It seems like Chile has become the new hotspot for adventure tourism. Just like that, tourists have started pouring into the nation’s capital to experience Chilean culture, its famed carménère wine, and to glimpse a view of the majestic Andes mountain range surrounding the city. I have spent the past two years perusing through Santiago as a gringa looking for the best tourist activities, so, if you are looking to take advantage of your time in Chile’s capital, here are my top recommendations.
Search for street art
If you’re a lover of street art like myself, then you are in luck. Santiago has plenty of beautiful options including strolling the funky Bellavista neighborhood or visiting the Museo a Cielo Abierto, an outdoors exhibit featuring 40 large murals that are painted onto the sides of apartment buildings.
Learn a bit of Chilean history
Many people come to Santiago without knowing much about the history of Chile. If you’d like to learn, or if you’re just a history nerd like I am, I recommend checking out the Plaza de Armas. This square is the original historic city center and various buildings of importance are located within the plaza. Head to the Chilean National History Museum (open Tuesdays-Sundays from 10am-6pm) to explore everything from the Mapuches (Chile’s indigenous people) and conquistadors to the 1973 Chilean coup d’état.
Hike up Cerro San Cristóbal
If you’re set on getting some exercise in Santiago, I recommend trekking up Cerro San Cristóbal. At the cumbre (summit), you will find the famous statue of Mary as well as various viewpoints of Santiago. Don’t feel like hiking all the way to the top? Take the funicular, currently the only mechanical way to reach the summit.
Try a completo italiano
It seems that Chileans were not satisfied with the traditional ketchup and mustard condiments for a hotdog and thus created their own invention: the completo. So why is it called “italiano” (Italian)? Well, this hotdog is topped with three ingredients: tomato (red), mayonnaise (white), and avocado (green), each representing a color of the Italian flag. I know it sounds like a strange combination, but I can tell you from experience that it is delicious.
See where Santiago was founded
Cerro Santa Lucía is another popular tourist destination in Santiago where you can climb to the top of what used to be an active volcano. The top of this hill is also where Pedro de Valdivia founded the city of Santiago. Besides being historical, this hill offers a great spot for pictures!
Taste your first sip of pisco
If there is anything that Chileans are extremely proud of (besides their fútbol team), it is pisco, a spirit that the country produces. If you’re new to pisco, I recommend trying a pisco sour, a cocktail prepared using pisco and lemon juice.
Watch the sunset from the 62nd floor
Sky Costanera just opened this past year and is quickly becoming a hub for tourists. Enter Costanera Center, the tallest building in Latin America, and take the elevator to the very top. There you can find a 360-degree view of the entire city as well the surrounding mountain range. I recommend arriving to Sky Costanera about 30 minutes before sunset so as to be able to see the city during the day, as the sun sets, and to watch the twinkling city lights in the evening.
Learn to speak Spanish like a Chilean
If you’d like to improve or practice your Spanish while in Santiago, there are various language exchanges in the area. Sit back and have a beer at The Shamrock Irish Pub on Wednesdays at 8pm while you learn the best Chilean Spanish expressions from native Santiaguinos. The price to participate is only $1,000CLP, and a raffle is held at the end of the night for one person to win a pitcher of beer on the house.
Try out your salsa skills
For visitors with a flair for Latin beats, dance the night away at Maestra Vida, a salsoteca in Santiago’s Bellavista neighborhood. If you’re interested in learning salsa but haven’t tried it before, don’t worry! Maestra Vida offers classes for beginners as well as those with previous experience in salsa.
Take a day trip to a winery
Chilean wines are becoming more and more well known and esteemed on a global scale. If you’re looking to do a bit of sampling while in the city, there is no shortage of vineyards in the area. If you’d rather experience a larger, more commercial vineyard, check out Concha y Toro, where tours are offered every day of the week. If you’d prefer a smaller, more family-style vineyard, I personally recommend Undurraga Winery.
Do you have any recommendations for things to do in Santiago?
Santiago Travel Companion: Tips, Packing, Food, Seasons & Hidden Gems
So, you’ve got your list of must-do’s in Santiago. But the adventure doesn’t stop there! After living, exploring, and eating my way across the city for two years, I’ve picked up a few travel hacks.
