After spending weeks visiting and touring across the metropolis, assembly up with locals who confirmed me round, I’ve compiled this record of the perfect issues to do in Santiago Chile.
Surrounded by the Andes mountains, Santiago needs to be one of the vital stunning capital cities on the planet. It’s additionally a really enjoyable place to go to, with a wealthy historical past, vibrant tradition, and nice tourism infrastructure.
For those who’re able to plan an enormous journey to Chile for mountain climbing in Patagonia or exploring the Atacama Desert, ensure you dedicate not less than a couple of days to taking in all that the capital metropolis has to supply.
With a couple of days in Santiago, you’ll be able to benefit from the sights, go trekking within the Andes, cycle to vineyards for wine tastings, discover native markets, partake within the metropolis’s enjoyable nightlife, and way more. These are simply a number of the many superior issues to do in Santiago Chile.
Key Takeaways:
- Greatest Excursions: The very best excursions in Santiago embody a bicycle tour, free strolling excursions, and excursions to close by vineyards
- Prime Points of interest: Plaza de Armas, The Museums, and Pablo Neruda’s Dwelling are the highest cultural points of interest
- Greatest Views: Santa Lucia Hill, San Cristobal Hill, Sky Costanera, and Completo have the perfect views of Santiago
- Greatest Day Journeys: The very best day journeys from Santiago are to Close by Vineyards, Mountains, and Cajon del Maipo
- Wet Days: On a wet day in Santiago, take into account visiting the central market, going museum hopping, or seeing a present
Learn on for suggestions on what to do in Santiago, together with loads of helpful data that will help you plan the proper journey there.
The Greatest Issues To Do in Santiago
I’ve visited Santiago extra occasions than most and in all of my years of returning to Chile’s vibrant capital, I’ve at all times tried to see as a lot as I can.
I’ve seen and accomplished extra issues in Santiago than I can rely, however I’ve narrowed them right down to this record of 21 issues to do in Santiago that anybody might conquer with a couple of days within the metropolis.
1. Discover the Plaza de Armas
The very best place to start your exploration of the Chilean capital is the Plaza de Armas. As is the case with most main cities in South America, this “Sq. of Weapons” was designed to be the town centre. Santiago’s predominant plaza has been simply that for the reason that metropolis was based again in 1541.
Again in colonial occasions, you’d discover the gallows on the coronary heart of the Plaza de Armas. Fortunately, these have been changed by a fountain celebrating Simon Bolivar. The plaza is stuffed with Chilean palm timber and benches, making it a preferred place to calm down and socialize through the day.
Strolling across the plaza, you would possibly discover folks engaged in a heated recreation of chess, busting a transfer with some group dancing, or simply laughing hysterically at a clown present. Exploring the Plaza de Armas is certainly one of the vital entertaining issues to do in Santiago!
Surrounding the sq. are a number of historic and cultural landmarks, such because the Metropolitan Cathedral, Royal Court docket Palace, and the Central Put up Workplace. You possibly can simply spend a complete day simply taking in all of the sights in and across the plaza. Get instructions to the Plaza de Armas by checking the map right here.
2. Take a Free Strolling Tour
Once you’re new in a metropolis, it’s an important thought to benefit from the free strolling excursions on provide. Not solely do you get to be taught one thing in regards to the place from a neighborhood, however you’ll additionally make new associates within the course of. That is the perfect factor to do whenever you first arrive in Santiago.
In Santiago, the perfect free strolling excursions are run by Excursions 4 Suggestions. They run two completely different excursions day-after-day of the week. Their 10AM Santiago offbeat tour checks out a market and the cemetery, whereas their 3PM tour covers a number of the highlights of the Chilean capital. Each excursions final round 3 hours and canopy a couple of kilometers.
The guides are tremendous pleasant and knowledgable, they usually’re at all times pleased to level you in the best route with suggestions on the place to eat, store, and celebration. They’re additionally very easy to seek out, as all of them costume like Waldo from the favored youngsters’s books.
