Caracas: diversas opciones a los pies de la montaña

Eduardo Monzón

Many people who are unfamiliar with Caracas are surprised when they arrive by how green and lush it is, by its enormous trees, and, above all, by its massive mountain, which seems to tower over everything. Beyond its voracious chaos, as in any city, Caracas knows how to reveal its charms, just as the macaws that fly over it daily show off their beauty, much to the delight of the locals.

There are so many things to do in Caracas that it’s hard to list them all, but we’d like to share a few great options for those looking to experience its charms for the first time. An excellent place to start is Plaza Francia in Altamira, which feels like the beating heart of the city. This is a classic Caracas landmark, with its beautiful green spaces and majestic obelisk—a must-have in any photo.

It’s a real pleasure to visit Los Palos Grandes and explore its cosmopolitan plaza, where you can enjoy a delicious cup of coffee al fresco. This is an excellent area to discover Caracas’s diverse culinary scene, as it’s brimming with top-quality dining options. Be sure to check out Café Arábica and D.O.C Restaurant, two delightful spots offering a wide array of Venezuelan flavors.

If you’d like to visit some of the green spaces where Caracas residents go to clear their minds, you should definitely stop by Parque del Este to stroll along its paths in the shade of trees and chaguaramos, where the beautiful blue-and-yellow macaws that call Caracas home often perch.

The Los Galpones Art Center in Los Chorros is a delightful place to enjoy an exhibition, browse the bookstore or shops, or savor a delicious dessert in a peaceful setting.

A visit to Las Mercedes is a must if you want to continue discovering the friendly, modern side of Caracas, with plenty of dining options and venues like Trasnocho Cultural—which offers a curated selection of films and theater performances—as well as a bookstore and Kakao, a spot where you can enjoy wonderful chocolates made with Venezuelan cacao, the best in the world.

Caracas está llena de arte, por eso también hay que visitar la Galería de Arte Nacional, el Museo de Bellas Artes, El Museo de Arte Contemporáneo y el Museo de la Estampa y del Diseño Carlos Cruz Diez; solo por mencionar algunos de los lugares que le mostrarán la riqueza artística de la ciudad. Sin dejar de pasar también por obras que se han convertido en emblemas de Caracas, como la gran Esfera de Jesús Soto, a un lado de la autopista Francisco Fajardo.

The city center also has plenty to offer; be sure to visit Plaza Bolívar in Venezuela’s capital and the beautiful cathedral. Nearby is the Artesano café, a must-visit spot to enjoy one of Venezuela’s most delicious and popular sweets: golfeados, a true Caracas icon, as they originated in this city and are a wonderful tradition. A visit to downtown is also a great opportunity to explore historic sites, such as Simón Bolívar’s birthplace and the National Pantheon.

Y ya que la majestuosidad del Ávila acompaña cada paso en Caracas, no hay que marcharse sin conocer a esta montaña de cerca, ya sea en el agradable paseo en teleférico, hasta llegar a icónico Hotel Humboldt; o en una de sus muchas rutas que enamoran a los excursionistas y aventureros, que buscan naturaleza y vistas panorámicas de la ciudad.

It’s impossible to sum up Caracas, but discovering it is fascinating—that’s why you have to explore it, to experience its flavors and urban landscapes, which are hard to forget.