🎒 What to Pack for Santiago (And Why It Matters)
Packing smart for Santiago means you’re ready everything. That might include market wandering, a hillside hike or an impromptu night of dancing. Here’s my ultimate checklist:
| Category | Essentials |
|---|---|
| Clothing | Light layers for spring/summer, a sweater or jacket (it gets chilly at night), sun hat, sunglasses |
| Footwear | Comfortable walking shoes (for cobblestones and park hikes), sandals for hot afternoons |
| Tech & Extras | Plug adapter (Chile uses type C & L), portable charger, camera/smartphone, reusable water bottle |
| Day Bag | Backpack for your daily essentials, snacks, and any souvenirs |
| Weather Gear | Compact umbrella (Santiago has rainy winters), lightweight rain jacket |
| Health & Safety | Sunscreen (the Chilean sun is strong!), hand sanitizer, copies of passport/travel docs |
| Money | Chilean pesos in small denominations, credit/debit card (many places are cash-only, especially markets) |
Tip: Always carry a scarf or bandana—it works as sun protection on hikes, an extra layer in the evening, or even as a picnic blanket in Parque Forestal.
🕒 When to Visit: Santiago Through the Seasons
Santiago’s Mediterranean climate means it’s a year-round destination. However, each season offers something unique:
- Spring (September–November): Blooming parks, clear skies, and mild temperatures. Ideal for urban exploring, street art tours, and wine tastings.
- Summer (December–February): Hot days and balmy nights—perfect for rooftop bars, open-air concerts, and day trips to nearby beaches.
- Autumn (March–May): Grape harvest season! Vineyards are buzzing with activity, and the Andes provide a stunning, snow-capped backdrop.
- Winter (June–August): Crisp mornings and cool evenings—prime time for skiing in the nearby mountains or cozying up in a bohemian café.
🍽️ Santiago’s Food & Drink: Beyond the Completo
Of course, you’ll want to try the legendary completo italiano and sip a classic pisco sour—but don’t stop there! Santiago’s food scene is as diverse as its neighborhoods.
Street Eats & Local Faves
- Empanadas de pino: Baked pastries filled with beef, onion, egg, and olives—find them at Mercado Central or street bakeries.
- Sopaipillas: Pumpkin-based fried breads often sold by street vendors, especially on rainy days. Top with pebre (a Chilean salsa) for extra flavor.
- Pastel de choclo: A comforting corn pie with ground meat, olives, and raisins. It’s a hearty winter dish, but you’ll find it year-round in local “picadas.”
Where to Eat & Drink
- Mercado Central: Not just for seafood lovers—find bustling stalls, friendly vendors, and a true taste of Chilean culture.
- Barrio Italia: Trendy, artsy, and packed with cafes, craft beer bars, and bakeries. Perfect for a slow afternoon of people-watching.
- Bellavista: After sunset, Bellavista transforms into a nightlife hotspot. Look for bars with live music, quirky décor, and plenty of pisco-based cocktails.
🗺️ Hidden Gems & Unique Experiences
Go beyond the main attractions with these off-the-beaten-path suggestions:
- La Chascona: Once home to poet Pablo Neruda, this quirky house-museum in Bellavista is packed with oddities, maritime memorabilia, and stories from Chile’s literary past.
- Parque Bicentenario: Locals’ favorite for picnics, Sunday strolls, and people-watching. Feed the pink flamingos or rent a bike for an afternoon escape from the city buzz.
- Museo de la Memoria y los Derechos Humanos: This powerful museum documents Chile’s recent history and is essential for understanding the country’s resilience and culture.
- Feria Artesanal Santa Lucia: Pick up handmade jewelry, lapis lazuli trinkets, and traditional crafts at this lively market beneath Cerro Santa Lucía.
🧭 Sample Santiago Itinerary: How to See It All in 2 Days
Here’s a suggested two-day itinerary for maximum variety and fun:
Day 1: Culture & City Life
- Morning: Walk Plaza de Armas and pop into the National History Museum.
- Late Morning: Street art safari in Bellavista (don’t forget your camera).
- Lunch: Picnic with empanadas at Parque Forestal.
- Afternoon: Climb Cerro San Cristóbal (walk or funicular); reward yourself with mote con huesillo (sweet Chilean summer drink) at the summit.
