Ciudad Bolívar is a colonial city on the southern bank of the Orinoco, and the main jumping-off point for trips to Angel Falls, Canaima National Park, and La Gran Sabana. Most travelers arrive here by bus from Caracas or by connection from Ciudad Guayana, then book a light-aircraft tour to Canaima.
The historic center along the riverfront — the Paseo Orinoco — is attractive: colonial-era buildings, a good main plaza, and the 18th-century cathedral. The Casa del Congreso de Angostura commemorates the 1819 congress where Simón Bolívar was proclaimed president of Gran Colombia, and the Casa del Correo del Orinoco preserves his revolutionary printing press. The city was originally called Angostura, and the famous bitters of the same name were invented here. The Museo Jesús Soto on the edge of town holds one of South America's most important kinetic-art collections, named for Ciudad Bolívar's most famous artist son.
Numerous tour operators in the city offer packages to Angel Falls and the Gran Sabana. Prices vary; compare a few before booking. The light-aircraft flights to Canaima are spectacular in themselves, flying low over the tepui landscape.
Ciudad Bolívar is a working-class regional city and shares the security concerns of much of Venezuela. Take standard precautions.