Top Things to do in Valparaiso
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Top 10 Points of Interest & Landmarks in Valparaiso, Valparaiso Region
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 Coco
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. Pais de Artesanos
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 19 reviews
Shop and Workshop Chilean Crafts Excellence under the fair trade model.
6. Galeria Orfebres
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 42 reviews
7. 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.
8. Edificio Luis Cousino
9. Ascensor Villaseca
10. Turri Clock Tower
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 116 reviews
The wedge-shaped Turri Tower is one of the oldest clocks in the city.
Reviewed By 716sachink - Plainview, United States
Turri Clock Tower is an iconic landmark located in the heart of the financial downtown of Valparaiso. It is best viewed from the top of the hill at Cerro Concepcion.
