30 Best Things To Do In Santiago, Chile

There are so many cool things to do in Santiago Chile. You might be shocked by how much fun you have in this thriving capital. I have been to Santiago on one of my many trips to South America, and spent a few days exploring the city. I truly enjoyed it.

To be fair, this city doesn’t have the dramatic beauty of other capitals of South America, it undoubtedly is a charming, full-of-life place to visit, and if you go to Chile, you definitely should not skip it. 

Since it doesn’t attract as many tourists as other places in the country, Santiago has retained its local flavor. It is a great place to get acquainted with the Chilean way of life and culture. This is the heart of the country, the place where locals go to protest against the government and to find the best business opportunities. But it’s also a fascinating city to explore.

To top this off, Santiago has a great food scene, excellent restaurants, and a vibrant nightlife.

In other words, it would be a pity not to go, even for just a couple of days. Curious to find out more about what to do in Santiago Chile? Continue reading – I have explored Santiago in depth and I am ready to share my tips on the best things to do in Santiago.

The Best Things To Do In Santiago Chile

Take a walking tour

One of the most fun things to do in Santiago Chile, is go on a walking tour to learn about the city’s history and culture.

There are free walking tours departing twice a day from a meeting point right outside the Cathedral that will take you around the historical center.

They are a good introduction to the city and the top attractions Santiago Chile, such as Plaza de Armas and La Moneda Palace. The guide will tell you about the street dogs and the street art and mention Santiago’s incredible diversity, a result of the constant wave of migration from other countries in South America.

I have taken this tour, which lasted around two hours—except when I took it, the group was very large, which made following the guide hard at times, and the group moved slower than I normally like.

There are also free walking tours of the Yunguay district, a more local part of the Chilean capital. This tour also visits the market.

As I have said, the tours are free. However, you are expected to tip the guide at the end (an amount that you can choose, really). Since the group can be very large, and you still have to pay something, you may cut to the chase and simply join a small group guided tour instead.

I recommend this Welcome to Santiago: Private Tour with a Local. This is hands-down one of the best private city tours you’ll find in Latin America. Since it’s private, it’s a very customizable tour, with little aspects and places that are most interesting to you. The guide will also share all sorts of secrets, like the best places near you to buy groceries and souvenirs and other little hidden gems.

Hang out in Plaza de Armas

Plaza de Armas is the historical heart of the city, thus it’s one of the most important things to see in Santiago Chile. It’s a large square that was first built in 1541 for public events—and it is often still used for this purpose.

At the center of the square, you will find palm trees and benches, which make it perfect—especially in the summer—to sit and practice some good people-watching.

The square is surrounded by important landmarks, such as the Metropolitan Cathedral, the Central Post Office, and the Royal Court Palace.

Go to La Moneda Palace

Palacio La Moneda, located right by Plaza de Armas, owes its name to the fact that it used to be the mint. It now is the seat of the President of Chile.

The building, which dates back to 1805, was designed by Joaquin Toesca, whose actual name was Gioacchino Toesca e Ricci (he was Italian). It was badly damaged during Pinochet’s military coup of 1973 when the army bombed it so that President Allende would give up his seat.

You can walk around the park that surrounds the palace or take a free guided tour to visit the few rooms that are open to the public, but you have to book it in advance on the official site or ask your hotel to do that for you.

I wouldn’t plan your time in town around it, but if you happen to be there, one of the best free things to do in Santiago Chile is to watch the ceremony of the Changing Of The Guard. It lasts 30 minutes and happens every few days throughout the day.

Join a bike tour

A bike tour is a great way to discover all the best sights in Santiago Chile. Tours usually take you to the nicest urban parks, stop at local landmarks, and explore the coolest “barrios.” They normally last around three hours, and you can choose from various routes depending on your tastes and interests.

I recommend this Santiago Markets and Local Life Bike Tour. The highly-rated tour includes a beach cruiser city bike, helmet, bottled water, a traditional Chilean snack called sopaipilla, and a professional guide. The tour goes through Barrio Bellavista, a visit to La Chascona (the house of a famous Chilean poet), La Vega Central, and more notable places in the city.

