Top Things to do in Valparaiso
10 Things to do Good for Adrenaline Seekers 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. Patatour Chile
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 254 reviews
Premium Walking Tours in Valparaíso: Authentic Valparaíso Famous Valparaíso Valpo in 1 day Shore Excursions Private Tours
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. Ascensor Polanco
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 269 reviews
Reviewed By 149yujiy - Sao Paulo, Brazil
This is the only "true" elevator in Valparaíso. Others are technically funicular. Opened since 1913 and still working.
4. Ascensor Reina Victoria
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,257 reviews
Reviewed By JB1234Tewkesbury - Tewkesbury, United Kingdom
Great fun, do the free walking tour and you'll do this, a part of South American history! I'd happily recommend this to anyone.
5. Trolleybuses in Valparaiso
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 619 reviews
Reviewed By edithk440 - Alkmaar, The Netherlands
There are many trolleybuses but they drive 1 route. They are very cheap (just as the buses). The driver signed us were we had to step out of the trolleybus.
6. La Piedra Feliz
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 203 reviews
7. Ascensor Artilleria
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 989 reviews
This hillside tram is over 100 years old and is now a national monument. Tourists can still ride the lift today and take in breathtaking panoramic views of downtown and the ocean.
Reviewed By TryppAdams - Minneapolis, United States
I would enjoy the classic and unrenovated funicular while you can. It's only 300 pesos for the ride up or down and gives you a couple signature shots of Valparaiso. It's a little warn but gives you a very authentic experience. The renovated funiculars are nice but really too nice. This may have been my favorite part of Valparaiso!
8. Playa Canelo
9. Caleta Horcon
10. Ascensor Concepcion
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 695 reviews
Reviewed By 716sachink - Plainview, United States
Ascensor Concepcion is mode of transportation for a nominal price. It is a lift connecting downtown Valparaíso with Paseo Gervasoni, a popular promenade with city & port views. Certainly worth considering especially when going uphill.
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