Flanked by a valley overlooking Mount Avila, Venezuela's capital city may wane in comparison to its more scenic counterparts, but displays a rich contrast in economic landscape that both awes and humbles you. A rich cosmopolitan city, Caracas makes up for with its tenacity for culture, arts and food, what it lacks in panoramic vistas. A large part of its culinary and drinking culture is shaped by percolating influences from European, Asian and Middle Eastern cultures that populated the city after World War II – leading to a wide berth of international cuisines, besides local fare. While its traffic-riddled streets dominate much of its urban scenery, Caracas is also home to a beautiful set of diverse landmarks that range from Neo-Gothic structures like the Palacio de las Academias to valued heritage religious sanctuaries like Iglesia de San Francisco, the Basilica of Santa Teresa and the Caracas Cathedral. Home to scenic hills as well as prominent national universities, Caracas is undoubtedly Venezuela's trump card.
