Plaza San Francisco Tours and Activities

Plaza San Francisco which includes street scenes
Plaza San Francisco which includes a city
Plaza San Francisco featuring street scenes and signage
Plaza San Francisco featuring shopping as well as a small group of people
Plaza San Francisco


Political demonstrations, street performers, food vendorsand La Paz’s indigenous population converge on this centrally located square.

Get a panoramic view over the city centre, sample a tropicalfruit from a street vendor and witness a political demonstration at Plaza SanFrancisco. This main square is one of the city’s most popular meeting places,attracting street musicians and La Paz’s sizeable indigenous population.

Sit on the steps on the north side of the plaza and watchpeople pass through the square. Magicians, comedians and other streetperformers vie for the attention of passers-by. Notice the Aymara people whomeet here to sit and chat around the square. They tend to wear traditionalclothes, like bowler hats and regional shawls. Plaza San Francisco sits wherethe colonial portion of the city once intersected with the Aymaraneighbourhoods.

Climb up into the impressive bell tower of the San FranciscoChurch to look out over the square. The church is one of La Paz’s mostimpressive buildings, a hybrid of baroque and mestizo styles. Discover thedelicate reliefs carved into the church’s façade, which depict naturallandscapes and fantastical creatures. Drop by the Museo San Francisco in thechurch’s convent. Here, you will find religious art and artifacts fromthroughout La Paz’s steeped history.

Browse the nearby Lanza Market for one of the besttraditional Bolivian meals in town. Make sandwiches out of locally made cheese andfreshly baked bread. For dessert, try a refreshing tropical fruit. Also, makesure to sample a salteña, which is a baked pastry stuffed with vegetables andmeat. Food vendors can be found on the Plaza San Francisco as well.

Keep a safe distance from the political demonstrations thatoften take place on the square. Workers, teachers and political groups commonlyhold high-profile strikes on Plaza San Francisco due to its central locationand wide-open space. Street parades happen here as well, which you should feelfree to join.

Arrive at Plaza San Francisco via shared mini bus fromanywhere in the city. The Witches’ Market and the Museo de la Coca lie within ashort walk of the square.

Tours & day trips

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Food, drink & nightlife

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Top Plaza San Francisco Hotel & Accommodation Deals

Hotel Sagarnaga

Hotel Sagarnaga

3.5 out of 5
Sagarnaga 326 Zona Rosario, La Paz
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Hotel Europa La Paz

Hotel Europa La Paz

4 out of 5
Calle Tiahuanaco N. 64, La Paz
Hotel Europa La Paz
Altus Express Hotel

Altus Express Hotel

3.5 out of 5
1494 Avenue 20 de Octubre, La Paz, La Paz
Altus Express Hotel
 Mitru Express

Mitru Express

3.5 out of 5
Casimiro Corrales N 1013, Zona Miraflores, La Paz
Mitru Express
Hotel Presidente

Hotel Presidente

3.5 out of 5
C. Potosí Nro. 920, La Paz
Hotel Presidente
Stannum Boutique Hotel & Spa

Stannum Boutique Hotel & Spa

4 out of 5
Edificio Multicine Pisos 5 & 12, La Paz, La Paz
Stannum Boutique Hotel & Spa
Hostel Canoa

Hostel Canoa

2 out of 5
Calle illampu esquina calle santa cruz, 399, La Paz, La Paz Department
Hostel Canoa
Madero Hotel & Suites

Madero Hotel & Suites

3 out of 5
Calle México No. 1822, La Paz
Madero Hotel & Suites
Ritz Apart Hotel

Ritz Apart Hotel

4.5 out of 5
Plaza Isabel La Catolica Nro. 2478, La Paz
Ritz Apart Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.