Considered the graffiti capital of the world for its beautiful street art and inspiring murals, Valparaiso is an artistic seaport city with a colorful character and a vibrant artsy feel. Known for its steep funiculars that take you up the city’s arduous hilly neighborhoods, and the La Sebastiana museum, which was once the residence of Chile’s most iconic poet – Pablo Neruda, Valparaiso is undeniably a tourist paradise with exciting cultural and heritage highlights. For accommodation, apart from conventional hotel stays, there are Airbnb vacation rentals in Valparaiso that cater to a wide range of guests. Outlined below is a list of enthralling venues to visit and exhilarating activities to indulge in for an exciting discovery of Chile’s iconic coastal town. Keep reading to learn about the best things to do in Valparaiso, Chile.
1. Attend a Chilean cooking class (from USD 71.0)
The Chilean Cuisine Cooking Class with Traditional Market Tour in Valparaiso is a delicious and educational activity that allows you to immerse yourself in Chile’s flavors and culinary traditions. Led by expert local chefs, the experience begins with a guided tour of a traditional market, where you’ll learn about Chilean ingredients and discover fresh produce, seafood, and spices.
After the market visit, you’ll head to a cooking school where the hands-on cooking class begins. Under the guidance of the chefs, you’ll prepare classic Chilean dishes such as empanadas, cazuela, or pastel de choclo. You’ll learn valuable cooking techniques and insights into the country’s gastronomic heritage.
Valparaiso: Cooking Class with Traditional Market Tour
Duration: 5 hours 30 minutes
2. Go on a walking tour led by a native guide (from USD 35.0)
The “Famous Valparaiso” tour is a captivating and comprehensive activity allowing you to discover Valparaiso, Chile’s beauty and cultural richness. During the tour, you’ll explore the colorful streets, vibrant neighborhoods, and historic sites that have earned Valparaiso its UNESCO World Heritage status. The knowledgeable local guide will share fascinating stories and insights into the city’s history, art, and architecture.
You’ll visit iconic spots like the Cerro Concepcion and Cerro Alegre neighborhoods, known for their charming houses and street art. Additionally, the tour includes a ride on the city’s historic funicular elevators, offering panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and the cityscape.
Famous Valparaíso! Premium Walking Tour with a Native Guide
Duration: 3 hours
3. View stunning artworks at Baburizza Palace (from USD 114.0)
Take a moment and marvel at the beautiful architectural design of the iconic Baburizza Palace. Named after the prominent Croatian businessman, Pascal Baburizza, who used to live here, this opulent building was built in 1916 and is one of the best places to visit in Valparaiso.
With wonderful woodwork, excellent balconies, small turrets, and an equally delightful inside with stunning art nouveau elements, the Baburizza Palace is the epitome of architectural brilliance. It now plays host to the Fine Arts Museum, showcasing lots of unique collections, and astounding artworks to admire and wander through, many of these bequeathed to Baburizza. Here you can wander and spectate through some of the great artworks by Chilean artists.
Valparaiso Private City Walking Tour
Duration: 3 hours
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4. Enjoy watersports at Las Torpederas Beach
Espectacular día en #balneariolastorpederas , ideal para disfrutar en familia y realizar deportes náuticos....
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Soak your feet in the sand and take in the breathtaking vistas of Chiles’s beautiful coastal town at Playa Las Torpederas beach. A pristine public beach with excellent views of the Chilean coast, this beach offers you a nice venue for an exciting family outing or just a place to have a quiet meditation walk. Moreover, it’s among the best venues for water sports and activities in Valparaiso, Chile.
This beautiful landmark features onshore cliffs, where you can sit and enjoy the cool vibes of the blowing breeze and the forming waves. At the beach, you can also enjoy the exciting fun of watersport activities such as surfing, swimming, water skiing and most definitely sailing.
