Best things to do in Valparaiso
Find out more about those top places in Valparaiso
Valparaiso: A Chaotic, Colorful, and Creative City on the Pacific Coast
Nestled along Chile's Pacific coastline, Valparaiso is a city that feels more like an artist’s canvas than a typical tourist destination. Unlike its polished neighbor Viña del Mar, Valparaiso thrives in its unfiltered, gritty charm, making it one of Latin America's most underrated hidden gems. From its kaleidoscope of pastel-colored houses tumbling down steep hillsides to its quirky streets lined with vibrant street murals, Valparaiso offers a visual and cultural experience that will leave you captivated, confused, and utterly enchanted.
So, what makes Valparaiso so special? Let’s dive into some of the top attractions and things to do in this bustling port city that blends art, history, and a touch of chaos.
Top Attractions in Valparaiso: Where Color Meets Culture
-
Wander the Steep Streets and Alleyways If there’s one thing you’ll quickly learn about Valparaiso, it’s that it’s not a city for the faint of heart (or legs). Its steep hills and winding alleyways are an invitation to explore, with mysterious stairways leading you to hidden gems around every corner. Whether you're discovering a hidden café, marveling at a street mural, or just getting a little lost, wandering through the colorful streets of Valparaiso is one of the best things to do. Trust us, it’s all part of the experience—and you’ll be rewarded with stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and the city below.
-
Check Out the Street Art Scene If there’s one thing Valparaiso is famous for, it’s its street art. This place is a paradise for art lovers, with murals and graffiti gracing nearly every surface. The city’s artistic soul is on full display in neighborhoods like Cerro Alegre and Cerro Concepción, where vibrant murals and painted facades create an ever-changing outdoor gallery. Sightseeing here is all about finding beauty in the unexpected, so keep your eyes peeled—you never know what artistic masterpiece you might stumble upon.
-
Funicular Ride to the Top If your legs are starting to protest after navigating Valparaiso’s steep streets, it’s time to hop on one of the city’s iconic funiculars. These historic, cliff-side elevators transport you up the hills for panoramic views of the city and the Pacific Ocean. It’s not just practical; it’s an adventure in itself, offering a fun and quintessential Valparaiso experience that will make you feel like you’re in a movie.
-
Visit La Sebastiana: Pablo Neruda’s House No trip to Valparaiso would be complete without a visit to La Sebastiana, the colorful house of Chile’s most famous poet, Pablo Neruda. This quirky, multilevel mansion offers amazing views of the city and the ocean, and the eccentric decor reflects Neruda’s whimsical personality. Take a guided tour to learn more about the poet's life and how he fell in love with Valparaiso—spoiler alert: it’s not just the colorful buildings that won his heart.
Things to Do in Valparaiso: Art, Adventure, and Good Vibes
-
Explore the Port and Docks Valparaiso’s port is not just a place for container ships—it’s the lifeblood of the city. Take a stroll around the bustling docks, where you’ll find fishermen unloading their catch and sailors taking in the sea breeze. It’s the perfect place to soak up the working-class atmosphere of the city and enjoy a fresh seafood meal while watching the action unfold.
-
Indulge in Local Food at the Mercado Cardonal For a real taste of Valparaiso’s culture, head to Mercado Cardonal, the city’s bustling market where you can sample some of Chile’s freshest produce, seafood, and street food. Grab a mote con huesillos (a sweet drink made from peaches and wheat) to cool down and sample some empanadas de mariscos (seafood-filled pastries) for the ultimate local foodie experience.
-
Take a Sunset Boat Ride Nothing says “perfect day in Valparaiso” like a sunset boat ride. Hop on a boat tour and cruise around the bay as the sun sets behind the hills, casting a golden glow over the colorful city below. With the vibrant hues of the buildings reflected in the water and the Pacific Ocean as your backdrop, this is one of the most romantic and relaxing activities in the city. Plus, it’s the ideal opportunity to snap a few Instagram-worthy photos.
-
Hit the Beach (If You Dare!) While Valparaiso may not be known for its pristine beaches, it does offer a quirky, unpolished coastline perfect for a beach day with a twist. Playa de los Enamorados (Lover’s Beach) offers a quiet, secluded spot where you can lay your towel and take in the salty sea air. If you're brave, take a dip in the cool, refreshing waters—just don’t expect the soft, golden sands you might find in other beach destinations.
Why Valparaiso is a Must-Visit Destination
Valparaiso is a city that doesn’t try to impress—it simply is. With its bohemian charm, vibrant art scene, and slightly chaotic energy, it’s a city that offers something for everyone. Whether you’re a history lover, an art enthusiast, or just someone who likes to wander the streets with no particular destination in mind, Valparaiso will keep you on your toes and leave you with unforgettable memories.
So, pack your walking shoes, bring a sense of adventure, and get ready to explore one of Chile’s most colorful cities. Trust us, you’ll be so glad you did!
-
La Sebastina
The former home of Valparaiso’s most famous resident, the writer Pablo Neruda, La Sebastina is a highlight of any trip to the city. Perched atop the top of a precipitous hill, the house is a chaotic assemblage of staircases, annexes and balconies that provide breathtaking views of the port. Characteristically, the house is cluttered with books and other works of art, which can be explored with the help of a local guide.
-
Parque Cultural de Valparaiso
Built around a former prison, Valparaiso’s cultural center is one of Chile’s foremost artistic spaces. Blending funky wall murals, cutting-edge art, performances of famed historic plays and poetry readings, the center has something to please any visitor.
-
Reina Funicular
One of the first things visitors to Valparaiso notice is how steep it is: houses cling to cliff sides; roads snake up vertigo inducing slopes; and precipitous stairways run up and down the city’s hills. Thankfully, it is also served by a series of 19th century funicular railways, the most impressive being the Reina lift. For a bird’s-eye view of the city and a novel transport experience, make sure not to miss it.
-
Museo Marítimo Nacional
Bedecked in cannons, Valparaiso’s Museo Marítimo Nacional explores the rich history of the city’s involvement with the navy. Much of the museum is dedicated to the fascinating and little known history of the 19th century Pacific War where Chile fought neighboring Bolivia and Peru.
-
Winery Tour
Within Chile, the area around Valparaiso is best known for its fantastic wines. On winery tours that leave regularly from the city, you will be transported to some of the region’s finest vineyards for exquisite tastings of Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Riesling and Syrah wines that thrive in the area’s cool oceanic climate.
-
Concon Sand Dunes
Just north of Valparaiso’s glitzy neighbor Viña del Mar lie the Concon Sand Dunes. Amongst the world’s largest, these dunes tower over all that surround them and are popular with thrill seekers who use them for sand-boarding. For dare devils, thrilling boarding tours of the dunes are available.
-
Street Art
Valparaiso is Latin America’s street art capital with murals bedecking nearly every unused wall in the city. To best experience the city’s creative energy, take a guided tour where local experts will be able to point out the best examples of Chile’s distinctive graffiti scene.
