What to do in Santiago, Chile? My 9 must-dos!

I recently booked myself a trip to Santiago de Chile with no idea of what to expect. I had read mixed reviews on Reddit, but I tend not to let other people’s opinions guide me. So, I showed up and let the country and its people guide me!

It is safe to say that I had a magical time in Santiago. It is a beautiful city, with some of the friendliest people I’ve encountered in South America. The city has so much to offer, with beautiful architecture, great food, welcoming people, as well as the stunning mountain range that overshadows the city, and the beautiful nearby seaside towns and valleys covered in vineyards.

You won’t get bored during your trip. I certainly didn’t! Whether you are here for a standalone holiday or as a stopover before exploring more of what Chile has to offer, like the mystical Rapa Nui or the rugged landscapes of Patagonia, you are in for a treat.

All of the activities in this guide are perfectly doable within a week in Santiago. If you have less time to play with, I would recommend focusing on the main city highlights and choosing just one day tour, such as a mountain hike or a visit to the coastal towns of Valparaíso and Viña del Mar.

Walk around the historical centre

I recommend starting your trip with a walking tour of the historical centre. I did this on my first proper day in the city, and it was the best way to get my bearings whilst figuring out which spots I wanted to return to later in the week.

If you are travelling alone, these tours are a fantastic way to meet other travellers. I booked a highly-rated walking tour through Viator, which provided a brilliant lesson on the city, its history, and its architecture.

The guide shared fascinating stories about the buildings, including the Palacio de la Moneda, which is the impressive presidential palace. Having that context really changed how I viewed the city for the rest of my stay.

If you are short on time and cannot commit to a full tour, you can easily wander around the main hotspots on your own. You should definitely make time for the Plaza de Armas, which is the historic heart of the city and always bustling with life.

Hike the Andes mountains

Whilst you are so close to the Andes, it would be a crime not to head into the mountains and experience them firsthand. If you are a confident hiker or climber, you can certainly find your own routes and drive out to the trailheads.

For most travellers, I highly recommend going on a guided tour like I did. I joined a small group with an expert guide who provided everything we needed, including walking poles and transport, as well as plenty of water.

My tour company was incredibly accommodating and even made sure I had a delicious vegan meal prepared for our lunch break. We hiked towards the staggering San José Volcano, and being right underneath such a massive peak was a truly humbling experience.

Along the way, we spotted Andean goats and horses roaming the slopes, as well as various local birds and plants. The pace was great for all fitness levels as there were plenty of breaks to soak in the views.

It was a tiring day, but easily one of the most memorable parts of my trip. If you only have time for one excursion outside the city, make it this one.

Visit a vineyard

Santiago is surrounded by stunning valleys and world-class vineyards, making it a dream destination for wine lovers. Many tours to the coast include a vineyard visit as part of the itinerary, which is how I got my first taste of the region.

We visited Emiliana, which is particularly notable for its vegan certification. It was wonderful to explore a vineyard that prioritises biodynamic farming and avoids animal products in the fining process whilst producing excellent wine.

If you are a bit of a wine geek, you might prefer to book a dedicated day trip to focus solely on the vines. This allows you to visit multiple estates and spend more time learning about the different Chilean grape varieties at a slower pace. You can find a highly-rated tour for a dedicated day of wine tasting on Viator here.

Take a trip to the coast

You can easily make your way to Valparaíso and Viña del Mar for a day trip from Santiago. I chose to book a guided tour, which made the whole process incredibly smooth. I was picked up and dropped off right at my Airbnb, which saved me the hassle of navigating the bus stations on my own.

Our guide, Eduardo, was fantastic and took us to three different destinations throughout the day. The highlight for me was Valparaíso, which is absolutely packed with beautiful street art and colourful, historic buildings. It reminded me a lot of the La Candelaria district in Bogotá, but honestly, I found it even better.

The streets are like an open-air gallery, and I even ended up buying some art from a local street artist called [Insert Name]. There are so many great independent shops to explore whilst you wander through the hilly neighbourhoods.

For my fellow vegans, the tour included a lunch stop in Valparaíso, where we were free to choose our own restaurant. I headed straight to La Boca del Oso, a vegetarian spot that serves some of the most delicious empanadas and pumpkin dip I have ever tasted. Their vegan options are clearly marked, and the pastry was perfectly crisp.

Viña del Mar was slightly less interesting to me as it felt a bit more like a standard seaside resort. However, the day was nicely topped off with a visit to an organic vineyard (Emiliana) in the Casablanca Valley. It was the perfect way to relax after a long day of walking in the summer heat.

Climb up Santa Lucia

Whilst it is an obvious tourist recommendation, climbing Cerro Santa Lucia is still a great way to get a feel for the layout of the city. The park is filled with lovely historic buildings and fountains, and the walk itself is relatively gentle until you reach the final set of steep stone steps.

These steps lead you up to a small turret viewpoint which offers a fantastic panoramic look at the Santiago skyline. You really only need about 30 to 60 minutes here, making it an easy activity to fit into a busy morning of sightseeing.

I headed up at around 9:00 am to avoid the midday crowds and found the atmosphere to be incredibly chilled and peaceful. I have heard that it is also a beautiful spot to watch the sunset, although for an even more impressive view of the city, I would suggest heading to San Cristobal instead.

