Introduction
What to do
Where to eat
When to visit
How to get there
Where to stay
Hiring a car
Local costs

Caracas travel guide

Caracas Tourism | Caracas Guide

You're Going to Love Caracas

Caracas is the capital city of Venezuela, set in a beautiful valley overlooked by Avila Mountain. This is a city of great contrasts, excellent food, and edgy nightlife. There are some good museums, fine architecture, and one of the best galleries in South America at the Museo de Arte Colonial.

Article

Top 5 Reasons to Visit Caracas

1. Its Natural Beauty!

Caracas has one of the most amazing settings of any capital city. Take the cable car up Avila Mountain to see the city to the south and the Caribbean Sea to the north.

2. The Food

Caracas' position on the coast and its varied European heritage results in an exciting mixture of Caribbean, European, and indigenous dishes.

3. The Parks

Walk in the Parque del Este and find the zoo, planetarium, and ponds with delightful turtles. Nature lovers will also enjoy the collection of tropical plants at the Jardín Botánico.

4. The Nightlife

Dance in the tasca bars around Sabana Grande or go for more upmarket cocktails in Chacao. Las Mercedes is the place to go for nightclubs.

5. The History

See the birthplace of Simón Bolivar at La Casa Natal de Simon Bolivar and explore Venezuelan history at the Panteón Nacional.

1. Its Natural Beauty!

Caracas has one of the most amazing settings of any capital city. Take the cable car up Avila Mountain to see the city to the south and the Caribbean Sea to the north.

2. The Food

Caracas' position on the coast and its varied European heritage results in an exciting mixture of Caribbean, European, and indigenous dishes.

3. The Parks

Walk in the Parque del Este and find the zoo, planetarium, and ponds with delightful turtles. Nature lovers will also enjoy the collection of tropical plants at the Jardín Botánico.

4. The Nightlife

Dance in the tasca bars around Sabana Grande or go for more upmarket cocktails in Chacao. Las Mercedes is the place to go for nightclubs.

5. The History

See the birthplace of Simón Bolivar at La Casa Natal de Simon Bolivar and explore Venezuelan history at the Panteón Nacional.

What to do in Caracas

1. Modern Masters On Display

Established in 1973, the Museo de Arte Contemporáneo de Caracas displays an international collection of paintings, sculptures, drawings, photographs and films from modern masters. With a permanent collection of over 3,000 works, the museum, directed by founder Sofia Imber, features artworks by Picasso, Miro, Leger, Chagall and Botero, among others. The museum has also featured temporary exhibitions spotlighting such renowned artists as Francis Bacon, Miguel Von Dangel, Alberto Magnelli, Marisol, Larry Rivers and Pedro León Zapata.

2. Center Of Venezuelan Culture

A private institution, the Fundación Bigott aims to preserve the values of traditional Venezuelan culture. Founded in 1981, the foundation offers programs designed for the educational enhancement of popular culture. The center features craftsmen and musicians, as well as programs on gastronomy, history, literature, music and popular art, among other subjects.

3. From Assisi To Bolívar

The Iglesia de San Francisco, a church in Caracas dedicated to Saint Francis of Assisi, was designed by Antonio Ruiz Ullán and constructed in 1593 as an annex of the Convent of San Francisco. The church is renowned for being the site where Simón Bolívar received the title El Libertador. His funeral was held at the church in 1842. The church features baroque altarpieces placed along both sidewalls, as well as a statue of San Onofre.

4. Homage To A Hero

Situated on the site of the National Pantheon of Venezuela, which was built in the 1870s on the former location of a ruined church, the Simón Bolívar Mausoleum features his bronze sarcophagus, as well as 1930s paintings that depict the life of the late 18th/early 19th century military and political leader. The mausoleum also showcases a crystal chandelier that was installed in 1883 on the centennial of his birth. The mausoleum was reopened in 2013 after an extensive restoration.

5. Hidden Church Treasures

Originally built in 1641, the Caracas Cathedral in the Plaza Bolívar houses a number of crypt chambers, including those of Simón Bolívar and his parents and wife. The cathedral features a Romanesque plan, which consists of five naves, as well as a main altar and altarpiece within the presbytery. The cathedral's organ, built in 1711 by Claudio Febres, a French immigrant, is one of the church's highlights. Among the artworks found in this holy place are The Resurrection by Rubens, the Presentation of the Virgin by Murillo, and the Last Supper by Arturo Michelena.

