Best Things to Do in Santiago Chile

Sitting at an altitude of 1,870m, you might think that there are not many things to do in Santiago, Chile. The country is famous for Patagonia, the Atacama dessert and its lush nature, not for its vibrant cities after all. And yet, you would be surprised to find out that Santiago offers history, culture, entertainment, interesting architecture and amazing views, all in one city!

This guide will go into more detail regarding what are the top things to do in Santiago. The most unique, the best for families, the main viewpoints and even day trips you can plan from there. We will also talk about food, best time to visit (spoiler, it's November) and how many days you need to fully discover Santiago.

Definitely! Santiago is not only a great base to explore the rest of central Chile. From here, you can also plan a tailor-made trip across Chile based on the regions and experiences that interest you most.. It is also a major city that offers inspiring views of the Andes, amazing food, a cosmopolitan vibe and access to nearby vineyards for the wine lovers. Santiago hosts the tallest building in South America (Costanera Center), is safe and clean and boasts of lively neighborhoods like Lastarria and Bellavista. It’s a city you shouldn't miss if you visit Chile, especially if you're wondering whether Santiago is safe to visit.

Santiago centralizes its main attractions in a small, metro-accessible area, so you can integrate great viewpoints, colonial buildings, and top-notch museums on a single day. Here are the best things to do in Santiago, roughly starting with the most beautiful vistas and then the great cultural venues. Start with the views, and later, explore the old town. You can also discover Santiago with a local itinerary that combines its landmarks, neighborhoods and hidden gems.

Cerro San Cristóbal is the main viewpoint of Santiago, overlooking the Bellavista neighborhood. It is located in the Parque Metropolitano, one of the world's largest urban parks and a great place to enjoy nature and wildlife experiences in Chile. You can reach the top with a funicular or a cable car. From up there you can see the huge statue of the Virgin Mary and enjoy 360º views of the city and the snow-covered Andes. When the weather is clear, this is the best scene of the capital, nestled as it is in the valley, although Chile's weather varies dramatically between regions and seasons.

Tip: try to go up in the morning when the haze is least and the mountains clear.

If you want to get the highest view of the city, go to the Sky Costanera, the tallest building in South America. The viewing deck on floors 61 and 62 at 300 meters offers amazing views. A lift takes you there in just two minutes. An open-air terrace will provide you with 360º panoramas of the skyline, Mapocho River, and the Andes mountains. It is the clean, indoor-outdoor counterbalance to San Cristóbal's natural setting in the park.

Tip: schedule a clear late-afternoon ticket so you see the city during daylight and also have time for the sunset.

Since Pedro de Valdivia designed the city, Plaza de Armas has been its core. Nowadays, the green space of the plaza is full of chess players, buskers, and street artists. The plaza is surrounded by the most beautiful architecture of Santiago: the Metropolitan Cathedral, the Central Post Office, and the National History Museum. It is also the most logical point to start discovering the old part of the city.

Plan ahead: since it is a busy place, it is also a target for pickpockets, so make sure to keep your bags zipped and your phones out of the way.

La Chascona, in the bohemian Bellavista district, was the residence of Pablo Neruda. If you don't know him, he is Chile's most famous poet and a Nobel Prize holder in 1971. He designed this house for his wife, Matilde Urrutia, and called it after her wild, untamed hair. La Chascona reflects Neruda's personality. Rooms in the shape of ships. Secret passages and marine-themed quirks. And of course, breathtaking views of San Cristobal.

An audioguide leads you through his career, romantic relationships, and political beliefs. Take your time: it naturally goes together with a walk around Bellavista's murals and cafes, so allow yourself half a day for the neighborhood.

The Museum of Memory and Human Rights stands out as the most deeply-moving museum in Santiago and is an essential stop for cultural and historical travel in Chile. It unveils the dark years of military dictatorship from 1973 till 1990, under Augusto Pinochet. Many were killed, tortured, or went missing under his brutal regime. The memory of the victims is kept alive through multiple floors featuring photos, recordings, and objects. A sombre but necessary instrument for understanding modern Chile. 

Entrance is free, but the audio guide has a small fee. But it is worth it, as most of the signs are in Spanish only. Quinta Normal park is just across the street in case you want a breath of fresh air afterwards. 

Cerro Santa Luca is the smaller, easier viewpoint right in the middle of the city and it's free of charge. This is the very hill where Valdivia declared the founding of Santiago in 1541. Today is a romantic maze of stone staircases, fountains, terraces, and a brightly coloured chapel. The walk up is not long, and the Terraza Neptuno gives you a lovely view over the city rooftops to the Andes. It is a simple addition to your downtown walking route.