3. Climb Santa Lucia Hill
Climbing Santa Lucia Hill is certainly among the best issues to do in Santiago Chile. This massive park is positioned within the metropolis centre just some blocks away from the Plaza de Armas and is a good place to spend a day.
There’s truly fairly a little bit of historical past behind this park. To start with, this hill is the remnant of a 15 million-year-old volcano. It was additionally right here that the Spanish conquistador Pedro de Valdivia based the town of Santiago in 1541.
Upon coming into the park, you’ll be greeted by the attractive Neptune Fountain. From right here you’ll be able to comply with the system of trails and stone staircases to the highest of the hill. Alongside the best way, you’ll go by the Castillo Hidalgo, which was inbuilt 1816 to guard the town.
Carry on going till you attain the gorgeous viewpoint on the very prime of the hill. For those who go to on a transparent day, you’ll get some unbelievable views of the town and the encircling mountains. The park is free to go to and is open day-after-day from 9AM to 7PM. Yow will discover it on the map right here.
4. Go Museum Hopping
Because the capital metropolis of Chile, it ought to come as no shock that Santiago is stuffed with wonderful museums. You’ll positively wish to be sure to carve out a while to go to a couple of when you’re on the town.
An important place to begin in your museum-hopping journey is the Museum of Nationwide Historical past. It’s positioned within the historic Royal Court docket Palace, which as soon as served because the seat of presidency. After trying out the attractive exterior, head inside to discover the numerous reveals.
Whilst you’re there, make sure you climb the clock tower for an unbeatable view of the Plaza de Armas. The museum is open Tuesday-Sunday from 9AM to 6PM and is free to go to.
One other can’t-miss museum in Santiago is the Museum of Reminiscence and Human Rights. This museum commemorates the numerous victims of human rights violations through the brutal regime of Augusto Pinochet between 1973 and 1990.
It opened in 2010 to mark the bicentennial of Chile’s independence and serves as an necessary reminder of the nation’s latest darkish previous. It’s open from Tuesday to Sunday from 10AM to 7PM and can also be free to go to. Yow will discover the museum right here on the map.
5. Eat Seafood within the Central Market
Indubitably, one of many tastiest issues to do in Santiago is consuming seafood in Mercado Central. This bustling market has been in enterprise since approach again in 1872 and continues to be a preferred place to buy and eat.
Discover it by yourself or be a part of this enjoyable guided tour of the town that features a scrumptious lunch at Mercado Central. Click on Right here to be taught extra.
Due to its lengthy shoreline and booming fishing business, Chile is residence to an unlimited array of scrumptious seafood. Santiago’s Central Market is a bustling place day-after-day of the week. Locals come within the morning to do their buying, whereas vacationers frequent the market within the afternoon to dine within the many eating places.
The seafood right here is all tremendous recent and scrumptious, whether or not you order a plate of ceviche, king crab, or clams au gratin. It’s a bit touristy, certain, however it’s a pleasant place to expertise not less than as soon as in your go to.
The Central Market is open day-after-day, however the distributors and eating places hold completely different hours. You’ll wish to get there early within the morning if you wish to see the market at its busiest and make sure you get there earlier than 5 for those who hope to get a desk and eat. Yow will discover the market on the map right here.
6. Take a Bicycle Tour
Santiago could also be a sprawling capital metropolis, however it’s nonetheless a really bike-friendly place. There are devoted bike lanes in all places and it’s very straightforward to discover a bike for lease. Exploring the town by bike is well one of many prime issues to do in Santiago Chile.
Whilst you might simply lease a motorcycle and go off by yourself, you’ll get much more out of it and have far more enjoyable on a motorcycle tour. The parents at Huaso Bike Excursions have a number of wonderful choices so that you can discover Santiago on two wheels.
They’ve half-day excursions the place you are taking within the highlights of Santiago and go to a number of markets. It’s also possible to select to do a cultural bike tour, or night tour.
