Things to do and see in Caracas?

If you are planning a trip to the capital of Venezuela you might be wondering what to do in Caracas. You will find that it is a city full of contrasts and fascinating places to visit. One of the main attractions is the impressive Avila Hill, which offers panoramic views of the city and opportunities for hiking amid lush nature. Another must-see is the historic quarter of Caracas where you can find colonial architecture, explore historic churches and enjoy charming squares.

In addition, Caracas has a lively cultural life, with museums, such as the Museum of Contemporary Art, and a variety of cultural and artistic events that reflect the diversity and vitality of the city. In short, Caracas has a lot to offer, from lush nature in the Avila National Park to the history and architecture of the Historic Center, as well as the cultural diversity of its museums and events.

What are the best places to visit in Caracas?

1. Cerro Avila, the best views of Caracas

The Avila Hill is an imposing mountain that stands above the city of Caracas. It is one of the most spectacular points to visit in the city. It is part of the Waraira Repano National Park and offers a peaceful natural environment in the middle of the bustle of the city.

To reach its summit and enjoy breathtaking panoramic views, you can use the Caracas Cable Car. It ascends from the base station in Maripérez to the final station, known as “El Ávila”. During the approximately 15-minute ride, passengers witness a fascinating transition from the city to the tranquility of nature. Once at the top, you can explore a variety of trails, hike, spot local flora and fauna, or simply enjoy the beauty of the mountain scenery. The Avila Hill and the Cable Car offer a unique experience to connect with nature and enjoy spectacular views over the city of Caracas.

• Cable car schedule: Thursday-Friday 12:00 to 18:00. Saturday-Sunday 9:00 to 18:00
• Price: General admission: US$10
• Children between 3 and 12 years old: US$6
• VIP cabin with maximum capacity for 4 people: US$60

2. Historic Center of Caracas

The Historic Center of Caracas is a cultural and architectural treasure that reflects the history and heritage of the city. Its cobblestone streets and charming squares are home to impressive colonial buildings and emblematic monuments.

Highlights include the Catedral de Caracas, an imposing church built in the 17th century, and the Palacio Municipal, a majestic neoclassical-style building that houses the Caracas City Hall. In addition, the Plaza Bolivar, the heart of the Historic Center, is an emblematic place with the Equestrian Statue of the Liberator Simon Bolivar.

Walking through these streets allows you to immerse in history and enjoy the architectural beauty of the colonial era. The Historic Center of Caracas is one of the most beautiful places to see in Caracas. It is an experience that reminds us of the city’s glorious past and represents an important cultural legacy for locals and visitors.

3. The Contemporary Art Museum of Caracas

The Museum of Contemporary Art of Caracas is a must-see destination for art and culture lovers traveling to the capital of Venezuela. Located in the Central Park, the Museum houses an impressive collection of modern and contemporary art by Venezuelan and international artists.

Its 13 spacious exhibition halls display a variety of works spanning different styles and artistic currents. In addition to its permanent collection, the museum also presents temporary exhibitions showcasing the latest trends in contemporary art. The museum’s architectural design, with its distinctive white cube facade, adds a visually striking element to the experience.

Opening hours: Thu-Sun: 10:00-16:00 Price: Free

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4. National Pantheon of Venezuela, an iconic landmark to visit in Caracas

The National Pantheon of Caracas is an emblematic place of great historical and cultural importance in Venezuela. Located in the center of the city, this majestic neoclassical building was originally built as a church in the 17th century. It was later converted into a pantheon in the 19th century.

The remains of prominent characters of Venezuelan history rest inside, including Simón Bolívar, the Liberator of Venezuela and other South American countries. The National Pantheon is a site of homage and tribute to the heroes of independence and prominent political leaders. Its imposing architecture and symbolic value make it a must-see for those interested in Venezuelan history.

Opening hours: Mon-Sun: 9:00-14:00 Price: Free

Horario: M-D: 9:00-14:00 Precio: Gratuito

5. East Park

The Parque del Este or the East Park, also known as the Generalísimo Francisco de Miranda Park, is a beautiful “green lung” located in Caracas. This extensive park is a peaceful oasis in the middle of the hustle and bustle of the city.

