Caracas

Understand

Caracas is a cosmopolitan city, congested and noisy. The restaurants in Caracas are still excellent and have a lot to offer. Wear light clothing, comfortable shoes and clothing or jewelry of little value. Also tourists who do not know the language, it is recommended to take a dictionary with Spanish translation to make it easier for them to stay in the country. The people of Caracas are usually quite hospitable and friendly. Caracas is a city of contrasts. El Rosal and Las Mercedes are the most exclusive districts of the city. The boulevard of Sabana Grande is the main commercial corridor of the city and is visited by more than 500,000 people every day. Plaza Bolívar, Plaza El Venezolano and Plaza Diego Ibarra are the most emblematic of the historic center. Plaza Altamira is the icon of the east of the city and has been the center of opposition protests for almost two decades. Caracas is not one of the top touristic destinations of Venezuela, and travelers often bypass the capital city in order to see the country’s amazing natural attractions. However, the Venezuelan capital can be a fascinating city to explore, replete with excellent art, food and a bustling nightlife.

Caracas is a modern, dynamic and diverse city where multiple realities converge at the same time. The architectural, cultural and socioeconomic identity of Caracas has been fragmentation and is the key to understanding Venezuela.

Until the beginning of the 20th century, Caracas was a small city that reached La Candelaria. The city grew slowly until the 1940s. Later, the towns of Sabana Grande, Chacao, Las Mercedes and Petare would grow rapidly and be urbanized. Most of the architectural heritage of Caracas was built in the twentieth century. The Towers of Parque Central Complex, even though they no longer hold the title of the tallest skyscrapers in Latin America, remain the tallest twin towers in the region. Sabana Grande was the favorite place of Juan Domingo Perón during his golden exile in Venezuela, when he lived in the El Rosal and El Bosque neighborhoods. Caracas stands in a beautiful valley, overlooked by Mount Avila, an impressive mountain that separates the city from the Caribbean Sea and shapes most of the city’s landscape. It is a popular weekend destination for the city’s residents (known as Caraqueños) and is easily reached by taking a very modern cable car that goes all the way from the mountain base to the newly nationalized Waraira Repano park, at the top of the mountain. In Caracas, the staggering inequalities of wealth that characterize Venezuela’s economic situation

Getting there

By plane Maiquetía's 1 Simón Bolívar Airport or Aeropuerto Maiquetia (CCS IATA) (28 km (17 mi) from the areas surrounding Plaza Simon Bolivar (downtown) along Autopista Caracas-La Guaira.). Venezuela's main international airport with connections from the Americas, Europe and from within Venezuela. It stands along the northern coast in Maiquetia, separated from Caracas by a series of mountains. The trip to Caracas should take around 40 minutes in open traffic, and up to 60-70 minutes in heavier traffic, along Autopista Caracas-La Guaira. Due to political and economic instability and the amounts of unpaid or withheld fares owing to the foreign airlines many had ceased services to Caracas from their respective countries throughout 2016 and 2019. Other airlines may suspend service with or without notice. Therefore, see their respective sites (or ask them) as to when they plan to suspend service (if any) and what alternatives for onward transportation or compensation would they offer should they suspend service without notice before departure to Venezuela or for the unused portions of the ticket while in Venezuela. As of March 2019 The following carriers still offer flights to Caracas:

Terminal Internacional Flights from Europe and Middle East: Plus Ultra Líneas Aéreas (Spain), Estelar Latinoamerica, LASER and Turkish. Flights from Cuba, Trinidad and the Caribbean: Cubana de Aviacion and Caribbean Airlines. From Central and South America: Copa Airlines and Wingo. Terminal Nacional (Domestic Terminal) The following are Venezuelan flag carriers offering domestic flights: Albatros, Aeropostal, Rutaca, Avior, Conviasa, Estelar Latinoamerica, LASER; Línea Turística Aereotuy (only to Roques) and Venezolana. Some of the Venezuelan flag carriers also offer international flights from the Caribbean, Panama, other neighboring South American countries and/or Europe to the international terminal. With everything in a state of flux any one of the above carriers may cease service to Venezuela from their respective countries or cease or reduce service altogether (as with the domestic carriers). Taxi fares are continuously increasing due to the rampant inflation. As of Sept 2017 the taxi rate with TaxiToCaracas.com is US$40. There are many unlicensed taxis offering their services and travelers should exercise caution as taxi robberies do happen with this option. In particular, it is advised to agree on a price before getting into the taxi, not sharing with anyone other than the driver, with a preference given to the airport's official black Ford Explorer cabs. Check

