Best Things To Do in Santiago

Santiago is one of the main capitals of South America and also an ideal place to discover the Chilean Andes. Famous for its skyscrapers and panoramic viewpoints, it is also a perfect city to use as a base for exploring other tourist destinations in the region.

Some of the best things to do in Santiago de Chile include touring the Las Condes neighborhood, discovering the sweeping views from the Sky Costanera observation deck, walking through Araucano Park, and exploring other nearby cities, such as Valparaíso and Viña del Mar, which are located just over an hour's drive away .

Las Condes is the most exclusive neighborhood in the Chilean capital and is known for its elegant atmosphere and its mix of modernity and tradition. Noted for its architecture, this district is also a favorite for tourists to stay, especially because it contains several of the city's most prominent shopping centers and green spaces that are ideal for walking, resting or cycling.

Another of the main attractions of Las Condes is Araucano Park, a park that offers outdoor activities. This natural space is perfect for families and athletes. On the other hand, the easy access to this neighborhood is another reason to visit it, since you can get there by public transportation or if you decide to buy tickets for the tourist bus of Santiago de Chile, which offers a stop in El Golf, a residential area of Las Condes.

Likewise, the gastronomic offer of Las Condes is another of its great attractions. In this neighborhood you will find a variety of restaurants, cafes and bars offering everything from traditional Chilean cuisine to international options. Avenida Apoquindo, one of the main arteries of the area, is full of places where you can taste the best of local cuisine.

In addition to its modern atmosphere and commercial offerings, this neighborhood has a rich cultural heritage. Nearby you can visit the Centro Cultural Las Condes, which hosts art exhibitions, theater and activities that promote artistic development in the area. You can also enjoy outdoor murals and artwork that reflect local talent.

Parque Araucano is one of Santiago's most popular and largest green spaces and also an oasis of nature amidst the urban bustle. This extensive park offers an ideal green space for outdoor enthusiasts, providing a perfect refuge for families, athletes and anyone looking for a quiet moment in the city.

With its grassy areas, groves of trees and gardens, Araucano Park is the perfect place for recreation or for you to rest between excursions. On the park's trails, you can also explore paths that wind through beds of native trees and plants and find children's play areas next to the rose garden, making it also an ideal plan if you plan to visit Santiago de Chile with children.

Another highlight of Parque Araucano is its amphitheater, which hosts cultural events and community activities throughout the year. This open-air space is perfect for enjoying concerts, plays and festivals, and is easily accessible on foot as part of the Santiago bike tour.

If you want to discover some of the best views of Santiago, you can't miss Sky Costanera, which offers panoramic views of the capital and its surroundings. Located in the Costanera Center building, the tallest skyscraper in Latin America, the 360-degree observation deck is at a height of 300 meters and provides an unmissable experience.

From its glass-walled observation deck you can see from the Andes Mountains to the central valley, and at the top of the building you will find rest areas and information panels describing the different points of interest visible from the top. In addition, you will find telescopes to observe specific details of the city, and an interactive screen with information about the history and geography of Santiago.

One of the most attractive features of Sky Costanera is its extended hours, allowing visitors to enjoy the views both during the day and at sunset. Watching the city light up as the sun sets behind the Andes is a magical experience that attracts tourists and locals alike. This viewpoint can be reached on your own by public transportation or by booking tickets for the hop on-hop off Santiago sightseeing bus.

While not one of Santiago's best-known destinations, the Cajón del Maipo hot springs are an ideal destination for those looking to relax and reconnect with nature in an unmissable mountain setting. Located on the outskirts of the Chilean capital, these hot springs offer an experience that combines the beauty of the Andes with the benefits of natural thermal waters.

Cajón del Maipo, popular for its picturesque scenery and fresh air, is a perfect refuge to escape the urban bustle and enjoy nature just a few kilometers from downtown Santiago. In addition, there are many hot springs to visit in the area, including Termas del Plomo, which offers outdoor pools with views of the mountains .

On the other hand, Termas de San José has modern facilities, including jacuzzis and spa areas ideal for taking a break and enjoying one of the most beautiful landscapes of central Chile. When you book an excursion to the Cajón del Maipo hot springs, you will be able to breathe the pure mountain air and live a comforting experience.

La Moneda Palace is one of the most representative icons of Santiago de Chile and a place of great historical and political relevance. Built at the end of the 18th century, it originally served as a mint, hence its name. However, over the years, it has been the scene of crucial events in Chilean history, including the presidency of Salvador Allende and the 1973 coup d'état.

Today, the historic La Moneda Palace is not only the seat of the Presidency of the Republic, but also houses an exhibition that attracts tourists who come to the Chilean capital and want to explore its neoclassical architecture and gardens. Although access to some areas of the palace is restricted for security reasons, you can participate in guided tours and visit the O'Higgins Hall, where official ceremonies are held.

