Venezuela

Cost of living

What a month costs

The city is heavily dollarized after years of hyperinflation, so most quality goods and rents are priced in US dollars. Imported food and electronics are pricey, and the gap between dollar earners and bolivar earners is enormous.

The scores

How it rates for a moving family

See and do

Top 10 in Caracas

1. Waraira Repano (El Avila)The green mountain that frames the city, with a cable car climbing to views over Caracas and the Caribbean.
2. Plaza BolivarThe historic heart of the old town, ringed by the cathedral and colonial-era buildings.
3. Panteon NacionalThe national pantheon that holds the remains of independence hero Simon Bolivar.
4. Casa Natal del LibertadorThe restored colonial house where Simon Bolivar was born in 1783.
5. Ciudad Universitaria de CaracasA UNESCO-listed campus by architect Carlos Raul Villanueva, blending modern buildings with major public art.
6. Teatro Teresa CarrenoThe city's grand performing-arts complex and home of the national orchestra.
7. Museo de Bellas ArtesThe fine arts museum, also designed by Villanueva, with a strong Venezuelan and international collection.
8. Parque del EsteA large, leafy park, officially Parque Generalisimo Francisco de Miranda, good for a green break in the east of the city.
9. Plaza Francia AltamiraA busy square with its landmark obelisk, a favourite meeting point in the Altamira district.
10. Jardin Botanico de CaracasA calm botanical garden next to the university, full of tropical plants and shade.

Where to go

Weekend escapes

1. Colonia TovarA German-founded mountain town about 90 minutes west, known for its cool air, strawberries and Alpine-style houses.
2. Los RoquesA stunning Caribbean archipelago of white sand and turquoise water, reached by a short flight from Caracas.
3. Litoral Central beachesCaraballeda and the Vargas coast sit just over El Avila, an easy day out for sea and sun.
4. Choroni and Puerto ColombiaA pretty colonial beach village reached through the cloud forest of Henri Pittier National Park, around three hours away.
5. Higuerote and BarloventoPalm-lined coastal towns east of the city, popular for weekend beach escapes and cacao country.

Coffee

Best cafes

1. FrancaA well-regarded specialty coffee spot in Los Palos Grandes that helped put third-wave coffee on the Caracas map.
2. Gran CafeA historic landmark cafe on the Sabana Grande boulevard, good for people-watching and a strong marron.
3. Miga'sA popular bakery-cafe for pastries, sandwiches and coffee, with branches in the eastern neighbourhoods.

Restaurants

Where to eat

1. AltoChef Carlos Garcia's tasting-menu restaurant in La Castellana, long featured on Latin America's 50 Best list.
2. Maute GrillA classic Las Mercedes steakhouse known for grilled meats and a lively dinner crowd.
3. El AlazanA long-running parrilla for hearty cuts of beef in the eastern part of the city.

Morning

Best breakfast

1. El ArepazoAn iconic 24-hour arepera in Los Palos Grandes where locals line up for stuffed arepas at any hour.
2. Miga'sA reliable stop for cachitos, croissants and café con leche to start the day.