10 Best Things to Do in Santiago, Chile

Santiago is a city of Andean drama, modern culture and deep-rooted history. With snow-capped mountains framing its skyline, leafy neighbourhoods, vibrant markets and some of South America’s best museums, Chile’s capital offers a rich mix of outdoor adventure and urban sophistication. Whether you’re exploring for 24 hours or settling in for several days, the city rewards travellers who take time to dive into its layers of art, food, history and nature.

From panoramic hilltop viewpoints to world-class museums, neighbourhood cafés, wineries and dramatic day trips, this guide covers the top things to do in Santiago in detail. These highlights are ideal for first-time visitors, returning travellers and anyone searching for what to do in Santiago in 2026.

1. Explore the historic heart of Santiago at Plaza de Armas

Plaza de Armas is the cultural core of Santiago and the best place to begin understanding the city’s evolution. Founded in 1541, this wide plaza showcases colonial architecture, palm trees and lively street life. The Metropolitan Cathedral — with its ornate neoclassical façade and richly decorated interior — is the plaza’s standout landmark, while surrounding buildings host galleries, cafés and city museums.

Spend time watching street artists sketch portraits, musicians performing traditional Andean songs and locals gathering to talk politics or play chess. For deeper insight, explore the nearby Museo Histórico Nacional, which chronicles Chile’s history from pre-Hispanic cultures to modern democracy. Wandering the streets around the plaza also reveals 19th-century arcades, historic churches and traditional pastry shops.

2. Ride the funicular to the top of San Cristóbal Hill

Cerro San Cristóbal towers above the Bellavista neighbourhood, offering some of the best viewpoints in Santiago. Most travellers take the funicular from the base of the hill, which climbs steeply through green slopes to reveal breathtaking views of the Andes and the city skyline. At the summit stands a 14-metre statue of the Virgin Mary, surrounded by gardens and quiet walkways.

Spend time at the viewing balconies, sip a mote con huesillo (a traditional peach drink) from a vendor or hike the trails down the other side of the hill into leafy residential districts. For families, the hill is home to the Santiago Zoo and a series of landscaped parks. Clear mornings and late afternoons are best for photography, especially when the Andes glow pink at sunset.

3. Dive into Chilean culture at the Museum of Memory and Human Rights

This powerful museum is one of Santiago’s most important cultural institutions. It documents the human rights abuses committed during the 1973–1990 dictatorship and honours the lives affected. Exhibits include personal testimonies, photographs, letters, videos and interactive displays that tell the story of political repression with sensitivity and depth.

Although the subject matter is intense, the museum is essential for understanding modern Chile and the resilience of its people. The architecture itself is striking — a vast glass structure symbolising transparency and remembrance. Plan to spend at least two hours here; the experience is thought-provoking and often emotional.

4. Wander the colourful streets of Barrio Bellavista

Bellavista is Santiago’s artistic hub — a neighbourhood bursting with murals, markets, restaurants and bohemian energy. During the day, its narrow streets reveal colourful street art, craft shops and cafés serving Chilean pastries and strong coffee. At night, Bellavista transforms into one of the city’s most vibrant nightlife districts, with cocktail bars, live music venues and late-night eateries.

Don’t miss La Chascona, the former home of poet Pablo Neruda. This quirky house — filled with nautical themes, eclectic objects and secret passageways — reflects his eccentric personality and offers a glimpse into Chile’s literary heritage. Guided tours provide fascinating stories about Neruda’s life, loves and creative world.

5. Taste Chile’s wine culture in the Maipo Valley

No trip to Santiago is complete without exploring Chile’s world-renowned wine regions. The Maipo Valley — often called the “Bordeaux of South America” — sits just outside the city and is home to some of the country’s most prestigious wineries. Visitors can tour vineyards, explore underground cellars and enjoy guided tastings of Carménère, Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah.

Popular stops include Viña Concha y Toro, Santa Rita and Undurraga, each known for beautiful estates and informative tours. Many wineries offer picnics in landscaped gardens, luxury tastings or wine-and-food pairings, making the Maipo Valley ideal for a half-day or full-day escape.

6. Discover Chilean flavours at La Vega Central Market

La Vega is one of Santiago’s liveliest and most authentic attractions. This huge market — buzzing with vendors, families and restaurant cooks — offers a sensory immersion into Chile’s food culture. Stalls overflow with tropical fruit, fresh vegetables, seafood, spices and products from across the country.

Food stalls inside the market serve hearty plates such as cazuela, empanadas, pastel de choclo and handmade soups. If you love culinary exploration, join a guided market tour to learn about local ingredients and sample flavours you won’t find in typical restaurants. The market is especially lively in the mornings when deliveries arrive and shoppers gather for breakfast.

7. Stroll through the elegant Lastarria neighbourhood

Lastarria is one of Santiago’s most charming districts — filled with European-style architecture, leafy streets, boutique shops and cafés spilling onto cobblestone sidewalks. The neighbourhood attracts artists, designers and travellers looking for a relaxed, cultural side of the city. Street vendors often sell handmade jewellery and art along the main walkway.

Nearby, the Museo de Artes Visuales showcases contemporary Chilean art, while the Gabriela Mistral Cultural Centre hosts exhibitions, performances and dance events. Lastarria is also one of the best areas for dining, with wine bars, fusion restaurants, bakeries and some of the city’s top ice-cream shops.

8. Enjoy panoramic views from Sky Costanera Tower

At 300 metres tall, Sky Costanera is the highest observation deck in Latin America. A fast elevator lifts visitors to the 62nd floor, where floor-to-ceiling glass panels reveal sweeping 360-degree views of Santiago and the surrounding Andes. On clear days, the mountain range appears dramatically close, giving you a sense of why the city feels so unique.

Sunset and evening visits are particularly memorable as the city lights illuminate the valley. The adjacent Costanera Center mall offers restaurants, high-end boutiques and cafés, making this a convenient stop for food and shopping after your visit to the tower.

9. Visit Santa Lucía Hill — Santiago’s historic birthplace

Cerro Santa Lucía is a centrally located hill with beautifully landscaped gardens, ornate staircases and panoramic viewpoints. It was here that the Spanish officially founded Santiago in 1541. Today, the hill is one of the most peaceful green spaces in the city, perfect for a morning walk or photography session.

Wander through fountains, stone terraces and lookout points decorated with colonial architecture. The hill’s summit provides excellent views, while the lower section features the striking Castillo Hidalgo, often used for cultural events and weddings. Santa Lucía is compact enough to explore in under an hour, yet rich in atmosphere and history.

10. Take a scenic day trip to Cajón del Maipo

Cajón del Maipo is a spectacular mountain valley just outside Santiago, offering a dramatic escape into nature. The area is filled with rivers, forests, viewpoints and hot springs, making it ideal for hiking, horseback riding, rafting or simply enjoying the scenery. Its rugged landscapes offer a sharp contrast to Santiago’s urban energy.

Don’t miss Embalse El Yeso, a turquoise reservoir surrounded by jagged peaks — one of the most photographed spots in central Chile. Tours often include stops at local villages or wineries along the way. It’s best to visit during warmer months when mountain roads are accessible and trails dry.