Where to Stay in La Paz
Bolivia
|Pop. 2.0M
|3 neighbourhoods covered
|Updated March 2026
Photo: Alexander Popov / Unsplash
Quick Answer: Best Area to Stay
For most visitors, Sopocachi is the best neighbourhood to stay in La Paz. Bohemian and artsy with charming streets and great city views. Ideal for culture, foodies, digital nomads. Budget travellers can get by on BOB 200/day.
Areas to Avoid in La Paz
Safety rated "Moderate". See which areas need extra caution and where to stay instead.
Best Neighbourhoods at a Glance
| Neighbourhood | Vibe | Budget | Best For | Safety |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sopocachi | Bohemian and artsy with charming streets and great city views. | Mid-range | culture, foodies | Generally safe during the day, but be aw... |
| Zona Central (Downtown) | The bustling heart of the city, packed with government buildings, commerce, and historical sites. | Budget | first-timers, culture | Busy during the day, but keep a close ey... |
| Zona Sur (Calacoto, San Miguel) | Affluent and modern, characterized by wide avenues, upscale shopping, and a vibrant nightlife. | Luxury | luxury, families | Considered the safest area in La Paz, wi... |
Sopocachi
Mid-rangeBohemian and artsy with charming streets and great city views.
Generally safe during the day, but be aware of petty theft in quieter streets; a...
Zona Central (Downtown)
BudgetThe bustling heart of the city, packed with government buildings, commerce, and historical sites.
Busy during the day, but keep a close eye on belongings; at night, stick to main...
Zona Sur (Calacoto, San Miguel)
LuxuryAffluent and modern, characterized by wide avenues, upscale shopping, and a vibrant nightlife.
Considered the safest area in La Paz, with good lighting and police presence day...
Top 3 Areas to Stay in La Paz
Liveliest areas for nightlife, culture, and entertainment
Zona Central (Downtown)
The bustling heart of the city, packed with government buildings, commerce, and historical sites.
Our top picks in Zona Central (Downtown)
Modern hotel with excellent amenities and convenient access to the commercial district.
Book Now
Zona Sur (Calacoto, San Miguel)
Affluent and modern, characterized by wide avenues, upscale shopping, and a vibrant nightlife.
Our top picks in Zona Sur (Calacoto, San Miguel)
Sopocachi
Bohemian and artsy with charming streets and great city views.
Our top picks in Sopocachi
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Things to Do in La Paz
Popular tours, activities, and experiences you can book in advance
🚶Walking Tour
Explore the city on foot with a local guide
🍽️Food Tour
Taste the best local dishes and street food
🚐Day Trip
Discover stunning destinations just outside the city
🏛️Museum & Culture
Skip-the-line access to top museums and galleries
🚌Hop-on Hop-off Bus
See all the highlights from an open-top bus
⛵Boat Tour
See the city skyline from the water
👨🍳Cooking Class
Learn to cook authentic local recipes
🌙Night Tour
Experience the city after dark with a guided tour
We earn a small commission if you book through these links, at no extra cost to you. This helps us keep FindYourStay free.
La Paz at a Glance
8 categories
Top Tips for La Paz
Things to know before you go
Local Tip
Utilize the Mi Teleférico cable car system not just for transport, but as a unique sightseeing experience offering incredible panoramic views of the city and its dramatic topography.
Getting Around
Always agree on a taxi fare *before* you get in the car, or ensure the meter is used. For longer distances or airport transfers, consider booking a reputable taxi service in advance.
Watch Out For
Fake police demanding fines on the spot.
Solo Female Travel
Exercise caution, especially at night. Stick to busy, well-lit areas and avoid walking alone in quiet streets. Be aware of your surroundings and keep valuables secure.
Hidden Gems in La Paz
Lesser-known spots the locals love
Mercado de las Brujas (Witches' Market)
Explore this fascinating market where you can find traditional Andean remedies, amulets, and medicinal herbs. It's a unique glimpse into local beliefs and practices.
Valle de la Luna (Moon Valley)
Wander through an otherworldly landscape of clay spires and ravines, sculpted by erosion over thousands of years. It offers surreal views and great hiking opportunities.