Getting around

Taxis can be easily hailed in the street and are generally (but not always) safe. They have no meters so prices should be agreed on before getting in. Some reports indicate that the situation has improved and there are fixed rates posted. Caracas traffic is notoriously bad and the metro is a better option if your destination is near a station. Licensed taxis have yellow plates and while some private cars with white plates are taxis too, it’s generally safer to take a licensed cab. Venezuelan taxi cab drivers may quote you about double the actual price when you ask how much a ride will be. Bargaining is totally acceptable in this case. Simply respond with a more reasonable price that you are willing to pay, and it’s more than likely you can meet in the middle. If the taxi driver continues to quote an outrageous price, simply walk away and try another. The Caracas metro is clean, modern, safe and extremely cheap. Tickets are available for a single journey, ida y vuelta (round trip), or a 10-journey multi abono. The metro is frequently overcrowded, particularly during peak hours. The metro system is backed up by a network of metrobuses that depart from certain metro stations and take fixed routes to areas of the city not reached by the underground. Like the metro, metrobuses are cheap and clean, but passengers complain of bus shortages. Most services run only about every 20 minutes. The buses have fixed stops and will not pick up passengers elsewhere. The ubiquitous minibuses, or por puestos, run along many main roads in Caracas, often ending up in obscure residential neighborhoods that are not accessible by metro. They can be flagged down anywhere and you can generally ask the driver to let you jump off whenever he stops, such as traffic lights. Although sometimes useful (for reaching the Sabas Nieves entrance to El Avila from the Altamira metro station) the buses are more expensive than the metro, slower, less safe, and are invariably in a very bad condition.

See

Caracas has more than enough sights and attractions to fill three or four days although it is often overlooked by international travellers.

1 La Plaza Bolivar, located near the Metro Capitolio (in the city center). It has statues of Simon Bolivar, and is close to Congress and other government buildings. It also displays nice examples of colonial architecture.

2 Simón Bolívar Birthplace House (La Casa Natal de Simon Bolivar) (near Capitolio Metro Station), ☏ +58 212-5412563. Bolivar's birthplace, also downtown. One of the few well-preserved colonial buildings with some great paintings and a museum. Next door is the Museo Bolivariano with some of Bolivar's war relics. 3 Boulevard of Sabana Grande, Avenida Las Acacias-Quebrada Chacaíto (Plaza Venezuela, Sabana Grande and Chacaíto metro stops). 24 hours. This is the main shopping street in Caracas, host of many fancy stores, such as Balu (H&M), AISHOP, Planeta Sports, Brands Shop, and many more. Sabana Grande is the main shopping thoroughfare in Caracas Venezuela, but is also home to many public artworks and nice street art. Sabana Grande is a broad, tree-shaded, pedestrians-only boulevard lined on both sides with stylish fashion boutiques and gift shops, a charming cobblestone street with countless outdoor and indoor shopping establishments as well as hotels and restaurants. Also a great spot for relaxing and people-watching; on any given day you can observe people bartering at shops, playing chess, or even dancing around dressed like Disney characters. Many of the buildings in Sabana Grande are considered architectural heritage of Caracas and they need maintenance. Unfortunately, some are in poor condition. (updated Apr 2018) 4 Museo de Bellas Artes de Caracas, Plaza de los Museos, Parque Los Caobos. 09:00-17:00. An art museum in the Museum Square in Los Caobos Park, Caracas. It was founded on 1917 and is one of the most important Venezuelan museums. Nowadays, it hosts several Picasso and Botero artworks. The neoclassical building is in a process of restoration. The museum has the most important collection of European art in Venezuela. free. (updated Apr 2018) 5 Centro de Arte La Estancia, Avenida Francisco de Miranda,, ☏ +58 212 507 8815. Tu-F 09:30-16:00, Sa Su 10:00-16:00. An art gallery in the middle of the lush and manicured gardens. Rotating exhibits by a variety of artists are shown. 6 Jardin Botanico, next to the Central University (Metro Ciudad Universitaria or Plaza Venezuela). A well-kept garden with an impressive array of tropical plants and trees. 7 Casa John Boulton Caracas, Avenida Pan

