24 Exciting Things To Do in Santiago Chile in 2025

Want to make the most out of your stay in Santiago? Chile’s capital offers limitless opportunities and surprises, ensuring you won’t run out of interesting things to do in Santiago Chile.

Santiago, a fascinating and world-class city, is one of South America’s oldest cities, founded in 1541. The city boasts several noteworthy attractions, including the largest mall on the continent, El Costanera Center, which covers an impressive 49-acre (197,000 square meters) area. Santiago is also renowned for its vibrant street art and boasts numerous museums, making it a cultural hub worth exploring.

On top of being a springboard to Patagonia nature excursions, Santiago, Chile’s vibrant nightlife, pleasant Mediterranean-like weather, friendly people, and delectable cuisine make it one of the destinations you shouldn’t miss. 

Whether planning a month-long or 3-day Chilean vacation, you won’t regret including Santiago in your trip. Here’s why.

Best Things To Do in Santiago Chile – Activities

1. Central Market 

The central market of Santiago, Mercado Central, a great place to spend time shopping, is where most locals buy groceries and other goods. 

There are many restaurants to enjoy local Chilean food. You can find the fish market, flower market, produce market, and many other small vendors selling items. 

2. Free Walking Tour

The free walking tour is the best way to get the whole experience of Chilean architecture and culture. You can head to random restaurants, shops, and parks or just walk and talk with locals walking down the streets. 

Walkability in Santiago is impressive, so a free walking tour is a must. 

3. San Cristobal Hill and Cable Car in Metropolitan Park

San Cristobal Hill is in Metropolitan Park, Santiago’s largest park. The hill offers incredible city views from the top, which can be reached by hiking or cable car ride. The hike to the hilltop takes about an hour, but for those who prefer a more leisurely option, the Santiago cable car ride in the Metropolitan Park is an experience worth your attention.

The cable car system has 46 cabins that can carry around 6 people at a time. The cable is used as a transport to travel around San Cristobal, but the panoramic views from the top make it more than just a transportation service. 

Depending on the weather conditions, you can have an overview of the entire city, which makes for an unforgettable experience.

If you’re looking for a nice tour of these places, you can join:

• A 3-hour bike tour to San Cristobal Hill and Metropolitan Park 
• A night city tour to San Cristobal Hill and Dinner Show
• Hop on Hop-off Tourist Bus for 2 days, including a Cable Car ride 

4. The Coastal City of Valparaiso 

Valparaiso is a coastal city only 2 hours away from Santiago. It’s a great place to plan a day trip. 

In the early days, the city was primarily used as a port, but now it has been transformed into the cultural capital of Chile. The colorful houses and street art spread throughout the hilly town will keep you excited all day. 

Just make sure to book your ticket online in advance through recorrido.cl. We showed up at the bus station and needed to wait 45 minutes just to purchase our tickets.

5. Skiing in Valle Nevado

Skiing is also available in Valle Nevado. However, you will have to drive for about 1 hour and 30 minutes from Santiago to reach this place. The round trip from Santiago to Valle Nevado cost around 24,000 Chilean pesos (30 US dollars). 

The skiing season starts in June and lasts till late September.

6. Experience the Nightlife in Santiago

Bellavista is the best area to enjoy the nightlife in Santiago. There are many bars and nightclubs to experience in this place. 

Club 57 and Mito Urban, just outside Bellavista, are some of the best ones in the area. The atmosphere at these places is electric and worth a visit. 

Just make sure you can get Uber home, which is a very affordable and safe way around Santiago, Chile.

Best Things To Do in Santiago Chile – Sights

7. Santa Lucia Hill

Santa Lucia Hill comes on top of the best sites in Santiago. There is much more than just views from the top of the hill. A small hill park lets you enjoy the sunny day while experiencing some amazing forts and fountains nearby. 

The walk up the hill takes about 45 minutes and is quite steep. Don’t forget to visit Neptune Fountain and Hidalgo Castle. 

8. Visit Barrio Bellavista

Bellavista is the perfect place for people who want to see authentic Santiago. You can experience amazing restaurants, boutiques, nightclubs, incredible art galleries, street art designs, and colorful architecture in this area. 

We highly recommend visiting the crafts market if you are visiting there on weekends.

9. Visit Barrio Italia 

Another great neighborhood to visit is Santiago Barrio Italia, located only 1.6 miles (2.6 kilometers) from Bellavista. The district is perfect for people who love history and art. There are many boutiques and cute shops where you can find handcrafted and unique souvenirs. 

It is the place where most immigrant artisans lived in the past. Due to the high influence of international cultures, the place offers Chinese, Italian, Spanish, Peruvian, Chilean, and many more international cuisines.

10. National Museum of Fine Arts

The National Museum of Fine Arts in Santiago, Chile, is called the Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes. It is the oldest museum in Santiago and was established in the 1880s by a Chilean sculptor. With a collection of 5,500 pieces, it holds some of the oldest Chilean and South American art, making it the perfect destination for those seeking to appreciate Chilean history.