Plan ahead: you should go on a weekend morning when the traffic is lighter and your chances of mountain views without clouds are highest.

For a lunch full of local flavour, combine two markets. Mercado Central is Santiago's main fish market, located under a beautifully decorated cast-iron roof, made in Glasgow and assembled in 1872. It was even considered one of the best markets worldwide by National Geographic. It can get crowded with tourists but it's a really nice experience to enjoy a plate of freshly caught fish or a typical empanada.

Then, across the river, you will get to La Vega Central. A more raw and definitely local market where Santiaguinos do their shopping. If you are planning to eat at Mercado Central, choose small food stalls at the market's edges rather than the more expensive restaurants in the middle. After that, spend some time eating various dishes in La Vega.

Originally a colonial mint, Palacio de La Moneda currently acts as a residence for Chile's president. It also houses important ministries. It was bombed during the 1973 coup, and the atmosphere of the surrounding plazas still reflect this grim moment. The official offices are not open to visitors, but the changing of the guard is a free performance you can enjoy. Under the palace, the Centro Cultural La Moneda regularly hosts fascinating art and design exhibitions. 

Plan ahead: look into the guard-change schedule and pair it with a visit to the nearby Plaza de la Constitución.

Barrio Lastarria is Santiago's most charming corner. Cobblestone paths, coffee shops, wine bars, independent movie theatres, bookstores, and antique markets on weekends, all within walking distance from the downtown area. On its boundary is the GAM (Centro Cultural Gabriela Mistral), the striking cultural center named after Chile's other Nobel laureate poet. It offers free exhibitions, shows, and a very lively public square. These two venues represent the easiest way to experience the city's artistic and contemporary side.

Plan ahead: arrive sometime in the late afternoon or evening when the cafés are crowded and the neighborhood is at its peak of excitement, then move on to have dinner.

Here's how the city's main viewpoints compare, so you can pick the one that fits your time, budget, and the weather.

Short on time? Sky Costanera gives the most dramatic single shot, San Cristóbal the best all-round panorama, and Santa Lucía a free, five-minute reward in the heart of downtown.

Apart from the postcard-perfect attractions, Santiago has a secret local and quirky side that most guides don't mention. These are the unique, cool, and really fun activities that you can do in Santiago. Things like riding the metro for underground art to weekend flea markets. Choose a couple to complement your major sightseeing activities. 

Santiago's metro system acts as a free underground gallery. Universidad de Chile station is the most impressive, with a huge mural depicting the country's history on both sides of the platform. There are also a lot of different pieces of art available for viewing at other stations like Bellas Artes and Baquedano. It's better to plan ahead as you need a Bip! card to get around anyway, so make a short art-hopping ride a part of the trip that you are already making for some other reason. To take the best photos, try to go between rush hours.

Chile is famous for its exceptional mural art, and exploring it on foot is definitely one of the most fun things to do in Santiago. Bellavista and Barrio Brasil are some of the most impressive places to find these murals. Almost every wall is decorated with the artworks of both local and foreign artists.

Keep an eye for the works of INTI, the Chilean mural artist well-known for his vibrant, symbol-laden characters that one can find all over the world. A self-guided tour can easily transform a usual walk into a delightful open-air art gallery experience. Still, it is a good idea to go during the day for the best lighting and pictures and if you want sounds behind the murals, you can always do a walking tour with a guide. 

If you are looking for cool things to do in Santiago, here is your answer. In La Piojera, a bar deep in the downtown area, rowdy and with a history of one hundred years, you can buy a terremoto, "earthquake", a drink directly connected to this place. A strong cocktail that consists of a low cost pipeo wine topped with pineapple ice cream and a dash of grenadine. It really can make your legs wobble, hence the name.

It is chaotic, low-cost, utterly without pretension. An enjoyable glimpse of the working-class Santiago. Go there early in the afternoon when it is at its peak of activity and liveliness. Bring only cash, and be aware of your possessions in a crowd. A single terremoto is sufficient.

Just south of the downtown, Barrio Franklin is changing into a huge weekend bazaar centered around the large Persa Biobo flea market. It is a labyrinth of collectibles, vintage records, home furnishings, secondhand clothes, tools, curiosities, and great street food. The highest activity is on Saturdays and Sundays. Winding your way around and bartering is an authentic local, off-the-tourist-path thing to do in Santiago.

Remember: visit in the morning before it gets very crowded, take the metro to Franklin or Bío Bío, have small cash for bargaining, and keep your valuables zipped while in the crowded lanes.

