Tour

Salto Angel

Address: Western Sector Canaima National Park TT AC. 199 Venezuela Phone: +58 212 6352166 Fax: +58 212 6352155 An agency that organizes eco-tours of the beautiful countryside surrounding Caracas, including national parks, exquisite tropical islands, kayaking in rough rivers, and a breathtaking trip to the Angel Falls, the highest waterfall in the world. The agency is not based in Caracas, but arranges for pick and drop from your hotel to their Caracas office, from where you will be whisked off to adventure in a small private plane!

City guide

Overview & visitor information

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Osprey Venezuela

Address: Centro Commercial City Market, Nivel Plaza 121, Sabana Grande, Caracas Phone: + 58 212 762 5975 Fax: + 58 212 762 9890 Timings: Mondays to Fridays 830am to 12pm, 130pm to 430pm A small tourism agency that became operational in 2001 with the aim of providing inexpensive, reliable guidance to backpackers and amateur travelers, and has now grown considerably in size to cover not only all of Venezuela, but also other Latin American countries. Come here for unbiased advice about various locations within Caracas, as well as further travel tips on the surrounding regions and cities.

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Angel Eco-Tours

Address: Avenue Casanova, 2da Avenue de Bello Monte, Sabana Grande, Caracas Phone: +58 212 656 1240 Fax: +58 212 656 1240 A cheaper alternative to eco-tourism, this agency, in addition to offering you predesigned itineraries of the natural wonders of Venezuela, allows you to create your own modified tour. Be it scuba diving, snorkeling, bungee jumping, high flying, or simply mountain trekking, you can try your hand at playing Dora the explorer at very reasonable prices.

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Nelson

Walking tour

Address: Sabana Grande, Caracas Not a real agency, Nelson is the name of a very friendly local college professor who rents out his apartment to tourists. What you get for the price is, apart from the very convenient apartment itself, valuable guidance about touring the city, including how to deal with the locals, where to head to at what time to catch which local event, and how to explore the city depending on your personal interests, skipping all the unnecessary parts and focusing only on what you expect out of your visit to the city. Nelson lives on a small flat just two minutes’ walk from the main avenue at Sabana Grande – ask any local once you get there, he is quite a popular guy in the neighborhood!

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Museo Bolivariano

Attraction

Address: south of Plaza Bolívar Timings: Tuesdays to Fridays 9pm to 430pm, Saturdays and Sundays 10am to 4pm. Admission free A museum dedicated to the legendary independence hero Simon Bolivar. Situated in a renovated colonial style building, the Bolivar Museum contains exhibits with historic documents, formal dresses from Bolivar’s era, a collection of weapons used during the colonial wars, and a number of paintings from the political and personal life of Simon Bolivar.

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What to do with Children in Tow

Activity

Caracas loves children! Apart from the many family-oriented public parks, like the Parque del Este and the Parque Los Caobos, which offer countless hours of fun with the lush landscaping, the serene water bodies, the alluring all-year-round floral displays, and the regularly organized family activities, the city contains two large public zoos that are also a big hit with Caraqueño children.

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Plaza Bolívar

Attraction

The main public square in Caracas, dedicated to the man whose relentless struggles bought the nation independence. The plaza is large open space used frequently by the citizens for public gatherings, political processions, open-air festivals and concerts, and as the starting point of numerous annual parades. The plaza contains impressive monuments, including statues of Bolivar, and is surrounded by government buildings and offices, all echoing with colonial architectural accents.

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La Casa Natal de Simon Bolívar

Attraction

Address: between Esqs San Jacinto and Traposos Cathedral Phone: +28 212 541 2563 Timings: Tuesdays to Fridays 9am to 4pm, Saturdays and Sundays 10am to 430pm. Admission free of charge This is the birthplace of El Liberator Simón Bolívar, the most highly esteemed national hero in Venezuela. It has been restored as a national museum with the utmost attention to detail. Constructed originally as a colonial style mansion in the 17th century but starting to undergo significant degradation over the years, the house has been completely restored and now functions as a permanent exhibition space that depicts scenes from the life of Bolívar and his family, including classic living room furniture, formal attires, banners and weaponry, and full-wall paintings.

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Calvario Hill

Attraction

Address: Paseo El Calvario, Urbanización El Silencio, Caracas Timings: open daily 7am to 10pm Go for stroll though these lush gardens containing an enchanting chapel and a brilliant white stone arch, all of which were built to emulate the city of Paris. The park contains classical elements out of the gardens at Versailles, including delicate metalwork benches, gazebos, statues of eminent personalities, and fountains. Located on a hill overlooking the city, this is the ideal place to spend your last evening in the city as you sit back and take one last, lingering look at Caracas from above.

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Elliptic Hall

Attraction

Constructed in 1872, and having serviced many administrative departments since, including the Federal Court, the Legislative Court, and currently acting as the Seat of Congress, the Capitol Building, also known as the Elliptic Hall, is a stunning whitewashed building with golden domes that today contains some of the most important legislative documents and manuscripts of the Republic of Venezuela. Although visitors are not allowed inside, they can observe the building for its traces of rich colonial legacy in the elements and embellishment techniques used. The building is an authentic architectural marvel from the regime of the Spanish monarchy.

