Valparaiso is a port city with an atypical geography. Why? It is composed of cerros (hills) – which form a vast amphitheater around the city center, located below! Funiculars, artists' homes, street art works, beaches and a side trip to Viña del Mar, among others: here are the 7 must-see and must-do things in Valparaiso.

1. Discover the cerros and funiculars: the two must-sees in Valparaiso

The cerros of Valparaiso emerged over time. Yet initially, the city was not meant to expand: it was simply meant to serve as a port for the city of Santiago. By expanding onto the surrounding hills, Valparaiso inherited an unusual layout...

The entire city is today a sum of colorful cobblestone alleyways, more or less perched above the historic center. Each hill has its own personality, with different social and architectural characteristics, as well as numerous staircases and its own funicular!

Cerros Alegre and Concepción
   

The two most renowned hills are cerro Alegre and cerro Concepción. Both designate the historic center of the city, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Composed of five interwoven neighborhoods, this part of the city houses a rich heritage, including the superb Baburizza Palace built in 1916 on cerro Alegre (which houses the Municipal Museum of Fine Arts).

In cerro Concepción? You can enjoy a beautiful view over Valparaiso from the Paseo Atkinson viewpoint. One tip: don't leave without seeing the splendid Escala Piano!

The funiculars of Valparaiso

Locally called ascensores, the funiculars of Valparaiso dot the city and make it easy to reach the city center (el plan). Classified as Historical Monuments, these are both practical and picturesque. The two must-sees? The beautiful ascensor Reina Victoria and the vertical funicular of cerro Polanco (the city's only one).

2. Marvel at the street art of Valparaiso
   

Street art emerged in Chili in the 1970s – in opposition to Pinochet's propaganda. Each work was then a message of rebellion against the government. Renowned for its abundant art, Valparaiso has been considered the country's street art capital since the 2000s.

In each cerro, you can admire giant frescoes that give the city a unique character. In Valparaiso, art is on display at every street corner, on walls, sidewalks, lampposts, staircases and urban furniture!

The themes are eclectic. Some works are reproductions of great Masters, like Van Gogh. Others come from municipal commissions (for example, these works created on house facades, linked to the trade practiced inside).

There are three ways to discover these works:

- by wandering through the city at your own pace,

- by targeting the cerros with the most art (Polcanco, Alegre, Conception and Bellavista, nicknamed the "open-air museum"),

- via a dedicated tour (several exist, including the "graffiti tour" which allows you to discover different styles and early works by now-recognized artists, such as graffiti artist ITNI, originally from Valparaiso).

An unforgettable walk through the heart of the city, which tells you more about Valparaiso's history!

3. Explore the coast and beaches of Valparaiso
   

Located along the Pacific Ocean, Valparaiso's coastline features numerous beaches, some ideal for swimming or strolling…

- Playa San Mateo, a small rocky beach that is not very touristy,

- Playa Las Torpederas, renowned for its water sports activities and absence of wind (ideal for swimming),

- Playa Grande (Laguna Verde), known for its wild beauty and cliffs. Not ideal for swimming (due to strong waves), it offers superb landscapes (and some peace and quiet away from the crowds…).

- Las Dunas de Concón: an expanse of dunes that tumble into the ocean… a must-visit spot to watch the sunset! To get there, take buses 602 or 605 from downtown Valparaiso.

4. Visit La Sebastiana (Pablo Neruda's home)
   

Pablo Neruda is a famous poet – political figure, collector – and Chilean who received the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1971. The man is an emblematic figure of the city, as he lived there for many years in a home he acquired in the late 1950s.

He named it Sebastiana, in homage to its architect (and former owner) Sebastian Collao.

The Sebastiana Museo de Pablo Neruda allows you to discover the artist through his eclectic collections (sculptures, paintings, maritime objects, etc.). Located in the heights of Valparaiso, the house offers a superb panoramic view from the garden's viewpoint.

Practical info: Pablo Neruda's home is open daily (except Mondays); €9 admission (with English-language audio guide)

5. Stroll through the Parque Cultural

The Parque Cultural of Valparaiso is an artistic complex (theater, music, dance) located on a former prison (built in 1853, at 471 Cárcel Street). Open – free – to the public, the site regularly hosts exhibitions and allows visitors to enjoy the park's green spaces and recreational areas.

6. Visit Lukas's house-museum

Another emblematic artist of Valparaiso: Renzo Pecchenino (better known by the pseudonym Lukas). To learn more about this illustrator cartoonist? Head to 448 Gervasoni Street. There, you'll discover a beautiful 19th-century home displaying around a hundred works by the artist.

Blending humor and politics, the exhibition allows you to discover the artist and Chilean culture. His signature character, named Don Memorario, is visible in several places around the city.

7. Head to Viña del Mar
   

During a visit to Valparaiso, head off to discover Viña del Mar! Located just a ten-minute metro ride away, this seaside resort is hugely popular with locals, particularly thanks to its massive Reñaca beach (located in the upscale neighborhood).

Nicknamed the "Garden City,