The museum is in Parque Forestal, a central location in Santiago. It’s open all year and welcomes visitors with free admission on Tuesdays through Fridays from 12:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. and on weekends from 9:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. 

The museum is closed on Mondays.

11. Museum of Memory and Human Rights

When it comes to human rights, Chilean history is filled with dark and painful events. The worst was the Pinochet regime from 1973 to 1990. You can learn about this dark period at the museum. The entrance welcomes you with the last poem of Victor Jara, one of the regime’s earliest victims. 

The Museum of Memory and Human Rights can be easily accessed by taking metro Line 5 to the Quinta Normal stop. Tourists can enjoy free admission to the exhibitions, open Tuesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

12. Explore Vina Del Mar

Viña Del Mar, a seaside town next to Valparaiso, is where you can find some of the most iconic beaches in Chile. The town is quite popular for its fish and seafood. You can also enjoy some great museums, botanical gardens, and casinos. 

If you want more, visit Wulff Castle to experience some great art exhibitions. 

13. Plaza De Armas

Plaza De Armas is the heart of Santiago. The place was established in 1541 and is currently known as the city’s central area. 

Today, all the historical events that happened there are reflected through great monuments in the area, including the Simon Bolivar fountain. 

14. Santiago Metropolitan Cathedral

The Santiago Metropolitan Cathedral is a stunning cathedral built in the 18^th century; the Metropolitan Cathedral reaches the peak of Chilean architecture. Different types of marble and stones combined with stained glasses, woodwork, and sculptures make it gorgeous. 

The church is free to visit, but open timings vary from day to day. 

15. Sunset From Sky Costanera

For visitors who want to see the world from the skies, the Sky Costanera Viewpoint is the perfect place. The skyscraper is 984 feet (300 meters) high, making it the tallest in Latin America. Hop on the elevator and reach the top to enjoy an amazing sunset sight. 

You can visit the place between 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. 

16. Park Forestal 

Park Forestal is located in the central area of Santiago. It’s an amazing place for people who want to appreciate nature and relax in the greenery. You can listen to some musicians performing in the park if you are a music lover. 

Many locals are in the park, so you can make some good friends for the rest of your journey. 

17. Cajon Del Maipo 

Cajon del Maipo is a region of many small towns surrounded by mountain ranges and is a perfect spot to spend a day away from the large crowds of the city. 

The landscape is stunning, and there are plenty of activities. You can trek or ride a horse to enjoy the beautiful town surrounded by mountains. 

• Day tour with free snacks and Chilean wine
• Day tour with thermal baths in Termas Colinas
• Day tour with a visit to Embalse El Yeso and Casa Chocolate

18. Portillo Inca Lagoon

Portillo Inca Lagoon is another perfect spot to click amazing photos. The blue water lake surrounded by Andes mountains is a sight to behold. The lagoon is only 93 mi (150 km) from Santiago. 

The road to this lake can be challenging, which isn’t good news for those with motion sickness. Just make sure you’re taking something against your motion sickness when visiting.

If you want to visit the Inca Lagoon, you can join this tour, which includes visiting a local vineyard and wine tasting. 

19. La Moneda Palace

La Moneda Palace is the place where the president of Chile lives. The home is rich in Chilean history and traditions. The palace is found at the end of Plaza de Armas. 

Most parts of the palace aren’t accessible to visitors; however, there are many areas that you can visit, such as courtyards and some private rooms. Ensure that you book a guided tour for the best experience. 

Best Things To Do in Santiago Chile – Foods

20. Eat a Completo 

A completo is a special hot dog with Chilean influence. The dish’s ingredients include an American hot dog inside the hotdog bun, which is topped with avocados, tomatoes, mayonnaise, sauerkraut, green sauce, and peppers. 

The best place to eat Completo is the Domino Fuente de Soda in Santiago, Chile. 

21. Drink Pisco

A national drink that almost everyone loves, Pisco Sour is a perfect refresher. The ingredients include lemon juice, egg white, simple syrup, and the main ingredient called pisco. You will find this drink at almost every bar in Santiago, Chile. 

While visiting Peru, we also enjoyed a Pisco Sour, but the drink is prepared differently here. 

22. The Famous Emporio La Rosa 

Emporio La Rosa is the best place to try exquisite ice cream in Santiago. The only downside is that it’s always crowded, but that’s something you have to expect from a place offering mouth-watering ice cream. 

If you can visit here, we highly recommend you try Miel de Ulmo, a honey-flavored ice cream that beats almost everything, especially on a hot summer day.

23. Paila Marina

Paila Marina, a seafood soup mostly prepared with shellfish stock, is served with different kinds of fish or shellfish. The flavors are then enhanced with spices and herbs, including parsley and paprika. 

The best place to try this soup in Santiago is El Rey De La Paila Marina restaurant. 

24. Chilean Corn Pie (Pastel de Choclo) 

Pastel De Choclo is a corn pie that mixes sweet and savory flavors. The layer of meat (beef or chicken) is combined with olives, eggs, onions, and a layer of creamy corn. All these ingredients are then baked in an oven that caramelizes the top layer, making it absolutely delicious. 