Do

The Avila mountain to the north of Caracas is highly recommended for hiking, views of Caracas, and its fresh air. The Sabas Nieves entrance, accessible by bus from Altamira, is the most popular. The Teleferico is a cable-car that takes visitors up the Avila. The ascent provides a beautiful view of the city. At the top (altitude approximately 2600 m), there is a view of Caracas to the south, and of the ocean (Caribbean Sea) to the north on a clear day. Reduced fares are available for students, seniors and children. Take the ride up to Avila as early as possible before an afternoon haze obstructs your view from the top of the mountain. There are a few restaurants, many food kiosks, and numerous attractions suitable for children. These include a small skating rink, some small rides, and jungle-gyms. There is a well known fondue restaurant also located at the top. Some hiking trails branch off from the teleferico station, but without a map it is not easy to find them or know where they go, as they are not marked. The MetroCable close to Parque Central. It is co-located in the Parque Central Metro station. It's free and provides a fantastic view of the city, although the surrounding area is generally considered unsafe by locals. Paragliding Colonia Tovar Venezuela, Colonia Tovar (the road between La Victoria and Colonia Tovar), ☏ +58 4167600374. 10:00-17:00. Tandem paragliding flights with expert pilots in one of the most beautiful mountain sites in the world. US$60.

Buy

Most ATMs will ask you the last two numbers of a local ID, type 00 when it asks this to make withdrawal with a foreign card possible. CitiBank's ATMs don't ask this information. There is one CitiBank branch in El Recreo shopping mall, Avenida Casanova, in Sabana Grande. See also Venezuela#Money.

Centro Comercial Sambil. One of South America's largest shopping malls, with two movie theaters, dozens of restaurants and probably hundreds of shops. Popular destination for shopping and hanging out. Metro Chacao. Centro Comercial San Ignacio. Many boutique stores here, as well as lots of good bars and restaurants. A hub of Caracas nightlife. Centro Comercial El Recreo (Metro Sabana Grande). Another large mall, next door to the Gran Meliá Hotel. Centro Comercial Millenium Mall, Av. Romulo Gallegos. Los Dos Caminos (next to the metro station Los Dos Caminos). Another great mall with an amazing infrastructure, great shopping stores, cinema and fast food restaurants. Centro Ciudad Comercial Tamanaco (CCCT). An old but popular complex of shops, offices, restaurants and a couple of nightclubs. Take a Metrobus from the Altamira metro station. Centro Comercial El Tolón. An upmarket mall in the Las Mercedes neighborhood. 15 minutes walking from Chacaito metro. Centro Comercial Paseo Las Mercedes. A bit old fashioned but a good art house cinema and Oscar D'Leon's Mazukamba nightclub is here. Altamira. A nice residential area with fancy hotels and small shopping malls. Can be accessed easily by metro. (updated Apr 2018) Boulevard of Sabana Grande (Metro Plaza Venezuela, Sabana Grande and Chacaito). The main commercial corridor of the city. Balu (H&M), AISHOP, Brands Shop, Levi's and Planeta Sports are the best stores in the boulevard of Sabana Grande. Sabana Grande is the only public space in Caracas that hosts three Balu (H&M) stores. This place is considered an open air shopping mall in Caracas. (updated Apr 2018)

