Home / Venezuela / Caracas
Caracas, the capital of Venezuela
Flag of Venezuela Capital of Venezuela

Caracas

Caracas, officially Santiago de León de Caracas, is the capital and largest city of Venezuela, nestled in a valley along the Guaire River in the country's northern coastal region. Surrounded by mountains and close to the Caribbean Sea, the city sits within a dramatic landscape shaped by the Venezuelan coastal mountain range.

Photo: Olga Berrios (CC BY 2.0)

Quick facts

Population
3,523,959 (city, 2023)
Currency
Venezuelan bolívar soberano (VES)
Language
Spanish
Timezone
-04 (UTC-4)
Local time now
16:59:19

Hotels in Caracas

Caracas offers a range of accommodation options for visitors to Venezuela's capital. Hotels such as Hotel El Conde, Hotel Edén, Hotel Arbet, Hotel Tiuna, and Hotel Edward provide lodging across the city. See all hotels →

Hotel El Conde
158 m from centre
Hotel Edén
333 m from centre
Hotel Arbet
385 m from centre

Airports in Caracas

Caracas is served by several airports providing domestic and international connectivity. The main airports include Aeropuerto Internacional de Maiquetía Simón Bolívar, Base Aérea La Carlota, and Aeropuerto de Caracas - Óscar Machado Zuloaga. See all airports →

Base Arérea La Carlota
8.1 km from centre
Aeropuerto Internacional de Maiquetía Simón Bolívar
13.9 km from centre
Aeropuerto de Caracas - Óscar Machado Zuloaga
26.4 km from centre

Car Hire in Caracas

Caracas offers several car hire options for visitors and residents alike. Major international companies including Budget, Hertz, and Avis operate in the city, alongside local providers such as Amigo's Car Rental and Multiservicios Goncalves Rocha. See all car hire →

Multiservicios Goncalves Rocha
988 m from centre
Budget
2.3 km from centre
Hertz
5.3 km from centre
Amigo's Car Rental
5.5 km from centre

Things to Do in Caracas

Caracas offers visitors a glimpse into Venezuelan history and culture through its notable landmarks. Explore sites like the Museo Sacro de Caracas, Casa Natal del Libertador, and other historic houses that showcase the city's architectural and cultural heritage. See all things to do →

Museo Sacro de Caracas
84 m from centre
Casa Amarilla Antonio José de Sucre
92 m from centre
Casa del Vínculo y del Retorno
101 m from centre
Casa Natal del Libertador
Municipio Libertador · 196 m from centre
Casa de las Primeras Letras Simón Rodríguez
243 m from centre
Casa de Martí
257 m from centre

Restaurants in Caracas

Caracas offers a variety of dining options reflecting Venezuelan culinary traditions and international flavours. From Bistró del Libertador to Restaurant El Mesón de Caracas, the city's restaurant scene showcases local and contemporary cuisine. See all restaurants →

Bistró del Libertador
regional · 89 m from centre
Venezuela Nutritiva – Arte Catedral
regional · 105 m from centre
Galipán Restaurant
coffee_shop · 176 m from centre

Swimming Pools in Caracas

We're still gathering swimming pools listings for Caracas — check back soon.

Spas in Caracas

We're still gathering spas listings for Caracas — check back soon.

Nightlife in Caracas

Caracas offers a variety of nightlife venues where locals and visitors can enjoy the city's social scene. From establishments like Hawai kay and Moulin Rouge to Disco El Laguito and La Fragata, there are options to suit different tastes for an evening out. See all nightlife →

Hawai kay
4.1 km from centre
El Saraito
4.1 km from centre
La Fragata
4.1 km from centre

Bars in Caracas

We're still gathering bars listings for Caracas — check back soon.

Cafes in Caracas

Caracas offers a selection of cafes where visitors and locals can enjoy refreshments. Notable venues include Café Venezuela, Cacao Venezuela, ECafé, and El Techo de la Ballena, each providing a unique atmosphere for dining and socializing. See all cafes →

Café Venezuela
coffee_shop · 95 m from centre
Cacao Venezuela
chocolate · 95 m from centre
Cacao Venezuela
Municipio Libertador · chocolate · 106 m from centre

Shopping in Caracas

Caracas offers a variety of shopping options across the city, including modern commercial centers and shopping galleries. Popular destinations include Galerías Edsan, Centro Comercial Plaza Capitolio, Dorsay, Mango Bajito, and Pasaje Zingg, where visitors can find a range of retail and commercial experiences. See all shopping →

Dorsay
182 m from centre
Galerías Edsan
217 m from centre
Mango Bajito
233 m from centre

Nature & Wildlife in Caracas

We're still gathering nature & wildlife listings for Caracas — check back soon.

Climate snapshot

Caracas benefits from a tropical climate moderated by its mountain valley location near the Caribbean. The city experiences relatively consistent weather year-round, with warm conditions typical of its coastal proximity, though the surrounding mountains and elevation create cooler microclimates.

Interesting Facts About Caracas — Weird & Wonderful

  • Caracas is separated from the Caribbean Sea by the steep 2,200-meter-high Cerro El Ávila mountain range, creating a dramatic natural barrier between the city and the shore.
  • The city is located within the Caracas Valley, a mountain valley surrounded on multiple sides by hills and peaks that form its natural boundaries.
  • The Metropolitan Region of Caracas has an estimated population of over 5 million inhabitants, making it a major urban center in South America.

Frequently Asked Questions About Caracas

What is the official name of Caracas?

The official name is Santiago de León de Caracas. The city is commonly referred to as Caracas and uses the abbreviation CCS.

What is the population of Caracas?

The city proper has a population of 3,523,959 (2023), while the Metropolitan Region of Caracas has an estimated population of over 5 million inhabitants.

Where is Caracas located geographically?

Caracas is located in the northern part of Venezuela along the Guaire River, within the Caracas Valley of the Venezuelan coastal mountain range, close to the Caribbean Sea.

What language is spoken in Caracas?

Spanish is the primary language spoken in Caracas and throughout Venezuela.

What currency is used in Caracas?

The currency of Venezuela is the bolívar, which is used throughout Caracas.

What is notable about Caracas's geography?

Caracas is uniquely positioned in a mountain valley separated from the Caribbean Sea by the steep 2,200-meter-high Cerro El Ávila, with additional hills and mountains surrounding the valley to the south.

Map of Caracas

View larger map · © OpenStreetMap contributors