Top things to do

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 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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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 …

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…

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…

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…