Where should you stay in La Paz? If it’s your first visit, the Historic Center is the most convenient area, as you’ll be close to many of the city’s main attractions, restaurants, and services.
If you prefer a quieter, more local atmosphere, Miraflores is a good alternative, while Sopocachi is livelier and is known for its bars, restaurants, and nightlife. Zona Sur, on the other hand, offers a more modern and residential atmosphere.
As you can see, the best area depends on what you value most during your visit. I really like Sopocachi. I prefer staying in this neighborhood, which has a great atmosphere in the evenings, and then heading into the city center to do my sightseeing during the day.
In this guide, I’ll explain the best areas to stay in La Paz and what you can expect from each of them, including their advantages and disadvantages, so you can choose the one that best suits your trip.
Before continuing, check out my guide to the best things to do in La Paz.
Where to stay in La Paz: Best areas and hotels
1. Historic Centre, the Best Area for Visiting La Paz
The historic centre is one of the most popular areas to stay in La Paz, especially if it’s your first visit. This is where you’ll find many of the city’s main attractions, as well as a wide choice of hotels, restaurants, shops and other services.
It’s also a convenient base if you want to explore much of La Paz on foot.
At the heart of the area is Murillo Square, surrounded by some of the city’s most important historic buildings, including the Cathedral, Government Palace and Legislative Palace.
Nearby, Jaen Street is one of the most atmospheric streets in the city, lined with colonial buildings that now house several museums.
Another must-see is the Witches’ Market, around Sagárnaga Street, where you’ll find handicrafts, traditional Andean products and the curious items associated with local rituals.
For a change of scene, head to Prado Paceño, along 16 de Julio Avenue. This is one of the city centre’s main commercial and leisure areas and a good place to get a feel for everyday life in La Paz.
The Historic Centre is also well connected to the rest of the city, with access to the Mi Teleférico network and other public transport options. The Bus Terminal is nearby, making this area very convenient if La Paz is part of a longer trip around Bolivia.
For me, the main advantage of staying here is simply convenience. You’ll be close to the sights, have plenty of places to eat and stay, and won’t have to depend on transport every time you want to go sightseeing.
The downside is that Centro can be busy, noisy and hectic, specially around the busiest streets and markets. If you prefer a quieter neighbourhood with a more residential or modern feel, Miraflores, Sopocachi or Zona Sur may suit you better.
BEST HOTELS IN THE HISTORIC CENTRE
2. Sopocachi, a bohemian area with restaurants and nightlife
Sopocachi is one of the liveliest neighbourhoods and my favourite area to stay in La Paz. Located west of the historic centre, it combines a distinctly local atmosphere with a good choice of restaurants, cafés, bars and cultural venues. It is also well connected to the rest of the city.
The neighbourhood has a strong cultural identity and an interesting architectural heritage, with numerous historic houses and buildings.
Among its landmarks is El Montículo, while the area is also home to the National Academy of Fine Arts and a number of galleries and cultural spaces.
What I like about Sopocachi is its restaurant and nightlife scene. You’ll find plenty of places to go for dinner, have a coffee or a drink, and there is a more relaxed, contemporary feel here than in the historic centre.
Sopocachi is also a convenient base for exploring La Paz. The Yellow Line of Mi Teleférico serves the area, making it easier to get around the city without relying entirely on taxis or buses.
For me, Sopocachi is particularly appealing if you like having restaurants and nightlife on your doorstep while staying in a neighbourhood with plenty of local character.
The main drawback is that it is not as convenient as Centro if your priority is being within walking distance of the main historic sights.
There is a good range of accommodation in the neighbourhood, from smaller hotels and guesthouses to more comfortable apartments and boutique-style options.
BEST HOTELS IN SOPOCACHI
- ($$$) Ritz Apart Hotel
- ($$) Hotel NC La Paz
- ($) Raven La Paz
3. Miraflores, a quiet and well-connected area
Miraflores is a good choice if you want to stay in a quieter, more residential part of La Paz without giving up restaurants, shops and other services.
Located east of the historic centre, the neighbourhood has a more local feel than Centro and Sopocachi, making it a good option if you prefer to experience a different side of the city.
The neighbourhood was originally conceived as a “garden neighbourhood” by architect Emilio Villanueva Peñaranda, and some of his influence can still be seen in the area’s architecture and urban layout.
Today, Miraflores has evolved into a lively residential and commercial district with plenty of cafes, restaurants and shops.
One of its main landmarks is Hernando Siles Stadium, Bolivia’s national stadium and one of the most important sporting venues in La Paz.
The neighbourhood is also home to the Botanical Garden, a pleasant green space where you can take a break from the city and see a variety of plants and birds.
Another interesting stop is Plaza Villarroel, home to the Museum of the National Revolution, which offers an insight into Bolivia’s political and social history, particularly the events surrounding the 1952 Revolution.
Miraflores is also well connected to the rest of La Paz, including through the Mi Teleférico network. This makes it relatively easy to reach the historic centre and other parts of the city without having to rely exclusively on taxis.
There is a good selection of accommodation here, and I’d consider Miraflores if you prefer a quieter, more residential atmosphere and don’t mind using public transport to get around.
BEST HOTELS IN MIRAFLORES
4. Zona Sur, a quiet and modern area to stay in La Paz
Zona Sur is the most modern, residential and peaceful area of La Paz. It is made up of neighbourhoods such as Calacoto, San Miguel, Obrajes, Irpavi, Achumani and Koani, which form part of what is known as the Macrodistrito Sur.
Over the years, thanks to its economic growth, it has become the new commercial and financial centre of La Paz. As a result, it is one of the most exclusive areas to live, with wide avenues, chic restaurants and shops from major fashion brands.
It is also known as the diplomatic district, with embassies and consulates. It is a good area to stay in La Paz if you want to enjoy a peaceful and somewhat more refined atmosphere.
Along with its more relaxed atmosphere, Zona Sur also offers a wide range of leisure and entertainment options.
From Zona Sur, you can also easily reach some places of interest, such as the Japanese Garden, Cota Cota Lagoon and the Valley of the Moon. The Green Cable Car Line connects the area with other parts of the city, making it easier to get around.
The main drawback is that it is farther from the historic centre, and visiting some of La Paz’s main tourist attractions will require taking the cable car, a taxi or another means of transport.
BEST HOTELS IN ZONA SUR
- ($$$) Met Hotel
- ($$) Hotel Rennova
- ($) Bolivian Rooms & Suites (Zona Sur)
5. El Alto, near the airport
If you have an early morning flight or arrive in La Paz very late at night, staying near the airport can be a practical solution.
El Alto International Airport is actually located in the city of El Alto, rather than La Paz. It is around 15 km from the historic centre of La Paz and sits at more than 4,060 metres above sea level, making it the highest international airport in the world.
El Alto is a separate city from La Paz, so I wouldn’t recommend staying here if your main purpose is to visit La Paz and explore its sights. The airport area is primarily worth considering for its convenience rather than for its location.
There are accommodation options in and around El Alto, although the choice is more limited than in the main areas of La Paz. If you decide to stay here, check the exact location of the hotel and whether it offers an airport transfer, particularly if you have an early departure.
For a late arrival followed by an early flight, spending the night near the airport can save you time and make the journey much less stressful. If you have more time to explore La Paz, however, I’d stay in Centro, Sopocachi or Miraflores.
BEST HOTELS IN EL ALTO
READ OTHER TRAVEL TIPS