Caracas, Venezuela

What to do in Caracas, Venezuela

Plaza Bolívar

The historical center of the city, this huge square rings with live music on the weekends, and is a main meeting point and hangout for locals and tourists alike. In the center of the square is a bronze statue of Independence hero Simon Bolívar astride a horse. Surrounding the square are French, cast-iron lampposts with hanging lights. Not to be missed is the 17th-century Metropolitan Cathedral of Caracas, with a Baroque altar gilded with over 300 pounds of gold leaf, and the nearby Casa Natal de Bolívar, birthplace of "The Liberator." .

Shopping

There are 2 options for excellent shopping either you hit one of the enormous malls, or you stroll up and down Sabana Grande all day. Try both! The Centro Comercial Ciudad Tamanaco is an older but still popular mall in Las Mercedes, while Sambil, on Avenida Libertador, is multi-level behemoth billed as the largest mall in South America. The Sabana Grande is not only great for exclusive boutiques and eclectic bargains shops but, as it is closed to traffic, caters to those who just want to walk about, sip coffee, and take in some people-watching.

El Parque Central

The Central Park in Caracas is not only a wonderful green reprieve from the bustling urban life, but also a center for theaters, museums, and art galleries, amidst high-rise modern architecture.

El Hatillo

This colonial village near Caracas has been exquisitely restored and exhibits colonial architecture, antique shops, and some interesting bars and restaurants.

Parque Nacional El Avila

The mountains that overlook the city offer a great escape from the hectic pace of Caracas, with miles of lush hiking trails that crisscross the park. There is easy entrance from the Altamira neighborhood.

Panteón Nacional

This famous church is one of the most important in Caracas, as it is the final resting place of many heroic and notable Venezuelans leaders, including Simon Bolívar. Paintings adorn the ceilings in this small church, and a gorgeous chandelier hangs above the Bolívar's sarcophagus.

Museums

There are some really great museums in Caracas, such as Galeria de Arte Nacional (National Art Gallery), which exhibits renowned Venezuelan artists, and its neighbor the Fine Arts Museum, which boasts Goya etchings, Chinese ceramics, and a variety of Egyptian art. The Museo Sacro de Caracas (Museum of Religious Art), displays beautiful statues and costumes from the colonial era in a former ecclesiastical prison built in 1844.