Best things to do in Santiago
Find out more about those top places in Santiago
Discover Santiago: The Capital with Views to Remember
When it comes to stunning views, it’s hard to beat Santiago, Chile’s vibrant capital city. Nestled at the foot of the Andes Mountains and perched on a high-altitude plain, Santiago offers some of the most breathtaking scenery you’ll find anywhere in the world. From snow-capped peaks to active volcanoes, this city offers a panoramic view that’s simply unbeatable. Whether you’re a nature lover or a city explorer, Santiago is truly one of those places to visit that keeps on giving.
Top Attractions in Santiago: History, Culture, and Adventure
Santiago is a city of contrasts, where modern urban life mixes effortlessly with the surrounding natural wonders. While the city itself is sprawling, its historical and cultural attractions are conveniently packed into a compact and easily walkable center. Here’s a quick guide to the top attractions in Santiago that will make your trip unforgettable:
1. Cerro San Cristóbal: A View You’ll Never Forget
Start your adventure with a visit to Cerro San Cristóbal, a hill that offers sweeping views of the city and the Andes Mountains beyond. Whether you choose to take the funicular to the top or hike up for a bit of exercise, the view from the top is simply spectacular. Trust us, your Instagram will thank you.
2. Plaza de Armas: Where History Meets Modernity
The Plaza de Armas is the beating heart of Santiago’s historic center. Surrounded by colonial-era buildings, including the Metropolitan Cathedral, this is where you’ll find a bustling atmosphere full of street performers, locals, and visitors alike. It’s the perfect spot to soak in the charm of Santiago’s history while grabbing a quick coffee from a local café. This historic square is an essential stop for sightseeing.
3. Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes: A Culture Buff’s Dream
If you’re into art, the Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes should be at the top of your list. Home to a fantastic collection of Chilean and international artwork, this museum is a treat for anyone interested in Latin American art. Whether you're admiring pieces from famous Chilean artists or taking in the architecture of the building itself, the art museum offers a deep dive into the cultural heart of Chile.
4. La Vega Central: A Market Full of Life and Flavor
For a more immersive experience, head to La Vega Central, a bustling market filled with fresh produce, meats, spices, and local delicacies. It's an authentic slice of Santiago life where you can sample Chile’s famous fruits, like chirimoya or mango, and even stock up on some pisco to bring home as a souvenir. Make sure to practice your bargaining skills – it’s all part of the experience!
5. Valle Nevado: Skiing in the Andes
Looking for things to do that will get your heart racing? Valle Nevado is only a short drive from Santiago and is a paradise for winter sports enthusiasts. With year-round glacier skiing and snowboarding, it’s the perfect place for those who want to combine the buzz of the city with the thrill of outdoor adventure. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned pro, the resort caters to all skill levels and offers a world-class experience.
Things to Do in Santiago: Adventure, Food, and Culture
While Santiago’s top attractions are sure to captivate you, there’s so much more to this city than meets the eye. Here are a few more things to do that will make your time in Santiago even more memorable:
1. Take a Wine Tour: Chile is known for its world-class wine, and Santiago is the perfect place to indulge in a wine tour. Visit Maipo Valley, one of Chile’s premier wine regions, where you can taste some of the country’s finest carménère and cabernet sauvignon. Just remember, you can’t come to Chile and skip out on the wine!
2. Explore Barrio Bellavista: This lively neighborhood is Santiago’s artsy district, full of colorful street art, quirky shops, and delicious restaurants. Whether you’re sipping a pisco sour at a local bar or browsing through unique boutiques, Barrio Bellavista offers a vibrant taste of Santiago’s eclectic side.
3. Hike to the Andes: If you’re looking to get closer to the mountains, there are plenty of hiking opportunities right on Santiago’s doorstep. The Andes Mountains are practically at your back door, and several hiking trails offer incredible views of the city below. It's an easy way to escape the hustle and bustle of urban life and get into nature.
Travel Guide Tips for Visiting Santiago
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Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit Santiago is during the spring (October to December) and fall (March to May) when the weather is mild and pleasant. Summer (December to February) can be quite hot, especially in the city, so be prepared for the heat.
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Getting Around: Santiago has an efficient metro system, making it easy to get around the city. If you’re planning to visit the nearby mountains or wine regions, renting a car is a good option.
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Food to Try: Santiago is a food lover's paradise. Don’t miss out on trying a traditional empanada, pastel de choclo (corn pie), or the famous completo (Chilean hot dog). And, of course, wash it all down with a glass of local pisco or Chilean wine.
Why Santiago Should Be on Your Travel Radar
With its breathtaking views, rich history, and exciting activities, Santiago is a capital city that punches above its weight. Whether you’re hiking up mountains, tasting wine in the valleys, or simply soaking in the views, Santiago has something for everyone. It’s a city where the old meets the new, and natural beauty meets urban excitement. So, grab your camera, your sunscreen, and your sense of adventure, because Santiago is ready to show you a good time!
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Parque Metropolitano
Better known as Cerro San Cristóbal, the Parque Metropolitano is one of the world’s most breathtaking locations. Santiago’s largest green space is perched high above the colonial era city center and is reached by multiple cable cars and funicular railways. Once out of the urban sprawl, the park offers truly unbelievable views of the Andes and has a clutch of world-class attractions, including South America’s premier botanical garden and a towering statue of the Virgin Mary.
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Valle Nevado
The best thing about Santiago is its proximity to the unspoiled mountains of the Andes. To get the best experience of this wilderness, take a day tour to Valle Nevado, Chile’s premier ski resort that sits at 3000 meters above sea level. From the resort you can take part in thrilling winter sports, hike up glaciers or simply sit back and marvel at the jaw-dropping scenery.
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Museo Chileno de Arte Precolombino
A treasure trove of Pre-Columbian artifacts, the Museo Chileno de Arte Precolombino is Santiago’s standout museum. With exhibits ranging from Mayan stone columns to Andean textiles and indigenous weaponry, the museum has a truly all-encompassing collection. For the best experience, tours of the museum are available with expert guides who can reveal little known facts about Pre-Columbian Chile.
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Centro Gabriela Mistral
Named after the Chilean poet who was the first Latin American woman to win a Nobel Prize for Literature, the Centro Gabriela Mistral has single-handedly revitalized Santiago’s art scene. Housed in a striking contemporary building, the gallery has rotating exhibitions by Latin America’s biggest artists while regular performances, film screenings and concerts are held.
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Museo de la Memoria y los Derechos Humanos
Highlighting Chile’s traumatic history under the dictatorship of Augusto Pinochet, the Museo de la Memoria y los Derechos Humanos is Santiago’s newest and boldest museum. While a visit to the museum is one of the city’s most chilling experiences, it is a must-see for those wanting to learn more about the country’s recent past.
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Cajón del Maipo
Lying just south of Santiago, the Cajón del Maipo is a mecca for the city’s outdoor enthusiasts. With organized tours of this rugged wilderness leaving from Santiago daily, it is easy to be in the city one hour and white water rafting, heli-skiing or hiking towards the San Francisco Glacier the next.
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Mercado Central
Despite lying thousands of meters above sea level, Santiago is very close to the Pacific Ocean meaning it gets some of the world’s freshest seafood. To browse the best of the day’s catch, head to the Mercado Central where you can see the ocean’s bounty and sample regional cuisine in rustic stalls.
