8 Unexpected Reasons to Fall in Love with Viña del Mar

When you think of Viña del Mar, your mind might go straight to its beaches, flower clock, and annual music festival. But as a study abroad student, you’ll have the opportunity to explore the city's lesser-known side, diving into what truly makes it distinctive.

Here are eight reasons that might make you fall in love with the coastal city of Viña del Mar:

VIÑA DEL MAR’S BEACHES HAVE A LOT GOING ON.

The beaches in Viña del Mar are stunning. They have golden sands and sparkling blue Pacific waters which draw in tourists throughout the year. But the beaches are for more than just sun-seekers. They’re a real source of entertainment for tourists and locals alike with opportunities to learn water sports like paddle boarding or surfing. They’re great for a seaside stroll along the scenic promenades that line the coast. Certain beaches, like Playa Caleta Abarca, for example, are close to landmarks like the iconic flower clock. This is also one of the most picturesque of the city’s beaches. Reñaca—the most famous beach—is known as a hotspot for nightlife and is lined with shops and restaurants. These two beaches often have markets nearby with artisanal crafts, snacks, and souvenirs set up nearby. If high energy is not your thing, try Playa Las Salinas which is smaller and quieter and a great place to swim in calm waters, picnic, and escape the crowds. Cochoa Beach is also less crowded and you might even spot sea lions lounging on the rocks. Some beaches host yoga and wellness activities, and offer kayak and paddle board rentals.

VIÑA DEL MAR HAS IMPRESSIVE STREET ART.

Though it’s usually vibrant the nearby city Valparaíso (worth spending some time in!) has been given the spotlight because of its amazing murals, Viña del Mar itself is no stranger to incredible street art. When you wander through the city’s hidden alleyways and backstreets, you’ll spot walls that are bursting with color, creativity, and cultural references. Local artists use these urban spaces to tell stories, reflect social issues, and showcase the beauty of Chilean culture. Some may be bold political statements while others show off dreamy depictions of coastal life. There are areas of the city that feel like open-air galleries, sharing the artistic talent of locals and adding to the dynamic energy of the city. If you slow down and take time to look closer, you’ll find that this is a fun way to connect with the creative heart of the city and tune in to the voices of its community. A few areas to check out are Plaza Vergara and parts of the Cerro Castillo neighborhood.

VIÑA DEL MAR HAS A VIBRANT FESTIVAL SCENE.

Viña del Mar loves to celebrate. The city comes alive during its festivals and you’ll see the liveliness of the Chilean culture and the strong community spirit. The most famous event is the Festival Internacional de la Canción (International Song Festival), a huge music festival that takes place in February. It’s one of the most famous in Latin America and it attracts visitors from across the globe as well as international performers. But that’s not the only festive experience you’ll find in Viña del Mar. There are food festivals, craft fairs, and traditional celebrations throughout the year which give you a chance to get involved in local traditions, taste some regional flavors, and soak in a fun and festive atmosphere at different times during your trip. A few to check out are Feria Internacional de Artesanía (International Crafts Fair) in January where you’ll see crafts like mapuche textiles and treats like dulce de leche alfajores; Día del Patrimonion Cultural (Cultural Heritage Day) in May when you can participate in workshops and cultural activities throughout the city; and festivals which celebrate the city’s coastal location with freshly caught seafood, ceviche, fried fish and Chilean stews like caldillo de congrio.

VIÑA DEL MAR’S BOTANICAL GARDEN IS A PEACEFUL ESCAPE.

Very near the city center is the Jardín Botánico Nacional, a lush, sprawling green sanctuary that feels worlds away from the bustling urban streets. The 395-acre garden is home to more than 3,000 different species of plants, from vibrant flowers to towering trees to exotic greenery you might not even recognize. This is an amazing place to spend some time for anyone who loves a bit of peace and serenity, taking photos of nature, or just going for a walk on one of the garden's trails. Spend some time checking out the cactus garden which includes some rare and endangered species, having a picnic by the lagoon with friends, or just taking along your homework or a book to pass some time. It’s also a great place to learn a bit about native Chilean plants. You’ll find species from the Atacama Desert, from the rainforests of the south, and from the more Mediterranean-like climate of Chile's central regions.

