ValparaÃso is a major city in the ValparaÃso Region in Chile and the second largest metropolitan area in the country.
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Located about 120 km northwest of Santiago it is one of the Pacific Ocean's most important seaports, the headquarters for the Chilean Navy since 1817 and the seat of the Chile’s legislative Congress. The city was once known as "Little San Francisco" and "The Jewel of the Pacific". It is home of the Latin America's oldest stock exchange, the first volunteer fire department on the whole continent, the first public library in the county, and the home of the oldest Spanish language newspaper in continuous publication in the world, El Mercurio de ValparaÃso.
In 2003, the historic quarter of ValparaÃso was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The opening of the Panama Canal in 1914 was a serious blow to ValparaÃso's port and many people left the city. But in the 21st century artists and cultural entrepreneurs came to the city and brought it to life, and the city became a calling port for crusiers, while becoming a big educational center with four universities and several large colleges. All that made ValparaÃso a bohemian city in which all lovers of culture can enjoy street artists, musicians, and festivals.
The Plaza Sotomayor is entrance to the port from the city. The monument honors the Chilean sailors who fell during the Battle of Iquique and the Battle of Punta Gruesa. Since ValparaÃso was built on dozens of steep hillsides, there are funicular elevators, cable cars. Take the El Peral funicular and you will be greeted by the beautiful Yugoslavo Boulevard with the magnificent Baburizza Palace, home of the Municipal Museum of Fine Arts. Delight yourself with the exquisite dishes prepared by fresh seafood restaurants.
Take the Artilleria Funicular up to Paseo 21 de Mayo to another spectacular view of the bay. You can see where the first astronomical observatory was built. If you go up to the Bellavista Hill using numerous stairs, you will see Chilean poet Pablo Neruda's museum, the La Sebastiana Museo, where you can see his collectibles and see the story of his life. The Parque Italia, once the JardÃn Abadie, is the place which was neglected for years but now that's the place you can enjoy a moment of piece in an area full of restaurants and busy streets. A piece of advice: enjoy the traquility there during the day.
Walking around, you will see that ValparaÃso is full of street art, from graffiti to mosaics, and it's one of the main tourist attractions. While it's nice, it can be hard: you will soon realize that the fact that ValparaÃso is built on 42 hills is true. Wear good footwear. There are also free walking tours if you don't have an idea where to go and want a more guided tour. The duo Un Kolor Distinto are artist most known by their huge works commissioned by the city council on highest buildings.
Of course, after all those streets some food would be nice. The chorrillana is one of the Chile's finest meals. Almost every eatery in town serve it but be aware: if you are not accustomed to a meat explosion, it might surprise you: there are chips, steak, sausage, kebab, caramelized onions, cheese, and a fried egg. It sounds fantastic and it is. It might convert a vegetarian into a meat eater. If you are in the center, you'll see a bright yellow house on the top of a cliff. Go there.
That house is on the corner of a Concepción neighborhood, and the hill of the same name. That is a perfect place to stroll the streets, got to Hotel Brighton from which a spectacular view of the Pacific Ocean may be enjoyed. That neighborhood is the place where local are dancing to the local music and enjoy life. There this is one of the best areas for shopping for local handicrafts. Oh yes, instead of walking there using some of many streets you can take a funicular and save you some shoes.
ValparaÃso is a student city, and where are students there is fun. If you want some fun and to enjoy the nighlife, Cumming street is your destination. You can there take a litro, a liter bottle of beer, and sit at the table and watch young people having fun. If you have a chance to get a table. You can also taste some local beer and you may find a club with a variety of music to your taste. After that, it's time to go to bed, just to wake up happy in the morning and repeat the whole thing again. ■
