If you’re in search of the very best issues to do in Santiago, you’ve come to the fitting place. We spent 5 days seeing all the highest sights in Santiago earlier than and after our Exodus Travels tour of Chile. Regardless that we visited the Atacama Desert, Patagonia, and extra, we fell in love with Santiago essentially the most. It’s such a enjoyable metropolis stuffed with vitality and pleasure.
Santiago, Chile is a big metropolis in South America with loads of issues to do. Whether or not you’re in search of tradition or nice meals, there’s one thing for everybody. We fell in love with the capital metropolis of Chile and even managed to satisfy President Gabriel Boric throughout our keep. Learn on to see how that occurred.
High Issues to do in Santiago
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Okay, now it’s time to discover Santiago with us. Listed below are our high picks for issues to do in Santiago, Chile.
1. Plaza de Armas
If it’s your first time in Santiago, make your approach to the primary assembly place within the metropolis. Plaza de Armas is the primary sq. in Santiago and a preferred place for locals and vacationers to assemble. The plaza is surrounded by essential landmarks, together with the Cathedral, Presidential Palace, Nationwide Museum, and extra.
Plaza de Armas is the proper place to begin your Santiago tour. It’s the place all of the buses come into city so if you’re on an overland journey in Chile, you’ll most likely find yourself right here first.
The sq. itself is gorgeous, with fountains, palm timber and inexperienced area, out of doors terraces, and avenue performers. There are additionally a number of outlets and eating places if you wish to seize some meals or souvenirs earlier than heading out in your journey!
2. Santiago Metropolitan Cathedral
One among these landmarks that you must positively go to whenever you go to Plaza de Armas is the Santiago Metropolitan Cathedral. The cathedral was constructed between 1872-1904 based mostly on designs drawn up by French architect Paul Chenavard (who additionally designed Notre Dame Basilica in Montreal – A bit of Canadian connection there). Not solely does this cathedral have stunning structure nevertheless it additionally has wonderful stained glass home windows which depict scenes from Chilean historical past.
It’s a working cathedral so be respectful when getting into, however going inside is a should. It’s additionally a cool respite from the recent Santiago warmth.
3. Cerro Santa Lucia (Santa Lucía Hill)
Cerro Santa Lucia is without doubt one of the hottest locations in Santiago to go for a stroll and benefit from the views. The hill is positioned proper within the heart of town, with museums, outlets, and eating places on its slopes.
It’s greatest to go to at sundown when you’ll be able to see all of Santiago lit up under you in addition to an attractive view of a part of the Andes (and perhaps even some stars!). It’s an excellent place to spend a day taking within the websites. There are outdated forts, a chapel, fountains, and partitions to discover. There are even basalt columns to maintain an eye fixed out for. I used to be stunned to see them main as much as the highest of the hill.
The excessive platform is small and you may be sharing it with a crowd, however it’s positively price visiting for a panoramic view of Santiago. From right here it’s additionally simple to catch buses or taxis again downtown.
This hill presents views of Santiago and past—all with out having to climb too far! It’s much less busy than Plaza de Armas however on the weekends it may be very crowded with locals. Plus there are many timber round so when you ever get drained (or thirsty), simply sit down underneath certainly one of them! Make certain to carry some water with you.
4. San Cristóbal Hill (Cerro San Cristóbal)
San Cristóbal Hill is the second-highest level in Santiago. It’s additionally the positioning of an outdated chapel (La Catedral) and the Virgin Mary. Standing 860 meters excessive, it overlooks town providing 360 diploma views.
The views from up there are a number of the greatest in Santiago, though you will have to work arduous to search out an unobstructed view on the high, there are a lot of viewpoints from midway up. You may see all of Santiago, in addition to some close by hills and mountains.
This can be a standard place for sundown as a result of it’s so stunning overlooking the skyscrapers of the enterprise district. However be warned, when you go up for sundown, you will have to stroll again down. So we propose for first-time guests go earlier. It’s the proper spot for consuming lunch with a view or going out on a picnic.