VIÑA DEL MAR’S ARCHITECTURE HAS STORIES TO TELL.

You’ll spot a fascinating blend of architectural styles in Viña del Mar which reflects the city's past reputation as a glamorous seaside retreat. In neighborhoods like Cerro Castillo (one of the most historic), you can wander past elegant mansions (many of which date back to the early 20th century when Viña del Mar was seen as a playground for the elite) that once belonged to the wealthiest families in Chile. These mansions have European-inspired designs like Art Deco details, neoclassical façades, and Tudor revival elements. Many have decorative balconies, intricate ironwork, and stained glass windows which nod to earlier opulence. Certain landmarks, like the Wulff Castle, perched dramatically on the edge of the sea, add a touch of fairytale charm and intrigue to the city. This was built in the early 1900s by German businessman Gustavo Wulff and now has a small museum with rotating art exhibitions. Palacio Rioja is another architectural gem, now home to a museum that celebrates the cultural heritage of the city. For a taste of vintage glamour and art deco, check out Casino Municipal, and for a combined classical-romantic style, visit Quinta Vergara Palace, now home to the Museum of Fine Arts.

VIÑA DEL MAR HAS A DIVERSE AND CREATIVE FOOD SCENE.

As a coastal city, of course you’ll find a lot of fresh seafood on Viña del Mar’s restaurant menus, so be sure to indulge in some delicious ceviche, machas a la parmesana, and paila marina. But its culinary scene is also more interesting than simply ocean-inspired dishes. You’ll find some inventive takes on traditional Chilean recipes and some global flavors inspired by a diverse community. You’ll find sushi with a Chilean twist, Latin fusion like ceviche paired with Argentinean chimichurri sauce, and fusion tacos with fresh fish and mango salsa. Try the local take on empanadas which are stuffed with crab or fish or a Viña del Mar version of an asado with anticuchos or choripán. Some local restaurants serve up versions of the popular sweet and savory corn pie pastel de choclo in a vegetarian style or with seafood. Other vegetarian and vegan foods include quinoa and native grains like mote, veggie empanadas, and vegan ceviche. For dessert, there’s dulce de leche ice cream, little pastries filled with manjer (sweet caramelized milk) called chilenitos, and torte de mil hojas (layered pastry again filled with manjar as well as fruit like strawberry or mango).

VIÑA DEL MAR HAS A GROWING COFFEE SCENE.

When it’s time for a break from the beaches and cultural landmarks, pop into a cafe. Influenced by international trends, Viña del Mar has a growing coffee culture and is home to many cozy spots to enjoy a brew. Quite a few of these places are priotitizing sustainability and many are also known for their locally-sourced beans and interesting blends. Cafetería Palacio Rioja in the Jardines del Palacio Rioja is one local favorite, but there are plenty to visit so you can find the one that you like best. Head over to espresso bar FIKA Coffeeshop Libertad, El Tintico de Botero Cafe, Bakery Lynch, Café Repost, or BonHome among many other options. A lot of cafes here also serve more creative coffee drinks, fresh pastries, matcha lattes and fresh juices, vegan treats, and have open spaces with free wifi making them great places for a study session.

VIÑA DEL MAR HAS STREET PERFORMERS AND LIVE MUSIC.

This is a city that pulses with creativity. We love passing by the many street performers while out and about in Viña del Mar. They bring a vibrant and fun energetic vibe to the city. You might be just strolling along Avenida San Martín or hanging out near the famous flower clock and suddenly come across jazz musicians spontaneously performing on street corners, traditional dancers in colorful costumes sharing Chilean folk routines like cueca or zamacueca, and other creatives sharing their talents out and about within the community. It’s not just music or dance either. There are visual artists, poets, and performers of all kinds bringing a little bit of entertainment to the streets and a smile to people’s faces. There’s always something happening! It’s also a city well known for its live music. You’ll often come across live shows, acoustic sets, or indie performances both indoors and outside. Keep an eye on local sources for dates and details.

Viña del Mar will surprise you in the best ways, with new experiences everywhere you turn. You’ll love being near the sea and the charming streets filled with colorful murals, the beaches and the festivals, the quiet parks and the live music performances. Studying abroad in Viña del Mar will give you time to look below the surface and discover the vibrant, authentic side of this energetic coastal town and its local community.