Chile

Fun Things to Do and Top Attractions to Visit in Santiago (Chile)

Santiago or Santiago de Chile is the national capital city of Chile and one of the largest cities on the continent. The city is as popular for its places as it is for the mountains surrounding it. Skiing in the Andes is considered to be among the top things to do in Santiago. There are also volcanic mountains and wine valleys close to the city which are part of Santiago’s tourist attractions. You can take any direction from the city and end up in a paradise-like valley with beautiful scenery. As for Santiago’s attractions within the city, there are museums, cultural centers, markets, parks, art galleries, parks, and so on.

Much of Santiago’s sightseeing can be divided into 3 categories: nature, pre-colonial and post-colonial. Popular nature sites to explore when you visit Santiago are situated in the Andes. The mountains are popular for nature exploration as well as skiing. Some of the most well-known places to visit in Santiago, Chile for skiing are Portillo Ski Resort, Valle Nevado Ski Resort, and El Colorado Ski Resort. You can also explore dormant volcanic mountains and beautiful valleys formed by rivers and ravines during Santiago travel. The wineries situated amidst the mountains are also among the popular things to see in Santiago. You can try out Chilean variants of wines and take a look at the traditional ways by which they are made. The mountains were also an important part of Chilean Independence and you will find several historically and culturally significant tourist attractions in Santiago, Chile while exploring the Andes.

Among places to go in Santiago located within the city are Plaza de Armas, San Cristobal, Museum of Memory and Human Rights, Museum of Pre-Columbian Art, La Moneda, Parque Forestal, Museum of Fine Arts, Santa Lucia, and more. We have broken down these places into an itinerary of 5 days. It will help you navigate through Santiago tourist spots. If you only looking to explore the city and not much of the mountains, you can cover all the major attractions by spending 4 days in Santiago, Chile. Though if you wish to truly enjoy the different flavors of the city and its culture, explore as much as you can inside the city and beyond.

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Explore The Best Tourist Places in Santiago in 5 Days

This section covers a day-by-day breakdown of tourist attractions in Santiago, Chile. The attractions are picked based on the popularity amount tourists who visit Santiago as well as their proximity to one another.

Day 1

1. San Cristobal Hill

This Hill is situated in the center of the city. Among the top things to do in Santiago is hiking up this hill to admire the beautiful sights. The iconic figure of the Virgin Mary atop the hill is one biggest Santiago tourist attractions. You will need about 3 hours or more to explore this hill.

Here I have listed out some of the best activities to do and tours of San Cristobal Hill. You should try any of the below-mentioned activities or tours according to your interest.

San Cristobal Hill

2. Santa Lucia Hill

Another popular hill to hike among Santiago attractions is Santa Lucia. This hill is actually a dormant volcano. You can visit popular Santiago sightseeing points such as the Neptune fountain and the Japanese Garden atop this hill. You would need 2 hours at Santa Lucia.

I suggest you should book a City Sightseeing Tour of Santiago to visit Santa Lucia Hill.

Santa Lucia Hill

Day 2

1. Chilean National Museum of Fine Arts (Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes or MNBA)

The building which houses this museum is known as the Palace of Fine Arts, which was designed by Emile Jequier. The museum houses some of the best works of art by Chilean artists. You will need 2 hours to explore this museum.

Chilean National Museum of Fine Arts

2. Chilean National Museum of Natural History (Museo Nacional de Historia Natural or MNHN)

This museum is situated close to the Museum of Fine Arts. It is one of the 3 national museums of the country. Both of these are located in Quinta Normal Park along with many other museums. You can learn a lot about the history and culture of the region at this museum. You will need about an hour to explore this museum casually and 3 hours if you want to explore this museum thoroughly.

Chilean National Museum of Natural History

3. Railway Museum

The railway museum outlines the history and development of the rail network of the nation. You would need about an hour here.