Las Torpederas Beach
Address: Altamirano 22100, Valparaíso, Región de Valparaíso, Chile
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
5. Check out the stunning artefacts at the National Maritime Museum
Those who love sailing will be pleasantly surprised by the variety of truly iconic pieces of artillery that the National...
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If you’re a keen historic buff with a thing about Chile’s Maritime history, then the National Maritime Museum in Valparaiso may be worth a visit. Located at Paseo Veintiuno de Mayo, this museum is dedicated to honoring the triumphant moments of the Chilean naval history. With old canons lining the entrance to the museum, and the well-curated exhibition rooms showcasing a handful of uniquely interesting items ranging from beautiful oil paintings to maps, and everything in between, the museum offers you a gold mine of information, as you get to understand how much of Chile’s history has been shaped by the sea.
National Maritime Museum
Address: Paseo Veintiuno de Mayo, Playa Ancha, Valparaíso, Región de Valparaíso, Chile
Website: National Maritime Museum
Opening hours: 10am - 5:30pm (daily)
6. Take a walk along Muelle Prat
Located on the west side of the Sotomayor Square, just in front of the historic Port Captaincy in Valparaiso, lies Muelle Prat (Prat Dock), a significant dock which played an important role in the golden days of the Chilean coastal history. Today, the dock has become one of the most typical places in Valparaiso, where there are promenades through which you can walk through and marvel at the beautiful boats, sample inspiring art from different artisans, and witness different port movements like loading and unloading of ships. You also get to enjoy a panoramic view of the colorful Valparaiso’s coast.
Muelle Prat
Address: Errázuriz, Valparaíso, Región de Valparaíso, Chile
Website: Muelle Prat
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
7. Enjoy a thrilling ride aboard the Queen Victoria elevator
Explore the beautiful outdoor scenery of Chile’s captivating landscape and take a scenic ride up the Queen Victoria elevator. Joining the lively charismatic Elias Street to Paseo Dimalow, Ascensor Reina Victoria, as the residents call it, makes a great way to escape the arduous climb to the top of the hill and reach the summit in seconds. This steep journey is arguably made easier by this exciting funicular that precariously hugs the hillside, exposing you to breathtaking views of Valparaiso’s magical skyline, the bay below, and the majestic mountains in the distance. Dating back to 1902, this thrilling funicular makes for a fun, quick and affordable discovery of Valparaiso’s beautiful landscape.
Elevator Queen Victoria
Address: aseo Dimalow S/N, Valparaíso, Cerro Alegre, Región de Valparaíso, Chile
Website: Elevator Queen Victoria
Opening hours: 7am - 11pm (daily)
8. Admire street art and beautiful murals at Museo a Cielo Abierto
If you got the heart for painting and you are an inspiring artist, then Museo a Cielo Abierto in the artsy street of Cerro Bellavista makes the perfect discovery to the beautiful, small graffiti coastal town of Valparaiso. An artistic creation that breathes life to the hills of Valparaiso, the open-air museum boasts a colorful array of beautiful street art and inspiring murals painted on the walls along the zigzagging streets of chile. Take in the brilliance to detail as you wander through the intriguing paintings from various Chilean artists such as Garcia Barrios and Mario Tora, just to name a few.
Museo a Cielo Abierto
Address: Labruyere 284, Valparaíso, Región de Valparaíso, Chile
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
9. View Valparaiso's coastline at BlueValpo
Discover the beauty of chile’s most iconic coastal town through a delightfully thrilling tour of Bluevalpo Museum. Get on a boat and roar the calm waters of Valparaiso’s white sandy beaches as you take in the scenic Coastal beauty. Feel the relaxing breeze as you watch sea creatures interact with the forming waves from the dolphins in the sea, seabirds roaming the skies above to the adorable sea lions who are enjoying the sun and everything else in between. You also get a chance to feast your eyes on some inspiring art content from the shores and cliffs of this beautiful coastline.
