10 Best Things to Do in Santiago

Shaded by palm trees, Plaza de Armas is an ancient city square housing famous Chilean monument, from the striking Cathedral of Santiago to the crumbling central post office. As the initial centerpiece of the city, the Plaza de Armas is ideally located for a morning stroll while also grabbing a slice of local history.

No matter which side of this colorfully cultural square you start on, make sure to indulge in the various forms of entertainment on offer. Warm up with a spot of Cueca – the traditional Chilean dance – and laugh along with the local clowns and mimes scattered around the space. If you’re starting your journey on the weekend, you can even get in a quick game of chess against one of Chile’s finest players.

Sitting snugly and rather strikingly in the center of Santiago is one of the city’s most famous green spaces – the serene Cerro Santa Lucia. As a small hill transformed from rocky beginnings to a now rocking central attraction, break away from the bustle of central Chilean life with a wander through the crumbling old ruins and chapels to the peaceful park.

Follow the twist and turns of this humble hill, as you climb the steep stone stairs which lead you all the way to the top of Torre Mirador. Here, you get sweeping Santiago views and, if you take a visit around midday, you’ll be able to capture the legendary gun blast for a visit to remember.

Welcome to the gleaming walls of La Moneda Palace – are you ready to step foot inside a breathtaking UNESCO World Heritage site? For a truly authentic Chilean experience, capturing the iconic Changing of the Guard, alongside the gigantic swaying Chilean flag and immaculate grass lawn is an absolute must.

Presidential by name, this impressive building is also pretty presidential by nature, as it occupies an entire city block in downtown Santiago. Get there for 10am sharp to witness the full changeover, from the coolest mounted guards to the sounds of the brass marching band.

Facing away from Santiago and nestled right into the hillside sits the final residence of Chile’s most famous poet, Pablo Neruda. Quirky, eclectic, and with romance written into every wall, you can really capture the poetic charm while immersing yourself into the intoxicating existence of Pablo Neruda himself.

Starting off with an informative film of the poet’s life, visitor numbers inside the house itself are kept to a minimum, so you can explore the famous walls of this hidden gem with enough time and space to marvel at its delights, from the collection of colored shells to the lighthouse-inspired living room. After roughly 45 minutes of exploration – audio tour optional – you’ll leave rich in romance and history.

Join the hordes of strolling Santiaguinos as you head for the eclectic Mercado Central. Founded in 1872, this busy central market provides fresh produce and souvenirs. But it won’t be long before your intrigued footsteps catch up with your senses, as you follow your nose to the main market event – stalls and stalls of fresh fish.

As you stroll along the aromatic aisles, pick up a couple of trinkets and bunches of vibrant fresh flowers along the way. Make sure to take a moment and indulge in a scrumptious seafood lunch. While you could while away the hours browsing the vast array of offerings, not to mention picking up some tasty new recipes, you’ll be left satisfied after feasting on your various finds.

You may have already spotted the forested mountain heights of San Cristobal Hill dominating Santiago’s shimmering skyline, but to truly appreciate this spectacle, you need to see it up close. As the second highest point in Santiago, after Cerro Renca, and blending urban appeal with the largest green space in the city (covering 722 hectares), this awe-inspiring sight also plays home to the city’s largest park – Parque Metropolitano de Santiago.

Pull on your walking boots and work your way up the hillside with a gentle hike. When you get to the top, take your pick from a flourishing Japanese garden, 2 pools, a zoo and even an amphitheater. The best way to really explore the dizzying peaks is to jump on board a teleférico (cable car) and swoop from one side of the picturesque landscape to the other. It’s best on a clear day, so keep your fingers crossed for good weather.

All history buffs must report to the iconic walls of the Museo de la Memoria Chilena – the Museum of Memory and Human Rights – for a slice of authentic Chilean history. While the structures of this building are enough to impress, the story that lies within will truly move you.

As you explore the insightful exhibitions and audiovisual productions, take your time and expect to spend up to 2 hours listening to the tale of repression unfold as you’re transported back to the days when Salvador Allende was removed from power and replaced by the dictatorship of General Pinochet. 

Standing glistening under the Chilean sun to a height of 300 meters, the Sky Costanera Tower gives you the chance to look down on the local life in amazement. As the tallest building in Latin America, this is the only place to catch a truly panoramic view of the city.

After a slick 50-second elevator ride to the top, you’ll soon feel the value of the $15 ticket price ($10 for kids). Head to the observation deck with an open view of the sky. If you time it right, you can catch a sizzling Chilean sunset. As you stand tall and take in the sights around you, you’ll start getting to grips with the sheer size of Santiago.

The Museum of Memory and Human Rights offers a somber look into the human rights violations carried out by the Chilean state during the rule of Augusto Pinochet from 1973 to 1990. The museum was opened in 2010 to celebrate the country's bicentennial, serving to honor the victims of that repressive time and promote respect and tolerance to help prevent such atrocities from happening again.   

Found on Matucana Street, the museum displays a collection of photographs, videos, letters, and other materials from that period. It tells the story of the military coup and the years of repression, murder and disappearances that followed. Exhibits and multimedia presentations give a harrowing and empathetic view into that dark period of Chile's history and the people who resisted the brutal regime.

Sitting between the Mapocho River and San Cristóbal Hill, the bohemian streets of Barrio Bellavista are ideal for those wanting to end the night eating, drinking and being merry. They’re also the perfect place to do some late-night shopping, gallery strolling and more importantly, to get your Santiago groove as you move to the rhythm of a little Batacuda – samba’s lesser-known little sister.

Spice up your palate at bustling sidewalk eateries such as La Parrilla and Como Agua para Chocolate, sample some fine Chilean wines at Barrica 94 and head to Barrio Soho for a basement club with beach bar vibes and tequila sunrises. Perhaps you’ll stay out late enough to catch a sunrise of your own.