13 Best Things to Do in Valparaiso, Chile

Perhaps the most dreaded question for any frequent traveler is “where’s your favorite place that you’ve been?”

I never have a good answer, I just end up listing every place for different reasons, and I always feel like it’s picking between your children.

I usually respond with something along the lines of “every place has something special about it,” or “I’ve loved everywhere …” you get the point.

While that answer seems like a cop-out, it really does ring true for Valparaiso, Chile — there really is just something special about it. And although I just spent a couple full days here, it’s a place that’s stuck with me.

This coastal port city just outside of Santiago is one of the most unique places I’ve visited in all of Latin America. It’s definitely one of the best cities for street art.

Most visitors only end up spending a day or two here, so you’ll want to make the most of your short time in Chile’s most colorful city. Here’s all the best things to do in Valparaiso, Chile, that you don’t want to miss.

1. Explore street art

Valparaiso really is a city absolutely decked out with street art and color. There’s so much to see, and a highlight of Valparaiso is literally just walking around and taking in the scenery.

Although the city started incorporating lots of color back in the 19th century, when supposedly residents began using leftover paint from the nearby shops to protect their homes from damage, Valparaiso didn’t start to really cover itself in art until the early 2000s. 

(The Open Sky Museum of Bellavista Hill, a giant street art project near La Sebastiana, Pablo Neruda’s house, was created in 1969, however).

At this time, Valparaiso became an UNESCO World Heritage site and as a result, a hub for street artists. The tradition has carried on since then, and today, residents and local businesses still generally support artists decorating their walls.

Although it’s impossible to see everything, one notable landmark is the piano staircase painted by artist/musician @chinoatonal. Find it on Beethoven Alley, which is close to the Ascensor Reina Victoria, a funicular that we’ll talk more about in a bit.

Another main spot is on Templeman Street, where you’ll see the recognizable mural “We are not hippies we are happies,” painted by art duo ART+BELIEVE.

Also be on the lookout for art by Un Kolor Distinto — this duo has art scattered throughout the city.

2. Plaza Sotomayor

This is the main plaza in Valparaiso. You’ll see some historic buildings, and a monument for the Battle of Iquique, from the 19th century war between Peru and Chile.

You’ll also see Muelle Prat, or the Prat Wharf here, where ships will be loading and unloading, as well as the fire department building and the Chilean Navy Headquarters. 

It’s worth a quick stop to at least look around! If you end up taking any sort of walking tour, it’s likely that you’ll meet around here, too.

3. Cerro Concepcion 

This hillside neighborhood is one of the best places to check out street art and interesting buildings. Just due to safety, stay within the actual neighborhood and don’t wander around otherwise. 

You can also typically find street musicians as well as artists selling their work around here. Plus, the beautiful views of the Pacific Ocean and colorful buildings below doesn’t hurt, either.

Santa Cruz Lutheran church, South America’s first Lutheran church is here — as someone from the U.S. who sees churches like this all the time, I wasn’t overly impressed, but it could be worth a stop if you’re into visiting churches during your travels. 

More up my alley is at the bottom of the hill, where you can find Plaza Aníbal Pinto, where there’s the oldest bookstore in the city, Librería Ivens, founded in 1891, plus some restaurants and a fountain.

On Calle Esmeralda, you can see the El Mercurio building, which crazily enough, is actually the world’s oldest continuously-running Spanish newspaper (that’s kept the same name since its founding). It goes all the way back to 1821.

4. Cerro Alegre 

This is the other main neighborhood in Valparaiso that’s popular among tourists, and is filled with street art and colorful buildings. Its architecture is distinct because it was originally founded by British immigrants in the 1800s. 

You can get here from the  El Peral and Reina Victoria funiculars. Like Cerro Concepcion, stay within Cerro Alegre when here. 

5. Go on a free walking tour

Walking tours are one of my favorite ways to get to know a new city, especially if I have limited time somewhere. Over a couple hours, you get to see some highlights, while getting the background behind the sites. 

Valparaiso has such an interesting history, and way more than I can explain here, but essentially, it was once known as “The jewel of South America,” and thousands of sailors supposedly stopped in Valparaiso on their way from Europe to California during the Gold Rush. 

The Panama Canal changed things for Valparaiso and led to some decline, and the city also experienced some major earthquakes.  

A local expert can explain way more in-depth than I can though, and I would highly recommend taking a tour while here. 

And if you’re a budget traveler like I am, there’s really nothing better than a free walking tour.

Just be sure to bring cash to tip your guide!

I went with Tours 4 Tips, which runs a free “offbeat” tour every day at 10 a.m., and a 3-hour highlights tour at 3 p.m. 

