Santiago, Chile’s thriving capital, unites the best of modern city life with a prime geographical position between the Andes mountains and the Pacific Ocean. Mixed into the melting pot of colonial architecture and Latino flair, Santiago highlights such as Bellavista, thronged with street art and chic bars; San Cristobal Hill (Cerro San Cristobal); Plaza de Armas; and Mercado Central (Central Market) top the list for most travelers—and are easy to tick off, plus more, on a hop-on hop-off sightseeing tour. Just 1.5 hours west of Santiago, Valparaiso is a UNESCO World Heritage port city with a historic quarter full of winding alleys; colorful houses; and 19th-century funiculars (cable railways), which take you up Concepción and Alegre hills. Neighboring Viña del Mar, or the Garden City, boasts pretty parks and historic architecture—visit both in one day on a day trip from Santiago. And no visit to Santiago is complete without a jaunt into its valleys. Maipo Valley, or El Cajon del Maipo, is a beautiful natural spot for camping, hiking, and a variety of sports. Just as impressive as the gorge is its array of famous wineries: the vineyards and cellars of Concha y Toro Winery, Santa Rita Winery, and Undurraga Winery all offer wine-tasting tours.
Santiago is a year-round destination with four distinct seasons instead of a wet or dry period. The summer months of December through February are a great time to visit, as the majority of locals flock to the Lake District and leave Chile’s capital emptier than at other times of the year. Explore the city’s surrounding vineyards in spring (September–November) when they’re lush and green after the winter rains.
Santiago’s metro system is fast, safe, and easy to navigate. Its five lines service the city’s top attractions, and it runs from early morning through late evening. Pay as you go for single tickets, or invest in a rechargeable BIP card, which is the only payment method accepted on Santiago’s buses. Avoid traveling in packed morning and evening rush hours. If you want to travel like the locals, flag down a colectivo—a shared taxi.
Though Lastarria and Bellavista hog the limelight when it comes to Santiago’s most popular barrios, Barrio Yungay in western Santiago is an architectural treasure chest—it's even been featured on a list of the world’s most attractive neighborhoods. Here, you’ll find facades inspired by art deco, baroque, and Bauhaus design, as well as leafy squares, high-end restaurants, and the Quinta Normal Park, with its boating lake, public library, and water features.
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Vibrant, cosmopolitan Santiago is known for its alluring location, nestled in a valley surrounded by the snow-capped Andes. The city offers the diversions of a modern metropolis with the bonus of nature on its doorstep. Here you’ll find top-flight museums and restaurants, plus diverse neighborhoods, each with its own character.
...MoreTwo or three days is enough time in Santiago to see the main attractions and get a feel for the city. If you have longer, you can make Santiago your base for day trips to nearby wineries, ski slopes, or even as far as the coastal city of Valparaiso.
...MoreYes. Santiago is a cool city. In the past, it had a rather staid reputation, but nowadays, thanks to its revived cultural and food scenes, Santiago has become a South American hot spot. The best way to get a feel for the city is by exploring its diverse, art-filled bohemian neighborhoods.
...MoreGet a taste of local life at one of Santiago’s colorful markets, such as the Central Market where you can pick up fresh fruit and enjoy a seafood lunch or at the shops of Barrio Italia. You’ll often find local Santiagans heading to the mountains and vineyards in their free time.
...MoreYou can wander around Santiago’s colorful bohemian neighborhoods and the historic Plaza de Armas for free, or you can walk up the hills of Cerro San Cristóbal and Cerro Santa Lucía for city views. You can also visit the Metropolitan Cathedral and the Museum of Memory and Human Rights.
...MoreYes. Santiago is generally a safe city. However, be vigilant, particularly in crowded areas, as pickpocketing and bag snatching can occur. Santiago is a hub for peaceful demonstrations throughout the year, but travelers should be cautious on Sept. 11, the anniversary of the 1973 military coup.
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