La Paz is Bolivia’s administrative capital and one of the highest cities in the world, sitting at an altitude of 11,975 ft (3,650 m) above sea level. Nestled in a deep valley surrounded by the towering peaks of the Cordillera Real, the city offers a dramatic landscape, rich history, and vibrant urban life. As a major stop along popular South American tourist routes, La Paz attracts travelers coming from Peru and Lake Titicaca and those heading to Argentina, Paraguay, and Brazil. In this post, we will explore the best areas to stay in La Paz, Bolivia.
Founded in 1548 by Spanish conquistadors, La Paz has grown into a political, cultural, and economic center with a metropolitan population exceeding 2.2 million. The city blends colonial heritage with modern development, featuring landmarks like Plaza Murillo, home to the Presidential Palace and National Congress, and San Francisco Church, an architectural gem dating back to the 16th century. Find accommodation in the Historic Center. Meanwhile, upscale neighborhoods such as Sopocachi offer trendy cafés, international dining, and boutique hotels. Find accommodation in Sopocachi.
La Paz is also a gateway to Bolivia’s most breathtaking natural and cultural attractions. The city is the starting point for trips to Valle de la Luna, a surreal landscape of eroded rock formations, and Tiwanaku, an ancient archaeological site from the pre-Inca civilization. Nearby, adventure seekers can experience Death Road, a famous cycling route descending into the Yungas jungle region.
Due to its high altitude, La Paz has a cool climate year-round, with temperatures typically ranging from 35–65 ºF (2–18 ºC). The best time to visit is April to October when the weather is dry, daytime temperatures are comfortable for sightseeing, and nights are cold but manageable.
The city is served by El Alto International Airport (LPB), one of the highest airports in the world, located 8 mi (13 km) southwest of the city center. It offers domestic flights to Santa Cruz, Cochabamba, and Sucre, as well as international connections to Lima, Bogotá, and Santiago. La Paz is also well-connected by long-distance buses to other parts of Bolivia and Peru.
Public transportation includes minibuses, shared taxis (trufis), and regular taxis, but the most efficient way to get around is the Mi Teleférico cable car system, which acts as the city’s metro network. This aerial transit system consists of ten lines and 26 stations, linking different neighborhoods with panoramic city views. Additionally, the Historic City Center is pedestrian-friendly, making it easy to explore on foot.
Keep reading to find out more about the best areas to stay in La Paz.
What are the best areas to stay in La Paz?
La Paz is built within a deep canyon, with the city center in the valley at its lowest point. The Historic Center, home to government buildings and colonial landmarks, sits near Plaza Murillo. Moving southwest and uphill, the district of Sopocachi features a mix of residential and commercial areas. Further south, Macrodistrito Sur houses the city’s wealthiest neighborhoods, with a higher elevation and modern infrastructure. In contrast, El Alto, a separate town on the Altiplano plateau northwest of La Paz, overlooks the valley and serves as a key transport and industrial hub.
The best area to stay in La Paz is the Historic City Center. This impressive historic area is home to La Paz’s best colonial architecture, museums, cultural attractions, and typical restaurants. Centro also offers the widest selection of accommodations, ranging from dirt-cheap budget hostels and posadas to luxury boutique hotels. Find accommodation in La Paz City Center.
If you’re looking for a more exclusive, less hectic alternative to the busy downtown streets of Centro, then Sopocachi and the city’s South District are the best locations in La Paz. The city’s South End is also the safest area to stay in La Paz. Another good option to consider when choosing the best area in La Paz, particularly if you’re traveling on a budget, is El Alto and around the airport.
Keep reading to learn more about the best location in La Paz for tourists.
1. La Paz Historic City Center
The best location for culture and history
The Historic City Center provides easy access to La Paz’s historical sites and cultural attractions, making it a great choice for those interested in exploring the city’s rich heritage.