Eat

Las Mercedes El Granjero del Este, Av. Río de Janeiro, ☏ +58 212 991 6619. Open late. One of the better of the dozens of "areperas" dotted around town. Specializes in arepas, a savory corn-flour bread that doubles as Venezuela's traditional staple food. Pick from a dozen types of filling (including the classic Reina Pepiada - chicken, avocado, spring onions and mayo.) Or try a cachapa (a sweet corn pancake with a choice of toppings) or a nice steak with yuca. Wash it all down with beer, or with freshly made tropical juice. To do it the traditional way, go at 3AM, after a night out dancing. Cheap. (updated Jul 2017) 1 Maute Grill, Av. Rio de Janeiro, ☏ +58 212-9910892. open late. A very nice place, often crowded but rightfully so, the food and wine are outstanding. Expensive. (updated Jul 2017) Malabar, Calle Orinoco, ☏ +58 212 991-3131. Expensive but very good cuisine, mostly French, with a relaxed but trendy atmosphere. 2 Aranjuez, Calle Madrid, Qunita Anacoa, ☏ +58 212 993-1326. One of the older steak houses in Caracas, with top quality Argentine and Venezuelan cuts of beef. (updated Jul 2017) 3 Cafe Ole, Calle California at Calle Jalisco, ☏ +58 212 993-9059. This open air candlelight cafe is a popular haunt for after dinner cafe and some excellent desserts. (updated Jul 2017) 4 Mamma Mia, Avenida Principal de las Mercedes, ☏ +58 212 993-7230. A perennially popular though noisy restaurant with a good selection of Italian dishes. (updated Jul 2017) 5 Carnivino, Avenida Principal. It is good if you want to savor good meat and chicken. (updated Jul 2017)

La Castellana Avila Tei, Avenida San Felipe, Centro Coinasa, ☏ +58 212 263-1520. Excellent, if costly, Japanese restaurant. Chez Wang, Plaza La Castellana (facing the roundabout), ☏ +58 212 266-5015. Very good Chinese restaurant. Chili's, Calle Jose A Lamas, Torre La Castellana, ☏ +58 212 267-9146. A branch of the American Tex-Mex chain. La Estancia, Avenida Principal La Castellana, ☏ +58 212 261-1874. A famous beef/meat restaurant with traditional Spanish decor. La Romanina, Av Avila (between Calle Miranda and Av Mohedano, just west of Plaza La Castellana), ☏ +58 212 266-8819. A simple setting but very good thin crust pizzas. New Spizzico, Av Principal La Castellana (one block north of the Plaza), ☏ +58 212 267-8820. Very pleasant Mediterranean decor with a lovely outdoor terrace. Good mostly Italian food but not with very generous portions. El Budare de la Castellana, Avenida Principal de La Castellana, con 1ra Transversal., ☏ +58 212 263-2696. Traditional Venezuelan restaurant. Mo

Drink & nightlife

1 El León (On the corner of La Castellana roundabout). This Caracas stalwart benefits from one of the best open air terraces in Caracas. Plastic tables and chairs are simple and the service is slow, but the beers are cheap and the atmosphere is good. This is a favorite hangout for Caracas' college crowd. Be careful at midnight. (updated Jun 2017) Whisky Bar. Located in the "Centro Comercial San Ignacio" (Shopping Center), it has a similar layout to a typical East Coast lounge in the United States. This place is a popular hang-out for uppity Venezuelans. If you feel comfortable around posh and preppy crowds and you have certain buying power and trendy casual wear, this is a great place to enjoy people-watching while listening to great rock-alternative music. Be careful at midnight. (updated Apr 2018) 2 El Maní Es Así. Located in a side street behind Sabana Grande, this remains Caracas' best-renowned salsa club where lower middle-class locals and tourists like to show off their moves, accompanied by live bands, till the early hours. To get a table, you'll probably have to pay 'servicio', i.e. agree to buy a bottle of rum or whisky. Sadly, the area around the club is not safe. Be careful at midnight. (updated Jun 2017) 3 Sal Si Puedes, Pasaje Asuncion of Sabana Grande. One of the few genuinely bohemian spots still alive in Caracas, with great décor and an wonderfully eclectic crowd — university professors, writers, artists, poets, and assorted others all sharing the same space. Drinks are on the expensive side. As with most of the area, exercise caution after midnight. (updated Apr 2018) 4 Hog Heaven (in La Castellana). More expensive than Los Peruanos, but cheaper than Sal Si Puedes. Incredible atmosphere. One of the best places for metalheads in Caracas. Nice drinks. Highly recommended. Be careful at midnight. (updated Apr 2018) 5 Los Peruanos Rock Bar, Pasaje Asuncion of Sabana Grande. Considerably cheaper than Sal Si Puedes, with great music, live bands, and solid cocktails. A haven for those who remember an older Caracas, drawing a similarly mixed crowd of academics, artists, and street characters. Exercise caution after midnight. (updated Apr 2018) 6 Moulin Rouge, Avenida Francisco Solano (Sabana Grande). It has two main areas: one for rock lovers and one for lovers of salsa and reggae. Great for alternative couples. BDSM games for couples and beginners. A place that really defies taboos. Be careful at midnight and arrange a taxi. (updated Apr 2018)

