Caracas – Top Sites to Visit

Caracas may not see as many foreign tourists as other cities in South America, however, the city does boast amazing attractions that visitors of all ages will be able to enjoy. The city is a hub of both culture and commerce. Unique restaurants, exciting nightlife, and plenty of art museums and exhibits are available throughout the city. Caracas also boasts many unique landmarks and religious structures, including various churches dating back to the 16th century. Surrounded by mountains and forests, adventure travelers may also consider various excursions into the surrounding rainforests that include mountain springs, natural waterfalls, and beautiful trekking opportunities.

 

 

Plaza Bolívar

Also referred to as the Bolívar Square, this plaza is the most important and recognizable public square in all of Venezuela. It is the site of the founding of Caracas in 1567 and is considered the historic center of the city. Visitors to the plaza will see it is surrounded by several important buildings and landmarks, including the Caracas Cathedral, Sacred Museum, City Hall, and the Main Theater. Just adjacent to the plaza is the Federal Legislative Palace. The center piece of the square is a statue of Simón Bolívar, the political leader who led the liberation of Venezuela and other Latin American countries in their fight for independence from Spain.

Address: Edificio Casa del Profesor, Av. Las Acacias, Caracas 1041, Distrito Capital
Phone: +58 426-5008580
Operating Hours: N/A
Admission Cost: N/A
Website

 

 

Boulevard of Sabana Grande

A shopping district located in the Metropolitan District of Caracas, the area is one of the city’s main tourist centers as well as the commercial and financial center. Previously named Royal Street, it covers a 1.5 kilometer stretch of road that is closed off to pedestrians only. In addition to many retail outlets, the area contains many buildings and landmarks of both cultural and historical value, as well as many works of art by Venezuelan artists. Renovated by the government in 2007, the boulevard is popular amongst locals for shopping, business meetings, and enjoying the open-air space it offers.

Address: Bulevar de Sabana Grande, Caracas 1050
Phone: +58 212 7614764
Operating Hours: N/A
Admission Cost: N/A
Website (unofficial)

 

 

La Casa Natal de Simón Bolívar (Birthplace of Simón Bolívar)

This 17th century house is the site of the birthplace of famed political and military leader Simón Bolívar. One of the top tourist attractions in Caracas, the house is one of few from Venezuela’s colonial era that still stands today. Located next door is the Bolivarian museum which includes various artifacts related to Simón Bolívar as well as weapons and furniture. The house, constructed in Spanish colonial style, offers visitors tours of the entry courtyard, main room, and bedroom. The house is adorned with various works of art that depict some of the country’s most well-known battles, as well as a library and personal records.

Address: San Jacinto a Traposos, Parroquia Catedral de Caracas
Phone: N/A
Operating Hours:
– Monday  9:00am – 4:00pm
– Tuesday 9:00am – 4:00pm
– Wednesday 9:00am – 4:00pm
– Thursday 9:00am – 4:00pm
– Friday 9:00am – 4:00pm
– Saturday 10:00am – 4:00pm
– Sunday 10:00am – 4:00pm
Admission Cost:
– FREE
Website

 

 

Parque del Este

Formally named Generalissimo Francisco de Miranda Park, the Parque del Este (or East Park) is a recreational area located in the Sucre Municipality of Caracas. Having opened in 1961, it covers an area of 82 hectares and is considered the city’s most important park and outdoor space. Divided into three distinct sections, the park offers an open grass field, dense forest, and paved gardens. The garden areas are complete with various tiled murals and water features. The park also features a zoo with a wide range of animals as well as birds and reptiles. The Humboldt Planetarium, opened in 1959, is also located on-site and offers exhibits and educational programs in astronomy.

Address: Avenida Francisco de Miranda, Caracas 1071, Miranda
Phone: +58 212-2732867
Operating Hours:
– Monday  5:00am – 9:00pm
– Tuesday 5:00am – 7:30pm
– Wednesday 5:00am – 5:00pm
– Thursday 5:00am – 7:30pm
– Friday 5:00am – 5:00pm
– Saturday 6:00am – 5:00pm
– Sunday 6:00am – 5:00pm
Admission Cost:
– FREE
Website (unofficial)

 

 

Complejo Cultural Teresa Carreño (Teresa Carreño Cultural Complex)

Also referred to as the Teresa Carreño Theater, the venue is home to Venezuela’s concerts and symphonic events. The second-largest in all of South America, the theater is considered the most important in Venezuela. Built across 22,000 square meters, is it located in the city’s cultural district and includes two distinct concert halls. Residents of the theater include the Teresa Carreño Opera Choir, Teresa Carreño Ballet, and the National Philharmonic Orchestra of Venezuela. Opened in 1983, the theater is extensively decorated with fine art. Considered a masterpiece of architecture by Venezuela, it holds space for nearly 3,000 attendees in total across its two halls.

Address: Final Avenida Paseo Colón, Sector El Conde, Caracas, 1050
Phone: 1212 574-9333
Operating Hours:
– Monday closed
– Tuesday 9:00am – 5:00pm
– Wednesday 9:00am – 5:00pm
– Thursday 9:00am – 5:00pm
– Friday 9:00am – 5:00pm
– Saturday 9:00am – 5:00pm
– Sunday closed
Admission Cost:
– FREE
Website (unofficial)

 

 

Ávila National Park

Officially known as Waraira Repano National Park, this large area covers more than 81,900 hectares of outdoor space, much of it mountainous. The highest elevation in the park is located at Pico Naiguatá at 2,765 meters. Known as the “lungs of the city”, it is a popular location for outdoor activities including running, rocking climbing, camping, zip-lining, and more. The park is home to the longest cable car ride in the world and offers many tourist facilities within its borders including a hotel and restaurants. Visitors will find that the park offers a wide variety of trails for hiking, including those rated from beginner to advanced. Some of the more famous trails include Los Venados, Los Pinos, and Pico Oriental.

Address: Subida Sabas Nieves, Caracas, Miranda
Phone: N/A
Operating Hours: N/A
Admission Cost:
– FREE
Website (unofficial)