BlueValpo
Address: Valparaíso, Valparaiso Region, Chile
Website: BlueValpo
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
10. Walk along the shorelines of Caleta Portales Beach
If you are looking for an intriguing place to go sight-seeing with your friends or family in Valparaiso, then make time and visit Caleta Portales Beach for a fascinating discovery of Valparaiso’s picturesque coastal towns. A scenic place for a unique retreat with nature, Playa Caleta Portales beach offers you a tranquil serenity where you can sink your feet in the sand and take in the beautiful views of Valparaiso’s stunning shoreline. From the sea birds roaming the beautiful skylines to the amazing sea lions basking in the sun, Caleta Portales beach makes a great escape to the fascinating marvels of Valparaiso.
Caleta Portales Beach
Address: Av. España 2351, Valparaíso, Región de Valparaíso, Chile
Opening hours: 1pm - 11pm (daily)
11. Relive the past of Valparaiso at Villa Victoria
Villa Victoria Casa museo del Valparaiso del siglo XIX. La casona que se encuentra en la Avenida Washington...
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If you’re a staunch history fanatic looking to expound your knowledge on different historic events that shaped the coastal town of Chile, then a visit to Villa Victoria may be well worth your while. Being one of the oldest museums in Valparaiso, Villa Victoria is a unique museum dedicated to showing antique exhibitions from the 19th-century urbanization period. Relive the golden days of yesteryears as you peruse through inspiring, carefully displayed artifacts ranging from various household items to workshops with intriguing trades. Finish your tour around the museum in an emporium set in the 1900s where you get to witness and participate in demonstrations of productive processes from the yesteryears.
Villa Victoria
Address: George Washington 33, Valparaíso, Región de Valparaíso, Chile
Website: Villa Victoria
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 9:30am - 11:30am (closed on Sun)
12. Savor a delicious meal at Restaurant La Concepcion
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Posted by Restaurant la concepcion on Thursday, May 7, 2015
Treat yourself to a tantalizing burst of ridiculously delicious flavors and enjoy a sumptuous dining experience at Restaurante La Concepcion in Valparaiso, Chile. Located at 541 Papudo, this restaurant is popularly known for its eclectic hands-on approach in providing healthy and delicious meals prepared using only the best quality of fresh ingredients and recipes, for a unique authentic taste and a happy nutritious meal. This unique restaurant boasts a uniquely plush inviting interior with a brilliant intimate setting, which is complemented by the excellent ambient lighting making it a comfortable dining space for you and your special someone. Additionally, this restaurant also features a terrace with breath-taking views of the bay, where you can take in the beautiful panoramas of the cascading Chilean landscape.
Restaurant La Concepción
Address: Papudo 541, Valparaíso, Región de Valparaíso, Chile
Website: Restaurant La Concepción
Opening hours: Tue - Thu: 12:30pm - 10:30pm; Fri - Sat: 12:30pm - 11pm; Sun: 12:30pm - 10pm (closed on Mon)
13. Dance the night away at Pagano
Arguably one of the best dance clubs in Chile, Pagano is uniquely distinctive and makes for a great venue to experience the night vibes of Valparaiso. Being one of the most comprehensive gay bars in Chile, this astounding venue located on Errazuriz Avenue, boats a classic interior with lively cool music, and excellent lighting that creates an inviting ambiance for a fun night out with your close friends or colleagues. With a wide array of exotic drinks and treats, the Pagano is the place to be for a fun night out in Chile.
Pagano
Address: Errazuriz Avenue 1852 Valparaíso, Chile
Website: Pagano
Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 11:30pm - 4am; Fri - Sat: 11:30pm - 6:30am (closed on Sun)
14. Marvel at beautiful street art and murals at Pasaje Bavestrello
Pasaje Bavestrello, Valparaíso. - Hostal Po -
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Perched on Cerro Alegre, Pasaje Bavestrello is a beautiful passage that can elevate any sightseeing in Valparaiso, Chile. It offers visitors a chance to marvel at a plethora of fascinating street art and beautiful murals from various Chilean artists. While art evokes different feelings in different individuals, at Pasaje Bavestrello, you get a chance to surround yourself with inspiring art that evokes the feeling of motivation and happiness.
