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?

• Expand your search to include the best places to stay in Concon,
• or browse all the best places to stay in Chile
• or contact one of our Gurus for advice.

Weather

Monthly Weather in Valparaiso