Introduction

Caracas, a city of great diversity, offers visitors a wide range of scenery. The different areas of the city make it an exciting and interesting metropolis where tradition and modernism become one. Caracas has an excellent transport system: there is an intricate network of roads that cross the city from east to west and north to south; an exceptional underground transportation system known as El Metro de Caracas, which is considered one of the world's tidiest and most modern, with many stations all over the city; and bus routes known as Metrobus, which connect the metro stations with some of the more remote neighborhoods.

El Silencio (Downtown)

History at a glance! El Silencio proudly showcases Venezuela's rich history, with architectural gems from the 17th and 18th Centuries. This part of Caracas is well worth a visit. Places such as Plaza Bolívar, the Catedral Metropolitana de Caracas, dating from 1665, the Casa Natal El Libertador, the house where Simón Bolívar, the Liberator, was born; the 17th century La Casa Amarilla, once a prison, but now used by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; El Capitolio Nacional, seat of the legislative council; the Teatro Nacional, El Panteón Nacional, the resting place for prominent Venezuelans; the Basílica de Santa Teresa; El Palacio de Miraflores, the presidential palace, and the Museo Arturo Michelena, should not be forgotten.

Parque Central

Innovation, architecture, art and culture, and the country's two highest towers - if there is any place that shows how modern Caracas is, it is El Parque Central. Located less than a mile to the southeast of La Plaza Bolívar, the park contains a concrete structure with two 53-floor octagonal towers and residential buildings. However, if it is not architecture and structural designs, but rather culture that takes your interest, you will be pleasantly surprised to find a great number of art centers here. In the Complejo Cultural Teresa Carreño, the arts reach their utmost expression, through theater, dance, concerts and ballet performances among others.

The most important museums of the city include: Museo de Arte Contemporáneo de Caracas Sofía Imber, Museo de los Niños where adults as well as children will find enjoyment, Museo de Ciencias Naturales, Fundación Museo de Bella Artes, and the Galería de Arte Nacional which possesses a permanent collection of more than 3,500 works of art. The immense Botanical Garden and the Ateneo de Caracas, where you will find a cinema, theaters, an art gallery, a cafeteria and a bookstore. To the south of the Botanical Gardens, you will find the largest university in Caracas, the Universidad Central de Venezuela.

Sabana Grande & Las Mercedes

Even though this is not quite a tourist mecca, here we will find the famous Sabana Grande Boulevard, more than three-quarters of a mile and surrounded by shops, hotels and restaurants. The neighborhood of Las Mercedes is one of the most busy and popular areas in the city. It is characterized by being the center of fashion and Caracas nightlife. Here you will be able to enjoy yourself, go to a good restaurant or to a classy nightclub, all in the same area.

Altamira, Chacao & El Hatillo

Altamira is one of the most pleasant neighborhoods in the city, which normally includes some smaller districts such as La Castellana, Los Palos Grandes, Bello Campo and La Floresta. It is an important business area and is the location of the Plaza Francia which has a large obelisk, a monumental trademark of Caracas. Chacao is a district that was made famous by Irene Sáez, ex Miss Universe from 1986, that as mayor changed the area into a yuppie enclave, so today it is populous and modern, filled with large buildings and shopping centers. El Hatillo is ideal for those that may want to escape the hustle and bustle from the city. It is a small village filled with old houses, artisanal shops, cafes and restaurants.