The Top Things To Do and See in Valparaíso, Chile

Valparaíso offers some incredible viewpoints over the city
Valparaíso offers some incredible viewpoints over the city | © Babelon Pierre-Yves / Alamy Stock Photo
Carrie Back

The beautiful, bustling hillside port of Valparaíso is known for being one of the homes of the celebrated Chilean poet Pablo Neruda, who died in 1973. This colorful city is recognized worldwide as a Unesco World Heritage Site, a deserved award given its photogenic architecture, its rich history and its cultural currents. If you love history, street art and bohemian life, Valparaíso is must – don’t miss a wander around the Cerro Alegre, Cerro Bellavista, and Cerro Concepcion neighborhoods. Here are the top things to do and see in Valparaíso, Chile, known as the Jewel of the Pacific.

Wander the Museo a Cielo Abierto

University, Historical Landmark, Museum

Wall painting
© Jose Giribas / Alamy Stock Photo
To get here, take the Ascensor Espíritu Santo funicular and work out what you want to see on the map. It clearly depicts the labyrinth of murals scattered around the Cerro Bellavista part of town. Ever since it was unveiled in the 1990s, this open-air museum, if you will, has drawn art aficionados in their droves with its eclectic mix of murals – 20 or so in total. Just wander, taking in the vibrant diversity: a range of abstract kinetic sculptures, impressionistic and surreal styles.

Check out Balmaceda Arte Joven

Art Gallery, Theater, School

Fancy flexing your creative chops while you’re in town? You’ve come to the right place. This curiosity is part art gallery, part cultural center, providing classes for arty types of all ages. Balmaceda Arte Joven teaches workshops in theater, writing, animation, visual arts, photography and even online courses. Most of the classes, performances and events are affordable or free of charge so it’s a must-stop if you are in the Cerro Alegre neighborhood.

Have lunch in breezy blue Caleta Portales

Natural Feature, Market

Fishermen at the fish market, Caleta Portales, Valparaiso, Chile
© Garden Photo World / Alamy Stock Photo

Time now for some invigorating ocean breezes. The bay of Caleta Portales satisfies all the senses – it’s a visual feast for starters, as you watch the fishermen offloading the day’s silvery haul from their colorful boats. The pungent fish market sells fresh produce daily, and if you don’t feel like cooking, rock up to the small stalls that major in fresh mussels and ceviche. Now stroll the boardwalk and pier – you’re assured sightings of yawning sea lions and waddling pelicans.

Have a pint in atmospheric Bar La Playa

Restaurant, Chilean, Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten-free

Near Plaza Sotomayor, Bar La Playa is Valparaíso’s oldest watering hole. Dating from the beginning of the 20th century, the joint prides itself on its cluttered interior, and original woodwork adds another layer of historic charm. Order a pint and peruse the menu of the day, which usually consists of fresh seafood. This quaint little nook is also celebrated for its paila marina, a traditional Chilean seafood soup made from flippingly fresh clams and mussels.

Get to know hip Cerro Alegre

Architectural Landmark

Templeman Stairs at Cerro Alegre - Valparaiso, Chile
© Diego Grandi / Alamy Stock Photo

Near Plaza Sotomayor, Cerro Alegre is a hip neighborhood with a unique bohemian vibe. The hills are steep, so our top tip is to hop aboard the El Peral funicular. Once you reach the top, you’ll be disgorged onto one of the city’s oldest streets, Paseo Yugoslavo. Wander, admiring the many viewpoints to see spectacular expanses of the bay. As you make your way down the hill, you’ll come across cozy cafes, bars and art galleries, as well as swathes of colorful graffiti and murals.

Stretch your legs on the Paseo Rubén Darío

Architectural Landmark

Valparaíso is known for its cleverly designed public spaces, including the city’s well-thought-out paseos, or avenues. The Paseo Rubén Darío takes you along the beach and coastline. To make the most of this self-guided tour of the city, start at Caleta El Membrillo and make your way to Carvallo beach. When you reach the halfway point, you’ll find a park called Plaza Rubén Darío. Take a break and a breather, enjoying mesmerizing views of the landscape and the Pacific.

Learn about Neruda at La Sebastiana Museum

Museum

Valparaiso, Chile - November 01 2014: Pablo Neruda house, La Sebastiana at Valparaiso
© Rosangela Lima / Alamy Stock Photo
Pablo Neruda, Chile’s most renowned, best-loved poet, called Valparaíso home. La Sebastiana Museum was renovated to replicate what his residence looked like, embellished with many of his personal belongings and collectibles, as well as original decor. The self-guided audio tour leads you through his life, with insights into his fascinating background. Next to the museum there is also a cultural center where many poetry readings, workshops, and events are held.

Have fun in funky Cerro Concepcion

Historical Landmark, Architectural Landmark

Valparaiso Skyline with Lutheran Church - Valparaiso, Chile
© Diego Grandi / Alamy Stock Photo

To reach Cerro Concepcion, take the funicular, known locally as the Ascensor Concepción, and you’ll step out into one of the oldest and most colorful neighborhoods in Valparaíso. You’ll spend hours exploring its winding alleys, happening upon some of the city’s best restaurants and cafes. This area is known for its art, graffiti and lively nightlife. This historic area is a Unesco World Heritage site, an honor bestowed for its plazas, architecture and ocean outlooks.

Hit the beach at Playa Torpederas

Natural Feature

Playa Las Torpederas, Valparaiso, Chile
© Stephane ROUSSEL / Alamy Stock Photo

Up in the north of the city, at the end of Altamirano Avenue, is Playa Torpederas, the city’s most scenic beach. One of only a few in Valparaíso, it can get a bit crowded at times. The water is suitable for swimming but temperatures can get a little icy, and we recommend you come with a picnic lunch. Kayaking and snorkeling are both very popular activities, and here you’ll find Chile’s first lighthouse, Punta Ángeles, which is open to the public – don’t miss a nose-round.

Get shipshape at the Naval and Maritime Museum

Museum

Navy Museum (Museo Maritimo Nacional) - Valparaiso, Chile
© Diego Grandi / Alamy Stock Photo

Even if you’re not a history buff, put the Naval and Maritime Museum on your Valparaíso itinerary. It’s blessed with a collection of more than 3,000 artifacts, including uniforms, model ships and war relics, and even a replica pirate ship for kids. The museum focuses on the history of the Chilean Navy, but there are also other exhibits that go beyond the military aspect. With over 17 rooms and numerous permanent exhibits, it’s easy to spend an entire afternoon here.

This is an updated version of an article originally by Maria Angelíca Maia.

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