MileHacker Logo
Things to Do in Santiago

Things to Do in Santiago

Santiago Santiago Metropolitan, Chile Travel Guide

City Tours & Cultural Activities

Engage with Santiago'the local history and culture through guided tours and deep-dive experiences.

Guided City Explorations

Hop-on-Hop-off Tour Buses

Companies like Turistik operate these services, covering major attractions. Audio commentary is available. A convenient way for first-time visitors to see highlights. Find tickets here.

Walking Tours

Free walking tours (tip-based) are popular, departing daily from central plazas like Plaza de Armas. These provide historical context and local insights. Commercial walking tours, including food or specialized historical tours, are available. Explore options.

Museum Visits

Santiago's museums offer detailed looks at art, history, and culture. Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes, Museo de la Memoria y los Derechos Humanos, and Museo Chileno de Arte Precolombino are top choices. Many offer free entry on specific days.

Cultural Immersion

  • Cooking Classes: Learn to prepare traditional Chilean dishes like empanadas or pisco sour. Book a class.
  • Food Tours: Explore neighborhoods, sample local specialties, street food, and learn about culinary history. Discover food tours.
  • Farm Visits: Day trips to surrounding agricultural areas or wine regions for insights into local produce.
  • Food Festivals and Events: Check local listings for "ferias gastronómicas" or "vendimia" (grape harvest) festivals.

Barrio Lastarria

  • Bohemian, cultural neighborhood.
  • Cafes, independent shops, art galleries.
  • Lively artisan market on weekends.
  • Good for strolling.

Barrio Bellavista

  • nightlife district.
  • Packed with bars, clubs, restaurants.
  • Extensive street art.
  • Home to La Chascona (Pablo Neruda'the house of).

Cerro San Cristóbal

  • Offers panoramic city views.
  • Home to National Zoo and botanical gardens.
  • Accessible by funicular or cable car.
  • Good for recreation and sightseeing.

Safety Advisory: Bellavista Nightlife

While , Bellavista can experience less safe late at night. Stay on well-lit primary roads and be aware of your surroundings, especially when crowds gather.

Outdoor & Adventure Activities

Santiago'the scenery invite outdoor adventures, from alpine excursions to leisurely strolls in green urban spaces.

Andean Escapes

  • Cajón del Maipo: Andean canyon southeast of the city. Stunning mountain scenery, hot springs (Baños Colina), hiking opportunities. Find tours.
  • Wine Valleys: Maipo, Casablanca, Colchagua. World-renowned for wine production. Tours of vineyards, wine tastings, gourmet restaurants at wineries. Book wine experiences.
  • Skiing/Snowboarding (seasonal): During winter months (June-September), nearby ski resorts like Valle Nevado, El Colorado, La Parva are accessible for day trips.
  • Tip: Day trips often benefit from organized tours or 4x4 rental cars for remote areas and winter conditions.

Urban Green Spaces

Parque Metropolitano

This vast urban park includes Cerro San Cristóbal, offering many trails, gardens, and viewpoints. Ideal for jogging, walking, or just relaxing.

Parque Forestal

A long, narrow urban park stretching along the Mapocho River, forming a green corridor. Shady paths, mature trees, sculptures. Home to Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes.

Parque Bicentenario

Modern, well-maintained park in Vitacura with large open green spaces, lagoons with swans and flamingos. Popular for walking and cycling paths. Good for picnics.

Cycling

Santiago has an expanding network of dedicated bike lanes, especially in Providencia plus along the Mapocho River. Bicycle rentals are available in tourist areas. Wearing a helmet is recommended.

Walking

Many areas are pedestrian-friendly, like downtown (Paseo Ahumada), Barrio Lastarria, and Providencia. Discover charming neighborhoods on foot. Use well-lit streets at night.

Hot Springs

Beyond Cajón del Maipo's Baños Colina, other thermal spring options exist farther away in the Andes mountains, providing relaxation and scenic beauty. These often require dedicated transport or tours.

Shopping & Entertainment

Discover shopping opportunities and entertainment venues across Santiago, from bustling markets to modern malls and heritage performances.

