Cúcuta, the capital of Norte de Santander, is a border city in northeastern Colombia, located just across from Venezuela. As an important commercial hub, it sees a steady flow of travelers for business and shopping. This post will discover the best areas to stay in Cúcuta, Colombia.
Cúcuta’s foundation dates back to 1733, and the city would later play a key role in Colombia’s independence. In 1821, it served as the site of the Congress of Cúcuta, where the first constitution of Gran Colombia was drafted. The city center has colonial-era sites, like Santander Park and the Cathedral. Find accommodation in Cúcuta City Center.
A few miles southeast of the city center lies Villa del Rosario. This quaint village is home to the Templo Histórico de Cúcuta, a landmark church and historic site. It is also the birthplace of the 1821 Constitution. Nearby, Casa de Santander is a museum and the childhood home of Colombian independence hero Francisco de Paula Santander. Find accommodation in Villa del Rosario.
Cúcuta is easy to navigate, with wide avenues and a well-maintained road network. Camilo Daza International Airport, located north of the city center, provides flights to Bogotá, Medellín, Bucaramanga, and Panamá City. Several long-distance bus companies also operate routes connecting Cúcuta with major cities in Colombia and Venezuela. You can book bus tickets to Cúcuta here. Cúcuta’s public transportation consists of traditional bus lines. There are also taxis, and you can rent a cheap car in Cúcuta.
Because of its border location, Cúcuta has economic ties and cultural traditions from both Colombia and Venezuela. This is evident in its food, nightlife, and trade, particularly around La Parada, the main crossing point into Venezuela. While some areas are busy with commerce, others are more relaxed, with tree-lined streets and traditional restaurants.
Keep reading to learn more about the best areas to stay in Cúcuta, Colombia.
What are the best areas to stay in Cúcuta?
The best area to stay in Cúcuta is around Ventura Plaza Mall. This central and well-connected area is home to the city’s main cultural and historical sights, nightlife areas, restaurants, shops, and the top accommodation options. It is also the safest area to stay in Cúcuta. Find accommodation near Ventura Plaza.
Other excellent areas for those wondering where to stay in Cúcuta include the city center and the border towns of Villa del Rosario and San Antonio del Táchira.
1. Ventura Plaza Mall
The best area to stay in Cúcuta
Ventura Plaza Mall is one of the main shopping centers in Cúcuta, making the surrounding area a convenient place to stay.
Centrally located in Cúcuta, near Avenida Diagonal Santander, Ventura Mall is close to many business and shopping districts. This district offers a mix of modern hotels, restaurants, and shopping options.
The mall includes over 200 international and local retail stores across three floors, a food court with fast food and traditional Colombian dining options, a multiplex cinema, and an indoor amusement area for children.
Nearby attractions include the Calle 10 shopping area, known for its local boutiques and street vendors; La Fuente Luminosa, an illuminated fountain that serves as a popular gathering spot in the evening; and Malecón del Pamplonita, a scenic riverside walkway.
The area has many upscale hotels offering modern amenities and high-end services. It is well-suited for business travelers and those visiting Cúcuta for shopping or short stays. Additionally, it is one of the safest areas to stay in Cúcuta.
Our hand-picked accommodations near Ventura Plaza, Cúcuta
Hotel Tonchalá
Hotel Tonchala is located in Cucuta’s commercial and financial area, just 4.3 mi from the border with Venezuela. Free WiFi is available throughout the property.
2. Centro Histórico de Cúcuta
The best location for culture and history
Staying in the Historic City Center puts you close to Cúcuta’s main landmarks, markets, and restaurants.
The historic center of Cúcuta is the oldest part of the city and the heart of its commercial and cultural life. Established in the 18th century, it developed around what is now Parque Santander, a key public space. With its neoclassical facade, the Cathedral of San José is another important landmark in Centro.
The area features a grid-like layout with wide streets lined with colonial-era buildings, government institutions, and museums, including the Casa de la Cultura, the Museum of Norte de Santander, and the Biblioteca Julio Pérez Ferrero. Walking through the district, you’ll find traditional shops, bakeries, and family-run restaurants serving regional dishes like mute santandereano.
Centro Histórico offers a range of accommodations, from budget-friendly stays to boutique hotels in restored buildings.