5. Teleferico or Funicular
There are two methods to get to the highest of San Cristóbal Hill: take the funicular from Barrio Bella Vista or take the teleférico (cable automotive) from Metropolitan Park. We took each and located them every to be definitely worth the go to. They embark from completely different sides of the mountain. The funicular leaves from the Bellavista neighborhood and the Funicular leaves from Metropolitan park within the Providencia space of Santiago
Teleferico
When staying within the monetary district, take the Teleferico to the highest as you’ll solely have to stroll via Metropolitan Park. This can be a pretty neighborhood to stroll via and the park has eating places, shady areas, and fountains.
Funicular
The funicular takes you thru the Bella Vista neighborhood which is a full of life space of Santiago. We walked from town heart via Barrio Bella Vista having fun with a number of the enjoyable eating places and bars on our approach. Once you get to the funicular, it seems to be like a citadel from an amusement park.
There are distributors and the Santiago Zoo. It’s a steep incline railway with a cease on the zoo on the way in which up. Make certain to maintain your tickets for each as you will have them to get again down.
6. Metropolitan Park of Santiago
Metropolitan Park of Santiago is without doubt one of the largest city parks in Latin America with San Cristobal Hill standing at its heart. Apart from San Cristobal Hill there’s the Santiago Zoo (Zoológico de Santiago), Botanical Gardens with a Japanese Backyard, two swimming swimming pools, climbing trails, and a kids’s park. You may even go on a excessive ropes course positioned beside the doorway to the teleferico.
There are a number of parks and greenspaces in Santiago positioned alongside the river. You’ll discover households out for picnics, strolling via the gardens or just stress-free within the solar. We loved merely strolling alongside the river taking within the views.
7. Sky Costanera
Situated within the Costanera Middle a shopping center with a view of town, Sky Costanera is positioned on the 61st flooring of the constructing. This constructing is taken into account to be one of many tallest buildings in South America.
It has panoramic views, eating places, and bars that’s visited by locals and vacationers from throughout Chile and around the globe.
Go up for sundown for unbelievable views of the Andes Mountains and Santiago. There’s a cocktail bar on the high the place you’ll be able to pull up a seat by the window to get pleasure from a romantic toast to town. Make certain to remain till the solar goes down, that’s when the view actually involves life.
8. Costanera Middle
Sky Costanera is positioned in a monetary district however there are a lot of issues that vacationers can do after they go to. The purchasing heart is huge with a number of shops promoting every thing from wonderful Chilean wine to baggage. There are lots of eating places to select from together with native favorites and worldwide delicacies from Japanese meals to American classics just like the Laborious Rock Cafe and Tony Romas.
This six-story shopping center is stuffed with every thing you need for purchasing. There is a superb grocery retailer the place you’ll be able to choose up some wonderful Chilean wine. The wine choice in there’s enormous.
9. Palacio de la Moneda (La Moneda Palace)
La Moneda Palace is the seat of presidency in Chile and has been since 1837. It was in-built 1784, nevertheless it was destroyed in an earthquake. The palace was rebuilt in 1837 and have become a nationwide monument in 1931. It’s now a UNESCO World Heritage Web site!
La Moneda Palace grounds are open to guests from 9 am to five pm on weekdays solely. You may pre-arrange guided excursions to see the Ducal Palace of Modena, the Army Academy, and the rooms of the State condo. The gardens surrounding La Moneda Palace are open from 8 am till 6 pm day by day and provide some good spots for a picnic lunch or simply having fun with some contemporary air when you’re bored with sightseeing indoors!
10. Palacio La Moneda Cultural Middle
After seeing the Presidential Palace, go into the Palacio La Moneda Cultural Middle. This gathering place was constructed underground in order to not intrude with the grounds of the Presidential Palace. The large constructing homes cafes, rotating shows, museums, and boutique outlets.