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Casa Amarilla

Attraction

Address: Centro, western edge of Plaza Bolívar Originally a prison cum sanitarium in the 17th century, Casa Amarilla is also known popularly as the Yellow House because of the shade of lemon yellow given to it after the country’s independence. Casa Amarilla is a treat to the eyes – or whatever you can catch of it today, as it is currently the Foreign Affairs office and visitors are generally not allowed inside. But get a glimpse of it as you pass the Plaza Bolívar, and you will see a very well-preserved example of a colonial manor with many small projecting balconies forming a rhythmic façade.

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Capilla de Santa Rosa de Lima

Attraction

Address: west of Concejo Municipal, south of Plaza Bolívar This chapel marks the exact location where Venezuela was declared as an independent sovereign state in 1811 – although it took 10 more years for this goal to be achieved. However, the chapel has been held in high reverence ever since, and has recently been restored with classic décor and furniture from Venezuela’s cultural past. Great photo ops inside!

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Panteón Nacional

Attraction

Address: north of Plaza Bolivar Timings: open daily (including holidays) Originally constructed as a majestic church, the National Pantheon was converted in 1874 to act as the last resting place for many of Venezuela’s prominent personalities, based on their outstanding achievements in fields of politics, warfare, social service, and education and science. The central, focal space within the pantheon is reserved for Simon Bolivar’s remains. The ceiling contains murals depicting scenes from Bolivar’s life. The body itself is contained within a sarcophagus of bronze housed within a polished marble niche, and the burial chamber reeks of immortal grandeur. More than a hundred other notable personalities are buried within the Pantheon, all the chambers designed with special attributes and elements that had significant symbolic meaning to the person buried within. Overall, the Pantheon is a genuine example of neo-colonial baroque style architecture, with pale pink paint, overly done columns, intricate arches, and grand cupola-topped towers.

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Teatro Nacional

Attraction

Also known as the Municipal Theatre, this public amenity is a splendid work of art in itself. Since its first live performance in 1881, an opera that received national recognition, the theatre has successfully continued to lure music and art lovers to its rather commendable performances. The interior is ornamented in tones of opulent luxury, with velvets and fine silks and an added sprinkle of gold. A large central dome over the performance area attempts to re-create the ambience of a 19th century opera performance. The theater usually has one or more ongoing shows throughout the year, and you are sure to catch one any time you drop by. Splurge on traditional Venezuelan and South American ballets, musicals, and operas. Tickets are quite reasonable, and they are seldom sold out to the full.

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El Arabito

Cuisine: Arabian Address: Avenue Casanova, Sabana Grande Phone: 212 761 0887 Timings: Mondays to Sundays 11am to 12midnight Small, welcoming, and inexpensive, this Arabian diner is known best for its falafels, shish kebabs, spicy shawarmas, and an assortment of customizable salads. It also specializes in fast food, burgers, and sandwiches. Try the Pitta-Burger, made out of a beef or chicken helping wrapped inside soft Middle Eastern bread. A take-away service is also provided as there is rarely enough space to seat the hordes of incoming customers. The restaurant contains a little store where you can buy Arabian spices and groceries like olives, dry nuts, roasted almonds, and confectionery.

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Zambal

Cuisine: Asian Address: 3 Avenue, Los Palos Grandes Phone: 212 286 8553 Timings: Mondays to Saturdays 11am to 4pm, 7pm to 11pm Small, trendy, and popular amongst the locals as the best Asian eatery in town, you will often find Zambal overcrowded to the brim with young Caraqueños as well as tourists. Chinese, Indo-Chinese, Japanese, and Thai, you can experience authenticity in all its Asian grandeur. The place contains charming interior décor and lighting, kind of like a frame out of a Japanese movie. The furniture is finely carved, ceramic ornaments line the intimately low-placed shelves, and incandescent lanterns hanging from the ceiling simulate fireflies on a dark night. Treat yourself to one of the delightful varieties of sushi after choosing from an assortment of appetizing Thai soups. You can also try the sashimi, chicken curry, szechaun steak, and salmon. Service is quick and very polite.

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Lasserre

Cuisine: French Address: 3 Avenue, Los Palos Grandes Phone: 212 283 4558 Timings: Mondays to Fridays 12noon to 4pm, 7pm to midnight. Saturdays 7pm to midnight A genuinely French dining experience, a rarity in Caracas. The interior whisks you off on a magical journey to 17th century Versailles, complete with baroque and rococo paintings, full-length mirrors reminiscent of the Palace Hall, and decorative schemes in silver, gold, and crystal, coupled with soothing live piano sessions. The rich menu offers traditional delicacies like anguille pâté, chicken Kiev, peacock bass, and Canard à l'Armagnac. Also available are a delightful variety of French desserts. The restaurant offers a valet parking service. Reservations are strongly advised.

