Join InterNations

The world's largest expat community

A Comprehensive Guide about Living in Viña del Mar

  • Connect with fellow expats in Viña del Mar

  • Join exciting events and groups for expats

  • Get information in our expat guides

  • Exchange tips about expat life in Viña del Mar

  • Mathias Döringer

    Before moving to Santiago de Chile I joined the InterNations community and got useful hints regarding housing and business.

An amazing community is waiting for you!

Meet international people at local events

Socialize, enjoy hobbies, and make friends

Get info, and feel at home abroad!

Life in Viña del Mar

Viña del Mar might just be the most livable city in Chile. Home to plenty of resorts, nightlife, shopping, and thriving neighborhoods, this coastal city provides a microcosm of the very best that the South American country has to offer. Better yet, the city’s tourism credentials mean there is always an influx of newcomers to ensure it retains its buzzing atmosphere. In short, you’re unlikely to get bored in Viña del Mar.

Culture and Leisure in Viña del Mar

As one of Chile’s most popular destinations, there’s plenty to do in Viña del Mar. The highlight, however, is undoubtedly the Festival de la Cancion (otherwise known as the ‘International Song Festival), which has been held every February since 1960. The event draws up to 15,000 people to the Quinta Vergara amphitheater, where they’ll watch renowned international and Latin American artists. The festival brings a special atmosphere to the city during the week-long festivities.

It’s not all festivals, though. Those looking for more permanent exhibitions of culture in Viña del Mar will enjoy the city’s many museums and art galleries. The Marpau Art Gallery features a mix of contemporary and classic works from some of the city’s best up and coming and established artists. Meanwhile, at the Artequin Viña del Mar, expats new to life in Viña del Mar can begin their learning of the local art scene through interactive exhibitions that bring the works to life. Finally, take a stroll through the Recreo district of Viña del Mar to find the the Museo Cielo Abierto, the “open sky museum”, which is a series of building-side murals painted by local students and famous Chilean artists.

Education in Viña del Mar

Viña del Mar is home to a number of high-quality universities and technical schools, both public and private. The two main universities are the Pontificial Catholic University of Valparaíso, which excels in architecture, the arts, and history, and the University of Valparaíso, which specializes in business and engineering.

The Association of British Schools in Chile has three schools in Viña del Mar, offering classes in English. These schools are called Saint Margaret’s, Saint Paul’s, and Saint Peter’s.  Further international schools in Viña del Mar include Lycée Jean d’Alembert, Deutsche Schule Valparaíso, and Mackay School.

Transportation in Viña del Mar

Viña del Mar’s good public transport links make getting around the city safe and straightforward. The most popular method of transportation are the local buses, which are plentiful, regular, and reach all parts of the city. There is also a subway system, which is the best and quickest way to get around once you’re downtown, but as there is only one subway line so you might need to use a bus or taxi to get to your final destination.

Oct 25, 2024, 1:00 AM
9 attendees
Let's say goodbye to October by sharing some time with friends to catch up. Remember to bring your international friends.
Sep 20, 2024, 12:00 AM
10 attendees
Our beloved community turns 17 in September and it is the opportunity to celebrate with our international friends from Viña del Mar and the V region. This event will consist of two parts. First we wi
Aug 24, 2024, 2:00 AM
10 attendees
Nothing better than hanging out with members of our community and welcoming new friends... Don't miss our monthly meeting and let's catch up. The terrace on the 3rd floor of the hotel will be the m
Let's meet the last Friday of July at the 2nd floor of NINA, we will enjoy a private space, great Pizza, Pasta or author dishes and cocktails while meeting new friends and reconnect with our old mates

See all upcoming events for expats in Viña del Mar

Our Global Partners

  • Mathias Döringer

    Before moving to Santiago de Chile I joined the InterNations community and got useful hints regarding housing and business.

  • Emma Willems

    When I first came to Santiago de Chile I didn´t know one anyone. On InterNations I found many expat friends in the same situation.

Our Global Partners

Other Communities in Chile

Like-Minded Expatriates in Viña del Mar

Chile Guide Topics