Santiago

Travel Guide

National History Museum showing a city and street scenes
Museum of Memory and Human Rights showing modern architecture, a square or plaza and a pond
Santiago featuring street scenes and a city
Lastarria which includes cafe lifestyle and street scenes as well as a large group of people
Photo provided by PhotoJoy

The capital city of Chile is famous for its colonial-era architecture, lively arts scene and breathtaking mountain scenery.

Santiago is dynamic, historic and entertaining with its art galleries and theaters, colonial architecture and modern shopping districts. Nestled between the Andes and the Pacific Ocean, the picturesque Chilean capital has a pleasant temperate climate year-round.

Santiago’s heart is Plaza de Armas, an animated square surrounded by historical monuments. Visit the Catedral de Santiago and the National History Museum, housed in the elegant Palacio de la Real Audiencia. Sit at a café terrace and observe street performers, artisans and preachers. Discover ancient Latin American cultures at the nearby Museo Chileno de Arte Precolombino.

Walk along the pedestrianized commercial street Paseo Ahumada to the iconic Santiago Stock Exchange Building. Tour the Palacio de la Moneda and see the visual arts exhibitions at the Centro Cultural La Moneda. Browse the Museo Nacional de Historia Natural in Quinta Normal Park.

Escape the city’s bustle at Parque Forestal and visit the Museo de Arte Contemporáneo. Sample local seafood, such as picocoros, at the Mercado Central. Explore the bohemian Bellavista neighborhood and visit La Chascona, the former home of the famous poet Pablo Neruda. Ride the funicular up to Cerro San Cristóbal for views of Santiago’s skyline and the Andes. 

For more excellent views, climb Cerro Santa Lucía, where Pedro de Valdivia founded Santiago. See the nearby 16th-century Iglesia San Francisco and the Teatro Municipal de Santiago. The modern Providencia neighborhood is home to the mall and skyscrapers of the Costanera Center.

Santiago is a 2.5-hour drive from the Chilean coast and the border of Argentina. You can fly to Santiago Airport or take a long-distance bus from Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil or Peru. 

Although relatively wealthy for a Latin American city, Santiago still has poverty. Take all regular precautions to have an enjoyable experience without incidents. Purchase a Bip!-card to make the most of Santiago’s comprehensive public transport system. Don’t miss the mural by Mario Toral at the Universidad de Chile metro station, symbolizing Chile’s past oppression and newfound freedom of expression.

Where to stay in Santiago

Providencia featuring cycling, a sporting event and street scenes

Providencia

Boasting high-rise apartments and elegant houses, this area offers access to Cerro San Cristóbal with its Virgin Mary statue, Metropolitan Zoo, and the Teleférico. Explore the nearby bohemian Barrio Bellavista, home to artists and performers.

Providencia
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Las Condes

Cafes, shopping, and mountain views highlight some notable features of Las Condes. Make a stop by Alto Las Condes or KidZania Santiago while you're visiting, and jump aboard the metro at Hernando de Magallanes Station or Manquehue Station to get around town.

Las Condes
Santa Lucia Hill featuring a pond, chateau or palace and a park

Downtown Santiago

4/5(45 area reviews)

Central to Santiago Metropolitan Region, this commune boasts the oldest part of the city, including downtown and major government infrastructure like La Moneda palace.

Downtown Santiago
Vitacura which includes bird life and a pond

Vitacura

Boasting Santiago's most exclusive shopping street, Avenida Alonso de Córdova, with luxury boutiques like Louis Vuitton and Armani, this upscale area is also home to elite private schools and the Gliders Club. Easily accessible via Costanera Norte toll-way.

Vitacura
Lastarria which includes cafe lifestyle and street scenes as well as a large group of people

Lastarria

4.5/5(79 area reviews)

Lastarria is known for its ample dining options, and you can make a stop by Lastarria District and Museo de Artes Visuales while in the area.

Lastarria
Bellavista showing street scenes and outdoor art

Bellavista

4.5/5(61 area reviews)

Travelers come to Bellavista for its abundant dining options, and you can see top attractions like Patio Bellavista and Santiago Metropolitan Park while you're in town.

