The Ultimate Santiago Chile Travel Guide: Top 12 Things to Do

Located in the heart of Chile, Santiago is a city where history meets modernity, framed by the majestic Andes mountains. This bustling metropolis offers something for everyone throughout the year. While Santiago is famed for its world-class skiing in the winter months, it is equally captivating in the warmer seasons with countless outdoor activities. Immerse yourself in the Chilean lifestyle by exploring its vibrant culture and breathtaking landscapes. From hiking the trails of Cerro San Cristobal to wandering through the bustling markets, this Santiago Chile Travel Guide will help you uncover all the best things to do in this incredible city.

12 Things To Do in Santiago, Chile

Santiago will likely be your first and last stop as you journey through the world’s longest and narrowest country. While many travelers only spend a night before heading off to the Atacama Desert or Patagonia, Santiago truly deserves more of your time.

As one of South America’s top cities for art, particularly street art, as well as culture and gastronomy, Santiago offers an array of experiences that can easily keep you engaged for several days.

1. Visit Plaza de Armas

As the heart of Santiago, Plaza de Armas is a must-see for any traveler exploring the city. Easily accessible via Metro Line 5, this iconic square is a perfect starting point for a walking tour of Santiago. The plaza sits near the lively pedestrian streets of Paseo Ahumada and Paseo Estado, and is surrounded by some of the city’s most historic buildings, including the Catedral Metropolitana, the Central Post Office, and City Hall.

In the center of the plaza stands a statue of Pedro de Valdivia, the founder of Santiago. Interestingly, no one knows what Valdivia really looked like, as the statue is based on the artist’s interpretation. On the opposite side, you’ll find a statue honoring the Mapuche people, the indigenous population of south-central Chile, providing a meaningful contrast between the city’s colonial past and its indigenous heritage.

2. Eat at Mercado Central

For a true taste of Santiago’s culinary heritage, head to Mercado Central, a bustling market that has been serving the city since 1872. This is the ultimate spot to savor fresh seafood, with paila marina (seafood stew) being one of the must-try dishes. The market is also an excellent place to buy fresh fish and interact with the locals.

Inside the Mercado, you’ll find over 10 eateries and bars clustered in the center of the building. While the central spots are popular among tourists, the locals prefer the restaurants along the outer edges of the market, away from the main crowd. One notable place to try is El Rey de la Paila Marina, known for its delicious fish stew, priced around 6,500 pesos (roughly $14).

If you’re staying in an apartment or AirBnB with a kitchen, consider purchasing fresh fish or shellfish from the market to cook your own Chilean-inspired meal. Many vendors offer to clean and fillet the fish right on the spot, making it easy for a homemade dinner.

3. Watch the Changing of the Guard at Palacio de la Moneda (Government House)

One of Santiago’s most iconic traditions is the Changing of the Guard at Palacio de la Moneda, the Presidential Palace of Chile. This ceremonial event takes place every weekday at 10 am and is a fantastic way to witness the rich history and formality of the country.

If you’re interested in exploring further, guided tours of Palacio de la Moneda are available. These tours provide a deeper look into the palace’s significance and are a great opportunity to learn more about Chile’s political history. Application forms for tours can easily be found online.

4. Take the Funicular to Cerro San Cristobal

Cerro San Cristobal is a must-visit landmark in Santiago, offering stunning panoramic views of the city. At the top of the hill stands the iconic white statue of the Virgin Mary, known as the Virgen de la Inmaculada Conception. The statue is illuminated at night and can be seen from various points across Santiago. Below the statue, there is a small sanctuary, and an open-air venue where benches are arranged in a semi-circle, often used for live concerts.

For those feeling adventurous, you can hike or bike up the hill, which takes about 45 minutes to an hour, but be prepared for a challenging climb. For convenience, you can also take the funicular to reach the summit. Tickets can be purchased at the Pio Nono entrance for a short ride up. If you’re traveling with children, don’t miss the Zoologico Nacional at the base of the hill, along with vendors selling souvenirs and stuffed animals.

