Photo of Valparaiso

About Valparaiso

Valparaiso is a labyrinthine town of colourful houses tumbling down a series of hills facing the Pacific Ocean. Sometimes described as the San Francisco of Chile, this World Heritage Site has long inspired painters and poets, who flock to its narrow winding streets and picturesque fishing wharves. Our pick of the best places to stay in Valparaiso will ensure that you're right in the heart of this vibrant city. With its creaky historic elevator-cars running up and down the hills, steep, art-covered stairways, crumbling mansions, colourful street art and non-stop nightlife, this is a city of soul and passion.

Valpo, as the locals call it, is married to the sea. From the wharves of the port you get a real taste of marine life, with its population of sailors and dockworkers forever in flux; seafood markets abound, and in the early hours of the morning you can watch the fishermen landing their catch-of-the-day.

The city has few historic sites to visit, and while this can be a sign of a lack of culture, it is surely a blessing in Valparaiso, as the entire city is a kind of open-air art gallery, featuring some of the finest street murals in South America.

It is a city best explored on foot and getting lost. Follow stairways snaking around dilapidated mansions, alleyways decked with charmingly shabby chic restaurants, secluded art galleries and cute cafes. If you're hungry, be sure to wander around Cerro Alegre and Cerro Concepcion, where some amazing new restaurants have opened in recent years.

You can't go to Valparaiso without riding in an Ascensores - a rickety old wooden tram-like car - that runs up and down the steep hillsides. It is the perfect way to see the city in all its gritty glory: up on the Mirador del Cerro Artilleria, you gain a spellbinding panoramic view of the city and coastline.

So whether you're partying into the early hours, riding an Ascensores or eating Chorrillana while watching the fishermen drag their wares to market, you will fall in love with this wonderful city. Use our pick of the best places to stay in Valparaiso below, and start planning your trip...

The best places to stay in Valparaiso

Chic boutique

  • Palacio Astoreca: a beautiful red historic townhouse offering chic rooms with parquet flooring and stylish wallpaper, a pampering spa and a wonderful restaurant. Ideal for couples looking for intimacy.
  • Casa Higueras: a great hilltop mansion boasting superb views of the city and sea, offering chic rooms with antique furniture, an infinity pool, spoiling spa and gourmet restaurant. Pure luxury.
  • Another great boutique choice is the well reviewed Casa Galos. Situated in the heart of Cerre Alegre, it couldn't be more central. The rooms and apartments are stylishly done and all come with a kitchenette for convenience.

Townhouse hideaways

  • The 6 room Voga Exclusive Guesthouse offers bright, contemporary guestrooms in a characterful Victorian townhouse. A charming terrace overlooks the city. Book the suite for extra space.
  • Zero Hotel: with epic views of the Bay and in a very central location, this 9 room hideaway offers cool contemporary rooms and wide, flowered terraces. Great for unwinding.

Value for money

  • Fauna Hotel: a trendy eco-hotel with an industrial decor, perched on a hill with marvellous views. The restaurant is sumptous and the wide open terrace is the perfect place to relax with a drink. Great value for money.

Out of town

  • For something different, consider booking the seaside Hotel Oceanic, 20 minutes up the coast from the city centre. Perched on rocks overlooking the ocean, you will enjoy sitting by the pool and enjoying the breathtaking view of the bay.

For an apartment or villa

  • Our partner Booking.com has a wide range of villas and apartments in the nearby area.

Travel information

  • Fly to Santiago and get a bus to Valparaiso from the terminal, the journey takes around 2 hours max.
  • If you want to rent a car, contact our partner Rentalcars.
  • The best time to go is during the winter months, when the temperature averages at around 19 degrees. For good weather without the crowds, we recommend either November or March. Be aware that New Year is incredibly busy and room prices go sky high!

Still not sure?

Weather

Monthly Weather in Valparaiso

Best Hotels in Valparaiso

  • Fauna Hotel Valparaiso (Cerro Alegre) 16 rooms from £84

    City Style  -  A trendy eco hotel in the heart of the UNESCO area of Alegre Hill.
    Sights nearby  -  Be sure not to miss the Cerro Alegre (mythical mountain) and watch as various artist create everything from poetry to music.
    Views  -  Great views from hotel
    Restaurant  -  Recommended.
    RestaurantViewsNo pets

    A contemporary eco hotel well located in Cerro Alegre Hill. Slick design throughout sees wood, metal and brick mixing to create a trendy industrial like feel. An international restaurant boasts a large terrace with epic views. Walking distance from many of the city's main attractions. City chic. See More

