Is Santiago Chile Worth Visiting? 13 Reasons To Visit

When compared to other major South American cities like Rio de Janeiro and Buenos Aires, Santiago has often been overlooked as a destination worth visiting. But, after spending a week exploring Santiago, it ended up being one of my favourite destinations in Latin America!

Santiago is a vibrant city that offers visitors a wide range of experiences. It has a fascinating history and culture, interesting neighbourhoods, stunning landscapes, and excellent dining, nightlife and museums. Overall, it has something for every type of traveller.

Plus, within easy reach of downtown, you can visit Chile’s best wineries, go hiking or skiing in the Andes, enjoy a day at the beach, and much more. You definitely won’t run out of things to do in and around Santiago.

And, to help you decide if Santiago should be on your travel list, here are the reasons why I think you should visit Santiago, Chile.

Is Santiago Chile Worth Visiting?

There are plenty of reasons why Santiago is worth visiting!

Santiago is the vibrant and cosmopolitan capital of Chile. It’s actually the country’s largest city, with more than a third of the Chilean population living here. As such, it has a rich history and culture with grand architecture, fascinating museums and galleries, bustling markets, and excellent dining, nightlife and theatres.

It’s also surrounded by stunning landscapes. Nestled at the foot of the Andes mountain range, the city has one of the world’s most beautiful backdrops. And with such proximity to the mountains, there’s easy access to hiking, skiing, horseback riding, mountain biking, and other outdoor activities.

Or, if you prefer the beach, the ocean is only an hour’s drive from the city. And, to top it all off, Santiago is also located in the heart of wine country, with some of Chile’s best wineries right on its doorstep.

When I first planned my trip to Santiago, it was more out of convenience than anything, as it was a practical stop on my South American travels. It wasn’t at the top of my list of travel destinations, and I didn’t really know what to expect from the city. but I was really surprised by how beautiful, interesting and varied it was.

As it turns out, Santiago truly has it all. And, in my opinion, it’s definitely a city worth visiting, as we’ll explore more below.

Reasons To Visit Santiago

Here are my top 13 reasons why Santiago is worth visiting on your next trip to Chile.

1. It’s Easy To Get To

The first reason why Santiago Chile is worth visiting is one of practicality. Chile only has one major international airport – Santiago de Chile (SLC) Airport, also known as Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport. Therefore, when traveling to Chile, this is most likely where you will fly into.

Unless you’re coming from elsewhere in South America, the chances are, you will be getting off quite a long flight. Therefore, Santiago is a great place for a stopover, with plenty to see and do before you head on to your next destination. If this is your first time in Chile, it’s also a great first stop to learn more about Chile’s history and culture.

And regardless of where you’re heading to next, Santiago is well-connected to the whole of Chile, and to the rest of South America. So there will likely be plenty of flights to choose from to your next destination. Plus, South American flights to and from Santiago are generally really well priced.

2. Learn About Chile’s History And Culture

There is no better place to discover Chile’s long history and interesting culture than its capital city. With indigenous routes dating as far back as 15,000 years, the rise and fall of the Inca Empire, the Spanish Conquest, and Chile’s declaration of independence in 1818 and fight for sovereignty, there is a lot to learn about Chile.

If it’s your first time to Chile, a visit to the Museo de la Memoria y Los Derechos Humanos is a must. This museum focuses on Chile’s controversial past, recent history, politics and human rights, including its transition from a dictatorship to a democracy in the past 30 years. Visiting this museum is the best way to learn about Chile.

To learn about indigenous cultures, visit the Cultural Center Mapocho Station Cultural Center, which hosts multiple cultural events showcasing Chile’s rich history throughout the year.

And if you’re interested in art, the Chilean National Museum of Fine Arts is worth visiting. The museum is a major centre of Chilean and South American art, and is the oldest museum in South America! It’s home to a collection of more than 5,000 Chilean and international paintings, sculptures and engravings, which are housed in a beautiful neoclassical and baroque revival style building.

Another great way to see and learn as much as possible, is to do a historical and cultural small group walking tour of Santiago. This will take you to all the key sites and allow you to learn about the city and it’s history from a local guide.

3. Discover Historical Architecture

Santiago is home to an array of stunning architecture, historical buildings and important monuments. This is best seen at the Plaza de Armas (the city’s central historic square).

One building which should be at the top of your list to see is the Palacio de La Moneda. This is one of Santiago’s most architecturally significant and historic buildings. La Moneda was originally a colonial mint house, before becoming an important government building. It is now the seat of the president of Chile and the headquarters of several government ministries.