I did both of them and learned a ton, saw a lot of the main sights including a lot of street art, and walked away feeling like I understood the city much better and had covered most of my bases during my short time there.

Plus, if you’re traveling solo like I was, it’s a great way to meet other travelers. 

Both tours meet in Plaza Sotomayor, and you can find your guide based on their red-and-white striped shirt, like “Where’s Waldo/Wally.”

6. La Sebastiana, Pablo Neruda’s former home

I honestly didn’t know much about the Chilean poet Pablo Neruda before visiting, but I really enjoyed visiting his former home. 

If you’re unfamiliar, he was a Nobel Prize winner and social justice advocate, and just an overall beloved figure in Chilean history. 

Regardless of how much you already know about him, I’d still highly recommend a visit to La Sebastiana.

You listen to an audio guide as you visit the various rooms, which explains what you’re looking at and lots of interesting history. 

It was also just a beautiful space — there’s a 360-degree view of Valparaiso, and his home is eclectic, colorful, and slightly nautical-themed. Visiting was a really cool experience overall. 

→ If you just have one day in Valparaiso, and are looking for an easy itinerary, I squeezed in a visit to La Sebastiana between two walking tours, which ended up working out perfectly.

La Sebastiana is open Tuesdays through Sundays from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m., or until 7 during January and February. Admission is $9,500 Chilean pesos, or $9.50 U.S. dollars at the time of writing.

7. Ride the funicular

Valparaiso is super hilly, so instead of taking forever to schlep yourself up and down its many steep hills and narrow streets, take a 90-second funicular instead. 

Apart from giving your feet a well-deserved break, it’s also just one of Valparaiso’s unique must-dos. There are around 30 or so throughout Valparaiso, but only a handful are currently operating. 

Ascensor Reina Victoria is one of the oldest funiculars in Valparaiso, and was built all the way back in 1902. It’s pretty close to Plaza Sotomayer. Funicular Cerro Artillería is very popular as well for its great views, while Ascensor Concepción Prat is the official oldest one, built in 1883. 

A single ride typically falls in the $100 to $200 pesos range. (10 to 20 cents currently), and while hours vary, most seem to run from 7 a.m. to 9 or 10 p.m. 

8. Parque Cultural de Valparaíso

This cultural center is considered one of the most important cultural institutions in the region.

Today, you can see murals and art galleries, and a garden, plus there are events like theater or dance performances and classes, but the space itself also has a ton of history.

It was initially built in the early 1800s to store military supplies, especially gunpowder in transit. Then, in the 1840s, it became a prison. 

This continued through the 1970s until 1990, when it was the main place in the region for political prisoners during Chile’s dictatorship. 

Some of the art that you’ll see throughout was even created by former inmates. 

It’s open from Tuesdays to Sundays, from 10 a.m. until 8 p.m.

9. Viña del Mar

Although Valparaiso is also a seaside city, it’s not really seen as a beach town. However, if you’re looking to spend some time by the ocean, you’re in luck, because you’re right next to Viña del Mar.

Sadly I didn’t get to visit Viña del Mar during my trip, but it’s an easy stop right near Valparaiso. Many day tours from Santiago often combine both destinations in one, that’s how convenient it is to visit both.

If you want to go on your own without a tour, you can take a 15-minute Metro ride. You’ll need a Bip! Card, which currently costs $1,550 CLP, or $1.55 USD. The ride from Santoago to Valparaiso will cost 600 CLP, or 60 cents.

You can also take a bus — just be warned that city buses are known as “micros,” and have a bit of a reputation for driving recklessly. 

Apart from just hanging out on the beach, there are a few other things to do in Viña, such as visiting Quinta Vergara Par, which has a gorgeous-looking palace. There’s also the picturesque Wulff Castle overlooking the water, plus an archaeology museum. 

10. Palacio Baburizza Museum

If you’re in the mood for a more traditional art experience, this palace, also known as the Valparaíso Fine Arts Museum, houses what’s considered one of the country’s most important art collections.

They have a lot of Chilean as well as European art from the 19th and 20th centuries, and the building itself was constructed in 1916.

The museum is open Tuesdays through Sundays, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Admission for foreigners is $ 4,000 CLP ($4.06) and includes an audio guide in English, Portuguese, or French.

11. Go on a wine tour

The Casablanca Valley, one of Chile’s best wine regions, is an hour away from Valparaiso.

If you want to go on your own without a tour, you can take a bus (Buses Casablanca) from Valparaiso Bus Terminal for about $2.50 U.S. dollars. 

