Caracas, the capital of Venezuela, sits in a valley surrounded by the Cordillera de la Costa, not far from the Caribbean coast. Thanks to its elevation, the city has a mild climate. With El Ávila National Park as a dramatic backdrop, the Venezuelan capital balances urban energy with plenty of green space. Figuring out the best areas to stay in Caracas is key to making the most of your time in this lively city, especially since safety can be a concern.
Founded in 1567, Caracas has always been at the center of Venezuela’s history. The city took off during the 20th-century oil boom, growing into a regional economic and cultural powerhouse. Today, its architectural mix tells the story of its evolution. The Caracas Cathedral and the National Pantheon give a glimpse into the past. On the other hand, the UNESCO-listed University City of Caracas is an architectural masterpiece of mid-century design.
Caracas has a noticeable east-west divide. The western part, including the historic center, houses government buildings, plazas, and cultural sites, but some areas can be crowded and less secure. In contrast, the eastern districts, such as Chacao and Altamira, are wealthier and generally safer. Find accommodation in East Caracas.
Culture lovers can visit the Museo de Bellas Artes or catch a performance at the Teresa Carreño Theater. Food is another highlight, from classic areperas serving traditional corn cakes to fine dining spots and international cuisine.
Caracas is connected to the world through Simón Bolívar International Airport in Maiquetía, about 20 kilometers from the city. Getting around is easy thanks to the Caracas Metro, which has five lines and connects the main areas. Buses and taxis are also options, but traffic can slow things down.
For a quick escape from the city, Caracas offers easy access to Venezuela’s beaches. La Guaira, with its Caribbean waters, is just a short drive away, while El Ávila National Park is perfect for a nature break.
Caracas has its challenges, but with the right planning, it is well worth exploring. Keep reading to discover the best barrios and the safest areas to stay in Caracas for an enjoyable visit.
What are the best areas to stay in Caracas?
Given the city’s size and safety record, choosing from the best areas to stay in Caracas makes a huge difference in enjoying a complete experience—whether you’re looking to dive into its food scene or explore its many museums.
The best area to stay in Caracas is Altamira, known for its safety, modern infrastructure, and vibrant atmosphere. This upscale district features luxury hotels, top-rated restaurants, and easy access to cultural attractions like Plaza Francia. With a strong police presence and well-maintained public spaces, it’s also one of the safest choices for travelers. Find accommodation in Altamira.
Other areas to consider include El Rosal, Las Mercedes, the city center, and the beachside towns around CCS Airport.
1. Altamira & La Castellana
The safest areas to stay in Caracas
Located in East Caracas, Altamira is a ideal choice for travelers seeking comfort and security.
Altamira is one of the most upscale and safest areas to stay in Caracas. Located in the eastern part of the city, it is known for its modern high-rises, tree-lined streets, and well-maintained public spaces. The neighborhood is home to Plaza Francia, a central gathering spot with a recognizable obelisk, surrounded by cafes and restaurants.
For a relaxing break, PDVSA La Estancia Park offers a beautifully maintained green space with gardens, fountains, and cultural exhibitions, providing a quiet escape from the city. Just a short distance away, Parque del Este is one of Caracas’s largest parks, featuring walking trails, a lagoon, and a botanical garden, making it a favorite spot for outdoor activities.
For shopping and dining, Centro Comercial San Ignacio is a top choice. It features high-end boutiques, international brands, and some of the best restaurants and nightlife in the city. Meanwhile, the Mercado Municipal de Chacao offers a more traditional experience.
Art enthusiasts can visit the Espacio Mercantil Museum, a contemporary art space featuring works from Venezuelan and Latin American artists. The museum hosts rotating exhibitions, making it a dynamic cultural destination.
Altamira is a hub for dining and entertainment, offering some of the best restaurants in Caracas, along with lively bars and cultural venues. La Castellana is also Caracas’s diplomatic district, home to many embassies and consulates, including those of Spain, the United Kingdom, and the Netherlands.
Altamira’s convenient location provides easy access to key attractions, including El Ávila National Park, accessible via the Teleférico de Caracas cable car. Public transportation here is convenient, with Line 1 metro stations Altamira and Miranda connecting the area to other districts.
