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

day 1
Arrival at Arturo Merino Benítez Airport
morning
:

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.

afternoon
:

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.

evening
:

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.

day 2
Exploring the Historic Center
morning
:

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.

afternoon
:

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.

evening
:

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.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔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.

Cerro San Cristóbal

Panoramic city and mountain views from the hilltop sanctuary; best at sunrise or sunset.

Sky Costanera

Latin America’s tallest building observation deck offers 360° city vistas above the skyline.

Bellavista Street Art

Colorful murals in the bohemian quarter provide vibrant, urban backdrops for street photography.

Culinary Guide

Food in Santiago

Chilean cuisine in Santiago combines indigenous Mapuche heritage with Spanish and European influences, highlighting fresh produce, seafood and world-renowned wines.

Santiago Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Empanadas de Pino

Savory pastries filled with beef, onions, raisins and olives; find them at La Vega Central or local bakeries.

Must-Try!

Pastel de Choclo

A sweet-corn and meat casserole topped with sugar; best tasted at traditional fondas or family-owned restaurants.

Cazuela

Hearty stew of chicken or beef with corn, potatoes and pumpkin; try it at Mercado Central stalls.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

La Vega Central

Bustling market selling fresh fruits, vegetables and cheap empanadas and anticuchos (grilled skewers).

Mercado Central

Historic fish market renowned for fresh seafood dishes such as ceviche and paila marina (seafood soup).

Climate Guide

Weather

Santiago has a Mediterranean climate—hot, dry summers and cool, wet winters. Annual rainfall concentrates in June–August, while spring and autumn are mild and pleasant.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Greetings

Handshake or one cheek kiss among acquaintances; use titles (Señor/Señora) in formal settings.

Punctuality

Social events start on time, business meetings may be 10–15 minutes late—confirm schedules ahead.

Respect

Avoid loud conversations on public transport; remain polite when discussing politics or social issues.

Safety Guide

Safety

Generally safe in daylight; watch out for pickpockets in crowded areas and avoid poorly lit streets at night. Keep valuables secure and use registered taxis or ride-share apps.

Tipping in Santiago

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

Restaurants add 10% service charge; rounding up taxi fares is common; small cash tips welcome in cafes.

Payment Methods

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...

Summer

December to February are hot and dry with clear skies; pack sunscreen and stay hydrated.

Autumn

March to May bring mild temperatures and colorful foliage—ideal for walking tours.

Winter

June to August can be chilly with occasional rain; snow in the Andes makes skiing possible nearby.

Spring

September to November offer mild weather and blooming jacaranda and ceibo trees across the city.

Nightlife Guide

Santiago at Night

Santiago’s nightlife is lively with bars and pubs in Bellavista, upscale clubs in Vitacura, live music venues in Barrio Brasil, and late-night fondas and peñas showcasing folkloric music.

Hiking in Santiago

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Cerro Provincia

Popular summit hike with rewarding city and mountain views; allow a full day.

El Morado Glacier Trail

Moderate trek in El Morado Natural Monument to see Andean glaciers and azure lagoons.

Cajón del Maipo Gorge Trails

Network of trails along the Maipo River, ranging from easy riverside walks to steep mountain paths.

Airports

How to reach Santiago by plane.

Arturo Merino Benítez Airport (SCL)

Main international and domestic gateway 15 km northwest of Santiago; express buses and taxis available.

Aeródromo de Tobalaba (SCTB)

Small general aviation airfield in Vitacura used for private flights and pilot training.

Getting Around

Walkability

Central neighborhoods like Bellavista, Lastarria and Providencia are highly walkable with pedestrian streets and nearby green spaces; hillside areas require transport.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

European descent

Majority of residents with Spanish, German and Italian heritage.

Mapuche

Largest indigenous community, maintaining cultural traditions and crafts.

Immigrant communities

Growing populations from Peru, Bolivia and Venezuela enhancing cultural diversity.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Football

Chileans are passionate about soccer; catch a match of Colo-Colo or Universidad de Chile at Estadio Monumental.

Rodeo

Chile’s national sport practiced in nearby rural areas; you can watch events at Medialuna de Rancagua.

Transportation

Traffic

Heavy congestion on major arteries like Avenida Vespucio and Autopista Central during peak hours. The Metro is efficient with five lines covering most districts; buses (micros) fill in smaller routes.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Santiago.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Vegetarian options are growing: order cheese empanadas, pastel de choclo sin carne, and visit dedicated vegetarian cafés in Barrio Brasil.

Vegan

Vegan kitchens and juice bars can be found in Providencia; check menus for dairy and egg substitutes.

Gluten-Free

Most sit-down restaurants will accommodate gluten-free requests; bakeries and street stalls less so—ask for sin gluten.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

High-quality private clinics (Clínica Las Condes, Clínica Santa María) and public hospitals; pharmacies are widespread; travel insurance recommended for emergencies.

Discover Chile

Read more in our Chile 2025 Travel Guide.

Chile Travel Guide