Cerro San Cristóbal
sightA 300-meter hill with a funicular and cable car offering panoramic views of Santiago and the Andes. The summit features a large statue of the Virgin Mary and a small chapel.
In BellavistaVerified · Apr 26, 2026
Things to do in Santiago
12 named places across 5 neighborhoods — restaurants, sights, bars, cafés, parks, and shops. Specific recommendations, no generic filler.
— 5 picks
Sights & landmarks in Santiago.
The monuments, museums, and photo spots actually worth the queue.
La Chascona
sightOne of Pablo Neruda's three houses in Chile, built for his mistress and now a museum displaying his quirky collections and personal belongings. The hillside home reflects the poet's eccentric taste and maritime obsessions.
In BellavistaMercado Central
sightA 19th-century iron-frame market hall filled with seafood stalls and restaurants serving Chilean fish and shellfish. The ornate metal architecture was designed in Europe and assembled on site in 1872.
In Santiago CentroMuseo de la Memoria y los Derechos Humanos
sightA modern museum documenting human rights violations during Chile's military dictatorship from 1973 to 1990. Exhibits include photographs, testimony videos, and personal artifacts from victims and survivors.
In Quinta NormalBarrio Lastarria
sightA compact neighborhood of European-style buildings from the early 20th century, now filled with independent bookstores, art galleries, and restaurants. Weekend antique markets set up in the small plazas.
In Lastarria— 2 picks
Where to eat in Santiago.
Editor-picked restaurants from the neighborhood deep-dives — no tourist traps.
Galindo
restaurantA traditional Chilean restaurant serving large portions of local dishes like pastel de choclo and cazuela in a casual setting. The walls are covered with football memorabilia and political posters.
In BellavistaBoragó
restaurantChef Rodolfo Guzmán's restaurant focusing on endemic Chilean ingredients, many foraged from across the country's diverse ecosystems. The tasting menu changes with the seasons and showcases unfamiliar native plants and proteins.
In Vitacura— 1 picks
Bars & nightlife in Santiago.
Where to drink, from aperitivo terraces to locals-only dive bars.
Bocanáriz
barA wine bar with an extensive selection of Chilean wines by the glass, organized by valley and grape variety. Small plates are designed to pair with the wines, and staff can guide selections.
In Lastarria— 1 picks
Cafés & coffee in Santiago.
Morning stops, espresso counters, and bakery classics.
Café Colmado
cafeA bright corner café serving specialty coffee and pastries in a converted corner space with large windows. The focus is on Chilean-roasted beans and simple breakfast and lunch items.
In Lastarria— 2 picks
Parks & green space in Santiago.
Where to slow down, picnic, or escape the summer heat.
Cerro Santa Lucía
parkA small urban park built on a rocky hill in the city center with winding staircases, fountains, and terraces. The site marks the spot where Spanish conquistador Pedro de Valdivia founded Santiago in 1541.
In Santiago CentroParque Forestal
parkA linear park running along the Mapocho River, lined with plane trees and frequented by joggers and street performers. It connects several museums and provides a green corridor through the city center.
In Lastarria— 1 picks
Shops & markets in Santiago.
Souvenirs that aren’t embarrassing and the markets worth an hour.
Patio Bellavista
shopAn open-air shopping and dining complex with Chilean craft shops, restaurants, and bars arranged around courtyards. It's a convenient spot to find lapis lazuli jewelry and other local souvenirs in one location.
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— FAQ
Planning Santiago.
- What are the top things to do in Santiago?
- We've listed 12 named places across 5 neighborhoods on this page — specific recommendations, not generic filler. The grouped sections (sights, food, bars, cafés, parks, shops) let you pick by intent. If you only have one day, work the "Sights & landmarks" list top-to-bottom.
- How many days do you need in Santiago?
- Three full days is the honest floor for a first visit to Santiago — enough to cover the essential sights without a march, plus two meals per day in different neighborhoods. Five days lets you add day trips. Anything less than three and you're queuing instead of experiencing.
- Are guided tours in Santiago worth booking?
- For major sights with skip-the-line value (Vatican, Colosseum, Alhambra-tier queues) yes, almost always. For neighborhood walks — usually no, our free deep-dives cover the same ground in more honest detail. The CTAs on this page go to Expedia's tours inventory if you want to compare.
- What's the best neighborhood to base yourself in Santiago?
- Depends on your trip style — our /hotels/santiago page ranks the neighborhoods by price and vibe. Generally: central for first-timers, residential-adjacent for return visits, canal/waterfront if the city has one.
- Are these recommendations updated?
- This page was last refreshed on the date shown in the trust pill above. We're rolling out hand-vetted neighborhood deep-dives for Santiago — until those land, the entries here are sourced from well-established places that have been operating for many years, but we recommend confirming opening hours and current operations before you go.
Keep planning
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