La Paz neighbourhoods at a glance
Distances are measured from the city centre. Typical prices are the median nightly rate of hotels nearby.
| Area | Best for | From centre | Typical hotel |
|---|---|---|---|
| Casco Viejo (Historic Center) | History buffs, Photographers, Budget travelers seeking hostels and cheap eats | 1.8 km | €29 |
| Sopocachi | Foodies, Nightlife seekers, Travelers wanting a quieter, more local base | 2.7 km | €39 |
| Zona Sur (Southern Zone) | Luxury travelers, Families, Those seeking modern comforts and fine dining | – | – |
| El Alto | Adventure seekers, Market lovers, Cultural explorers wanting an unfiltered experience | 1.5 km | €48 |
Casco Viejo (Historic Center)
The bustling, historic heart of La Paz, centered around Plaza Murillo. This area is a maze of narrow, steep streets lined with colonial-era buildings, government palaces, and vibrant markets. The vibe is chaotic, authentic, and deeply political.
Around Casco Viejo
- Plaza Murillo (Presidential Palace, Cathedral)
- San Francisco Church and Museum
- Mercado de las Brujas (Witches' Market)
- Calle Jaén (colonial street with museums)
Hotels in or near Casco Viejo
Günstig
Mittelklasse
MittelklasseSopocachi
A bohemian, residential neighborhood popular with artists, students, and expats. It's less steep than the center, with tree-lined streets, art deco buildings, and a thriving nightlife and dining scene. The vibe is trendy, relaxed, and intellectual.
Around Sopocachi
- Parque Urbano Central (large central park)
- Calle Sánchez Lima (restaurant and bar street)
- Museo Nacional de Arte
- Plaza Abaroa (monument and cafes)
Hotels in or near Sopocachi
Gehoben
Mittelklasse
MittelklasseZona Sur (Southern Zone)
The affluent, modern contrast to the historic center. Home to upscale neighborhoods like Calacoto and San Miguel, it features shopping malls, international restaurants, golf courses, and sleek apartment buildings. The vibe is calm, wealthy, and contemporary.
Around Zona Sur
- Ventura Mall
- Avenida Ballivián (shopping and dining)
- Cine Center
- Parque de la Familia
El Alto
A massive, sprawling city in its own right on the altiplano plateau above La Paz. It's one of Bolivia's fastest-growing and most indigenous cities, famous for its colossal weekly market (Feria 16 de Julio) and dynamic, raw energy. The vibe is overwhelming, entrepreneurial, and fiercely Aymara.
Around El Alto
- Feria 16 de Julio (Thursday/Sunday market)
- Mirador de la Ceja (viewpoint)
- Cholita Wrestling venues
- Teleférico stations (Red, Silver, Gold lines)
Hotels in or near El Alto
GünstigHotel prices come from Traveloka, last checked on February 4, 2026, and change with your dates. We may earn a commission if you book through our links, at no extra cost to you.
Plan the rest of your La Paz trip
Where to stay in La Paz: FAQ
What is the best area to stay in La Paz?+
For a first visit, El Alto is the most central of the areas we cover (1.5 km from the centre). A massive, sprawling city in its own right on the altiplano plateau above La Paz.
Where to stay in La Paz on a budget?+
Casco Viejo has the lowest typical hotel price of the areas we compared, around €29 a night. The bustling, historic heart of La Paz, centered around Plaza Murillo.
How much does a hotel in La Paz cost per night?+
Typical nightly prices near the areas in this guide range from €29 to €48, based on hotel prices checked on February 4, 2026. Prices change with your dates.
Which La Paz neighbourhood suits which traveller?+
Casco Viejo: History buffs, Photographers, Budget travelers seeking hostels and cheap eats. Sopocachi: Foodies, Nightlife seekers, Travelers wanting a quieter, more local base. Zona Sur: Luxury travelers, Families, Those seeking modern comforts and fine dining. El Alto: Adventure seekers, Market lovers, Cultural explorers wanting an unfiltered experience.