San Miguel

Nuestra Señora de La Paz, Bolivia

Overall Safety
Good
3.9 / 5
Based on 12 Safety Metrics

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Summary

San Miguel is wealthy and very safe with expensive restaurants and cafes popular with expats. It costs more and doesn't feel authentically Bolivian, but the low crime rate and easy English communication make it comfortable.

Upscale and refinedFinancial elite districtPedestrian-friendlyInternational atmosphereLower altitude and warmer
Details

San Miguel is in the affluent Zona Sur at lower altitude where it's warmer than central La Paz. The area has upscale cafes and restaurants that attract wealthy locals and expats. Streets are clean and safe to walk day or night. You'll see business people at lunch and well-dressed crowds on weekends. Cafes cater to people working alone on laptops for hours. English is more common here since many customers are international. Everything costs significantly more than other parts of La Paz. The atmosphere feels more like a wealthy suburb than typical Bolivia - safer and more comfortable but disconnected from local culture.

Safety Ratings

Daytime Safety

Excellent

Night Walking Safety

Excellent

Harassment Risk

Low

Public Transport Safety

Good

Pickpocketing Risk

Low

Scam Risk

Low

Police Visibility

Good

Emergency Services

Excellent

Evening Venues

Excellent

Solo Dining

Excellent

Drug Activity

Low

Homelessness Visibility

Low

Getting By in English

Good

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Recommended Places

Cafes

  • Typica Coffee San Miguel
  • Café San Alberto
  • HB Bronze Coffeebar

Restaurants

  • Fellini
  • Gustu

Bars

  • Wine bars in San Miguel district

Other Spots

  • San Miguel shopping district
Impressions & Tips

"Felt extremely safe at all hours, almost zero crime risk"

"Expensive but worth it for the peace of mind"

"Great restaurants but doesn't feel very Bolivian"

"Easy to spend hours in cafes working without anyone bothering you"

"Lower altitude here made breathing much easier"

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Safety Reminder

Neighborhood conditions can change. Check recent news, ask locals or your accommodation about current safety, especially for nighttime plans.

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