From ascending steep hills and admiring street art to visiting museums and going on a food trip, there are plenty of things to do in Valparaiso. Established as a port in 1542, Valparaiso attracts visitors from all over the world.

Located roughly a 1.5-hour drive from Chile’s capital city of Santiago, Valparaiso offers plenty of things to see and do. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site teeming with art, history, and culture. With its colorful architecture, it’s a visual feast. On top of that, it’s a foodie haven as well, where you can treat yourself to the best of Chilean cuisine.

Let’s take a look at some of the most popular things to do in Valparaiso, Chile.

Ride The Funiculars

Valparaiso sits on many steep hillsides, and going up is a great way to explore the city. To do so, you can ride one of the historic funiculars. Known as “ascensores,” these boxy elevator-like cable cars bring passengers up and down Valparaiso’s hills.

There used to be dozens of funiculars, but nowadays there are fewer than ten. The good news is that efforts are underway by groups like the World Monuments Fund to preserve this historic mode of transportation.

Ride the El Peral funicular and you’ll reach Paseo Yugoslavo. This one of the oldest streets in Valparaiso; it dates back to the mid-1800s. It’s here where you’ll find the Baburizza Palace, a private residence housing the Museum of Fine Arts. Cafes and restaurants line the street, so refreshment is always close by.

Visit A Museum In Valparaiso

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Absorbing the city’s culture is one of the top things to do in Valparaiso, and one great way to do that is to visit La Sebastiana Museum House. Inaugurated in 1961, it enjoys renown for being the abode of the Chilean poet Pablo Neruda. It took him three years to renovate the building and to celebrate its completion, he wrote the poem “La Sebastiana.”

The house-museum’s opening took place in 1991, after an extensive renovation. Today, you can see Neruda’s tower, where he used to view the port with his telescope. Old maps, paintings, and woodworked pieces are among the museum’s collections.

The Valparaiso Natural History Museum is another popular attraction. You can spend hours browsing its collection of 60,000 objects. Some of its most notable pieces include mummies from the Chinchorro people of northern Chile.

A permanent exhibition on biodiversity occupies two stories. Here, you can learn about marine flora and fauna, bird species, woodland animals, and many others.

The museum building itself is also noteworthy. Designated as a National Monument in 1979, it dates from the 1880s and features Victorian and French neoclassical influences.

Hang Out At Plaza Sotomayor

Set smack-dab in the middle of the city’s historic district, Plaza Sotomayor offers plenty of things to do in Valparaiso. Named after the 19th-century minister Rafael Sotomayor, it’s the city’s largest civic center.

Occupying a place of honor is a monument dedicated to Chilean sailors who fought in the Battles of Punta Gruesa and Iquique. Prat Wharf, also part of Plaza Sotomayor, is a great place to take in the crisp sea breeze. Here, you can also see a replica of a Spanish sailing boat called the Santiaguillo.

Several stately buildings surround Plaza Sotomayor. One example is the elegant structure where the Intendencia de Valparaiso used to be situated. Today, it serves as the Chilean Navy’s headquarters. Likewise, the buildings that house the National Council of Culture and the Arts and the historic shipping company CSAV sit steps from the square.

Marvel At Street Art In Valparaiso

Valparaiso bursts with color, thanks to houses in vivid hues and street art in all shades of the rainbow. Wander the city’s streets and you’ll see beautiful and sometimes thought-provoking murals.

One of the best places to see Valparaiso’s street art is Paseo Gervasoni. Take a stroll along this street and admire murals depicting various topics. These include abstract art, portraits of notable Chileans, and images of daily life. Part of the Cerro Conception neighborhood, Paseo Gervasoni also offers a good selection of bars, restaurants, and cafes.

Pasaje Galves is another great location to see fabulous street art. Located in Cerro Alegre, this narrow passage boasts some wonderful murals. You’ll find works by local and foreign street artists, including Daniel Marceli and Spain’s Cuellimangui. Vividly painted doors and stairs with inspirational quotes are some of the other memorable street art here.

On top of that, there are also art galleries, shops, and cafes lining the street.

Have Fun At Caleta Portales

If you find yourself longing for the beach, head over to Playa Caleta Portales. It’s a popular tourist destination that offers some memorable things to do in Valparaiso. Aside from cooling off in the water, you can also stroll along the boardwalk and watch for seals.

You’ll also find weathered, colorful boats on the shore where fishermen sell fresh fish. On Saint Peter’s Day (June 29), you’ll see them offering thanks for their livelihood and the sea’s bounties.

If you’d like to sample the day’s catch, head to one of the many restaurants in the area. Treat your taste buds to delicious grilled reinata and empanada de macha while enjoying a scenic view of the sea.