You can also take a taxi colectivo, or a shared taxi ride, from Avenida Argentina in Valparaiso. Each seat will be about $3. 

Whether you take the bus or a taxi, you’ll be brought to Plaza de Armas, the main square in the Casablanca Valley. 

There are a bunch of wineries in the area, and you’ll have to take an Uber or a taxi (which are cash-only) to get around.

If you’d rather not deal with any of the logistics, going on an organized tour is a great option.

For tours, there are more options if you’re coming from Santiago and combining it with a trip to Valparaiso and Viña del Mar.

But here’s an option that includes transportation from Valparaiso.

12. La Campana National Park

I didn’t have a chance to make it here on my trip since it’s not right in the city of Valparaiso, but is a little under 60 miles away in the Valparaiso region. 

But if you’re looking for an escape into nature, this is a popular place to visit in the area. 

La Campana National Park is about 17,600 acres total, and is one of the last remaining Chilean palm forests, which is close to extinction. 

There are also lots of trails here, places for climbing, and ruins of old settlements and former mining operations.

It’s open daily from 9 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. or 4:30 on Fridays. Admission is 1,500 CLP for adults, or $1.50 U.S. dollars.

13. Museo Marítimo Nacional

I didn’t make it here on my short visit, but if you want to learn about Valparaiso’s history as a port city and the role of the navy here, then this museum would be a great stop for you. 

The museum is run by the navy and has over 3,000 objects. 

It’s open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (last entry is at 5:30.) Admission for foreigners is $4,000 CLP or $4.06 USD.

What else to know about Valparaiso

Where to stay in Valparaiso Chile

→ These selections are based on looking through reviews and evaluating ratings and amenities. I only include places I would consider staying in myself.

$ – CASA VOLANTE HOSTAL – This top-rated hostel is great if you’re looking for a spot with lots of amenities and a social vibe while on a budget. There’s a bar, three separate kitchens, a patio, and in my opinion, most importantly, an included buffet breakfast. Bathrooms are all shared. Book here.

$$ – HOTEL MANOIR ATKINSON – This gorgeous hotel is an awesome choice if you want more of an upscale experience at a still affordable price. This hotel has great ratings across the board, and includes features like breakfast, a view from your room, and private bathrooms. Book it here.

$$ – VAL PARADOU – This cute spot formerly known as Casa Magnolia is a great option for anyone looking for a comfy homestay experience. Breakfast is included and all rooms have a private bathroom. There’s also a roof terrace where you can get gorgeous sea and mountain viewers. Reviewers especially love the staff and the location. Find out more here.

$$$ – CASA PUENTE HOTEL BOUTIQUE – This is another beautiful place to stay in Valparaiso. There’s a seasonal outdoor swimming pool, free parking, a terrace, private bathrooms, and an included breakfast. The building itself also just looks super pretty, and all the rooms, in true Valparaiso fashion, are art-filled. Rooms start at just $100 a night. Learn more here.

$$$ – AYCA LA FLORA HOTEL BOUTIQUE – This gorgeous family-owned hotel is the perfect place for a more luxurious stay in Valparaiso. All rooms have their own garden-view balcony, and you can expect other amenities like an included breakfast, free toiletries, free parking, and private bathrooms. A queen room starts at just $103. Book AYCA La Flora Hotel Boutique now. 

Best time to visit Valparaiso

I visited in January, which is the summer in Chile. It felt like the perfect time to me. The weather was great, and although this is the peak travel time for Chile, it wasn’t too hot or too crowded when I visited. Valparaiso has a mild Mediterranean climate, so summers are dry and typically in the mid-60s to the low 70s (Fahrenheit). 

I wasn’t there for the New Year, but I hear that it’s a really fun place to celebrate, and there’s a huge fireworks celebration over the water. 

Going during shoulder season, so September to November, or March through May, would also be a great time to still have warmer weather and less crowds. 

It never gets too cold — winter (June through September) sees highs of temperatures in the low to mid-60s, with lows in the mid to upper 40s. I would still bring layers, a jacket, and some rain gear if you visit during this time. 

Travel insurance for your Chile trip

I have always used World Nomads for my international trips. It comes in handy both for medical or health-related things, as well as any trip interruptions like canceled flights, etc. 

Over the years, I’ve only had to use it twice — once, when I got sick and had to change all my flights around to get home, and another time, when my flight home was canceled at the last minute due to weather — and it was really a life-saver. (I share all the details, and a full review of World Nomads here.)

It’s the kind of thing that you hope you won’t have to use, but is really necessary if the situation arises. Find out more here. 

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