Location: Caracas
Top Things to do in Caracas
Top Restaurants in Caracas
Top 10 Things to do in Caracas, Venezuela
Santiago de Leon de Caracas, Venezuela's capital, sits in Cerro Avila Valley, where mountain ranges soar 8000 feet from the Caribbean. Once inhabited by Toromaimo Indians, the city was founded by the Spanish in 1567. Chacao is the see-and-be-seen place to eat, drink and socialize, but restaurant destination Las Mercedes is one of the few places safe to walk around. Iglesia de San Francisco is a beautiful example of colonial architecture. Mountainous Parque Nacional El Avila teems with tempting trails.
Restaurants in Caracas
1. Centro de Arte Los Galpones
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 336 reviews
Reviewed By vicentequintero - Caracas, Venezuela
Excellent location, but the place is really boring. I have been to all the museums of Caracas and this is not really worth your visit. The Afroamerican Museum in San Bernardino (private) is way better than this.
The art galleries are boring. People are nice and well-mannered. The library is cool. Everything else here is better than the art galleries.
Good place to have a coffee and sit with your friends, but there are better museums to get in touch with the local culture. MAC is still better than this - even it is not what is used to be -.
2. Casa Natal & Museo Bolivar
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 430 reviews
His birthplace and an adjacent museum honor Simon Bolivar, “El Liberator”, who achieved independence from Spain for Venezuela and other South American countries.
Reviewed By Flagelum-Dei - Caracas, Venezuela
This place is the original birth place of Simn Bolivar, but it was for many years used for many different things. some history lovers, rebuilt it and re-furnished it to give them a real 1800ish look and feel. The Guides are very kind and know many gossips form the time.
Nice visit, nice place. The Caracas Downtown is kind and nice recovered for the visitors. Well you may have some care and not get alone... use a local to guide your trip...thiis is true to many latinamerican places...
3. Expanzoo Expansion Centro Educativo Recreacional
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 223 reviews
Reviewed By Silverhamma
Yes you might be thinking- aren't zoos a but passé. Are these places good for the animals.
Well this small independent zoo is different and is well worth the visit. Go see it and support it and you'll understand why this is such a fantastic spot.
4. Ciudad Universitaria de Caracas
Overall Ratings
4 based on 630 reviews
A masterpiece of the Modern Movement in architecture, created by the Venezuelan architect Carlos Raul Villanueva.
5. Panteon Nacional
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 170 reviews
The remains of celebrated Venezuelans, including Simon Bolivar, are housed inside this building, whose walls and ceilings display the most famous Venezuelan independence battle scenes.
Reviewed By rhettbudapest - Budapest
Unreal. Surreal. The only IMAX-type theater in the world for a dead person. Truly mind blowing. I had wondered what the big ugly building crowding the Panteon from behind was, and then I entered...and was lucky enough even to see the changing of the guard. But first: the original Panteon Nacional is a stunning and solemn place. The murals and stonework are fantastic. The ugly addition, inaugurated two years ago (if I am not mistaken) by Chavez himself, is such an incredible disgrace to the mortal remains of a person many consider to be a true hero that it must be seen. There's no question that Bolivar rightly plays in the minds of the people in many countries, but one must visit the Panteon Nacional to see how the current administration in Venezuela plays the mortal remains of a hero for many. The guards' uniforms don't fit, the protocol is laughable, the lighting done without any taste or aesthetic. Yet there in that space rest the remains (supposedly) of Bolivar. Go for a visit and take in the show. And with all due respect to Bolivar and his legacy, continue on to the Museo Nacional in Bogota for a very well curated exploration of the man and the Mission...and the controversy untold in Venezuela. Enjoy!
6. Museo de Bellas Artes
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 192 reviews
One building houses two institutions: the National Art Gallery, with a large collection of Venezuelan art, and a museum, with art from around the world. The top floor Terrace offers beautiful views of the city.
Reviewed By KCH007 - Sydney, Australia
Apart from the free museums (closed Mondays), the surrounding area is lovely and tranquil. It's nice to just relax on a stone bench, enjoying an ice cream, or contemplate away from the busy avenues. It's an easy, few blocks' walk from Bellas Artes metro station.
7. Teleferico
Overall Ratings
4 based on 1 reviews
Reviewed By Manuel G
Cool place if you are looking for amazing views of the city of Caracas and La Guaira port and coastline. The cabins were completely modified as well as the entire facilities back in the early 2000's and are in great conditions. The cost is very cheap and for family or couple trip. I will recommend to walk couple miles to Galipan which is a small town in the mountain and if you are interested in hiking go to El Picacho which is a small peak near Galipan with amazing views and vibes!!!
Pros: Nature and food are great and there is the possibility to stay overnight at Galipan in their many Posadas (BB's) but always is recommended to book first in high seasons.
Cons: Maintenance at main teleférico station is not the best and due to the cheap fares is crowded on weekends.
8. Paseo de Los Proceres
Overall Ratings
4 based on 492 reviews
Popular with roller bladers, bikers, joggers and people watchers, this complex of monuments to Venezuela’s national heroes includes a lengthy avenue lined with lush trees, Gardens and artwork integrated into the landscape.
Reviewed By JUAN CARLOS F - Caracas, Venezuela
This path walk is simply fascinating. This historic place for Venezuelans is really in very good shape.
It is secured by national guard.
The monument of battles is really fantastic has great significance for the national history and it has a lake with amazing views.
Really recommended for outdoor activities in Caracas if you travel for vacation.
Totally recommended.
9. Museo de Arte Contemporaneo
Overall Ratings
4 based on 196 reviews
Housing one of the finest collections of modern art in South America, this world-class museum has high quality works by Picasso, Matisse, Joan Miro and other modern masters.
10. Mercado Municipal de Chacao
Overall Ratings
4 based on 234 reviews
Reviewed By LuisEnriqueReinoso - Bejar, Spain
"Mercado Municipal de Chacao" is located in one of the privileged areas of Caracas in terms of security and ease of access. It is the place to go for getting fresh fish, poultry and pork, all of this choices conveniently located in the first floor (Above the parking area). The Market in itself is a portrait of the current socio-economical/political situation. I say that because this modern and handycap ready fresh market, was supposed to have a spacious parking lot next to it, but because the Major of the area was and has always been oposed to the dictatorial goverment, as a punishement, the government paid some imvaders to take hold of the parking lot with the help of some national guards. This forced the market to use the suppliers parking area in the basement as the parking lot for customers driving to this market. But fear not!, the proactive people from Chacao has deviced a system that allows you to drive to the basement and with minimum wait and some helpful valet parking logistics, to leave your car that will be safeguarded and moved around inside the basement to allow the natural flow of vehicles.
The basement parking staff and Valet parkers are "Tres Sympatique"
About the food choices hare is a word of advice. If you are shopping for meats, fish and Poultry, this is an excellent choice, but you have to do your homework, buy preferably for the day or the week, as you can return any time for fresh product. Buy fish from Thusdays to saturdays try to know the name of your food attendant and always leave a good tip 20cUS$ or 200 Bolivares is a good startpoint to get your attendant to remember you and provide a better service next time you stop by. Be discreet and smile while tipping and saying "Gracias por su atencion".
When buying fresh produce take your time to look around and see not only the quality of the product, but also the amount of customers buying from a particular vendor. Prices may not be the cheapest as compared to Supermarkets, since both Market Vendors and Supermarkets all buy from the same source.
If you are lucky enough to find organically grown produce, dont hesitate to give it a try.
Finally, do not miss the second floor with its choice of imported goods and locally produced artisan quality preserves.
Bon Apetit!
TAGS
