Curator’s statement
Santiago, Chile, was originally planned to be a stop on the way back from a trip to the Patagonian mountains. But it became one of my favorite places in South America. This city is rich in vibrant neighborhoods with stunning views, a bustling historic district and striking architecture. I loved how this place was a great city to visit without being too crowded, plus the food and wine were top-tier. Santiago is more than a layover stop to other parts of South America. It is a destination in itself that you can explore with your bestie over a long weekend.
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Day 1: Land in Santiago, Chile.
Walking the historic streets of Santiago will likely lead you to the Plaza de La Constitución.
After landing at Arturo Merino Benitez International Airport, take a car ride over to your accommodation. Depending on what time you land, you can either explore the city on foot with a walking tour or grab dinner & relax for the night.
A city walking tour is the best way to explore a new place and get a lay of the land. We learned so much about the city’s various neighborhoods as well as the rich history and the diverse population.
After your walking tour, you can venture to the colorful neighborhood of Barrio Bellavista. This area has numerous art galleries, colorful homes and has a bustling nightlife. You can explore Patio Bellavista, which houses many restaurants, shops and bars. If you’re not into big crowds, then I highly recommend Selvado or Sanguchería Ciudad Vieja.
Day 2: Explore South America’s largest urban park and Barrio Italia.
From Parque Metropolitano de Santiago, enjoy a unique view of the city with Sky Costanera, Andes mountains and cable cars.
Get a unique view of the city and its beautiful surroundings with a funicular ride & cable car ride through Parque Metropolitano de Santiago. This giant park has multiple hiking trails with a Japanese garden, a public pool, a zoo and what seems like endless panoramic views of the city. We could’ve easily spent a half or full day here exploring Cerro San Cristóbal. One way to get tickets for the funicular and cable car is on the website.
After venturing through Parque Metropolitano de Santiago, explore the quaint neighborhood of Barrio Alto. The restaurants lining the streets and numerous shops selling local handcrafts made this one of my favorite areas in Santiago. We spent hours perusing this neighborhood and stopping at different cafes like Café Raíz and boutique shopping spots like Mercado Condell.
For dinner, treat yourselves to a nice dinner at Ambrosia Bistro. This is a women-owned establishment serving cozy and creative dishes. We were fortunate enough to meet the chef (definitely a highlight) and got to enjoy a delicious meal that I often think about to this day.
Day 3: Sky Costanera and Lastarria
Get a panoramic view from up above when visiting La Costanera
Start your day off with a walk through the Museo Parque de las Esculturas. Enjoy this outdoor space that hosts many sculptures by Chilean artists. After exploring the sculptures, visit the highest viewpoint in all of South America at the Sky Costanera. The observatory sits on the 61st and 62nd floors, where we got to enjoy panoramic views of the city with all of its landmarks and beyond. You can opt for a guided tour or grab a cocktail at the top notch bar.
No trip to Santiago is complete without enjoying one [or many of the sandwiches]. Head towards Lastarria, where you can feast on the delicious sandwiches offered at a local spot called Antigua Fuente. After filling up on the sandwiches, I highly recommend going to Chipe Libre - República Independiente del Pisco for cocktails. Here, we devoured all the Pisco Sour to our hearts content.
If you have time, consider visiting Cerro Santa Lucía where you can hike up the steep hill to enjoy a beautiful sunset.
Day 4: Day trip to Valparaíso
Explore the vibrant port city of Valparaíso, which is known for its colorful homes and street art.
Take a guided day trip from Santiago to the picturesque port city of Valparaíso. While in Valparaíso, we got to explore the hilly streets filled with colorful art, visit local shops and eat delicious donuts from María María. Our day trip also included a stop at the beach town of Viña del Mar and a Chilean wine tasting in Casablanca Valley.
Need to know
Other recommendations to consider when in Santiago, Chile:
Factoría Franklin: A gem hidden where arts and crafts meets artisanal food and more. You can get everything from chocolate, gin, craft beer to local food and sneak in some shopping for your souvenirs. Come here hungry and thirsty! Also, don’t be discouraged by the surrounding neighborhood — it’s well worth the visit.
Museo de la Memoria y los Derechos Humanos. This is an important and moving museum that exhibits a tumultuous period in Chilean history under Dictator Pinochet. If you don’t speak Spanish, be sure to ask for an audioguide at the front desk.
Advice: Be cautious and very aware of your surroundings when in Santiago. Petty theft is very common. When walking around the city, make sure you have your valuables (cell phone, wallet, etc) safely secured.
Travel Advisor
Tracy Delossantos
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For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our Santiago page.