Things To Do
in Santiago
Santiago is the vibrant capital of Chile, nestled in a valley surrounded by the Andes and Chilean Coast Range. It blends colonial architecture with sleek modern skyscrapers and has a rich cultural scene of museums, theaters, and galleries. The city offers easy access to mountains for skiing, hiking, and Andean villages.
Friendly locals, world-class Chilean wines, and bustling street life make Santiago a dynamic urban destination.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive at Santiago’s international airport and transfer to your accommodation in the city center to settle in and freshen up. Unpack your bags and take a moment to plan your first explorations over a coffee in a nearby café. Feel the anticipation of the adventure ahead as you get oriented to the neighborhood.
Head to Plaza de Armas to admire the Metropolitan Cathedral and wander through colonial arcades while absorbing the historic ambiance. Continue to the Museo Histórico Nacional to gain context on Chile’s journey from pre-Columbian times to independence. Pause for a light snack at a street-side empanada stand.
Dine at Mercado Central, sampling the freshest seafood and local specialties while watching fishermen unload their catch. Savor a glass of Chilean white wine as you enjoy lively market atmosphere. Finish the evening with a leisurely stroll along the Mapocho River promenade.
Begin with a strong cortado at a café overlooking Plaza de la Constitución. Witness the guard change at La Moneda presidential palace and take a guided tour of its impressive halls. Marvel at the blend of neoclassical and modern architecture.
Climb Cerro Santa Lucía’s landscaped terraces to enjoy panoramic city views and explore hidden grottoes. Discover the 19th-century fortifications and read inscriptions that tell tales of colonial defenses. Pause at a shaded bench to admire the gardens.
Head to Barrio Lastarria for dinner at a cozy bistro offering Chilean fusion cuisine. Stroll through pedestrian alleys lined with street art and pop-up galleries. Cap off the night with artisanal gelato and live street performances.
Prices
Item | Price |
---|---|
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $8–12 |
☕Coffee | $2–3 |
🍺Local beer (0.5L) | $2–3 |
🚕Taxi start (day) | $1.50 + $0.60/km |
🏨Mid-range hotel (per night) | $60–100 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Stunning mountain backdrop and outdoor access
- Rich cultural and culinary scene
- Modern infrastructure and friendly locals
- Affordable compared to North American/European capitals
- Air pollution and occasional smog events
- Traffic congestion during rush hours
- Seismic activity risk
- Pickpocketing in tourist areas
- "Hola" - Hello
- "Gracias" - Thank you
- "¿Cuánto cuesta?" - How much does it cost?
- "¿Dónde está el baño?" - Where is the bathroom?
- "Por favor" - Please
Places to Visit in Santiago
Visit one of these nice places.
Panoramic city and mountain views from the hilltop sanctuary; best at sunrise or sunset.
Latin America’s tallest building observation deck offers 360° city vistas above the skyline.
Colorful murals in the bohemian quarter provide vibrant, urban backdrops for street photography.
Food in Santiago
Santiago Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Savory pastries filled with beef, onions, raisins and olives; find them at La Vega Central or local bakeries.
Must-Try!
A sweet-corn and meat casserole topped with sugar; best tasted at traditional fondas or family-owned restaurants.
Hearty stew of chicken or beef with corn, potatoes and pumpkin; try it at Mercado Central stalls.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Bustling market selling fresh fruits, vegetables and cheap empanadas and anticuchos (grilled skewers).
Historic fish market renowned for fresh seafood dishes such as ceviche and paila marina (seafood soup).
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Handshake or one cheek kiss among acquaintances; use titles (Señor/Señora) in formal settings.
Social events start on time, business meetings may be 10–15 minutes late—confirm schedules ahead.
Avoid loud conversations on public transport; remain polite when discussing politics or social issues.
Safety
Tipping in Santiago
Ensure a smooth experience
Restaurants add 10% service charge; rounding up taxi fares is common; small cash tips welcome in cafes.
Major credit cards accepted widely; carry Chilean pesos for markets, street food and small shops; contactless payment growing.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
December to February are hot and dry with clear skies; pack sunscreen and stay hydrated.
March to May bring mild temperatures and colorful foliage—ideal for walking tours.
June to August can be chilly with occasional rain; snow in the Andes makes skiing possible nearby.
September to November offer mild weather and blooming jacaranda and ceibo trees across the city.
Santiago at Night
Hiking in Santiago
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Popular summit hike with rewarding city and mountain views; allow a full day.
Moderate trek in El Morado Natural Monument to see Andean glaciers and azure lagoons.
Network of trails along the Maipo River, ranging from easy riverside walks to steep mountain paths.
Airports
How to reach Santiago by plane.
Main international and domestic gateway 15 km northwest of Santiago; express buses and taxis available.
Small general aviation airfield in Vitacura used for private flights and pilot training.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Majority of residents with Spanish, German and Italian heritage.
Largest indigenous community, maintaining cultural traditions and crafts.
Growing populations from Peru, Bolivia and Venezuela enhancing cultural diversity.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Chileans are passionate about soccer; catch a match of Colo-Colo or Universidad de Chile at Estadio Monumental.
Chile’s national sport practiced in nearby rural areas; you can watch events at Medialuna de Rancagua.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Santiago.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are growing: order cheese empanadas, pastel de choclo sin carne, and visit dedicated vegetarian cafés in Barrio Brasil.
Vegan kitchens and juice bars can be found in Providencia; check menus for dairy and egg substitutes.
Most sit-down restaurants will accommodate gluten-free requests; bakeries and street stalls less so—ask for sin gluten.