Caracas, Venezuela’s bustling metropolis and capital, combines natural beauty and urban living. This vibrant city, nestled between soaring mountain peaks and the Caribbean Sea, is a gateway to exploring Venezuela’s rich culture and history. If you’re searching for the safest areas to stay in Caracas, look no further.
Accommodation Options in Caracas
Founded in 1567 by Diego de Losada, Caracas preserves its historical legacy through attractions such as El Hatillo, a colonial neighborhood with cobblestone streets and colorful houses. In addition, Caracas’ landmarks like the Teresa Carreño Cultural Complex and the Simón Bolívar Birthplace House are worth visiting. Many upscale hotels are located within the safer eastern part of Caracas.
Caracas also offers several other intriguing sites for visitors to explore. Nature lovers can enjoy the lush greenery of Parque del Este or take a cable car ride up Ávila Mountain for breathtaking views. The Museum of Fine Arts (Museo de Bellas Artes) and the Contemporary Art Museum (Museo de Arte Contemporáneo) showcase the country’s artistic treasures.
The city is home to a thriving arts scene, buzzing nightlife, and delicious cuisine exemplified by the savory national dish called arepas. Remember to exercise caution while enjoying this adventure-packed destination.
Embark on a journey through this fascinating city by continuing to read about the best areas to stay in Caracas.
What’s the Safest area to Stay in Caracas, Venezuela?
East Caracas stands out as the best area for an enjoyable stay in the city. The high-end neighborhoods, such as Altamira, La Castellana, and El Rosal, offer relative safety and luxury. The area also hosts several international embassies, shopping centers, business districts, and nightlife areas.
Find available accommodation in East Caracas.
Best Hotels in East Caracas
- Best 5-star hotel: Waldorf Hotel
- Best 4-star hotel: Lidotel Caracas
- Best 3-star hotel: Pestana Caracas Premium City & Conference Hotel
Where to Stay in Caracas: Safest Districts
1. La Castellana & Altamira
The Best area to stay in Caracas
Altamira and La Castellana are Caracas’s most upscale and prestigious neighborhoods. Located east of the city, they are part of the Chacao Municipality, an important financial and commercial center. The buildings in these areas showcase modern architecture.
Altamira is well known for its central square, Plaza Francia, which features an obelisk surrounded by beautiful gardens and fountains. This square is an important gathering spot for residents and a venue for open-air art exhibitions. Another notable landmark in Altamira is Parque del Este, a large park that provides green spaces and recreational facilities for the local community.
A significant cultural attraction in the area is PDVSA La Estancia, a cultural center funded by the state oil company. This multifunctional complex offers free artistic events such as concerts, theater performances, workshops, and exhibitions throughout the year.
La Castellana is home to many foreign embassies and internationally-recognized hotels.
Both neighborhoods are renowned for their restaurants, high-end shops, and nightlife.
When it comes to transportation, Altamira benefits from multiple metro stations, such as Altamira and Parque del Este stations along Line 1.
Accommodation options in Altamira and La Castellana tend to be upscale hotels.
Is Altamira a safe area to stay in Caracas?
Altamira and La Castellana are considered safer than other parts of Caracas due to their planned layout, well-maintained infrastructure, and the presence of embassies in the vicinity. However, it is important for visitors to stay vigilant.
Best Hotels in Altamira, Caracas
Cayena-Caracas
Offering an outdoor pool and a restaurant, Cayena-Caracas is a gorgeous, modern hotel located in Caracas. It features excellent views of the city and El Avila Mountain.
Continental Altamira
Located in East Caracas, Continental Altamira has accommodations with an outdoor swimming pool, free private parking, a fitness center, and a garden. Featuring a terrace, the 4-star hotel has air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi, each with a private bathroom.
Pestana Caracas Premium City & Conference Hotel
The Pestana offers elegant accommodations in contemporary style, featuring a top-floor outdoor pool with 360-degree views of the city. It includes a jacuzzi and a gym overlooking El Avilla Mountain.
2. Las Mercedes
The Best area to stay in Caracas for Food and Nightlife
Las Mercedes is a district located east of the city center. This area has become a preferred location for dining and entertainment in the Venezuelan capital. With its origins traced back to the 1940s, Las Mercedes has become a bustling commercial district.
Centered around Avenida Principal de Las Mercedes, this quarter is packed with a wide variety of shops, restaurants, and bars lining its streets. At night, the area boasts an energetic nightlife scene which includes popular bars and clubs. Additionally, some of the city’s best fine-dining restaurants make their home in this district.
Las Mercedes also houses some of Caracas’ most well-known shopping centers, including Centro Comercial Paseo Las Mercedes, renowned for its numerous high-end boutiques and luxury brand stores.
Regarding transportation options, Las Mercedes is well connected to other parts of Caracas via various bus and Metrobus lines along Avenida Principal de Las Mercedes.
In terms of accommodations, hotels in Las Mercedes predominantly cater to mid-range and luxury budgets.
