Best Things to Do in Santiago, Chile
Santiago is the capital and largest city of Chile, a metropolitan area of 7.5 million at 567 meters in the Central Valley, with the snow-capped Andes visible from the city on clear days. South America's most economically developed capital has a sophisticated restaurant and wine scene (the Maipo and Casablanca valleys are within 1-2 hours), excellent skiing (the Andes resorts are 50km from downtown), and well-developed neighborhoods for walking and eating. This guide covers the best things to do in Santiago.
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The unmissable in Santiago
These are the staple sights — don't leave Santiago without seeing them.
Attractions in Santiago
More attractions in Santiago
📍 Paseo Ahumada, Santiago de Chile, Chile
Step onto Ahumada Boulevard in Santiago and immerse yourself in the vibrant, unfiltered pulse of a Latin American capital. More than just a pedestrian street, this four-block stretch is a living theatre where impromptu evangelical preachers share space with buskers playing cueca, and the scent of roasted nuts mingles with a thousand overlapping conversations. Itu2019s not a polished tourist spectacle, but an authentic, bustling artery, revealing Santiago’s true character as it goes about its day.
Connecting the historic Plaza de Armas with the presidential La Moneda Palace, Paseo Ahumada offers a dynamic journey through Santiago’s layered history. Marvel at the architectural tapestry, where Beaux-Arts grandeur from 1926 stands beside sleek glass towers and Art Deco facades. This lively boulevard, a car-free zone since 1977, is a continuous open-air stage, hosting cultural events, markets, and the daily lives of two and a half million people, making it one of South America’s most trafficked pedestrian streets.
For an insider’s view, visit during the warm midday when the street life is at its most effervescent, or explore the nearby Mercado de Artesanias for authentic Chilean crafts. Discover unique lapis lazuli jewellery, a distinctive souvenir crafted from the semi-precious stone found in Chile’s Atacama Desert. The sheer volume of daily foot traffic guarantees an energetic atmosphere, offering an unparalleled glimpse into local culture.
A walk along Paseo Ahumada is a crash course in Santiago’s soul, an experience that transcends typical sightseeing. From its 17th-century origins to its modern-day dynamism, this boulevard showcases the city’s enduring spirit. Allow yourself to be swept into the rhythm of street musicians, the buzz of vendors, and the genuine everyday life that unfolds on this remarkable pedestrian thoroughfare.
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#2 must-see
Cousino Macul
📍 Calle Quilin 7100, Santiago de Chile, Metropolitan
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#3 must-see
El Morado Natural Monument
📍 Baños Morales, Metropolitan
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La Parva Ski Resort
📍 Lo Barnechea, Metropolitan
La Parva is one of South America’s premier ski resorts, nestled high in the Andes Mountains just 50 kilometers east of Santiago, Chile. This exclusive resort sits at 3,200 meters elevation and offers world-class skiing with varied terrain, excellent snow conditions during the Southern Hemisphere winter, and stunning mountain views.
The resort features modern ski lifts, well-maintained slopes for all ability levels, and excellent infrastructure including restaurants, equipment rental shops, and ski schools. Beyond skiing, visitors enjoy mountain landscape exploration, panoramic views of the Andes, and outdoor activities like snowshoeing and alpine hiking. The private resort atmosphere attracts serious skiers seeking pristine conditions and uncrowded slopes.
- Tickets: Day pass approximately CLP 70,000-90,000 (USD 70-90); multi-day packages available
- Hours: Typically 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM daily (June-September)
- Duration: Full day recommended for optimal experience
- Getting there: Located 50 km from Santiago; accessible by car (2-hour drive) or organized shuttle services
Visit during peak season (July-August) for best snow conditions and longest operating hours. Arrive early to secure parking and avoid midday crowds. Book accommodation and equipment rentals in advance. The high altitude requires acclimatization time—ascend gradually to avoid altitude sickness.
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La Vega Central Market
📍 Dávila Baeza 700, Santiago de Chile, Metropolitan
La Vega Central is Santiago’s most vibrant and historic produce market, operating for over a century as the beating heart of the city’s food culture. This sprawling marketplace bursts with colorful fruits, vegetables, herbs, and spices from across Chile and South America, creating a sensory explosion of colors, aromas, and authentic market energy.
