is the neighborhood where the city shows itself as it truly is: a mix of what it was, what it wanted to be, and what it is becoming. Here, grandma's house coexists with the architecture studio, the bicycle workshop with the art gallery, and the corner store with the fine dining restaurant. All within less than ten blocks.

This article is for you, who arrived in Cali with an architect's eyes, or for you, who have lived here forever but never stopped to look up. We're going to explore Granada brick by brick, corner by corner, and understand why this neighborhood is, without exaggeration, an open-air museum of caleño architecture.

A bit of history: how Granada went from pasture to urban showcase

At the beginning of the 20th century, where Granada stands today, there were only pastures and a few haciendas. Cali was slowly growing northward, pushed by the railroad and the boom of coffee and sugarcane. Wealthy families began buying lots in what was then the periphery, seeking fresh air and space to build country houses. But it was in the 1940s that the neighborhood began to take shape.

The name "Granada" has nothing to do with the fruit or the Spanish city, even though it sounds similar. It comes from the Granada family, one of the first to subdivide and sell land in the area. What it does have of Spanish influence is the architecture: many of the first houses were designed by Colombian architects who had studied in Europe and brought ideas from the modern movement, mixed with local tradition.

Between 1950 and 1970, Granada became the trendy neighborhood for the upper-middle and upper class of Cali. Architects like José María Obregón and Guillermo González left their mark here. Houses were built with internal patios, clean facades, and generous use of exposed brick, concrete, and glass. It was an architecture that looked to the future without completely breaking with the past.

But in the 80s and 90s, Granada entered a kind of lethargy. Many families moved to newer, gated neighborhoods like Ciudad Jardín or Pance. Large houses began to be divided into apartments, and some were left abandoned. It was in the 2000s that the neighborhood was revived: restaurants, cafes, galleries, and design offices arrived. Today, Granada is a lively, walkable neighborhood with a social mix that few places in Cali have.

A curious fact: on the corner of Avenida 9 Norte with Calle 7, where an apartment building now stands, the first self-service supermarket in Cali, "Supermercado Ley", operated during the 1950s. It was an absolute novelty: people could take products directly from the shelves without a clerk assisting them. That was science fiction for the time.

What to do in Granada: an architectural walking route

The best thing about Granada is that you explore it on foot. You don't need a car, a bicycle, or a complicated map. Comfortable shoes and a desire to look are all you need. Here I propose a route that starts in the south of the neighborhood and ends in the north, passing by the most representative buildings.

Starting point: Avenida 9 Norte with Calle 5

We start at the corner where Avenida 9 Norte meets Calle 5. There stands the Edificio Colseguros, an office tower from the 1970s that isn't the prettiest in the neighborhood, but it is a landmark. From here, walk north along Avenida 9. On Calle 6, you'll see a gem: the Casa de la Cultura de Granada, a former two-story republican mansion with wooden balconies and an interior patio that is now used for exhibitions and workshops. It's a perfect example of how a traditional house can adapt to the cultural life of a neighborhood.

Edificio El Globo: the icon of caleño modernism

Continuing along Avenida 9, you reach Calle 7. Here is one of the most photographed buildings in Cali: the Edificio El Globo. Built in 1962 by architect Guillermo González, it is a cylinder of glass and concrete that seems to float on a base of slender columns. Its round shape and fully glazed facade make it unique in the city. Originally an apartment building, it now houses offices. If you can, go into the lobby: the floor is Italian marble, and the reception area retains the original details from the 60s.

A fact few know: El Globo was the first building in Cali to have a central air conditioning system. In a city where the heat is intense, that was pure luxury.

The church of San Antonio de Padua: tradition amid modernism

Although technically on the border with the San Antonio neighborhood, the Iglesia de San Antonio de Padua is part of Granada's landscape. This neo-Gothic church, built between 1930 and 1940, has a tower visible from several blocks around. It is the perfect contrast to the modern buildings surrounding it. If you're lucky, you can hear the choir rehearsing on Saturday afternoons.

The Building on Calle 8: the house that became a gallery

On Calle 8 between Avenidas 9 and 10, there is a 1950s house that was converted into the Galería de Arte Contemporáneo de Cali. The facade is exposed brick, with large windows that let you see the artworks from the street. Inside, the original rooms were transformed into exhibition halls, and the back patio is a garden with sculptures. It's an example of how domestic architecture can be recycled for cultural uses without losing its essence.

The Building on Avenida 10: caleño brutalism

If you like raw concrete, you have to see the Building on Avenida 10 with Calle 9. It's an apartment tower from the 1970s, with an exposed concrete facade and balconies that look like stacked boxes. It's not a "pretty" building in the traditional sense, but it has a visual strength that is impressive. It is the clearest example of brutalism in Cali, a style rarely seen in a city where brick and paint reign supreme.

Parque de Granada: the lungs of the neighborhood

On Calle 7 with Avenida 10 is the Parque de Granada, a triangular plaza with leafy trees, concrete benches, and a fountain that almost never works but gives it character. Here, dog owners gather in the mornings, skaters in the afternoons, and empanada vendors all day long. It's the perfect place to sit down, have a tinto from a nearby cart, and observe the mix of architectural styles surrounding the square.

Where to eat or drink in Granada: pauses for the palate

Exploring architecture makes you hungry. And Granada has options for all budgets and tastes. Here are my recommendations, with real names and reference prices from May 2026.