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  • Hotel Oceanic Valparaiso (Reñaca) 30 rooms from £94

    Local exploring  -  Set between the centre of Valparaíso and the best beaches on the coast, this hotel is in a great location for local exploring
    Beach Life  -  With a prime coastal location close to local beaches, this hotel is perfect for a relaxing seaside break
    Romantic Break  -  Couples love the romantic rooms at this hotel; book a luxury suite for sea views
    Sailing  -  Take a sailing trip and discover the coast from a different vantage point; head to the Concon Yacht Club for boat hire
    Air conditioningRestaurantSwimming PoolViewsParkingNo pets

    This chic seafront hotel is situated on the coastline between Viña del Mar and Reñaca in Valparaíso, Chile. Bright and spacious rooms boast wooden floors, comfortable beds and local textiles; book a luxury suite for sea views. Sample Chilean cuisine at the cosy restaurant; a charming seaside stay. See More

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  • Casa Galos Valparaiso (2370949) 15 rooms from £105

    Local exploring  -  Located in the UNESCO heritage site of Valparaiso’s Alegre Hill, there's plenty of sight's within walking distance.
    Sights nearby  -  Wander down to San Luis Square just 100m from the property.
    Designer  -  Uniquely designed interiors.
    Views  -  Great views from hotel
    Disabled accessViewsNo pets

    A boutique property boasting one of the finest locations in Valparaíso. Stunning light rooms use plenty of natural materials giving a rural feel against the city views. Feast on indulgent breakfasts and step out of the property into the UNESCO heritage site of Alegre Hill. A fabulous city base. See More

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  • Voga Exclusive Guesthouse Valparaiso (Cerro Alegre) 6 rooms from £125

    Local exploring  -  Perched on the top of Cerro Alegre, one of the most picturesque hills in Valparaíso, this hotel is great for local exploring
    City Style  -  Set within a beautifully restored 19th-century property, this hotel has lots of local city style
    Romantic Break  -  Couples love the romantic rooms at this hotel; book a suite for extra living space
    Great walks  -  Wander Valparaíso's colourful streets, great for photo opportunities; don't miss the bright houses on Dimalow Walk
    ViewsParkingNo pets

    This boutique hotel offers accommodation in a Victorian-style house in Valparaíso, Chile. Guestrooms are bright and airy, with contemporary furnishings and cosy linens; book a luxury suite for sea views and living space. Unwind with a drink on the terrace overlooking the city. A charming city stay. See More

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  • Palacio Astoreca Valparaiso 23 rooms from £156

    Local exploring  -  Located in the historical city centre in Valparaiso and with many of its major sights within walking distance.
    Spa breaks  -  A glorious contemporary spa (all black slate and verticle gardens) with an extensive treatment list.
    Sights nearby  -  Walking distance from the impressive Barburizza Palace.
    Views  -  Great views from hotel
    SpaRestaurantSwimming PoolGardenViewsParking

    A chic boutique hotel located in the heart of Valparaiso. A historic building, lovingly converted. Find smart rooms with parquet floors, feature wallpaper and the best have small terraces boasting spectacular city views. A contemporary spa and fine-dining restaurant make this a superb stay. See More

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  • Zero Hotel Valparaiso 9 rooms from £234

    Local exploring  -  The perfect tranquil retreat to return to after a day exploring the region.
    Sights nearby  -  Visit the homes of Pablo Neruda, Chile's celebrated Nobel prize-winning poet.
    Views  -  Great views from hotel
    Traditional
    GardenViewsParkingNo pets
    Recommended by  -  I Escape

    A charming converted town house with epic views of Valparaíso bay. Quiet bougainvillaea filled terraces make for the perfect place to completely unwind. Rooms keep their original charm with wooden floors and sash windows. With easy access to the town's attractions this is a winning choice. See More

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  • Casa Higueras Valparaiso (Cerro Alegre) 20 rooms from £250

    Local exploring  -  Boasting fantastic city views and with easy access to the main attractions this is a winning spot.
    Restrictions on children  -  Children over 12 years old are welcome.
    Views  -  Great views from hotel
    Romantic  -  Good for couples.
    SpaRestaurantSwimming PoolGardenViewsParkingNo pets
    Recommended by  -  I Escape

    An impressive hillside mansion now turned boutique hotel. Chic rooms feature parquet flooring, antique furniture and lovely city views. A smart infinity pool and spa will meet all pampering requirements. An atmospheric restaurant serves international fare, specialising in seafood. Superb. See More

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