Their 3-hour tour within the metropolis prices $56 per individual, with a information and tools included. Click on right here to be taught extra in regards to the bike excursions in Santiago.
7. Drink Pisco
Pisco is a high-proof brandy that’s constructed from fermented grape juice. It’s positively the most well-liked booze in Chile and Peru as nicely, so you already know that attempting a few of it has to make our record of the perfect issues to do in Santiago.
There’s an ongoing debate between Chile and Peru about who created pisco and who does it the perfect, however we’re not going to get into that heated argument right here. I’ll as a substitute level you within the route of a wonderful institution that celebrates the pisco of each nations!
This superior Santiago bar-restaurant has to have one of many coolest names and ideas ever. It’s referred to as Chipe Libre – Républica Independiente del Pisco. The “Chipe” is a mix of Chile and Peru, and the identify interprets to the Unbiased Republic of Pisco.
Quite than argue over who made it first and who does it higher, this place serves up pisco from each nations. What an superior thought! Go forward and order a flight to pattern the perfect of each Chilean and Peruvian pisco, or simply stick to the traditional Pisco Bitter cocktail. Yow will discover Chipe Libre on the map and get instructions right here.
8. Discover the Artwork Scene
Artwork lovers will certainly wish to pay a go to to the Nationwide Museum of Effective Arts. The attractive constructing it’s housed in dates again to 1910 and was a commemoration of the centennial of Chilean independence. It’s additionally free and is open Tuesday to Sunday from 10AM to six:45PM. Yow will discover the museum and get instructions right here.
If galleries are extra your scene than museums, you’ve obtained loads of choices for these as nicely. A well-liked place to go to is the Centro Cultural Matucana 100, an artwork centre housed in an outdated authorities warehouse. Along with the spacious artwork gallery, in addition they present movies and have concert events right here. Discover them on the map right here.
Lastly, you’ll wish to make sure you take a look at some road artwork in Santiago as nicely. Whereas it might not be as a lot of a road artwork haven as close by Valparaiso, there are nonetheless loads of superior murals in Santiago. Talking of Valpo, it’s among the best locations to ring within the New 12 months in all of South America. We began our year-long celebration with New 12 months’s Eve in Valparaiso and had an absolute blast!
You possibly can go off in the hunt for road artwork by yourself, or join a tour with City Journey. Their tour visits the Open Sky Museum within the San Miguel district of Santiago. Excursions final 3.5 hours and value about $60 per individual, together with transportation and a typical Chilean tea time snack.
9. See a Present
Santiago is a really cultured metropolis, so that you’ve obtained a number of nice choices with regards to the performing arts. Seeing a present at one of many metropolis’s many venues is among the prime issues to do in Santiago Chile.
Definitely, the classiest place to see a present in Santiago is the Teatro Municipal (Municipal Theatre). This stunning neo-classical theatre was inbuilt 1857 and hosts performances of opera, choir, and ballet.
You possibly can examine their web site to see showtimes and ticket costs, however be warned that it’s solely in Spanish. Alternatively, simply drop by the field workplace and see what’s enjoying when you’re on the town. Tickets are as low cost as $3, so why not? You will get instructions and discover the theatre on the map right here.
10. Spend a Day on San Cristobal Hill
San Cristobal Hill makes nearly each record of the highest issues to do in Santiago, and for good cause. From excessive up right here, you’re handled to some unbelievable panoramic views of the town.
There’s a simple approach and a tough solution to get to the highest of Cerro San Cristobal. The straightforward approach is hopping within the cable automobile, which is a pleasant scenic journey throughout the park. It’s open on Mondays from 1:30-5:30PM and Tuesday-Sunday from 11:30AM-5:30PM. Tickets price about $5 for adults and $2.50 for kids.
In fact, you’ll be able to at all times simply hoof it! The hike takes about an hour relying on how briskly you progress. Nonetheless you determine to get there, your final purpose is to succeed in the sanctuary devoted to the Immaculate Conception. Outdoors, you’ll discover a 22-meter statue of the Virgin Mary.
