30 Best Things to Do in Santiago, Chile

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Santiago is the beautiful capital city of Chile. Surrounded by the famous Andes Mountains range, it's home to numerous other landmarks and attractions, from museums and parks to markets and much more.

If you're planning a trip to the capital soon, this list of the best things to do in Santiago, Chile, will give you an idea of all the activities you can enjoy when here. Keep reading to discover 35 of the top activities in and around Santiago!

Heading to Santiago and planning last-minute?

When visiting Santiago, book your accommodations and experiences before you go. We've pulled together top suggestions below.

🏨 Top accommodations in Santiago

• Best Western Estacion Central (under $100 USD a night)
• Casa Bellavista Hotel (rated highly)
• Hotel Cumbres Lastarria (5-star rating)

☂️ Top tours and experiences in Santiago

• Vina Del Mar, Valparaiso, Casablanca & Reñaca Tour (likely to sell out)
• Cajon del Maipo Embalse del Yeso Tour With Picnic (likely to sell out)
• Concha y Toro Vineyard Tour w Transfer & Tasting (likely to sell out)
• One-Day Hop-On Hop-Off Bus & Cable Car Ticket
• Highlights of Valparaiso & Viña del Mar

30 Santiago, Chile, Things to Do

Top Things to Do in Santiago, Chile

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Visit La Moneda Palace

La Moneda Palace has been an important landmark in Santiago since 1805 and is on Chile's UNESCO World Heritage Site Tentative List. It's currently the seat of the President of the Republic of Chile, and parts of the building are also open for tours. Best of all, entry is free!

If you want to see some more landmarks along with La Moneda, you could sign up for a Santiago half-day tour, with other stops including Catedral Metropolitana and Plaza de La Constitucion.

There are protests here from time to time (there was one when we were there), and it is best not to get involved, to keep your distance and look from afar if you're just walking in the area when a demonstration is occurring. Chile has an interesting historical and political background that is worth getting to know!

🏨 Stay near La Moneda Palace

• Almacruz Hotel y Centro de Convenciones Ex Galerías (well-priced)
• Casa Bellavista Hotel (well-rated)

View artworks at Museo Chileno de Arte Precolombino

Art lovers can't miss visiting the Chilean Museum of Pre-Columbian Art. As the name suggests, the museum focuses on pre-Colombian artworks and also houses artifacts from across Central and South America.

Art mediums to see range from pottery to textiles and masks and mor. To make admission easy, you can purchase Museo Chileno de Arte Precolombino tickets in advance.

🏨 Accommodations near Museo Chileno de Arte Precolombino

• Hotel Cumbres Lastarria (5-star rating)
• Hotel Plaza San Francisco (unwind poolside)

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Shop at Mercado Central de Santiago

Opened in 1872, Santiago Central Market remains a popular place to shop for local produce and other goods. The market is open daily, and visitors will be able to enjoy the bustling atmosphere while checking out a variety of vendors.

Things for sale range from colourful fruit and vegetables to fresh seafood. Tourists that want to see some more local markets can join a Santiago markets biking tour, which takes you to Mercado Tirso de Molina as well as other attractions. Keep an eye on your belongings when in this area.

🏨 Accommodations in close proximity to Central Market

• Hotel Voila Londres (budget option)
• Mercure Santiago Centro (rated 4-stars)

Dine at Boragó

If you're looking for the best restaurants in Santiago, Chile, Boragó is a must-visit. Named one of Latin America's top 50 restaurants in 2022, the eatery is known for its creative dishes that use local ingredients. Even the water to drink here is unique as it is sourced from the rain of Patagonia.

🏨 Accommodations near Boragó

• Boulevard Suites Hotel (rated 5-stars)
• Hotel Kennedy (unwind poolside)

Learn new things at Museo Nacional de Historia Natural

The Chilean National Museum of Natural History is another of many top Santiago, Chile, tourist attractions to visit. Founded in 1830, the museum is one of the oldest museums of its kind in South America.

Exhibits cover various topics, from cultural anthropology to ecosystems in Chile and paleontology. You can even see a 17-metre sei whale skeleton in the Central Hall!

🏨 Places to stay near National Museum of Natural History

• Best Western Estacion Central (good value)
• Hotel Casa Zañartu (4-star rating)

☂️ See National Museum of Natural History on a tour

• Santiago Like a Local - Customized Private Tour (widely acclaimed)

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Go to Museo de la Memoria y Los Derechos Humanos

The Museum of Memory and Human Rights opened in 2010 and is a highly recommended attraction to visit. This museum is dedicated to the victims of human rights violations in Chile under the dictatorship of Augusto Pinochet from 1973 to 1990.