Is Las Mercedes a safe area to stay in Caracas?
Considering the ongoing safety concerns in Caracas as a whole, travelers need to exercise caution during their visit. While Las Mercedes is deemed relatively safer than other areas in the city due to its affluent character and commercial appeal, it’s still recommended to stay vigilant and take necessary precautions while traveling or staying in this area.
Best Hotels in Las Mercedes, Caracas
Eurobuilding Hotel & Suites Caracas
Eurobuilding Hotel & Suites Caracas offers stylish rooms in the financial district, featuring a swimming pool, a fitness center, and a sauna. The center of the city is a 15-minute drive away.
3. El Rosal
The Best area to stay in Caracas for Business Travelers
El Rosal, located in central-east Caracas, is an area well-suited for business travelers due to its strategic position and commercial activity. This urbanized district is characterized by its modern skyscrapers, banking centers, and office buildings. The area is the focal point for Caracas’ financial services sector.
El Rosal’s attractions include Centro Cultural Chacao, which houses theater performances, art exhibitions, and various cultural events throughout the year. The area also features several parks, such as Parque Humboldt and Parque Cristal, which provide a contrast to the bustling city life. Some notable shopping destinations in or near El Rosal include Centro Lido, Centro San Ignacio, and Sambil Shopping Mall. These malls house major national and international brands along with cinemas and various dining options.
El Rosal is easily accessible due to its vicinity to important avenues such as Francisco de Miranda Avenue, Libertador Avenue, and Rio de Janeiro Avenue. Moreover, it is just a short distance from Chacaíto and Chacao Line 1 metro stations.
Hotel options in El Rosal cater primarily to business travelers looking for a convenient location near corporate offices and financial institutions.
Is El Rosal a safe area to stay in Caracas?
While no neighborhood is immune from crime in Caracas, El Rosal remains comparatively safer due to the presence of embassies and several international organizations nearby. Additionally, a regular police presence in the area ensures that safety concerns are addressed as needed. However, visitors should always exercise vigilance and adhere to general travel safety guidelines when staying in any part of Caracas.
Best Hotels in El Rosal, Caracas
Lidotel Caracas
Located in the Centro Lido Financial Center, Hotel Centro Lido offers modern rooms with free Wi-Fi and a flat-screen TV. Facilities include a gym and a spa.
Hotel Chacao Cumberland
Hotel Chacao Cumberland offers 4-star accommodations in Caracas and has a fitness center, a restaurant, and a bar. Among this property’s facilities are room service, a 24-hour front desk, and free WiFi throughout the property.
4. Sabana Grande & Plaza Venezuela
Central Area to Stay in Caracas
Sabana Grande is a commercial hub in the city. The district has been the city’s shopping and entertainment epicenter for decades.
Historically, Sabana Grande gained prominence in the 1940s. The boulevard, initially designed for leisurely activities, eventually transformed into a busy commercial street over the following decades. Today, it is known for being a pedestrian area with a vibrant street life.
In terms of attractions, art enthusiasts can visit the Plaza Venezuela Fountain and admire its colorful light displays in the evening.
Sabana Grande is home to many cafes, bars, and restaurants. When it comes to transportation options within Sabana Grande, Caracas Metro’s Line 1 includes several stations serving the area – such as Sabana Grande Station and Plaza Venezuela Station.
Is Sabana Grande a safe area to stay in Caracas?
It is important for visitors considering staying in Sabana Grande to consider the current safety situation in Caracas. While the area can be crowded during the day, it is advised to be cautious and vigilant, especially during nighttime or less busy times.
Best Hotels in Sabana Grande, Caracas
Meliá Caracas
The Melia is a luxury hotel in Caracas’ Sabana Grande, featuring an outdoor pool with a hydromassage tub and sauna. It offers elegant rooms in classical European style and three world-class restaurants.
Apartosuite Sabana Grande
Surrounded by views of the city, Apartosuite Sabana Grande is a sustainable apartment in Caracas, offering guests an environmentally friendly accommodation close to Los Caobos Park.
5. Simón Bolívar International Airport
Best Area for a Layover
CCS Airport, also known as Simón Bolívar International Airport, serves as the primary gateway for travelers arriving in or departing from Caracas, Venezuela.
Located about 21 kilometers north of the city center in Maiquetia, the airport is a crucial hub for domestic and international airlines. Major airlines operating at CCS include Conviasa and Laser Airlines, connecting passengers to various destinations across the Americas and Europe.
Best Hotels around Maiquetía Airport
Eurobuilding Express Maiquetía
Only a 5-minute drive from Simon Bolivar Airport, Eurobuilding Express Maiquetía features a hot tub, a fitness center, and a swimming pool. Free airport shuttles, parking, and Wi-Fi are provided. There is a bar.
Hotel Villa Playa Grande
Hotel Villa Playa Grande has an outdoor swimming pool, a shared lounge, a terrace, and a restaurant in Playa Grande. Featuring a bar, the 4-star hotel has air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi, each with a private bathroom.
