Santiago de Chile

Santiago de Chile is more than just a stopover on the way to the Atacama Desert or Patagonia. It is a metropolis that blends the old with the new, where colonial architecture meets modern skyscrapers. I recommend staying in the city for at least three days before moving on.

The question should rather be: Why not? Santiago de Chile is a city that offers everything: art, culture, culinary delights, and breathtaking nature. The capital of Chile is a melting pot of tradition and modernity. You will find street art, cozy cafés and bars, as well as many interesting places. Since some friends of mine live here, we spent a few days in Santiago de Chile to overcome the jet lag from our long journey from Germany and to acclimate ourselves to the vast country in South America.

I have compiled the most famous landmarks in Santiago as well as the historically significant places in the city, the prettiest neighborhoods, and activities. In my opinion, these must-visit spots are essential for your first visit to Santiago.

These were our top 10 attractions in Santiago de Chile. Now we will show you more highlights and helpful tips for your trip to Santiago.

Cerro San Cristóbal is the most popular viewpoint in Santiago. At the top, you will find a giant statue of the Virgin Mary and a fantastic panoramic view of the city all the way to the Andes. You can hike up the hill, ride a bike, or take the cable car (Teleférico) or the historic funicular. I recommend going at sunset when the light is especially magical - but be careful: the park closes early, so check the times beforehand!

The presidential palace is not only architecturally impressive but also a site with a turbulent history - the military coup took place here in 1973. The changing of the guard in the morning (usually around 10 am, not daily) is particularly worthwhile. In the basement, there is the Centro Cultural La Moneda, a modern cultural center with rotating exhibitions, a bookstore, and a café - quiet and air-conditioned, ideal for a break.

The Mercado Central is a feast for all the senses. The historic market hall with its wrought-iron roof dates back to the 19th century. Here you can get freshly caught fish and seafood to sample right on the spot. Typical dishes include 'Caldillo de Congrio' or sea urchin. It is touristy but worth it for the culinary experience - if you want to eat more authentically, walk a few meters further to Mercado de la Vega.

Bellavista is the most creative neighborhood in the city. Colorful street art, alternative shops, bars, galleries, and cafés define the scene. During the day, you can stroll leisurely through the streets; in the evening, the neighborhood comes to life. We dined at a Peruvian restaurant here, enjoying Ceviche and Lomo Saltado - highly recommended! Tip: Combine Bellavista with Cerro San Cristóbal, which borders it directly. Take a bike tour with La Bicicleta Verde through this wonderfully colorful neighborhood. You'll see the city's busiest market, Mercado Central, and other noteworthy places.

Off the beaten path, we discovered the Yungay neighborhood. One of Santiago's less touristy districts features fantastic street art. I highly recommend the 'Urban Legacy' tour with a local artist who will show you the best murals and share a lot about the politics and history of Chile. The tour starts at the Quinta Normal metro station, right by the Museum of Memory and Human Rights - a must-visit if you want to understand the country. The street art tour lasts 2.5 hours and costs $20 per person. It starts and ends directly at the Quinta Normal metro station at Quinta Normal Park and the Museum of Memory and Human Rights, which we also visited. Graffiti artist Sebastian (@nhesta) will show us the neighborhood and also tells a lot about the history of Chile. The tour is truly fascinating. Afterward, we still had time for the museum before heading back to the center and visiting the shopping street, Plaza de Armas, the old post office (Correo), the Cathedral, and the Palacio de la Moneda.

Parque O'Higgins is a large green space with plenty of room for picnics, jogging, or simply relaxing. The Lollapalooza festival takes place here. Perfect for an afternoon away from the hustle and bustle - especially if you're staying in the city longer.

A must for culture lovers: This museum showcases an impressive collection of pre-Columbian art from all over Latin America - from the Andes to Easter Island. I especially enjoyed the ceramics and textiles from northern Chile. Ideal for one to two hours in a climate-controlled, quiet atmosphere.

The Plaza de Armas is the historic center of the city and a popular meeting place. Here you will find the Cathedral, the old post office, the National Museum, and many street performers. Particularly intriguing is the contrast between colonial architecture and the lively urban scene. Ideal for a quick stroll and people-watching.

The quirky house of poet Pablo Neruda is now a museum situated right in the Bellavista neighborhood. The rooms are filled with curious objects, books, ship models, and memories of his life. Very unique - you can feel how Neruda lived and thought. Be sure to visit with an audio guide or a tour!

The tallest building in Latin America offers you a 360° view of Santiago and the surrounding Andes at a height of 300 meters. On a clear day, you can see far into the mountains. I recommend going at sunset - the light on the city and the mountains is breathtaking. The elevator is super fast, but admission is not exactly cheap.

This long park stretches right in the center - ideal for a break between museums, markets, and strolls. Joggers, couples, families, and artists create a relaxed atmosphere in the park. Next door is the Museum of Fine Arts and the Museum of Contemporary Art.