Visitors navigate through bustling aisles where vendors passionately display their merchandise, offer samples, and engage in spirited negotiations. The market showcases Chile’s agricultural abundance and regional diversity, featuring exotic fruits unavailable elsewhere, local specialties like fresh seafood and artisanal cheese, and traditional herbs used in Chilean cooking. Parallel streets offer restaurants, juice stands, and small shops where locals and tourists mingle.
- Tickets: Free entry to browse; purchases vary by product
- Hours: Typically 6:00 AM – 3:00 PM Monday-Friday; 6:00 AM – 1:00 PM Saturday; Closed Sundays
- Duration: 1-2 hours for exploration and dining
- Getting there: Located in central Santiago near Estacion Central; accessible by metro or taxi
Arrive early morning for the freshest produce and best market atmosphere. Keep valuables secure in crowded areas and watch belongings carefully. Don’t miss authentic meals at small comedores (local restaurants) within the market serving traditional Chilean dishes. Expect noise, crowds, and authentic chaos—all part of the market’s authentic charm.
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Los Dominicos Handicraft Village
📍 Avenida Apoquindo 9085, Las Condes, Metropolitan
📍 Renato Sanchez 4270, Portillo, Metropolitan Region, Chile
Perched high in the Chilean Andes, Portillo Ski Resort is a legendary mountain destination where the air is thin, the snow is deep, and the skiing is extraordinary. Since 1949, this intimate mountain kingdom has hosted World Cup races and welcomed champions, offering an unparalleled experience beside the shimmering Laguna del Inca. Its iconic yellow hotel, set against jagged peaks, creates a private, exclusive atmosphere unlike anywhere else in South America.
The undisputed highlight is carving down 35 runs across 1,230 hectares, served by 14 lifts, including the famous Va et Vient slingshots. From gentle groomers to the fearsome couloirs of Roca Jack, Portillo caters to all skill levels. Beyond the slopes, guests enjoy heliskiing, snowshoeing, and the heated outdoor pool at the base. The stunning panorama of Laguna del Inca, a turquoise glacial lake, is a breathtaking sight in itself.
For an intimate, world-class ski experience with virtually nonexistent lift queues, plan your visit during the long Andean winter. Portillo deliberately limits capacity to around 450 guests, ensuring an exclusive atmosphere. World-class skiers like Alberto Tomba and Hermann Maier have trained here, using its consistent conditions to maintain their competitive edge. A full-week all-inclusive package offers the best value for an unforgettable stay.
Whether you’re an elite skier seeking fresh powder or simply wish to immerse yourself in the dramatic beauty of the Andes, Portillo delivers. Ski past the mystical Laguna del Inca, whose turquoise waters hold ancient legends, or relax in the lively apru00e8s-ski scene. Portillo isn’t just a resort; it’s an extraordinary journey into the heart of Chilean mountain culture, promising memories that will last a lifetime.
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Santiago Central Market (Mercado Central de Santiago)
📍 Avenida San Pablo, Santiago de Chile, Metropolitan
📍 Avenida Santa María 2205, Santiago de Chile, Metropolitan
Nestled beside the Mapocho River in northern Santiago, the Sculpture Park Museum (Parque de las Esculturas) offers a unique open-air gallery experience. Monumental sculptures by acclaimed Latin American masters stand harmoniously among native trees, blurring the lines between art and nature. This vibrant green corridor draws families, joggers, and art enthusiasts alike, creating a dynamic public space where bronze giants and stone meditations on the human condition coexist with daily life.
Established in 1986 by the Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes, the park extends the museum’s collection into the open air, bringing contemporary art into direct contact with the public. Over forty major works grace the 3.5-hectare site, ranging from abstract geometric pieces in polished steel and stone to emotionally powerful figurative bronzes. Highlights include works by Chilean modern sculpture titans like Marta Colvin, whose totem-like pieces engage in quiet dialogue with the surrounding trees, and Lily Garafulic, whose marble abstractions capture the unique Andean light.
The park is an ideal year-round destination, offering a refreshing cultural escape in Santiago’s pleasant Providencia district. Its location along a redeveloped riverside promenade, amidst leafy streets and a strong cafu00e9 culture, makes it a perfect complement to a leisurely day of exploration. The ever-changing natural light transforms the sculptures throughout the day, offering a new perspective with each visit, making it a photographer’s dream.
