A beautiful port city on Chile’s coast, Valparaiso is best known for its brilliantly coloured buildings, vibrant street art and stunning lookouts. A hub for creatives, its labyrinthine streets reveal excellent museums, bustling plazas and a UNESCO-listed seaport centre.

Things to do

Meander down Templeman Street on Cerro Alegre to admire the colourful graffiti art on the city’s walls. Afterwards, visit the Museo a Cielo Abierto to see 20 classic murals created between 1969 and 1973 by students from the Universidad Catolica’s Instituto de Arte.

Learn about Valparaiso’s most famous resident, Pablo Neruda, at La Sebastiana. Here you can learn about the life of this Nobel Prize-winning author and explore the house museum exhibiting preserved collections of old maps, 1950s furniture and artwork by his famous friends.

Need a break from the city? Head to the shores of Playa Torpederas, a beautiful beach perfect for lounging and fishing. If you want to learn more about Chile’s maritime history, visit the Naval and Maritime Museum nearby, which details influential people that played a role in the country’s naval history.

Explore Caleta Portales, a traditional fishing area where you can buy fresh fish directly from fishermen or indulge in seafood platters at local restaurants. Wash down your meal with a cold beverage at Bar Cinzano. It’s been serving patrons for over 116 years and also serves delicious Creole food.

Getting around

Arturo Merino Benitez International Airport is 115 kilometres from Valparaiso, while local buses and trains offer connections to nearby cities. The city centre has trolley-buses, a light-rail system, funiculars and taxis.