The best things to do in Valparaíso

Valparaíso is a city founded on December 5, 1536. Characterized by having 16 communes, which are further divided into a total of 42 neighborhoods, and a population of 314,000 inhabitants.

This metropolis of tall buildings features the Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport (SCL), located in the commune of Pudahuel, in the Metropolitan Region, in case you wish to travel by plane. There are also 6 bus terminals if you prefer to arrive in Valparaíso by bus.

Additionally, there are 4 transportation systems known as the Valparaíso Metro, urban buses, trolleybuses, and funicular elevators. Finally, there are 30 kilometers of bike paths for cycling around the city.

Valparaíso is a city to experience in Chile because, in addition to offering essential places to see, it is renowned for being Discover the charming port city of Valparaíso, Chile, with its vibrant street art, colorful houses on the hills, and rich maritime history.

It is also known for traditions such as the Valparaíso International Film Festival in October, the Valparaíso Music Festival in January, and the Puerto de Ideas Festival in November. But especially for its welcoming climate, as the weather in Valparaíso is Mediterranean for most of the year, with an average annual temperature of about 15°C.

Now, as for the beautiful places in Valparaíso, they have many facets, as different types of tourism can be experienced. For instance, something very appealing about historical tourism is exploring picturesque places in Valparaíso where you can take photos without a problem. Some of the main ones are Cerro Concepción, Cerro Alegre, Artillería Funicular, Reina Victoria Funicular, Paseo Yugoslavo, Sotomayor Square, Monument to the Heroes of Iquique, Prat Pier, Baburizza Palace, Lukas' Viewing House, La Matriz Church, Disidentes Cemetery, and the Valparaíso Cultural Park.

Another great plan in Valparaíso for a day is walking through landscapes or parks such as Las Torpederas Beach, Cerro Alegre, Cerro Concepción, Los Enamorados Beach, La Campana National Park, El Peral Lagoon, Concón Dunes, Cachagua Island, Oceanic Rock "La Ballena," and Peñuelas National Reserve. Most of these Valparaíso tourist sites require little money to visit.

Other attractions in Valparaíso that you should visit for a day are the museums; some of the most important ones are the Fine Arts Museum, the Open Air Museum, the National Maritime Museum, the Natural History Museum, and the Lord Cochrane Museum.

Also, if you prefer nightlife plans in Valparaíso and enjoy traveling alone or as a couple, you should explore some emblematic places to go at night. Some recommended ones are Paseo Dimalow, Cerro Concepción, and the Bellavista neighborhood.

But if you're more into family travel, among the beautiful places in Valparaíso for children are the Open Air Museum, Artillería Funicular, and the Valparaíso Cultural Park.

Prior to traveling to this wonderful city and experiencing attractions in some of Valparaíso's tourist spots, we recommend getting to know the customs of the locals and some curious facts about the metropolis. Some important ones include:

• Valparaíso is known as the "Jewel of the Pacific" due to its architectural beauty and maritime landscapes.
• It was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2003 due to its historical and cultural value.
• The city has more than 40 hills, which are characteristic of its geography and offer impressive panoramic views.
• Valparaíso is famous for its colorful murals and graffiti, found on almost every street and corner of the city.
• It is considered the birthplace of Chilean poetry, as it has been home to renowned writers and poets such as Pablo Neruda and Nicanor Parra.
• The Concepción Funicular is one of the oldest and most iconic elevators in the city. It was inaugurated in 1883 and is still operational.
• Valparaíso celebrates one of Chile's most important festivals, the Day of the Virgin of Carmen, featuring processions and religious activities.
• The city is home to the Open Air Museum, an outdoor cultural space that displays artworks on house and building façades.

Being one of Chile's significant cities, Valparaíso is a hub for gastronomy, so one of the essential things to do is to dine in areas like Cerro Alegre, Cerro Concepción, Mercado Cardonal, and Plaza Sotomayor, which are favorites among foodies.

You'll find the best restaurants and bars to suit all tastes and budgets, perfect for trying some local specialties such as Chorrillana, Completo, Caldillo de congrio, Seafood Empanadas, Machas a la parmesana, Paila marina, Cazuela de ave, Pastel de jaiba, Ostiones a la parmesana, and Sopaipillas pasadas. Some recommended restaurants include Café Turri, Pasta e Vino restaurant, La Concepción restaurant, El Peral, and Samsara restaurant.

Regarding accommodation, if you want to stay in one of the most exclusive and safe areas of Valparaíso, we recommend Cerro Alegre, Cerro Concepción, Cerro Bellavista, Playa Ancha, Barrio Puerto, Recreo, and Viña del Mar (a neighboring city). This is where the most recommended famous hotels in Valparaíso are located, such as Palacio Astoreca Hotel, Casa Higueras Hotel, Boutique 17 Hotel, and Ultramar Hotel.