With its ample green spaces, lakes, walking trails and recreational areas, it is a popular place for locals and visitors to enjoy nature and outdoor activities. The park has several attractions, such as its Cactus Garden, with a variety of plant species. You’ll also find the Humboldt Planetarium, with its 20m diameter dome and a Replica of the corvette Leander, among others. There are also playgrounds for children, sports courts and picnic areas. East Park is a charming retreat that gives you the opportunity to relax. There you can connect with nature and enjoy moments of leisure in the vibrant city of Caracas.

Opening hours: Mon-Sun: 5:00 to 16:00

6. Principal Theater of Caracas

The Teatro Principal de Caracas or the Principal Theater of Caracas, located in the heart of the Venezuelan capital, is one of the most emblematic cultural spaces of the city. It was founded in the 19th century with a capacity for 760 spectators and over the years has witnessed important cultural, political and social events.

Its architecture combines neoclassical elements with modern touches, and although the building has had to be restored several times, its facade still stands out among the rest. Initially it also had Art Deco style decorations, but after its remodeling in the 1950s due to a fire most of them were lost.

You can see the theater from the outside and gain access to the entrance, but if you want to see the theater on the inside, you’ll have to buy theater, opera or ballet tickets.

Opening hours 16:00 to 19:00 p.m..

Ticket prices range from $5 to $15.

7. Bolivar Theater

Along with the Teatro Principal, the Bolivar Theatre is another popular cultural and artistic stage. It was initially created in 1917 as a cinema, until the 1950s, when its deterioration forced it to be remodeled. For years it remained closed until in 2013 it was reopened to the public after being renovated and expanded.

As you enter you will be amazed by its main hall, adorned with ornate details and remarkable acoustics, which together offer an intimate and cozy space for the enjoyment of the performing arts. The building also has rooms where art exhibitions are held on a frequent basis.

As with the Teatro Principal, if you want to see it inside, you will have to buy a ticket for one of its events.

8. El Venezolano Square

This is an important historical and meeting space located in the center of Caracas. This emblematic place of colonial atmosphere and surrounded by important buildings such as the Casa del Libertados (House of the Libertados) or the Bolivarian Museum, evokes the historical past of the city and has witnessed important events over the centuries. Originally called Plaza de San Jacinto, the plaza dates back to 1591 and was built as part of a Dominican convent. It would later become the market square and was finally renamed in honor of independence and the spirit of the Venezuelan people.

Today the square is a frequent meeting point for tourists and locals, who will find a lively atmosphere teeming with street vendors, musicians and artists. And at certain times of the year, if you’re lucky, you’ll find fairs and all kinds of cultural events.

9. The Mausoleum in Caracas

In Caracas we can talk about the Mausoleum without further explanation because everyone will know what we mean. This modern building is part of the monumental complex National Pantheon, where the remains of the liberator Simon Bolivar lie, a hero of the independence of several South American countries.

The complex was inaugurated in the 19th century and the building stands out for its modernist architecture that rises imposingly as patriotic symbolism, and controversial at times. The monument is a point of reference and national pride, frequently visited by citizens and tourists to pay tribute to the figure of the Liberator and reflect on the history of the country.

In the precinct, which is open from Tuesday to Sunday from 9:00 to 16:30 you can hire a guided tour that will tell you the history of the building along with many curiosities.

10. Bolivarian Museum

The Bolivarian Museum is a space dedicated to preserving and disseminating the legacy of Simon Bolivar. It is located next to the birthplace of Simon Bolivar, and the museum houses a rich collection of personal objects, historical documents, works of art and relics that belonged to Bolivar and other prominent figures in the process of independence of Latin America.

Inaugurated in the 20th century, the Bolivarian Museum has become a center of study and reflection on the life, work and legacy of the Liberator, as well as on the independence process. Among its most valuable pieces are historic weapons, decorations, letters, pieces of clothing and furniture that offer an intimate look at the life of Bolivar and his time.

Opening hours: Monday to Sunday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., 5:30 p.m. in high season.

Price of admission: 25.000 COP

Travel Tip: To organize your trip we recommend using Passporter totally free. You can be inspired by the experiences of other travelers, choose the places that interest you most, create the travel route with a geolocated map, upload all important documents such as reservations and invite your friends so that everyone can participate in the organization of the trip.

