Where to go

Santiago

This modern and vibrant city is certainly worth a look

With over a third of Chile's 16 million inhabitants, Santiago is, both metaphorically and geographically, at the heart of Chile. For most it is the starting or ending point for a trip out to see some of Chile's stunning natural beauty, but, as a burgeoning city Santiago has plenty to offer those that are looking to experience what it is to be in Chile on a more day to day basis. In an era post Pinochet, Santiago, with its great dining, nightlife and simple beauty, is very much a window into modern Chile.

Geographically, Santiago is relatively small, hemmed in by the Andes to the East and the coastal cordillera to the west. This lends the city a feeling of great intimacy and, with the ocean only a 2 hour drive, and some great skiing only an hour away, it is easy to see why many Chileans have decided to call Santiago their home. The main drawback is that, on days where there is little wind, the city can become choked with the fumes of its many cars...a situation that they have had to counter by only allowing certain number plates to drive on certain days...an issue for Santiago's many taxi drivers!

For the visitor to the city, Santiago offers the chance to really live as a local would. While there is not a tonne of museums, there are some really interesting sights in the Centro and, for those that are after a little nightlife, then the Bario Bellavista, is a must visit. Using Santiago as a base, it is then highly recommended to head east, south and west to the wine valleys of Maipo and Colchagua, or simply west to the superb and quirky city of Valparaiso.

Centro

The Barrio Centro is where most tourists will gravitate towards on a trip to Santiago, when site seeing is the emphasis. As mentioned above, Santiago is not really known for its museums or churches, but a few of the main sites to see in the area include the Plaza de Armas, the Museo Chileno de Arte Precolombino (Santiago’s best museum) and the Iglesia de San Francisco (Santiago’s oldest surviving Colonial building).

Barrio Lastarria and Barrio Bellas Artes

These two small and quirky areas of the city offer the double whammy of people watching and fine art. In the Lastarria area there is the Museo de Artes Visuales and the Museo Arqueologico de Santiago. While both on the small side, they have very good examples of both contemporary Chilean art and historical ceramics, carvings and jewelry from the Mapuche and Easter Island. From here it is a short walk to the Barrio Bellas Artes and the true heart of Santiago's coffee addiction. Here you can while away many an hour watching the fashionable and funky while sipping on a cup of the dark stuff!

Barrio Bellavista

For any Santiaguino, if you are after fine food and a bit of action in the evening then there is no doubt that this is where to head. Right at the heart of the Barrio is the largest park in Santiago and Cerro San Cristobal, that offers the city's best views. From here it is a leisurely meander through the cobbled squares and lively streets of the Constitucion district where the party atmosphere continues right into the early hours.

Best time to visit Santiago:

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    At a glance…Santiago

  • Population: 6.2 million
  • Location: Central Chile
  • Recommended time: 2 to 4 nights
  • Time to visit: July to April (humid in the summer)
  • Go here for: Culture, dining
  • Further reading...

  • › An Insider Guide to Santiago
  • › Best Time to Visit Chile
  • › Chile Holidays
  • › Chile Honeymoon
  • Our recommended top hotels and lodges for Santiago:

    1. The Singular Santiago Lastarria Hotel - Entrance

      The Singular Santiago Lastarria Hotel

      Following in the success of the Singular Patagonia, the Singular Santiago Lastarria Hotel has quickly become one of Santiago’s most popular hotels. Situated in the historic and touristic neighbourhood of Lastarria in the heart of the city, the Singular wins our vote over other 5-star luxury hotels... More...

      Our rating:
      5
      User rating:
      5
      Price:
      4
    2. Luciano K Hotel - Terrace Restaurant

      Luciano K Hotel

      The sister property to the Lastarria Boutique Hotel, Luciano K is a stylish boutique hotel named after one of Chile’s most famous architects. With its art deco style and lively rooftop bar it’s a very different style of property to the calm and classic Lastarria B. Despite being a bigger property... More...

      Our rating:
      4
      User rating:
      4
      Price:
      4
    3. CasaSur Charming Hotel - Patio

      CasaSur Charming Hotel

      A small guesthouse in one of the quieter areas of Santiago, CasaSur is the opposite of large and impersonal. With only six rooms and the owners on hand to offer help with recommendations and directions, this little hotel in Barrio Italia is a home away from home and a great base for a couple of... More...

      Our rating:
      4
      User rating:
      4
      Price:
      3
    4. Hotel Ismael312 - External View

      Hotel Ismael312

      Another recent addition to the list of properties in the Lastarria district, Ismael 312 is a cool and modern city hotel overlooking Parque Forestal. With comparatively lower rates than other hotels nearby, it will suit those wanting a comfortable base from which to make the most of Santiago without... More...

      Our rating:
      4
      User rating:
      4
      Price:
      3
    5. The Aubery - Hotel

      The Aubrey

      Located in the chic Bellavista region on the capital, the Aubrey is a relatively new venture from the owners of the superb Pasta e Vino restaurant in the nearby Valparaiso. Definitely one of the most designed of the city’s hotels, the hotel features a second of the award winning restaurant, but for... More...

      Our rating:
      5
      User rating:
      4
      Price:
      4