Historically, La Paz's main street -- known interchangeably as El Prado, Avenida 16 de Julio, and Avenida Mariscal Santa Cruz -- divided the city into two parts. The indigenous people lived to the south of this main area, the Spanish to the north. Before the age of cement, this main street was actually a river. Water still runs along this path, but you'd have to dig pretty deep to find it. Nevertheless, this is still the lowest point of La Paz. So, if you're lost, just walk downhill and eventually you will arrive at El Prado. The old colonial divisions still linger: The Witch Doctors' Market, the Black Market, and most of the indigenous-run street stands are all still on the south side of El Prado, while the colonial buildings, main plaza, and government offices are all to the north. The area of town from Plaza San Francisco to Plaza del Estudiante is considered the heart of La Paz. Still considered quite central, the Sopocachi neighborhood extends south and east of Plaza del Estudiante. Along 20 de Octubre and Avenida 6 de Agosto, you'll find some of the trendier restaurants and bars in town. Miraflores borders Sopocachi to the north. This is mainly a residential area, but visitors do sometimes venture here to catch a soccer game at Estadio Hernando Siles, or to admire the views of La Paz from the Mirador Laikakota.
