La Serena, one of the oldest cities in Chile, is known for its natural beauty, colonial architecture and proximity to the Elqui Valley, a popular destination for astronomy lovers and wine tourism. But when night falls, La Serena offers a range of activities that allow you to enjoy its vibrant nightlife, illuminated landscapes and starry skies.
1. Walk through the historic center of La Serena
La Serena's old town is a perfect place to start a night on the town. With its well-preserved colonial architecture, walking along the cobblestone streets while the historic buildings are lit up offers a calm and charming atmosphere. The city's squares and monuments take on a particular beauty under the night lights, making a leisurely stroll a pleasant experience for those who enjoy history and culture.
Featured places to visit:
- Plaza de Armas : Surrounded by palm trees and old buildings, this is a place where locals and tourists gather at night. There are often street performers, musicians and small cultural events.
- La Serena Cathedral : An architectural icon of the city that, illuminated at night, becomes a must-see.
- The Monumental Lighthouse : Although it is not in the center, this lighthouse is another of the icons that you can see illuminated at the end of Avenida del Mar. If you feel like it, you can walk towards it along the waterfront and enjoy the views of the ocean under the moonlight.
2. Enjoy the local cuisine
After a stroll through the city centre, you can explore La Serena's gastronomic offering. The city has a variety of restaurants and bars offering everything from traditional Chilean cuisine to international options. At night, the coastal area and the centre come alive, and many places open their terraces to enjoy the mild temperatures of the Pacific coast.
Recommended restaurants:
- Martín Fierro Restaurant : Known for its grilled meats and warm atmosphere, this is an excellent option to enjoy local cuisine. Located in the center, it offers typical dishes and good Chilean wine.
- Ayawasi Organic Food : If you prefer healthier options, this place offers vegetarian and vegan dishes with fresh, organic ingredients. Its relaxed atmosphere is perfect for a quiet dinner.
- La Tabla Restaurant : Located on Avenida del Mar, this restaurant is ideal for those who want to dine with ocean views. It offers fresh seafood, Chilean and international dishes, and a wine and cocktail menu.
3. Nightlife: bars and pubs
La Serena has a growing bar and pub scene, where locals and tourists alike can enjoy a good drink, live music and a relaxed atmosphere. Below, we recommend some of the best places to enjoy the nightlife.
Recommended bars and pubs:
- Tololo Beach Bar : Located on Avenida del Mar, this bar is popular for its relaxed oceanfront atmosphere. It offers an extensive menu of drinks, craft beers and cocktails, and during summer nights, there is usually live music and DJs. It is an excellent place to enjoy the sea breeze with a good pisco sour in hand.
- Oxido Bar : This bar, located in the heart of La Serena, is a reference point for lovers of rock and alternative music. With live bands and an eclectic atmosphere, it is ideal for those looking for a more intense and less conventional experience.
- La Brava Cervecería : For lovers of craft beer, this is the place to go. It offers a wide range of local and international beers, in a relaxed atmosphere that invites you to share with friends or meet new people.
4. Casinos and games of chance
For those who enjoy the thrill of gambling, La Serena has the Enjoy Coquimbo Casino , located just a 10-minute drive from the city center. This entertainment complex not only offers slot machines and gaming tables such as blackjack, roulette, and poker, but also has restaurants, bars, and live shows. It is an excellent option if you are looking for a night full of adrenaline and fun.
The casino also has a luxury hotel, making it a good place for those who want to extend the experience and enjoy a stay with sea views and all the comforts.
5. Stargazing in the Elqui Valley
If you are passionate about astronomy or simply want to live a unique experience, La Serena is known for its proximity to the Elqui Valley, one of the best places in the world for stargazing. The valley's clear, pollution-free sky makes it an ideal place to admire the constellations and planets.
Although the trip to the Elqui Valley takes about an hour by car, many tour operators offer overnight excursions from La Serena that include transportation, guided visits to observatories and high-end telescopes.
Recommended observatories:
- Mamalluca Observatory : One of the most popular among tourists, it offers guided tours in several languages, where you can learn about stars, planets and galaxies from expert astronomers.
- Cerro Tololo Observatory : This observatory is more scientific, but also offers tourist visits at certain times of the year. If you are passionate about astronomy, it is worth checking the availability of tours.
6. Relaxation on the beach
If you prefer a quieter evening, La Serena offers miles of beaches where you can relax and enjoy the sound of the sea under the stars. The Avenida del Mar , which stretches for several miles along the coast, is ideal for walking, picnicking or just sitting and watching the waves. At night, the sea breeze and the tranquility of the place make for a refreshing and relaxing experience.
If you are lucky, you might even spot some marine fauna such as sea lions or coastal birds, which can sometimes be seen on calmer nights.
7. Cultural events and live music
La Serena is a culturally active city, and nightly events such as concerts, art exhibitions and theatre performances are organised throughout the year. Many of these events take place outdoors, taking advantage of the region's mild climate.
During the summer, the La Serena Festival attracts national and international artists, with free concerts in the Plaza de Armas and other spots around the city. If you visit the city during this time, be sure to check the events calendar, as you might stumble upon an interesting show.
In addition, throughout the year, some bars and cultural venues organize live music nights, where you can enjoy everything from jazz and blues to traditional Chilean music. One of the cultural highlights is the Santa Inés Cultural Center , which hosts a varied program of artistic and cultural activities.
8. Night tours through the Humboldt Penguin National Reserve
If you are interested in nature and marine life, an alternative option is to take a night tour to the Humboldt Penguin National Reserve , which is located about two hours from La Serena. Some tour operators offer excursions that leave at dusk and allow you to observe the local fauna under the moonlight. The reserve is home to various species, such as Humboldt penguins, sea lions, dolphins and seabirds.
These types of tours usually include expert guides in marine biodiversity and boat transportation, making them a fascinating option for nature lovers looking for something different at night.