Curator’s statement
Valparaíso is a city you don’t just visit—you climb, wander, and discover it. Between steep cerros, rattling ascensores, and vibrant street art around every corner, the city feels raw and alive. I loved how exploration here felt unscripted, rewarding curiosity with hidden viewpoints and unexpected moments. Valparaíso is bold, expressive, and made for travelers who crave movement and adventure.
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Things to do in Valparaíso
Street art and cobblestone streets in Valparaíso’s hills.
Take a walking tour
A guided walking tour is well worth it and one of the best ways to understand Valparaíso’s history, neighborhoods, and artistic spirit. It also helps orient you to the city’s steep hills early in your visit.
Explore the street art
Valparaíso is famous for its street art, especially in Cerro Alegre and Cerro Concepción. I loved seeing how some artists cover their faces while painting to remain anonymous, adding to the city’s creative and rebellious character.
Stroll the hills and streets
Simply wandering the streets and staircases was one of my favorite experiences. Exploring at a relaxed pace makes it easy to take in the artwork, architecture, and everyday life unfolding around you.
Ride the historic ascensores
Valparaíso’s historic ascensores are funicular elevators that carry visitors up the city’s steep cerros and are an essential part of daily life. Using ascensores like Reina Victoria, El Peral, Concepción, and Artillería makes navigating the hills much more enjoyable.
Take a harbor boat tour
A short boat tour of Valparaíso’s harbor offers a completely different perspective of the city from the water. It’s a great way to see the colorful hills, busy port, and maritime side of Valparaíso.
Visit La Sebastiana (Pablo Neruda’s house)
Visiting La Sebastiana provides insight into the life of Pablo Neruda and Chile’s literary culture. The hilltop location also offers panoramic views over the city and coastline.
Watch the sunset from a viewpoint
Catching the sunset from one of Valparaíso’s many viewpoints is a must. The golden light over the port and hills creates a memorable end to the day.
Places to eat & drink in Valparaíso
Seasonal choclo, a classic Chilean dish enjoyed in Valparaíso.
Restaurante Café Vinilo
Café Vinilo stands out for its creative, contemporary approach to Chilean cuisine. I tried choclo here, a famous and seasonal Chilean ingredient, at its peak—fresh, naturally sweet, and simply prepared to highlight its flavor.
What to order: Any seasonal dish featuring choclo when available.
Fauna Restaurant (Cerro Alegre)
Fauna offers a modern interpretation of Chilean classics in a relaxed yet refined setting. The menu highlights local, seasonal ingredients presented in thoughtful and elevated ways.
What to order: Chef-driven seasonal plates or seafood-forward dishes.
Café Turri (Cerro Concepción)
Café Turri is a long-standing Valparaíso institution known for traditional Chilean seafood and sweeping views over the harbor. It’s an ideal spot for a leisurely lunch while watching the port activity below.
What to order: Classic Chilean seafood dishes, especially pastel de jaiba when available.
Maralegre Restaurant (Casa Higueras)
Maralegre offers refined coastal cuisine in an elegant setting within Casa Higueras. It’s well suited for a more elevated dining experience with attentive service and beautifully presented dishes.
What to order: Seasonal tasting dishes or seafood paired with Chilean wine.
Gran Sazón Nazca (Peruvian Restaurant)
Gran Sazón Nazca delivers bold, flavorful Peruvian cuisine that adds wonderful variety to Valparaíso’s dining scene. I enjoyed a beautifully cooked fish dish served with black rice and a rich, well-balanced sauce.
What to order: Fish dishes or classic Peruvian specialties featuring robust sauces.
El Desayunador
El Desayunador is a relaxed, local favorite for breakfast and coffee. The cozy atmosphere and generous portions make it an easy stop before a full day of exploring the city’s hills.
What to order: Breakfast plates with fresh bread and strong coffee.
Need to know
Valparaíso is steep, scrappy, and best explored on foot, so good walking shoes are a must and the historic ascensores are part of the adventure. The best views come with a climb, and many hilltop cafés and bars reward the effort with unforgettable sunsets over the port.
Leave room to wander—some of the city’s highlights are found by following staircases, street art, and curiosity rather than a map.
Travel Advisor
Martha Jimenez
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