The hill is part of the bigger Metropolitan Park, which is the most important within the metropolis. Along with the sanctuary, there’s additionally a Japanese Backyard, and even a couple of swimming pools which are open within the summertime.
11. Tour the Dwelling of Pablo Neruda
Within the Bellavista neighborhood of Santiago, you’ll discover La Chascona. As soon as residence to the well-known Chilean poet Pablo Neruda, it’s now a museum that’s open to the general public.
Neruda had this residence constructed for his third spouse, Matilde Urrutia. Really, she was his secret lover when he began work on the home. He referred to as her La Chascona (tangle-haired lady) for her wavy pink hair.
Contained in the museum, you’ll discover all kinds of quirky artifacts that Neruda collected. In fact, there’s loads of art work as nicely, together with a well-known portrait of the home’s namesake created by Neruda’s good friend Diego Rivera.
One tough factor about visiting La Chascona is that it’s solely open on a first-come, first-serve foundation. They open at 10AM from Tuesday to Sunday, so it’s finest to get there early to ensure your spot. Tickets price about $10 and embody an audio information. Examine the situation on the map right here. Another choice is to be a part of a day tour which features a vineyard go to and the house of Pablo Neruda.
12. Head to the Prime of Sky Costanera
If you wish to take within the views of Santiago from above, don’t miss out on a visit to Sky Costanera. At 300 meters, their observatory is the best in all of Latin America.
In simply two minutes, the elevator takes you to the 360-degree observatory. Attempt to time your go to so you’ll be able to watch the sundown and see the town gentle up. It’s positively one of many coolest issues to do in Santiago Chile. Don’t miss this attraction! Get your tickets right here.
It’s open day-after-day from 10AM-10PM with the final elevator rides going up at 9. Tickets price $22 for adults ($18 when booked on-line right here) and $15 for youths ages 4-12. It’s positioned proper on the Mapocoho River, which you’ll see on the map right here.
13. Eat a Completo With a View
I understand not everybody goes to wish to fork over $20+ to go to the highest of the Sky Costanera tower. It’s alright – I completely perceive. I not often purchase these tickets however really feel like they’re nonetheless good objects to incorporate on a listing like this.
For those who’re on a price range, you’ll be able to simply head to the meals court docket within the Costanera Centre Mall. They’ve an outside seating space that also has an important view, even when it isn’t the tallest in Latin America.
Whilst you’re right here, chances are you’ll as nicely attempt a neighborhood favorite – a completo. This Chilean scorching canine comes loaded with chopped tomatoes, avocado, sauerkraut, and an enormous ole’ glob of mayonnaise. Considered one of these and a few fries will fill you up for some time and solely price you a few bucks!
14. Examine Out La Moneda
Washington D.C. has the White Home, London has Buckingham Palace, and Santiago has La Moneda. At present the workplace of Chile’s president, it was as soon as the official mint of the nation. Therefore the identify, which suggests “the coin” in Spanish.
This stunning neoclassical constructing was designed by Italian architect Joaquín Toesca and accomplished in 1805. It was badly broken in 1973 through the army coup.
The Chilean air pressure bombed the palace when then-president Salvador Allende refused to go away. He died later that day, which stays controversial to today. Some imagine it was an assassination and never a suicide, because the official story goes.
You possibly can take a tour of La Moneda however it’s worthwhile to join not less than seven days upfront. Yow will discover the shape that it’s worthwhile to fill out in English right here. For those who can’t get on a tour, you must nonetheless come to take a look at the altering of the guard ceremony. It occurs each different day (odd-numbered days in odd-numbered months, even in even) at 10AM or 11AM on Saturdays.
15. Get Out within the Mountains
Santiago is surrounded by the Andes Mountains, so why not plan for a day journey on the market when you’re on the town? Within the hotter months, you’ll be able to head out to the mountains to go get pleasure from a pleasant day of mountain climbing, biking, and even horseback using.