5. Walk to Bellavista

Just a short stroll from Cerro San Cristobal is Bellavista, Santiago’s lively Bohemian neighborhood. Known for its vibrant atmosphere, Bellavista is packed with bars, cafes, and restaurants that offer a taste of the city’s local culture. Head to Plaza Bellavista for a centralized hub of live music, entertainment, shops, and dining options. Don’t miss the chance to try the Tabla Chilombiana at La Casa en el Aire, paired perfectly with a glass of local Chilean wine.

6. Check out Basilica de la Merced

Located at the intersection of Merced and MacIver Streets, the Basilica de la Merced is a historic gem in Santiago. Originally built in 1566, the church was devastated by two earthquakes in 1647 and 1730, leading to its reconstruction in 1736. Visitors can admire unique religious artworks left behind by the Spaniards, making this a fascinating stop for history and art lovers.

7. Eat Chilean Empanadas

Chilean empanadas have a unique twist compared to those from neighboring countries. One popular option is the empanada de pino, filled with beef, onions, olives, and half a hard-boiled egg. You can find this delicious snack across Santiago, and it typically costs around 900 pesos (about $2). A perfect stop to try this is near Cerro Santa Lucia, where you can enjoy this local favorite.

8. Window Shop at Parque Arauco

Santiago is home to many international brands like TGI Fridays, Starbucks, and PF Chang’s. For a more upscale shopping experience, head to the Parque Arauco Mall located in the Las Condes and El Golf districts. This high-end shopping center is home to outdoor gear brands like Merrell and The North Face, offering everything you need for an adventure.

For a stunning view of the Andes Mountains and Santiago, make sure to stop by the W Hotel Santiago and visit the Red2One rooftop bar.

9. Taste of Santiago at Galindo Restaurant

If you’re looking for a taste of Santiago’s traditional cuisine, Galindo Restaurant in Bellavista is a must-visit. This popular spot, always buzzing with both locals and tourists, is famous for its chorrillana, a hearty dish of French fries topped with beef sirloin, fried eggs, and caramelized onions.

Another must-try dish at Galindo is the arrollada huaso, a traditional Chilean pork roll. With over 40 years of history, Galindo has been serving up these delicious, generous portions to the delight of everyone who visits.

10. Shop at a Local Supermarket

Visiting a local supermarket is a great way to experience daily life in Santiago. Santa Isabel and Unimarc are two popular chains where locals do their grocery shopping. Even if you’re not staying in an apartment with a full kitchen, it’s worth stopping by to see what’s on the shelves. Interestingly, the selection of fruits and vegetables in Santiago’s supermarkets is more limited compared to those in the United States.

Prices for fresh produce and groceries in Santiago are comparable to those in the US. For example, we spent 15,618 Chilean pesos (around $34) and got the following items: 1/2 kg of bananas, 0.8 kg of chicken breast, two 5-liter bottles of water, 0.3 kg of chorrillana, 500g of honey, a small pack of butter, four rolls of toilet paper, 500g of instant oatmeal, two bags of frozen green beans (each about a pound), 500g of fresh bread, and two Bartlett pears.

11. Enjoy Coffee and Ice Cream at Emporio la Rossa

Emporio la Rossa, located near Parque Forestal, is a charming neighborhood ice cream shop that also serves great coffee. It’s the perfect spot to relax under the shade of the trees, sip a cup of coffee, and enjoy some of Santiago’s finest ice cream. While you’re there, you can do some people-watching and take in the sight of Santiago’s friendly stray dogs wandering by.

Travel Tips:

1. Take a free walking tour with Free Tour Santiago. The guides are knowledgeable and work for tips, so be sure to tip generously if you enjoyed the experience.
2. Portions at Galindo Restaurant are enormous. It’s a good idea to share a dish with your travel companion to avoid food waste.
3. Stray dogs are a common sight in Santiago, but they are generally friendly and harmless.
4. Knowing a little Spanish can be very helpful when using public buses and the metro, as not all signs and announcements are in English.
5. Before settling on a place to eat at Mercado Central, take a stroll around the market to explore the many different options.
6. Santiago taxis are safe and reliable. You can easily find taxis just outside the Customs area in the arrivals hall at the airport. For a group of four, we paid $38 for a ride to the city center. There are also several shuttle bus services, some of which operate 24/7.