Things to do in La Paz

No. 1 of Family-friendly Attractions in Bolivia

National Art Museum

National Art Museum is located in the center of the old town of La Paz, Bolivia, facing Plaza Murillo. The building is a colonial-era mansion known as the "Palacio Diez de Medina," and is a typical example of Andean mestizo Baroque architecture. The stone-carved street-facing portal spans three floors, and the stone arcades and intricate carvings at the corners are quite striking; the central courtyard is surrounded by three-story stone arched cloisters, with a marble fountain standing in the center. The entire building is considered by architectural historians to be a representative work of colonial-era civil architecture in La Paz. The collection focuses primarily on paintings, with a scope ranging from colonial-era religious paintings to contemporary works. It includes large-scale religious paintings by artists such as Melchor Pérez de Holguín and Gaspar Miguel de Berrío, as well as icons featuring Andean Madonnas and angels. Among them, the "Virgin of the Mountain" is worth a special stop—in the painting, the figure of the Virgin merges with the silhouette of the Cerro Rico mountain in Potosí, and it is considered one of the museum's signature pieces. The museum also displays contemporary art from Bolivia and Latin America, creating an interesting contrast between old and new works within the same historic mansion.

No. 4 of Best Things to Do in Bolivia

Mi Teleferico

Mi Teleferico is a modern aerial cable car transportation system in La Paz, the capital of Bolivia. The city is nestled in a high-altitude basin of the Andes, with the city center at an altitude of over 3,600 m. There is a drop of approx. 400 m between the city center and the highland city of El Alto. With steep, narrow roads and heavy traffic, the cable car has become a convenient way to travel round-trip between the two. The red, yellow, green, and other lines are all named after their colors, and the cabins are painted in corresponding colors, tracing colorful arcs across the sky above the mountain city and connecting the city center, old town streets, and the new city on the mountain top. For tourists, it is also a unique way to enjoy aerial views. The Red Line departs from the Central station in the city center and climbs all the way to El Alto at an altitude of over 4,000 m, with red-brick houses spreading out layer by layer along the hillside below. The Yellow Line's terminal, Mirador station, offers expansive views; upon exiting, you can overlook the Illimani snow mountain at over 6,000 m. The Silver Line glides almost horizontally along the edge of the plateau, skimming past clusters of houses on the cliffside, creating a stunning scene. If you have enough time, consider taking the Red Line once during the day and once after dark to see the dense texture of the mountain city by day and the city lights by night.

No. 5 of Best Things to Do in Bolivia

Valle de la Luna

Valle de la Luna is located on the outskirts of La Paz, Bolivia, and is a protected area of wind-eroded landscapes. Strictly speaking, it is not a true valley, but rather a labyrinthine collection of canyons and spires: the mountains are primarily composed of clay and sandstone with a soft texture. Years of wind and rain erosion have sculpted the terrain into gullies, spires, and caves, making a walk through it feel like stepping onto the lunar surface. Due to significant differences in mineral content throughout the mountains, the rock layers display various hues such as beige, ochre, and dark purple, creating unique visual effects on the slopes when light hits them at an angle. There are two circular trails here, and at the end of the path, there is an observation deck with a wide view where you can look out over the Andes. In the early morning or evening, when the light shines obliquely, the layers of rock colors are particularly distinct. If you look closely, you can also see cacti in the rock crevices, and sometimes you may encounter lizards and viscachas, which look like rabbits with a hint of a fox.

No. 6 of Best Things to Do in Bolivia

The Witches Market

The Witches Market is located in the old town in the center of La Paz, the capital of Bolivia. It is an open-air market that stretches along the streets and serves as a window into the traditional beliefs of the Andean Aymara people. The stalls are mostly run by Aymara women wearing full skirts and shawls, and are filled with herbs, dried animal products, and sets of ritual offerings in colorful boxes, creating a mysterious and vibrant atmosphere as you walk through. The signature item here is dried llama fetuses, while dried frogs, owl feathers, and various small figurines also carry their own symbolic meanings.

