We are convinced that you should spend a minimum of 2 days in Santiago de Chile to cover the basics. You will have to rush a bit, but you’ll get an idea what this amazing city is all about.
Since we have friends in Santiago, we spend at least a week every time we visit. The city is big and full of historic architecture and contemporary buildings. However, what sets it apart is the incredible Andes Mountains.
That’s probably what we like the most about Santiago. The city combines architecture and nature beautifully. That said, what makes the city pulse is its inhabitants. Chileans are incredible hosts and cooks. You will eat, dance, and drink like a king!
Santiago 2 Day Itinerary:
Day 1
Plaza de Armas and the Cathedral
The old town is so nice, that it makes Santiago worth visiting. Its epicenter is the Plaza de Armas, the biggest square. Pedro de Valdivia founded the city there in 1541. The city’s Cathedral presides over the plaza.
The neoclassical temple is over 200 years old. If you think it looks beautiful from the outside wait till you get inside. The other two gorgeous buildings on the plaza are the Central Post office from 1805 and the National History Museum of Chile from 1808.
Spend some time on the plaza checking out the different sculptures and fountains. You will see street performances and lots of vendors. The former National Congress and the Justice Courts Palace are two historic buildings one block from the square.
La Moneda Palace and Paris-Londres
Constitution Square is near the Cathedral. Look for the Statue of former president Salvador Allende. Chile’s Presidential Palace is there. La Moneda used to be a mint. Completed in the late 18th Century, it’s both neoclassical and colonial.
Spend some time at La Moneda Cultural Center. It’s beneath the plaza de la Ciudadania in front of the palace. The Chilean National Theatre is also on this plaza. The giant flag in the center commemorates the country’s 200 anniversary.
Walk to the corner of Paris and Londres streets, two elegant, curvy, and cobbled streets. However, Londres 38 was used as a torture center during the military dictatorship. The oldest church in Chile, San Francisco from the 16th Century, is on Londres Street.
National Museum of Fine Arts and Central Market
Santiago has some of the best seafood in the world and the best place to try it is the Central Market. The building was pre-fabricated in England and re-assembled in Chile in 1872. You can eat, buy fresh produce, and drink inside.
The Market closes at 4 PM. Our favorite joint there is Donde Augusto. It opened in 1965, and is one of the best seafood restaurants in the country. From the market walk along the Forestal Park next to the river.
The National Museum of Fine Arts is there. The 1910 building is superb and holds the largest collection of national and international art in the country. It’s free! Walk a bit to Loreto Bridge to admire the river and the hills.
Santa Lucia Hill and Lastarria
Santa Lucia is the green hill in Santiago’s Old Town. Since its only 226 feet (69 meters) high, it’s easy to go up. The views over the city will take your breath away. The indigenous Mapuche called it Huelén. The colonial fortress on the hill was completed in 1816.
The National Library is beneath the hill. Our favorite spot on the hill is Neptune Fountain. Walk down the hill and end your first day in Lastarria, the coolest neighborhood in Santiago. All types of shops, bars and restaurants line its cobbled streets.
Don’t forget to check the city’s best cultural center, Gabriela Mistral. The contemporary masterpiece homes exhibition halls, concerts, and all things art. You can even dance with locals! The Popular Arts Museum is next door. The Visual Arts Museum is in the center of Lastarria.
Day 2
Quinta Normal Park and the Museums
One of the things we love the most about Santiago is the mix between parks and culture. That’s why you must visit Quinta Normal Park. The 100 acre (40 hectares) park is a half an hour walk from the Plaza de Armas.
Mostly locals visit the park. You will see families, friends, and couples walking, exercising, paddle boating, socializing and having picnics. Our favorites in the park are the lake and the giant yellow duckling. The museums are pretty cool too.
The Museum of Memory and Human Rights is a contemporary sleek building that everyone should visit. The National Museum of Natural History is inside a massive building from 1875. The museum dedicated to local artist Violeta Parra is in front. The Railway museum is next.
Providencia and Costanera Center
Due to the number of tall contemporary towers, locals call Providencia Sanhattan. Though it looks like Manhattan, what sets it apart is the backdrop of the Andes. You will see the tall mountains from several of the buildings.
Gran Torre Santiago is the tallest building in South America. It’s on top of the mega mall Costanera Center. You’ll find its viewing platform Sky Costanera on the last floor. It offers a 360-degree view of Santiago and the Andes.
Providencia is an upscale neighborhood with leafy streets, tall trees, and lots of shops and restaurants. Isidora Goyeneche Street is full of restaurants. It takes you to Peru Plaza and Loreto Plaza.
Barrio Italia and Bellavista
Your Santiago itinerary must include Bellavista and Italia. Both hoods have lots of culture, restaurants, and nightlife. In Bellavista, visit Pablo Neruda’s former home, La Chascona. The area around the mansion is graffiti central.
You can have lunch in Patio Bellavista. It’s a complex with tones of bars, shops, and restaurants visited mostly by artists and free thinkers. Pio Nono Street is party central. Visit at night and try any of the bars that dot the area. The LGBT crowd hangs around Bombero Núñez Street.
In Barrio Italia, visit Bustamante Park. Stop for coffee at Santa Isabel and Condell streets. As architects ourselves we love walking along Avenida Italia checking out the old buildings.
Metropolitan Park of Santiago and Cerro San Cristóbal
We saved the best for last. The Metropolitan Park of Santiago and Cerro San Cristóbal are the largest green areas in the city. You will see them from Providencia and the historic Center. The entrance to the park is next to La Chascona, Neruda’s home.
The city’s zoo is inside the park. You can take a funicular directly from the entrance to the top of San Cristobal Hill. There’s also a religious sanctuary and lots of trails and paths to walk about. The park is clean and safe all around.
The views from San Cristobal Hill are the best in the city. Our favorite lookouts are Manuel Foster, Cordillera, and Hundimiento. The Ermitaño forests are the oldest. It’s probably the best place to catch the sunset.
Where to Stay in Santiago
The best places to stay in Santiago are in the center, near Lastarria. We believe The Singular is your best choice. It’s a luxurious 1917 building. The rooms are big, and it’s got a gym and a spa. We love lounging by the rooftop pool enjoying memorable views.
We also stayed at Hotel Magnolia in Lastarria. It’s a 1929 grand mansion that combines vintage pieces with designer furniture. The rooftop bar is one of the best in Santiago. You can chill by the library lounge enjoying a glass of wine.
Our final recommendation goes to Castillo Rojo Hotel. The 1923 house is in Bellavista. The rooms feature wooden floors and high ceilings. The complimentary breakfast is delicious and the service in a league of its own.
How Many Days in Santiago
If you are wondering how many days are needed in Santiago it’s probably because you are short of time. Our friends always ask us which cities to visit in South America, Santiago or Lima or even Buenos Aires.
We believe 2 or 3 days are enough in Santiago. If you have more time, go out to a day excursion to the nearby wine producing valleys. Since going alone is hard, we recommend taking this tour. We did and loved it.
If you have a week, visit other natural beauties of Chile. To be honest, one week is not enough for all of them. We suggest going to Patagonia or Atacama Desert.
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