11. Barrio Bellavista (Bellavista Neighborhood)
For nightlife, Barrio Bellavista is the place to be. This neighborhood is a full of life leisure space stuffed with bars and eating places. Road artwork decorates many partitions round Barrio Bellavista. It’s one of the standard neighborhoods in Santiago amongst vacationers due to its vibrant ambiance and exquisite views of downtown Santiago from above due to its rooftop bars.
Artwork Tour of Barrio Bellavista
Santiago is a metropolis stuffed with avenue artwork, so it’s no shock that the very best place to see it’s in Bellavista. This neighborhood is house to the best focus of murals and graffiti in all of Chile.
If you wish to get an insider’s take a look at these colourful works, there are many excursions accessible. Excursions can final wherever from 2 hours as much as 5 days and sometimes price between $10 USD and $25 USD per particular person. Most excursions will take you thru a number of completely different neighborhoods, however some deal with only one space or particular sort of avenue artwork—like graffiti artists who use stencils fairly than paint or chalk on the sidewalks!
It doesn’t matter what sort of tour you do, they’ll all lead via Bellavista the place most vacationers begin out earlier than branching out into different neighborhoods like Providencia (one other standard vacation spot).
12. Central Market
The Central Market is a good place to eat, purchase souvenirs, and even buy meals. There are a number of kinds of distributors contained in the market that promote every thing from flowers and fruit to meat and fish. This stunning constructing was in-built 1872 and has been restored a number of occasions over time.
13. Emporio La Rosa
Emporio La Rosa is a well-liked ice cream store in Santiago, Chile. It was named one of many high 25 ice lotions on this planet by Time Journal in 2012. There are a number of shops in Santiago. Simply put its identify in Google maps to search out one close to you.
Along with its extra conventional flavors corresponding to chocolate and dulce de leche (which tastes like caramel), in addition they make some distinctive Chilean flavors like murta (Chilean myrtle) and lucuma. You will get a cup or a cone and so they have milkshakes too! They’re open from 10 AM-10 PM each day besides Sundays when it’s closed; I like to recommend getting there early in order for you a cone since most individuals go for cones fairly than cups.
14. La Chascona – Pablo Neruda Museum
Pablo Neruda was a well-known Chilean poet. The Museo de Pablo Neruda is positioned in the home the place he lived and labored, and it’s an excellent place to be taught extra about his life and work. For those who take the funicular as much as Cerro San Cristobal you’ll be able to simply make a detour to see this museum. It’s positioned within the Barrio Bellavista neighborhood as properly.
The museum has lots of his private gadgets on show together with garments, books, work, furnishings and even some meals that was left over from meals at his home. His desk can be there so you’ll be able to see the place he wrote a few of his most well-known poems corresponding to “Ode to My Socks” or “Twenty Love Poems for Dummies” (okay we made that final one up).
15. Museo de Historia Pure (Museum of Pure Historical past)
The Museo de Historia Pure is one other must-see for any customer to Santiago. This museum presents a variety of reveals about Chile’s pure surroundings and the animals that reside there. The museum additionally has a planetarium, the place you’ll be able to be taught extra about astronomy from an professional astronomer. The museum was based in 1883 by Antonio Varas, who was additionally president at the moment, so it is without doubt one of the oldest museums in Chile.
We Met the President of Chile
After visiting the Museum of Pure Historical past we walked throughout the road to eat lunch at a beautiful terrace overlooking the park. Throughout our lunch, the folks began asking a person for pictures who was eating there as properly. We requested the following desk ‘Is that this man well-known?’ and he stated, ‘He’s the president of Chile’. We stated, ‘yeah proper.’ After which the supervisor stated, ‘Sure he’s!
