The Calm After the Chaos: San Antonio Between 5 and 8 AM
If you've ever been in San Antonio on a Saturday at 2 AM, you know the neighborhood feels like an explosion of lights, music, and sweaty bodies. But five hours later, when the last drunks are dragging themselves home and the sun is just beginning to peek over the hills, San Antonio transforms into something else. The cobblestone streets smell of freshly brewed coffee and hot pan de bono. Roosters crow from hidden patios. And the murals, those colorful giants that compete with the noise of cars during the day, appear in all their splendor, bathed in a golden light that lasts only an hour.
This guide is for you, who went partying in Granada or in San Antonio itself and don't want to go to sleep without experiencing the neighborhood in its calmest version. Or for you, urban photographer, who knows that the best light for capturing street art is at dawn. Here I'll tell you where to get the first coffee of the day, which murals you can't miss, and how to get around without getting your camera stolen. All of this is based on real tours done in May 2026.
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What to Do in San Antonio at Dawn
The early morning in San Antonio is not for sleeping. It's for walking without hurry, for sitting on a corner to watch the neighborhood wake up, for finding those details that go unnoticed in broad daylight. Here are three foolproof plans.
Photographic Mural Route Before Traffic
San Antonio has over 30 large-format murals, but there are seven that are unmissable and are also close to each other. The idea is to start from the upper part of the neighborhood (near the church) and go down. Bring water, a portable charger, and comfortable shoes because the streets are steep.
- Mural of the Woman with Flowers (Calle 3B # 5-45): A female face surrounded by bougainvillea. The dawn light gives it a spectacular pink tone.
- The Jaguar of the 5th (Carrera 5 with Calle 4): A stylized jaguar in blue and orange. It's one of the most photographed. Arrive before 6:30 AM to avoid building shadows.
- The Flying Bicycle (Calle 4 # 4-12): A mural that looks like it's from a dream, with a bicycle floating over a pastel-colored background.
- The Embrace (Carrera 4 # 3-50): Two human figures embracing, painted in earth tones. Ideal for black and white photos.
- Mural of the Marimba (Calle 3 # 4-20): A tribute to the music of the Pacific, with a giant marimba and musical notes that seem to fly.
- The Hummingbird (Carrera 3 # 3-10): A huge hummingbird in mid-flight, with golden details that shine in the morning sun.
- Mural of the Bread Corner (Calle 2 # 4-60): Right next to a famous bakery (the one at Pan de Bono San Antonio). It has a sign that says "Good morning, Cali".
Fun fact: Most of these murals were painted between 2019 and 2023 as part of the "San Antonio Urban Art" festival. Some local artists like Luis Felipe "Lufo" and Ana María "Nana" have several works in the neighborhood. If you like street art, look for their signatures in the bottom corners.
Walk Along the Cobblestone Streets
It's not all photography. At 5:30 AM, the streets of San Antonio are almost empty. It's the perfect time to walk without a fixed direction. Go up Carrera 5 to the San Antonio church (Calle 3 # 5-00), which is one of the highest points in the neighborhood. From there you have a panoramic view of Cali, with the western mountain range in the background. If you're lucky, the Cerro de las Tres Cruces will be clear of smog.
Go down Calle 4, which has several restored colonial houses with colorful facades. Look at the wooden balconies and carved doors. Many of these houses are now hostels or cafés, but at 6 AM they are still closed, so you can appreciate the architecture without people.
Breakfast in the Church Square
The square of the San Antonio church (Calle 3 # 5-00) is the heart of the neighborhood. At 7 AM, there are already some fruit stalls and the smell of coffee starts coming out of nearby places. Sit on one of the stone benches and watch the stray dogs stretch in the sun. It's a moment of peace you won't find at any other time of day.
Where to Eat or Drink: Early-Opening Cafés and Hot Pan de Bono
After a night of partying, the body craves two things: caffeine and carbohydrates. San Antonio has several options that open before 7 AM, something rare in a city where many cafés open at 9. Here are five confirmed places as of May 2026.