1. Modern Masters On Display

Established in 1973, the Museo de Arte Contemporáneo de Caracas displays an international collection of paintings, sculptures, drawings, photographs and films from modern masters. With a permanent collection of over 3,000 works, the museum, directed by founder Sofia Imber, features artworks by Picasso, Miro, Leger, Chagall and Botero, among others. The museum has also featured temporary exhibitions spotlighting such renowned artists as Francis Bacon, Miguel Von Dangel, Alberto Magnelli, Marisol, Larry Rivers and Pedro León Zapata.

2. Center Of Venezuelan Culture

A private institution, the Fundación Bigott aims to preserve the values of traditional Venezuelan culture. Founded in 1981, the foundation offers programs designed for the educational enhancement of popular culture. The center features craftsmen and musicians, as well as programs on gastronomy, history, literature, music and popular art, among other subjects.

3. From Assisi To Bolívar

The Iglesia de San Francisco, a church in Caracas dedicated to Saint Francis of Assisi, was designed by Antonio Ruiz Ullán and constructed in 1593 as an annex of the Convent of San Francisco. The church is renowned for being the site where Simón Bolívar received the title El Libertador. His funeral was held at the church in 1842. The church features baroque altarpieces placed along both sidewalls, as well as a statue of San Onofre.

4. Homage To A Hero

Situated on the site of the National Pantheon of Venezuela, which was built in the 1870s on the former location of a ruined church, the Simón Bolívar Mausoleum features his bronze sarcophagus, as well as 1930s paintings that depict the life of the late 18th/early 19th century military and political leader. The mausoleum also showcases a crystal chandelier that was installed in 1883 on the centennial of his birth. The mausoleum was reopened in 2013 after an extensive restoration.

5. Hidden Church Treasures

Originally built in 1641, the Caracas Cathedral in the Plaza Bolívar houses a number of crypt chambers, including those of Simón Bolívar and his parents and wife. The cathedral features a Romanesque plan, which consists of five naves, as well as a main altar and altarpiece within the presbytery. The cathedral's organ, built in 1711 by Claudio Febres, a French immigrant, is one of the church's highlights. Among the artworks found in this holy place are The Resurrection by Rubens, the Presentation of the Virgin by Murillo, and the Last Supper by Arturo Michelena.

1. Modern Masters On Display

Established in 1973, the Museo de Arte Contemporáneo de Caracas displays an international collection of paintings, sculptures, drawings, photographs and films from modern masters. With a permanent collection of over 3,000 works, the museum, directed by founder Sofia Imber, features artworks by Picasso, Miro, Leger, Chagall and Botero, among others. The museum has also featured temporary exhibitions spotlighting such renowned artists as Francis Bacon, Miguel Von Dangel, Alberto Magnelli, Marisol, Larry Rivers and Pedro León Zapata.

2. Center Of Venezuelan Culture

A private institution, the Fundación Bigott aims to preserve the values of traditional Venezuelan culture. Founded in 1981, the foundation offers programs designed for the educational enhancement of popular culture. The center features craftsmen and musicians, as well as programs on gastronomy, history, literature, music and popular art, among other subjects.

3. From Assisi To Bolívar

The Iglesia de San Francisco, a church in Caracas dedicated to Saint Francis of Assisi, was designed by Antonio Ruiz Ullán and constructed in 1593 as an annex of the Convent of San Francisco. The church is renowned for being the site where Simón Bolívar received the title El Libertador. His funeral was held at the church in 1842. The church features baroque altarpieces placed along both sidewalls, as well as a statue of San Onofre.

4. Homage To A Hero

Situated on the site of the National Pantheon of Venezuela, which was built in the 1870s on the former location of a ruined church, the Simón Bolívar Mausoleum features his bronze sarcophagus, as well as 1930s paintings that depict the life of the late 18th/early 19th century military and political leader. The mausoleum also showcases a crystal chandelier that was installed in 1883 on the centennial of his birth. The mausoleum was reopened in 2013 after an extensive restoration.

5. Hidden Church Treasures

Originally built in 1641, the Caracas Cathedral in the Plaza Bolívar houses a number of crypt chambers, including those of Simón Bolívar and his parents and wife. The cathedral features a Romanesque plan, which consists of five naves, as well as a main altar and altarpiece within the presbytery. The cathedral's organ, built in 1711 by Claudio Febres, a French immigrant, is one of the church's highlights. Among the artworks found in this holy place are The Resurrection by Rubens, the Presentation of the Virgin by Murillo, and the Last Supper by Arturo Michelena.

Where to Eat in Caracas

Aranjuez is a good steakhouse on Calle Madrid and El Granjero del Este on Avenida Río de Janeiro does excellent local cuisine. A meal for two at either will cost around Bs500.