If you want a longer adventure, I also recommend this Santiago Full-Day Bike Sightseeing Tour. This 8-hour bike tour is the best for sightseeing in Santiago Chile. You’ll stop at three of the best markets in the city, the Presidential Palace, Parque Forestal, Parque Bustamente, and more.

Enjoy street art

Street art is quite a big deal in Chile. Valparaiso is thought to be the best place for street art in Chile, but Santiago has some cool murals thanks to the work of artists who stayed active even during the dictatorship. One of the top things to do in Santiago Chile is look around for street art.

The most famous pieces were painted by Inti, an artist from Valparaiso, in 2013 next to Bellas Artes Metro Station. One represents Ekeko, the Andean god of abundance.

Believe it or not, some of the best street art is way underground—not in caves, but in the city’s metro. The most famous is at the Universidad de Chile. It has a giant mural covering basically the entire metro, depicting the history of Santiago. It’s beautiful, touching, and inspiring all at once.

Learn about the stray dogs

Unfortunately, stray dogs are a common sight in Central and South America. In most countries, they are not really taken care of and end up being a safety concern, as they often go around in packs in search of food or shelter and can attack other dogs.

In Santiago, stray dogs are considered to be very much part of the local community. Known as quiltros, they are taken care of by local organizations and private individuals. I recommend looking for organizations that take care of strays and offer help. Usually, money goes a long way as it helps finance sterilization TNR (trap, neuter, and release) programs.

Visit the Santiago Human Rights Museum

I understand not all of you are (former) human rights lawyers like I am, but I strongly recommend visiting the Santiago Human Rights Museum in any case. Regardless of your profession, this is still high on the list of what to see in Santiago Chile.

The Museo de la Memoria y los Derechos Humanos is a great place to learn about the country’s recent history and difficult past.

The museum is quite big, with an excellent exhibit that you can swiftly walk around and lots of panels, documents, and material to read. It’s so good that you can spend hours wandering around without realizing—that’s what actually happened to me!

Go to the Central Market

Trying local food is one of the nicest things to do in Santiago, and Mercado Central is the best place to get a good idea of local flavors and to have a delicious lunch. You will find a very good selection of fish and seafood. You can even go on a market food tour. 

You can also join a market tour, which is honestly one of the best ways to make the most of this experience. Not only will you learn a lot about the markets, but you’ll also have a guide right there to share all the secrets and history.

This Santiago Markets Small Group Bike Tour is one of the best combo bike-market tours in Santiago. It visits several markets, and you get a guide to take you around. You also get snacks and freshly squeezed juice.

If you aren’t a fan of bike tours, I also recommend this Walking Sights Tour: Food Tastings and Markets. The tour goes to the markets but has a bigger focus on sampling local food, which is a must-do activity in Chile and Santiago.

When you’re sampling local foods, make sure to try different empanadas. These pastries—typically stuffed with a kind of meat—are quite the snack in Santiago, and you definitely need to try one. The best are at Emporio Zunino, on the corner of Avenida San Pablo and Paseo Puente.

Eat more!

If you’re a foodie, the best places to visit in Santiago Chile are all the amazing restaurants and street food vendors. For more local specialties, head to Fuente Alemana for the greasiest, tastiest meat sandwich you may have ever had.

Alternatively, opt for an Italiano, Santiago’s version of the American hotdog. At first, it won’t remind you of a sandwich you may have in Italy in terms of flavor. However, this hotdog with avocado, mayonnaise, and tomato sauce ends up portraying the colors of the Italian flag.

If you can stomach it, definitely opt for the completo, which comes with fries, sauce, trimmings, and whatnot. Locals gorge on it when watching soccer matches.

Finally, make sure to try a pastel de choclo, a casserole of meat, chicken, onions, olives, and a boiled egg covered in mashed corn and baked till golden brown—best served with a good glass of Chilean wine!

Visit Santiago’s Botanical Garden

Santiago’s Botanical Garden is called Mapulemu Garden and it’s one of the top attractions in Santiago Chile. Mapulemu translates to “Forest on Earth” in Mapudungún (the language spoken by the Mapuche people, who were the indigenous people of south-central Chile and southwestern Argentina).

