Caracas. (Best of Latin America).

BEST SHOPPING

Centro Comercial Ciudad Tamanaco. This upscale shopping mall--referred by locals simply as "CCCT"--is awkward to reach, wedged between highways and busy avenues in the Chuao neighborhood, but it's worth the effort. Great bargains on well-made shoes and clothes can be found, as well as the latest fashions in this vogue metropolis. This is a good spot to get a haircut, buy books or cigars, pick up some aged Venezuelan rum or even grab a meal. Lose your luggage? Get a new suit here.

BEST HOTEL

Tamanaco Inter-Continental Caracas. This veteran hotel--the stomping ground of foreign petroleum engineers during the early years of the Venezuelan oil boom--was remodeled in 1998 and holds its own against younger competition. Big, with nearly 600 rooms, the Tamanaco boasts a laundry list of services, including a bank, airline desk, car rental, bars, shops, newsstand, pharmacy, florist and four restaurants. (The poolside La Cabana Restaurant has arguably the city's best wood oven-baked pizzas.) Its Club Floors feature special amenities for business travelers, including in-room Internet and computer equipment; it also has separate meeting rooms, a business center and secretarial services. For the health conscious, the facilities run the gamut from a jogging track and tennis courts to the outdoor pool and fitness center. Phone: [phone]; caracas.interconti.com

BEST BEACH ESCAPE

Parque Nacional Los Roques. This archipelago of islets dusted with white sand and lapped by turquoise water is one of Venezuela's treasures. You can escape to the offshore paradise, about 166 kilometers from the port of La Guaira near the airport, by charter plane, helicopter or yacht. Your hotel concierge can make arrangements. For fishing enthusiasts, this is one of the world's top spots for bonefishing. It is also popular with scuba divers and snorkelers. There is little on the islands--most are unpopulated specks on the water--so make sure your travel package includes food and water. There's also no shade, so stock up on sunscreen before you head out.

BEST BUSINESS BREAKFAST

Mediterraneo. Venezuela's movers and shakers congregate each morning at this restaurant in the Hotel Gran Melia Caracas. The generous buffet offers traditional omelet-and-croissants fare, as well as local specialties. You can also order ala carte. Avenida Casanova, at the corner of El Recreo, Sabana Grande; phone: [phone]. www.solmelia.com

BEST BUSINESS DINNER

Lee Hamilton Steak House. This Caracas institution since 1958 is known for well-aged steaks--T-bone, New York strip, sirloin--complemented by a plentiful salad bar. The lunch specials draw executives, but it is also a favorite dinner haunt for politicians and business leaders. If you don't see them eating, you'll likely find them in the restaurant's popular ban Avenida San Felipe, at the corner of El Bosque, La Castellana. Phone: [phone] and 58-212-261-0511.

BEST AREPAS

El Arepazo. It would be unconscionable to visit Caracas and not at least try an arepa, the cornmeal rounds that Venezuelans stuff with meat, cheese or both. This aptly named eatery is the place to try one of the local favorites, which can be a snack nor a meal, depending on how you get them stuffed. An arepa filled with spiced, shredded meat (carne mechada) is one of the most popular, but Reina Pepiada--chicken salad--is also a winner. El Arepazo is open 24 hours a day. Calle Guaicaipuro, El Rosal: phone: [phone] or 58-212-952-1016.

BEST NIGHTCLUB

Juan Sebastian Bar. It's hard to beat Venezuelans when it comes to dancing and parties. As a result, Caracas teems with good nightclubs. ButJuan Sebastian bar, which has seen generations of local residents show up for its salsa, merengue and jazz bands, only improves with age. The bar is divided into a restaurant area and a dark lounge with live music. Take note: Venezuelans dress up for a night on the town. Avenida Venezuela, El Rosal. Phone: [phone].