Top Things to do in Valparaiso
What to do and see in Valparaiso, Valparaiso Region: The Best Budget-friendly Things to do
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. La Sebastiana
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 5,027 reviews
This four-story home, offering 360 degree views of the city, is highlighted by "the jar of smoke," a round, post-modern fireplace designed by Neruda himself.
Reviewed By Sportyrod - Hobart, Australia
Neruda created this home with his imagination. He enjoyed collecting items and finding creative ways to make them fit in. Every surface has a thoughtful touch to it. There is audio on most items. The house itself is without comparison, truly beautiful. I felt inspired just being there. I also bought the book on the house since you can’t take photos (it is called La Sebastiana by the Neruda Foundation).
2. 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.
3. Palacio Baburizza
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 421 reviews
This turn-of-the-century palace pays homage to the city's 16th century roots and currently houses the Fine Arts Museum.
Reviewed By AKT301 - Bethesda, United States
The great thing about this museum is that is situated in a super interesting house which still has some of the period furniture and you get to see the original master bathroom! The art collection did not include known to me artists but you could tell these were artists influenced by famous artist. Truly interesting though we're the works by Chilean artists and the the works of artists from all over but with valparaisan and Chilean subjects. In addition, there are great views of the city from the windows,
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. Museo Maritimo Nacional
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 489 reviews
We are a maritime museum. Throughout the different halls, you will discover the maritime history of Chile, as well as many different objects used to navigate.
Reviewed By 53rossp - Auckland, New Zealand
We hadn’t planned on visiting here but for the price of admission spent an hour or so away from the sun. Lovely old building, with naval displays and exhibits. We just wandered around at our own pace, was surprised that the teenagers actually enjoyed it as well.
7. Ascensor El Peral
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 556 reviews
Reviewed By E7697XWbillm - Springfield, United States
Just getting to the entrance of this funicular is interesting. For next to nothing, you are rewarded with a fun ride to the promontory of the Yugoslavo Walk, an interesting neighborhood with an expansive view of the city and its harbor. We walked the nearby neighborhood really enjoying the street art but did not have enough time to visit the Art Museum nor maybe have a coffee at the little café overlooking the city. Give yourself that time and I am sure you will enjoy this area even more.
8. 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.
9. 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.
10. 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!
