Hi! If you’re planning a trip to Chile, get ready to discover an exciting country with a rich cultural and culinary scene. If you’re not sure what to do in Santiago, you’ve come to the right place! Here, we present a 3-day itinerary that covers all the must-see spots.
We wrote this travel guide based on our own experiences, and we’ll share the best things to do in Santiago, along with some tips and recommendations that will undoubtedly be helpful.
Let’s get started!
3-Day Itinerary in Santiago, Chile
Day 1: Explore the Center, Try Chilean Food, and Climb Cerro Santa Lucía
Begin your 3-day itinerary in Santiago by dedicating the morning to exploring the historic center, one of the most iconic tourist spots in the capital. Here, you can admire colonial, neoclassical, and art deco architecture while learning about the fascinating history of one of Latin America’s most captivating countries.
Must-see places in Santiago’s historic center include Plaza de Armas, La Moneda Palace, the Cathedral, Cerro Santa Lucía, Paseo Ahumada, and the Central Market, where you can taste local cuisine such as empanadas, humitas, and pastel de choclo. You can also visit the Lastarria and Bellavista neighborhoods, known for their art galleries and restaurants.
The historic center offers many attractions, making it easy to miss some of its most interesting sites. To make the most of your 3 days in Santiago, we recommend booking this free walking tour, which takes you through the most fascinating spots, offering a richer experience.
Booking a free tour of Santiago’s historic center is simple: just click here, select your date and time, indicate the number of people attending, and confirm your reservation via email. Remember, the tour is free, but a tip is expected based on the service provided.
Secure your spot on the free walking tour here!
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After exploring the historic center, another great activity in Santiago is to climb Cerro Santa Lucía in the afternoon, also known as Cerro Huelén by the Mapuche people. Standing at 69 meters high, this green oasis offers attractions like Castillo Hidalgo and the Neptune Fountain.
Climbing Cerro Santa Lucía is one of the best things to do in Santiago de Chile, as it’s not only a beautiful tourist spot but also holds historical significance. This site marks the founding of the city in 1541. From its viewpoint, you can also enjoy views of the snow-capped Andes Mountains.
If you love viewpoints, you might also want to visit the Gran Torre Santiago, also known as the Costanera Center. Standing at 300 meters with 64 floors, it’s the tallest skyscraper in the region and offers a 360-degree panoramic view. You can buy tickets here.
Accommodation in Santiago’s historic center: Hostel Boutique Merced 88, Hotel Pasko, Hotel Voila Londres, Lastarria Hotel, Hotel Ismael, Edificio Nueva Bueras, and Hostal Río Amazonas.
Recommended: Santiago de Chile Panoramic Bus Tour
Tips for booking good, affordable accommodation: The first recommendation is to book your accommodation in advance. If you wait until the last minute, it’s very likely that the best or most affordable places will be fully booked, and you’ll have to settle for the remaining options.
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Things to do in Santiago – Day 2: Cerro San Cristóbal and Best Museums
On the second day, continue with one of the best spots to visit in Santiago de Chile: Cerro San Cristóbal. Located within the Metropolitan Park, one of the world’s largest urban parks, it rises 880 meters above sea level and is one of the city’s main attractions.
You can reach the summit by bike, funicular, or cable car. However, we recommend walking to explore the Japanese Garden and the Mapulemu Botanical Garden and enjoy serene spaces with views. It is undoubtedly one of the best walks in Santiago.
At the top of the hill, there is a large statue of the Virgin of the Immaculate Conception and shops where you can try the famous mote con huesillo. On hot days, consider visiting the Tupahue Pool, a popular spot among locals and travelers looking for the best things to do in Santiago.
After spending the morning at Cerro San Cristóbal, you may want to return to your accommodation for a quick shower. We recommend staying at Hostal Merced 88, located near the Plaza Baquedano metro station, just a 10-minute walk from the park entrance and 15 minutes from the historic downtown area.
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Continuing with Santiago’s top tourist spots, we recommend visiting what we consider the city’s best museums: the Museum of Memory and Human Rights, the Chilean Museum of Pre-Columbian Art, the Museum of Fine Arts, as well as the Gabriela Mistral Cultural Center and La Chascona.
The Museum of Memory and Human Rights is a must-see for understanding Chile’s recent history. This museum is dedicated to preserving the memory of the victims of the Pinochet dictatorship (1973-1990) and promoting human rights.
The Chilean Museum of Pre-Columbian Art is one of the top tourist attractions in Santiago, where you can learn about pre-Columbian cultures from across the continent, spanning from Mesoamerican civilizations to the indigenous peoples of Tierra del Fuego. The museum’s collection includes sculptures, ceramics, textiles, and ceremonial artifacts.
The Museum of Fine Arts and the Gabriela Mistral Cultural Center feature various art exhibits ranging from colonial times to contemporary pieces by both Chilean and international artists. Literature enthusiasts will enjoy visiting La Chascona, one of the three houses of Chilean poet Pablo Neruda.
Recommended: Barrio Yungay Free Tour
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Tip: Save time and money by booking on platforms like GuruWalk, Civitatis, or Denomades. We recommend these sites because, in addition to being secure, they allow you to compare prices, read reviews from other travelers, learn about the itineraries in detail, and know exactly what each tour includes.
