Shopping in Caracas

There are few things that set Caraqueño hearts (and banknotes) fluttering quite like shopping. The city is home to some of the biggest and swankiest centro comerciales (shopping malls) on the continent, making shopping in Caracas something of a challenge and a delight.

Key areas

For bargain Venezuelan jewellery, head to the Edificio La Francia off Plaza Bolívar.

Markets

Markets here are not the kaleidoscopic spectacles of other Latin American destinations and can be unsafe for foreigners. But El Hatillo is the Holy Grail for handicraft hunters. The widest selection is found at Hannsi (hannsi.com.ve/web), which has everything from stuffed piranhas to hammocks and traditional ceramics to devil masks used in local festivities.

Shopping centres

The enormous Centro Comercial Sambil (www.tusambil.com/caracas) on Avenida Libertador is a goliath, with five levels, rooftop amphitheatre and enough footwear shops to shoe a small nation. Other malls to trawl include San Ignacio (www.centrosanignacio.com) on Avenida Blandín, Centro Comercial El Recreo (www.elrecreocc.com) in Sabana Grande and Centro Comercial Ciudad Tamanaco (www.miccct.com) just off the Autopista Caracas Baruta.

Opening hours

Shops in Caracas generally open from 0900 to 1900.

A digital image at https://illuminoto.com

Book Accommodation

Featured Hotels

Cayena-Caracas Hotel

A secure retreat in the centre of the bustling metropolis, unwind on the rooftop of this 5-star hotel with a dip in the heated pool. Packed with a boutique, Venezuelan-inspired style, amenities at the Cayena-Caracas include a 42" television and pillow menu in every room, and fitness centre on the top floor.

Dal Bo Hostel

Expect a warm welcome at the premiere hostel in the historical centre of Caracas, graced with an international crowd taking refuge in one of its six-bed dorms. Facilities include free Wi-Fi, towel rental and 24 hour security at the front desk.

Pestana Caracas Premium City & Conference Hotel

Plush with rooftop pool and views overlooking Parque Generalísimo Francisco De Miranda this business hotel includes free Wi-Fi 24 hour room service and a fitness centre with sauna and jacuzzi.

Caracas Palace Hotel

The former Four Seasons hotel does not disappoint and is widely considered one of the best hotels in Caracas located in the exclusive and safe neighbourhood of Altamira. There's a fantastic, curvaceous pool, two excellent restaurants and a spa as well as 115 sumptuous and spacious rooms.

Gran Melía Caracas

This princely choice is one of the largest and most sumptuous hotels in Caracas, which manages to feel far removed from the surrounding noise and heat despite its central location. It boasts all the trimmings including Jacuzzis in the rooms, gym, swimming pool and several first-class restaurants.

Hotel Paseo Las Mercedes

This squeaky clean hotel is ideal if you have a stopover in Caracus. It has uniformly comfortable rooms and pleasant English-speaking staff. It is located in a shopping centre but has the pick of dozens of excellent restaurants, cafés, bars and nightclubs on its doorstep.

Introducing Caracas

While you’re there

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