The district is well-connected, with taxis and buses making reaching other parts of the city easy. Its walkability allows you to explore many attractions on foot, making it a convenient choice for travelers.
Regarding safety, while the streets remain active during the day, it’s important to stay aware of your surroundings, as pickpocketing and scams can occur in crowded areas.
Our hand-picked accommodations in Cúcuta City Center
Hotel Luxor Cúcuta
Hotel Luxor Cúcuta in Cúcuta offers family rooms with air-conditioning, private bathrooms, work desks, free toiletries, showers, TVs, and wardrobes.
3. North Cúcuta & Camilo Daza Airport
The best location for a long stopover
For those looking to stay close to the airport while avoiding the busier parts of the city, North Cúcuta provides a practical and well-connected option.
The northern part of Cúcuta, including the area around Camilo Daza International Airport, is a convenient choice for travelers needing quick access to flights.
This part of the city is one of the fastest-growing in Cúcuta, with expanding residential developments, commercial centers, and improved infrastructure. It is also less congested than central Cúcuta, with wide roads and modern services. While primarily a residential and commercial area, it has several hotels catering to travelers with early or late flights. Many accommodations here offer airport shuttle services, making transit easier.
The airport, located about 5 km (3 miles) from the city center, handles domestic flights to major Colombian cities like Bogotá, Medellín, and Bucaramanga, as well as some international routes.
The area also features shopping centers, including Jardín Plaza Shopping Mall and Unicentro Cúcuta Mall, two of the largest retail complexes in Cúcuta. These modern malls house a variety of national and international brands, food courts, entertainment spaces, and cinemas, making them key commercial hubs in the northern part of the city.
Our hand-picked accommodations near Cúcuta Airport
Aveiro Hotel
Aveiro Hotel offers a shared lounge, room service, and free WiFi. Private parking can be arranged at an extra charge.
4. Cúcuta Bus Terminal
The best location for backpackers
The area around the Cúcuta Bus Terminal is a convenient and cost-effective option in the city.
Terminal de Transporte Cúcuta is located in the El Callejón neighborhood, at Avenida 8 #1-25, making it a key transit hub within the city. It serves both intercity and international bus routes, connecting travelers to key destinations.
The terminal itself is one of the most important transport hubs in northeastern Colombia. It serves as a gateway for those traveling to cities like Bogotá, Bucaramanga, and Medellín and for cross-border routes into Venezuela.
Nearby, Parque Lineal Avenida de Sevilla provides recreational areas and features the Monument to the Indian Motilón, honoring the region’s indigenous people. Plaza de las Banderas is a popular gathering spot for public celebrations, craft fairs, and community activities. Sports fans may also find interest in Estadio General Santander, home to Cúcuta Deportivo and an important venue for football matches.
While this area is not among the most upscale in Cúcuta, it has a large number of budget-friendly hotels, making it a practical choice for travelers looking for affordable accommodation. Its biggest advantage is the ease of access to buses heading to different parts of Colombia and neighboring Venezuela, making it a good option for those who need reliable transport connections rather than upscale amenities.
Regarding safety, travelers should be mindful of their belongings, as busy transport areas can attract petty crime, particularly in crowded spaces around the terminal.
5. Villa del Rosario
A historic town near the Border
Offering historic landmarks and easy access to Venezuela, Villa del Rosario is a great location near Cúcuta.
Located just 7 miles (12 km) from Cúcuta, Villa del Rosario is a historically significant town known for its role in Colombia’s independence. It was here that the Congress of Cúcuta was held in 1821, leading to the drafting of Gran Colombia’s first constitution. The Casa Natal del General Santander, the birthplace of independence leader Francisco de Paula Santander, is one of the most important historical sites in the region, now functioning as a museum.
The town retains a quiet, small-town atmosphere with colonial-era architecture, plazas, and religious sites like the Church of Our Lady of the Rosary. While primarily a residential area, it has local markets, traditional eateries, and small hotels catering to visitors exploring the region’s history.
Villa del Rosario is also an important transit point for those crossing into Venezuela via the Simón Bolívar International Bridge, one of the busiest border crossings between the two countries. This makes it a practical stop for travelers needing immigration services or looking for an alternative place to stay outside Cúcuta.
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