Valparaiso or “Jewel of the Pacific”, is one of the biggest cities in Chile. This colorful, coastal city is one of the south Pacific’s most important seaports. Valparaiso is built on over 40 hills and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Perhaps Valparaiso’s biggest popularity with tourists is its amazing street art, bright and colorful buildings and its funiculars that transport people up and down its hills. This post covers the best photo spots in Valparaiso that really showcase its street art and other important sites and buildings.
Note – This list somewhat follows a chronological order on the map and is the order I followed. However, I encourage you to map it out and see what makes sense for you.
Valparaiso Stairs
These stairs are no joke to climb! Unfortunately the funicular that takes you up the stairs wasn’t running when I went. However, the art is amazing! Take your time and climb the stairs and don’t forget to look back once in a while to see how far you have come! You will be rewarded with more beautiful street art at the little square called Plaza Eleuterio Ramirez at the top of the stairs.
Plaza Sotomayor
This plaza is one of the main squares in Valparaiso and is surrounded by several historic buildings. Worth a stop on your way to….
Ascensor El Peral
I almost missed the entrance to this funicular or “ascensor” as they are called as it is a little hidden. You can enjoy and take pictures of some of the best views of the city as you ride up (or down) this ascensor.
Mirador Paseo Yugoslavo
Located right at the top of Ascensor El Peral, this little lookout also has panoramic views of the city, especially to the left hand side. You can really see how hilly Valparaiso is looking to your left.
Palacio Baburizza
Palacio Baburizza is Valparaiso Fine Arts Museum. The museum’s art gallery has a large collection of European and Chilean works between 1800 and 1990. The building itself is the former residence of Croatian businessman Pascual Baburizza. Built in 916 by Italian architects, it was later turned into a museum in 1971.
More HERE
Miramar
This is a small and almost hidden street but it had one of my favorite art works. I loved this particular street art because it was ocean themed. Look for the Rojo, Galería, arte y diseño as a landmark to find this street.
Calle Urriola
Calle Urriola is one of the best photo spots in Valparaiso for street art and is an absolute feast for the eyes! Highly recommend walking the entire length of the street because in addition to street art, there are also colorful stairs that make for great pictures!
Escalera de Colores
Escalera de Colores is a colorful staircase on Calle Urriola. You can find it on the right hand side when going downwards towards the town.
Escalera de la canción “Latinoamérica”
Another super colorful but narrow staircase on Calle Urriola.
Templeman
Templeman intersects Urriola. There is also a small road called Templeman where Hostal del Pirata is located off the main road called Templeman. It is a narrow road but I found lots of colorful street art on it as well.
Piano Stairs
The Piano Staircase is one of the most famous photo spots in Valparaiso. There is a painting of Beethoven along with lots of nice art at the top of the staircase.
P.º Almte. Montt
Another one of my favorite streets on this best photo spots in Valparaiso list. Every wall on this road is covered in colorful and beautiful street art. Highly recommend walking the full length of this road as well.
Carillo Armstrong
This road starts at the bottom of a staircase and then curves into a road. The best views, including that of the ocean, are behind you once you start climbing the incline of the road.
Miraflores, Elias, Atahualpa, Cumming
More small roads, all next to each other with lots of beautiful street art. There is a part of Atahualpa towards Plazuela Descanso, where every wall is covered in art from top to bottom. Don’t miss any of these roads as they are all some of the best photo spots in Valparaiso.
Plaza El Descanso
A tiny enclosed square, decorated with colorful tiles.
Ascensor Reina Victoria
This ascensor was built in 1902 and opened 1903. It is a little rickety but the views are great!
Fauna Restaurant
Located near (on top) Ascensor Reina Victoria, Fauna Restaurant offers some nice views of Valparaiso and the ocean. Sip a pisco sour as you take in the view!
Paseo Dimalow and Surrounding Areas on Cerro Alegre
This tiny walkway and surrounding area is also full of street art. Additionally, you can also buy souvenirs from the little street vendors on Paseo Dimalow.
Note – It was hard to pin point the exact locations of some of the photos below in the map I have included. However, you will see these views and walls if you walk around this area.
Quick Tips for Valparaiso
- The hills can be pretty steep in some places. Wear confortable shoes
- Google Maps is somewhat helpful. One time it tried to send me through a narrow road that was completely overgrown with grass and did not look safe. I turned back until it re-routed me. You may have to use your intuition over Google Maps sometimes
- You can park for free at Plaza Sotomayor, however, you may need to give a small tip to the attendant if they are arond
- Have small change for the ascensor. They are 100 pesos one way
Map
I have marked all the spots above on this map below. Click to see the location with the corresponding picture from above.
Tours
Here are some tours if you don’t want to visit Valparaiso on your own.
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