Santiago, Chile travel guide

Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes

Take a couple of hours to walk around inside this gorgeous Neoclassical and Baroque-style building to see works of Latin American art, with a large collection from Chilean artist Israel Roa. Also, head downstairs to the basement to see more modern artwork. 

Take the Cable Car Around San Cristóbal Hill

Check out one of the highest points in Santiago from the historic Funicular de Santiago and cable cars. Take a break at the Tupahue Station, and you can swim at Tupahue Pool or explore the Mapulemu Botanical Garden on a nice afternoon. Try to do both the cable car and the funicular, and don’t hike up the paths alone, as there have been armed robberies. You can purchase a ticket in advance with a hop-on hop-off bus tour here.

Tour the Metropolitan Cathedral of Santiago de Chile

If you find yourself in the main city square (Plaza de Armas), take some time to explore the Metropolitan Cathedral of Santiago de Chile. The 18th-century cathedral combines Gothic and Baroque architecture to great effect. Book this guided tour, and you’ll learn about the history and climb the bell tower for the best views.

Explore Santa Lucía Hill

High up on Santa Lucía Hill, you might recognize the park and Hidalgo Castle if you ever watched The Amazing Race. It’s a steep climb, so you’ll want to do it early in the day to wander the cobbled pathways around palm trees, gardens, and elaborate fountains.

Museum of Memory & Human Rights 

Located in Barrio Yungay, the Museum of Memory & Human Rights focuses on the dark period of Chile’s past during the Pinochet dictatorship. The museum reminds us of the horrific human rights violations during this tragic period through photos and letters written by victims and political prisoners.

Visit La Chascona

You can’t get very far in Santiago without hearing about Pablo Neruda (the Nobel Prize-winning Chilean politician and poet). La Chascona was the home he built for his 3rd wife, and you can visit this beautiful residence in Bellavista on a self-guided audio tour.

Museo Chileno de Arte Precolombino

The Museo Chileno de Arte Precolombino isn’t your run-of-the-mill archaeological museum. Not only is it impeccably designed and organised, but it has Precolumbian artefacts like Andean Textiles and Olmec Heads you simply won’t see at many other museums. It was 100% my favourite museum in Santiago, so give it at least a couple of hours.

See the City From Sky Costanera

Towering 300 metres in the air, the tallest skyscraper in Latin America (Torre Gran Costanera) is well worth visiting. You can book a ticket to the observation deck or grab some surprisingly excellent cocktails at SKY 300 BAR. Be sure to grab a table by the window; it’s worth the wait.

Take a street art tour

On my first afternoon, I toured the murals of Bellavista and Barrio Yungay with a local guide; my Santiago street art guide explains how to book one.

Must-See Santiago in 1 Day

Follow it stop by stop with my one day in Santiago itinerary.
1 Day

San Cristobal Cable Car & Funicular  – La Chascona – Lunch at Restaurant Galindo – Bellas Artes – Metropolitan Cathedral – Museum Arte Precolombino –  Santa Lucía Hill — Dinner at Bocanáriz

2 Day Santiago Itinerary Exploring Street Art, Museums, and Restaurants

2 Days

Street Art and Culture in Barrio Yungay – Museums and Landmarks around Centro – Shopping in Lastarria – Sightseeing in Bellavista –  Dining in Las Condes

1 Week Itinerary in Santiago, Chile, With a Day Trip to Maipo Valley

1 Week

Cable Car & Funicular up San Cristóbal Hill – Belles Artes – Lastarria – Centro – Barrio Yungay – Las Condes – Day Trip to Maipo Valley

Plan the wine day with my guide to Maipo Valley wine tasting.

Check Out the Street Art

Walk through the neighbourhoods of Bellavista, Barrio Yungay, and Barrio Franklin to see why Santiago has made quite a name for itself with its street art and murals.

Many of the pieces (especially in Yungay) have political overtones, keeping with the area’s left-wing roots. It helps to go on a guided tour like this one to learn the history from a local like Alejandro, who took me round on my own when I turned out to be the only person booked.

Walk Through Lastarria Street Market 

Lastarria is my favourite neighbourhood in Santiago. Take a walk through the Lastarria Street Market on Calle José Victorino and see why. Shop for jewellery, art, beauty products, and clothes from independent producers – or (whisper it) a little treat for yourself. 

Take a Day Trip to Maipo Valley

When you travel to Santiago, Chile, add a day trip to Maipo Valley. The unique geography of Isla de Maipo resembles an island due to how the Maipo River wraps around the valley. Taste the excellent wine on this guided tour, or hire a driver and visit a charming villa like ​​Alyan Family Wines.

Restaurant Galindo 

Restaurant Galindo offers an opportunity to try traditional homestyle Santiagan cooking in a no-fuss dining room.

Try the Pastel de Choclo, a popular combination of corn, olives, chicken, and ground beef that’s addictive but super filling, so arrive hungry.

Bocanáriz

Bocanáriz is small and fills up quickly. Do yourself a favour and follow the advice of about a dozen people I ran into on my last trip to Santiago – reserve a table at this wine bar come restaurant in advance.

You can choose from several wine flights (I loved the Carmeneres Flight) that pair well with the tapas plates; they’re perfect when there’s no one to share a bottle with.

