If you’re travelling to Chile, chances are Santiago will be on your itinerary.
Santiago, the capital of Chile, is a city full of energy, tucked between the Andes mountains and the Chilean coast.
You can spend the morning exploring historic plazas, the afternoon enjoying a glass of local wine, and the evening taking in mountain views or joining the city’s vibrant nightlife.
With its mix of culture, food, and stunning scenery, Santiago has something for every visitor—whether you’re into art, adventure, or just soaking up the feel of a new city.
1. Mercado Central
Mercado Central is a lively, colourful fish market lined with restaurants. It is conveniently located near the Mapocho River in downtown Santiago.
It’s a great place to sample the delights of Chile’s coast—try centolla (Chilean king crab). The market is popular with tourists, but is still a fun spot for lunch and great photos.
For a more local experience, head to bustling La Vega Central. Wander through stalls of fresh fruit, spices, and street food in one of Santiago’s most iconic markets. Go early for vibrant colours, fewer crowds, and the freshest produce.
Central market, Santiago
2. Traditional Barrios
Santiago’s traditional barrios (neighbourhoods) are fascinating because each one reflects a unique blend of history, culture, and architecture, from bohemian arts districts to traditional working-class markets.
Experience art, food, politics, architecture, and everyday Chilean life all in a single walk!
Barrio Lastarria
Lastarria has been declared a cultural heritage site, and is Santiago’s artsy, bohemian neighbourhood packed with cafés, galleries, bookstores, and markets.
By day, it’s perfect for a slow stroll, café-hopping, or browsing indie bookstores and galleries.
Barrio Yungay
One of Santiago’s oldest neighbourhoods, Yungay is full of history and street art – colourful murals, heritage architecture, and cosy cafes.
It’s a great spot for culture lovers, but might be best explored with a guide if you’re unfamiliar with the city.
Barrio Bellavista
If you’re looking for nightlife, this is the place. Bellavista is Santiago’s bohemian district, jammed full of bars, restaurants, and live music venues. However, remember, things get going late! Keep your wits about you—it can get very lively after dark.
3. La Chascona
Santiago is home to some of Chile’s most important museums, offering insights into its history, art, and culture. La Chascona in Bellavista is a small but charming house-museum.
La Chascona was the Santiago home of Chile’s Nobel Prize–winning poet, Pablo Neruda. Eclectic architecture, Neruda’s personal treasures, and guided tours.
(Tip: Pair your visit with a wander through Bellavista’s colourful streets and cafés for the full bohemian experience.)
4. Museo Pre-Colombino
One of Chile’s finest museums, housing a stunning collection of pre-Columbian art and artefacts from across Latin America. From intricate textiles and ceramics to gold pieces and ancient carvings, the exhibits showcase the creativity and diversity of the continent’s earliest cultures.
Allow at least a couple of hours—the museum is beautifully curated and easy to get absorbed in.
5. Cerro San Cristóbal
Rising high above Santiago, Cerro San Cristóbal is Santiago’s highest hill, where a statue of the Virgin Mary overlooks the city. It’s the heart of Parque Metropolitano—the largest urban park in Latin America.
Take the funicular railway to the top or hike your way up if you’ve got energy to burn.
Along the way, you’ll find Santiago Zoo, a Japanese garden, swimming pools, and plenty of shady picnic spots. Allow 1.5–3 hours to really enjoy it. Great for sunsets and skyline photography.
Go early or late to avoid weekend crowds.
If you’ve got a bit less time available, then right in the heart of Santiago is Cerro Santa Lucía. It has castle-like terraces, stone staircases, fountains, and leafy gardens—perfect for a quick stroll and some surprisingly good city views (though not as sweeping as San Cristóbal).
You can explore it in 30–45 minutes—making it an easy stop if you’re already wandering downtown or in nearby Lastarria.
6. Pueblito Los Dominicos
This is an artisan village with charm and character as the stalls are small adobe huts, each one home to a craftsperson selling pottery, jewellery, leather goods, textiles, and traditional Chilean souvenirs.
An old Dominican church, gardens, and shady courtyards add to the relaxed, small-town feel—making it a peaceful escape from Santiago’s busy streets, especially on weekday mornings. It’s very easy to get there- just hop on Metro Line 1 and take it all the way to the end.
(Bring cash, as not all artisans accept cards)
7. Plaza de Armas
The historic and cultural heart of Santiago, Plaza de Armas has been the city’s main square since its founding in 1541.
You’ll find the grand Metropolitan Cathedral, the Central Post Office, and plenty of tree-shaded benches —perfect for people-watching.
Visit during the day to soak up Santiago’s energy, or in the evening when the cathedral is beautifully lit up.
8. Costanera Center
Chile’s number one pastime – Mall culture!
Costanera Center is Santiago’s most iconic mall and part of a complex which also has the tallest building in the Southern hemisphere, the 300m, 63 floor, Gran Torre Santiago. A great destination for shopping, having a bite to eat, or snapping an aerial shot.
Head up to the glass observation deck for stunning 360° panoramic views of the city and the Andes.
9. Museo de la Memoria y los Derechos Humanos (Museum of Memory and Human Rights)
Museo de la Memoria y los Derechos Humanos is one of Santiago’s most powerful and moving museums, dedicated to remembering Chile’s military dictatorship. The exhibits are thoughtfully curated, combining personal stories, photographs, and multimedia displays.
Allocate 1.5–2 hours and take it slow—it’s emotionally heavy but important.
TIP: Quinta Normal Park (Parque Quinta Normal) opposite the museum is definitely worth a visit if you have a bit more time.
The park is a leafy oasis in the heart of Santiago- an expansive, tranquil park where locals hang out—perfect for a relaxed day.
Stroll along shaded paths, enjoy a paddleboat ride on the ponds, or have a picnic on the lawns. Arrive early to beat the crowds!
10. Santiago Metro
Santiago’s Metro, with seven lines covering most of Santiago and easy connections to buses, is a fast, safe, and surprisingly cultural way to get around the city.
Many stations are like mini art galleries with murals, sculptures, mosaics, and contemporary installations. Highlights include the Universidad de Chile stop: Famous for murals depicting Chilean history; Baquedano: a modern hub connecting multiple lines; and Toesca & Los Héroes: Beautiful tilework and artistic décor.
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