Tours

La Plaza Bolívar

From the early beginnings, the main square of Caracas has been witness to executions, concerts, fairs, theater and bullfights. It's original name was Plaza de Armas (Weapons Square) but it was in 1883, on the occasion of the 100th birthday of Simón Bolívar, El Libertador, that the square was officially renamed La Plaza Bolívar. His statue still remains in the center of the square. The reconstructed interior of La Casa Natal de El Libertador (the house where Bolívar was born) displays a great deal of colonial furniture and objects. Also there are works by the famous Venezuelan painter, Tito Salas, which depict some of the most remarkable moments in the life of "El Libertador." To the north of the house where Bolívar was born is the colonial Bolívar Museum, which displays a collection of documents, weapons, clothes, and portraits of El Libertador. La Casa Amarilla is one of the best-kept and oldest colonial buildings remaining in the old center of town, which once housed the royal prison and served as presidential residence, while today it houses the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. After all this historical excitement, stop by Vlassis Le Med or La Atarraya for a tasty bite from the Mediterranean.

El Capitolio

To the southwest of La Plaza Bolívar is a two-building complex called the El Capitolio, which houses the Legislative Palace and the Federal Palace. It is here that we can find the "Golden Key," which opens the urn keeping the remains of El Libertador. The Basílica de Santa Teresa is a neoclassical building that actually houses two churches, Santa Teresa to the east and Santa Ana to the west. The Panteón Nacional is five blocks north of La Plaza Bolívar, and is the most sacred building in the city. It's where eminent Venezuelans found their last resting place. El Teatro Nacional which was opened in 1905 and is located just to the south of the Santa Teresa Basílica, is famous for its ceiling paintings representing dance, music and drama, all by the hand of the famous painter Herrera Toro. La Atarraya is a great ending point for your tour, where you can refuel with traditional Venezuelan dishes.

Childen's Museum

The Museo de Los Niños is a place where not only children but also adults are given the opportunity to learn about the world surrounding them. The laws of the universe are all explored here: the basic principles of biology, physics, chemistry and art. The Natural Science Museum shows a great diversity of flora and fauna found in South-America and Africa, as well as an important collection of archaeological remains. If you love nature, don't forget to visit this interesting museum. The Museo Audiovisual features the memory of Venezuela in images and symbols. This is the place to be if you're interested in the history and development of the local media and the technological progress made in this field. You can find the most complete audio-visual documentation center of the country here. It is often used to house conferences, workshops and seminars. The name of the Piano Museum may be a bit misleading, because in this museum you can find a big collection of musical instruments dating back to all kinds of eras, including Afro-Caribbean and Amerindian, which will take you on a trip through classical, contemporary and experimental music.

Guided Tours

Kuravaina Tours (+58 212 373 1049/ http://robertar.googlepages.com/home) Tourmandu (http://www.tourmandu.com/local-tours/Caracas-Venezuela/134/) Novel Tours (+58 212 793 0311/ http://www.noveltours.com/excursiones/caracas.asp) New Frontiers Adventures (http://www.newfrontiersadventures.com/menu.html)