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 exploring the Las Condes neighbourhood, discovering the sweeping views from the Sky Costanera observation deck, walking through Parque Araucano and exploring other nearby cities, such as Valparaíso and Viña del Mar, which are just over an hour's drive away.

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

Another of the main attractions in Las Condes is the Parque Araucano, a park that offers outdoor activities. This natural space is perfect for families and sportsmen. On the other hand, the easy access to this neighbourhood is another reason to visit it, as you can get there by public transport or if you decide to buy tickets for the Santiago de Chile tourist bus, which has 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 neighbourhood you will find a variety of restaurants, cafés 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 the local gastronomy.

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

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

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

Another highlight of Parque Araucano is its amphitheatre, which hosts cultural events and community activities throughout the year. This open-air space is perfect for 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 stands at a height of 300 metres and provides an unmissable experience.

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

One of the most attractive features of Sky Costanera is its extended opening 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. You can get to this viewpoint on your own by public transport 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 kilometres from the centre of Santiago. There are also many hot springs to visit in the area, including the Termas del Plomo hot springs, which offer open-air 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 at the same time. Booking an excursion to the Cajón del Maipo hot springs will allow you to breathe in the fresh mountain air and enjoy 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 Palacio de La Moneda is not only the seat of the Presidency of the Republic, but also houses an exhibition that attracts tourists to the Chilean capital who want to explore its neoclassical architecture and gardens. Although access to some areas of the palace is restricted for security reasons, you can take part 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 palace's esplanade and attracts many visitors. This military ceremony, which is performed with a trumpet blast, will allow you to get close to the traditions and protocols of the Chilean army, making it an opportunity to take photographs 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 give you an insight into the Chilean identity. The La Moneda Cultural Centre, located in the palace's basement, hosts exhibitions of contemporary art, cinema and theatre. 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 metres 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 Cristóbal 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 hike the trails that wind around the hill, which are different to suit all levels of difficulty.

Santiago de Chile is one of South America's most important wine capitals and its wineries offer a unique experience for wine lovers and those curious about wine culture. 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 renowned for its emblematic Casillero del Diablo wine. There you can do tastings, learn about the history of their vineyards and contemplate the surrounding skyline. Booking a wine tour of the Concha y Toro winery is one of the best things to do in Santiago.

Another renowned winery is Viña Santa Rita, which is also located in the Maipo Valley, just minutes away 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 manor house, as well as learn about winemaking and the importance of the soil in this process.

Another of Santiago's must-see destinations 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 for discovering the mountain scenery.

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

Also, one of the outstanding features of Farellones Park is its family focus. There you will find areas 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 things about Santiago is that it is relatively close to other tourist cities in Chile, making it an ideal destination to use as a base for exploring nearby places. One such place worth discovering is Valparaíso, the jewel of the Chilean coastline, a port town that is famous for its colourful cityscape, history and culture.

There are numerous full-day excursions that allow travellers 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 yourself 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 see the region's emblematic hills, which are full of colourful 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'll also find cafés, craft shops and art galleries here, as well as Valparaíso's lifts 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 on the same itinerary.

If you want to get to know 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.

Booking a hiking tour on the El Morado glacier will also allow you to see native animals, such as condors and foxes. You can also discover the glacial lagoon, which is formed at the foot of the glacier. This deep turquoise lagoon is the perfect place to enjoy a picnic and a local experience.