City Statistics
Location
Close to the coast in the central north of Venezuela.
Dialing code
58.
Population
5 million.
Time zone
GMT – 4.
Electricity
110V, 60 cycles AC.
Average January temperatures
26 ºC (79ºF).
Average July temperatures
27 ºC (81ºF).
Annual rainfall
836mm (33 inches).
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Overview
Nestled below
rolling mountains and a short hop from the
sun-drenched coastline, Caracas is a
frenetic city of tangled motorways, gas-guzzling cars, soaring high rises, modern architecture and
vibrant culture. Birthplace of South American independence hero
Simón Bolívar, it is a city inordinately proud of its
past, but with its eyes set on the
future – though these days not all its inhabitants are looking in the same direction.
Famed for its dedication to the good life, Caracas fizzes with
energy at night when
clubs,
bars and
open-air cafés absorb hordes of tireless revellers hell-bent on having a good time. Another thing Caraqueños take seriously is the content of their stomachs, with an astonishing
variety of cuisines on offer, be it gourmet, international, down-home or freshly sizzled street fare. You'll also find a broad range of
accommodation, a string of
excellent attractions, a busy
arts scene and an obsession for
shopping that borders upon the religious. ...
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Tourist Information
The historic centre around Plaza Bolívar has a sprinkling of colonial houses amongst concrete monstrosities, including key sites relating to the birth, life, death, funeral and reburial of independence hero Simón Bolívar. Here you'll see several beautiful churches, the cathedral, the seat of government and the Capitolio Nacional (National Capitol), where Bolívar is enshrined. There is a huddle of terrific galleries and museums around the Parque Central district, including the first-rate Museo de Arte Contemporáneo, Galeria de Arte Nacional (National Gallery) and Museo de Bellas Artes (Museum of Fine Arts) amongst others.
Further afield are some more colonial gems, including the Museo de Arte Colonial (Museum of Colonial Art) in San Bernadino and the beautiful little 16th-century township (now suburb) of El Hatillo southeast of the centre. And most uplifting of all is the teleférico (cable car) that chugs up the neighbouring mountain of El Ávila.
Or if a lively atmosphere and good food are what you're after you'll do well in the Spanish quarter of La Candelaria or the glitzy modern district of Las Mercedes.
Tourist Information
Inatur
35th floor, Mirador de la Torre Oeste, Parque Central
Tel: 0800 462 8871.
Website: www.inatur.gov.ve
Venezuela Conventions and Visitors Bureau
Tel: (0212) 267 4166.
Website: www.burodevenezuela.com
Passes
There are no tourist passes for Caracas tourist attractions, but many of the city's big museums and monuments are free to enter.
There are few operators offering city tours, but you can usually organise personalised sightseeing trips of Caracas with a trustworthy guide through all hotels.
Most tour operators have their sights set far beyond the city, but for excursions nearby you can try Orinoco Tours (tel: (0212) 761 6801; website: http://www.orinocotours.com/) on the Boulevard Sabana Grande, and Trotamundos (tel: (0212) 576 0736; website: http://www.trotamundos.com/). Short trips offered from Caracas include those to the stunning Archipelago Los Roques and road trips to the delightful town of Colonia Tovar.
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