The 15 things to do in Valparaiso

On the way to Valparaiso, the singular, the unusual? Discover our selection of uncontourable things to do and see in the Paradise Valley ...

Located in Chile, less than two hours' drive northwest of Santiago, Valparaiso is the port of the capital. This part of the city is not the most attractive. It is this port past that explains this urban rainbow, leading the inhabitants to dress their houses of colors, to protect themselves against rust.

Valparaiso is one of these destinations that do not appear on the hunting board of a large majority of travellers, while they combine many attractions. It is a surprising and colorful, lively and charming harbour city, student and bohemian, tasty and cosmopolitan! If it is a city that lives, it is also a city that sees itself. Count two or three days to visit Valparaiso properly. However, have the calves well hung, because this city-museum deserves!

Are you wondering what to do in Valparaiso? On your marks, ready, climb!

1. ♪ cerros

Impossible to visit Valparaiso without strolling in the streets of some cerros . Divided in two parts, the city consists of a flat area and a hilly area, the cerros . It is in this labyrinth of forty-five hills that the vast majority of the population lives.

Each cerro has a unique atmosphere and architecture. ♪ cerros Unmissable are the Cerro Concepcion, the Cerro Miraflores and the Cerro Alegre. Between steep streets, colorful houses, pretty shops and small cafes, you will have the feeling to evolve in a postcard setting.

2. The works of street art

What to do in Valparaiso? Hunting murals and graffiti from the city, of course! The task will not be difficult: you will find it at every corner of the street! It is almost impossible to contemplate them all, so many are. Give yourself several hours to walk randomly from alleys and admire the work of the artists.

The Cerro Bellavista is particularly indicated in this quest for street art. Indeed, it houses a museo a cielo abierto , an open-air museum, located between Ricardo Ferrari Street and Rodolph Street. Cerro Carcel will also enchant you, including San Juan de Dios and Cuming Street.

3. ♪ free walking tours

If you prefer to visit Valparaiso without being delivered to yourself, enjoy the many free walking tours offered by youth hostels or agencies of the harbour city. As their name suggests, tours are free. Just leave a tip.

In terms of the content, each traveler will find his account, because the themes are numerous (art, history, gastronomy, etc.). Take two or three hours.

4. Funicular or elevator

Valparaiso is a city in relief. Therefore, since 90% of the population lives in cerros everything has been put in place to facilitate the displacement of the inhabitants. Each cerro owns its own lift – or funicular – that connects it to the district of Plan, i.e. to the flat area of Valparaiso, which consists of the port and most of the shops.

The Reina Victoria funicular is the best known. The Polanco elevator is the only one in its class.

5. The miradors

From the Avenida Alemania, from the Paseo 21 of Mayo, mirador Yugoslavo , the mirador Diego Portales or at the exit of the Polanco elevator, you will have a breathtaking view of Valparaiso, its colorful houses and its bay. Don't miss! If you decide to go to the Cerro Polanco, do it in the presence of a Porteño, it will be safer.

6. Parque Cultural

Picture and painting lovers, come visit the Parque Cultural , which houses art collections of all kinds. You can also relax on the lawns of the site.

7. The port of Valparaiso

What to do in Valparaiso? Port city, it would be a shame not to take a ride to the port! Change the decor and walk along mud . You will get away from the murals to discover another facet of Valpo. Viewed from this angle, the city does not lose its appeal and allows travellers to discover the world of a commercial port. You'll never know where to give your head!

8. The bay of Valparaiso

If the ride on the harbour has put you in appetite, you can continue your visit by a discovery of the port and bay of Valparaiso by boat. You will approach some elements of the fleet and enjoy a different view on the hills of Valparaiso.

9. Viña del Mar

It is called the "City Garden" . Stopover taken on a trip to Valparaiso and renowned for its cultural life, Viña del Mar is an invitation to travel 8 kilometers from Valparaiso. There, white sand banks, picturesque streets, museums and monuments, outdoor sports and gastronomy promise a parenthesis with postcard decors.