How To Get to Santiago, Chile?

Santiago, Chile, is located near the Mapocho River with Andean peaks on its east. As the country’s capital, Santiago gets domestic flights from all over the world, including Colombia, Panama, and Newport. Some of the best ways to reach Santiago are:

• By Bus. The best way to travel by bus to Santiago is using the recorrido.cl service.
• By Air. LATAM Airlines is the most convenient and cheapest way to fly to Santiago. 

Where To Stay in Santiago, Chile 

Santiago has amazing tourist accommodation options. You can get a luxury room to spend your whole trip like a king or get a budget hotel for as much fun as possible under budget constraints. 

Below are some of the best hotels to spend your vacations at:

Budget: Hostal Vitalia

Hostal Vitalia offers guests a range of facilities and features to enhance their stay. These include a shared lounge, terrace, and panoramic city views. The property also includes a shared kitchen and a tour desk with free WiFi. 

For those seeking an even more memorable experience, select units offer a patio with stunning mountain views. The property is conveniently situated just 2.11 mi (3.4 km) from La Chascona.

Mid-Range: Novapark

Each room at Novapark is well-equipped, featuring amenities such as air conditioning, Smart TV, heating, double-glazed windows, a safety box, and a hair dryer.

Novapark’s convenient location puts you within easy reach of several popular attractions. For instance, La Moneda Palace is a mere 0.58 mi (0.93 km) from the property, while Plaza de Armas is just 0.60 mi (0.96 km) away. The Chilean National Museum of Fine Arts is also nearby, just 0.75 mi (1.2 km) from the hotel.

Luxury: Mandarin Oriental, Santiago

The Mandarin Oriental in Santiago offers guests elegantly designed rooms with modern décor. Each room features a spacious seating area, a LED TV, and a marble bathroom equipped with locally-made spa amenities. You’ll have your choice of stunning views, as rooms offer vistas of Santiago, the Andes Mountains, or the hotel gardens.

The hotel is conveniently located just 1.06 mi (1.7 km) from Manquehue Metro Station. It is less than 0.31 mi (0.5 km) from the Parque Arauco Shopping Mall and Luxury District.

For more accommodation options, you may click on the map.

Things To Remember in Santiago Chile 

Here are some tips to make your Santiago, Chile experience worthwhile:

• Most of the dishes in Chile are made with either beef, chicken, or seafood. If you are a vegetarian, ask them if they have any dishes without meat (“sin carne” in Spanish).
• Don’t forget to buy some blankets, wool rugs, or earthenware pottery for your home. The quality of these items is top-notch in Chile. 
• While shopping in a big city like Santiago, large stores have fixed prices. Any attempt to bargain will be seen as impolite or unethical. However, if you’re buying something from someone on the streets, you can bargain a little.
• Overall, Chile, including Santiago, is pretty safe for women to travel alone, but we would still advise not to flash any valuables and avoid streets without people. 

Tips To Stay Safe In Santiago Chile

Here’s a concise list of safety tips for your visit to Santiago, Chile:

• Guard Your Valuables: Be vigilant with personal belongings and avoid displaying expensive items in public.
• Use Secure Transportation: Opt for official taxi services or trusted ride-sharing apps, particularly at night.
• Stay in Well-Lit Areas: Avoid walking alone at night in poorly-lit or unfamiliar areas.
• Keep Informed: Stay updated on local news and safety advisories, especially regarding protests or public gatherings.
• Consider protecting yourself with travel insurance such as SafetyWing, which can cover medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and other unforeseen incidents during your stay. Use the widget below to snag the perfect policy for your needs and travel with peace of mind knowing you’ve got your back covered, no matter what adventures come your way!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – Things To Do in Santiago Chile

What Is Santiago Chile Best Known For?

Santiago is the capital and the largest city in Chile. It’s an important tourist destination and the country’s main financial center. 

It is a gateway to popular tourist destinations, such as Andean lakes, Chilean Patagonia, and the Atacama Desert. 

Is Santiago, Chile an Expensive City?

A trip to Santiago, Chile, can be pretty costly. From our experience, we have spent between $60-$80 per day, sleeping in a private room and eating 1-2 meals per day, as much as we would in American or European cities.

What Is the Best Month to Visit Santiago, Chile?

The best time to visit Chile is between September and February. In these months, the weather is warm and dry. 

Things can get hot towards the end of February, and temperatures rise above 86° Fahrenheit (30° Celcius). 

Conclusion – Things To Do in Santiago Chile

The heart of Chile, Santiago, is a multifaceted city that offers a dazzling mix of the modern and the traditional, a jump-off point to amazing Patagonian excursions, the Pacific Ocean and Andean day trips, and an engaging trip through the country’s fascinating history and culture.

With this overview of Santiago, Chile’s attractions, you will have a lot of options to plan your upcoming vacation to this fascinating city. 

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