Railway Museum

4. Museum of Memory and Human Rights (Museo de la Memoria y los Derechos Humanos)

This museum outlines a dark period in the history of the nation. It is dedicated to the victims of the Pinochet Regime. It is still historically one of the most important places to visit in Santiago. You will need 1 hour to explore it.

I suggest you should book a Guided Tour of the Museum of Memory and Human Rights.

Museum of Memory and Human Rights

5. The Artequin

This is a museum of antiquities and works of art. You will find some of the most interesting things to see in Santiago at this museum. You will need an hour to explore this place.

The Artequin

Day 3

1. La Moneda Palace

This Palace serves as the office of the President of the country. It is also among the most popular places to visit in Santiago, Chile. You would need 30 to 45 minutes for La Moneda Palace.

La Moneda Palace

2. Chilean Museum of Pre-Columbian Arts (Museo Chileno de Arte Precolombino)

This museum houses a large collection of indigenous arts and historical artifacts from central and south America. The exhibits here tell the story of people and their culture before colonization. You will need at least 2 hours to explore this museum.

I suggest you should book your Ticket to the Chilean Museum of Pre-Columbian Arts in advance.

Chilean Museum of Pre-Columbian Arts

3. Plaza de Armas

This square is a very lively place to explore among tourist attractions in Santiago, Chile. There are street performers and vendors in the square. You would need 30 minutes to explore this place.

Plaza de Armas

4. Metropolitan Cathedral

This church is the seat of the Archbishop of Chile. The cathedral was heavily damaged during an earthquake and was redesigned by Gioacchino Toesca in the 19th century. You will need about an hour to explore this cathedral.

Metropolitan Cathedral

5. Central Market of Santiago (Mercado Central)

This is the central market of the city. It is mainly known for seafood. There are also several restaurants as well in and around the market. You will need 30 minutes for Mercado Central.

Central Market of Santiago

6. La Vega Central Market

La Vega market is the best place to find a variety of fruits and vegetables when you visit Santiago. You will need 30 minutes here.

La Vega Central Market

Day 4

1. Providencia

Providencia is an area known for elegant houses with beautiful architecture. The area is a known cultural place to go in Santiago, Chile. You can explore the area on foot for 30 minutes or so.

Providencia

2. Barrio Patronato

This neighborhood is popular among Santiago tourist spots as a shopping fair. You can get all sorts of clothing, jewelry, and souvenir items in Patronato. You can easily spend an hour in Patronato.

Barrio Patronato

3. Santiago General Cemetery (Cementerio General de Santiago)

This is one of the biggest cemeteries in all of Latin America. The cemetery is also known for its beautiful architecture and elaborate mausoleums. You will need about 30 minutes for this place.

Santiago General Cemetery

Day 5

1. Maipo Canyon (Cajón del Maipo)

The beautiful mountains are one of the best places to visit near Santiago for hiking and nature exploration. You would need about half a day for Cajon del Maipo.

I suggest you should book a Full Day Tour of Maipo Canyon in advance.

Maipo Canyon

2. Baños Morales

Banos Morales is known for its natural mud baths and springs. You would enjoy taking a dip after exploring the mountains and valleys. Keep aside an hour or two for relaxing here.

Baños Morales

3. Casablanca Wine Valley

If you wish to explore local wine, this is the place to be. You will need a couple of hours to explore the wine valley.

I suggest you must book a Casablanca Valley Wine Tasting Tour in advance.

Casablanca Wine Valley

4. Concha ya Toro

This is another great place to explore local wines while exploring the history of Chilean Independence simultaneously. You will need about an hour for this place.

Concha ya Toro

If you are planning to stay in Santiago for more than 5 days, you can check our exhaustive list of places to visit and top things to do in Santiago in the section below.

