Not only is Santiago the capital of Chile, but it is also one of the most modern cities in South America and the main gateway to the country as it receives all international flights. It is the perfect starting point for discovering Chile.
Santiago is home to over 6 million people. Located in the country’s central valley at a height of 520m (1700ft) above sea level and flanked by the majestic Andes mountain range on the east and the smaller Chilean Coastal Range on the west, it is Chile’s administrative, economic, political and judicial centre.
The city was founded on 12th February 1541 by Pedro de Valdivia at the foot of the Huelén hill (later renamed Cerro Santa Lucia) but initially developed very slowly because the Spanish settlers opted to live further south where there was more rain and the land was easier to cultivate. However, the Mapuche uprising of 1599 pushed the colonists back to the safety of Santiago and as a result it began to grow and become the capital city of Chile.
Today Santiago is one of Latin America’s most sophisticated metropolitan areas, boasting impressive high-rise architecture, many shopping malls and an efficient metro system. It offers a variety of museums, some beautiful buildings from the 19th century, art galleries, boutiques, bars and restaurants.
Its geographical position means that it is possible to practice a variety of outdoor activities without having to travel vast distances. The Andes offer spectacular opportunities for skiing during the winter months, climbing, mountaineering and hiking, as well as generating rivers with rapids suitable for rafting.
To the west, one and a half hours away by car, the Pacific Ocean breaks on beautiful beaches and offers a variety of water sports while closer to Santiago, the climate is ideal for growing grapes which are then processed into the wine for which Chile is famous.
How Long to Stay in Santiago For?
I would recommend spending at least a few days in Santiago and then setting off to discover more places like La Serena, Torres del Paine, Valdivia, Frutillar… the real Chile.
Accommodation
There are lots of places to stay in Santiago for all budgets, from international hotels to budget backpacker hostels. Compares accommodation on Booking.com.
Santiago Tours
I’m a tour person, and there are lots of city sightseeing walking/bike tours tours are designed to give you the inside scoop on Santiago. Some local operators also offer wine tours which make for a great day out in the Chilean countryside visiting several vineyards. Book sightseeing tours and attraction tickets on GetYourGuide or Viator.
Top Things to Do in Santiago
Here are my list of of the unmissable places to see whilst visiting Santiago.
La Moneda
To avoid excessive noise and pollution, I would advise any tourist to visit the city centre of Santiago at the weekend when it is somewhat quieter and calmer. La Moneda is the name of the official Chilean presidential offices and it lies in the very heart of the city. It is a beautiful neo-classical building and an absolute must-see.
Cerro San Cristóbal Hill
There are numerous hills in Santiago; the most important is San Cristóbal. San Cristóbal is great for sport. At the weekend it is packed with runners, cyclists and walkers who tackle the uphill climb. There are a number of restaurants and kiosks located on the way up, not to mention swimming pools, gardens, parks and a zoo.
Concha y Toro Wine Tasting
Concha y Toro is one of the most famous wineries in the world and it is located just 17 miles from Santiago at the foot of the Andes.
Mercado Central
At Santiago’s central market you can find all sorts of fruits, vegetables and fish. If you fancy sampling some local cuisine, this is the place to go as there are lots of little restaurants.
Pueblito Los Dominicos
If you are looking for somewhere nice to purchase souvenirs, you should go to the Pueblito Los Dominicos. This is a market where you can find all sorts of crafts. To get there you should take line 1 of the metro to “Los Dominicos”.
The above locations are pretty solid itinerary for those looking to get a taste of Chile’s capital in a day or two – all are things that I’ve done myself and taken others to do. But let’s say it’s your second time in Santiago, or you’ve got longer, or you just plain want options. How about 5 more things to do in Santiago?
La Vega Central
If you liked Mercado Central – Santiago’s fish market – and want more market goodness, cross the river to La Vega. It’s true that Mercado Central has some produce, but La Vega is where both average city dwellers and the best restaurants in town go to stock up on fresh fruits and veggies. The colors, smells and sounds of this busy market never fail to wow me, and if you happen to be visiting in summer the array of ripe fruit on offer is nothing if not tantalizing.
Museo Chileno de Arte Precolombino
I will be the first to say that some of Santiago’s museums are a let-down or at least were the last time I was there – the national history museum, for example, seems to prioritize explanatory posters over artifacts. This museum of pre-Colombian items, however, combines both history and art to make for an interesting and educational experience.
Bellavista
This neighborhood is a good introduction to Santiago’s bohemian side. Recent development has made it a popular spot with tourists, but there’s still plenty of local culture as well. Once you’ve seen the view from the top of Cerro San Cristóbal, check out Nobel prize-winning poet Pablo Neruda’s house – a monument to eccentricity in interior design if there ever was one – and reward yourself with a beer outside one of the myriad pubs like many Chilean 20-somethings.