Among the hottest spots close to Santiago for mountain climbing embody Provincia, Manquehue, and Pochoco. If you wish to do some little bit of mountain climbing, with a aspect of scorching springs, take a look at this superior tour of the Maipo Canyon and Volcano. For a shocking 8 kilometer hike within the canyon, click on right here. It may be tough attempting to get your self to trailheads on public transportation, so for those who don’t plan on renting a automobile you’re higher off simply signing up for a tour.
As soon as winter rolls round, the snow-capped Andes are the place to be for those who get pleasure from snowboarding. There are a number of ski resorts inside a 60-90 minute drive. Lots of the resorts run shuttles that depart between 8-9AM and return between 4-5PM. Take a look at El Colorado, La Parva, Valle Nevado or Portillo.
For those who made all of it the best way to Chile, likelihood is you’re planning on heading to Patagonia. Make sure to learn this enormous information to trekking and tenting on the well-known “O” circuit in Torres del Paine. For those who’re undecided what to pack, we’ve obtained you coated with that as nicely!
16. Ice Cream at Emporio La Rosa
I’m actually not an enormous fan of sweets, so you already know a spot has obtained to be good if I’m recommending ice cream as one of many prime issues to do in Santiago! Emporio La Rosa is a neighborhood favorite, which you’ll discover instantly from the lengthy queue out the door. Don’t fear, it strikes quick and is nicely definitely worth the brief wait.
My amiga from the town took us to this place after we first obtained to city, and we favored it a lot we got here again for my spouse’s birthday a couple of weeks later. They’ve a bunch of various ice cream flavours in addition to a number of completely different desserts and varied sweets. I additionally tried their empanadas they usually had been unbelievable!
There’s an outside seating space and there are sometimes wandering musicians who cease to serenade the group. It’s a pleasant place to go for a snack, a espresso, and a few folks watching. Yow will discover them on the map right here.
17. Tour a Winery
Chile is understood for making wonderful wine, because the local weather right here is ideal for harvesting grapes. Visiting a winery simply makes the reduce on this record of the perfect issues to do in Santiago.
The nice information is you don’t even need to journey very far out of the town centre to go to a winery. Cousiño Macul is positioned about 15km from the central a part of Santiago and may be simply reached by cab or perhaps a native bus.
This winery has been working since approach again in 1856. It’s nonetheless run by the Cousiño household and is at present run by the sixth era. They positively know what they’re doing with regards to making wine right here!
They’ve a couple of choices for excursions on the winery, with the common tour costing about $22 and the premium model going for $38. This will get you the tour, a tasting of six wines, a memento glass and corkscrew, and even a cheese & fruit plate. They’ve 4 excursions a day through the week, two on Saturday, and are closed on Sunday. Yow will discover them on the map right here.
For these of you who wish to be taught extra in regards to the widespread Concha y Toro (the primary exporter of wines from South America) and Unduragga manufacturers of wine, don’t miss a go to to their vineyards. From $22 for a go to with tastings.
18. Expertise a Native Competition
There are all kinds of festivals occurring in Santiago all year long. The Chilean capital has festivals for literature, movie, music, dance, meals, and extra. Right here’s only a style of what’s on faucet for festivals in Santiago.
In January, Santiago a Mil is a performing-arts competition the place over 1,000 exhibits happen throughout the town. Better of all, a lot of them are in parks and plazas and completely free to attend!
One other nice selection is the Providencia Jazz Competition. It takes place over a weekend in January within the Parque de las Esculturas and is free, however you’ll need to seize tickets upfront because it’s very talked-about.
Film lovers could wish to come to Santiago in August for the Worldwide Movie Competition. A number of completely different cinemas throughout the town present unbiased movies from Chile and past and has grown into one of the vital prestigious movie festivals within the area.