Audio guides are available in English and Spanish, with both offering more information on all of the exhibits you see. There is quite a lot to view here, so put aside at least a few hours for your visit. The museum is free to visit, with donations welcome.

🏨 Accommodations in close proximity to the Museum of Memory and Human Rights

• Hotel Casa Aure (rated very highly)
• RQ Santiago (good value)

Admire artworks at Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes

Art lovers won't want to miss visiting the vast Chilean National Museum of Fine Arts. Established in 1880, the gallery now holds an extensive collection featuring many works by Chilean and other Latin American artists.

You'll also want to admire the museum building itself during a visit. Constructed in 1910, the stunning structure called the Palace of the Fine Arts was designed by Emile Jéquier, a Chilean architect.

🏨 Accommodations in close proximity to the National Museum of Fine Arts

• Casa di Patti (good value)
• Departamentos en Santiago R&M

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Marvel at Catedral Metropolitana de Santiago in Plaza de Armas

Santiago Metropolitan Cathedral is a breathtaking site to see. The Neoclassical-style building sits in Plaza de Armas and opened in 1775. Renovations and updates have also been done since, including making the building more earthquake-proof.

During a visit to the cathedral, you can admire the external architecture and wander through the main part of the interior. Inside, you can see fantastic design elements like beautiful ceiling frescoes.

Nearby the square, you'll also see another impressive piece of architecture, Palacio de Los Tribunales de Justicia de Santiago. If you want to book accommodation around these landmarks to have easy access, Santiago Centro is the best place to stay in Santiago.

🏨 Stay near Metropolitan Cathedral of Santiago de Chile

• Park Plaza Apart Hotel (rated highly)
• Lastarria Hotel & Aparts

Tour La Chascona

La Chascona was previously owned by the famous Chilean Poet Pablo Neruda and is now a popular tourist destination. When visiting the home of Pablo Neruda, you'll notice its unique and quirky architectural style and design, with elements intended to reflect the poet's love of the sea. You can also learn more about Neruda's life and work during a tour.

🏨 Accommodations near La Chascona

• Solace Hotel Santiago (unwind poolside)
• Hotel Sommelier

☂️ Join a tour to see La Chascona

• Santiago Markets Small Group Bike Tour (highly rated)
• Private Walking Tour Through Santiago de Chile

Explore Parque Araucano

If you're looking for a place to escape the bustle of the city, Araucano Park is a great spot to check out. The beautiful public park has a rose garden, scenic trails, and lots of opportunities to see wildlife, including colourful wild parrots. This park is also an excellent place to go to watch the sunset.

🏨 Stay in close proximity to Araucano Park

• Icon Hotel (mid-range)
• DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Santiago-Vitacura (rated highly)

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Look around Iglesia de San Francisco

Another unique religious building to visit is the Church of San Francisco. This Franciscan church is one of the oldest colonial structures in Chile.

Interestingly, it has withstood 15 earthquakes! While it survived the quakes, the church did receive some damage that needed fixing. Renovating the church throughout the years means it now features multiple architectural styles.

After admiring the exterior, you can go inside to discover quirky features, like an altar to people's dogs that have passed. Chileans love their dogs a lot, so this feature, complete with dog photos in quaint picture frames, isn't surprising!

🏨 Stay in close proximity to the Church of San Francisco

• Hotel Luciano K
• Residencial Universitaria

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Walk through Barrio Paris-Londres and take photos

While exploring the city, be sure to stop by Barrio Paris-Londres, a unique pedestrian area that resembles the Latin Quarter in Paris. This neighbourhood dates to the 1920s and was created due to the elites in Chile being somewhat obsessed with replicating anything European.

Today, you can wander cobblestone streets, admire the architecture, and check out a few small shops and restaurants. Don't forget to take some photos as well!

🏨 Stay near Barrio Paris-Londres

• Hostal Providencia (budget option)
• Lastarria Tourist Apartments 43-Six1 (rated highly)

Wander through Parque Bicentenário

Bicentenario Park is another great outdoor space to check out. Visitors can stroll along various trails, including those that take you around the tranquil Laguna de Peces.

You can also wander to Laguna de las Aves, which is home to flamingos, and there are many picnic areas throughout the park. Before or after exploring the park, you can go to Mall Costanera Center, which is a massive modern shopping mall south of Parque Bicentenário.