The botanical gardens are beautiful and the perfect place to escape into nature without leaving the city. They cover over 4.5 hectares and are home to over 70 species of native flora in Chile. So, they’re also the perfect place to learn a little about the local environment.

The botanical garden is in San Cristobal, near the Tupahue community swimming pool. You can easily get here from the Pedro de Valdivia Metro Station.

Walk up Santa Lucia Hill

Cerro Santa Lucia is a park in the Lastarría neighborhood in Northeast Santiago, easily reached from Plaza de Armas. It is rumored that Pedro de Valdivia founded the city on top of an extinct volcano in 1541.

Inside the park you will find Castillo Hidalgo, a castle that was built in the early 19th century as a protection to the city, and a gorgeous yellow fountain with a stone terrace.

The top is a mere 69 meters (230 feet), but there is an observation area, and the view from there is amazing. To get there, you’ll have to follow a trail and go up some stairs – but it’s nothing too challenging.

Wander around Barrio Lastarría

If you decide to walk up Cerro Santa Lucía, you may as well take the opportunity to explore the Barrio Lastarría, one of the nicest neighborhoods in Santiago. It’s packed with nice galleries, independent cafés, small boutique shops, street art, and green spaces, and the overall vibe is quite relaxed – which is not easy to come by in such a lively city.

Have a coffee in Barrio Italia

If you’re going to spend some time exploring the many neighborhoods, you have to check out Barrio Italia. It’s definitely one of the nicest neighborhoods in Santiago Chile.

Barrio Italia is easily identifiable from the colorful buildings and many Italian restaurants and cafes on every corner. You can come to Barrio Italia and have a delicious coffee or even try some Italian food. Who would’ve thought I’d leave Italy and travel to Santiago, Chile, just to eat Italian food?

Barrio Italia is located on the northeast side of the city, just a few blocks from the National Museum of Fine Arts and the Gabriela Mistral Cultural Center.

Check out Santiago’s Bahá’í Temple

For more unique things to do in Santiago, Chile, you may want to check out Santiago’s Bahá’í Temple, located a bit outside the center of town. The building is truly special, and the views once you get there are stunning. There is a pool in front of it, which will provide many good photo opportunities.

To get to the temple, take the bus to the entrance and then walk all the way to the temple (it should take you around 45 minutes along an easy-to-follow trail, which, however, has little to no shade, so it may be a bit challenging in the heat of the summer) or hop on the shuttle for a small fee.

Hang out on San Cristobal Hill

For more views of the city, take the cable car to Cerro San Cristobal, part of the Metropolitan Park, the largest in Santiago, for a small fee (it’s a bit more expensive on weekends).

Inside, you will find a sanctuary to the Immaculate Conception, and outside, a 22-meter-tall Virgin Mary statue. Cerro San Cristobal is also home to Santiago Zoo, a Japanese garden, nice walking trails, and—my personal favorite—a massive swimming pool, the Piscina Tupahue.

I recommend this San Cristobal Hill Night Tour with Dinner Show if you want to try one of the most unique things to do in Santiago. It goes all the way up San Cristobal Hill, but that’s not all. It also has a four-course dinner, an artistic folklore show, drinks, and a professional guide.

Explore the Cementerio General de Santiago

Santiago’s main cemetery, the largest cemetery in Latin America, is actually a nice place to explore. It was first opened in 1821. You can visit on guided tours that last two hours. If you are looking for something extra spooky, visit at night—tours are also offered on specific days of the week.

Hang out in the Parque Bicentenario

Located east of Cerro San Cristobal in the Vitacura district, this is a nice park to simply hang out and get a bit of a local feel. You can go there for a run, much like the locals do, or simply walk around and relax.

Visit the beautiful city parks

Not unlike other bustling capitals, Chile’s capital city has some beautiful city parks that are definitely worth visiting and walking through. Parque Bicentenario is one of the best, but there are actually many more to explore!

Quinta Normal Park is a lovely urban park right across the street from the Human Rights Museum and home to several other museums. Whether or not you walk through this museum, you should definitely explore this 88-acre park in the center of Santiago.