Take the funicular and cable car

For the best views in Santiago, I recommend taking the historic funicular up Cerro San Cristóbal and returning via the cable car. This route allows you to see different sides of the hill and drops you off perfectly for your next stop.

At the summit, you will find a beautiful religious sanctuary and a massive statue of the Virgin Mary. The views over the city and the Andes are breathtaking, whilst it is worth noting that a layer of smog often hides the mountain range.

I headed up at about 10:00 am, immediately after visiting Santa Lucía, which felt like the perfect timing to beat the afternoon heat. By taking the cable car down towards the Pedro de Valdivia station, you are conveniently placed to visit the Japanese Gardens. After visiting the gardens, I then headed over to Vegan Drugstore for a Completo Italiano (one of my favourite vegan spots in Santiago).

If you are feeling particularly energetic, there are wooded trails that lead all the way to the top. It is a popular spot for local hikers and cyclists, especially on the weekends when the atmosphere is very lively.

The views from the hill are so comprehensive that I don’t believe you need to pay for Sky Costanera, the nearby skyscraper viewpoint. However, if you have extra time and want to see the city lights at sunset, the skyscraper is still a decent secondary option.

Check out the museums

Visiting a few of the city’s museums is easily the best way to understand the complex history and culture of Santiago. Whether you are interested in political history or the local art scene, there is plenty to explore whilst wandering through the different neighbourhoods.

• Museum of Memory and Human Rights: This is a deeply moving space dedicated to the victims of the military dictatorship. It is a heavy experience but an essential one for anyone wanting to understand modern Chile.
• Museum of Pre-Columbian Art: Located in the city centre, this museum houses an incredible collection of indigenous art and textiles. The craftsmanship on display from across the Americas is truly world-class.
• National Museum of Fine Arts (Bellas Artes): This is the oldest art museum in South America and is housed in a stunning building. It is well worth a visit to see the architecture, even if you only have time for a quick look.
• Museum of Contemporary Art (MAC): Situated right next to the Fine Arts Museum, the MAC focuses on more modern and experimental works. It often hosts rotating exhibitions from local Chilean artists.
• La Chascona: This was once the home of the famous poet Pablo Neruda. It is tucked away in the Bellavista neighbourhood and offers a quirky look at his life and his love for the sea.

Most of these museums are within walking distance of each other or easily accessible by the metro system. I found that visiting one or two in the afternoon was a great way to escape the midday sun whilst still being productive with my sightseeing.

Stroll around the barrios

One of the best things to do in Santiago is simply to pick a neighbourhood and get lost in its streets. Each barrio has a completely different energy, and wandering through them is the best way to see how the city’s history blends with its modern, creative side.

Barrio Italia: This was easily my favourite neighbourhood. It is a leafy, bohemian area filled with restored mansions that now house independent boutiques, antique shops, and art galleries. It feels a bit like Palermo in Buenos Aires, but with a more laid-back, local vibe.

Lastarria: Located right in the heart of the city, Lastarria is a small but vibrant cultural hub. It is famous for its narrow cobblestone streets, neoclassical architecture, and a great weekend flea market where you can pick up old books and unique souvenirs.

Ñuñoa: If you want to escape the main tourist trail, Ñuñoa is a beautiful residential district that feels incredibly authentic. It is a calm, green area with some fantastic local parks and quiet plazas.

Whilst you are wandering, I highly recommend stopping for a coffee to watch the world go by. Santiago has a thriving specialty coffee scene, and I found some of the best oat flat whites I’ve had in South America here.

For a perfectly brewed cup, head to ID COFFEE in Ñuñoa or Singular Coffee Roasters, which has a great branch in Lastarria.

Enjoy the local cuisine

Obviously, it wouldn’t be a trip to Chile without trying out the local food and drink offerings. And great news for my fellow vegan readers, there are many alternatives to the national dishes for you to try (check out all my favourite vegan food in Santiago here)! No matter your dietary preferences, here are some top tips:

• Empanadas: These are the ultimate Chilean snack. Whilst the traditional pino is filled with minced beef, I found some incredible vegan versions filled with seasoned soy or mushrooms that captured that same savoury, salty hit perfectly.
• Pastel de Choclo: This is a classic corn pie that is essentially Chile’s answer to Shepherd’s Pie. It is usually a heavy meat dish, but I tried the “Pastelera de Choclo” at Sapiens, which was a great vegan take on this comfort food.
• Completos: You cannot leave Santiago without seeing a completo, which is a loaded hot dog often topped with so much avocado, tomato, and mayo that you can barely see the sausage. I tried vegan versions at Vegan Drugstore and Vegan Bunker – both were excellent!

To wash it all down, you must try Pisco, the national spirit. It is a potent grape brandy that is most famously served as a Pisco Sour, but locals often drink it as a Piscola. Simply Pisco mixed with Coca-Cola and plenty of ice.

If you are visiting in the summer, look out for Mote con Huesillo. It is a unique, non-alcoholic drink made from dried peaches and husked wheat; it is sweet, refreshing, and definitely more of a snack and a drink in one!