Just about an hour from Santiago lies this natural paradise in the Andes. Perfect for a day trip for hiking, rafting, or simply enjoying some fresh mountain air. The turquoise water of El Yeso Reservoir is especially beautiful. Be careful: Without a rental car or organized tour, you will hardly get there - so plan ahead!

To help you with navigation, we have marked the most important attractions in Santiago on a map. We also included our highlights and tips for restaurants, bars, markets, and parks. It's best to download the map offline to your phone. You can open it in Google Maps and navigate around Santiago de Chile with it.

In Chile, it is customary to tip for good service. It is considered a nice gesture. We always left a little money and rounded up the bill. The challenging part is figuring out how much to give.

• Restaurant: About 10% of the bill.
• Guide on a day trip: About 5 euros per person.
• Room service in a hotel: About 1 to 2 euros per person.
• Taxi and UBER drivers do not expect tips. We always rounded up.

One of the recommended day trips from Santiago de Chile is definitely Valparaíso. Just about two hours from the capital, you will find the colorful port city. Valparaíso is known for its steep hills, colorful houses, and diverse artist scene.

Getting there is easy by bus or car. Buses leave regularly from the Alameda Terminal in Santiago and drop you off at the bus station in Valparaíso, which is well connected to the public transport system. We didn't just visit Valparaíso as a day trip; it's also worth staying here. Check out my tips for Valparaíso with my highlights here.

Chile is known worldwide for its excellent wines, and a trip to one of the many wineries near Santiago is an absolute must. Here, you can not only enjoy exclusive wine tastings but also learn more about the winemaking process.

Most wineries can be reached by car in less than two hours. There are also organized tours that offer transport and guided visits.

Alongside copper, the largest export product of the country is undoubtedly Chilean wine, which Chris has encountered on his restaurant visits mainly in fine dining. The red wine blends are particularly celebrated, and this is reason enough to visit Haras de Pirque, one of the most renowned wineries in the country. The vineyard and the entire estate are magnificent and blend modernity and tradition impressively. A guided tour with tasting is highly recommended! Visiting information: The location of the vineyards in Pirque at the foot of the Andes is ideal. You can best reach it by car or taxi from Pirque, which is about 40 minutes south of Santiago.

Comodoro Arturo Merino Benítez Airport is well connected internationally and offers numerous direct flights from Europe and North America. We traveled to Santiago de Chile via Amsterdam with KLM. Read our complete travel report on Chile here. Airlines that have good connections to Chile include KLM (which we chose, with a fuel stop in Buenos Aires, around 1.5 to 2 hours) or Iberia from Madrid. Air France via Paris is also an option. For flights, I always search on Kayak. I also check directly on the airline's website to see if there's a cheaper offer. Usually, it's not the case. Thus, we booked a flight from Stuttgart via Amsterdam to Santiago de Chile and back again from Santiago. The total flight time was 17.5 hours, including a stop in Buenos Aires of 1.5 to 2 hours where you must leave the airplane. BOOK FLIGHTS ✈️ We always search for cheap flights on Kayak. Here you can find my tips for finding cheap flights. Be sure to indicate that you need checked baggage, as basic tickets usually include only carry-on luggage. This initially distorts the price and shows it as cheaper.

To enter Chile, you only need a passport that is valid for the duration of your stay (at least six months is recommended). Note: Make sure you have at least four pages (better more) free in your passport. If you frequently cross the border between Argentina and Chile (Patagonia), you will get many stamps in your passport. A tourist visa is valid for 90 days. If you wish to stay in Chile longer, you can extend the visa for another 90 days on-site. It is also important for entry that you know your first address. You have to enter it in a form that you must fill out upon entry. If you are at a hotel upon arrival, this address will suffice. Important: You will receive a white slip upon entering that you must keep until you leave. You will need to show this at hotels to avoid paying VAT. Without this slip, you also cannot exit the country.

In Santiago, you can easily get from point A to B via UBER or the metro. The metro system is one of the most efficient in South America, and numerous bus lines offer a cost-effective way to explore the city. Get yourself a metro card that allows you to travel easily and safely around the city.

From luxurious hotels to cozy hostels, Santiago has accommodation for every budget. We stayed at Luciano K - Boutique Hotel, conveniently located near all attractions and a metro station. Perfect location, great breakfast with good bread, fruits, and fresh produce. Plus, an amazing view of Cerro San Cristóbal and the city from the rooftop terrace.

More recommendations that Chris was able to try:

Explore Santiago de Chile in all its facets. This city is just waiting to be discovered by you. Pack your suitcase now and experience the adventure of a lifetime! I hope you enjoyed this article and that it helped answer your questions. If you have any ideas or questions, we would love to hear your comments here on the travel blog. If you have no questions: We still appreciate your feedback and that you share it with friends! Do you want to always receive the best travel and insider tips? Then follow me on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Threads, or subscribe to my newsletter to get regular updates and exclusive tips. ♥ Do you enjoy my tips? Say thanks with a coffee ☕️

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