Santiago walking tour & city guide

The center

The Plaza de Armas is surrounded by the cathedral and colonial buildings. Santa Lucía Hill is a small hill with gardens and fountains. La Moneda Palace is the seat of the president.

Hills and neighborhoods

A funicular climbs Cerro San Cristóbal to a statue of the Virgin Mary with views over the city. Bellavista is a bohemian neighborhood with La Chascona, the house of poet Pablo Neruda. The Gran Torre Santiago has an observation deck.

A day in Santiago

Start at the Plaza de Armas, the colonial heart of the city, with the cathedral and the Central Post Office, then walk to La Moneda Palace for the changing of the guard, held every other day. The Pre-Columbian Art Museum nearby has one of the finest collections of ancient American art.

In the afternoon, climb Cerro Santa Lucía, a small hill with fountains and terraces, or take the funicular up Cerro San Cristóbal for a view of the city with the Andes behind it. In the evening, the Lastarria and Bellavista neighborhoods are full of restaurants, bars and street art. Bellavista is also home to La Chascona, one of Pablo Neruda's houses.

Good to know

Santiago's metro is clean, modern and the easiest way to get around. The views of the snowy Andes are best on clear days after rain, especially in winter, from June to August, when ski resorts are just an hour or two away.

The Mercado Central is famous for seafood stews and the Vega Central market for fruit. Day trips go to the wine valleys of Maipo and Casablanca, and to Valparaíso on the coast.