He was leaving concurrently us, so we launched ourselves and stated we had been from Canada and we chatted for a bit and stated in our pleasure, “We’ve by no means even met our Prime Minister earlier than!” He stated “I’ve met Justin (Trudeau)”
He then requested if we had been going to Patagonia as a result of that’s the place he’s from. And we stated, ‘We’ll say hello to your house for you’ His Excellency Gabriel Boric was very gracious, pleasant and welcoming. We’re nonetheless a bit in shock that we really talked to a President of a rustic out in a standard on a regular basis setting. And that occurred on our first day in Santiago. Not a foul first day in Chile!
16. Museo de la Memoria y Los Derechos Humanos (The Museum of Reminiscence and Human Rights)
The Museum of Reminiscence and Human Rights commemorates the atrocities carried out by the dictator Augusto Pinochet between September 11, 1973 and March 10, 1990. Sadly, it was closed once we took the metro out to see it on a Monday, however it’s a place that needs to be visited when in Santiago. Inside there are shows depicting the torture and indignities that happened throughout this brutal reign.
17. Museo Chileno de Arte Precolombino (Museum of Pre-Colombian Artwork)
The Museo Chileno de Arte Precolombino, or the Museum of Pre-Colombian Artwork, is positioned within the Bellavista neighborhood which is a good place to see a few of Santiago’s greatest avenue artwork. This museum has an intensive assortment of pre-Columbian artwork from throughout Latin America in addition to artifacts from Chile and Easter Island.
The museum was based in 1888 and it’s certainly one of Chile’s oldest museums on show! There are over 6,000 items on show right here at this museum so that you’ll positively wish to include a number of visits if you wish to see every thing! The museum itself is open each day from 10 am – 6 pm (besides Mondays).
18. Watch Sundown from the W Lodge
One among our favourite locations to observe the sundown was to go to the highest of the W Hotel. Overlooking the Andes Mountains, town, and Sky Costanera it greeted us with gorgeous views. There’s a bar and rooftop patio full with an infinity pool.
Make certain to e-book reservations because the patio is for company of the resort. We obtained fortunate and so they allow us to up however, you will have to e-book a desk. Be ready to spend some cash. We paid about $15 USD per cocktail. But it surely was price it for the view and ambiance.
19. the Museo Historico Nacional
A go to to the Museo Historico Nacional is an effective way to find out about Chile’s historical past. The museum is positioned proper subsequent door to the Plaza de Armas and is straightforward to search out. As you enter, you’ll be greeted by a powerful assortment of weapons and artifacts from numerous intervals all through Chilean historical past. You’ll additionally see a number of completely different uniforms worn by troopers relationship again centuries in the past, together with these worn by Native Individuals or Spaniards through the colonial interval.
- Tackle: San Francisco 469, Providencia
20. Cementerio Common de Santiago (Common Cemetery)
Cementerio Common de Santiago (Common Cemetery) is a must-see for historical past buffs. You’ll discover the mausoleum of Nobel Prize-winning poet, Pablo Neruda, in addition to a number of different notable figures from Chile’s previous buried there (together with Gabriela Mistral, who gained the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1945). The cemetery was established in 1822 and remains to be an energetic burial floor as we speak.
For those who’re into issues that go bump within the night time, you’ll have enjoyable on a ghost tour of Cementerio Common de Santiago. Excursions final about an hour and a half and embrace stops on the grave of Carlos Gardel (a well-known tango singer) and Pablo Neruda
21. Metro Artwork Santiago – Subway Stops
Getting round Santiago is kind of simple. We took the metro and located it to be essentially the most reasonably priced approach to journey. It’s quick, environment friendly, and reasonably priced. You have to buy a BIP card after which fill it up. Our resort gave us free BIP playing cards, so all we needed to do was load it with sufficient pesos to cowl just a few days of fares. The subways are price visiting simply to see the artwork installations. The fare to trip a method is 750 pesos. (85 cents US).
We put the subway stations in our listing of issues to do in Santiago, as a result of most of the underground stops have stunning artwork shows.
