Best things to do in Santiago de Chile

At our NH Ciudad de Santiago hotel, you will have the ideal base to explore some of the things to do in Santiago de Chile. Let us help you on your way…

Top attractions in Santiago de Chile

Lying just a short walk from our doors is the Parque Metropolitano de Santiago. If time permits, though, jump on the funicular and let it take you on an aerial tour of the park, as it climbs up to the top of the hill giving a spectacular view back across the capital.

Within the park itself there are numerous attractions to keep you busy if you have budgeted for an extra day’s stay, including an impressive zoo, exotic botanical gardens, impeccable outdoor swimming pools, as well as carefully preserved religious buildings and statues. Out of interest, not only is the peak of San Cristóbal Hill the city’s highest point, this urban park is one of the world’s largest, dwarfing New York’s Central Park at more than double its size.

Delving back into the city’s streets, you will quickly find the central point of the city, Plaza de Armas. As neighborhoods grow and transform the shape of Santiago, its heart and soul remains here. Locals go about their daily business while tourists stop and admire the distinctive sculptures, fountains, and buildings including the magnificent Catedral Metropolitana.

December, January and February are the hottest months here, which at times can be too warm to sit in the sun for long. Note that among the things to do in Santiago de Chile, there are plenty of small and friendly eateries around the plaza at Portal Fernández Concha if the hunger pangs are biting.

For further cultural understanding, take a few steps to the east of the square and check out the Museo Chileno de Arte Precolombino. Artifacts from not only Chile but also other Central and South American countries pre-Columbia provide an intriguing stroll, with textiles, ceramics and incredible works of art creating a vibrant museum that will have you and any accompanying colleagues sharing your thoughts. Why not do so while enjoying a local coffee in the museum’s rather lovely café.

Next up on our short guide on what to do in Santiago de Chile is the Palacio de la Moneda. This building is now home to the Chilean government and is as imposing from the outside as it is interesting from within, giving visitors the chance to learn more about the country’s history. Neoclassical in design, and originally home to the National Mint, it is remembered by many as the scene of General Pinochet’s violent coup in 1973.

If you only get a chance to check out one room make it the Salón Independencia, and see if you can time your arrival with the changing of the guard.

Less than 15 minutes walk away is another thing to do in Santiago de Chile, visiting the Cerro de Santa Lucía. Of course, to truly experience the beauty of this place, you will need to walk up the various paths and steps for further elevation. This hill does not reach the heights of the aforementioned San Cristóbal, however it is every bit as exquisite. Boasting a small castle structure (Castillo Hidalgo) and a fountain (Fuente Neptuno) en route to the top, the view over the city and out towards the Andes is nothing short of spectacular.

Santiago de Chile traditional food

Thankfully, the center of Santiago is well stocked with options to suit all tastes.

Not far from the entrance to the Parque Metropolitano is a delightful bistro to grab a Western-styled brunch. The White Rabbit offers a wide selection of hot and cold bagels, at very reasonable prices, which can be washed down with a caffeinated drink or a homemade cocktail perfectly designed for the morning visitor.

For something a little less trendy, head along to Fuente Alemana and order a sandwich of your choice. The warm lomo is the local favorite and saying the simple word ‘completo’ will ensure your choice comes with all the trimmings.

For a Chilean flavor with a twist, among the things to do in Santiago de Chile, you should try Sarita Colonia for a beguiling lunch or evening meal. Colors play a big role in the original preparation techniques with various influences from Asia and the Americas providing the inspiration. Seafood, including the succulent Chilean crab, gets plenty of attention on the menu.

A touch more pricey, but certainly carrying a sense of chic, Bocanáriz provides a relaxed setting for some excellent cuisine. Situated in the Lastarria district, there is a lively atmosphere to allow the evening to last through the later hours and the nearby Fonda Permanente is a true gem of a place for a typical night out or, as it’s known locally, a carrete.

For a truly special occasion, take a 10-minute cab ride north of the center for some fine dining. Boragó was voted in the top five Latin American restaurants and, thanks to chef Rodolfo Guzmán – who developed his skills at the two-Michelin-starred Mugaritz in Spain – an authentic taste of Chile is guaranteed in the form of a minimalist tasting menu. It's ideal for celebrating in style.

Discover Santiago's shopping secrets

From the main square of Plaza de Armas there are a couple of things to do in Santiago de Chile: walk around Paseo Ahumada and Paseo Estado. You’ll not be alone walking these streets, the flow of people is an experience in itself, and there are several shopping gallerias that give a vast array of purchasing options without having to travel far.

The district of Las Condes is home to the rather excellent Parque Arauco, an upmarket mall that caters to the internationally renowned brands of Carolina Herrera, Gucci and Armani. For more Chilean exclusivity, the nearby Alto Las Condes brings you the big national stores.

If on the lookout for a unique gift then the Centro Artesanal markets located across from the Cerro Santa Lucia are likely to prove a successful hunting ground. Alternatively Vitacura provides more elegant local products including the famed native stone, lapis lazuli, in a variety of forms.

For a true market experience, a visit to La Vega Central is a must. Santiago’s principal market is chaotic, to say the least, but with that comes the excitement. It’s easy to get lost in the noise and sheer size of this produce-laden extravaganza so stay aware of yourself and those you’re with, but also take advantage of deals available or just appreciate the moment before making a hasty retreat. It’s always an idea to pick up a delicious fruit juice with a blend that you’re unlikely to have tasted before.

Touching Chile's clouds

A little further north east of our NH Ciudad de Santiago hotel, around 10 minutes by taxi, there is another thing to do in Santiago de Chile, go to the Costanera Center. It is an alternative, or additional item to have on your list. This shimmering metalic and glass structure rises majestically from the streets below and from its Sky floor provides a 360º panoramic of the city and beyond.

The levels beneath the viewing area provide ample space for a huge shopping mall – where a whole floor is dedicated to one fashion or technology sector – a theater and various eateries. Yet another venue for a memorable lunch.

Our famed NH Collection Plaza Santiago, another magnificent meetings and events base, sits next door to the tower affectionately known as the 'chiclo' due to its perceived resemblance to a standing piece of corn. Speak to our team in Santiago’s hotels for more information on how you could soon be meeting the city.