Chipe Libre – Independent Republic of Pisco

Chipe Libre – Independent Republic of Pisco doesn’t try to get into the middle of the debate about the true origins of Pisco (the fiery yet versatile grape-based spirit). All the better.

They diplomatically serve both brandies from Peru and Chile, complemented by excellent dishes like oysters topped with a corn-based salsa.

Boragó

If you want a splurge meal in Santiago, head to Vitacura and try the destination restaurant Boragó; read my Boragó review.

It’s probably the single most expensive meal in the city, but the 14 courses featuring highlights like the ultimate umami blast of the mushroom-based Chupe and the majestic decor are well worth the price of admission.

More in my guide to the best restaurants in Santiago.

Is Santiago, Chile worth visiting? Absolutely, and you can do it on a budget, too.

Expect to spend between £125 and £260 ($160 and $330) per day with accommodations on a mid-range basis. Add £275 to £355 ($350 to $453) if you’re travelling on a luxury basis in Santiago. The Singular cost me about US$140 a night when I stayed; expect upwards of US$300 now.

Average Daily Costs 

• Hotel 
  • Mid-Range – £55 to £79 ($70 to $100) per night. 
  • Luxury – £118 to £236 ($150 to $300) per night.
• Food – £5.50 to £31.50 ($7 to $40) per meal. 
• Local Public Transport –  £.80 ($1) per ticket.
• Attractions – £0 to £7 ($0 to $9) for tickets.
• Tours – £28 to £118 ($35 to $150) per tour.

Safety

Santiago is relatively safe, but petty crime has steadily increased over the past few years.

On my most recent visit, I noticed quite a few tourists complaining about pickpocketing – so keep your belongings close by and avoid walking around too late at night.

Keep your phone out of sight around the Plaza de Armas and the Mercado Central.

Health

Infrastructure is generally good in Santiago, and tap water is perfectly safe to drink. However, once you head out for day trips, bring bottled water, as many smaller towns don’t always have potable water.

If you’re up-to-date on your standard vaccinations, you should be OK visiting Santiago.

Tipping

A 10% tip is the norm in Santiago – but double check it’s not already on the bill. Many restaurants add it to the bill.

Round up to the nearest 500/1000 CLP when tipping taxis, hotel staff, or at gas stations.

Tips for travelling

• Uber is a much better choice than local taxis, as the prices are more transparent, and you shouldn’t have to negotiate the fare.
• You’ll receive a Tourist Card when you visit Santiago (or anywhere in Chile). Don’t lose this; you’ll need it to leave the country after your holiday.
• Many museums in Santiago are free, but you may have to fill out an online form at some, like Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes.
• Most people speak Spanish in Santiago. I’d recommend learning the basics before you go.
• Parking is relatively easy, but traffic can be stressful if you haven’t driven in busy cities in South America. 

How to see the best for free

Take the official Santiago Free Walking Tour to enjoy a four-hour guided journey through the city centre, with a much-deserved empanada break halfway through.

Alternatively, Strawberry Tours offers a Barrio Yungay tour to learn more about this lively neighbourhood’s murals, restaurants, and poetry. 

You can visit plenty of museums, like the  Museum of Memory & Human Rights and Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes, for free. Or if you’d rather spend the day outside, walk around Santa Lucía Hill and relax near the fountains at the lovely hillside park.

Packing

• Osprey Daylite Daypack – A great way to keep your sunscreen, water bottle, and guidebooks handy.
• Outer Shell – A lightweight jacket is key for windy or rainy days.
• Allbirds Tree Runners – Bring comfortable walking shoes for urban hikes and sightseeing when visiting Santiago, Chile.
• Passport and Documents – Pack your passport and hold onto your Tourist Card for your flight home.
• Thermal Leggings – You’ll be happy you have them when hiking on colder days.

Travel insurance

AXA Travel Insurance has helped me on more than one trip, and because Chile is full of adventure and unpredictable weather, it may be wise for you to add, too.

I suggest buying it right after booking your flight to protect against lost luggage costs, flight cancellations, and any potential medical bills when you travel to Santiago, Chile. 

Suggested guidebooks

• The Locals Travel Guide For Your Trip to Santiago (Chile): Santiago, Chile Travel Guide 2023
• Lonely Planet: Chile & Rapa Nui (Easter Island) 12
• Lord K2: Street Art Santiago Chile

Interesting facts

• Over ⅓ of Chileans live in or around the capital city of Santiago.
• Incas lived in Santiago nearly 100 years before colonisation.
• Santiago sits almost evenly between the Pacific Ocean and Andes Mountains.
• Gran Torre Santiago (Torre Gran Costanera) is the tallest skyscraper in Latin America.

Handy phrases

Spanish is by far the most common language in Santiago, Chile. Here are some essential words and phrases.

Hello – Hola 

Goodbye – Chao

Yes – Sí  

No – No  

Please – Por favor  

Thank You – Gracias  

How Much Is – Cuánto es  

Where is – Dónde es

Good Morning – Buenos días

Good Afternoon – Buenas tardes

Good Evening – Buenas noches

Cool – Buena onda

Time zone

When travelling to Santiago, Chile, you’ll need to set your clock to the Chile Standard Time or Chile Summer Time (UTC – 4, UTC – 3), as they observed daylight savings here.

Electricity and adapters

Bring your universal travel adaptor, on your Santiago trip. You’ll find C and L Plugs throughout the city.