Things to do in Santiago

Monuments, Museums & Historical Places to Visit in Santiago

  1. La Moneda Palace
  2. National Museum of Fine Arts
  3. Parque Forestal
  4. Museum of Memory and Human Rights
  5. Chilean Museum of Pre-Columbian Art
  6. La Chascona
  7. Santiago Metropolitan Cathedral
  8. Centre Gabreila Mistral
  9. National Museum of Natural History
  10. National History Museum
  11. Mirador Interactive Museum
  12. Cementerio General
  13. San Francisco Church
  14. Estacion Mapocho
  15. Chilean National Library
  16. Museo Artequin
  17. Central Post Office Building
  18. Centro Cultural Matucana 100
  19. Museu de Artes Visuales
  20. Sculpture Park Museum
  21. Palacio Cousino
  22. Museo de Santiago
  23. Templo Votivo de Maipu
  24. Planeterio de la USACH
  25. Museo de la Moda
  26. Museo de Arte Colonial
  27. Castillo Hidalgo
  28. Sanctuary of the Immaculate Conception
  29. Railway Museum
  30. Museum of Science & Technology
  31. Children’s Museum
  32. Human Rights Museum

Nature & Wildlife Tourist Spots in Santiago

  1. San Cristobal Hill
  2. Maipo Canyon
  3. Aguas de Ramon Park
  4. Cerro Manquehue Mountain
  5. Santuario de la Naturaleza
  6. El Yeso Dam
  7. Parque Natural Quebrada de Macul
  8. Cerro el Plomo Mountain
  9. Parque Mahuida
  10. Bustamanta Park
  11. Cascada Apoquindo
  12. El Morado Natural Monument
  13. Cerro Provincia Mountain
  14. San Jose Mountain
  15. Bosque Panul
  16. Cerro Pochoco
  17. Puente Nilhue Park
  18. Marmolejo Mountain

Entertainment & Leisure Tourist Spots in Santiago

  1. Parque Tupahue
  2. Portillo Ski Resort
  3. Valle Nevado Ski Resort
  4. El Colorado Ski Resort
  5. Bicentenario Park
  6. Chilean National Zoo
  7. Fantasilandia
  8. Araucano Park
  9. Quinta Normal Park
  10. Funicular de Santiago
  11. Los Dominicos Park
  12. La Parva Ski Resort
  13. O’Higgins Park
  14. Vina Cousino Macul Winery
  15. Buin Zoo
  16. Parque Fluvial
  17. Japanese Garden
  18. Kidzania Santiago
  19. Bicentenario de la Infancia Park
  20. Parque Acuático Acuapark el Idilio
  21. Aventura Park
  22. Balmaceda Park
  23. Almagro Park
  24. Vino Santa Carolina
  25. Villa Grimaldi

Shopping in Santiago

  1. Central Market
  2. Paseo Ahumada
  3. Easton Outlet Mall
  4. Parque Arauco
  5. Alto Las Condes Mall
  6. Los Dominicos Handicraft Village
  7. Buenaventura
  8. Apumanque
  9. Panoramico Mall
  10. Mall del Centro

Offbeat Places & Adventure Things to Do in Santiago

  1. Hiking
  2. Trekking
  3. Mountain Climbing
  4. Cycle Tours
  5. Volcano Tour

Sightseeing in Santiago

  1. Santa Lucia Hill
  2. Plaza de Armas
  3. Sky Costanera
  4. Barrio Bellavista
  5. Costanera Center
  6. Plaza Baquedano
  7. Calle Jose Victorino Lastarria
  8. Alameda Road
  9. Entel Tower
  10. Barrio Paris-Londres
  11. Parque Padre Hurtado
  12. Plaza Nunoa
  13. Calle Bandera
  14. Plaza Brasil
  15. Reyes Park
  16. Paseo Bulnes
  17. Parque Bicentenario de Cerrillos
  18. Primo de Rivera Hill
  19. Bulnes Square
  20. Parques Ines des Suarez
  21. Avenido Isidora Goyenechea

Food, Dining, Restaurants, & Street Food in Santiago

  1. El Hoyo
  2. Aqui Esta Coco
  3. 99 Restaurante
  4. Peumayen Ancestral Food
  5. Baco
  6. Borago
  7. Europeo
  8. Bocanariz
  9. Mestizo
  10. Castillo Forestal
  11. Confiteria Torres
  12. La Jardinera
  13. La Piojera
  14. El Huerto
  15. Opera Catedral
  16. Le Bistrot
  17. Chipe Libre
  18. Ox
  19. Jose Ramon 277
  20. La Finestra
  21. Sarita Colonia

Where to Stay in Santiago?