Café San Antonio
Address: Carrera 4 # 3-40
Hours: Monday to Saturday, 6:00 AM – 9:00 PM. Sundays, 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM.
Reference prices (May 2026): Black coffee $2,500 COP, coffee with milk $4,000 COP, pan de bono $2,000 COP.
This is the classic. A small place with wooden tables and a counter where Doña Martha serves, who has been making coffee for over 20 years. Order a "tintico con pan de bono" and they'll serve it in a ceramic cup. The pan de bono comes hot out of the oven every 30 minutes. Don't expect wifi or background music. Here you come to chat or watch the street.
La Tienda de la Esquina
Address: Calle 4 # 5-10
Hours: Monday to Sunday, 5:30 AM – 10:00 PM.
Reference prices (May 2026): American coffee $3,000 COP, pipián empanada $1,500 COP, lulo juice $4,000 COP.
More than a café, it's a neighborhood store that also sells beer, cookies, and arepas. The owner, Don Carlos, opens at 5:30 AM because he knows taxi drivers and early risers need a coffee before starting their day. The pipián empanadas are famous among the locals. If you arrive very early, you might have to wait for them to come out of the oil.
Pan de Bono San Antonio
Address: Calle 2 # 4-60
Hours: Monday to Saturday, 6:00 AM – 8:00 PM. Sundays, 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM.
Reference prices (May 2026): Pan de bono (unit) $1,800 COP, almojábana $2,000 COP, pandequeso $1,500 COP.
This place is an institution. It's not a café, it's an artisan bakery specializing in pan de bono and almojábanas. The smell of melted cheese hits you from half a block away. Order a "pan de bono con queso" (which is a pan de bono stuffed with farmer's cheese) and pair it with a black coffee. Warning: the place is small and by 7 AM there's already a line. But it's worth it.
Buenavista Café
Address: Carrera 5 # 3-20 (second floor)
Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 7:00 AM – 8:00 PM. Monday closed.
Reference prices (May 2026): Cappuccino $6,000 COP, croissant $4,500 COP, passion fruit smoothie $7,000 COP.
This café has a terrace with a view of the church and downtown Cali. It opens at 7 AM, which is late for extreme early risers, but perfect if you went out partying and woke up at 6:30. The cappuccino is good, but the butter croissant is the best. Ideal for sitting down to edit your dawn photos while the sun rises.
El Muro Café
Address: Calle 3 # 5-30
Hours: Monday to Saturday, 6:30 AM – 7:00 PM. Sundays, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM.
Reference prices (May 2026): Black coffee $2,800 COP, specialty coffee $5,000 COP, arepa with cheese $3,500 COP.
A more modern café, with exposed brick walls and local art hanging. They have single-origin coffee (from the Sierra Nevada) and vegan options. The arepa with cheese is simple but perfect. It opens at 6:30 AM, so it's a good option if Pan de Bono San Antonio is too crowded.
How to Get There and Transportation in San Antonio at Dawn
Getting to San Antonio between 5 AM and 8 AM is not complicated, but you have to be careful. The neighborhood is on a hill, so the climbs are steep. Here are the options.
By Taxi or Uber
From Granada or downtown Cali, a taxi or Uber costs between $8,000 and $15,000 COP (May 2026 prices). If you're coming from a party in Granada, ask to be dropped off at Carrera 5 with Calle 3, which is the main entrance. At 5 AM there are fewer cars, so the trip takes 10 minutes. Recommendation: pay with cash or card, but avoid large bills because taxi drivers sometimes don't have change.
By Bus (MIO Routes)
The MIO system has routes that pass near San Antonio, but at 5 AM the frequency is low (every 20-30 minutes). Route P21B (which goes from downtown to the Terminal) passes by Avenida 4 Norte, about 5 blocks from the church. The nearest station is San Antonio (gray line). If you're coming from the south, take the T31 to the Centro station and walk 15 minutes uphill. I don't recommend the bus after 10 PM for safety, but at 6 AM there are already passengers and it's relatively safe.