🏨 Places to stay near Bicentenario Park

• Novotel Santiago Providencia (well-priced)
• Holiday Inn Express Santiago Las Condes (rated highly)

Join a free walking tour

Going on a free walking tour is one of the best activities in Santiago, Chile, to do. It is the perfect way to see several of the city's top landmarks. One of the best companies to do this with is Guru Walk.

Carlos, a local Santiago guide, will take you to various landmarks and attractions while teaching you more about the city's history and culture. A few of the places he visits include the Municipal Theater of Santiago and Plaza de Armas.

This tour takes about two and a half hours, and while there is no upfront fee, tipping is recommended as this is what he does for full-time work.

🏨 Accommodations nearby Agustinas 792

• NH Ciudad de Santiago
• Hotel Altiplanico Bellas Artes (top-rated)

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Grab coffee at Café Triciclo

Café Triciclo is one of the best places to get coffee in Santiago, Chile. The shop has specialty coffee that you can enjoy in various drinks, from a cappuccino or espresso to unique drinks like a ginger beer and cold brew mix.

Plant milk, like oat milk, is also available, and you can choose delicious baked goods, such as brownies, or toast with different spreads, like hummus or avocado, to accompany your beverages.

🏨 Places to stay close to Café Triciclo

• Plaza Santiago (highly acclaimed)
• Hotel Panamericano

Paddle boat at Parque Quinta Normal

Quinta Normal Park is another of the pretty parks to visit in Santiago. One of the most popular features here is the scenic lake, where you can go paddle boating.

The 88-acre space is also home to the Railway Museum of Santiago and the National Museum of Natural History. Additionally, it has many areas to sit and chat and tree-lined trails to walk along.

Go to Parquemet Parque Metropolitano de Santiago

Santiago Metropolitan Park is one of the city's most well-known tourist attractions and the largest urban park in Chile at 1,780 acres. The park is not only a relaxing outdoor space but is also home to many attractions.

A few points of interest in the park include a Japanese garden, Cerro San Cristóbal, and Santuario de la Inmaculada Concepción. Along with visiting these attractions, you can follow trails and hang out on the grass with a picnic while taking in the views.

🏨 Places to stay near the Metropolitan Park of Santiago

• MR Hotel Providencia ex Hotel Neruda
• NH Ciudad de Santiago Hotel (rated 5-stars)

Take in the view from Cerro San Cristóbal

San Cristóbal Hill is located within Parquemet Parque Metropolitano de Santiago and offers stunning views over the city. The hill's peak is the third highest in Santiago and can be reached via a hiking trail.

Alternatively, you can take the Funicular de Santiago up the hill, which allows you to enjoy incredible panoramic vistas all the way up. Interestingly, the Andes Mountains are the parent range of San Cristóbal Hill.

🏨 Stay nearby San Cristóbal Hill

• AC Hotel by Marriott Santiago Costanera Center
• Hotel Boutique Castillo Rojo (4-star rating)

☂️ Discover San Cristóbal Hill on a tour

• Tourist bus Around Santiago for a day (popular and sought-after)

Unwind at the Jardín Japonés

Located in Parquemet Parque Metropolitano de Santiago, the Jardín Japonés is one of the most beautiful things to see in Santiago, Chile. As you wander around the tranquil outdoor space, you'll see traditional Japanese structures, lily ponds, and lots of pretty plants and flowers.

Check out the shops at the Costanera Center

If you want to unwind a little with some retail therapy, plan a trip to the Costanera Center. Covering six floors, the mall includes an array of shops for all tastes. There are also two high-end hotels within the complex, which have stylish bars to stop at for a drink, like Luna Bar at The Marriott.

Notably, the mall is the biggest shopping mall in South America. Additionally, the Gran Torre Santiago within the complex is one of the tallest buildings in Latin America.

🏨 Places to stay near Costanera Center

• DoubleTree by Hilton Santiago - Vitacura
• Plaza el Bosque Ebro (value option)

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Appreciate the views at Sky Costanera

Also located within the Costanera Center is the Sky Costanera observation deck. Situated approximately 300 metres above street level, the deck is surrounded by floor-to-ceiling windows that allow you to appreciate panoramic views of Santiago. On a clear day, you can even see the Andes Mountains.

While there is an entry fee to get to the observation deck, it's definitely worth it, with many saying Sky Costanera offers the best views of the city. It's also a good idea to go as early in the morning as possible to avoid the high levels of smog that affect the vistas later in the day.

