Valparaiso is a port city located on the central coast of Chile, known for its historic architecture, its hills and colorful houses. For its cultural value it has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2003. Here are some recommendations of places to visit in Valparaíso:
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Cerro Concepción and Cerro Alegre
Cerro Concepción and Cerro Alegre are two of the most picturesque hills in the city of Valparaíso. Cerro Concepción is a hill full of colorful Victorian-style houses, narrow cobblestone streets, and stairways winding up and down its slopes. Here you will find a variety of restaurants, craft stores, art galleries, hotels and bars with spectacular views of the port of Valparaiso. There are also several viewpoints from where you can enjoy a panoramic view of the city and the Pacific Ocean.
Cerro Alegre is another of the most visited hills in Valparaíso. It is characterized by its European-style architecture, colorful facades, balconies adorned with flowers and a large amount of graffiti and urban art murals that fill its streets. In Cerro Alegre you will find a large number of restaurants, cafes and bars, as well as antique stores and art galleries. There are also several viewpoints from where you can enjoy a panoramic view of the city.
Both are ideal places to walk and explore, discovering the hidden gems of the city and enjoying the unique architecture and culture of Valparaíso.
Valparaiso Elevators
These elevators are an iconic part of Valparaiso’s architecture and culture, and are a popular and convenient way to get around the city’s steep hills. Many of the elevators are historic and have been in operation for decades, some even since the early 20th century.
Each elevator has its own character and charm, and many are decorated with murals and other artistic embellishments. Some of the most popular and recommended elevators to visit in Valparaiso are:
Concepcion Elevator
This elevator is one of the oldest in the city, inaugurated in 1883. It is located on the Concepción hill and offers a panoramic view of the city from the top. When you reach the top, you can find several restaurants and handicraft stores.
Reina Victoria Elevator
This elevator is located on Cerro Alegre and was inaugurated in 1902. Its design and architecture are a sample of the era in which it was built and offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the bay of Valparaiso.
Polanco Elevator
It is one of the longest in the city, with a length of 335 meters. It is located on the Polanco hill and offers a panoramic view of the city and the port of Valparaiso.
El Peral Elevator
It is located on Cerro Alegre and was inaugurated in 1902. It is one of the most famous and touristic of the city, since its panoramic view is impressive and when you reach the top you can visit the Naval and Maritime Museum of Valparaiso.
Artillery Elevator
But a trip to Valparaíso is not complete without a visit to this elevator which is a historical monument built in 1893. This remarkable structure was once used to transport soldiers and ammunition up the city’s steep hills. Today, it is a popular tourist attraction that offers breathtaking views of the cityscape and surrounding area.
La Sebastiana
It is a house-museum located on Bellavista Hill in Valparaiso, Chile, which belonged to the Chilean poet Pablo Neruda. It is a three-story house that has breathtaking panoramic views of the city and the sea.
The house is built in a typical Valparaiso architectural style, with a mixture of European and local styles. The interior of the house is very colorful and full of curious and artistic objects, including the large collection of Neruda’s bottles.
At La Sebastiana, you can see the rooms where the poet lived and worked, and there is also a wide variety of personal objects that belonged to Neruda, such as books, paintings and furniture. The house-museum has tour guides who offer guided tours to learn more about the poet’s life and work.
Sotomayor Square
It is one of the most emblematic squares of the city of Valparaíso, Chile. It is located in the center of the city, near the port and important historical and cultural buildings.
The square is wide and surrounded by imposing buildings, many of them of neoclassical and French style, dating from the nineteenth century. Among the most prominent buildings are the Chilean Navy Building, the Palace of Justice, the Customs Building, the Regional Intendancy Building and the Monument to the Heroes of Iquique.
In the center of the square is an equestrian monument dedicated to Admiral Manuel Blanco Encalada, who was the first president of Chile. The square is also an important connection point for public transportation in the city.
During the day, the square is a busy place for tourists and locals, who can enjoy the view of the port and historic buildings. During the night, the square is illuminated with artificial lights and becomes a meeting place for young and old, who enjoy the city’s nightlife. In short, Plaza Sotomayor is one of Valparaíso’s most important tourist attractions and a showcase of its rich history and architecture.
Cardonal Market
The Cardonal Market is one of the oldest markets in the city and is known for its variety of fresh produce, especially seafood and fish.
There you can find several stalls offering a wide variety of fresh produce, including seafood, fish, fruits, vegetables and meats. Prices vary depending on the season and availability of the products, but in general they are quite competitive.
There is also a restaurant section where you can try typical Chilean dishes, especially those that include fresh seafood and fish.
It is a very busy and lively place, especially during weekends and holidays. If you are looking for an authentic experience of the city we recommend it.
Fine Arts Museum of Valparaiso
The Museo de Bellas Artes de Valparaíso is one of the oldest museums in Chile and is located in the Baburizza Palace, a beautiful neo-Gothic style building dating from the early 20th century. The museum houses a collection of Chilean and European art, including paintings, sculptures and decorative arts.
Among the museum’s highlights are paintings by the famous Chilean artist, Juan Francisco González, as well as works by other important artists such as Alfredo Valenzuela Puelma, Nemesio Antúnez and José Venturelli. In addition, the museum has a specialized art library and a temporary exhibition hall.
The building itself is a tourist attraction, with its stained glass windows and architectural details. The view from the museum is spectacular, as it is located on top of a hill and offers panoramic views of the port of Valparaíso and the city.
YOU CAN ALSO VISIT…
Viña del Mar
There is only a 10 minute drive between Viña del Mar and Valparaíso.
Visit Viña del Mar
Valparaíso is truly a unique city worth visiting. And when we say unique it is not a slogan but the result of its culture and geography. It has a great cultural and artistic energy, which is reflected in numerous cultural events, such as the Valparaíso International Film Festival, the Puerto de Ideas Festival and the Valparaíso Cultural Carnival.
All illustrations on this site are courtesy of Pictographic.