Our hand-picked accommodations in Altamira & La Castellana
Continental Altamira
Continental Altamira in Caracas offers spacious rooms with air conditioning, balconies, and private bathrooms. Each room also includes a work desk, free toiletries, and a TV.
2. El Rosal
The best location in Caracas for business travelers
Caracas’s financial district, El Rosal, is home to some of the city’s best hotels and shopping centers.
El Rosal is Caracas’s financial district, known for its modern skyscrapers, luxury hotels, and business centers. While primarily a hub for banking and corporate offices, it also offers high-end commercial areas with upscale accommodations. This neighborhood is ideal for business travelers and those seeking an upscale, well-connected location.
The main attraction in the area is the massive Sambil Caracas, one of the largest shopping malls in South America. It offers a wide selection of retail stores, dining options, and entertainment venues. Another major retail destination nearby is Centro Lido Mall, one of the largest in the city.
In addition to its shopping destinations, El Rosal offers a lively dining and nightlife scene, as well as cultural spaces like the Centro Cultural Chacao, which hosts concerts, theater performances, and art exhibitions.
El Rosal’s excellent location makes it easy to reach neighboring Altamira and Las Mercedes, two of the city’s most vibrant districts. Public transportation options include the Chacao Metro Station and many Metrobus and bus stops.
3. Las Mercedes
The best area to stay in Caracas for nightlife and food
Las Mercedes is the top district for dining, shopping, and nightlife in Caracas.
Known as El Soho Caraqueño (Caracas’ Soho), Las Mercedes has the highest concentration of restaurants, bars, and clubs in the Venezuelan capital. It attracts locals and visitors looking for a vibrant atmosphere. The area is also home to luxury hotels, boutiques, and modern office buildings.
One of the highlights of Las Mercedes is its diverse culinary scene, featuring everything from upscale international dining to casual Venezuelan eateries. Top choices include Maute Grill, famous for its high-quality Venezuelan steaks and grilled meats; El Aranjuez, a beloved spot for traditional cuts served in a cozy, colonial-style setting; and Bua Bar Restaurant, a stylish venue offering a fusion of international flavors, creative cocktails, and a lively atmosphere.
High-end shopping can be found along its main avenues, with designer stores and exclusive boutiques. Major shopping centers in the area include Tolón Fashion Mall, known for its luxury brands and elegant ambiance, and Centro Comercial Paseo Las Mercedes, offering a mix of retail stores, dining, and entertainment options.
Beyond its nightlife and dining options, Las Mercedes hosts cultural events and art exhibitions in venues like Galería Freites, a prestigious art gallery showcasing contemporary and classical works.
While Las Mercedes is known for its luxury and entertainment, traffic congestion can be an issue, especially on weekends. Despite this, it remains one of the best areas to stay for those who want to experience the dynamic side of Caracas.
4. Sabana Grande & Plaza Venezuela
Offering a central location and affordable hotels, Sabana Grande and Plaza Venezuela are good options for budget-conscious travelers.
Sabana Grande is one of Caracas’s most lively districts, known for its pedestrian boulevard, cultural landmarks, and commercial activity. It was once the city’s main shopping and nightlife hub. While some of its former glamour has faded, it remains a vibrant area with an active street life, affordable accommodations, and convenient metro access.
The heart of the district is Boulevard de Sabana Grande, a long pedestrian walkway lined with shops, bookstores, cafes, and street vendors. This area is a great place to experience the daily rhythm of the city, with musicians, artists, and locals creating a dynamic atmosphere. Sabana Grande is also home to Casa de Rómulo Gallegos (CELARG), a cultural center dedicated to the famous Venezuelan writer, hosting exhibitions, theater performances, and literary events.
Located near Sabana Grande, Plaza Venezuela is a key landmark and transportation hub in Caracas. The area is home to the Fuente de Plaza Venezuela, which features synchronized water and light displays. The plaza is also surrounded by important institutions, including the Central University of Venezuela (UCV), a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
For shopping, Sabana Grande offers a mix of small local stores and larger shopping centers like City Market, a popular spot for electronics and tech-related items.