When to visit Caracas

Caracas in April
Estimated hotel price
S$ 125
1 night at 3-star hotel
Caracas in April
Estimated hotel price
S$ 125
1 night at 3-star hotel

Caracas has a tropical climate, with little variation in temperature throughout the year. Because it is approximately 2,700 feet above sea level, it is surprisingly mild, with temperatures rarely topping 82 degrees Fahrenheit.

Data provided by weatherbase
Temperatures
Temperatures
Data provided by weatherbase

How to Get to Caracas

Plane

The city's airport is Simón Bolivar International Airport, some 15 miles from the city center. A taxi into town will cost around Bs2,800. The bus into the city takes around 30 minutes and costs just Bs50.

Car

Caracas has the cheapest gas in the world (around USD$0.12 per gallon), so the roads can get very busy. There are good highways to Venezuela's other major cities, including Maracay and Valencia to the west, and Puerto la Cruz and Barcelona to the east.

Bus

The main bus stations are La Bandera, which connects the city with destinations to the west, and Terminal del Oriente, which serves destinations in eastern Venezuela.

Plane

The city's airport is Simón Bolivar International Airport, some 15 miles from the city center. A taxi into town will cost around Bs2,800. The bus into the city takes around 30 minutes and costs just Bs50.

Car

Caracas has the cheapest gas in the world (around USD$0.12 per gallon), so the roads can get very busy. There are good highways to Venezuela's other major cities, including Maracay and Valencia to the west, and Puerto la Cruz and Barcelona to the east.

Bus

The main bus stations are La Bandera, which connects the city with destinations to the west, and Terminal del Oriente, which serves destinations in eastern Venezuela.

Airports near Caracas

CCSCaracas Simon Bolivar
VLNValencia
PBLPuerto Cabello

Airlines serving Caracas

British Airways
Good (7,151 reviews)
Turkish Airlines
Good (3,906 reviews)
Iberia
Good (2,842 reviews)
Qatar Airways
Good (3,604 reviews)
TAP AIR PORTUGAL
Good (1,922 reviews)
Avianca
Good (2,381 reviews)
Air Europa
Good (540 reviews)
Air Serbia
Good (196 reviews)
Copa Airlines
Good (1,485 reviews)
GOL
Good (1,088 reviews)
Wingo
Good (134 reviews)
Caribbean Airlines
Excellent (166 reviews)
BoA
Good (136 reviews)
Plus Ultra
Good (16 reviews)
LASER Airlines
Excellent (3 reviews)
SATENA
Excellent (10 reviews)
Aerolíneas Estelar Latinoamérica
Show more

Where to stay in Caracas

El Hatillo - is a beautiful colonial neighborhood with lots of good restaurants, shops, and bars.

Popular Neighborhoods in Caracas

Chacao - sitting at the foot of Mount Avila, it has lots of outdoor bars and restaurants and many of the city's coolest clubs.

Libertador - is the oldest and most historic part of the city, containing most of the government buildings and tourist sites, as well as the Universidad Central de Venezuela.

Chacao - sitting at the foot of Mount Avila, it has lots of outdoor bars and restaurants and many of the city's coolest clubs.
Libertador - is the oldest and most historic part of the city, containing most of the government buildings and tourist sites, as well as the Universidad Central de Venezuela.

Where to stay in popular areas of Caracas

How to Get Around Caracas

Public Transportation

The Caracas Metro is extensive and cheap, with single journeys from Bs4.

Taxi

Taxis are plentiful but fares vary wildly and you should expect to negotiate. A typical city journey may cost around Bs30.

Car

The streets are crowded, so driving can be a little hectic. Budget and Hertz outlets are in town, and car rental is available from around Bs200 per day.

Public Transportation

The Caracas Metro is extensive and cheap, with single journeys from Bs4.

Taxi

Taxis are plentiful but fares vary wildly and you should expect to negotiate. A typical city journey may cost around Bs30.

Car

The streets are crowded, so driving can be a little hectic. Budget and Hertz outlets are in town, and car rental is available from around Bs200 per day.

The Cost of Living in Caracas

Shopping Streets

Centro Comercial Sambil is one of the largest malls in South America, and Altamira is the place to go to for upscale fashion stores.

Groceries and Other

A quart of milk will cost Bs10 as does a loaf of bread.

Cheap meal
S$ 6.43
A pair of jeans
S$ 78.66
Single public transport ticket
S$ 0.22
Cappuccino
S$ 1.11

Caracas Travel Guide - View the KAYAK Caracas city guide for the best Caracas travel tips. To help you organise your Caracas trip ideas, this Caracas visitors guide provides travel information and trip tips about how to get there, where to stay, what to do, where to eat and more.