Historical Building in Viña del Mar

By Noleen Turner

Things to see and do

The main reason people go to Viña del Mar is to enjoy the sun and the beach.

But the food is also worth noting. Viña has excellent restaurants that offer international cuisine including Mexican, Italian, Japanese and Argentinean.

Viña is also home to several parks, including Quita Vergera and the National Botanical Gardens. If history is your thing, you can visit a number of national historic buildings and museums including the Fonk Museum, Museo Palacio Rioja and Palacio Carrasco. The Municipal Theater also hosts classical, popular and folk music concerts all year long.

If baking in the sun is not your thing, take a walk from the ‘Reloj de flores’ or flower clock, opposite Caleta Abarca beach and walk around the coast past Wolf Castle and Ross Castle, cross the Casino Bridge, past the Casino and walk along the beach until you come to Vergara Pier and then continue along the beach to the artisan market and children’s amusement area. In the high summer there is usually street entertainment in the form of music and street theatre. On the way back stop for some food or drink on the bustling Avenida San Martin, which is parallel to the beach.

If that sounds like too much hard work you can get a tour of the city by traditional horse and carriage. Tours depart from Avenida Peru.