Maracaibo is the capital of Zulia state in Northwest Venezuela, and is the second largest city in the country after Caracas. It has more than 2 million people and it's famous for its typical music, big shopping malls and beautiful parks. It is called "La Primera Ciudad de Venezuela" (The Most Important Venezuelan City) because of its development.
Photos: Wikimedia Commons contributors.
Taxi: Taxi service is generally cheaper in Maracaibo than in other cities in Venezuela including Caracas due to high offer and lower demand. Always use a taxi from a taxi service, either by requesting it directly through the phone or walking to a taxi service spot. Never take a taxi off the street, no matter how 'legit' it might look. Anyone can put a taxi sign on their car (the plastic dome is attached by a couple of elastic strings). Most businesses in Maracaibo will aid a tourist searching for a taxi so don't be afraid to ask in a McDonald's or another shop for help locating one. Hotels have their own taxi services. Subway: It's the most modern and secure way to get around in the city.
Maracaibo has a nice but sterile centre, that they try to posh up with old European styled parks - not very successful. 1 Puente General Rafael Urdaneta (Bridge over Lake Maracaibo). Built in 1957 over Lake Maracaibo, is recognized as one of the most impressive buildings in Venezuela. It's also the largest concrete bridge in the world. (updated Oct 2020) 2 Basilica de Nuestra Señora de Chiquinquira, Avenida 12 (in downtown Maracaibo), ☏ +58 261 7228639. daily 09ː00-18ː30. dedicated to the apparition of the Virgin Mary to a native Venezuelan in colonial era. (updated Oct 2020) 3 Plaza del Rosario de Nuestra Señora de La Chiquinquirá.
Jog in the late afternoon/night at 1 Vereda del Lago, a big urban park along the lake border, located in El Milagro Ave. One of the meeting places for the population. Get in Tranvia, a touristic transport system that takes you around the downtown and tells you the city history. There's also a night trip with several stops in the most famous night clubs. Main station is at Vereda del Lago urban park. Changing money. There is a wide gap between the official and black market exchange rates. It is illegal to advertise or publish the parallel rate in Venezuela. This makes converting the prices of goods particularly difficult. 2 Vereda del Lago / Aquamania, Avenida El Milagro, ☏ +58 424 7700727.
Try the local cuisine, places like: 1 Chop's, Ave 10 at 65 St. With their famous tequeños and patacones. (updated May 2023) 2 Arepas Santa Rita, Santa Rita avenue. Sells arepas with an American style. (updated May 2023) 3 Cachapas Frank, 72 Ave with Delicias. Famous for their cachapas. (updated May 2023) 4 Los Dulces de Alicia, Doral Center Mall. Local desserts such as limonson, dulce de leche and on. (updated May 2023) 5 Mi Vaquita, 5 July St.. The best steak house in Maracaibo, very popular. (updated May 2023) 6 Angus Grill, Av.13 con calle 69-A. A great steak house with great cuts and side dishes. (updated May 2023) 7 Mi Ternerita Steakhouse, Fuerzas Armadas avenue.
1 Mi Vaquita. Mi Vaquita is a club on weekends during night. Have to get there early if you want a good table. (updated May 2023) Mi Ternerita. The best club in Maracaibo, some say Venezuela. Excellent music, drinks, and ambience. A must go. (updated May 2023) 2 El Girasol, Hotel El Paseo, El Milagro. A fantastic spinning restaurant open since 1999. (updated May 2023)
Guide content from Wikivoyage contributors (CC BY-SA) — abridged; the full article has much more.
In Jul, Maracaibo typically sees ~33°C daytime highs and 16 rainy days.
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