Mi Teleférico (Cable Car System)
Ride the world's longest urban cable car system for breathtaking panoramic views of the sprawling city and the surrounding Andes mountains. It's an efficient and scenic way to get around.
Calle Jaén
FREEStroll down this beautifully preserved colonial street lined with colorful houses, now home to several small museums showcasing Bolivian art and history. It feels like stepping back in time.
El Alto Market
FREEExperience one of South America's largest street markets, a vibrant hub of commerce where locals buy and sell everything imaginable. It's a chaotic but authentic slice of La Paz life.
Mirador Killi Killi
FREEClimb to this viewpoint for stunning 360-degree vistas of La Paz, including the historic center and the distant Illimani mountain. It's less crowded than other viewpoints and offers a serene perspective.
Things to Do in La Paz
Popular tours, activities, and experiences you can book in advance
🚶Walking Tour
Explore the city on foot with a local guide
🍽️Food Tour
Taste the best local dishes and street food
🚐Day Trip
Discover stunning destinations just outside the city
🏛️Museum & Culture
Skip-the-line access to top museums and galleries
🚌Hop-on Hop-off Bus
See all the highlights from an open-top bus
⛵Boat Tour
See the city skyline from the water
👨🍳Cooking Class
Learn to cook authentic local recipes
🌙Night Tour
Experience the city after dark with a guided tour
We earn a small commission if you book through these links, at no extra cost to you. This helps us keep FindYourStay free.
Top-rated La Paz tours and activities
Skip-the-line tickets, guided walking tours, food experiences, and day trips. Reserve now, pay later; free cancellation up to 24 hours before.
We earn a small commission if you book through this link, at no extra cost to you.
What It Costs in La Paz
Daily budget per person in BOB
💡50% cheaper than New York
BOB 200/day
BOB 450/day
BOB 900/day
Where to Stay in La Paz
Honest neighborhood guide: where to stay and where to avoid
Best for
Walk to
- El Prado20 min
- Witches' Market25 min
Pros
- +Beautiful architecture
- +Good restaurant and cafe scene
- +Quieter than the city center
Cons
- -Can be hilly, requiring effort to walk
- -Further from some major tourist attractions
Top stays in Sopocachi
Atix Hotel
$$$Modern design with panoramic city views and a rooftop pool.
Hotel Rosario La Paz
$$Offers comfortable rooms with traditional Bolivian decor and a central location.
El Bohio Hotel Boutique
$$Charming boutique hotel set in a historic building with a lovely garden.
Hostal La Paz
$Budget-friendly option with a social atmosphere and basic amenities.
Best for
Walk to
- Plaza Murillo5 min
- Calle Jaén10 min
- Witches' Market15 min
Pros
- +Centrally located for most attractions
- +Abundant public transport options
- +Wide range of dining and shopping
Cons
- -Can be very crowded and noisy
- -Higher risk of petty crime
Top stays in Zona Central (Downtown)
Courtyard by Marriott La Paz
$$Modern hotel with excellent amenities and convenient access to the commercial district.
Hotel Europa
$$A historic landmark hotel offering classic elegance and good service.
Hotel Sagarnaga
$Located near the Witches' Market, offering simple, clean rooms.
Wild Rover Hostel La Paz
$Popular backpacker hostel known for its party atmosphere and social events.
Best for
Walk to
- San Miguel Market10 min
- Commercial Centers15 min
Pros
- +Safer and cleaner than the central areas
- +Excellent dining and nightlife options
- +More spacious and modern accommodations
Cons
- -Far from most historical attractions
- -Public transport to the center can be crowded
Top stays in Zona Sur (Calacoto, San Miguel)
Areas to be cautious
- Certain peripheral neighborhoods (e.g., El Alto outskirts): These areas are generally less developed, lack tourist infrastructure, and can have higher crime rates, especially after dark. Stick to well-trafficked tourist zones.
Insider tip: Utilize the Mi Teleférico cable car system not just for transport, but as a unique sightseeing experience offering incredible panoramic views of the city and its dramatic topography.
