10 Best Things To Do In Caracas, Venezuela: A City Of Contrasts

Caracas – one of the best cities to discover in Venezuela. It is stunning and remarkable in its own ways. With so many things to do in Caracas, the thrills are in every corner. 

This city is Venezuela’s bustling capital, sitting along the picturesque Guaire River and nestled with the Caracas valley of the coastal mountain range in the country’s northern tip. Though many travelers only pass by Caracas on their way to other destinations in the country, the city also has attractions that deserve a stopover on your itinerary. 

As the cultural and commercial hub of Venezuela, this fast-paced city offers all types of action for all types for visitors, ensuring no dull moment for your experience. So before you pack your bags and touchdown here, it is just right that you know the best things to do in Caracas. 

10 Best Things To Do In Caracas Unveiled! 

The sprawling cultural capital of Venezuela offers a lot of activities that you will enjoy. Here are some of the best things to do in Caracas. 

1. Ride A Cable Car To Cerro Avila, The Best Vantage Point To See Caracas

The first on this list of the best things to do in Caracas is a cable car ride to the summit of Cerro Avila, regarded as the best vantage point to see the city. 

This hill is a conspicuous mountain towering above the city. Belonging to the Waraira Repano National Park, Cerro Avila is one of the most spectacular places to visit in Caracas and offers a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of the city. 

You can ride the cable car to reach its summit where you can enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of Caracas. During the cable car ride, you will witness the views transitioning from the metropolis to nature’s tranquility. Once you reach the top, you can explore various hiking trails, and flora and fauna, or simply enjoy the scenery. 

2. Soak In Parque De Recreacion Los Chorros’ Serene Atmosphere, And Encounter Exotic Species

If you are looking closely, you’ll notice that there’s a serene park at the base of Cerro Avila, the Parque de Recreacion Los Chorros. There are also several things to do in Caracas while you are here. 

The park is a nine-acre stretch of exuberant outdoor sceneries that feature lush landscapes, natural cascades, mountain springs, bridges and tunnels, and large trees. You can head over here to relax, unwind while picnicking, dip in the waterfall, or simply soak in the scenery. 

On a lucky day, you may even encounter exotic species like squirrels, lazy sloths, and the noisy guacharaca birds. Go explore.

Caracas is known as a stopover for tourists headed to other destinations in the region, such as Aruba Island, listed here as one of the best places to visit in September. There are various things to do in Caracas. 

3. Snap Your Selfies With The Statues At Plaza Bolivar 

Looking for things to do in Caracas where you’ll learn a little bit of history? Visit Plaza Bolivar. Plaza Bolivar is a cultural and civic hub located in Caracas’ old town. It is also a favorite meeting place of the city’s locals. Did you know that it is the spot where the city was founded in the 1500s? It also pays tribute to Simón Bolivar, a Venezuelan military and political leader who ushered Venezuela, among other countries in the region, to independence from Spanish rule. 

Plaza Bolivar is also a square filled with trees, as well as features an exquisite equestrian statue at its center. This was made all the way in Munich in Germany, but assembled at this site. There are also four other statues of women at the plaza’s corners representing the states of the former Greater Colombia (Venezuela, Peru, Ecuador, and Colombia).

4. View Artworks By Venezuelan Artists At The Contemporary Art Museum Of Caracas

The things to do in Caracas are just getting more and more exciting. After a retreat with nature and a history crash course, you will be viewing artworks this time at the Contemporary Art Museum of Caracas. 

This museum is the favorite hangout among art and culture lovers who visit Caracas. Located in the city’s Central Park, it houses an impressive collection of artworks not just by Venezuelan artists, but also of international art prodigies.  

It has 13 spacious exhibition halls that display a wide range of artworks spanning various styles. You can also marvel at its architectural design, which is a distinctive white-colored cube façade, which further adds to the visual experience while you are here.

Having fun with these things to do in Caracas? You might also want to check out Tepui, a table-top mountain found in areas like Venezuela and western Guyana, which we have listed as one of the best spots for drone photography. 

5. Drop By The National Pantheon Of Venezuela, Caracas’ Iconic Landmark 

No visit to Caracas will be complete without you dropping by the National Pantheon of Venezuela, an iconic landmark in this city. 

This landmark is considered an emblematic place of great cultural and historical importance not just in Caracas, but in the whole of Venezuela. Located at the city center, it is a majestic Neoclassical building built originally as a church during the 1600s, but converted during the 1800s into what it is today. 

The remains of the hero Bolivar, along with other prominent figures in Venezuelan history, rest inside. Moreover, its imposing architecture and symbolic value make visiting this place one of the best things to do in Caracas.

