Best things to do in Valparaiso

A multicolored, tiered house on top of a hill, La Sebastiana provided the setting for the writing of some of the world's beloved poetic masterpieces. Today, Pablo Neruda's former residence pays tribute to the artist's legacy and contains artworks, 1950s furniture, and quirky bric-a-brac collected over the years. Visit early in the morning or towards closing time to avoid the crowds and long lines at the entrance.

Created with a variety of colorful blooms, Flower Clock (Reloj de Flores) remains one of the city's best-loved landmarks. Commissioned for the 1962 FIFA World Cup, the clock features numbers and a face packed with vibrant red and blue blossoms set into a small hillside. Notice the white metal hands, the longest of which measures 3 m (10 ft). If you're keeping your eye on the time, note that this fully functional clock features a satellite system for accurate timekeeping.

Built on a rocky headland overlooking the ocean, Casa de Isla Negra commemorates the life and work of this world-famous poet. The residence features a ship-like interior and a number of eccentric collections, including a huge number of shells in the "Under the Sea" room. Watch the short video about Neruda's life in the lobby. Walk under the low ceilings, through narrow passageways, and across the creaking wooden floors of the rooms decorated with ship figureheads, maps, ships in bottles, masks, and wooden carvings from all over the world. See the huge tusk of a narwhal, which Neruda brought from Norway. Enter the master bedroom, and notice how the bed faces windows with a clear view of the ocean. Neruda lived in the house with his third wife, and the claim that this was his favorite residence is supported by the fact that both spouses were buried here.

Mingle with the high-rollers at Vina del Mar Casino, one of Chile's premier casinos. Try your hand at a range of gaming, including blackjack, poker, and slot machines. If luck's not going your way at the tables, enjoy a live performance or grab a bite to eat at one of the onsite restaurants. Even if you don't intend to spend any money, consider visiting simply to check out the lavish interior and sweeping views over the ocean.

Stroll along Paseo Gervasoni, admiring the street art and panoramic view. The small, colorful promenade is elevated above the Valparaiso port, overlooking the undulating streets. Take an elevator up to the balcony-like area, lined with street vendors and with walls covered in vibrant murals and graffiti. Visit the small museum dedicated to the work of Lukas, a famous cartoonist, or view the iconic Gervasoni hotel at the end of the street. You can indulge in a meal or a refreshing drink at one of the restaurants, while enjoying the view of the blue water and hilly suburban streets.

Take a tour of Emiliana Organic Vineyards for insight into biodynamic viniculture. Learn about growing organic grapes and see how the Guilisasti family, who founded the winery in 1986, use biodynamic principles in making the wine. Chickens and alpacas provide a lot of help around here, "making" fertilizer, softening the soil, and getting rid of pests. Stroll the gardens filled with olive trees and flowers, which attract beneficial insects and help the self-sustainability of the vineyard. After the tour you can have a picnic in the garden, snack on assorted cheeses, and sample their organic reds and whites.

Meander around the lovely hilltop neighborhood of Cerro Concepcion and enjoy sweeping views over Valparaiso's shorefront. Springing forth from the ruins of the city's old walls, the neighborhood quickly found its own bohemian, quirky character, which persists to this day. Colorful houses line the narrow streets, occasionally interrupted by equally vibrant street art. Hang out with Valparaiso's coolest crowd at one of the area's trendy coffee shops, or hunt for the perfect souvenir among the quaint handicraft shops.

Take a tour through a museum dedicated to pre-Columbian Chile when you visit Corporacion Museo de Arqueologia e Historia Francisco Fonck. Start outside with the Maoi statue, which draws many for photo opportunities. Inside the museum, the first floor covers Mapuche culture from pre-Columbian times and exhibits on Easter Island. Visit the upstairs to see insect collections and taxidermied animals from all over the world. (Note, however, that the second floor has just a few English translations.) When browsing, consider getting a tour guide, who can provide informative explanations of the exhibits in English.

Sway to the rhythms of jazz, blues, and salsa, and rock to the sounds of live music in the safe, homey atmosphere of La Piedra Feliz. This massive house along the waterfront features several music rooms, including the local Chilean music room, the salsa room, and the tango room--plus an unusual looking cafe-restaurant and a nightclub in the basement. The main room hosts live music shows and standup comedy. Learn Chilean dancing with scarves from the friendly locals. If you arrive before 11 pm, you won't miss happy hour. The venue welcomes all ages, but guests over 30 will probably feel most comfortable.

Tour Matetic Vineyards, a family-run winery in the scenic Rosario Valley. Founded in 1999 by Jorge Matetic, an Argentinean of Croatian descent, the winery produces high-quality wine varieties from organic grapes. Choose from several wine tasting options, enjoy the scenic surrounding landscape, or visit the gourmet restaurant and hotel, situated in a century-old ranch house.