I have to be honest with you. Before I booked my flight, I didn’t know exactly what to expect from Santiago de Chile. I knew about the wine and the mountains, but I had this vague idea that it was just a stopover city on the way to Patagonia.
I was wrong. Completely wrong.
As soon as my plane began its descent, I saw it. The Andes Mountains rise up like a massive wall of snow and stone right behind the skyscrapers. It is one of the most dramatic backdrops I have ever seen for a city.
Walking the streets here feels like flipping through a history book that hasn’t finished being written. You have colonial churches standing next to glass towers. You have old men playing chess in the plazas while teenagers film dance videos nearby.
If you are looking for things to do in Santiago, you are in for a treat. It is safe, clean, and incredibly diverse. And just to be clear, we are talking about the capital of Chile, not Santiago de Compostela in Spain!
Here are the 10 experiences that made me fall in love with this city, and why I think you should add them to your bucket list.
1. Watch the Sunset from Sky Costanera
I started my trip by going straight to the top. The Sky Costanera is the tallest building in South America. It is impossible to miss; it looks like a giant glass needle piercing the sky.
I went up just before sunset. The elevator ride is super fast, and your ears might pop. When the doors opened, I literally gasped. You get a 360 degree view of the Santiago Santiago Metropolitan Region Chile.
Seeing the sun dip below the horizon and turn the Andes mountains pink and purple was magical. It is the best place to see where is Santiago located geographically nestled right in the valley. Grab a coffee at the top and just soak it in.
2. Get Lost in the Bohemian Bellavista Neighborhood
After the shiny modernity of the tower, I wanted something with more grit and soul. I found it in Bellavista. This is the artistic heart of the city.
I spent an entire afternoon just walking around looking at the street art. Every wall is a canvas. It is colorful, loud, and full of life. This is where the locals go to have fun.
At night, the area transforms. The streets fill with tables and music. I sat down at a bar and ordered a local craft beer. The energy is infectious. If you want to see the real vibe of the city, this is one of the top attractions Santiago has to offer.
3. Ride the Funicular up San Cristobal Hill
Right next to Bellavista is the entrance to San Cristobal Hill. This is part of the Metropolitan Park, which is huge. I decided to take the funicular (a cable railway) up because, honestly, it looked steep.
The ride up is fun and nostalgic. The wooden cars creak their way up the side of the hill. At the top, there is a massive statue of the Virgin Mary overlooking the city.
I bought a “mote con huesillo” from a vendor at the top. It is a traditional drink made with peach nectar, husked wheat, and a dried peach. It sounds weird, but it is delicious and refreshing. Sitting there, drinking my mote and looking out over the city, I felt like a true local.
4. Step Back in Time at Santa Lucia Hill
If San Cristobal is about nature, Santa Lucia is about history. This is actually where the city was founded in 1541. It is a smaller hill right in the downtown area.
I loved this place because it feels like a secret garden. You climb up stone stairs, pass by old fountains, and walk through castle like gates. It is incredibly romantic.
The view from the top gives you a perfect look at the downtown skyline. It is a great spot to escape the noise of the traffic below. I spent an hour here just reading a book on a bench under a tree.
5. Feel the Pulse of the City at Plaza de Armas
You cannot visit Santiago de Chile without going to the Plaza de Armas. This is the main square, and it is always busy.
I sat on a bench and just people watched. You see everything here. There are street performers, religious preachers, and artists selling paintings.
My favorite part was watching the old men playing chess. They set up little tables and play for hours, completely focused, ignoring the chaos around them.
The Metropolitan Cathedral is right there too. I stepped inside, and the silence was a stark contrast to the noise outside. The architecture is stunning, with high ceilings and gold details.
6. Explore Pablo Neruda’s House, La Chascona
I admit I didn’t know much about Pablo Neruda before this trip, but visiting his house was a highlight. It is tucked away in Bellavista.
The house is quirky, just like the poet. He built it for his secret lover, Matilde. The audio guide is excellent it tells the story of their romance and his life.
The house is designed to feel like a ship. The ceilings are low, and there are secret passageways. It is filled with his collections of colored glass and strange objects from around the world. It feels very personal, as if he just stepped out for a moment.
7. Eat Fresh Seafood at Mercado Central
Everyone told me I had to eat seafood here, so I headed to the Mercado Central. The building itself is beautiful, made of wrought iron imported from Britain.
Inside, it is chaotic in the best way. Fishmongers are shouting the prices of the day’s catch. You can see crabs, giant mussels, and fish I had never heard of.
I sat down at one of the smaller restaurants on the edge of the market (the ones in the center are a bit too touristy for me). I ordered “Paila Marina,” a traditional seafood stew. It came bubbling in a clay bowl. It was rich, salty, and cured my jet lag instantly.
8. Reflect at the Museum of Memory and Human Rights
This was the most difficult part of my trip, but also the most important. Chile has a turbulent recent history, and this museum tells the story of the dictatorship years.
The building is modern and green. Inside, the exhibits are powerful. You see letters, photos, and videos from that time.
I walked through in silence. It is heavy, but it helps you understand the resilience of the Chilean people. You can’t truly understand Santiago de Chile without acknowledging what happened here. It is a place of deep respect and learning.
9. Relax with Flamingos at Parque Bicentenario
After the emotional weight of the museum, I needed some fresh air. I took a taxi to the Vitacura neighborhood to visit Parque Bicentenario.
This park is beautiful and modern. It has wide green lawns, black necked swans, and yes, flamingos in the lagoon.
I saw families having picnics and people reading on deck chairs that the park provides for free. I lay in the sun and watched the kids feeding the koi fish. It is a perfect example of the modern, safe, and relaxed side of the city.
10. Wander and Dine in Barrio Lastarria
For my final evening, I went to Barrio Lastarria. This is probably the most European feeling neighborhood. The streets are cobblestone, and the architecture is beautiful.
It is famous for having some of the best restaurants in Santiago Chile. I found a little place with tables on the sidewalk. I ordered a glass of Carmenere wine (you have to try it here!) and just enjoyed the atmosphere.
There was a small street market selling handmade jewelry and old books. It felt sophisticated but welcoming. It was the perfect way to end my adventure.
Why You Need to Go Now
Santiago surprised me. It is not just a stopover; it is a destination full of culture, history, and incredible food.
The Santiago population is friendly and eager to show off their city. Whether you are hiking up a hill for a view or digging into a bowl of seafood stew, you feel a connection to the land and the people.
So, ignore the people who say to skip the capital. Pack your walking shoes and get ready to explore. Santiago is waiting for you.