Take advantage of your visit to Viña del Mar to stroll, observe a sunset and attend the many concerts that rhythm the places. In February, the city vibrates at the sound of its unmissable music festival.

Somme toute, visiter Valparaiso, c’est pas par Viña del Mar !

10. The Museum of Fine Arts

Located in the Cerro Alegre, inside the Baburizza , the Museum of Fine Arts will teach you more about the history of Valparaiso. You will discover many paintings and works by Chilean artists and understand the interior organization of a typical house in the region.

11. Places of Valparaiso

Places in Valparaiso, there are! Plaza Echaurren and the oldest church in the city, the Parque Italia and its old carttes for children, Plaza Descanso and its small restaurants, Plaza Sotomayor, etc. Enjoy a walking tour to go to their discoveries and let you bear by the sweetness of local life.

12. Pisco Sour, empanadas and other local specialties

What to do in Valparaiso? Have fun!

The Pisco Sour is a mix of Pisco and lemon. This is a great opportunity to rest on the terrace!

A little hunger? Do not resist the desire to believe in one or more empanadas . These small – or larger – doughnuts are stuffed with meat, cheese and/or vegetables. Test the pastel shocklo or chorrillana , very dietary dish, based on meat, cheese and fries! The cevice , of Peruvian origin, but who conquered all of South America, is still more light !

Finally, Chile, and Valparaiso in particular, are renowned for their ice. Then let yourself be tempted!

13. Mercado Cardonal

Ah... Latin American markets! How can I give up? Visit Valparaiso without walking in the alleys Mercado El Cardonal Would be a sacrilege! Enjoy a wide choice of fruits and vegetables to make you healthier!

14. Sebastiana, the house of Pablo Neruda

If you spend a few days in Valparaiso, you have to take a tour in the home of the child of the country, the famous poet Pablo Neruda .

This visit is not unusual. The charm of this house will not leave you indifferent. Adjacent to the audioguide, you will sail from room to room at the rhythm of the artist’s comments and voice, while enjoying a superb view of Valparaiso. The Sebastiana is located on the Cerro Florida, at the top of Ferrari Avenue.

15. Enjoy the surroundings of Valparaiso

If visiting Valparaiso has not filled your appetite for discovery, take advantage of the surroundings that do not lack interest: the Parc de la Campana and its forests, the beach of Zapallar, Laguna Verde , the landscapes of vineyards with loss of sight, etc.

How to get to Valparaiso?

From France

It is impossible to go to Valparaiso directly from Paris. You will have to go through Santiago de Chile by planning a stopover, although there are some direct flights. Whether you fly with Iberia, Air France or Latam, you must count between fourteen and eighteen hours of flight. Whatever your choice, flight comparisons, such as Ulysses , can guide you in your choice by offering you the best rates. Keep in mind that a destination like Valparaiso can be accessed as very expensive according to your departure dates. So besides the tip of the reservation in advance or the choice of off-season, prefer the departures in the middle of the week and opt for a late or very early flight to save money.

From Santiago

By taxi

You won't have to find it! However, you must be sure to take a "official" taxi. Moreover, the cost is obviously higher than by the bus.

By bus

This is the most economical option, since your ticket will cost you about 8 € . At the airport bus terminal, you will take a bus from the Turbus company. The journey takes four hours and thirty minutes to Viña del Mar, about two hours to Valparaiso. The buses take you to Rodoviario Terminal. It is easy then to move, by taxi, trolley or microbus.

With a rental car

Many rental companies have counters at the airport. This solution is more expensive, but offers you more freedom.

Where to stay in Valparaiso?

From the youth hostel to the room at home, to a luxury hotel or studio, you can find your happiness! If you want to taste the special atmosphere of Valparaiso, choose accommodation in one of the most beautiful cerros . Whether in the Cerro Bellavista, in the Cerro Alegre or in the Cerro Miraflores, you can fully enjoy the attractions of the city regardless of the area where you choose to stay . To help you in your search for the best value for money, you can turn to this Compare hotels , which will offer you the best offers according to your search criteria.

So, ready to take off for Chile?