We'll say this right off the bat: Traveling to Caracas is not for the faint of heart. Often listed as the most violent city in the world, Caracas can be downright hostile to travelers and especially to its own citizens. That said, if you're planning a trip here, then you probably already know that. You're probably a little wild to begin with.
Now that's out of the way, we can also confirm that Caracas is worth the hassle. As long as you watch your pockets, take taxis everywher...
We'll say this right off the bat: Traveling to Caracas is not for the faint of heart. Often listed as the most violent city in the world, Caracas can be downright hostile to travelers and especially to its own citizens. That said, if you're planning a trip here, then you probably already know that. You're probably a little wild to begin with.
Now that's out of the way, we can also confirm that Caracas is worth the hassle. As long as you watch your pockets, take taxis everywhere, ask locals for directions, and avoid walking at night (and at other times of day), then you'll be fine. Then you'll be able to admire the lushly forested Parque Nacional, the lightly faded colonial architecture, the cheery croaking of the local frogs, and the embarrassment of top-notch arepa joints. And if you find a cabbie who knows his way around the city, then you'll find a treasure trove of fascinating museums and haute cuisine restaurants. You'll just have to brave some traffic (and the resultant pollution). Did we mention that this city is not for the faint of heart?
We can say one more good thing about Caracas in relation to other Latin American cities: It's not the worst place for queer people. While Venezuela lags behind its neighbors in terms of LGBTQ-friendly legislation, Caracas is still quite queer-friendly. As long as you're discreet in public, you'll remain safe. You’ll also find queers and queer-friendly folks in all of the places listed in this guide. In most places, you’ll even be celebrated for being a gringo, which isn’t always the case in South America. Think of it as: You’re a luxury good that most Venezuelans won’t see – let alone interact with – in their entire lives. Most people are frightened away from Caracas; thus, the simple fact that you’re here makes them want to party with you.
If you’re wondering where to stay and when to visit, then consider this: The Pride Parade, which takes place every June, has only grown bigger over the years. And despite the growing number of unsafe districts, there remains a trifecta of comfortable and festive areas in Caracas: Altamira, El Rosal, and Las Mercedes. You’ll find the bulk of the queer clubs and queer-friendly restaurants here. These can also be good home bases if you wish to visit the city’s many attractions, which include the neo-Gothic Santa Capilla Cathedral, Simón Bolívar’s final resting place, and the Fundación Bigott. The latter hotspot offers workshops in everything from Venezuelan folk music to arepa-making, thus providing the hope, inspiration, and enlightenment that you’ve duly earned just by traveling to Caracas. In the end, you’ll be pleased you came here – and lived to tell the tale. Just kidding. Sort of.