Beyond its permanent collection, the Parque de las Esculturas frequently hosts temporary installations by visiting international artists, ensuring a fresh and evolving experience for returning visitors. This free, disarming outdoor museum provides an unparalleled opportunity to engage with significant Latin American art in a serene, natural setting, making it a must-visit cultural treasure in the heart of Santiago.
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Undurraga Winery (Viña Undurraga)
📍 Camino a Melipilla 34, Talagante, Metropolitan
📍 Vitacura, Santiago de Chile, Metropolitan Region
Vitacura offers a refined yet surprising glimpse into Santiago, where tree-lined avenues meet the dramatic backdrop of the Andes. This polished district, once farmland, has evolved into a prestigious urban enclave characterized by manicured parks, contemporary architecture, and world-class dining. Itu00e2u20acu2122s the place locals escape to for a civilized weekend, showcasing a sophisticated side of the Chilean capital against a backdrop of glowing terracotta peaks.
A standout experience is the Museo Ralli, a hidden gem offering a significant collection of Latin American art alongside masterpieces by European legends like Salvador Dalu0102u00ad and Marc Chagall. This private museum, with its sixteen exhibition halls and sculpture garden, provides a minimum of two hours of enriching exploration, and remarkably, admission is free, making it an exceptional cultural encounter.
For an immersive experience, visit during the late afternoon when the Andes glow copper, casting a magical light over the city. Stroll along the Paseo de las Esculturas on Avenida Nueva Costanera, where prominent Chilean artists’ works are displayed against the Andean foothills. This outdoor sculpture walk, bordering the Mapocho River, is particularly stunning in clear weather, offering a serene artistic journey.
Beyond art, Vitacura boasts the Museo de la Moda, a striking building chronicling fashion history, and the expansive Parque Bicentenario, a beloved green space with lagoons and cycling paths. Discover this vibrant commune, a testament to Santiagou00e2u20acu2122s sophisticated evolution, offering a unique blend of culture, nature, and urban elegance waiting to be explored.
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Viña del Mar
📍 Viña del Mar, Valparaíso
Viña del Mar is Chile’s premier Pacific coastal resort city, famous for its beautiful beaches, elegant architecture, cultural events, and glamorous casino. Located just 120 kilometers west of Santiago, this vibrant beach destination combines natural beauty with modern entertainment facilities and serves as Chile’s most important seaside vacation destination.
Visitors enjoy pristine beaches for swimming and sunbathing, explore the famous Flower Clock (Reloj de Flores) and coastal promenade, visit world-class museums and botanical gardens, and experience the city’s thriving restaurant and nightlife scene. The city hosts the prestigious International Song Festival annually, attracting artists from around the world. Victorian mansions and modernist architecture line the coast, creating picturesque streetscapes.
- Tickets: Free to visit beaches and public areas; attractions and activities vary in cost
- Hours: Beaches accessible year-round; businesses typically 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM
- Duration: 1-3 days recommended
- Getting there: Located 120 km from Santiago; accessible by car (1.5-hour drive), bus, or train
Visit during spring and fall (September-November, March-May) for ideal weather and fewer summer crowds. Summer months (December-February) are hot and crowded. Bring sunscreen—the southern latitude and ocean reflection intensify UV exposure. Enjoy fresh seafood at beachfront restaurants and explore nearby Valparaiso for artistic culture and port scenery.
Santiago sprawls across the Central Valley between the coastal range and the Andes, a modern, sophisticated city that is often the underrated starting point for Chilean adventures: the Atacama, Patagonia, the wine country, the coast. The things to do in Santiago have improved dramatically since the 1990s, with the redevelopment of the Lastarria, Barrio Italia, and Bellavista neighborhoods into genuine cultural and dining precincts. The Andean backdrop — snow-covered peaks visible from the city center on clear winter days (June-August, when air pollution is lowest) — is the visual signature. The city’s pre-Columbian art museum (one of the finest in South America), the Palacio de la Moneda, the Mercado Central’s seafood, and the wine regions within day-trip distance make Santiago a genuinely complete destination for 3-5 days before heading deeper into Chile.