One of the best free things to do in Santiago is to explore Parque Metropolis, on the north side of the city. This is another massive park, complete with two large outdoor pools, an observatory, and a theater.

If you want a more laid-back afternoon in Santiago, I recommend getting some food to go (or packing a lunch) and enjoying one of the city parks on a sunny afternoon.

Visit the Museo de Arte Precolombino

Santiago’s Museo de Arte Precolombino is a good place to learn more about the country’s history from ancient times. It has an excellent exhibit of sculptures, jewelry, and textiles. 

I always recommend visiting at least one history or cultural museum when traveling to a new country. You’ll definitely learn a lot about Chile, but a good museum will also provide a lot of background information that will only further your understanding while traveling.

Pop into another museum

If you are a museum geek, you’ll be glad to know there are many more in Santiago. History geeks should head to the Museo Interactivo Mirador and the Casa Museo La Chascona, Pablo Neruda’s former house in Santiago found in the Providencia district, at the base of Cerro San Cristóbal.

Quinta Normal Park is home to the National Museum of Natural History, the Railway Museum, and the Museum of Science and Technology.

Near Parque Forestal, you will find the Chilean National Museum of Fine Arts, which first opened in 1880 and is one of South America’s best museums of art. It has an extensive exhibit of both Chilean and international artists. It’s located in a gorgeous building where baroque, neoclassical, and art nouveau are beautifully blended, and admission is free.

Admire the views from the Sky Costanera Center

For more impressive views of the city and its surroundings, one of the top things to do in Santiago, Chile, is go to the Sky Costanera Center, found at the Costanera shopping mall in the Gran Torre Santiago.

With its 304 meters (more than 997 feet), this is the tallest building in the country (and the second tallest in Latin America). It offers 360-degree views and is a great place to catch the sunset.

For times, make sure to check the official site as they change seasonally. The price of tickets varies depending on which day you visit. You need to book your Sky Costanera Observatory Admission Ticket in advance.

See a show at Teatro Municipal

If you’re interested in the cultural scene around Santiago and want to try one of the most unique things to do in Santiago Chile, you have to check out the Teatro Municipal (The Municipal Theater).

The city theater offers a variety of shows, including operas, plays, musicals, and harmonica performances. With such a varied calendar, there’s definitely something for everyone.

It’s also a gorgeous building. Built in 1857, it is reportedly the oldest and most culturally significant theater in Latin America. It has really preserved its charm over the years, making it an excellent show, no matter what you see.

The schedule and tickets are on the Teatro Municipal official website, as well as some more information about it. The theater is located next to El Golf Metro station, so it’s easily accessible from public transportation.

Drink

I am sure you all know that Chile is one of the biggest wine producers in the world. It goes without saying that among the things to do in Santiago is to go on a wine-tasting tour.

But there is more. Chile is also home to Pisco, a drink made of fermented grape juice that can be found here and in Peru—there is even a heated debate over who invented it and who makes the best.

If you want to have a say, the only way to do so is to try Pisco yourself. It’s served pretty much anywhere in town. You can try it plain or, if you are feeling fancy, have a Pisco Sour cocktail.

Finally, make sure to try a terremoto – literally meaning earthquake. It’s made with pipeño (a fortified wine) and pineapple ice cream. Portions are huge so you may as well say it counts for a meal. The best place to try it is La Piojera, close to the Mercado Central, popular among both tourists and locals.

For the most fun and exciting wine-tasting tour, I recommend this Santiago: Cousiño Macul Official Winery Tour with Tasting. This winery produces the Lota and Ultra Premium Finis Terrae, one of the best wines from Chile. You’ll learn about the history of the family-owned vineyard, the wine-making process, and of course, the vineyard property is beautiful for a nice afternoon with wine.

Spend a day at Cajon del Maipo

One of the things to do in Santiago is to get out of town. Fortunately, there is no shortage of incredible places to visit within easy reach.

Among the recommended ones, there is Cajon del Maipo, a gorgeous mountain area where you can go hiking, rafting, and more, just 50 km (31 miles) from Santiago. There even are some beautiful hot springs, a truly blue lake surrounded by snow-capped mountains: you get the idea.