Exclusive modern nightclubs:

Le Club - The most exclusive club in Caracas. Paseo Las Mercedes. Neigh

Sleep

Caracas has many hotels, but lacks youth hostels found in other South American countries. Backpackers will find that Caracas is not a cheap destination and there are not rooms available in the US$20-30 typical hostel range. While the whole of the city is considered to be dangerous at night, it’s preferable to stay near Sabana Grande or farther east. Many hotels in the Sabana Grande area will offer rooms on an hourly basis (euphemistically known as love hotels) which are primarily for unmarried Venezuelan couples.

Budget Most hotels are in Sabana Grande, which is the geographic center of the city or midtown. The true downtown or historic city center, is known as "el centro", which is not a good place to stay. While Sabana Grande has affordable hotel rates (from US$100–400 for a five-star), you need to be wary of occasional street crime in the form of purse-snatching and pick-pocketing. Anyway, the Sabana Grande Boulevard sports high-shining lamp posts and police officers along the way. However, crooked cops are also known to sometimes harass hippie-looking travelers during the day, searching for drugs. Sabana Grande is a pleasantly walkable promenade, fantastic for people-watching and casual shopping. As for the large shopping malls around Sabana Grande, they are absolutely safe, especially one known as El Recreo. All this makes Sabana Grande one of the best place to stay for many. Las Mercedes and El Rosal are the fanciest districts of the city, but fewer people walk these streets. You should rent a car or arrange a taxi in Las Mercedes district.

1 Hotel Cristal, Pasaje Asuncion, Boulevard of Sabana Grande, ☏ +58 212 761-9131. An affordable option for hardcore travelers, in the center of the boulevard, which is always crowded with people. Dress like the average Venezuelan. Around US$3. around US$4. (updated Apr 2018) Hotel Altamira, Av Jose Felix Sosa, El Dorado neighborhood (near Britanica Tower), ☏ +58 212 267-4284, +58 212 267-4255, fax: +58 (212) 267-1926, [email protected]. Some travelers are not impressed with the service. Around US$70. (updated Apr 2018)

Mid-range 2 Hotel Coliseo, Avenida Casanova, Sabana Grande, ☏ +58 (212) 762-7916, [email protected]. Cheaper than Gran Melia Caracas. The staff is friendly and speaks fluent English. Russian and Belarussian businessmen stay here. Around $50.. (updated Apr 2018) 3 Hotel Lincoln Suites, Avenida Francisco Solano and Boulevard of Sabana Grande, ☏ +58 212 762-8575. The hotel is affordable and is the best accommodation option in the area after Gran Melia and Hotel Coliseo. Dress l

Go next

El Litoral, or the narrow band of coast between El Avila and the Caribbean Sea, is also known at the State of Vargas and the location of the best airport hotels. These beaches are not well known with visitors, but are popular with Caraqueños on weekends. The area has been slow to recover from the disastrous mudslides of December 1999 which made the beaches better. Still they are of lesser quality than the beaches of Choroni, Morrocoy, Mochima or Margarita.

La Guaira - historic port district Macuto - long history as the favored among the urbanite Caraqueños and most crowded on weekends Caraballeda - upscale district with yacht marina Naiguatá - surf and cultural festival zone Catia La Mar - west of the airport with cheaper hotels that do airport pickup. Marginal neighborhood and beaches El Hatillo - nice restaurants and pretty colonial architecture.