Bellavista
Holiday Inn Santiago - Airport Terminal by IHG

Holiday Inn Santiago - Airport Terminal by IHG

4 out of 5
Armando Cortinez Norte 2150, Santiago, Region Metropolitana
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is NT$3,876 per night from Sep 30 to Oct 1
NT$3,876
NT$4,182 total
Sep 30 - Oct 1
Stay at this 4-star ski hotel in Santiago. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful staff in ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,372 reviews)
"Very convenient. Close to both domestic and international terminals."

Reviewed on 2025/9/25

Holiday Inn Santiago - Airport Terminal by IHG
Hotel Capital Bellet

Hotel Capital Bellet

3 out of 5
Saint Paul 1457 / Antonio Bellet 135, Santiago, Providencia
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Santiago. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
9/10 Wonderful! (794 reviews)
"Me alojé 10 días y todo fue excelente: desde las instalaciones, habitaciones amplias y cómodas hasta la atención del personal. ¡Recomendado 100%!"

Reviewed on 2025/9/19

Hotel Capital Bellet
Hotel Almasur Providencia

Hotel Almasur Providencia

4 out of 5
440 Avenida Pedro de Valdivia, Santiago
The price is NT$3,221 per night from Oct 4 to Oct 5
NT$3,221
NT$3,221 total
Oct 4 - Oct 5
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Santiago. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (237 reviews)
"This hotel is perfect for family travel or business. The staff is extremely professional and courteous. The restaurant staff is also always prepared to assist you and guide you. Walking distance to public transport. Pharmacies. Restaurants. Very safe neighborhood. Several diplomatic missions nearby. ..."

Reviewed on 2025/9/17

Hotel Almasur Providencia
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Zip Housing El Golf

Zip Housing El Golf

3 out of 5
Málaga 79, Santiago, Metropolitana
Stay at this 3-star aparthotel in Santiago. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and parking (surcharge). Popular attractions Costanera Center and Parque Arauco ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (253 reviews)
"Great location"

Reviewed on 2025/8/11

Zip Housing El Golf
Spot Suites

Spot Suites

4 out of 5
882 Av. Manquehue Nte., Santiago, Región Metropolitana
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Santiago. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Popular attractions Costanera Center and Parque Arauco Mall are ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (19 reviews)
"Great place to stay, near Parque Arauco and the park for kids. Amenities are great. Everything on spot!"

Reviewed on 2025/8/26

Spot Suites
Park Plaza Apart Hotel

Park Plaza Apart Hotel

3 out of 5
Av. Huerfanos 545, Santiago, Region Metropolitana
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly aparthotel in Santiago. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a health club. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (609 reviews)
"Great location, walkable to the key tourist sights. I had the loft which was spacious and had a wonderful view overlooking the Andes in the backdrop. The furnishings were a bit old but it didn’t bother us. Fantastic value for money. Very happy with the accommodation. The reception lady of the night ..."

Reviewed on 2025/9/12

Park Plaza Apart Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Reviews of Santiago

4.2
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
273
5 - Excellent 41%
4 - Good
315
4 - Good 47%
3 - Okay
70
3 - Okay 10%
2 - Disappointing
9
2 - Disappointing 1%
1 - Terrible
6
1 - Terrible 1%

5/5 - Excellent

Tobin

shopping mall near the hotel was great !!!!!!! It was an easy walk from the hotel. We have nothing to say about our stay. TTBOYD

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

Santiago was a short stop after our cruise and before flying home. We enjoyed walking in the parks and museum visits. We saw a little more defacing of the buildings from the student unrest than we expected.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

Beautiful city, but there is a lot od pollution

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Local were kind and helpful when I needed directions to find places and sights.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

People we encountered were friendly and helpful especially with us not fluent in Spanish. We would like to return and see more of Santiago. Did visit the Railway Museum Santiago (Chile) and enjoyed that very much.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

Very nice city, a little concern in afternoons with the protests, but easy to avoid those areas.