If you have a car, getting to Cajon del Maipo is super easy. Otherwise, you are probably better off joining a guided tour. Most tours are a full-day trip – up to 10 hours and will include transportation in a minibus, food and snacks, and even Chilean wine.

There are a lot of guided tours of Canyon del Maipo from Santiago, so there’s no shortage of options.

I recommend this Cajon del Maipo and Volcan San Jose Hike from Santiago. The tour includes transportation, boxed lunch, snacks, water, wine, and one of the most beautiful hikes in the Andes Mountains. Keep in mind that this is an 8 km (5 miles) hike, so it’s not a relaxing afternoon in the mountains and is better for adventurers.

For something a little more laid-back, I also recommend this Maipo Canyon Volcano and Hot Spring Tour. The tour takes you to some incredible viewpoints and includes time at a beautiful hot spring after a 2-hour, 4 km (2.5 mile) hike.

Take a day trip to Valparaiso

Valparaiso is a popular destination for day trips from Santiago, and it is easy to see why. This city, located a little over one hour’s drive from the capital on the shore of the Pacific Ocean, is scenic, artsy, and very colorful. It used to be the home of the poet Pablo Neruda.

Locally known as Valpo, Valparaíso is a UNESCO World Heritage Site where street art is the main draw. The most popular attraction is the area of Casa Aventura, close to which you can see a set of stairs with the lyrics of Latin America’s most popular song, Calle 13, painted on each step.

If you have a chance, you should spend a night or two in Valparaíso. Santiago is massive, and when a place is so big, it may be intimidating to go out at night. Being a bit smaller, Valparaíso is more manageable. The nightlife there is great, with lots of rooftop bars and nice restaurants.

You can get to Valparaíso independently by bus or car, or if you prefer, you can join a guided tour that also includes transportation.

For excellent value for your money, I recommend this Valparaiso and Vina del Mar Day Tour. The tour entails two hours at beautiful Valparaiso, two hours at Vina del Mar, and 1.5 hours at Reñaca Beach. It also includes transportation and a bilingual guide.

For something a little more expensive, I recommend this Valparaiso, Vina del Mar and Casablanca Day Tour. It also includes a delicious wine tasting and the best of Valparaiso. You’ll ride the vintage funicular in Valparaiso, visit other viewpoints in the city, and, of course, wet your taste buds at Viña del Mar.

If you have more time for this beautiful paradise, make sure to also read my post, The Best Things To Do In Valparaíso In 3 Days. I recommend spending more than a day in Valparaíso, so only do a day trip from Santiago if you simply don’t have enough time in your Chile itinerary.

And one to Viña del Mar

Most tours from Santiago to Valparaiso also go to the nearby Viña del Mar, another lovely coastal town, and since you can literally walk from one to the other, you can definitely see them both. A popular destination for Chileans, too, this is a place to go in search of nice beaches, museums, and some quiet time.

Take the funicular up one of the many hills for lovely views. Spend the day simply walking around, popping inside a museum, gorging on street food, or relaxing at the beach.

You can get to Viña by bus from Santiago or on a guided tour. Most will stop in Valparaiso, too. These full-day tours (10 hours or more) include transportation.

This Valparaiso, Vina del Mar and Casablanca day tour is actually the highest-rated tour. It’s a bit more expensive than other tours, but it includes a delicious wine tasting and is very well-organized.

I also recommend the Highlights of Valparaiso and Vina del Mar. This is a very popular day tour from Santiago that goes to both Valparaiso and Vina del Mar. You’ll visit some main sites, including La Sebastiana Museum House, Caleta Portales, Cerro Concepcion, and even 30 minutes at Reñaca Beach.

Visit a winery

As I have said before, Chile is one of the biggest wine producers in the world, so it goes without saying that one of the things to do in Santiago is visit one of the nearby wineries. You could go to the Casablanca Valley, a wine-producing region found northwest of the capital.

For this one, I actually recommend a guided tour – you may be drinking lots of wine, and you certainly don’t want to drive or worry about public transportation after that! You can also use the opportunity to buy some bottles that you can bring home with you at very reasonable prices.