The place to Keep in Santiago
We stayed on the 4 Factors Sheraton positioned within the coronary heart of the enterprise heart of Providencia. We discovered this to be a wonderful location that was inside strolling distance of Sky Costanera and the trendy purchasing facilities of Santiago. It was additionally inside strolling distance to Metropolitan Park and the Teleferico. We had been simply two blocks from the Subway so it was simple to get to the outdated metropolis heart and Plaza de Armas as properly.
E book a room on a better flooring for nice metropolis views. Breakfast right here was wonderful. We beloved the buffet with an array of contemporary fruits, pastrys, meats, and cheeses and an omelet station. See their website for rates and availability.
One other place to remain in Santiago is the W Lodge for a extra upscale expertise within the El Golf neighborhood of Santiago. It’s somewhat farther away from the sights, nevertheless it’s near a metro line so you’ll be able to simply hop on to discover all the metropolis’s high sights. It additionally has top-of-the-line views in all of Santiago for sundown. See evaluations and prices on TripAdvisor
Santiago is a big metropolis with quite a bit to do
There are many issues to do round Santiago on simple day journeys. Listed below are just a few strategies to get you out of town.
21. Day journey to Valparaiso
Valparaiso is a port metropolis in Chile, and you’ll take a ferry from the port of San Antonio to Valparaiso. That is an particularly standard day journey for guests who want to see the colourful homes and hillside views, in addition to the numerous murals and avenue artwork on buildings all through town.
Valparaiso has been nicknamed “La Ciudad de las Artes” (The Metropolis of Arts) due to its many museums, theaters, galleries and music venues. Essentially the most spectacular attraction right here is Cerro Alegre; it’s actually a hill however presents 360-degree views over Valparaiso’s bay space the place you will notice colourful homes constructed into hillsides together with church buildings scattered all through this picturesque townscape.
22. Andes Mountains, Valle Nevado, El Colorado
The Andes Mountains run the size of Chile and Argentina, which suggests they’re usually seen from Santiago. They’re the longest mountain vary on this planet, and so they comprise a number of the most stunning surroundings you will discover wherever on Earth.
The Andes are house to 2 peaks that truly make it into their very own class: Aconcagua (22,841 ft), which can be the tallest peak outdoors Asia; and Ojos del Salado (23,838 ft), a volcano in northern Chile with an energetic crater on high that has been energetic for over 400 years.
Valle Nevado is a ski resort near town. Within the winter is presents the very best ski and snowboarding in South America and in the summertime you are able to do some downhill mountain biking.
23. Wine Tasting in Chile Valley
Santiago is the proper base for wine tasting in Chile. The nation produces 40% of the world’s wine and is greatest recognized for its reds, comprised of grapes grown excessive up within the Andes Mountains. There are lots of completely different vineyards to go to all through Santiago however we suggest beginning with a go to to Chile Valley.
The Maipo Valley is house to a number of the greatest vineyards in Chile, and so they’re all inside simple attain of Santiago. A wine-tasting tour here’s a should for any wine lover, as you’ll have the ability to pattern quite a lot of wines comprised of completely different grapes at every winery. Many excursions may even embrace lunch or dinner at one of many wineries in your approach again into Santiago.
This tour takes you to 2 high wineries, Concha y Toro and Viña Undurraga the place you’ll get pleasure from 3 tastings at every winery whereas studying concerning the Chilean wine trade.
Map of the Greatest Issues to do in Santiago
As you’ll be able to see, there are many issues to do in Santiago. Whether or not you’re in search of a day journey or an in a single day journey, there’s one thing for everybody! We spe
Santiago is the capital of Chile and certainly one of Latin America’s largest cities. It has a inhabitants of over six million folks, which makes it house to greater than half of Chile’s complete inhabitants. Santiago has every thing you’d need in an enormous metropolis: a powerful skyline, purchasing malls, museums, and theaters galore!