🏨 Accommodations nearby Sky Costanera

• Hotel CasaDeTodos (loved by guests)
• Maktub Montt - Hostal Boutique

Hike to the top of Cerro Santa Lucía

Santa Lucía Hill is another excellent place to go to admire views of the city. The hike up the 230-foot hill is relatively gentle and suitable for most activity levels.

Along with admiring the views over the city, you can see some landmarks like Terraza Caupolican and Fuente Neptuno, a Neoclassical fountain with a sculpture of Neptune.

Have coffee or a meal in Barrio Italia

You will find many unique neighbourhoods to explore in Santiago, with Barrio Italia being one of the most popular. The area features colourful architecture and top restaurants and cafes.

It's the ideal place to go for a walk before stopping for a coffee or a meal. You can also see lots of impressive street art in this neighbourhood.

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Grab fries with a variety of toppings from Papachecos

When you need to stop for a snack, getting fries topped with various items at Papachecos is an excellent idea! Located in Barrio Italia, it's a popular place for school kids to get something to eat, but adults can also enjoy it. Toppings include meat, veggies like mushrooms, and condiments, such as a range of flavoured mayonnaises.

🏨 Accommodations nearby Papachecos Barrio Lastarria

• Dpto Cómodo Cerca Metro Baquedano (budget option)
• Acuña & Donoso Apartamentos Centro (good value rooms)

☂️ Join a tour to see Papachecos Barrio Lastarria

• Private Santiago & Neighborhoods Tour - San Cristobal Hill & Artisan Village (likely to sell out)

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Find out about Chilean history at Museo Histórico Nacional

Located in the Royal Court Palace, the National History Museum of Chile is a top place to go to learn more about the country's history.

This landmark opened in 1911 and today features exhibits covering history from pre-Colombian eras through the 1970s. As you look around, you'll also see many artifacts, including artworks, military items, and archeological finds.

☂️ Visit National History Museum of Chile with an excursion

• Private Santiago Three-Hour Walking Tour (rated five stars)

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Take a brisk walk in Parque Forestal

Going to Parque Forestal is another of the places to visit in Santiago, Chile, that allows you to enjoy the fresh air. As with other urban parks in the city, you'll find a few trails to walk along, which offer pretty views of trees and other plants.

Notably, you can see several ​​Old World sycamore trees here. Some renowned attractions are also located here, like Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes.

Treat yourself to ice cream at Heladería Emporio La Rosa

Heladería Emporio La Rosa is a very popular ice cream shop in the city and well worth a visit if you have a sweet tooth. At the ice creamery, you can get ice cream by the scoop or in a cone or opt for an ice cream bar.

Flavours for all tastes are on offer as well, from fruity flavours like pineapple to more decadent options, such as dulce de leche.

Best Things to Do Near Santiago, Chile

Plan a trip to Casablanca Valley

There are many fun things to do in Santiago, Chile; however, you can also find day tours to enjoy that take you to excellent nearby destinations. If you can't decide where to visit, going to Casablanca Valley is a fun day trip to do.

The area is known as one of Chile's wine-growing regions and features beautiful scenery and many attractions, including wineries that offer tours and tastings. You can travel to the area in around an hour when driving.

You can also join a Casablanca Valley tour that includes transport to and from Santiago.

Experience the beauty of the Andes and the Inca Lagoon

If you're looking for another fantastic day trip, book a tour from Santiago to the Inca Lagoon. The stunning Laguna del Inca is located in Portillo within the Andes Mountains range and, interestingly, changes colour throughout the seasons from emerald green to turquoise and deep blues.

During this full-day excursion, you can also have lunch in the ski town of Portillo and visit some other places, including San Esteban Vineyard, and see Aconcagua, the highest mountain in the Americas.

Spend a day exploring Valparaíso and Viña del Mar

Another fun activity near Santiago is booking a day tour of Valparaíso and Viña del Mar. This 10-hour tour will take you to a range of attractions around the coastal cities.

Places to visit include Palacio Baburizza, which houses an art gallery, and Cerro Concepcion. On the way back to Santiago, you can also stop in Casablanca Valley to visit a winery.

🏨 Stay near Viña del Mar

• Hostal Residencia Blest Gana (cheap for the area)
• New York Suites (well-priced for the area)

In Conclusion

If you've been wondering what to do in Santiago, Chile, this list of activities in and around the city should have given you many ideas. Whether you enjoy visiting unique museums, going to scenic parks, or exploring local markets, you'll find many things to do in Chile's capital city!

This article was edited by Alli Sewell.

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Learn more about Santiago:

• Where to Stay in Santiago, Chile? 9 Top Places to Stay in Santiago

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