Walking from Granada
If you went partying in Granada (Zona Rosa), you can walk to San Antonio in 15-20 minutes. The route is simple: go up Carrera 5 until you reach Calle 3. It's a constant climb, but at 5 AM the cool air helps. However, walk along Carrera 5, which is the most illuminated and has the most activity. Avoid dark side streets like Calle 1 or Carrera 3.
Local Tips for Surviving the Early Morning in San Antonio
San Antonio is a safe neighborhood compared to other areas of Cali, but the early morning has its rules. Here are tips from someone who has walked these streets at 4 AM more times than they should.
- Don't carry valuables in plain sight. The camera hanging around your neck is a magnet for thieves. Use a cross-body strap or keep it in a backpack when you're not photographing.
- Go in a group. If you went out partying alone, look for other early risers in the cafés. People in San Antonio are friendly and sometimes they'll offer you a coffee if they see you're lost.
- Carry cash. Many cafés and bakeries don't accept cards or have issues with the card machine early in the morning. Bring bills of $2,000, $5,000, and $10,000 COP.
- Use your cell phone carefully. Don't take out your phone on the street unless necessary. If you need to check the map, go into a café or an open establishment.
- Know the emergency numbers. The local police (123) and the tourism line (018000 123 456) operate 24 hours. There is also a police station at Carrera 5 # 4-00, two blocks from the church.
- Don't trust stray dogs. At 5 AM, some dogs can be territorial. If you see a sleeping dog, don't bother it. If it follows you, walk calmly and don't run.
- Take advantage of the golden hour. The best time for mural photos is between 5:45 AM and 6:30 AM, when the sun is low and shadows are long. After 7 AM, the sun hits directly and colors look flatter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to walk through San Antonio at 5 AM?
Yes, it is generally safe, but with caution. The main streets (Carrera 5, Calle 3, and Calle 4) are well-lit and have traffic from taxis and early risers. Avoid dark side streets and don't carry valuables in plain sight. If you come in a group, even better.
What is the best café for breakfast after a night out?
Café San Antonio (Carrera 4 # 3-40) opens at 6 AM and has the best black coffee in the neighborhood. If you want hot pan de bono, go to Pan de Bono San Antonio (Calle 2 # 4-60), but arrive before 7 AM because it gets crowded.
Do the murals look better at dawn or dusk?
At dawn, without a doubt. The golden light from 5:45 AM to 6:30 AM highlights the colors and avoids the harsh shadows of midday. Plus, at that time there are no cars or people, so you can take photos without interruptions.
Where can I buy hot pan de bono at 6 AM?
At Pan de Bono San Antonio (Calle 2 # 4-60) and at La Tienda de la Esquina (Calle 4 # 5-10). Both open before 6:30 AM and have freshly baked pan de bono.
Are there public restrooms available at that time?
There are no public restrooms in San Antonio. The cafés and bakeries have restrooms for customers, but some require you to buy something to use them. Bring toilet paper just in case.
Share your photo of your favorite San Antonio mural at dawn on social media with #MalokalMadrugada. If you have questions or want to recommend another café, leave a comment on malokal.com. See you in the next guide.
Historical or Contextual Introduction
The San Antonio neighborhood in Cali is a place with a rich history that reflects the cultural evolution of the city. Originally, in the 19th century, San Antonio was considered an exclusive area for the Cali aristocracy, characterized by its colonial houses and cobblestone streets. Over time, this neighborhood has witnessed significant changes, becoming an epicenter of Cali's bohemian and artistic life.
As the city grew, San Antonio began to attract artists, musicians, and students, giving it a vibrant and creative atmosphere. Today, it is common to see murals adorning the facades of houses, reflecting the cultural diversity and identity of Cali. These murals not only beautify the neighborhood but also tell stories of resistance, love, and everyday life.
Furthermore, the neighborhood has experienced a revitalization in its gastronomic and entertainment offerings, especially during the early morning hours on weekends, when cafés and bars come to life. The interaction between art and nightlife has created a space where the community gathers to enjoy music, food, and art, making San Antonio a key place to understand current Cali culture.