All citiesLa Paz Things to do and walking itinerary
Bolivia La Paz travel guide
20 things to do in La Paz, where to stay, airport transfers. Pick places on the map and get a day-by-day walking route from your hotel with steps, kilometres and minutes.
Top things to do in La Paz
- Plaza Murillo — square in La Paz, Bolivia (visit ≈ 15 min)
- Basilica of San Francisco, La Paz, Bolivia — church in La Paz (visit ≈ 30 min)
- National Museum of Archaeology (Bolivia) — national museum (visit ≈ 120 min)
- Museo de Arte Antonio Paredes Candia — Bolivian art museum (visit ≈ 120 min)
- National Museum of Art, La Paz — national museum of art in La Paz, Bolivia (visit ≈ 120 min)
- Coca Museum — museum in La Paz, Bolivia (visit ≈ 120 min)
- Basílica María Auxiliadora — church building in La Paz, Bolivia (visit ≈ 30 min)
- National Museum of Ethnography and Folklore — museum in La Paz, Bolivia (visit ≈ 120 min)
- Plaza Abaroa (visit ≈ 15 min)
- Japanese Garden of La Paz — Japanese garden in La Paz, Bolivia (visit ≈ 45 min)
- Iglesia de San Pedro — church building in La Paz, Bolivia (visit ≈ 30 min)
- Museo de Metales Preciosos Precolombinos — archeological museum in La Paz, Bolivia (visit ≈ 120 min)
- Casa de la Cultura Franz Tamayo (visit ≈ 120 min)
- Museo Nacional de Historia Natural de Bolivia — natural history museum in Bolivia (visit ≈ 120 min)
- Bioparque Municipal Vesty Pakos — care centre of sylvan fauna (visit ≈ 150 min)
- Iglesia La Recoleta — church building in Departamento de La Paz, Bolivia (visit ≈ 30 min)
- Templo de la Merced — church building in La Paz Department, Bolivia (visit ≈ 30 min)
- Templo de San Agustin — church building in La Paz Department, Bolivia (visit ≈ 30 min)
- Church of St. John of God — La Paz (visit ≈ 30 min)
- Mirador Killi Killi (visit ≈ 30 min)
2-day La Paz walking itinerary
Starting point: Centro / Plaza Murillo. The top 8 places at a normal pace (up to ~10 km of walking a day), in this order. Change places or your hotel on the map and the route is recalculated; distances are estimates with a street allowance.
- Day 1 (≈ 9.2 km · 12,460 steps · 2 h 3 min on the way): Plaza Murillo → National Museum of Archaeology (Bolivia) → Basílica María Auxiliadora → Museo de Arte Antonio Paredes Candia → Coca Museum
- Day 2 (≈ 1.3 km · 1,720 steps · 17 min on the way): Basilica of San Francisco, La Paz, Bolivia → National Museum of Ethnography and Folklore → National Museum of Art, La Paz
Where to stay in La Paz
- Centro / Plaza Murillo: Historic centre around government buildings, churches and museums.
- Sagárnaga / Witches’ Market: Backpacker hotels, craft shops and tour agencies are here.
- Sopocachi: Calm, bohemian residential area with cafés and bars.
- Zona Sur (San Miguel): Lower and milder; modern restaurants and hotels.
Getting from the airport to La Paz
- El Alto (LPB): Registered radio taxi to the centre ≈ 30 min; minibuses exist but are hard with luggage.
Getting around
The Mi Teleférico cable-car network links districts fast with great views. Call a radio taxi; the altitude is high, so take it easy on day one.
Classic places to eat
- Gustu: Renowned restaurant using only Bolivian produce; tasting menu.
- Paceña La Salteña: The best-known spot for salteñas, the local mid-morning snack.
- Mercado Lanza: Cheap lunch and fresh juice at the upstairs stalls.
- Popular Cocina Boliviana: Lunch menu with modern takes on Bolivian dishes; go early.
- Ali Pacha: Vegan tasting menu built on Andean produce.
Romantic views
- Killi Killi Viewpoint (Sunset): The city filling the valley and Mount Illimani are seen together from here.
- Laikakota Viewpoint (Sunset): From the top of the park the city lights come on one by one.
- Calle Jaén (Afternoon): The city's best-preserved colonial street, lined with colourful houses.
- Plaza Murillo (Evening): A pleasant square for an evening walk, with pigeons and historic buildings.
Football stadiums in La Paz
- Estadio Libertador Simón Bolívar: Home of Club Bolívar
- Estadio Hernando Siles: Home of The Strongest
Good to know before visiting La Paz
- Fine: Coca leaves are legal locally, but taking them abroad is a crime.
- Fine: Drug offences carry severe penalties.
- Warning: La Paz is above 3,600 m; go slowly to avoid altitude sickness.
- Warning: Road blockades are common; check before travelling.
- The currency is the boliviano; cash matters.
- Visa and entry rules depend on your nationality and change often; check official government sources before you travel.
- Emergency: police 110, ambulance 118, fire 119
- Plugs: A/C, 230V
- Tap water: Don't drink tap water; use bottled.
- Tipping: About 10% is customary.
Sources: UK FCDO — Foreign travel advice: Bolivia, Wikivoyage — Bolivia, T.C. Dışişleri Bakanlığı — Türk vatandaşlarının tabi olduğu vize uygulamaları · For information only; rules change, check official sources before you go. Last checked: 2026-10
La Paz travel FAQ
- How many days do you need in La Paz?
- The top 8 places in the centre take about 2 days at a normal pace on a walking route from your hotel. Allow 4 days for the top 17 places within walking distance.
- What are the top things to do in La Paz?
- Highlights: Plaza Murillo, Basilica of San Francisco, La Paz, Bolivia, National Museum of Archaeology (Bolivia), Museo de Arte Antonio Paredes Candia and National Museum of Art, La Paz. The map has 20 things to do in total.
- Where to stay in La Paz?
- Centro / Plaza Murillo: Historic centre around government buildings, churches and museums. Other options: Sagárnaga / Witches’ Market, Sopocachi and Zona Sur (San Miguel).
- How do you get from the airport to La Paz city centre?
- El Alto (LPB): Registered radio taxi to the centre ≈ 30 min; minibuses exist but are hard with luggage.
- How do you get around La Paz?
- The Mi Teleférico cable-car network links districts fast with great views. Call a radio taxi; the altitude is high, so take it easy on day one.
- What is the emergency number in La Paz?
- Emergency: police 110, ambulance 118, fire 119.
- Do you tip in La Paz?
- About 10% is customary.
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