Written by David Garcia, Keith Roberts, Maria Gaulto
05/08/2025
Willian Justen de Vasconcellos, Pexels
Santiago, the capital of Chile, presents a dynamic urban experience blended with its rich history and distinctive Chilean culture. This vibrant city serves as a convenient gateway for visitors to explore the country's diverse landscapes, offering easy access to the towering Andes mountains, renowned vineyards, and the Pacific coast for various outdoor pursuits. Within the city, travelers can immerse themselves in a lively atmosphere featuring diverse dining, cultural museums, expansive parks, and a notable street art scene.
For those seeking social interaction, Bellavista stands out as a lively, bohemian district with abundant street art, music, and a thriving nightlife, where numerous bars and restaurants foster social gatherings. Barrio Lastarria offers another inviting area, combining cultural and historical attractions with a selection of restaurants and cafes, making it a pleasant spot for meeting others. Providencia also provides options for dining and drinks in a somewhat more relaxed setting.
Top 7 Things to do in Santiago
Activities in Santiago range from exploring historical neighborhoods and enjoying panoramic city views to immersing oneself in vibrant markets and tasting local wines.
1. Cerro San Cristóbal / Metropolitan Park
Ascend Cerro San Cristóbal for breathtaking panoramic views of Santiago and the majestic Andes mountains. This expansive urban park, larger than New York's Central Park, offers diverse attractions including a zoo, botanical gardens, and walking or cycling trails. You can explore the various areas and enjoy the green spaces, making it a perfect spot for both active visitors and those seeking relaxation. Consider visiting on a clear day for the best views.
Cost: Access to the park is free. The Funicular or Cable Car to the summit has a separate cost, generally a few thousand CLP, which varies by time of day and season. For example, a round trip on the cable car can be around CLP 3,000 - 5,000 (prices vary).
Transport: Located in the Bellavista neighborhood. Accessible by public transport, including metro (Baquedano station) and public buses. The Funicular to the top starts from Bellavista. The Teleférico (cable car) also connects to the park from other points like Pedro de Valdivia.
2. Explore Barrio Lastarria
Wander through the charming cobblestone streets of Barrio Lastarria, a historic district brimming with a bohemian and artistic atmosphere. Discover independent boutiques, antique shops, and old book vendors. The area is home to cultural centers, museums, theaters, and a variety of inviting restaurants and cafes, making it ideal for people-watching and soaking in Santiago's vibrant cultural scene. The pedestrian promenade features local fairs and historical buildings like the La Veracruz parish.
Cost: Free to explore. Specific museum or theater admissions apply (e.g., Gabriela Mistral Cultural Center or Museum of Visual Arts, costs vary).
Transport: Centrally located and easily walkable from downtown Santiago. The nearest metro station is Universidad Católica (Line 1).
3. Experience Bellavista Neighborhood
Immerse yourself in Bellavista, a lively and bohemian district known for its colorful houses, vibrant street art, and thriving nightlife. Explore its numerous art galleries, craft shops, and jewelry stores, especially those working with lapis lazuli, a unique Chilean stone. The Patio Bellavista complex offers a central hub of restaurants, bars, and souvenir shops. A visit to La Chascona, one of the former homes of Nobel laureate poet Pablo Neruda, provides insight into his life and passions. In the evenings, Calle Pío Nono comes alive with music and dining.
Cost: Free to explore the neighborhood. Admission to La Chascona is approximately CLP 10,000.
Transport: Accessible by public buses and the metro (Baquedano station). It is located at the foot of Cerro San Cristóbal.
4. Visit Sky Costanera
Ascend to the Sky Costanera, located in the Costanera Center, South America's tallest building. From the 61st and 62nd floors, experience a breathtaking 360-degree panoramic view of Santiago and the surrounding Andes mountain range. It offers a unique perspective of the city's expansive layout and provides excellent photo opportunities, especially during sunset.
Cost: Admission for adults is approximately CLP 20,000.
Transport: Located in the Providencia district. Easily accessible by metro (Tobalaba station) and public transportation.
5. Explore Local Markets (Mercado Central & La Vega Central)
Delve into the bustling atmosphere of Santiago's central markets. Mercado Central is renowned for its seafood, offering a vibrant display of fresh catches and a chance to dine on local specialties. Just across the Mapocho River, La Vega Central provides a more authentic local experience with its vast array of fresh fruits, vegetables, and other produce. These markets offer a sensory overload of sights, sounds, and smells, providing a true glimpse into daily Chilean life and culinary traditions.
Cost: Free to enter and explore. Cost for food items or meals purchased.
Transport: Both markets are in the city center, north of Plaza de Armas, and are walkable from the historical core. Accessible via metro (Cal y Canto station for Mercado Central).
6. Discover Santiago's Museums
Engage with Chile's rich heritage by visiting its world-class museums. The Chilean Museum of Pre-Columbian Art (Museo Chileno de Arte Precolombino) showcases an impressive collection of artifacts from ancient Central and South American civilizations, offering deep insights into indigenous cultures. The Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes (National Museum of Fine Arts), housed in a beautiful Beaux-Arts building, features a wide array of Chilean and international art from various periods.
Cost: Chilean Museum of Pre-Columbian Art: Foreign tourists approximately CLP 12,000. Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes: Free admission.
Transport: The Chilean Museum of Pre-Columbian Art is located at Bandera 361, accessible by metro (Plaza de Armas or Santa Ana). The Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes is located alongside Parque Forestal, near the Bellas Artes metro station.
7. Take a Wine Tour to Maipo or Casablanca Valley
Embark on a day trip to one of Chile's esteemed wine regions, such as Maipo Valley or Casablanca Valley, located just outside Santiago. These tours provide an opportunity to learn about Chile's rich winemaking traditions, explore picturesque vineyards, and enjoy guided tastings of local varietals. Many tours include visits to historic wineries like Concha y Toro, Cousiño Macul, or Undurraga, some offering additional experiences like lunch or scenic views.
Cost: Tour prices vary widely, starting from approximately $18 USD for a basic half-day tasting tour and ranging up to $100-$300+ USD for full-day tours that include transport, multiple wineries, meals, or combined experiences with mountain views or coastal cities.
Transport: Vineyards are outside Santiago. Tours typically include round-trip transport with hotel pick-up and drop-off from central Santiago.
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Our typical audience are those that want to see something new and get involved with authentic experiences of a country. Whether you are a backpacker, solo traveller, solo female traveller, straight or LGBTQ+ couple, family, you will find local and authentic experiences here.
