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Venezuela

Things to do in Venezuela

  1. A

    Taiko

    One of Caracas' first Japanese restaurants, Taiko remains a favorite for its authentically prepared sushi and sashimi in an upscale, minimalist setting.

    reviewed

  2. B

    El Salón del Sabor

    This vegetarian lunch hall is busiest at midday, when office workers load up their trays with veggie-stuffed burritos, cream of broccoli soup and so on.

    reviewed

  3. C

    El Mundo del Pollo

    Puts other South American pollerías to shame: the rotisserie chicken served here, in a clean, well-to-do carnivore’s temple, is transcendent!

    reviewed

  4. D

    Centro San Ignacio

    A major nightlife destination, boasting dozens of bars and clubs along the lower level, and the best mall within striking distance of a metro station.

    reviewed

  5. E

    Artesanía Altamira

    A veritable profusion of basket work is to be found here, along with other assorted knickknacks – the kind we all buy and ask ourselves ‘Why?’ later.

    reviewed

  6. La Gorda

    ‘The fat lady’ has been serving traditional Venezuelan dishes for decades. This is where some five-star hotels send guests who want to eat ‘local.’

    reviewed

  7. F

    Cool Café & Pub

    There’s usually some performance event going on at this relaxed lounge for a mixed crowd, though the transexual cabaret acts are the biggest draw.

    reviewed

  8. G

    Arábica Coffee Bar

    Caffeine junkies unite here over the house-roasted beans whose waft is discernable up and down the block. Espresso, lattes and macchiatos on tap.

    reviewed

  9. H

    Pollo en Brasas El Coyuco

    This classic spot is often packed with locals chowing down on lusciously seasoned roasted chicken and yucca within a rustic, log cabin setting.

    reviewed

  10. I

    La Rica Chicha

    Just above the Hotel Ritz, a nice old man serves ice-cold chicha - basically rice pudding you can drink - from a big yellow thermos.

    reviewed

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  12. J

    Tasca Rías Gallegas

    The horseshoe-shaped bar and various wood-paneled salons here overflow with chattering caracaqueños at lunchtime or after work.

    reviewed

  13. K

    Casa Farruco

    Decorated with beautiful tile work and ship models, this atmospheric locale offers tranquil dining upstairs and a boisterous bar downstairs.

    reviewed

  14. L

    Centro Venezolano de Español

    Small groups meet 20 hours weekly for Spanish tuition for a minimum of two weeks (around US$640 including lodging with Venezuelan family).

    reviewed

  15. M

    Centro Comercial Ciudad Tamanaco

    Commonly known as CCCT, this older mall with a unique inverted pyramid design contains an exclusive hotel as well as more than 500 stores.

    reviewed

  16. N

    Tecni-Ciencia Libros, Centro Comercial Ciudad Tamanaco

    One of Venezuela's best bookstores, with 10 branches around town. It has well-stocked travel sections with plenty of Lonely Planet titles.

    reviewed

  17. O

    Tecni-Ciencia Libros, Centro Comercial Sambil

    One of Venezuela's best bookstores, with 10 branches around town. It has well-stocked travel sections with plenty of Lonely Planet titles.

    reviewed

  18. P

    Restaurant Real Past

    Catering to students and other cash-strapped types, Real Past prides itself on house-made pasta and excellent pizza at dirt-cheap prices.

    reviewed

  19. Q

    Estadio Olímpico UCV

    This sports complex hosts some of the Venezuela national team home soccer matches between December and March. The stadium seats 40,000.

    reviewed

  20. R

    Chef Woo

    This lively, neighborhood Chinese restaurant is popular for its tasty Szechuan fare and even more so in the evening for its cheap beer.

    reviewed

  21. S

    Universidad Central de Venezuela

    With its 85,000 students, the UCV is Caracas’ (and Venezuela’s) largest university and is a hub of cultural activity.

    reviewed

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  23. Alpi Viajes

    This company specializes in fishing trips, but also offers a range of mainstream packages and some adventurous tours in the Amazonas.

    reviewed

  24. T

    Copa’s Dancing Bar

    A classic spot for men and women, with a well-stocked bar, an eclectic musical mix, a tight dance floor and irritating door security.

    reviewed

  25. U

    Kafta

    This Middle Eastern eatery situated above a busy street market serves fresh and filling platters, including great veggie combos.

    reviewed

  26. V

    Restaurant Vegetariano Sabas Nieves

    Lunch menus change daily at this homely vegetarian spot: Monday is comida criolla day, Thursday there's Peruvian fare.

    reviewed

  27. W

    Centro Lido

    In the heart of the modern business district, this has scads of exclusive shops on the four lower levels of an office tower.

    reviewed