Santiago is a vibrant, sprawling metropolis nestled at the foot of the dramatic Andes Mountains, offering a unique blend of colonial history, modern skyscrapers, and a world-class wine culture. It is best visited between September and November for mild temperatures and clear mountain views, making it an ideal gateway for exploring central Chile.
Top Things to Do in Santiago
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Getting Around Santiago
From the Airport
Bus. Turbus and Centropuerto offer frequent shuttle services from the airport to the Los Héroes Metro station for a very affordable price. Rideshare. Uber and Cabify are widely used and reliable for travel from the airport to the city center, typically taking 30-45 minutes depending on traffic. Official Taxi. Transvip and official airport taxi counters inside the terminal provide safe, fixed-rate transportation to any hotel in the city.
Once You're There
Metro. The Santiago Metro is clean, efficient, and covers most major tourist destinations; you must purchase a 'Bip!' card to use it. Rideshare. Uber and Cabify are the standard for getting around when you don't want to take the Metro, especially late at night. Walking. The central districts like Lastarria and Bellavista are very walkable, though you will need the Metro to jump between the further-flung neighborhoods.
Where to Stay in Santiago
Hotel picks for Santiago are coming soon. In the meantime, search directly:
Where to Eat in Santiago
El Hoyo★ 4.7 (13,756)Condell 818, 7501186 Providencia, Región Metropolitana, ChileA legendary, traditional picantería famous for its authentic Chilean comfort food like lengua (tongue) and pernil (pork knuckle).
Bocanáriz★ 4.6 (5,581)José Victorino Lastarria 276, 8320126 Santiago, Región Metropolitana, ChileA sophisticated wine bar in Lastarria where you can explore the breadth of Chile's diverse wine regions through expertly curated flights.
Fuente Alemana★ 4.5 (7,836)Av. Pedro de Valdivia 210, 7510248 Providencia, Región Metropolitana, ChileFamous for its massive, messy, and delicious lomito sandwiches, which are a quintessential rite of passage for any visitor.
Casa Luz★ 4.5 (2,792)Av. Italia 805, 7501184 Providencia, Región Metropolitana, ChileSet in a beautiful historic house in Barrio Italia, this spot offers a refined Mediterranean-inspired menu in a lush courtyard.
Peumayén Ancestral Food★ 4.5 (1,918)Constitución 136, 7520367 Providencia, Región Metropolitana, ChileThis restaurant specializes in the culinary traditions of Chile's indigenous peoples, offering a unique tasting menu of pre-Hispanic flavors.
Boragó★ 4.4 (1,850)Costanera Sur S.J.E. de Balaguer 5970, 7640804 Vitacura, Región Metropolitana, ChileRenowned for its avant-garde approach to endemic Chilean ingredients, this is consistently ranked among the best restaurants in the world.
Ambrosía★ 4.4 (1,275)Pamplona 78, 7650750 Vitacura, Región Metropolitana, ChileChef Carolina Bazán's flagship restaurant delivers market-fresh, seasonal cooking that perfectly captures the modern Chilean palate.
Galindo★ 4.3 (7,926)Dardignac 098, 8420434 Providencia, Región Metropolitana, ChileThe go-to spot in Bellavista for a hearty bowl of cazuela or a classic pastel de choclo in a lively, unpretentious setting.
Liguria★ 4.3 (5,272)Av. Providencia 1353, 7500575 Santiago, Providencia, Región Metropolitana, ChileA beloved Santiago institution known for its classic Chilean dishes, extensive wine list, and walls covered in eclectic local art.
Tours & Activities
Bookable through Viator.
3 Days in Santiago
Historic Heart & Colonial Charm
Morning. Start your Santiago adventure at the historic Plaza de Armas, the city's main square, where you can admire the neoclassical Catedral Metropolitana. Spend time walking through the nearby Museo Chileno de Arte Precolombino to view an incredible collection of ancient artifacts from across the Americas. Afterward, stroll a few blocks to the Palacio de La Moneda, the seat of the Chilean government, to admire its austere colonial architecture. It is best to arrive early to avoid the midday sun and the heavy tourist crowds that gather by noon. Make sure to bring your passport if you want to request a tour of the interior, as security is strict.