Mendoza, Argentina, is the country’s wine capital, but Santiago is actually a great starting point for the best vineyards in Chile, so you don’t have to travel so far for delicious wines.

I recommend this Concha y Toro Winery 4-Hour Tour & Sommelier Class. It’s a bit expensive compared to other Santiago guided tours, but it’s a lot more in-depth than others. The tour includes a delicious tasting of four different premium wines, a walkthrough of the beautiful gardens, and a Sommelier Class.

For one of the most scenic and exciting experiences outside of Santiago, I recommend this Inca Lagoon in the Andes Mountains Range—Visit Local Vineyard Tasting. The Inca Lagoon is one of the most gorgeous regions in the Andes, and you’ll also visit a local, family-run vineyard with tastings and a tour.

Go to Valle Nevado for the day

If you happen to visit Chile in the winter (from June to September), one of the best things to do in Santiago is skiing.

You can easily reach a ski resort for a day on the slopes – just avoid the weekends, as the slopes can get very busy. Valle Nevado is around one and a half hour drive. If you wish to ski, grab a day pass for the ski-lift system. You can also rent any equipment you may need for the day.

Valle Nevado is one of the best places to visit in Chile, regardless of the season. The area is packed with hiking trails and a fantastic spot for biking and horse riding.

Another ski resort near Santiago is Farellones, which actually is the first ski resort ever opened in Chile.

Getting to Valle Nevado is easy if you have a car. However, remember that there may be snow and ice on the ground, so if you aren’t accustomed to driving in these conditions, it’s not the best thing to do. If that’s the case, you can simply book this Small-Group Tour to Valle Nevado and Farellones from Santiago. It takes care of all transportation and planning.

Spend a day at Laguna del Inca

In Portillo, another mountain town not far from Santiago between the Andean Mountains and the Aconcagua Valley, the Laguna del Inca is a gorgeous spot for a day trip and to learn a bit more about the Inca history. It’s actually one of the best places to visit near Santiago Chile! The trip is perfect for catching views of Cerro Aconcagua, the highest peak in South America.

The lake is 150 km (a little over 93 miles) from Santiago, and to reach it, you drive along Los Caracoles, one of the most scenic, winding roads in South America (and an absolute nightmare if you are prone to motion sickness).

Getting to the Laguna del Inca is easy if you have a car. Thankfully, there’s an alternative for those who prefer not to drive—there are plenty of guided tours that include hotel pick-up and drop-off, lunch, snacks, and even drinks.

You could take this Andes Tour to Portillo Inca Lagoon with San Esteban Vineyard Empanada & Wine. There’s plenty of free time to explore the breathtaking Inca Lagoon, and the wine tasting at San Esteban Vineyard is like none other. It’s such a good combination tour that just might be your new Santiago highlight.

Go to Isla Negra

Pablo Neruda’s fans will want to visit the place where he spent his final years, in Isla Negra. A poet, a diplomat, and a Chilean senator, the Nobel Prize for Literature is one of Chile’s best-known authors.

The house where he lived in Isla Negra is now a museum dedicated to him. Guided tours from Santiago can visit it, and they also stop at Algarrobo, on the Pacific Ocean, and Casablanca Valley for a wine-tasting experience.

If you’re interested in a day trip to Isla Negra from Santiago, I recommend this Small Group Full-Day Tour to Isla Negra, San Alfonso del Mar, and Pomaire. You’ll see the most iconic panoramic views in San Alfonso del Mar and visit Pomaire (known for beautiful handicrafts) and a few other coastal towns. The tour includes transportation, a local guide, and all museum entrance fees.

Further Readings

Traveling to Chile and Argentina? Make sure to read these other posts:

• The Best Things To Do In Valparaiso
• A Complete Guide To San Pedro De Atacama
• 25 Cool Things To Do In Buenos Aires
• A Guide To Where To Stay In Buenos Aires
• 25 Absolutely Amazing Things To Do In Argentina
• 13 Fantastic Wineries In Mendoza
• 15 Incredible Hikes In Patagonia
• 30 Things To Know Before Traveling To Patagonia

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