Café La Tertulia: the intellectuals' classic

On Calle 7 with Avenida 9, right in front of the Edificio El Globo, is Café La Tertulia. It's an old-school café: wooden tables, the smell of freshly ground beans, and a menu that hasn't changed in 20 years. An American coffee costs around $4,000 COP, and a slice of brownie with ice cream, $8,000 COP. It's the ideal place to read a book or talk about architecture with the locals.

Restaurante El Solar: Colombian food with a view of modernism

On Avenida 10 with Calle 8, Restaurante El Solar occupies a 1950s house with an interior patio full of plants. They serve Colombian cuisine with a twist: bandeja paisa, sancocho de gallina, and an ajiaco that is one of the best in Cali. Dishes range from $25,000 to $40,000 COP. They are open Monday to Saturday, 12pm to 10pm. Reservations are recommended on weekends.

Heladería Mimos: the sweet treat on the corner

On Calle 6 with Avenida 9, Heladería Mimos has been an institution since 1985. They sell artisanal ice cream in flavors like lulo, maracuyá, and arequipe. A single cone costs $5,000 COP. It's perfect for a break between buildings.

Bar La 7: cold beer and conversation

On Calle 7 with Avenida 10, Bar La 7 is a neighborhood bar with tables on the sidewalk. They sell Club Colombia beer for $6,000 COP and beef empanadas for $2,000 COP each. It's not fancy, but it's authentic. They are open Tuesday to Sunday, 4pm until the party's over.

How to get to and around Granada

Granada is in north-central Cali, about 15 minutes by car from the historic center and 20 minutes from Alfonso Bonilla Aragón Airport (depending on traffic, which in Cali is unpredictable).

By public transport

The MIO (Masivo Integrado de Occidente) has several routes that pass through Granada. The nearest stations are Estación San Antonio (route T31) and Estación Granada (route T47). From the station, you walk between 5 and 10 minutes to the heart of the neighborhood. The fare is $2,600 COP (2026 price).

By taxi or Uber

From the historic center, a taxi will charge you around $10,000 COP. An Uber might be a bit cheaper, around $7,000 COP. From the airport, the fare is $40,000 to $50,000 COP, depending on traffic.

By bicycle

Cali has bike lanes that connect Granada to other neighborhoods. The closest one runs along Avenida 9 Norte. There are public bicycle stations (the BiciCali system) at Parque de Granada. Rental is free for up to 2 hours with prior registration.

On foot

If you are in San Antonio or the Center, you can walk there in 20-30 minutes. It's a pleasant walk, especially along Avenida 9, which has trees and wide sidewalks.

Local tips for enjoying Granada like a caleño

1. Look up. Most people walk looking at their phone or the ground. In Granada, the magic is on the second floors: balconies, large windows, concrete details that you only see if you lift your head.
2. Visit during the week. On weekends, Granada gets crowded and traffic becomes heavy. Tuesday or Wednesday morning is the best time to take photos without people.
3. Bring water. Cali is hot, and walking under the sun can be exhausting. Bring a reusable bottle; there are several drinking water points in the neighborhood.
4. Don't limit yourself to Avenida 9. The side streets, like Calle 6 and Calle 8, have surprising houses that you can't see from the main avenue.
5. Ask the neighbors. Locals are friendly and like to talk about their neighborhood. If you see someone sweeping the entrance to their house, ask them about the building's history. They'll tell you things that aren't in any book.
6. Watch out for hours. Many restaurants and galleries close between 2pm and 5pm for lunch. Plan your route so you don't end up hungry.
7. Use sunscreen. It's not an architecture tip, but it's necessary. The Cali sun is relentless.

Frequently asked questions about Granada

Is it safe to walk around Granada at night?

Granada is generally safe, but as in any urban neighborhood, you need to be cautious. The main streets (Avenida 9 and Avenida 10) are well-lit and have activity until 10pm. The side streets can be more deserted. It is recommended to avoid walking alone after 11pm. If you leave a restaurant or bar, it's best to call a taxi or Uber.

Are there guided architecture tours in Granada?

Yes, several local agencies offer walking tours of Granada. The best known is Cali Walking Tours, which does 2-hour routes on Saturday mornings. You can also find independent guides on social media. The price is around $30,000 COP per person. If you prefer to go on your own, this article serves as your map.

How much time do I need to explore Granada?

Taking it easy, looking at each building and taking photos, you can do the tour in 2 to 3 hours. If you want to include a meal or coffee, budget 4 hours total. It's not a huge neighborhood, but every corner has something worth observing.

Is there parking in Granada?

Yes, there are several private parking lots. The largest is on Calle 7 with Avenida 9, with capacity for about 50 cars. The rate is $5,000 COP per hour (2026 price). There is also street parking, but it's hard to find a spot during peak hours. It is recommended to arrive by public transport or taxi.

What other neighborhoods near Granada can I visit?

Granada borders San Antonio (to the south), which has cobblestone streets and an iconic church; El Peñón (to the west), with large houses and elegant restaurants; and Juanambú (to the east), known for its nightlife. You can do a route connecting these neighborhoods on foot in a single day.

Why Granada is a neighborhood you have to see

Granada is not perfect. It has broken sidewalks, electrical cables hanging like spiderwebs, and some buildings that have been mistreated by time and lack of maintenance. But that imperfection is part of its charm. Here, there is no museum architecture with signs and railings. Here, people live, work, eat, fall in love, and grow old among buildings that tell stories.

If you come to Cali for the first time, don't just stay in the historic center or the southern shopping malls. Granada will show you a city that isn't in the traditional tourist guides. A city that knew how to mix brick with glass, the patio with the balcony, and tradition with modernity. And all within less than ten blocks.

Ready to explore Granada? Discover its unique architecture!