Afternoon. Head toward the base of Cerro Santa Lucía, a beautifully landscaped hill that offers a peaceful escape from the bustling city center. Wander through its winding stone paths, ornate fountains, and hidden terraces until you reach the summit for a panoramic view of the downtown skyline. Once you descend, walk toward the nearby Barrio Lastarria, a trendy neighborhood filled with bohemian boutiques and street performers. Stop for a coffee at a sidewalk cafe to soak in the artistic atmosphere of this historic quarter. It is a highly walkable area, so wear comfortable shoes to navigate the cobblestone streets with ease.
Evening. Conclude your first day by diving into the local culinary scene in the Lastarria area, which is famous for its lively evening ambiance. Visit a local wine bar to sample a glass of Carménère, the grape that Chile famously rediscovered, paired with a selection of local cheeses. The streets here come alive at night with live music and the chatter of locals enjoying late dinners. If you have the energy, take a short taxi ride to the top of the nearby hills to see the city lights glittering against the Andes. It is the perfect way to appreciate the sheer scale of the valley before heading to bed.
Bohemian Heights & Cultural Icons
Morning. Begin your second day by heading to the vibrant Barrio Bellavista, known for its colorful street art and eclectic architecture. Make your first stop La Chascona, the former home of the legendary poet Pablo Neruda, which is now a fascinating museum filled with his personal treasures. After exploring the quirky rooms and the lush garden, walk toward the entrance of Cerro San Cristóbal. Take the historic funicular up the hill for an iconic view of the city, and don't miss the statue of the Virgin Mary at the summit. Arriving before 10:00 AM is essential to beat the long lines for the funicular on a clear day.
Afternoon. After descending from the hill, explore the bustling stalls of the Mercado Central to see the impressive variety of Chilean seafood on display. Even if you don't eat here, the architecture of the iron-wrought roof is a sight to behold and offers a great glimpse into local daily commerce. From there, take a short ride to the upscale neighborhood of Providencia for a more modern shopping experience. Walk through the leafy streets and find a spot to enjoy a long, lazy lunch in one of the many courtyard restaurants. This area feels much more residential and provides a nice contrast to the intensity of the downtown district.
Evening. As the sun sets, head toward the Gran Torre Santiago, the tallest building in South America, located in the Costanera Center complex. Take the high-speed elevator to the Sky Costanera observation deck for an unparalleled 360-degree view of the city as the lights begin to twinkle. Afterward, enjoy a high-end dinner nearby to experience the modern side of Chilean gastronomy. The contrast between the historic morning in Bellavista and the futuristic evening in the financial district perfectly highlights the duality of Santiago. Be sure to check the weather forecast, as a clear evening offers the most spectacular visibility of the Andes.
Modern Parks & Artisan Markets
Morning. Spend your final morning in the lush, expansive Parque Bicentenario, located in the Vitacura district. This beautifully manicured park features tranquil lagoons, black-necked swans, and wide-open spaces that are perfect for a morning stroll or a light jog. After enjoying the greenery, head over to the nearby Barrio Italia, an area renowned for its hidden courtyards and independent design shops. You can spend hours browsing through antique stores, artisan workshops, and small galleries that showcase the best of contemporary Chilean craft. It is a much more relaxed pace than the city center, allowing for a more intimate look at local life.
Afternoon. Continue your exploration of the design-forward Barrio Italia by stopping for an artisanal ice cream or a locally roasted coffee in one of the many converted historic houses. This neighborhood is famous for its 'galerías'—hidden alleys where small businesses operate out of renovated colonial homes. Take your time to chat with the shop owners and discover unique souvenirs like copper jewelry or handmade leather goods. It is the perfect place to pick up gifts before your flight home. If you are feeling hungry, the area is packed with small, high-quality bistros that offer a more intimate dining experience than the larger tourist spots.
Evening. For your final evening, treat yourself to a sophisticated meal at a restaurant that focuses on ancestral Chilean ingredients to reflect on your trip. Choose a location with an outdoor terrace to enjoy the pleasant evening air and the vibrant energy of the city's nightlife. Consider visiting a local bar that specializes in Pisco Sours to toast to your successful journey. As you reflect on the past three days, you will appreciate how Santiago balances its deep-rooted traditions with a forward-looking, modern energy. It is a city that rewards those who take the time to explore its diverse and distinct neighborhoods.
