La Paz sits in a canyon bowl in the high Andes, with the triple-peaked Illimani rising above it and the satellite city of El Alto spread across the Altiplano to the west. The city runs roughly northwest to southeast along the course of the Choqueyapu River, and its main thoroughfare changes names as it goes; the central tree-lined stretch through the downtown core is known as the Prado.
That geography matters when you choose where to sleep. The more affluent areas lie in the lower, central parts of the city southwest of the Prado, many middle-class residents live in high-rise condos near the centre, and lower-income neighbourhoods climb the surrounding hills. The airport is out in El Alto, on the far side of the canyon. This guide covers the areas the sources identify as bases for visitors, and what kind of accommodation you tend to find in each.
Best areas to stay in La Paz
1. The Sagarnaga and Illampu area (central tourist district)
This is the backpacker heart of La Paz, where Calle Sagarnaga and Calle Illampu merge into streets full of markets and museums and busy with people all day long. It suits first-time visitors who want bars, restaurants, museums and events within walking distance, and it is where much of the city's inexpensive accommodation is concentrated. You will find hostels and basic guesthouses here, along with a few slightly more comfortable places in the same blocks.
It is also the most central base for the historic sights: the area sits within a short walk of the San Francisco Church and roughly three blocks from Plaza Murillo. Because the streets stay lively, expect noise, and inspect your room before you sign the register.
2. Around Plaza Murillo and the historic centre
The Plaza Murillo area is the colonial core, home to the presidential palace, the Metropolitan Cathedral and Jaén Street, with the city's government buildings around the square. Staying here puts the landmarks of the old city on your doorstep and suits visitors who prioritise sightseeing over nightlife. Accommodation in and around the centre includes historic properties and simple mid-range rooms, some with views over the city.
This is a central location for the Prado and the downtown core, and it is walkable to the Sagarnaga market streets. As in any busy central district, expect street noise, and choose a room away from the busiest frontages if you are a light sleeper.
3. Sopocachi
Sopocachi is a district southwest of the Prado with a concentration of good restaurants, and it sits in the lower, more affluent part of the city. It suits travellers who want a quieter, more residential base with easy access to dining, and who are happy to be a little removed from the backpacker bustle. The accommodation here leans mid-range, including small hotels with garden courtyards and comfortable rooms.
Its practical advantage is its position on the central side of the city, within reach of the downtown sights while giving you somewhere calmer to return to in the evening.
4. Miraflores
Miraflores lies a few blocks from the stadium and is named in the sources as a barrio of the city. It suits travellers who want fewer other visitors around and a more everyday Bolivian neighbourhood, and it is a reasonable choice if you are staying for longer or prefer to be outside the central tourist area. Accommodation here is basic and inexpensive, typically with shared bathrooms and courtyard space for washing and drying clothes.
The trade-off is clear: if you want to be by the tourist sights, this is not the area for you. It is a short ride or walk from the centre rather than in the middle of it.
5. Zona Sur
The Zona Sur is the southern district of the city, and the sources place self-contained apartment-style accommodation here, suited to families or groups staying for a week or more who want space and a kitchen rather than a hotel room. It sits in the lower, more affluent part of La Paz, away from the central sights.
Choose it if you value room to spread out and are comfortable travelling into the centre for the markets, museums and historic core.
6. Around the bus terminal
The area around the bus terminal has hostels and budget places aimed at travellers arriving or leaving overland, and it is convenient if your stay in La Paz is a brief stop between other destinations. Accommodation is inexpensive and functional, with some places offering pick-up service and left-luggage arrangements.
The practical point is location: it is good for the terminal, but a bit off for everything else, so you will be relying on transport to reach the centre and the main sights.
7. El Alto
El Alto is the satellite city spread across the Altiplano to the west of the canyon, and it is where the airport is. It suits travellers with a very early flight or a long layover who want to minimise the transfer, rather than those planning to spend their days sightseeing in La Paz.
Weigh the convenience against the distance: the centre of La Paz lies on the other side of the canyon, so basing yourself here means crossing into the city for the markets, the historic core and the cable car network.
Where to stay on a budget, mid-range or splurge
- Budget: dorm beds and simple private rooms in hostels and basic guesthouses, mostly concentrated in the Sagarnaga and Illampu area and around the bus terminal. Shared bathrooms, electric showers and courtyard laundry space are common; some places include breakfast, and a few have in-house bars and kitchens.
- Mid-range: small hotels and guesthouses with private bathrooms, hot water and often breakfast, found in the centre, Sopocachi and the Sagarnaga area. Expect simple, comfortable rooms, sometimes with cable television, wifi and a courtyard or solarium.
- Splurge: the sources describe comfortable doubles with private bathrooms, television and included breakfast in the central and backpacker areas, and self-contained apartments in the Zona Sur for longer stays. Even at this level, the city's offering is modest rather than luxurious.
Best area for a first visit
The Sagarnaga and Illampu area is the best base for a first visit. It puts you within walking distance of the markets, the San Francisco Church, Plaza Murillo and the city's bars, restaurants and museums, and it has the widest choice of accommodation at every budget. Staying here means you spend your time seeing La Paz rather than travelling across it.
Frequently asked questions
Where should I stay if I want to be near the main sights?
The Sagarnaga and Illampu area and the streets around Plaza Murillo put the colonial landmarks, the markets and the downtown core within walking distance. The Prado, the city's central tree-lined thoroughfare, runs through the downtown core nearby.
Which area is best if I want fewer other travellers around?
Miraflores, a few blocks from the stadium, is described as outside the normal central tourist area. It suits travellers who prefer a quieter neighbourhood and do not mind being away from the tourist sights.
Where do I stay if I have an early flight?
The airport is in El Alto, the satellite city on the Altiplano to the west of the canyon. Basing yourself there shortens the airport transfer, but leaves you across the canyon from central La Paz.
How do I get around between these areas?
La Paz is home to the largest urban cable car network in the world, and the city's topography means it also offers natural viewing points over the canyon and the Cordillera Real. Distances that look short on a map can involve changes in elevation, so plan for the hills.
Compare live prices for your dates with the booking tools on this page before you decide where to base yourself.