population: 2.9 million

extension: 780 square kilometers

Museums

If you're in Caracas and interested in visiting museums, the first place that comes to mind is the Museum of Fine Arts (Museo de Bellas Artes), which houses an impressive collection of Venezuelan and Latin American art. Other museums worth checking out include the Contemporary Art Museum of Caracas (Museo de Arte Contemporáneo de Caracas) and the National Museum of History (Museo Nacional de Historia).

If you'd like to visit similar types of museums nearby, you might want to consider heading to Valencia, which is about 130 km west of Caracas. There, you can visit the Museum of Anthropology and History of Valencia (Museo de Antropología e Historia de Valencia) or the Museum of Modern Art Jesús Soto (Museo de Arte Moderno Jesús Soto).

Food

Some of the most recommended, popular and typical dishes to eat according to local people in Caracas, Venezuela include:

1. Arepas: A staple food made from ground maize dough that is formed into a patty and grilled or baked. Arepas can be filled with a variety of ingredients such as cheese, meat, avocado, beans, and more.

2. Pabellón Criollo: The national dish of Venezuela, which consists of shredded beef, black beans, rice, and fried plantains.

3. Hallacas: Similar to tamales, hallacas are a traditional dish typically eaten during Christmas time. They are made with corn dough, filled with stewed meat, raisins, olives, and wrapped in banana leaves before being boiled.

4. Asado negro: A slow-cooked pot roast made with beef, onions, garlic, and spices, often served with rice and fried plantains.

5. Cachapa: A sweet and savory pancake made from fresh corn that is ground into a batter and cooked on a griddle. It is usually filled with cheese and/or meat.

6. Empanadas: Fried or baked pastry turnovers filled with a variety of ingredients such as cheese, meat, chicken, or vegetables.

7. Chicha: A drink made from fermented corn, sometimes with added fruit or sugar for sweetness.

These dishes can be found at restaurants, street vendors, and markets throughout Caracas.

Activities

Sure, here are some fun activities that locals enjoy in Caracas:

1. Take a cable car ride to the top of Mount Avila for stunning views of the city.

2. Visit the Central University of Venezuela campus (Universidad Central de Venezuela) and take a guided tour of its impressive architecture and history.

3. Stroll through the historic neighborhood of El Hatillo and explore its shops, cafes, and restaurants.

4. Attend a live music performance or cultural event at the Teresa Carreño Cultural Complex (Complejo Cultural Teresa Carreño).

5. Explore the Parque del Este, a large park with beautiful gardens, lakes, and walking trails.

6. Visit the Mercado Municipal de Chacao, a bustling marketplace where locals shop for fresh fruits, vegetables, and other goods.

7. Check out the street art scene in the La Candelaria neighborhood, which is known for its colorful murals and graffiti.

8. Watch a baseball game at the Estadio Universitario, home to the Caracas Lions, one of Venezuela's most popular baseball teams.