6. Escape From The Hustle And Bustle At The Parque Del Este

No place in the world is perfect, such as Caracas. In a city where traffic is at a high and where people are almost everywhere, tourists are yearning for a tranquil retreat. Wish granted. They can visit the Parque del Este, dubbed as Caracas’ “green lung.” This vast park is a peaceful oasis and retreat from the hustle and bustle of the city. 

There are lots of things to do in Caracas while you are here. It features green spaces, walking trails, lakes, and several recreational areas where locals and tourists can enjoy nature and the outdoors. Some of its attractions include the Cactus Garden where you can find a variety of plant series, and the Humboldt Planetarium, among others. Furthermore, Parque del Este also offers playgrounds for children, as well as sports courts and picnic areas. This place is action-packed, nature-style. 

7. Sweat It Out And Hike To The Summit Of Pico Naiguata

Those who are looking for more retreats with nature from Caracas’ hustle and bustle should check Pico Naiguata out. But this is not for the faint of heart. If you wish to keep going, you need to trek and hike its 10-mile backcountry trail to an altitude of more than 9,000 feet. That’s a lot. 

Everything starts at the Cotamil Entraces, which is located seven miles from downtown Caracas (just nearby). Then, you’ll notice the trail passes by unique landmarks and ruins while treating you to dramatic views of the surrounding landscape. If you are after things to do in Caracas where you can connect with nature and escape the stresses of the city, visiting Pico Naiguata is a must-try.

Brave enough to visit and enjoy the things to do in Caracas? Aside from Caracas, there are also lots of activities to do in nearby Cartagena in Colombia. Here’s a guide. 

8. Jog Or Bike Around Paseo De Los Proceres

The Paseo de los Proceres, translated in English as the Walkway of Heroes, is a promenade also dotted with noteworthy monuments dedicated to the heroes of Venezuela during their struggle for independence. It features numerous squares, statues, steps, and walls, as well as areas perfect for jogging and biking. The place has several trees that provide shade and greenery, making these things to do in Caracas possible. 

The main attraction here is the Monument to the Heroes, built with four 300-ton marble stabs and statues that commemorate important figures in Venezuelan history, such as Bolivar. Paseo de Los Proceres also has many fountains and decorative elements that have references to Greek mythology. Quite interesting. 

9. Lounge Under Mango Trees, And Take Yoga Classes At Centro De Arte Los Galpones

Located in eastern Caracas, Centro de Arte Los Galpones is a favorite hangout place. Here, you can lounge under numerous mango trees, and there’s also an outdoor terrace that provides a tropical escape from the city’s urban environment. 

There are various spaces here to explore, such as art galleries and eateries like Hache Bistro where you can try Venezuela’s famous arepas, or round corn patties topped or filled with meat, eggs, tomatoes and other ingredients. You can also find bookstores in the area, as well as spaces where you can take tango and yoga classes, and watch outdoor movies and concerts. This is also one of the best things to do in Caracas. 

10. Shop Fruits And Veggies At Mercado Municipal De Chacao

Visiting a public market is the perfect way not just to shop for goods, but also do some people-watching and find yourself immersed into the local culture. Here at the Mercado Municipal de Chacao, you can find various products being sold, from the freshest fruits and vegetables, to crafts, teas, meats, dairy products, home décor, and beyond. It is located along Avenida Mohedano between Calle Avila and Avenida Urdaneta. Be sure to have this on your things to do in Caracas list.

Thank you for reading our “things to do in Caracas” guide. Here’s a related story you might want to read too, comparing Mexico’s gems in the Caribbean. 

Make The Most Out Of The Things To Do In Caracas: Travel Tips To Remember

Just like visiting any other city in the world, you need to stay informed about the essential travel tips so you won’t be surprised or caught off guard during your vacation on things you don’t know about the place, such as Caracas. This way, you can make the most out of the things to do in Caracas. Here are the most important travel tips to remember as you visit Caracas.  

• Before booking your accommodation, research the neighborhood where the hotel or rental property you are looking to stay at is located. Look for areas that are safe.
• Choose to ride only registered taxis from reputable companies or you can use reliable online ride-hailing services like Uber or other local alternatives. Avoid unmarked or unofficial taxis. 
• Wear light clothing and comfortable shoes. 
• Respect local culture. 

Get To Know Resilient Caracas

In spite of Venezuela’s unpleasant image brought about by its social, political and humanitarian upheavals, the country still does its best to attract tourists from all over the world. One of the prime cities to explore in this country is Caracas. You’ll discover that there are so many things to do in Caracas.

Caracas is no stranger to tourism. The city is the gateway to the continent, a stopover for tourists heading to Venezuela’s idyllic beaches, forests, and waterfalls. Caracas offers travelers a good variety of museums, restaurants, and nightlife. The city also welcomes business travelers. There you have it, the best things to do in Caracas. Caracas, siempre Caracas.