No. 9 of Best Things to Do in Bolivia

Government Palace

The Quemado Palace is located on the west side of the Murillo Square in the center of La Paz, the administrative capital of Bolivia. It is the administrative office of La Paz and the center of power and politics. This neoclassical building was built in 1850. It was named "the burned palace" because of many fires and reconstructions. The existing white facade and dome bell tower are the typical style after the reconstruction in the late 19th century. Tourists can visit the exterior of the building and the guard changing ceremony in front of the door. The interior is only open to official events by appointment. The cathedral on the east side of the square and the Congress Building on the north side constitute the historical core area of ​​​​La Paz. It is recommended to combine walking tours. The exterior wall of the building is decorated with reliefs of the Bolivian national emblem. The bronze lion statue in front of the door is a historical relic donated by Italy, which is suitable for photography. Visitors need to bring their original passports to register at the guard office. Large bags and professional photography equipment are prohibited. The visitor center on the north side of the square provides free guide brochures, and you can visit the Gold Museum, which is only 200 meters away.

Multicine

Multicine attracts a large number of movie enthusiasts and travelers with its modern facilities and high-quality movie-going experience. Multicine features multiple auditoriums equipped with advanced projection technology and sound systems, ensuring that audiences can enjoy excellent audio-visual effects. The design of the auditoriums focuses on comfort and convenience, with spacious and comfortable seats that provide ample legroom, allowing audiences to fully relax while watching movies. The cinema's sound system uses the latest technology to provide clear sound quality and realistic sound effects, allowing audiences to immerse themselves in the world of the film. Multicine not only focuses on bringing in Hollywood blockbusters but also supports the development of local films in Bolivia, regularly screening works by local directors and providing a platform for local filmmakers to showcase their talent. In addition, the cinema has snack and beverage counters offering popcorn, drinks, and other snacks to add to the enjoyment of the movie-going experience.

Plaza Mayor de San Francisco

Plaza Mayor de San Francisco is a historic square located in the heart of La Paz, the capital of Bolivia, surrounded by important historical buildings and cultural attractions. With its magnificent architecture and rich historical background, this square has become one of La Paz's cultural and social centers, a frequent gathering place for locals and tourists. The square's most prominent feature is the Cathedral of San Francisco, one of La Paz's most iconic buildings since the 16th century. The Cathedral's architecture blends Spanish colonial Baroque with local Inca elements, resulting in a solemn and ornate appearance. The square surrounding the cathedral frequently hosts various celebrations, religious events, and festivals, making it an important part of La Paz's civic life.

Plaza Murillo

Plaza Murillo is one of the main squares in La Paz, the capital of Bolivia, and is known for its political and historical significance. The square is surrounded by several important buildings, which are not only symbols of national power but also showcase both colonial and modern architectural styles. The square itself is a vibrant public space, shaded by trees and featuring benches and fountains, providing a place for residents and tourists to relax and socialize. Locals and tourists can often be seen resting, chatting, or watching street performers here. In the center of the square stands a statue of Pedro Domingo Murillo, commemorating his contributions and Bolivia's struggle for independence. It is not only a place for leisure but also a hub for political activities and public gatherings. Due to its political importance, it often serves as a venue for celebrations. During major national holidays, various official ceremonies and events are held in the square, attracting large numbers of citizens to participate.

Mirador Killi Killi

Mirador Killi Killi is a viewpoint in La Paz, Bolivia, known for its stunning panoramic views of the city. This viewpoint is located on a small hill, about 3,600 meters above sea level, and is an ideal place to overlook the city of La Paz and the surrounding Andes Mountains. Visitors can enjoy the unique topography of the city and feel the combination of La Paz's urban vitality and natural scenery. The journey to Mirador Killi Killi is an exploration in itself, and visitors can choose to walk to the top of the mountain. Although the walk up the mountain is a bit steep, the scenery along the way and the view from the top are worth seeing. There are benches and guardrails on the observation deck for visitors to rest and take pictures. The view is particularly charming in the early morning and evening when the sun shines on the city and mountains. In addition, there are some small vendors near Mirador Killi Killi that offer local snacks and drinks. Visitors can enjoy the authentic Bolivian flavor while enjoying the beautiful scenery.

Hernando Siles Stadium