Travel itinerary to Caracas for 3 days

Caracas has a lot to offer, but if you want our recommendation, 3 days are enough to visit the main points of interest in the city. Here is an itinerary with ideas on how to organize your trip:

Day 1: Historic Center of Caracas

The first day we encourage you to go deep into the Historic Center, enjoy its culture and discover the most important monuments of the city such as:

• Simón Bolívar’s Birthplace
• Bolivarian Museum
• Cathedral of Caracas
• Bolívar Square of Caracas
• National Capitol
• Miraflores Palace
• The National Pantheon
• Church of San Francisco
• Municipal Theater of Caracas

Day 2: Museums of Caracas

Caracas has spectacular museums where it is worth spending hours appreciating the works of art. And if you left something unseen the day before, you can take advantage of it in your free time.

• Museum of Fine Arts
• Museum of Contemporary Art of Caracas
• Museum of Colonial Art Quinta de Anauco
• Museum of Natural Sciences
• National Art Gallery
• Los Galpones Art Center

Day 3: Parks, Beaches and Nature

On the last day, to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of the city, we encourage you to take the Caracas Cable Car to reach Mount Avila, where you can go hiking and enjoy the views. And in the afternoon, you can head to the coast, where you’ll find magnificent beaches such as:

• El Yaque Beach
• Corrales Beach
• Avila Beach
• Caribbean Beach
• Los Angeles Beach
• Choroní

If you travel with the Passporter App, or on its website, you can organize your travel itinerary very easily and quickly, and geolocate the monuments and tourist attractions that most interest you. Here is an example to inspire you.

Do you want us to help you organize your trip to Caracas?

Are you one of those who prefer to travel on your own? In that case you have at your disposal our free app where you can discover different travel itineraries that will help you organize your visit. And if on the other hand you understand that vacations are for resting and you don’t want to have to worry about anything, we also have the solution.

At Passporter we also help you with reservations and all the travel arrangements so you only have to worry about packing your suitcase and not forgetting your camera. As you have seen throughout the post, Caracas is one of our favorite destinations, so we have designed a trip that will exceed all your expectations and allow you to enjoy the incredible landscapes and exciting activities without having to organize anything. We take care of everything!

Book your trip to Caracas with Passporter Here

We leave you a summary of the trip we organized to Venezuela written by one of our travelers @guille_what:

Venezuela, the country to discover in Latin America

What and where to eat in Caracas

Venezuelan cuisine is a delicious and diverse mix of flavors. In Caracas you will find everything from traditional Venezuelan dishes such as the arepa, the pabellón criollo and the hallaca, to the international influence reflected in Italian, Asian and Mediterranean restaurants. The cuisine of the capital is extensive and delicious. In addition, markets and street stalls offer a variety of fresh and exotic foods, such as tropical fruits and natural juices.

These are our favorite restaurants in the city:

• La Boite Restaurant: this elegant restaurant located in El Avila offers an international culinary experience highlighted by its exceptional food, good service and pleasant atmosphere. This restaurant is known for its fusion of Asian and Italian cuisine, and its unparalleled views. If you want to live a luxury gastronomic experience you can’t miss it.
• Maute Grill: For many the best grilled meats restaurant in Caracas. The best selection of meat cuts prepared with taste and mastery. You can also try traditional Venezuelan and Latin dishes, such as arepas and patacones. Price range: 23€-93€.
• Alto: A gourmet restaurant that takes traditional Venezuelan dishes and turns them into fusion and contemporary cuisine. An authentic gastronomic experience in Caracas. Price range: 23-93€

Where to stay in Caracas?

In Caracas you will find numerous lodging options for all tastes and budgets. However, the city is huge and we understand that you may have doubts when choosing where to stay. That is why we have prepared this list with the most recommended neighborhoods:

• Las Mercedes: this is one of the most exclusive neighborhoods of the city, famous for its wide gastronomic offer, bars, and luxury stores. Las Mercedes is ideal for those looking for entertainment and a comfortable and safe stay.
• Chacao: although it is mainly a commercial and business area, Chacao offers diverse lodging options. It is an area with good security and excellent connectivity with other parts of the city.
• La Castellana: is one of the quietest neighborhoods, ideal for those seeking a more relaxed atmosphere. It has good hotels, restaurants and it is close to important business centers.
• El Rosal: a primarily business area that also offers good lodging options for business travelers. It has several international chain hotels and easy access to services.