Here we have listed Top Rated Luxurious, Mid-Range and Budget Hotels in Santiago. You can check below listed hotels for your perfect stay in Santiago.

Luxurious Hotels

  1. Casa Bueras Boutique Hotel
  2. Noi Vitacura
  3. Le Reve Hotel Boutique
  4. DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Santiago – Vitacura
  5. Renaissance Santiago Hotel
  6. W Santiago
  7. Sheraton Santiago Hotel and Convention Center
  8. Hotel Plaza San Francisco
  9. Santiago Marriott Hotel
  10. Hyatt Place Santiago/Vitacura
  11. Hotel Pullman Santiago Vitacura (ex Atton)
  12. The Ritz-Carlton, Santiago

Mid-Range Hotels

  1. Director Hotel – Vitacura
  2. Hotel Diego de Almagro Providencia
  3. RQ Santiago
  4. Luciano K Hotel
  5. Carmenere Hotel
  6. Hotel Panamericano
  7. Hotel Altiplanico Bellas Artes
  8. Almacruz Hotel y Centro de Convenciones
  9. Mercure Santiago Centro
  10. Hotel Diego De Velasquez
  11. Hotel Plaza El Bosque Ebro
  12. Hotel Plaza El Bosque Nueva Las Condes

Budget Hotels

  1. Hostal Providencia
  2. Apart Hotel Cambiaso
  3. La Casa Roja Hostel
  4. Hostal Forestal
  5. De Blasis Bed & Breakfast
  6. Santa Lucia Hotel
  7. Nippon Hotel
  8. Hotel Sahara Inn
  9. Casa Baquedano
  10. Eco-Hostal Tambo Verde
  11. Posada Del Salvador
  12. Italia Suite B&B Hotel

TripAdvisor

Custom Tours Package in Santiago

How to Reach Santiago?

By Air

The fastest option for Santiago travel is via Pudahuel Airport, also popularly known as Santiago Airport. Although the airport’s full name is Comodoro Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport. You can direct flights to visit Santiago from Toronto, Sydney, Auckland, Melbourne, Miami, New York, Los Angeles, Dallas, Atlanta, Houston, Buenos Aires, Rio de Janeiro, Lima, Sao Paulo, Santa Cruz, Mexico City, Havana, Panama City and many more. You can also get flights from European cities such as Paris, London, Madrid, Rome, Frankfurt and so on.

You can get cabs and buses to reach hotels or places to visit in Santiago, Chile from the airport. There are also shuttle buses running from the airport which can drop you at your desired location on a shared-fare basis with other passengers. If you are eligible to drive in Chile, you can also rent a car when you visit Santiago. You can get quirky cars from the airport as well. It would be better if you pre-book for car rentals, otherwise, you would have to adjust with the available options. If you plan to spend 3 or 4 days in Santiago, Chile; then a rental car is a good choice as you will have great freedom of movement at a reasonable cost.

By Road

Bus connectivity in Chile is quite widespread. You can basically get a bus for Santiago travel from almost anywhere in the country. There are also a few international buses available from Argentina which can be considered for Santiago sightseeing.

If you plan to reach places to visit in Santiago by car, you should head for routes 5, 78, 68 or 57. Each of these roads will take you to Santiago tourist attractions and more.

By Water

The city is quite far from the ocean, so there are no direct water routes for Santiago travel.


Image Reference

Mustafa Natalwala

Mustafa is a content writer and digital marketing expert at WideWorldTrips.com His mainly interests are into travelling, photography, film-making

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