Markets & Crafts

  • Central Market: Historic market known for fresh seafood and restaurants.
  • La Vega Central: Massive wholesale market for fruits, vegetables, meats, and dry goods. Also has cheap food stalls.
  • Persa Biobío: Large flea bazaar and second-hand market in Barrio Franklin. A unique local experience, busiest on weekends.
  • Artisan Markets: Find local crafts and souvenirs in areas like Barrio Lastarria (weekends).

Shopping & Malls

Costanera Center

Located in The Condes, this complex includes the Sky Costanera observation deck and a large shopping mall with international brands and local retailers.

Parque Arauco

Another major shopping mall in Las Condes, with a large variety of stores, restaurants, and entertainment options. It features an outdoor "Boulevard" area.

Upscale Boutiques

Vitacura and parts of Las Condes feature exclusive boutiques and designer stores for high-end shopping.

Nightlife & Entertainment

Barrio Bellavista

The heart of Santiago's nightlife, featuring plenty of bars, clubs, and live music venues. It becomes very lively after dark.

Lastarria/Ñuñoa

These neighborhoods offer a more relaxed evening experience with cozy bars, pubs, and restaurants suitable for a quieter night out.

Live Performances

Centro Cultural Gabriela Mistral (GAM) and Teatro Municipal de Santiago host a variety of contemporary and classical performances, concerts, and dance shows.

Family & Solo Experiences

Activities in Santiago cater to families, solo travelers, and those seeking unique local interactions.

Family-Friendly Fun

  • National Zoo: Located within Parque Metropolitano, a popular attraction for children.
  • Kidzania: Interactive edutainment park where children can role-play various professions (in Parque Arauco).
  • Parks: Parque Bicentenario has large open spaces, lagoons, and playgrounds. Parque Araucano additionally has extensive green areas and recreational activities.
  • Cinemas & Entertainment Centers: Many malls have modern cinemas and amusement arcades.

Solo Traveler Experiences

Hostel Stays

Hostels with good common areas and organized activities are useful for meeting other travelers.

Cultural Deep Dives

Museum visits, walking tours, and cooking classes are excellent solo activities for cultural immersion.

Cafe Culture

Enjoy the cafe scene in Lastarria or Providencia, perfect for people-watching and a relaxed break.

Community Engagement

While less common for short-term tourism, cultural exchange programs or language schools can arrange homestays for a immersion experience.

Relaxation

Many luxury hotels in Las Condes and Vitacura offer spas and wellness centers for relaxation. Urban parks provide calm green spaces for picnics or quiet contemplation.

Seasonal Activities

  • Summer (Dec-Feb): Enjoy outdoor concerts, picnics in parks, and refreshing drinks like Mote con Huesillo.
  • Autumn (Mar-May): Grape Harvest Festivals ("Vendimia") in nearby wine regions.
  • Winter (Jun-Aug): Skiing/snowboarding in the Andes.
  • Spring (Sep-Nov): Fiestas Patrias celebrations with traditional food and dances.

Engaging with the Arts

Street Art Exploration
  • Barrio Bellavista and Barrio Yungay are known for murals and street art.
  • Self-guided walks via these areas offer great photo opportunities.
  • Some guided tours specialize in street art.
Performing Arts
  • Teatro Municipal de Santiago hosts opera, ballet, and classical concerts.
  • Smaller venues across the city feature local and international music performances.
  • Check local listings for cultural events and shows during your visit.

Activity Planning Tip

For popular tours and experiences, booking tickets online in advance is often helpful to secure your spot and sometimes skip lines, especially during peak seasons.

Activity Planning Summary

Considerations

  • Seasonality: Some activities, like skiing, are seasonal.
  • Location: Activities are spread across the city and nearby regions.
  • Transport: Consider public transit, ride-sharing, or guided tours for access.
  • Group Needs: Different activities suit solo travelers, couples, or families.

General Advice

  • Plan ahead for popular attractions or tours.
  • Check weather forecasts, especially for outdoor activities.
  • Basic Spanish phrases can significantly enhance local interactions.
  • Capture memories, but be mindful of surroundings and personal safety.
Things to Do in Santiago. Activities, Experiences, Adventures