Caracas fills a long, narrow valley in the coastal mountains, with the historic centre at one end and the business and shopping districts stretching east. The city is dense, walkable in patches, and heavily dependent on taxis and the metro to move between areas. The whole of the city is considered dangerous at night, so where you base yourself matters more than usual.
For a visitor, the practical geography is simple: the historic centre, known locally as "el centro", sits in the west, and the areas most travellers choose lie in the middle and east of the valley, from Sabana Grande through to Chacao, Altamira and beyond. This guide covers which of those areas to base yourself in, what each is like for different kinds of traveller, and what accommodation you can expect at each budget level.
Best areas to stay in Caracas
1. Sabana Grande
Sabana Grande is the geographic centre of the city, a midtown district built around a long, pleasantly walkable boulevard with high lamp posts and a police presence along the way. It has the widest choice of accommodation in the city, from affordable rooms to five-star properties, and the boulevard is good for people-watching and casual shopping. The large shopping malls around it, including El Recreo, are safe, and the Sabana Grande metro station puts the rest of the city within reach.
This is the most practical base for most visitors, including first-time travellers and those watching their budget. Be aware of occasional purse-snatching and pick-pocketing on the street, and note that some hotels in the area let rooms by the hour. Some travellers report being hassled by corrupt police during the day, so dress like the average Venezuelan rather than standing out.
2. Altamira and Los Palos Grandes
Altamira sits east of the centre and is one of the city's more established districts, with accommodation in the upscale range and a metro connection. Los Palos Grandes, next to it, is a residential and commercial area with five-star options, including properties with rooftop lounges and weekend promotions worth checking. Staying east of Sabana Grande is generally considered preferable at night.
These areas suit visitors who want a quieter, more polished base and don't mind relying on taxis or the metro to reach the historic sights. They are less about street life than Sabana Grande and more about comfort and access to the eastern business and restaurant districts.
3. Chacao
Chacao is an eastern district with modern accommodation, including properties opposite the Sambil shopping mall. It is clean, contemporary and popular, which means the better places should be booked around two weeks in advance. It suits travellers who want a well-connected, commercial base with shopping and dining close at hand.
Chacao works well for business travellers and for visitors who prefer to be in the east of the valley, within easy reach of Altamira and Los Palos Grandes. As with the rest of the city, plan on taxis or the metro rather than walking after dark.
4. El Rosal and Las Mercedes
El Rosal and Las Mercedes are the fanciest districts of the city. El Rosal is the business district, with luxury business hotels and good restaurants, while Las Mercedes is known for its upscale character. Fewer people walk these streets than in Sabana Grande, so you should rent a car or arrange a taxi to get around.
These areas suit travellers on a higher budget who prioritise comfort, dining and a business-district setting over street-level convenience. They are not the best choice if you want to be on foot, but they offer the city's most polished accommodation.
5. La Candelaria
La Candelaria lies closer to the historic centre, and staying here puts the museums and the old town within easy reach. The nearby area has many Spanish restaurants, and there are mid-range and upscale options in the district. It is a reasonable choice if the museums and Plaza Bolívar are your priority.
This area suits travellers who want to be near the centre without staying in el centro itself, which is not a good place to stay. Note that the Bellas Artes area, close to the city's best museums, should not be wandered at night.
Where to stay on a budget, mid-range or splurge
- Budget: Caracas lacks the youth hostels found elsewhere in South America, and there are no rooms in the typical US$20–30 hostel range. The cheapest options are found in Sabana Grande, including simple places on the boulevard itself. Expect to pay more than you would elsewhere in the region, and be wary of street crime.
- Mid-range: Sabana Grande and La Candelaria have the largest supply of mid-range hotels, some with English-speaking staff and easy access to the metro and museums. Rates are affordable by the standards of the city, and the choice is widest in Sabana Grande.
- Splurge: The five-star properties cluster in Sabana Grande, El Rosal, Las Mercedes, Chacao and Los Palos Grandes. These include large international-style hotels, business hotels with good restaurants, and properties connected to shopping malls or with rooftop lounges. Weekend promotions can reduce rates significantly.
Best area for a first visit
Sabana Grande is the best base for a first visit. It is the geographic centre of the city, has the widest range of accommodation at every budget, and its boulevard is walkable, well lit and patrolled. The metro station and the surrounding malls make it easy to reach the rest of Caracas while keeping you in the part of the city most travellers find comfortable.
Frequently asked questions
Is the historic centre a good place to stay?
No. The true downtown, known as "el centro", is not a good place to stay. You can visit the historic centre and its sights from a base in Sabana Grande or La Candelaria instead.
Can I find hostel-style accommodation in Caracas?
Caracas lacks the youth hostels common in other South American countries, and there are no rooms in the typical US$20–30 hostel range. Backpackers should expect Caracas to be an expensive destination and look at budget hotels in Sabana Grande rather than hostels.
Do I need a car in Las Mercedes or El Rosal?
Yes, or at least a taxi. Fewer people walk the streets in these districts, so you should rent a car or arrange a taxi to get around.
Is it safe to walk around at night?
The whole of the city is considered dangerous at night. It is preferable to stay near Sabana Grande or farther east, and to use taxis or the metro rather than walking after dark.
Compare live prices for the areas that suit you using the booking tools on this page.