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El Barquero

Cuisine: Spanish/Seafood Address: Avenue Luis Roche, corner 5a Transversal Altamira Phone: 212 261 4645 Timings: Mondays to Saturdays 1130am to 11pm All aboard for a delightful journey into the riches of the oceans, accompanied by creatures from the deep (don’t worry, the creatures will all be cooked, grilled, fried, or roasted)? El Barquero, “The Boatman”, serves mouthwatering fish and shrimp dishes, as well as a delightful variety of lamb and rabbit dishes! Try the seafood rice and casserole. The restaurant has an air of formality, and is good for over-lunch business talks. It also contains a hall that can be rented out for conference and event dinners.

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Astrid y Gastón

Cuisine: Peruvian Address: Calle Londres, Las Mercedes Phone: 212 993 1119 Timings: Mondays to Saturdays 1230pm to 330pm, 7pm to midnight Straight from the heart of Lima, Peru, comes this delightful little restaurant that will leave you just longing to visit Peru itself! Located in one of the most upscale and undisturbed parts of town, the restaurant offers genuine Peruvian flavor right down to the last speck of pepper and sauce. Start off by spicing things up with some hot, steaming chupe (soup). Then try scrumptious delicacies like the ceviche (saucy seafood in tantalizing gravy), causa (dumplings with potato peels and slices), and a variety of fish and meat menus that are not exactly true-blood Peruvian but a finger-lickin’ blend of Spanish, Middle Eastern, and Asian flavors. The place has a formal atmosphere, and is good for serious dinners with business partners and delegates. Reservations are especially advised.

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Coma

Cuisine: International Address: inside the C.C. Blandín shopping center, Avenue Blandín, Chacao district Phone: 212 263 4628 Timings: Daily 8am to 730pm A favorite hangout space for businessmen, Coma places all its emphasis on providing healthy, low-fat, organic food for its busy clientele. Treat yourself to tossed salads, whole meal sandwiches, a variety of pasta, fresh fruit juices, a selection of cream shakes, and dishes derived from milk and dairy products. For dinner you can try a more filling menu composed of fish, meat, and vegetable dishes. A special mention is the salmon fillet. Coma contains an open-air terrace, another reason which makes it a first choice for relaxed business conversations through the evening. Coma, keeping in mind its target crowd, also provides wireless internet service to its customers.

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Altamar

Cuisine: Mediterranean/Spanish Address: 3 Transversal, entry to Avenue San Juan Bosco and Avenue Luis Roche, Altamira district Phone: 212 262 1813 Timings: Daily 12noon to 11pm Santorini? So you will surely feel as you step inside this charming Mediterranean diner. With blue and white walls and matching furniture, this place pulls you into a whirlwind of Spanish and Galician seafood recipes, with slight pinches of Greek spices. A special mention: the tiger shrimp dish topped with garlic, served with cured ham – called “camarones al ajillo con jamon serrano”. The turkey and chicken menu is also worth tasting, served with a side dish of vegetables of your choice. Reservations are advised, as this place is quite popular, and subsequently very crowded.

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Aventino

Cuisine: French Address: Avenue San Felipe, La Castellana Phone: 212 267 5422 Timings: Mondays to Fridays 12noon to 3pm, 7pm to 11pm. Saturdays 7pm to 11pm Just add the Eiffel Tower and you can have the whole of France inside this charming little place! Operating since the 1960s, regarded as a pioneer in French cuisine in all of Caracas, Aventino prides itself with traditionalism when it comes to serving authentic food with all the hospitality of a Frenchman. The décor and lighting is reminiscent of many a diner in Paris. The special on the menu: pressed duck, the Caneton a la presse – spice, seasoning, and flavor, with an added touch of magic, all make this dish a must-have during any visit to Caracas. Good for formal dinners with family and friends. Reservations are strictly advised.

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Sibaris

Cuisine: Fusion Address: Avenue Principal, Las Mercedes Phone: 212 991 8776 Timings: Daily 11am to 4pm, 7pm to 11pm The best flavors from around the globe, blended to perfection by experts and served with local traditions of hospitality. The interior is splendidly ornamented, presenting a rather formal setting, but the ambience is nonetheless soothing. As for the food – what you cannot make out from the menu will gladly be explained to you by the friendly waiters, including the ingredients, the spices used, the seasonings added, and how the dish will ultimately taste! If you are still not comfortable, you can ask for a custom-made meal – list the ingredients and spices you want to be used for any meal on the menu and the chef will modify it for you. Sibaris also contains a small courtyard garden with an adjoining terrace, making for a perfect evening dining experience. Make reservations at least a day before you plan to visit, as this popular five star restaurant is usually booked to full capacity every night! Valet parking is available.

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Arepazo

Cuisine: Local Address: Con Avenue Principal de Las Mercedes, El Rosal A visit to Caracas is not complete without a taste of the truly authentic Caraqueño dish, the stuffed arepa. The arepa is round corn flour bread, usually small in size. It can be made into a roll, and the filling can range from salads and strictly vegetarian, to cheese and butter, to poultry, meat and fish. The meat can be grilled, sauced, minced, roasted, fried – you name it! Do not try to make a reservation – there is no phone! But the place is neat, the service is polite, and the food – some of the best at this price!