It’s still rather cold in the northern hemisphere, so why not choose to relax and unwind a bit in an ever sunny and warm vacation destination. Our recommendation for today is Caracas, the capital and largest city of Venezuela.
While you may have heard some preoccupying stories about Venezuela, it’s capital is nothing short of a safe haven for tourists coming to visit and looking for a good time. The city is bustling with life, boasting numerous fine restaurants, theaters, museum and shopping centers. In short, Caracas in a warm and inviting city, stay with us, read on and find out why.
Many seasoned travel enthusiasts traveling through Caracas have left with a very good impression of the city, a cultural landmark in South America. Above all, it’s a safe city, welcoming tourists day or night, despite what you might have heard.
Things to do and see in Caracas
The are a wide range of scenery, attractions and sightseeing well worth checking out in Caracas. Here are just a few of my suggestions, though far from an exhausting list. I’ve only stayed in the city for a few nights, and trust me – it’s big!
Like I said earlier, Caracas is home to a beautiful scenery. Located in a fairly elevated ground, some 900 m above sea level, Caracas follows the contours of the narrow Caracas Valley on the Venezuelan coastal mountain range (Cordillera de la Costa). You can walk from Altamira to a popular hiking trail up Avila. Only about 30 minutes up will get you to a worthy vantage point. If you’re a seasoned hiker and you’re not afraid to venture a bit farther, in just 5 hours you can reach the top where a simply awesome sight awaits. Don’t worry once there, you can hitch a ride on a cable car to take you back down.
If you’re American, you might feel at home in Caracas, at least in one respect – sports! The national sport of Venezuela is baseball, and there 5 national teams and the Leones is the home squad in Caracas. Tickets to events are inexpensive, and you’ll be sure to find a lot of good vibes and tasty hotdogs.
Caracas amazes visitors with its world class museums on a variety of topics. The Museo de Arte Colonial in Caraca is one of the most famous museums in the world catering to colonial art, as well as 18th and 19th century art. Museo Bolivariano is a lot smaller than the Museo de Arte Colonial, but what it lacks in numbers it more than makes up for in quality. Yet another museum exhibiting colonial Caracas, the Museo Bolivariano shines with its unique exhibits of items, art time of Simon Bolivar – the liberating hero of South America from the Spanish Empire.
Now, let’s lay a few words about food in Caracas – boy are you going to be in for a treat! Caracas is home to numerous traditional and Venezuelan specific cuisines. Be sure to check out arepa – a dish made of ground corn dough or cooked flour. Reina Pepiada, a dish of chicken with mayonnaise and avocado is yet another must have food to try while in Caracas. Fast food is great too, and quite healthy as well – not the typical junk you see typically in the States or other western fast food joints. Pollo en Brasas is a favorite Venezuelan fast food dish, and there are numerous restaurants dedicated to this dish exclusively. Concerning drinks, while you’re waiting for food, it’s common for Venezuelans to sip on a on an ice cold drink called Polar.
We’ve talked about culture, museums, sights, food, now let’s talk a bit about nightlife. Again, on this department Caracas shines brightly. As a popular tourist attraction and as a university center, home to hundreds of thousands of students, Caracas boasts an active night life. There are a lot of places where you can have a good time and dance. Check out Rosalinda, found in Las Mercedes, where you will dance to Raggaeton and drink mucho mucho rom. Suka, known for their alternative DJs and relaxed vibe, might be better suited for you, if you’re looking for an alternative place. Finally, Le Club is internationally recognized and brings an entertainment roster to match. Every weekend, some of the best and famous DJs in the world come here to mix.
Convinced yet? Give Caracas a chance and you won’t regret it.
About the author: Tibi Puiu is a travel and alternative culture enthusiast. He has visited four continents and 14 countries, and is always on the look out for new places to see and experience. He writes for ZME Travel, where he sometimes shares his travel experiences.
