Basilica of San Francisco
Monumental 18th-century church showcasing unique 'Andean Baroque' architecture, offering panoramic rooftop views and insightful guided tours.
Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better light for photos
Basilica of San Francisco
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better light for photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Monumental 18th-century church showcasing unique 'Andean Baroque' architecture, offering panoramic rooftop views and insightful guided tours.
"The guided tours are highly recommended, with guides often cited for their excellent knowledge and English proficiency."
🎯 Guided Tours are Key
Don't miss the guided tours! They offer incredible insights and access to special areas.
👟 Comfortable Shoes Recommended
You'll be doing a lot of walking and climbing stairs for the views.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Rooftop Panoramic Views
Rooftop
Ascend for breathtaking panoramic views of the city and surrounding mountains. A must-see for photographers!
'Andean Baroque' Architecture
Main Church
Marvel at the unique 'Andean Baroque' architectural style, a blend of European and indigenous influences.
Crypt and Catacombs
Crypt
Explore the solemn crypts and catacombs, offering a glimpse into the Basilica's historical and spiritual depth.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Guided Tours in Advance
Allow Ample Time for Exploration
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Guided Tours are Key
Don't miss the guided tours! They offer incredible insights and access to special areas.
👟 Comfortable Shoes Recommended
You'll be doing a lot of walking and climbing stairs for the views.
💰 Reasonable Ticket Prices
The ticket price includes a guided tour, making it great value for money.
📸 Rooftop Photo Ops
The rooftop offers stunning panoramic views, perfect for capturing memories.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Guided Tours are Key
Don't miss the guided tours! They offer incredible insights and access to special areas.
👟 Comfortable Shoes Recommended
You'll be doing a lot of walking and climbing stairs for the views.
💰 Reasonable Ticket Prices
The ticket price includes a guided tour, making it great value for money.
📸 Rooftop Photo Ops
The rooftop offers stunning panoramic views, perfect for capturing memories.
📍 Near Sagarnaga Street
Conveniently located near Sagarnaga Street, a hub for backpackers and souvenir shopping.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Basilica of San Francisco for its stunning 'Andean Baroque' architecture and the incredible panoramic views from its rooftop. The guided tours are highly recommended, with guides often cited for their excellent knowledge and English proficiency, making the visit informative and engaging. The reasonable ticket price, which includes the tour, is also a significant plus.
"A 2hr tour given by an amazing tour guide Guisela Tapia, her English was perfect & full of information."
Miriam Cutajar Fiorini
"Had a great tour here with Laysar. Her English was really good and helped us to learn more and appreciate the history of the Basilica. The prices are reasonable and considering you get a guide with the tickets it's great value."
Joel Tay
"It's nice and a good starting point to explore the city by foot."
Jérôme
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Basilica is centrally located in La Paz, making it easily accessible. Many visitors arrive on foot from nearby attractions like Sagarnaga Street. Taxis and ride-sharing services are also readily available throughout the city.
Yes, its prominent location in the city center and its distinctive architecture make it easy to spot. It's a well-known landmark for both locals and tourists.
From El Alto International Airport (LPB), you can take a taxi or a pre-booked shuttle service to the city center. The journey typically takes around 45-60 minutes depending on traffic.
While La Paz has a public transport system, including the Mi Teleférico cable cars, the Basilica is best reached by walking from the city center or taking a short taxi ride.
Absolutely! The Basilica of San Francisco is very close to the Witches' Market (Mercado de las Brujas) and Sagarnaga Street, making it a perfect addition to your walking tour of the area.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The entrance fee is generally around 40 Bolivianos and typically includes a guided tour, which is highly recommended.
While not always mandatory, booking guided tours in advance is advisable, especially during peak tourist seasons, to secure your spot and preferred time slot.
The Basilica is generally open daily, but specific hours for tours and access to different sections like the museum, rooftop, and crypt may vary. It's best to check the official schedule or inquire upon arrival.
