Discover Santiago, Chile: What to Do in in the City
Santiago, Chile’s vibrant capital city, perfectly blends rich tradition with modern lifestyle, offering visitors a diverse range of cultural experiences, scenic views, and trendy hotspots. Whether you’re planning a trip to explore historical sites, indulge in world-class dining, or enjoy bustling nightlife, Santiago delivers unforgettable moments. Explore the best neighborhoods, iconic landmarks, and dining and nightlife tips to make your Santiago visit truly memorable.
Barrio Italia: Santiago’s Artistic and Culinary Hub
Santiago is a huge city so it can be hard to decide where to go during your trip to Chile. If you’re looking for an authentic local vibe, Barrio Italia is the must-visit neighborhood. Famous for its bohemian atmosphere, it features so many cute artisan boutiques, (literally) innumerable cozy cafes, and plenty colorful street art (including many classically-clad cats…idk why). Wander its tree-lined, shaded streets to discover the neighborhood’s variety of vintage shops, galleries, and incredibly diverse restaurants with options for everyone.
Whether you are in the mood for traditional Chilean cuisine or international flavors, Barrio Italia has something for you! Should you find your self spending you evening in this most trendy, flavorful, and super safe nook of the city, be to stop by Casaluz to enjoy an excellent variety of cocktails and elegant tapas to share with the table.
To say we LOVE Barrio Italia would be an understatement, so be sure to check our other posts to see our favorite cafes and restaurants if you need help narrowing down the harrowing number amazing options!
Cerro San Cristóbal: Panoramic Views and Outdoor Fun
No trip to Santiago would be complete with a ride in the city’s historic funicular. This iconic hill offers stunning views of Santiago and the majestic Andes mountains. Visitors can hike, bike, or ride the funicular to the summit, home to the towering statue of the Virgin Mary. The park also provides picnic areas, a few cafes, some shops, and a small zoo, perfect for family outings or afternoon adventure. On the way down, you should definitely take the teleferico (gondola) as you leave which will ultimately drop you off closer to the Costanera tower after an optional stop at the ride midpoint where you can stop for an ice cream, quick bite to eat, or even a dip in the gorgeous Tupahue pool! Cerro San Cristobal is a can’t-miss stop on the itineraries or all those visiting the city, so don’t be surprised by some light crowds, nor should you let them deter you from a most memorable outing!
Located in the city center, Parque Santa Lucia is a beautifully landscaped park rich in history. Relax amid terraces, fountains, and quaint cafes, enjoying coffee or light snacks in the serene atmosphere of nearby historic cafés.
Parque Santa Lucia: Historic Green Oasis in Downtown Santiago
While on the topic of beautiful outdoor activities, be sure to schedule some time to visit Parque Santa Lucia, located in the city center. The park is a beautifully landscaped park with a rich history and exceptions views or the city and mountains! Relax amid the parks many terraces, fountains, and quaint cafes, enjoying coffee or light snacks in the serene atmosphere of nearby historic cafés nestled in Lastarria.
Parque Santa Lucia is free to enter and can be an excellent alternative to Cerro San Cristobal if you’re a bit shorter on time or want to hide from the heat. Largely shaded by lush foliage, Parque Santa Lucia offers a respite from the bustling surrounding streets.
After a stroll through the park, we would strongly recommend the short walk to Lastarria to cool off with an ice cold drink and bite to eat. But I’m getting ahead of myself…
Barrio Lastarria: Artistic Flair and Nightlife Vibes
Barrio Lastarria is a trendy neighborhood known for theaters, museums, bookstores, and vibrant street markets. Its cobblestone streets are lined with European-inspired architecture with a sprinkling of several key landmarks like those designed by Luciano Kulczewski (aka the Chilean Gaudi).
With its many cafes, quick casual bites, or upscale bistros and bars, Lastarria is great no matter the vibe you seek. One of our favorite cafes is Wonderland Cafe with its unforgettable (and somehow not tacky) Alice in Wonderland themed design only to be outdone by its delicious desserts. For a late lunch, run don’t walk to the historic Liguria and bless yourself with a crispy merluza (Chilena seabass) sandwich and pollo al pil pil.
Quick sidenote…despite its name, Chile doesn’t have the most extensive selection of spicy food, so if you’re like us and NEED to get that spicy fix, pollo or shrimp “al pil pil” is the closest you can get.
Follow up sidenote…I’m writing this while hungry and my mouth is watering just thinking about it.
The W: Magnificent Rooftop Bar
I’ve mentioned several spots to find incredible views of Santiago’s skyline and surrounding, Andean landscape, but few compare to the sheer brilliance of the vista atop the W Santiago hotel. Located in Las Condes, one of Santiago’s more upscale districts, you can find Red2one Rooftop Bar on the top floor of The W skyscraper. The views and vibes are spectacular, as are the cocktails which are best enjoyed over ice right around sunset as the last light of the day drenches the mountains and skyline. Once the sun sets and your stomach begins to growl, venture back down to the immaculately maintained boulevard Isidora Goyenechea where you will find many excellent options for dinner including a local favorite, Tiramisu, which boasts excellent pizza and other Italian classics.
MUT: The Best Shopping Experience Ever
Last but not least, we wanted to mention a few of the best shopping spots to you. Santiago is South America’s shopping capital. The city boasts the continent’s largest mall at the base of the continent’s tallest skyscraper, Costanera Center, as well as the luxurious Parque Arauco in Vitacura. But if you only had time for one big shopping day, opt for MUT (Mercado Urbano Tobalaba). In fact, you should add this to your itinerary even if you aren’t in the mood to shop. Not only is the building simply striking, but it has an incredible selection local artisanal boutiques, amazing bookshops, art exhibits and a cornucopia of exceptional dining options. I’m not talking about your average food court…I’m talking about a diverse array of stylish, gourmet options ranging from authentic Chilean cuisine to tacos al pastor to Korean fried chicken to Spanish Paella, to fresh Peruvian ceviche, and everything in between. Then on the top two floors, you can find even more incredible cafes and bistros such as Rebelde Bakery & Coffee and Ambrosia Bistro.
Experience Santiago’s Culture, Cuisine & Nightlife
Santiago, Chile invites travelers to indulge in its rich cultural heritage by day and dynamic dining and nightlife by night. From the casual strolls through its many parks to the bohemian charm of Barrio Italia and Lastarria to the sleek modern vibe near The W and MUT Santiago offers unforgettable experiences tailored for every taste and traveler.Santiago, Chile invites travelers to indulge in its rich cultural heritage by day and dynamic dining and nightlife by night. From the bohemian charm of Barrio Italia and Lastarria to the sleek modern vibe near The W and Costanera Center, Santiago offers unforgettable experiences tailored for every taste and traveler.
