Entertainment in Maracay
Teatro de la Opera
Commissioned by Gómez in 1934, this Soviet-esque theater was intended to be the best in the country, to match the capital status of the city. An immense budget of two million bolívares was allotted for the structure…
in Maracay
Panteón de Gómez
In typical dictator style, once Gómez had taken a firm grip of Venezuela, he set about building himself a grandiose mausoleum. Finished in 1919, this rather pretentious pantheon structure is topped by a white Mooris…
in Maracay
Casa de Dolores Amelia
Set on the northern side of Parque Bicentenario, this fine mansion was built in 1927 by Gómez for his favorite mistress, Dolores Amelia Núñez de Cáceres. Designed in the neo-Sevillan style, the building has been nic…
in Maracay
Churchill Steak House
Embracing its old-schoolness with ferocity, this 30-year-old, London-themed French steakhouse boasting stained-glass windows, extra low ceilings and salmon furnishings will knock you out. If the churrasco salomo isn…
in Maracay
Santuario de Madre María de San José
This saintly sanctuary, one block east of Plaza Girardot, is the most revered city site. Choroní-born Madre María (1875–1967) was beatified by papal decree in 1995. Her remains were exhumed and, to everybody’s shock…
in Maracay
Museo Aeronáutico
This is the only aeronautical museum in the country and well worth a look. There are about 40 aircraft on display, including four helicopters. Many are warplanes from the 1920s to the 1950s that once served in the V…
Portuguese in Maracay
Tasca El Riacho
This tasca (Spanish-style bar-restaurant) has a huge curvaceous bar, large seating areas and a sophisticated atmosphere that comes alive in the evening. The live music’s not so good (bad Juanes covers) but it cooks …
in Maracay
Oz Club
Ever wonder what it’s like to attend P Diddy’s White Party? In the same complex as El Riacho, this all-white club (collared shirt or some sort of jacket required) is where the rumba’s (party) at, in a Johnnie Walker…
Pizza in Maracay
Pizza Mia
This popular pizza chain has nine locations in Maracay. The pizza is reminiscent of a home attempt with canned vegetables, assuming your home is not in Italy. But it’s a cheap option that gets the job done and marac…
Bakery in Maracay
Royal III
Open daily, this massive, well-heeled panadería/pastelería (bakery/pastry shop) does it all: 59 sandwiches, loads of stuffed croissants, pizza and a wealth of sweets and treats. Bonus sugar cookies accompany sit-dow…