Best time to visit
September through November (spring) and March through May (autumn) are the best times: mild temperatures (18-25°C), clear skies, and manageable smog levels. June through August is winter — the Andes have their best snow for skiing (the major resorts are 50-80km from the city), but Santiago itself can be smoggy due to the temperature inversion that traps pollution in the valley; mountain views are often obscured. December through February is hot (30-35°C) and popular for Chileans but not ideal for city walking. January and February see many Santiaguinos leave for coastal resorts, creating a slightly emptied feel.
Getting around
Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport (SCL) is 17km northwest of downtown. The Metro Line 1 (red line) connects the airport to the city center (Baquedano, Santa Ana) efficiently. The Metro is the best way to move around Santiago: clean, safe, frequent, and comprehensive. Taxis and Uber are inexpensive. The city is large but the main tourist zones — Lastarria, Bellavista, Providencia, Barrio Italia — are within Metro range of each other. For the wine valleys (Maipo Valley, 45 minutes south; Casablanca Valley, 75 minutes west toward Valparaiso), organized tours from Santiago are available, or renting a car for the day gives more flexibility.
What to eat and drink
Santiago has South America’s most diverse and sophisticated food scene outside Buenos Aires and São Paulo. The Lastarria neighborhood concentrates the most interesting restaurants: Boragol (Rodolfo Guzman’s Nordic-influenced restaurant using exclusively Chilean ingredients, on the San Pellegrino Latin America list), 99 Restaurante, and La Mar (Peruvian, the best ceviche in the city). The Mercado Central, the 19th-century iron-and-glass fish market near the Mapocho River, is the tourist dining landmark: ojo del diablo (red crab) and congrio (the local eel, beloved by Pablo Neruda) are the specialties. Pebre (an herb and chili condiment) appears on every table. Chilean wine — Carmenere (the signature grape, a Bordeaux variety that survived phylloxera in Chile), Pinot Noir from Casablanca, and older Cabernet Sauvignon from Maipo — is excellent and inexpensive.
Top things to do
Cerro San Cristóbal and Parque Metropolitano – The hill park dominating the Bellavista neighborhood, reached by funicular (running since 1925), has panoramic views of the city and the Andes and encloses a zoo, botanical garden, and the Virgen de la Inmaculada Concepción statue. On clear winter mornings, the Andean view from the summit (880m) is extraordinary.
Museo Chileno de Arte Precolombino – One of South America’s finest pre-Columbian art museums, in a beautifully converted 19th-century colonial building on Plaza de Armas. The Andean textile and ceramic collections are exceptional. Relatively small and perfectly curated; allow 2-3 hours.
Lastarria and Barrio Italia neighborhoods – Lastarria (between the city center and Providencia) is the most walkable neighborhood for a foreign visitor: galleries, cafes, bookshops, restaurants, and the Museo de Artes Visuales. Barrio Italia (further east) is the city’s creative and antiques district, with excellent cafes and weekend fairs.
Maipo Valley wine tasting – Chile’s oldest and most productive wine valley, immediately south of Santiago (Pirque and Isla de Maipo, 30-45 minutes by car). The major cellars — Concha y Toro (the world’s second-largest wine company by volume), Santa Rita, Undurraga — offer tours and tastings with advance reservation. For the best wine (boutique Carmenere and Cabernet), seek out Almaviva, Haras de Pirque, and Antiyal.
Frequently asked questions
How many days do I need in Santiago?
Three to four days covers the city and one major day trip (Maipo Valley or Valparaiso). A day trip to Valparaiso (the UNESCO-listed Pacific port city 120km west, famous for street art, funiculars, and Pablo Neruda's house La Sebastiana) is easily the most rewarding excursion from Santiago and should not be skipped.
Is Santiago safe?
Santiago is one of South America's safer capital cities, but has experienced increased street crime since 2019 (following the social uprising that year and subsequent economic pressures). The main tourist neighborhoods (Lastarria, Providencia, Las Condes, Vitacura) are generally safe; the historic center (around Plaza de Armas) requires more vigilance, especially at night. Use the Metro, use Uber, and don't display valuables openly.
Can I ski from Santiago?
Yes. Valle Nevado, El Colorado, Farellones, and La Parva resorts are 50-80km from the city center. A combined ski area on some lift systems gives access to over 100 runs. The ski season runs June through September; conditions are best July-August. Day ski packages with transport from Santiago hotels are widely available. Portillo (a historic resort 3 hours north on the Paso Los Libertadores) is Chile's most famous resort.