Cerro Santa Lucía
Yes I know you already climbed one cerro and may be wondering how many hills one needs. But trust me. Santa Lucía marks the site of the founding of Santiago, and in the 1800s it was made into a park. It now sports shady paths, a fort, and several turrets at the top from which to catch another view of the city, smog permitting. In summer, the real treat is buying a mote con huesillo, a peach juice drink with wheat hominy that quenches your thirst and satisfies your sweet tooth, and drinking it while strolling up the hill.
Viña Santa Rita
Another repeat, but I don’t think most people will complain about a second round of wine tasting, right? Kim suggested heading to Concha y Toro, which is a good start as it’s easy to get to, and you can probably find their wines at home which is always fun. But my favorite vineyard tour in Chile took place at Santa Rita, so I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention it.
You’ll have to rent a car or hire a driver to get there as it’s about 45 minutes from the center of Santiago, but it’s worth it. The tour and tasting are free if you have lunch in their restaurant which serves delicious food, the grounds are gorgeous, and there’s a private museum to wander if you just aren’t quite ready to head back to the city yet.
Culture
Of all the interesting cultural sights Santiago has to offer – these are to be sure not to appear in your common travel guide – what a miss!
Centro Cultural de Gabriela Mistral is one of the newest cultural centers in Santiago – showing contemporary art, movies and sometimes even musical events.
Centro Cultural de la Moneda is the more famous version of the former – but what hardly anybody knows – Wednesday nights, in the subterranean of the presidential palace, you can watch movies for as little as 1.000 Pesos (less than 2 Euros)
Faculdad de Artes of the Universidad de Chile in the street Comañía de Jesus is always worth to stop by. Excellent concerts and most of them for free. Make sure to get there in time to get a good spot!
Looking for an interesting play? Just walk down road Bellavista – among the many theaters you are sure to find a play a tu gusto– even in English!
Food & Drink
You cannot leave Chile without having tried Empanadas (dough pockets traditionally filled with minced meat and onions) and Sopaipillas (flat dogh cakes made out of corn and pumkins.
The best ones – apart from homemade ones – are actually sold on the street (hot spots: Metro Station Cal y Canto and the street Pio Nono in the Bellavista neighborhood). Who wants to go easier on his stomach should try the restaurant version in Manuel Montt street – Bote.
And after a night out – the Santiago party crowd hits the Mercado Central to grab a delicious soup or fresh fish!
For those who have a craving for spicy food (hard to find in Chile) – the best places are the Indian restaurant Majestic in downtown Santiago or the Korean version of spicy you can find in the Patronato area – also known as Chinatown in Santiago.
Shopping
Fed up with the travellers clothes in your backpack? Forgot to pack a jumper? Here’s a rundown of the best places to shop in Santiago without spending a fortune…
Banderas
An entire street in downtown Santiago with vintage clothing. Unique, very good condition and – cheap!
Patronato
This neighborhood has all you dream of in the world of clothes. Definitely the cheapest place to shop in Santiago. But watch out: Do not go there on weekends – waaay to crowded and have a second look at everything you buy – the quality is not always the best.
Monjitas, Merced and its side streets
Here you can find hip and young designer stores – affordable prices and 100% different
Lastarria
THE street in Santiago where you can find cheap books, paintings and jewelery.
Persa Bio Bio
This huge market, just off Franklin Metro Staion has literally EVERYTHING: from used tires over furniture up to old postcards of Santiago. Best place to find economic souvenirs.
Nightlife
Santiago offers endless possibilities for a night out on the tiles. Depending on your mood and tastes, here’s just a couple of suggestions of where the locals go…
• La Batuta, right at Plaza Ñuñoa, is a chilled place for lovers of rock music
• El Grancentral in Providencia offers live DJs from Friday to Sunday and some of the best cocktails in town
• Blondies in Barrio Brazil is made for lovers of Brit Pop
• Galpón de Victor Jara is located in the middle of Plaza Brazil and the inside spot for all who enjoy high-quality latino rhythms and if you need a break, you have the entire street of Huerfanos full of bars from stylish to cozy
• Bellavista is an entire neighborhood of clubs and bars. The best ones are hidden and change frequently – so don’t be shy and just ask
Santiago Travel Tips
Language
And finally, to get the most out of your trip, learning some Spanish will really help you integrate with the locals and truly get off that tourist trail…
Whatever you decide to do, enjoy your trip to this long, skinny country at the end of the world.