As a bustling metropolitan area, Santiago invites travelers from all over the world to explore its unique blend of contemporary and traditional culture. Here we present just a few options:
Main Square
Considered the heart of the capital of Chile, it marks the milestone known as Kilometer Zero, from which the distance between the different cities of the country begins to be measured.
Around the Plaza de Armas you will see heritage buildings of Santiago that you can visit such as the Cathedral of Santiago, the National Historical Museum and the beautiful Central Post Office, inside which there is a museum.
La Moneda Palace
It is the most emblematic building in Chile and has witnessed many important moments in the country’s history, such as the military coup of 1973 and the inauguration of Michelle Bachelet as president in 2006. It is the headquarters of the Chilean government and has with free guided tours. The Palacio de La Moneda is an example of neoclassical architecture and is located in the Plaza de la Constitución.
Inside it houses a series of luxurious lounges and rooms that reflect the history and culture of the country. The Palacio de La Moneda is an important cultural center and hosts a series of art, photography and design exhibitions. Cultural and entertainment events are also held in its patios and gardens. It is an accessible place for visitors and offers free guided tours to learn about its history and architecture.
San Cristobal Hill
It is located in the heart of the city and from there you can have spectacular panoramic views of Santiago and its surroundings.
Also called Santiago Metropolitan Park, it was formerly called Tupahue, which in Quechua means Sentinel. With an altitude of 880 meters above sea level and a prominence of 280 m, it is the second highest point in the city, surpassed by Cerro Renca. It is located between the neighborhoods of Providencia and Recoleta, with the Bellavista neighborhood at its feet.
You can go up on foot, by bike, on the cable car and on the historic funicular. We accessed the funicular that has two stops on its itinerary, one of them is to go to the zoos and the other reaches the summit. This is where the much-photographed 12-m-high Statue of the Immaculate Conception is located, an icon of Santiago de Chile visible from the entire city.
Santa Lucia Hill
It has a rich history, as it was the place where Spanish conquistadors founded the city of Santiago in 1541. It has also been the scene of important historical events, such as the proclamation of Chile’s independence in 1818.
At the top of the hill, there is an impressive neoclassical style castle dating from the 19th century. You can enjoy a panoramic view of the city from its various viewpoints. If you want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, Santa Lucía Hill is an oasis of tranquility. with winding paths, waterfalls and gardens.
The best thing is that it is located in the center of Santiago, which makes it easily accessible to tourists.
Bellavista neighborhood
It is another predominantly tourist neighborhood with bars, restaurants and craft shops.
Located between the northern bank of the Mapocho River and San Cristóbal Hill. It is divided between the communes of Providencia to the east and Recoleta to the west, separated by Pío Nono Street, which serves as the backbone of the neighborhood.
Bellavista is an iconic place in Santiago, known for its historical, artistic and bohemian character, full of life and entertainment.
Lastarria neighborhood
Neighboring Cerro Santa Lucía, it is an active cultural, gastronomic and tourist center. It is a bohemian neighborhood full of cultural life. Here you will find restaurants, cafes, bars, theaters and museums.
National Museum of Fine Arts
The building itself is an important cultural heritage. It was built in 1910 and stands out for its neoclassical architecture and impressive façade.
It has one of the most important collections of Latin American and Chilean art from the 19th and 20th centuries. The collection includes paintings, sculptures, photographs, prints and drawings, among other media.
The collection is of great historical, artistic and cultural value. Offers educational programs and activities for all ages. This includes guided tours, workshops, talks and conferences
Museum of Memory and Human Rights
It is dedicated, as they declare on their website: “ …to giving visibility to the human rights violations committed by the State of Chile between 1973 and 1990; to dignify the victims and their families; and to stimulate reflection and debate on the importance of respect and tolerance, so that these events are never repeated. Promoting education and culture.”
Bicentennial Park
It is located in the Commune of Vitacura and can be visited from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. with an entrance fee (as is always customary in Santiago where you even pay for public bathrooms). It is a large urban park, ideal for walking, playing sports or simply relaxing in a natural environment.
Santiago Metro
This is not a tourist attraction but it deserves mentioning. If you like to travel on your own, the metro takes you around the entire city. Of course, we advise you to plan your trip because it is very crowded and it is better to be clear about where to go before.