The Historic City Center of La Paz is the heart of Bolivia’s capital, where colonial history meets the country’s political and cultural institutions. Located in the lower part of the valley, this area is home to Plaza Murillo, surrounded by the Presidential Palace, National Congress, and La Paz Cathedral. The district’s layout features a grid pattern in the flatter areas, which transitions into a maze of narrow alleys as it extends into the surrounding hills.
Centered around Plaza Murillo, the City Center showcases some of Bolivia’s most important administrative buildings, including Palacio Quemado, the former presidential palace, the Plurinational Legislative Assembly, and the Casa Grande del Pueblo, the presidential residence. This historic square is a focal point of national events and political life.
Among the area’s cultural attractions is the National Museum of Art, which houses a significant collection of 16th- to 18th-century colonial paintings. Across Avenida Mariscal Santa Cruz lies Plaza Mayor de San Francisco, home to the San Francisco Church, an 18th-century architectural landmark with a richly decorated mestizo-Baroque façade. Nearby, the Witches’ Market (Mercado de las Brujas) is one of La Paz’s most famous tourist sites, where local shamans sell traditional herbs, talismans, and ritual objects, including dried llama fetuses and medicinal plants used in Andean ceremonies.
The Historic Center is pedestrian-friendly, with lively squares and markets creating an energetic atmosphere. At night, the area has a more relaxed vibe, with small bars and local restaurants offering traditional Bolivian dishes. While it remains a busy commercial hub, parts of the district can feel quiet after dark, making Sopocachi a better alternative for nightlife.
Public transportation options include Mi Teleférico’s Red and Purple lines, with stations near Plaza Murillo, providing easy access to other parts of the city. The area is also well-served by minibuses, trufis (shared taxis), and regular taxis.
Accommodations in the Historic Center range from budget hostels to mid-range boutique hotels, often in restored colonial buildings.
Our hand-picked accommodations in La Paz’s Historic City Center
Hotel LP Columbus
Located in the center of La Paz and just in front of the Hernando Siles Stadium, Hotel LP Columbus offers modern accommodations with free Wi-Fi and a restaurant.
2. Sopocachi
The best location for nightlife
Sopocachi‘s combination of culture, nightlife, and convenience makes it one of the best areas to stay in La Paz.
Located just southwest of the Historic Center, Sopocachi is one of La Paz’s most dynamic districts, known for its mix of residential areas, cultural attractions, and nightlife. It is a favorite among young professionals, artists, and expats, offering a balance of historic charm and modern amenities. The district’s elevated position provides panoramic views of the city and the surrounding mountains.
Sopocachi is home to several cultural landmarks, including the Casa Museo Solón, dedicated to the works of Bolivian artist Walter Solón Romero, and the Plaza Avaroa, a lively square surrounded by cafés, bookstores, and galleries. The district’s streets are lined with murals and independent art spaces, reflecting its creative and bohemian character.
At night, Sopocachi becomes one of the main nightlife hubs in La Paz, featuring a variety of bars, live music venues, and international restaurants. The area is known for its diverse culinary scene, with everything from traditional Bolivian food to international cuisine. Many of La Paz’s best cafés and cocktail bars can also be found here, making it a great place for both daytime relaxation and evening entertainment.
Public transport in Sopocachi is well-developed, with Mi Teleférico’s Yellow and White lines offering easy access to other parts of the city. The district is also well-connected by buses, trufis, and taxis.
Accommodation options in Sopocachi range from boutique hotels and serviced apartments to budget-friendly hostels.
Our hand-picked accommodations in Sopocachi
El Museo Hotel Boutique
Located a 10-minute walk from Sopocachi Teleferico Station, El Museo Hotel Boutique offers accommodations in La Paz. Free WiFi access is available and guests are served a complimentary Continental breakfast daily.
Socialtel La Paz
Socialtel La Paz offers panoramic views of La Paz, features with free WiFi, 24 hours reception, a bar, common kitchen area, wellness area, yoga deck, cinema room and library.