Sabana Grande is well-connected with multiple metro stations, including Plaza Venezuela, Sabana Grande, and Chacaíto. Plaza Venezuela is a key transit hub, offering access to Lines 1, 3, and 4, making it one of the most important connection points in the city.
With regards to safety, although the area has improved in recent years, some parts can be less secure, especially at night, so it’s best to stay in well-trafficked areas and be mindful of your surroundings.
5. Downtown Caracas
The best area to stay in Caracas for culture and history
Comprising the Old Town and Parque Central, Downtown Caracas offers many cultural attractions and easy access to the rest of the city.
Downtown Caracas is the city’s historical, cultural, and political center. It is home to major landmarks, museums, and government institutions.
The area includes Parque Central, known for its towering skyscrapers and cultural institutions, as well as the Centro Histórico (La Candelaria), which preserves the city’s colonial heritage.
One of the main highlights of Downtown Caracas is the Parque Central Complex, a group of high-rise buildings that include the Parque Central Twin Towers, which, standing 738 ft (225 m), are among South America’s tallest buildings.
The district is also home to major cultural venues like the Museo de Arte Contemporáneo de Caracas (MACC), which houses an extensive collection of modern and contemporary art, and the Teatro Teresa Carreño, the city’s most important performing arts venue. Nearby, the Bolivarian Museum and the National Art Gallery showcase Venezuela’s historical and artistic heritage.
Adjacent to Parque Central, the Centro Histórico (La Candelaria) is known for its well-preserved colonial architecture and historic landmarks. The area is centered around Plaza Bolívar, which is surrounded by important buildings such as the Caracas Cathedral, the Capitolio Federal, and the Birthplace of Bolívar. This district also has a strong Spanish influence, reflected in its many traditional restaurants specializing in Canarian cuisine.
For shopping and entertainment, the recently opened Sambil La Candelaria has quickly become a major attraction. This large shopping center offers a variety of retail stores, dining options, and entertainment facilities, revitalizing the area with new commercial activity.
Downtown Caracas offers easy access to three of the main lines of Metro de Caracas. Key stations include Capitolio (Lines 1 and 2), Bellas Artes (Line 1), El Silencio (Line 2), and Parque Central (Line 4). Additionally, the area is home to the Nuevo Circo Terminal, a major long-distance and regional bus station.
Our hand-picked accommodations in Downtown Caracas
Hotel Sebas 202
Hotel Sebas 202 in Caracas offers family rooms with air conditioning, private bathrooms, and city views. Each room also includes a work desk, TV, and free toiletries.
6. Maiquetía
The best location for a stopover in Caracas Airport
Home to CCS Airport, Maiquetía is a convenient area to stay in Caracas for travelers on a stopover.
Maiquetía, located just north of Caracas along the Caribbean coast, is best known for housing Venezuela’s largest and most important airport.
While primarily a transit hub, this coastal area also has many hotels catering to both travelers on long layovers and beachgoers.
The Simón Bolívar International Airport, commonly referred to as Maiquetía Airport, is the main gateway to Venezuela. It has two terminals: the Domestic Terminal, which handles flights to key Venezuelan destinations, including Margarita and Los Roques, and the International Terminal, which serves long-haul flights and regional routes across the Americas and Europe. Major airlines operating at the airport include Conviasa, Copa Airlines, Air Europa, Iberia. and Turkish Airlines.
Getting to and from Maiquetía requires careful planning, as traffic between Caracas and the airport can be unpredictable. The most common route is the Caracas-La Guaira Highway, which connects the city to the coast. Private taxis and ride-hailing services are the most reliable options, while express buses operate from key points in Caracas, including Nuevo Circo and Plaza Venezuela.
Our hand-picked accommodations near Maiquetía Airport (CCS)
Eurobuilding Express Maiquetía
Only a 5-minute drive from Simon Bolivar Airport, Eurobuilding Express Maiquetía features a hot tub, a fitness center, and a swimming pool. Free airport shuttles, parking, and Wi-Fi are provided. There is a bar.
Read this in other languages:
- |ES| Mejores zonas donde alojarse en Caracas, Venezuela.
- |PT| Melhores regiões para se hospedar em Caracas.
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