Santiago

Nestled in the Andean foothills, Santiago is Chile’s pulsating capital—where modern skyscrapers meet colonial architecture, tree-lined parks, and a rich artistic scene. It offers diverse experiences: breathtaking mountain views, vibrant neighborhoods, world-class museums, and a lively culinary scene

Top Things to Do

1. Cerro San Cristóbal & Parque Metropolitano

Climb, hike, or ride the funicular up this iconic hill for panoramic views and a visit to the Virgin Mary statue, botanical gardens, zoo, and swimming pools . The largest urban park in Latin America spans over 700 ha .

2. Gran Torre Costanera & Sky Costanera

At 300 m, Latin America’s tallest skyscraper offers spectacular 360° city and mountain vistas from its observation deck

3. Plaza de Armas & Museo Chileno de Arte Precolombino

Explore the historic center with its grand cathedral and stroll through the vivid pre-Columbian collections inside a restored colonial palace .

4. La Moneda Palace

Chile’s presidential palace—tour the grounds or catch the Changing of the Guard ceremony held every two days

5. Barrio Bellavista

A bohemian enclave renowned for its vivid street art, galleries, nightlife, and Pablo Neruda’s quirky La Chascona house

6. Barrio Lastarria

A cultural hub with theaters, cafés, bookstores, indie cinemas, artsy bars, and weekend artisan fairs .

7. Mercado Central & La Vega

Seafood paradise housed in a historic 1870s iron‑roofed building; ideal for curanto stew, fresh seafood, and vibrant market life .

8. Museo de Bellas Artes & MAVI (Lastarria)

Stroll through Parque Forestal to reach the elegant National Museum of Fine Arts and contemporary art hub MAVI

9. O’Higgins & Almagro Parks

Relax in historic parks—O’Higgins Park hosts Lollapalooza and national festivities, and Almagro Park is a leafy square near the Basilica and Palacio Cousiño .

 Maipo Valley Wine Tours

Just outside the city, taste world-class Cabernet Sauvignon and Carménère at top vineyards like Concha y Toro, Cousiño Macul, and Sant a Rita  Food & Drinks

• Seafood at Mercado Central

• Empanadas, bocadillos in Bellavista/Lastarria 

• Craft wine and cocktails in boho venues like Bocanáriz or Patio Bellavista

 Travel Tips

• Best time: Spring (Sept–Nov) and fall (Mar–May) for mild weather and blooms

• Stay alert for petty theft downtown and at tourist hotspots 

• Metro and buses are efficient, but rideshares are safer at night

• Book wine tours and La Chascona tickets in advance

• Visit winter ski resorts from June–Sept nearby at Valle Nevado and Portillot

 Areas to Stay

• Centro / Lastarria – central and cultural

• Bellavista – artsy and lively

• Providencia – modern, safe, and near the tower