Casa Fusion Hotel Boutique
Located in the heart of La Paz, Hotel Casa Fusión is known for its tranquil ambiance amid the city. Just 2 blocks from Plaza España and half a block from the yellow cable car station, this establishment combines a strategic location with an elegant and welcoming atmosphere.
3. South La Paz
The safest area to stay in La Paz, Bolivia
South La Paz is an excellent choice for travelers looking for a comfortable, upscale stay.
South La Paz, or Macrodistrito Sur, is the city’s most modern and affluent district, located south of the Historic Center at a lower altitude, making it warmer and more comfortable for those unaccustomed to high elevations. Known for its upscale residential neighborhoods, shopping centers, and green spaces, this area offers a quieter, more suburban atmosphere compared to the bustling city center.
The district is home to several key attractions, including San Miguel, the area’s commercial and social hub, filled with boutique shops, cafés, and gourmet restaurants. Nearby, the Valle de la Luna (Valley of the Moon) features stunning rock formations, a must-visit for nature lovers and hikers. The Japanese Garden provides a peaceful retreat within the city, while Cota Cota Park offers lakes and green spaces for relaxation.
South La Paz is also known for its high-end dining and entertainment options, including international cuisine, wine bars, and cultural spaces hosting live performances. This district has a more relaxed nightlife scene, with elegant lounges and rooftop bars offering scenic views.
Public transport includes Mi Teleférico’s Green and Yellow lines, connecting the district to central La Paz. Buses and taxis also provide easy access to other parts of the city, though the area is more car-dependent than other districts.
Accommodations in South La Paz cater to those seeking luxury hotels, boutique lodges, and serviced apartments.
Our hand-picked accommodations in South La Paz
Suites Camino Real
Located in the district of Calacoto, Suites Camino Real offers accommodations in La Paz. Free WiFi access is available throughout the hotel.
4. El Alto & Airport Area
The best location for backpackers and travelers in transit
West of the city center, El Alto is a convenient area to stay in La Paz for travelers on stopovers.
Located on the Altiplano plateau, directly above La Paz, El Alto is one of Bolivia’s largest and fastest-growing cities. Sitting at an altitude of 13,615 ft (4,150 m), it is significantly higher than the valley below, offering stunning panoramic views of La Paz and the surrounding Andes. Once considered a peripheral area, El Alto has developed into an important commercial and industrial hub with a distinct identity.
The area is home to El Alto International Airport (LPB), one of the highest airports in the world, handling both domestic and international flights. It offers connections to major Bolivian cities like Santa Cruz and Cochabamba, as well as international routes to Lima, Bogotá, and Santiago. The airport features duty-free shops, dining options, and transportation services, including taxis and minibuses that connect to La Paz.
Beyond the airport, El Alto is known for its Thursday and Sunday open-air markets, among the largest in South America, where locals and visitors can find everything from electronics to traditional textiles. The city is also famous for neo-Andean architecture, designed by Bolivian architect Freddy Mamani, with colorful, futuristic-style buildings known as “cholets.”
Public transportation between El Alto and La Paz includes Mi Teleférico’s Red and Blue lines, providing a direct link between the two cities with stunning aerial views. Buses and shared taxis are also widely available, though travel times can be affected by traffic congestion.
Accommodations in El Alto are mostly budget hotels and hostels, catering to travelers with early flights or those wanting to experience the city’s unique culture. While it is not the most tourist-friendly area, its proximity to the airport and transport links to La Paz make it a practical option for short stays.
Our hand-picked accommodations near La Paz Airport
Read this in other languages:
Where to stay in other cities
- Best areas to stay in Cochabamba
- Best areas to stay in Santa Cruz de la Sierra
- Best areas to stay in Sucre
- Best areas to stay in Puno
- Best areas to stay in Lima
- Best areas to stay in Cusco
- Best areas to Arequipa
- Best areas to stay in Caracas
- Best areas to stay in Buenos Aires
- Best areas to stay in Salta
- Best areas to stay in Santiago, Chile
- Best areas to stay in São Paulo