Caracas

Caracas (officially Santiago de León de Caracas), is the capital and largest city of Venezuela, South America.

La Plaza Bolivar is located near the Metro Capitolio in the city centre. Here you will find examples of colonial architecture and statues of Simon Bolivar, a military and political leader in the 19th century.

La Casa Natal de Simon Bolivar is Bolivar's birthplace, a well-preserved colonial building. Next door is the Museo Bolivariano with some of Bolivar's war relics.

Universidad Central de Venezuela is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It was designed by Venezuela's most famous architect, Carlos Raul Villanueva. Modern artworks can be seen around the grounds.

Jardin Botanico, located next to the Central University, is a well-kept garden with a good collection of tropical plants and trees.

Parque del Este, (located near the “Parque del Este” metro stop), contains a planetarium, a small zoo and a café.

The Walk of Heroes is a complex of monuments dedicated to the heroes of the Independence of Venezuela. It is popular with walkers, joggers and cyclists and is lined with trees with gardens, water features and artwork.

Catedral Metropolitana de Caracas is a late 17th century cathedral which features over 300 pounds of gold leaf on the main altar. The private Bolivar family chapel is also located here.

Museums include the Museo de Arte Colonial, Centro de Arte La Estancia and the Museo de los Ninos (Children's Museum). Check opening times and days as these may vary.

El Ávila National Park covers part of the mountainous region of the coastal area of north-central Venezuela. The area's highest elevation is Pico Naiguatá, at 2,765m above sea level. The mountain is accessible by cable car (teleferico), off-road vehicle or on foot. On a clear day there are some fantastic views. A small selection of food kiosks and handicraft stalls can be found at the top.

El Hatillo, (past la Trinidad in the SE of the city) is beautiful neighbourhood styled in traditional colonial fashion and home to many shops, bars and restaurants. A great, safe place to stroll around. (A taxi or car is required as no public transport comes to this area).

Bulevar de Sabana Grande, in the middle of the city near the Sabana Grande metro stop, is one of the city's most famous shopping areas with lots of outdoor and indoor shops, hotels and eateries.

Specialities include 'arepas' (savoury corn-flour bread) and 'cachapa' (a sweetcorn pancake with a choice of toppings). Fresh and saltwater fish, seafood, rice and pasta are common sights on menus. Italian, Japanese, Chinese, steakhouses and Tex Mex options can also be found within the city.

Cruise ships dock in La Guaira. La Guaira is not safe to walk around. The cruise terminal is fine but only offers a handful of shops.

Taxis can be hailed in the street and are generally (but not always) safe. Licensed taxis are generally safer, these have yellow plates. Agree a price beforehand, bargaining is fine if the driver quotes an unacceptable price.

The Caracas metro is modern, comparatively safe and very cheap. A network of metrobuses also depart from certain metro stations to areas of the city not reached by the underground. Most services run only about every 20 minutes and have fixed stops.

Note: Caracas remains one of the most violent cities in the world and caution is needed, many of the areas in the city are no go for visitors. Ship organised tours are perhaps the safest option here.