The historic centre around Plaza Bolívar has a sprinkling of colonial houses amongst concrete monstrosities, including key sites relating to the birth, life, death, funeral and reburial of independence hero Simón Bolívar. Here you'll see several beautiful churches, the cathedral, the seat of government and the Capitolio Nacional (National Capitol), where Bolívar is enshrined. There is a huddle of terrific galleries and museums around the Parque Central district, including the first-rate Museo de Arte Contemporáneo, Galeria de Arte Nacional (National Gallery) and Museo de Bellas Artes (Museum of Fine Arts) amongst others.

Further afield are some more colonial gems, including the Museo de Arte Colonial (Museum of Colonial Art) in San Bernadino and the beautiful little 16th-century township (now suburb) of El Hatillo southeast of the centre. And most uplifting of all is the teleférico (cable car) that chugs up the neighbouring mountain of El Ávila.

Or if a lively atmosphere and good food are what you're after you'll do well in the Spanish quarter of La Candelaria or the glitzy modern district of Las Mercedes.

Inatur
35th floor, Mirador de la Torre Oeste, Parque Central
Tel: 0800 462 8871.
Website: www.inatur.gov.ve

There is another branch at the airport.

Venezuela Conventions and Visitors Bureau
Tel: (0212) 267 4166.
Website: www.burodevenezuela.com

The CVB has some advance information but no walk-in centre.

There are no tourist passes for Caracas tourist attractions, but many of the city's big museums and monuments are free to enter.