Places / South America / Venezuela
Valencia
Not been yet
The UK Foreign Office currently advises against travel to all or parts of Venezuela. This guide is for a safer time. Check the latest travel advice.
At a glance
- Country
- Venezuela
- Region
- Carabobo
- Population
- 1.5 million
- Best time to go
- December to April
- Main airport
- Arturo Michelena International (VLN)
- Coordinates
- 10.16°N, 68.01°W
Visited Still to go Click a pin or country to read more. Zoom with + and −, a double-click or a pinch.
Overview
Venezuela's third city lies in a fertile valley near Lake Valencia, an industrial centre with a colonial core around its cathedral and Plaza Bolívar.
Its biggest place in history is the nearby battlefield of Carabobo, where Bolívar won the decisive victory of Venezuelan independence in 1821. The Caribbean coast at Puerto Cabello is within easy reach. Travel here is not advised at present; this guide is for a future visit.
Things to see
-
Photo: Diegoept, CC BY-SA 4.0 Valencia Cathedral
The city's colonial-era cathedral, facing Plaza Bolívar in the historic centre.
-
Photo: Diegoept, CC BY-SA 4.0 Plaza Bolívar
The main square, where a statue of the Liberator stands atop a tall column.
-
Photo: Carolina Latorre Canet, CC BY-SA 3.0 Casa de la Estrella
A colonial house where the 1830 congress met to separate Venezuela from Gran Colombia.
-
Photo: Unknown photographer, Public domain Carabobo Field
The battlefield monument south-west of the city, with its triumphal arch and memorials.
Things to do
-
Photo: Roger Stiven, CC BY-SA 3.0 Day trip to Puerto Cabello
An old port town with a restored colonial quarter and a historic fort.
-
Photo: Julioreylagarto, CC BY-SA 3.0 San Esteban National Park
Forested mountains rising between the city and the sea, crossed by old colonial trails.
-
Photo: Josebecerra5294, CC BY-SA 3.0 Teatro Municipal
A 19th-century theatre modelled on European opera houses, in the historic centre.
Where to stay
Northern Valencia
Where most hotels, restaurants and shopping centres are found.
Hotels in Northern ValenciaHistoric centre
Close to the main sights, best explored by day.
Hotels in Historic centre
Getting around
Taxis are the usual way to get around; when visiting becomes possible, take local advice on arranging trusted transport.
Arturo Michelena airport is south of the centre, a short drive by taxi.
When to go
The dry season from December to April is the most pleasant. The rainy season from May to November brings heavy afternoon showers, though temperatures stay warm year-round.
Plan your trip to Valencia
Guide last checked October 2026. Opening times and prices change, so check before you go.