Top Things to do in Valparaiso
10 Free Things to do in Valparaiso That You Shouldn't Miss
Only 70 miles northwest of capital Santiago, Valparaiso is Chile's main port and known for its bohemian, artistic vibe and lovely vistas. Its UNESCO-designated historic downtown offers charming colonial architecture, great seafood restaurants, markets and stores. Take 100-year-old funicular Ascensor Artilleria or climb Cerro Concepcion for stunning ocean and city views. Back at street level, visit writer Pablo Neruda's house.
Restaurants in Valparaiso
1. Paseo Gervasoni
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 788 reviews
Many vintage chilean buildings line this hilly street, a popular site for a walking tour.
Reviewed By vesperado
WOW! The streets are painted! Beautiful murals everywhere on buildings, streets and staircases! Take the walk and enjoy the art! It is so worth it.
2. Cerro Concepcion
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,922 reviews
Throughout the history of this Port City, the inhabitants saw the possibility of being located on this hill that was born as a fort to protect themselves from pirats and corsairs. When the port sector zone was almost completely occupied, the immigrants began to populate this hill with houses using the usual architecture of their countries, mainly European. That generated a cool sector of structures that are preserved until today, in a unique and magical, heritage and Chilean mix. The best viewpoints, miradors and alleys are here and in these streets the richest cultural activities converge, surrounded by the best gastronomy. Come and enjoy with us! This experience is unforgettable!
Reviewed By ImmerWandern - Palos Heights, United States
This major port city - “Valpo” for short - was once one of the richest cities of South America known as the “Jewel of the Pacific” and “Little San Francisco” given the many physical similarities. It was the major port on the Pacific coast of South America, a mandatory stopover for ships heading to Asia. Then the Panama Canal opened in 1914, ships no longer had to round Cape Horn and refuel at Valparaiso. The city declined and struggled for almost 100 years to remain relevant. It has only just begun to reassert itself in the past 15 years thanks to the opening of several universities and the legalization of street art in recent decades. Street art / graffiti became a form of expression and political protest during the Augusto Pinochet regime of the 1970s and 1980s. With the restoration of democracy the Valparaiso government made the practice legal even supporting and employing some street artists. Private establishments - hotels, restaurants, stores - hired artists to paint on their buildings or artists could offer their services to them. You could certainly wander Cerro ( "Cerro" means "Hill") Concepcion or any of the other neighborhoods famous for their street art on your own. We felt it was definitely worth hiring for their insight into the history of the city and its art. Of course the street art is the attraction, some of which is frivolous and much sociopolitical in inspiration. Nevertheless the harbor, the ships, and the surrounding hills were inspiring. There were a lot of restaurants to choose from and stores to browse through.
3. Galeria de Arte Bahia Utopica
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 27 reviews
Short-term and permanent exhibitions of prominent contemporary Chilean and foreign artists living in Valparaiso, an attractive city that has inspired much Latin American art. Paintings, sculptures, engravings, photos and books. We ship all over the world.
Reviewed By davidhN4453TG - Sunshine Beach, Australia
We have visited this gallery on our visits last two years in Valparaíso and bought very nice art and sculptures. The person who works there is always very helpful and accommodating especially when preparing the items to take home to Australia. A great and changing selection of artists and sculptures.
4. Galeria Orfebres
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 42 reviews
5. Museo de Historia Natural de Valparaiso
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 218 reviews
Reviewed By nicolasisaiasj
Amazing how its distributed the atractions going from the bottom of the ocean to the highs of the sky, really recommended for childrends and history and animal lovers, they also give free tours in spanish and english in summer.
6. Paseo Yugoeslavo Ex Paseo Americano
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 260 reviews
Reviewed By MEMarzioni - Rafaela, Argentina
Full of artists which are eager to tell you about their art... There is a painter Cuellis something that paints creatures from the dark and he -together with soo many of them- has contributed to the street art of Valparaiso, I could not believe how beautiful the walls there! Paseo Yugoslavo is just magical!
7. Paseo Atkinson
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 107 reviews
Reviewed By 716sachink - Plainview, United States
Walking through this narrow road in Cerro Concepcion section of Valparaíso was an awesome experience. On one side could see nice colorful buildings and on the other side could see the ocean, coastline and the beautiful surroundings. Certainly would very highly recommend visiting Paseo Atkinson.
8. Cementerio de Disidentes
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 15 reviews
Reviewed By kaisatriink - Tartu, Estonia
The guard gave as a spontaneous walking tour where he told us all the stories of the cemetery and it was soooo thrilling. Interesting history and attitude towards death.
9. Cerro Alegre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 277 reviews
Reviewed By 716sachink - Plainview, United States
Cerro Alegre is one of the picturesque part of the city of Valparaíso. One can reach here conveniently by taking the funicular from behind the navy building in the main square. Upon reaching Cerro Alegre, walking around is highly recommend to get the best perception of the colorful buildings, stairs and walkways. The views of the city from the top at Cerro Alegre are flabbergasting. I would certainly very highly recommend visiting this UNESCO World Heritage Site to any tourist in Valparaíso.
10. Playa Ancha Hill
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