Caracas, Venezuela

In Venezuela many ancient gastronomic traditions are combined to please the guest with a delicious variety of dishes. Between the 16th and 19th Centuries, Venezuelan society was made up of families descending from three different backgrounds—European, African and Venezuelan Amerindian. However, today's society does not necessarily reflect that situation anymore. Modern Venezuelan society shows a kind of symbiosis of human races, growing Asian and Middle Eastern influences have created a dynamic international environment. This same combination can be found in the local cuisine.

Sabana Grande

Because of the huge variety of restaurants offering the most exotic national and international cuisine, Caracas is considered the gastronomic capital of Latin America. This does not mean, however, that the Venezuelans and their food have lost their true culinary identity. In fact, typical Venezuelan food is characterized by its simplicity and pleasant taste. However, one restaurant in the Sabana Grande neighborhood that should not be missed is Al Vecchio Mulino, which means "Old Windmill" in Italian, it is a local favorite and is actually housed in an old windmill. After dinner, you can head to Poma for something sweet. Café Matisse serves delicate, French inspired cuisine in warm, comfortable surroundings and La Caleta offers Spanish dishes and lively atmosphere.

Las Mercedes & La Castellana

Selecting one of the hundreds of restaurants in Caracas can be a challenge; that being, we offer some tips to help you make your decision. Many of the best restaurants can be found in la Mercedes and la Castellana of which the most recommended are, Damasco, which is traditional Middle Eastern food and has a ballet show every Friday, Toninos, Café & Bistro, specialist in Mediterranean food, salads and risotto, El Tinajero de los Helechos and Maute Grill, for all those who like grilled meats. For Italian, there is Il Romanaccio — with strictly Italian cooks, this is a place where good dining is always guaranteed. Aventino is considered as the best restaurant in the city with more than 35 years of tradition. The main dish is Caneton a la Presse, which dates back to 1892. Misia Jacinta has Venezuelan food that includes Arepas, and Cachapas. Racó specializes in Catalan food as well as traditional Spanish dishes.

When night falls, Caracas is transformed into another city. The tropical evening warms the city's musical soul, inspiring salsa and meringue rhythms. Bars and restaurants open and the parties begin. Discotheques such as Latinos, El Maní es Así and Staño offer the hottest Latin rhythms for all-night dancing, while enjoying the best tropical food and cocktails. If you are looking for something more mellow with cosmopolitan music the following might interest you, clubs such as Las Tapas de Madrid, Tiffany's, Flyer's and Greenwich Pub.

Altamira

Having a good meal in Caracas can be more than just an enjoyable experience; it can be an unforgettable adventure. In the neighborhood of Altamira, the immense variety of national and international meals is promising: from the Pabellón Criollo—Venezuela's traditional dish consisting of shredded meat, black beans on rice and fried plantain—to an exquisite Foie Gras on over-sweet mango, or smoked salmon with ginger and spring onion. One such restaurant is La Estancia, a place to enjoy the finest beef from Argentina alongside traditional dishes. For a taste of something different, head over to Chez Wong & Grill to enjoy some Chinese food. For an after dinner cocktail, the Taverna del Cubo is open late and has an extensive wine collection. Vizio Restaurant is a family owned and operated establishment serving up traditional Italian cuisine. After dinner, head to Yogen Früz for delicious frozen yogurt.

When it comes to culture, art and recreation, Caracas is the place to be. Always full of life and with new things to discover each day, visitors to this Caribbean capital will never be bored.

Art

Owing to the city's cosmopolitan character, the Caracas art scene is fascinating and worthwhile. Every day you can find some sort of cultural activity and, particularly at the weekend, Caracas' talented artists show off their creativity, to the many Caraqueños and travelers who are out and about. There are always a number of cultural centers with something on. Some of the places where you can get a good idea of what Venezuelan art has to offer are the Complejo Cultural Teresa Carreño; the National Art Gallery; the Ateneo de Caracas, and the Quinta Anauco are some of the places that display a tremendous amount of Venezuelan art.

Museums

The museums of Caracas are distinguished by their beauty and magnificence, not only in architecture, but also the art exhibited inside. The Museo de Arte Contemporáneo de Caracas Sofía Imber, in Parque Central, is one example of such excellence. Another is the Fine Arts Museum, and there is the Children's Museum, which not only children, but also parents can enjoy. Remember, there is also the Natural Science Museum, the Audiovisual Museum, the Piano Museum and the Museo Bolíviariano. All together, Caracas has a total of around 50 art galleries and museums, and whatever your field of interest, you will find something to your liking. Other include the Caracas Museum, the Transport Museum and the Arturo Michelena Museum amongst many others.

Theater

When it comes to theaters there also is a great variety to choose from. Some open their doors from Wednesday to Sunday, while others are only opened on the weekends. One of the most famous theater groups is Sala Rajatabla, which stages its plays at the Ateneo de Caracas. Other theaters well worth a visit are the National Theater, the Foundación Celarg, El Teatro Municipal, the Tilingo Theater and the Teatro Jorge Palacios. At the end of April the Festival Internacional de Teatro is held. It takes place every two years and offers theater from around the world.

Music

The two best places to enjoy classical, lyric chants, chamber music, latin, jazz and Venezuelan music are the Complejo Cultural Teresa Carreño, the Centro de Cultura Corp Banca and the Aula Magna Concert Hall. Every month each presents a recital from symphonic orchestras and guests from abroad.

Nightclubs

The best nightclubs are to the east of the city. Clubs such as Tiffany´s, in Altamira are ideal for those who love house or techno music; Flanagan's Pub, in the Centro Comercial Paseo Las Mercedes, is the place to go for salsa, meringue and pop. The Fly Pub, in El Rosal, for rock or heavy metal lovers, they also have a lot of unknown rock bands. Primer Piso in Las Mercedes offers live salsa shows on "Latin Thursdays" and on Friday and Saturday, meringue, African rhythms and techno. However, this is not the only place where you will find salsa and meringue because it is played at most of the discos and nightclubs, such as Latino's, El Maní es así and Pal's, among others.

Cinema

Caracas has more than 40 cinemas. The most recommended are, of course, in the east of the city. For lovers of the alternative circuit there are a good number of art cinemas, for example, at the El Ateneo and the National Art Gallery.