Concepción is Chile's second largest city with a population of almost 227,000 (out of Concepción province's 946,000) as of 2016. It is a city rich in culture, history and beauty on the coast of Southern Chile. The commune is home to historical bridges, murals, parks and lagoons, and to important cultural centers such as the Biobío Theater, the House of Art, the Natural History Museum and the University of Concepción Theater. A variety of bars and entertainment venues provide an active nightlife to the city.
Photos: Wikimedia Commons contributors.
Concepción was founded by Pedro de Valdivia in 1550 north of the Bío-Bío River, at the site which is today known as Penco. At that time it was given the name Concepción del Nuevo Extremo. More than once the city has been destroyed by earthquakes and tsunamis. One in 1570, another on the 25 May 1751, at which point it was decided to move Concepción further from the sea to its present location in the Mocha Valley. The Universidad de Concepción was founded in 1919, and has its main campus in the city. It was the first private university in Chile.
The Gran Concepción is the name that receives the whole metropolitan area, which includes Talcahuano, Hualpen, San Pedro de la Paz, Chiguayante, Hualqui and Penco. The transportation system has buses and shared taxis services that reach every single place in the metropolitan area. there is a commuter train service (BioTren) that reaches the surrounding areas. The following is the list with the public transportation services in The Gran Concepcion: Talcahuano (through Concepcion-Talcahuano Highway) Vía Láctea (Line 10), Via Futuro (Line 11), Via Siglo XXI (Line 13), Chiguayante Sur (Line 14), Via Universo (Line 16), Nueva Llacolen (Line 20), Ruta Las Playas (Line 30), Buses Campanil (Line …
1 Universidad de Concepción (University of Concepción). A beautiful university with big gardens. Must see La Pinacoteca. (updated Jul 2023) 2 Parque Pedro del Río Zañartu (10 min from downtown. The only way to get into this place is by car or taxi, do not pay more than 10,000 pesos for a single ride—ask the taxi driver for "Museo Hualpen".). It offers beauty natural landscapes and recreational places. 5 minutes farther you can see the join of Bio Bio river and the Pacific Ocean. The following museums are available here: (updated Jul 2023) 3 Museo Hualpén (Museo Pedro del Río Zañartu). A beautiful old house that was converted to a museum holding the collection of Mr.
1 Marina del Sol Casino (5 min from the Airport and 15 min from Concepción). A new establishment for gambling and entertainment. It offers a big variety of games and shows for adults and kids. (updated Jul 2023) 2 Península of Hualpén. Visit an old whale factory in Chome, a white sanded bay called Ramuntcho, or the Nature Sanctuary. (updated Jul 2023) 3 Lenga (15 min from Concepcion by car and 35 min by bus (Puchacay, Line 71); the bus will take much longer as it doesn't take the highway, but is cheaper (US$0.80)). Go and eat seafood in this seaside town. Try some seafood empanadas or mariscal caliente in one of the numerous eating places.
1 Waya'S Gyros, Pl. Perú 133. Greek-inspired salads and wraps. Healthy and delicious food. Kuntsmann beer is also available by the pitcher so bring some friends, grab a table outside and enjoy! (updated Mar 2023) 2 Alimento Terrestre, Colo Colo 152. (updated Mar 2023) 3 Luncheonette, Colo Colo 672. (updated Mar 2023) 4 Restaurante Chinos Hermanos, Maipú 930. (updated Mar 2023) 5 Fuente Penquista, Libertador Gral. Bernardo O'Higgins 63. (updated Mar 2023) 6 Bendita Pizza, Freire 532. (updated Mar 2023) La Fuente Alemana (several locations around Plaza de la Indepencia). The go-to place to eat the completos which Chileans love so much.
Concepción is full of bars and nightclubs so try the traditional Pisco Sour cocktail, a Piscola or even a beer from the German settled south of the country. 1 Latitud Sur, Víctor Lamas 401. Probably one of the more sophisticated bars in Concepción's centre. Great artesenal beers made in the on-site microbrewery, beautiful interior and a decent food menu. The price reflects the atmosphere though. (updated Jul 2023) 2 Maldita Sea, Rengo 1624. Lively night club with a variety of music genres. While explicitly intended gay clubs don't exist in Concepción, Maldita Sea is most popular with the city's LGBTQ population, and functions as its main gay club. (updated Jul 2023) Choripan.
The city is generally safe, however: Be aware of pickpockets and avoid wearing expensive-looking jewelry or watches, even during the day. Do not visit Talcahuano's seaport, Hualpen and near areas in the night, especially on weekends. Other residential areas such as Chiguayante, San Pedro de la Paz, are worth visiting but have their dangerous places also, so be careful when going unaccompanied by people who live there or know well the place.
Guide content from Wikivoyage contributors (CC BY-SA) — abridged; the full article has much more.
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In Aug, Concepcion typically sees ~14°C daytime highs and 8 rainy days.
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