Though it may sound strange, Cementerio General in Santiago turns out to be one of the most educational history experiences in the city. Dating back to 1821, this is where many famous Chileans are buried. From presidents to poets, with Salvador Allende among them. The magnificent mausoleums crafted in all sorts of architectural styles face the tree-lined pathways, and a tribute to the victims of the dictatorship is also present.

To stroll around in it is to feel peaceful. Use the metro to go to Cementerios station, set aside a couple of hours, and you may want to join a guided historical tour that will show you the most important graves.

A trip through downtown Santiago is like a treasure hunt for those willing to step through a grand doorway. The Estación Mapocho, an old railway station with a Beaux-Arts style in the city, now works as a magnificent multi-purpose cultural venue. People can enjoy concerts, fairs, and exhibitions taking place underneath its grand arched roof.

Take a short break to appreciate the beautiful designs of the National Library and the Central Post Office as well as the old bank buildings in the vicinity. Getting a quick glimpse of the interior is among the more unusual, completely free activities in Santiago. It is highly advisable to consult Estación Mapocho's activities schedule.

Eating your way through Santiago is one of the biggest pleasures. Go with the classics first. The completo, a stuffed hot dog topped with mashed avocado, tomato, and mayo. Empanadas de pino, little pies filled with a mixture of beef, onion, egg and olive. When the heat is on, locals refresh themselves with mote con huesillo, a sweet street drink made with dried peach and husked wheat.

Santiago is a serious food city. Besides having some of the best Japanese and fusion restaurants in South America, it has very creative modern-Chilean kitchens in Lastarria and Barrio Italia. At night, Bellavista becomes the most exciting nightlife area of the city with plenty of bars, picadas, and places for late-night dancing.

Santiago serves perfectly as a base for short day-trips. A tailor-made Santiago itinerary makes it easy to combine the city with nearby vineyards, the Andes and the Pacific coast. Within a couple of hours you can reach the Pacific coast, a turquoise Andean reservoir, world-famous vineyards, or a ski resort, giving you plenty of things to do in Chile even on a short trip.

Santiago is quite a straightforward city to get around with children, making it an excellent destination for family travel in Chile. Here are the top things to do in Santiago with kids:

Cerro San Cristóbal: ride the funicular up, then visit the National Zoo on the slopes, with plenty of open space to run.

MIM (Museo Interactivo Mirador): a brilliant hands-on science museum built for curious kids, with dozens of interactive exhibits.

Parque Bicentenario: a relaxed Vitacura park with ponds, flamingos, playgrounds, and lawns for a picnic.

Sky Costanera: the two-minute lift wows most kids, with 360° views from South America's tallest tower.

Buin Zoo or a gentle Cajón del Maipo stop: a larger zoo south of the city, or an easy riverside canyon outing.

Santiago shines in the spring, and November is the best time to visit, while those visiting a month later can experience Christmas in Chile with its festive summer atmosphere. The days are warm and dry with the temperature reaching 23ºC (73ºF). There is about 9.5 hours of sunshine during the day. Jacarandas mark the city with their purple flowers and the snow-capped Andes serve as a beautifully contrasting backdrop. The crowds will be lighter compared to the December - February peak.

For skiing in the Andes, you should go from June to August, while the best time to visit Chile depends on the regions and experiences you want to include in your trip.

Two to three days are sufficient to explore Santiago at a good pace. A fourth day is just for taking an excursion. An easy breakdown would be:

Here are some tips to help you prepare and enjoy your trip to Santiago.

Getting around: Buy a rechargeable Bip! card and ride the metro. Seven lines and over 140 stations reach most sights cheaply and quickly.

Stay alert: Pickpocketing is the main risk. Keep phones and bags secure around Plaza de Armas, the markets, and on crowded metro cars, but overall Chile is considered one of the safest countries to visit in South America.

Money: The currency is the Chilean peso (CLP). Cards are widely accepted, but carry cash for markets, street food, and the flea stalls.

Where to stay: Lastarria for charm and walkability, Providencia for safe and central convenience, Bellavista for nightlife and bohemian buzz.

The best things to do in Santiago aren't limited to just a short visit. Within a few days, you can take a cable car ride to the viewpoints surrounded by the Andes. It is especially rewarding when Santiago enjoys clear weather and mountain views stretch across the city. or stroll around the old Plaza de Armas. You can learn the country's history, enjoy local food at markets and artistic neighborhoods, and take day trips. If you plan your trip in November you will see the city in full bloom, bathed in sunlight, and at its finest.

So, are you ready for your trip to Santiago? Share your wishes, interests, and your image of a perfect Chilean getaway, and a local expert will design an itinerary that brings this vision to life!