GuruWalk: Exclusively for free walking tours worldwide. Civitatis: Offers a wide variety of tours, guided visits, and excursions in hundreds of destinations. Denomades: Specializes in nature and adventure activities in Latin America.
On these platforms, you can book at very competitive prices, sometimes even better than at the destination! Plus, they offer a great variety of payment methods and, in many cases, have flexible cancellation policies that allow you to get a refund up to 24 hours before the activity starts.
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Day 3 – Visit Valparaíso and Viña del Mar
On the third day of this 3-day Santiago itinerary, we propose a day trip outside the city. You can spend an entire day exploring the colorful streets of Valparaíso and discover the beauty of Viña del Mar, two must-see destinations near the Chilean capital.
The bus from Santiago to Valparaíso takes about 2 hours. Upon arriving in this port city, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, you will be fascinated by its architecture, walk through the steep streets of the hills, ride the historic elevators, and enjoy its vibrant art scene, reflected in murals and art galleries.
If it’s your first time in Valparaíso, we recommend joining this free walking tour. During the tour, you’ll explore the city’s most iconic landmarks, walk through the main hills, ride the historic elevators, and admire the best murals in the historic center.
If you have more days available and are still wondering what to do in Santiago and its surroundings, consider spending at least one night in Valparaíso. You can stay at: La Galería B&B, Casa Volante, La Casa Piola, La Casa Azul, Meraki Hostel, La Flora Hotel Boutique, and Casa Magnolia.
Book free essential tour in Valparaíso!
After spending the morning exploring Valparaíso, you can continue with this list of activities you can do near Santiago, by taking a taxi or bus to Viña del Mar, just 20 minutes away. Along the way, you can make a stop at La Sebastiana, another of Pablo Neruda’s houses.
In Viña del Mar, the must-see places are: the Flower Clock, Wulff Castle, the Palacio Rioja, and Quinta Vergara Park, where you’ll find the Museum and School of Fine Arts and the amphitheater where the famous Song Festival is held. Another great activity is walking along the coast, enjoying the beach, and watching the sunset over the Pacific Ocean.
If you want to experience the best of Viña del Mar in one day, make sure to book this free walking tour of the city’s cultural and historical attractions. This tour runs every day at two times: 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., making it a great way to discover the must-see spots in the Garden City.
If you want to spend the night in Viña del Mar, consider staying at: Hostal Blest Gana, Rustika B&B, VOY Hostales Poniente, Praia 58 Reñaca, Eco Hostal Offenbacher-Hof, and Hotel Bianca’s House.
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Tour package: Valparaíso & Viña del Mar Day Trip. This experience allows you to explore, in just one day, the history and culture of two of Chile’s main coastal cities and visit the Casablanca Valley, in the heart of the country’s main wine-producing region.
The tour starts at 7:00 a.m. and ends around 6:00 p.m. It includes pickup from your accommodation in Santiago, transportation, and a driver-guide who will take you to the must-see spots in Valparaíso and Viña del Mar.
To book the excursion, click here, select the date you want to take the tour, indicate the number of people, and proceed with payment. We recommend booking in advance to secure your spot!
View tour details and current prices
What to see in Santiago de Chile in 3, 4, or 5 days
If you have more than 3 days in Santiago de Chile, we suggest following this itinerary of activities, which will allow you to explore some of the main historical, cultural, and natural attractions:
Day 1: Take this free tour of the historic center to visit the main tourist sites in Santiago, such as the Plaza de Armas, the Palacio de La Moneda, and the Metropolitan Cathedral. Then, you can go up to Cerro Santa Lucía.
Day 2: In the morning, take a trip to Cerro San Cristóbal, and in the afternoon, visit a museum. If you want to learn about the dictatorship history in Chile, we recommend the Museum of Memory and Human Rights. If you prefer art, consider the National Museum of Fine Arts or the Chilean Museum of Pre-Columbian Art.
Day 3: If you only have 3 days in Santiago, take the last day to make an excursion to Valparaíso and Viña del Mar. You can book the tour with transport included here.
Day 4: Another attraction worth visiting in Santiago de Chile is the Quinta Normal Park, one of the oldest and most emblematic green spaces in the capital. There, you can visit museums, attend outdoor events, and join this free tour through the Yungay and Brasil neighborhoods.
Day 5: On the final day of your 5-day itinerary, consider another excursion outside the city. Popular choices include a tour of the Concha y Toro Winery, a day trip to Portillo and the Inca Lagoon, or an excursion to Cajón del Maipo.
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Tips for Traveling to Santiago de Chile
Now that you the best things to do in Santiago de Chile and the best plans for exploring the city in 3, 4, or 5 days, here are some quick tips for your trip:
The public transportation system is efficient and affordable, so you can use the metro or buses to get around the city and its surroundings.
Santiago de Chile is a safe city, but like anywhere, it’s important to be cautious. Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas and watch your belongings in crowded places.
If you plan to go sightseeing in Santiago de Chile, we recommend booking your accommodations and tours in advance to ensure availability and make the most of your time.
Before wrapping up, here are other travel guides that might be useful: Torres del Paine, Easter Island, Atacama Desert, and Patagonia.
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