Our recommendation is that you look for accommodation in advance in order to compare and choose the best option.

Here are some of our favorite accommodations in the city:

• Hotel Humbolt: This fabulous hotel located at the top of the Waraira National Park (El Avila) is a modern and luxurious space where you can stay with all the comforts. The exclusive lodging offers its guests an incredible swimming pool with views, gym, discotheque, casino, restaurant and bar. It also has common areas where you can relax and offers numerous guided tours to explore the area. The rooms are perfectly equipped and the service is attentive and attentive to every detail. You can check prices through a whassap chat they have enabled on the website.
• Waldorf Hotel: A fabulous 5-star hotel just 1km from the city center offering outdoor pool, fitness center, garden and terrace. Very good breakfast buffet, a la carte or continental, included. Prices per night depend on season: 130-200€
• Pestana Caracas: Another wonderful 5-star hotel, very close to Parque del Este, modern style, with spacious and comfortable rooms, swimming pool and restaurant. Average price per night: 131€
• Hotel Chacao Suites: Hotel Chacao is a 4-star hotel, very central and also close to Parque del Este. It also has a restaurant, gym and events room. Average price per night: 100€

Things to do around Caracas

1. Colonia Tovar, a german village near Caracas

Colonia Tovar is a charming village located about an hour away from Caracas, in the mountains of Venezuela. Founded by German immigrants in the 19th century, it maintains an architecture and ambience reminiscent of a typical Germanic village.

Its cobblestone streets, Bavarian-style houses and colorful gardens create a picturesque and cozy atmosphere unique to the area. Here you can enjoy pleasant strolls along the streets, explore craft stores and taste the delicious typical German cuisine in the restaurants. In addition, the surrounding area offers outdoor activities such as hiking and visits to farms where they grow traditional products. Colonia Tovar is a perfect destination to visit if you have an extra day or afternoon in Caracas and want to experience the unique atmosphere of the city.

2. Playa Grande and other beaches in Caracas

After a 40-minute drive you can reach the coast in the district of La Guaira, where you will find some of the most impressive beaches in the area. The most outstanding is Playa Grande, a long stretch of golden sand bathed by crystal clear waters where you can sunbathe or take a dip. In the area there are also numerous services such as restaurants, umbrella rental and water activities.

Another popular beaches is El Yaque beach, popular for its ideal conditions for windsurfing and kitesurfing, and Playa Corrales, a paradise for those seeking tranquility and natural beauty. And if you have time, we also recommend visiting Avila, Caribe, Los Angeles and Choroní beaches.

What should I know before a trip to Caracas?

• The currency of Venezuela is the Venezuelan bolivar
• Be protected in case of medical emergencies: travel insured. Choose a good travel insurance such as the one from Mondo.
• We recommend exchanging the money before your trip to Caracas, as it will be cheaper than at the airport.
• The best months to see Venezuela are from December to April, in the dry season.
• Always drink bottled water.
• Use sunscreen, especially in the summer months, as well as light clothing that covers you from the sun and stay hydrated.
• Get yourself an eSIM card to have internet connection on your trip to Caracas.
• Use the Passporter App to organize your travel itinerary, get inspired by other travelers’ experiences, manage your bookings and save all relevant documents.

How to organize a trip to Caracas

Register or download the Passporter App and discover all its possibilities.

• Get inspired by the experiences of other travelers.
• Create your own itinerary and add the suggestions from the app to it.
• Add the stops you are most interested in, as well as the restaurants and bars where you want to eat (you can use the points of interest we listed in this post as a reference).
• Organize your itinerary by route days according to their location on the map (you can be inspired by the routes presented in the post)
• Make any modifications you need and you’ll be all set for your trip.
• Share your experience. Upload photos of the places you visited on your trip to the app and recommend to other travelers the things to do in Caracas.

If you have questions on how to do it, you can refer to our post: How to create a travel itinerary in Passporter.

Frequently asked questions before a trip to Caracas