Book flights to Caracas (CCS)

Book your visit to Caracas

Situated in a valley surrounded by mountains, Caracas is Venezuela’s sprawling capital and one of the liveliest cities in South America. Famous for its food, markets, and the sheer diversity of its makeup, it makes for an excellent city break destination year-round – thanks to its warm tropical savanna climate.

Caracas is a friendly city, and despite its size, relatively simple to navigate. Taxis are plentiful, making getting around quick and easy. While most tourists bypass this metropolis to explore the country’s natural wonders, Caracas has plenty to keep travellers entertained with attractions, entertainment, incredible shopping and gourmet food.

From the sparkling lights of las Mercedes at night to bustling markets, Caracas is a gem waiting to be discovered by adventurous urban explorers.

Things to do in Caracas

Escape the hustle and bustle by heading for Plaza Bolivar, the cultural hub of Old Caracas. This tree-lined square is a great place for a spot of people-watching. Then, visit some of the city’s museums clustered around the Plaza de los Museos, and in particular the magnificent art on display at the Museo de Bellas Artes de Caracas.

Take a day trip to nearby El Ávila National Park and ride on the cable car to the top of Avila mountain. The views of Caracas are spectacular, and there are family-friendly attractions at the top, including rides and restaurants.

Learn one of South America’s most famous dances, the salsa. Even if you’ve never tried it before, the infectious beat will soon get you moving.

Activities in Caracas

Discover a village within a city with a trip to El Hatillo. This colonial village may be surrounded by the modern city, but has maintained its original charm and is one of the best places in the city to buy authentic artisan handicrafts.

Pack a picnic and head to the Parque de Recreacion Los Chorros, a nine-acre landscaped park where you can swim in a natural waterfall or spot sloths and wild birds in the trees.

Discover new creative talents at the artist’s colony of Centro de Arte Los Galpones, a few miles to the east of the city. It’s also a great chance to sample the local cuisine or catch an outdoor concert.

Explore the country’s colonial past with a visit to the Yellow House or Casa Amarilla, a National Monument that charts the country’s turbulent history.

Food in Caracas

Inspired by African, European and native influences, food in Caracas is delicious, filling, and full of variety. With most meals, you’ll be served either rice, plantain, beans or yams, as well as plenty of vegetables.

Dishes to try include Pabellón Criollo (Venezuela’s national dish) – a hearty meal of black beans, white rice, succulent pulled beef, and fried plantain. Pasticho is a fusion of Italian influences and is the country’s version of lasagna, but with different herbs and a creamier bechamel sauce.

Street food is dominated by arepas – breads made of maize and stuffed with meat, vegetables and cheese. If you want to try something unusual and quintessentially Venezuelan, grab a mandoca doughnut, a uniquely sweet and salty pastry made with plantain and cheese.

Shopping in Caracas

Hunt for quality souvenirs at the Centro Artesanal Los Guajiros, a handicraft market west of Plaza Chacao. For fine examples of Venezuelan jewellery, the best area to explore is near Plaza Bolivar.

The ultimate Caracas market experience is El Hatillo, where you can buy everything from devil masks and stuffed piranhas to traditional ceramics and leatherwork.

If you prefer the air-conditioned comfort of shopping malls, Caracas is home to one of South America’s largest shopping malls – with plenty of entertainment, excellent dining and hundreds of stores for avid shoppers. Caracas also boasts plenty of boutique shopping experiences at some of its smaller malls.

For the most extensive selection of national and international brands, head to the Tolon Fashion Mall.