- Evening: Sunset at Sky Costanera followed by dinner and pisco sours in Barrio Lastarria.
Day 2: History & Local Vibes
- Morning: Visit La Chascona and stroll the quirky side streets.
- Lunch: Savor pastel de choclo in a classic “picada.”
- Afternoon: Shop at Feria Santa Lucia; enjoy people-watching in Parque Bicentenario.
- Evening: Try a salsa class at Maestra Vida and end the night with live music in Bellavista.
🚗 Easy Day Trips from Santiago
If you have extra time, consider these options:
- Valparaíso: A vibrant port city just 1.5 hours away, famous for its hills, colorful murals, and bohemian energy.
- Cajón del Maipo: Outdoor paradise for rafting, hiking, and hot springs in the Andes foothills.
- Vineyard tours: Beyond Concha y Toro and Undurraga, check out Emiliana for organic wines or the family-run Santa Rita estate.
Tip: Many vineyards require reservations, especially on weekends. Book ahead to secure your spot and get the best tasting experiences!
Unpack Your Bags in a Barrio With Personality
| Barrio | Vibe | Why Base Yourself Here |
|---|---|---|
| Lastarria | Boho-chic, leafy plazas, indie cinemas | Central foot access to the metro + late-night empanada spots that stay open past 2 a.m. |
| Barrio Yungay | 19th-century mansions, still under-the-radar | Cheaper guesthouses (~30 USD) and raw, unsanitised street art tours run by residents. |
| Providencia | Safe, residential, park-lined bike lanes | Ideal if you’re combining remote work with exploration—co-working cafés on every block. |
Budget hack: Santiago’s bike-share system Bici Santiago has docking stations in all three barrios and costs just 6 000 CLP for a three-day pass—cheaper than two metro rides per day.
Nature Detours Within 90 Minutes of the Metro
| Escape | Time Commitment | Highlights | How to Get There |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aguas Panimávida Hot Springs | ½ day | Soak in 38 °C mineral pools with snow-dusted peaks overhead | Tur-Bus to Cajón del Maipo + local van (look for “Termas”) |
| Parque Mahuida Zip-Line & Llama Trail | 4 hrs | Adrenaline canopy tour followed by a guided hike alongside rescued llamas | Metro to Metro Los Quillayes, then taxi or Uber (10 min) |
| Yerba Loca Nature Sanctuary | Full day | Glacier-fed streams, condor sightings, BYO picnic spots | Early micro-bus from Metro Los Dominicos (departs 07:30) |
Remember that Santiago sits at 520 m above sea level. If you’re tackling Yerba Loca’s 3 600 m trails, hydrate relentlessly and pack layers—the temperature plunge after sunset is real.
Budget Snapshot (Mid-Range Traveler)
- Dorm bed Lastarria Hostel: 18 USD
- Metro + bus passes (3 days): 7 USD
- Museum entries bundle: 10 USD
- Average sit-down meal: 12 USD
- Day-trip to vineyard (public bus + tour): 35 USD
- Sky Costanera ticket: 18 USD
- Grand Total 3-day ≈ 230 USD
💬 Your Turn: Share Your Santiago Stories!
Have you stumbled upon a hidden café, tasted a dish not listed here, or found your own secret viewpoint over Santiago? Drop your tips, questions, or memories in the comments below.
Street art, history, salsa, and wine?! I’m sold 😉 Great post, Leah! Thanks for sharing.
I’m loving all the South America posts. I’ve spent all my time in South East Asia, and am traveling to South America next week. I’m sure it’s all going to be very different, which I’m very excited about. Keep all the travel ideas coming!
Hey, just a heads-up. If you are serious about spotting Street Art, the place to go is “Yungay” Neighborhood. It’s also a beautiful, traditional neighborhood that maintains the classical identity of XX century’s Santiago, as well as some Colonial buildings.
A plus is that there are nice cafe’s and restaurant’s in the area surrounding the “Plaza Yungay”.
These are great suggestions! We also loved taking a bike tour of the city. We saw some areas we might have missed on our own and learned some history along the way. It was so fun!
The hot dogs were a novelty at first (my husband can never have enough), but after a while I found the food in Santiago to be a bit boring! I vividly remember going to a fine dining restaurant where people were eating sandwiches and fries for dinner…..