One of the most outstanding features of the palace is the changing of the guard, an event that takes place on the esplanade of the palace and attracts many visitors. This military ceremony, which is performed with a trumpet call, will allow you to get closer to the traditions and protocols of the Chilean army, making it an opportunity to take pictures and enjoy the atmosphere surrounding the palace.

In addition to its historical and political value, La Moneda also houses a series of cultural and artistic exhibitions that will allow you to learn about the Chilean identity. The La Moneda Cultural Center, located in the palace's basement, hosts exhibitions of contemporary art, cinema and theater. You can get there on the guided tour of Santiago, by public transport or on the city's tourist bus to the Plaza de la Constitución stop.

Cerro San Cristobal is one of the most visited destinations in Santiago because it offers panoramic views of the city from a natural viewpoint. With a height of 880 meters above sea level, the hill is part of the Metropolitan Park, one of the largest urban green spaces in the world. You can also access this site if you decide to buy the tourist bus tour with tickets for the cable car and the funicular included.

From the top of Cerro San Cristobal you can see the Andes Mountains, which is one of the spines of the planet, and you will find the statue of Christ the Redeemer. In addition, the hill has picnic areas and trails that allow you to explore the natural areas of the park and nearby you can also visit the museum-home of Pablo Neruda.

To get to the top of Cerro San Cristobal you can opt for the funicular, which offers a relaxed ride to the top. The funicular ride is an experience in itself, as it allows you to enjoy sweeping views from different heights. However, if you prefer a more adventurous option, you can walk along the trails that wind around the hill and are different to address all levels of difficulty.

Santiago de Chile is one of the most important wine capitals of South America and its wineries offer a unique experience for wine lovers and those curious about the culture of this drink. The region surrounding the city produces some of the best wines in the world and holds the founding legend of Casillero del Diablo, which is the best known of the Concha y Toro winery.

Concha y Toro, precisely, is located in the Concha y Toro Winery, located in the town of Pirque. Founded in 1883, this winery is internationally recognized for its emblematic Casillero del Diablo wine. There you can do tastings, learn about the history of its vineyards and contemplate the surrounding horizon. Booking a wine tour of the Concha y Toro winery is one of the best plans you can find in Santiago.

Another renowned winery is Viña Santa Rita, which is also located in the Maipo Valley, just a few minutes from Santiago. This vineyard combines the production of high quality wines with a rich historical heritage. During the visit you can explore the gardens and the historic patronal house, as well as learn about winemaking and the importance of the soil in this process.

Another must-see destination in Santiago is Farellones Park, a perfect place especially during the winter season for those who want to enjoy the snow and outdoor activities. Located an hour's drive from the Chilean capital, this park is a reference for skiing and is a perfect setting to discover the mountain scenery.

This site has several ski resorts that offer a variety of slopes for all levels. From areas for beginners, where you can take lessons and practice snowboarding, to more challenging descents for advanced skiers, you will find options for everyone. In addition, when you book an excursion to Farellones from Santiago you can also go tubing and snowshoeing.

Likewise, one of the outstanding features of Farellones Park is its family focus. There you will find spaces specially designed for the little ones where they can learn to ski in a safe and fun environment. In addition, the park has rest areas, shelters, bars and restaurants.

One of the best features of Santiago is that it is relatively close to other tourist cities in Chile, making it an ideal destination to use as a base to visit nearby places. One such place worth discovering is Valparaíso, the jewel of the Chilean coastline, a port town that is famous for its colorful cityscape, history and culture.

There are numerous full-day excursions that allow travelers to explore this destination, often combining it with a visit to Viña del Mar, known for its beaches and manicured gardens. Booking an excursion to Valparaíso from Santiago offers the opportunity to immerse oneself in the bohemian and artistic atmosphere of this port city. However, due to its proximity, you can also reach the Chilean coastline on your own.

In Valparaíso you will be able to distinguish the emblematic hills of the region, which are full of colorful houses and urban art murals. One of the best ways to experience the essence of the city is to take a tour of the Alegre and Concepción hills. You will also find cafes, craft stores and art galleries, as well as Valparaíso's elevators that allow access to the viewpoints.

Viña del Mar, just minutes from Valparaíso, is popular for its beaches and its iconic Flower Clock, a monument that attracts tourists from all over the world . Usually, if you opt for a guided tour from Santiago, you can see both cities during the same itinerary.

If you want to visit one of the most beautiful places in the Andes Mountains, you can't miss El Morado Glacier, which is a perfect destination for hiking and nature lovers. As part of the El Morado National Park, this glacier offers trails that allow you to explore mountain landscapes, mountains and the magnificence of an active glacier.

With its panoramic views and the diversity of flora and fauna that the site offers, this glacier has become an ideal place to enjoy outdoor adventures, but also to get to know and take pictures of the Andean horizon, which crosses valleys, rivers and forests of lenga and coihue.

When you book a hiking excursion on the El Morado glacier, you will also be able to observe native animals, such as condors and foxes. At this site you can also discover the glacial lagoon, which is formed at the foot of the glacier. This intense turquoise lagoon is the perfect place to enjoy a picnic and to live a local experience.