For access to the museum, rooftop, and crypt, a guided tour is usually mandatory. This ensures visitors receive comprehensive information about the site's history and significance.
Information on discounts for students, seniors, or children is not widely publicized, but it's always worth inquiring at the ticket counter.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The best way is to take a guided tour. Guides like Guisela Tapia and Laysar are praised for their excellent English and informative tours, covering the church, convent, bell tower, and crypt.
A guided tour usually takes about an hour, but you can spend additional time exploring the grounds and enjoying the rooftop views.
Inside, you'll find stunning 'Andean Baroque' architecture, ornate carvings, and significant religious art. The tour also grants access to the convent, bell tower, and crypt.
As it is a religious site, modest dress is recommended. Shoulders and knees should be covered.
Photography policies can vary. It's best to check with your guide or at the entrance. Generally, photos are allowed in most areas, but flash photography might be restricted.
📸 📸 Photography
The rooftop offers incredible panoramic city views, making it a prime spot. The intricate facade and interior details of the 'Andean Baroque' architecture are also highly photogenic.
Yes, the rooftop provides excellent vantage points for capturing the cityscape and surrounding mountains.
While generally permitted, flash photography might be prohibited in certain areas to protect the artwork and maintain the solemn atmosphere. Always check for signage or ask your guide.
Mornings often offer softer light and fewer crowds, ideal for capturing the exterior and interior details. Late afternoons can provide beautiful golden hour light for cityscapes from the rooftop.
Drone usage is typically restricted in urban areas and around historical monuments due to safety and privacy regulations. It's best to assume drones are not permitted.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider booking a tour that is known for being engaging and informative, as the guides can make history come alive. While the crypt might be a bit somber, the main church and the climb to the rooftop offer plenty of visual stimulation. Ensure children wear comfortable shoes, as there will be walking and stairs involved.
🚶 Budget Travelers
Its central location also means you can easily walk to it from many other attractions in the city center, saving on transportation costs. It's a fantastic way to immerse yourself in La Paz's history and architecture without breaking the bank.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
The undisputed highlight for photographers is the rooftop access. The panoramic views of La Paz, especially during the golden hour, are spectacular. You can capture the sprawling city, the dramatic mountain landscape, and unique perspectives of the Basilica itself.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The 'Andean Baroque' Architectural Style
Visitors often remark on the sheer impressiveness of the construction, noting how it stands out even among other significant edifices. The detailed ornamentation, particularly on the facade, showcases the skill of the artisans who worked on the Basilica over many years, spanning the 18th and 19th centuries. This architectural richness makes it a compelling sight for anyone interested in history and art.
During guided tours, you'll gain deeper insights into the specific elements that define this style, from the religious iconography to the structural innovations. Understanding the context of its creation adds another layer of appreciation to the visual splendor of the Basilica.
The Significance of Guided Tours
Tour guides like Guisela Tapia and Laysar have been specifically praised for their excellent English, extensive knowledge, and engaging presentation styles. They help visitors understand the 'Andean Baroque' style, the lives of the saints associated with the church, and the historical role the Basilica has played in Bolivia. The tours typically cover the main church, the convent, the bell tower, and the crypt, offering access to areas that might otherwise be off-limits.
For the reasonable ticket price, which includes the tour, visitors feel they gain immense value. It transforms a simple visit into an educational and immersive experience, allowing for a deeper connection with the history and spirituality of this important landmark.
Rooftop Views and Photography Opportunities
This elevated viewpoint is a photographer's dream. The combination of the city's vibrant colors, the dramatic mountain backdrop, and the architectural details of the Basilica itself provides ample subjects for stunning shots. Early morning or late afternoon light can enhance the visual appeal, creating dramatic shadows and warm hues across the cityscape.
Beyond the general city views, the rooftop also offers unique angles of the Basilica's own architecture, including its domes and spires. It's a chance to capture the grandeur of the building from a different perspective, complementing the views from ground level.
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