19. Day Journey to Cajon del Maipo
Whereas there are many wonderful issues to do in Santiago, you positively have to carve out a while for day journeys out to the pure wonders that encompass the town. A visit to Cajon del Maipo is a good selection for spending a time out in nature.
This canyon within the Andes is a phenomenal place to go to with charming surroundings throughout. There are some nice trekking alternatives right here of various problem, together with one which brings you to a high-altitude reservoir 2,500 meters above sea degree.
After a tricky hike, there’s nothing higher than soaking in some pure scorching springs, and that’s precisely what you are able to do out right here! Different actions out there embody horseback using, ziplining, and whitewater rafting.
Your finest guess for exploring all that Cajon del Maipo has to supply is hopping on a tour out of Santiago. There are many choices, together with a tour that features a little bit of trekking and a go to to the recent springs from round $55 per individual.
20. Take a Cooking Class
Because you’re going to eat loads of scrumptious Chilean meals in Santiago, why not discover ways to prepare dinner a few of it your self? There are many cooking lessons out there in Santiago, so get within the kitchen and get cooking!
Uncorked is a well-liked selection for a cooking class in Santiago. It begins with visits to a number of the metropolis’s markets to choose up some recent elements, and also you’ll then head into the kitchen to whip up some Chilean classics. Lessons price $95 per individual and embody some Chilean wines.
Another choice is Chile Cooks, which runs excursions day-after-day at 10AM. You’ll prepare dinner dishes reminiscent of pastel de choclo, empanadas, or cazuela whereas having fun with a Pisco Bitter and a few Chilean wines. Their lessons are a bit cheaper as nicely, at $80 per individual.
21. Hold Out in Bellavista
Situated between the Mapocho River and San Cristobal Hill, Bellavista is Santiago’s bohemian quarter and a enjoyable place to hang around day or night time. You possibly can mix a go to right here with a visit to the hill and Neruda’s home to make for one thrilling day within the capital.
In the course of the day, you’ll be able to get pleasure from a stroll across the space taking on the street artwork, perusing the markets, and stopping to calm down in one of many many cafes. As soon as night time falls, Bellavista actually involves life as locals and vacationers flock to the numerous eating places, bars, and golf equipment.
FAQs About Santiago
Completely Santiago is value a go to! Town is vibrant and thrilling, there are numerous issues to see and do and it’s the proper leaping off level to the remainder of Chile.
Santiago is finest recognized for its road dancing, nightlife, and wonderful vacationer points of interest just like the Central Market, Plaza de Armas, Cerro Santa Lucia, La Moneda Palace, La Chascona, San Cristobal Hill, and Museo de la Memoria Chilena.
With 48 hours in Santiago, you must begin with a free strolling tour to get the lay of the town and be taught in regards to the historical past and tradition whereas seeing the primary sights. Then have lunch at Mercado Central, discover the artwork district, and attempt to catch a road efficiency earlier than having dinner with a view at Sky Sommolier. On day 2, go museum hopping, take a motorcycle tour, after which end the day with sundowner cocktails at Terraza Ok.
The size of your keep in Santiago will depend on how a lot time it’s important to go to Chile. For those who solely have per week in Chile, I’d give Santiago simply 2 days as a way to discover the character of Patagonia and funky cities like Valparaiso. When you have 2 or extra weeks in Chile, then you possibly can positively go to Santiago for 3-5 days.
Now You Know What To Do in Santiago, Chile!
That’s a wrap for this record of the highest issues to do in Santiago Chile. As you’ll be able to see, the Chilean capital actually packs a punch with regards to actions on provide. Right here you’ll be able to hike within the Andes sooner or later and cycle by a historic winery the following. How cool is that?!
Santiago is certainly among the best cities to go to in South America, and it’s the proper jumping-off level for adventures to locations like Patagonia and the Atacama Desert. With its wealth of actions and big-city facilities, Santiago is a stable selection for a house base whereas exploring the area.
Be aware: Photographs within the publish are courtesy of Shutterstock