Where to Stay in La Paz
Compare hotel deals across the best neighbourhoods on Expedia.
Stay in Sopocachi
Bohemian and artsy with charming streets and great city views.
Stay in Zona Central (Downtown)
The bustling heart of the city, packed with government buildings, commerce, and historical sites.
Stay in Zona Sur (Calacoto, San Miguel)
Affluent and modern, characterized by wide avenues, upscale shopping, and a vibrant nightlife.
We earn a small commission if you book through these links, at no extra cost to you. This helps us keep FindYourStay free.
Places to Stay in La Paz
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List Your PropertySafety in La Paz
ModerateSolo Female Travel
Exercise caution, especially at night. Stick to busy, well-lit areas and avoid walking alone in quiet streets. Be aware of your surroundings and keep valuables secure.
At Night
Generally safe in well-populated tourist areas and Zona Sur, but avoid poorly lit or deserted streets. Be wary of overly friendly strangers offering unsolicited help or drinks.
Emergency
110 (Police), 119 (Ambulance)
Common Scams to Watch For
- 1Fake police demanding fines on the spot.
- 2Pickpocketing in crowded areas like markets and buses.
- 3Taxis overcharging or taking longer routes.
Compare hotel deals in La Paz
See today's prices across hundreds of hotels. Free cancellation on most bookings, so you can lock in a great rate risk-free.
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Travel Insurance for La Paz
SafetyWing Nomad Insurance. Medical cover from $45/month, designed for travellers. 10% back if unused.
Stay Connected in Bolivia
Skip expensive roaming. Get an eSIM for Bolivia and have data the moment you land.
Get an eSIMGetting Around La Paz
Transport, connectivity, and costs
✈️
Airport to City
Taxi: ~100-150 BOB (approx. 1 hour depending on traffic). Pre-booked shuttles are also available.
🎫
Day Pass
Mi Teleférico does not offer day passes; single rides are ~3 BOB per line.
Single: Mi Teleférico: 3 BOB per line. Micros: 2-3 BOB.
🚶
Walkability
Good TransitUber
📶
WiFi
Good15-30 Mbps download
Public Transport
Mi Teleférico (cable car system) is excellent for getting around and offers amazing views. Local buses ('micros') are cheap but crowded and can be confusing. Taxis are plentiful but agree on the price beforehand.
Ride-share
Uber and local apps like 'Radio Taxi' or 'Para' are available. A typical ride within the city center costs around 15-30 BOB.
Transport Tip
Always agree on a taxi fare *before* you get in the car, or ensure the meter is used. For longer distances or airport transfers, consider booking a reputable taxi service in advance.
WiFi & Remote Work
Free WiFi
Many cafes, restaurants, and shopping malls offer free Wi-Fi.
Coworking
Several options in Sopocachi and Zona Sur, e.g., Impact Hub La Paz, Gravity. Daily costs range from 40-80 BOB.
Rent a Car in La Paz
Compare prices from top rental companies. Free cancellation on most bookings.
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Weather & Best Time to Visit
Best months to visit: Jun, Jul, Aug
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Hotels & Accommodation in La Paz
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Who Is La Paz Best For?
Matched recommendations for different traveller types
First-time Visitors
Provides easy access to major historical sites, museums, and the vibrant pulse of the city.
Culture Enthusiasts
Offers charming streets, art galleries, and a more relaxed atmosphere to explore local culture.
Luxury Travelers
Features upscale hotels, fine dining, modern amenities, and a generally safer environment.
Budget Backpackers
Abundant hostels, cheap eats, and proximity to main attractions make it ideal for cost-conscious travelers.
Digital Nomads
Combines good Wi-Fi, a growing cafe culture, and a pleasant environment with coworking options.
About La Paz
La Paz (Spanish: [la ˈpas]; lit. 'the peace'), officially Nuestra Señora de La Paz (Aymara: Chuqi Yapu [ˈtʃoqɛ ˈjapʊ]), is the seat of government of Bolivia. With 755,732 residents as of 2024, it is the third-most populous city in Bolivia.
Frequently Asked Questions About La Paz
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