A favorite place for visitors and area residents alike, this astounding hilly neighborhood also makes a perfect spot to explore Valparaiso’s inviting bohemian vibe and artsy residents.
Pasaje Bavestrello
Address: Alvaro Besa 498-530, Valparaíso, Región de Valparaíso, Chile
15. Wander around Sotomayor Square
Known for its eye-catching monument dedicated to the brave seamen who spent their lives in the tragic Iquique Naval Battle, Sotomayor Square has more than enough rooftops, balconies and other vantage points for you to sit or stand, as you enjoy watching locals and tourists mingle and have a good time enjoying themselves in an intoxicating escape of dancing and cheering. With a tourist kiosk and a tacky handicrafts market, Sotomayor Plaza also offers breathtaking views of the port and its ships.
Sotomayor Square
Address: Prat, Valparaíso, Región de Valparaíso, Chile
Website: Sotomayor Square
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
16. Admire inspiring creative arts at Cerro Alegre
Immerse yourself in the brilliant artworks of Valparaiso’s most talented artists in Cerro Alegre. A favorite place among area residents and visitors alike, Cerro Alegre is a picturesque hilly neighborhood with stunning panoramic views of the vast coastal town, the beautiful harbor, and bay. Showcasing a series of beautiful eye-catching street art paintings mixed with an intoxicating bohemian vibe, Cerro Alegre is a must-visit venue, especially if you have an artistic passion for painting and street art in particular. Additionally, the excellent street paintings make a nice place for memorable pictures for a remarkable holiday in Valparaiso.
Cerro Alegre
Address: Urriola 678, Valparaíso, Región de Valparaíso, Chile
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
17. View the exhibits at Sebastiana Museum (from USD 14.0)
If you are looking to discover the beautiful highlights of Valparaiso’s intriguing cityscapes, then make your way to the legendary La Sebastiana Museum and get to experience Valparaiso through the eyes of Chile’s most iconic poet – Pablo Neruda. Perched on top of a hill overlooking Valparaiso’s beautiful bay, La Sebastiana Museum was once home to the controversial poet and it is now an alluring museum dedicated to his life and inspiring works. While the walk to the top of the hill is certainly steep and energy-consuming, the panorama from the top is nothing short of stunning and breath-taking. Featuring a distinctive design, this five-story building houses memorabilia, art, and furniture and it is here where he won his Nobel Prize for literature.
La Sebastiana Museum House Admission Ticket
18. Book a private walking tour of Valparaiso (from USD 222.0)
Soak up the vibrant colors and charismatic bohemian vibe of Chile’s coastal town in this captivating and interestingly engaging private walking tour from Santiago. With the aid of a knowledgeable guide, you get to stroll through amazing serpentine streets and beautiful venues, where you get a chance to discover intriguing cultural and historical highlights among the Chilean natives. Your exploration adventure starts with a thrilling ride from the picturesque streets of Santiago to the Sotomayor Plaza, which features a unique monument. Next, glide to the top of the town on the El Peral elevator and take in the beautiful views of the bay and the sea. You also get to relish a delicious meal at a traditional tavern and enjoy a bottle of beer at the most iconic bar before heading back to Santiago.
Valparaiso Private Walking Tour and Bay Cruise from Santiago
Duration: 10 hours
Discover the arsty charms of Valaparaiso
If you are ever considering a trip to Chile’s most iconic coastal town, you should make time and visit the exciting venues for a delightful discovery. With this list of the must-try activities in Valparaiso, Chile, you have enough options to keep you busy during your visit to this lovely town.
For more thrills, you can also embark on some of the top things to do in Viña del Mar to maximize your time in this coastal region of Chile.
Frequently asked questions about the best things to do in Valparaiso, Chile
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