Things to Do in Santiago

At 722 hectares, Parque Metropolitano (commonly known as Cerro San Cristóbal) offers the best panoramic views of Santiago with the Andes mountains as a dramatic backdrop. Take the historic funicular or cable car to the summit where a 22-meter statue of the Virgin Mary stands. The park includes a botanical garden, Japanese garden, two public swimming pools, and the national zoo. Perfect for hiking, biking, or a leisurely afternoon enjoying the city skyline.

Built as a secret hideaway for Nobel Prize-winning poet Pablo Neruda and his mistress Matilde Urrutia, La Chascona (meaning "messy hair") showcases the eccentric lifestyle of one of Chile's most beloved literary figures. The quirky house built into the hillside of Bellavista features narrow passageways, collections of colored glass, and memorabilia from Neruda's travels. The audio guide provides fascinating insights into the poet's life and the turbulent political history of Chile.

An absolute must-visit, this striking museum tells the powerful story of human rights violations during Chile's military dictatorship under Pinochet from 1973 to 1990. Through compelling exhibits, artifacts, and visual mediums, the museum delivers both harrowing truths and messages of hope. The modern architecture itself is symbolic, and the experience provides essential context for understanding contemporary Chilean society. Free admission makes it accessible to all visitors.

Widely regarded as Santiago's best museum, the Chilean Museum of Pre-Columbian Art houses an exquisite collection of pottery, textiles, and artifacts from major pre-Columbian cultures across the Americas. The beautifully curated exhibits span thousands of years of indigenous history, with particular emphasis on Chilean and Andean civilizations. Located in a colonial building near Plaza de Armas, it offers a profound understanding of the region's rich cultural heritage.

This beautiful cast-iron structure built in 1872 is Santiago's most famous food market and a feast for the senses. The market specializes in fresh seafood, with vendors displaying the day's catch from Chile's long Pacific coastline. Traditional restaurants in the center serve classic Chilean dishes like pastel de jaiba (crab casserole) and caldillo de congrio (conger eel soup). Visit for lunch to experience authentic local cuisine and vibrant market atmosphere.

Experience 360-degree views of Santiago from the observation deck atop Latin America's tallest building. At 300 meters high on floors 61-62 of the Gran Torre Santiago, you can see the entire city sprawling between the Andes and the Coastal Range on clear days. The sunset views are particularly spectacular as the mountains glow orange and the city lights begin to twinkle. Located within the massive Costanera Center shopping complex in Providencia.

This 69-meter hill in the heart of Santiago is a beautifully landscaped urban park featuring fountains, statues, terraces, and the historic Castillo Hidalgo at the summit. Once a rocky outcrop where the Spanish founded Santiago in 1541, it was transformed into a European-style garden in the 1870s. The winding pathways through manicured gardens offer several viewpoints over the city. Free to enter, it provides a peaceful escape from the bustling streets below.

Santiago's coolest neighborhood for a weekend stroll, Barrio Italia features restored warehouses and buildings now housing chic design shops, antique stores, art galleries, breweries, and upscale cafes. The area comes alive on weekends when locals flock to browse vintage finds, enjoy brunch, and soak up the creative atmosphere. This is where you'll find some of the best specialty coffee in the city and unique souvenirs. The bohemian vibe makes it perfect for wandering without an agenda.