Another must-see building is the Metropolitan Cathedral. Built over 220 years ago, the impressive cathedral is of a baroque style, which has been added to over the years, depicting Chile’s history in its layers of architecture.

4. It’s Chile’s Best Destination For Wine Lovers

Another great reason to visit Santiago is the fantastic wine! Chile is known for its wine and Santiago is the country’s best destination to enjoy it.

The city is surrounded by some of Chile’s most notable wine-producing valleys. So a trip to Santiago will give you the opportunity to taste a variety of the country’s best wine.

The closest to Santiago is the Maipo Valley, which is technically an extension of the city. The Maipo Valley is home to over 7,000 acres of vineyards which mostly produce Cabernet Sauvignon, as well as Carménère and Sauvignon Blanc. The Maipo Valley is an excellent day trip from the city. You can even take a full day tour to visit multiple wineries, with wine tastings, and see the beautiful countryside.

READ MORE: 11 Best Santiago Chile Wine Tours & Everything You Need To Know

Another wine-producing valley to visit from Santiago is the Casablanca Valley. About 40 miles west of Santiago, the Casablanca Valley is Chile’s top white wine region, due to its cooler climate. Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay are the region’s most famous wines, but the valley also produces excellent reds, including Merlot, Pinot Noir and Syrah.

There are also excellent day tours to the Casablanca Valley from Santiago, which include tours and tastings at three different wineries.

5. See Incredible Street Art

Santiago has become quite the hub for street artists, with a long tradition of graffiti, and many incredible and colourful murals. Plus, street art in Santiago has an important and interesting historical significance.

During the 1970s, graffiti was used a means of protesting the dictatorship and instigating social change. And still now, It’s often used as a means of sharing political, social and feminist messages.

The best places to see street art in Santiago are the San Miguel and Bellavista Neighbourhoods. San Miguel is home to 40 vibrant murals as part of the Open Sky Street Art Museum. Whereas Bellavista is an artsy neighbourhood full of colourful murals by both professional and aspiring artists, as well as cool shops and a lively music scene.

6. Hike in The Andes

Santiago is a city surrounded by the Andes mountains and beautiful natural landscapes. As such, you don’t have to go all the way south to Patagonia’s Torres del Paine for some of the best hikes in Chile. Instead, you can access plenty of great hiking trails nearby, either as part of a tour or by renting a car.

From the city, you can hike to a beautiful waterfall along the Salto de Apoquindo in Parque Aguas de Ramon. Or challenge yourself by walking to the top of the city’s third highest hill – Cerro San Cristobal. At the top, you will arrive at the ‘Santuario de la Inmaculada Concepción’, where you will find Santiago’s famous statue of the Virgin Mary. The panoramic views from the top are also the best in the city!

Or if you’re up for venturing further away, just two hours outside the city you can hike to the Mirador de Los Cóndores (condor lookout). True to it’s name, this is the best place near Santiago to see Andean condors. These majestic birds have a wingspan of up to 3 metres (10 ft) and are a particularly spectacular sight to see.

There are so many varied hikes and dramatic landscapes to explore in the Andes mountains. To experience some of the best trails, you can even book a guided Private Andes Hiking Tour from Santiago.

7. Have a Day at The Beach

Although Santiago isn’t on the coast, it’s easy to escape the city for a day at the beach! The Pacific Ocean is less than a 2 hour drive away from Santiago, where there are a number of beautiful coastal towns. The best way to get to the beach from Santiago is by renting a car, but there are also some full-day tours available.

In particular, Chile’s largest beach resort, Viña del Mar, is the most popular summer destination for Chilean vacationers. It’s quite a modern city, with lots of energy, restaurants and bars, high rises, and even a casino. But what makes it special are the long stretches of sandy beaches and the vibrant waterfront promenade. Here you will find open-air markets, street vendors and entertainers.

Although, If you’re looking for a beachside destination with more character, the neighbouring city of Valparaiso might suit you better. Valparaiso is a historic port city full of charming streets, colourful buildings, hills with funicular railways, and boutique galleries, restaurants and hotels.

8. Skiing and Snowboarding in The Winter Months

Santiago is not just a great summer destination! Some of Chile’s best ski resorts are actually within very easy reach of the city. El Colorado/Farellones is the closest, shortly followed by La Parva, and Valle Nevado.

These resorts are frequented by Santiago locals in the winter months, and with good reason. They’re only around a 60 to 90 minute drive away, depending on traffic, and have plenty of snow.

La Parva is the best for long runs and challenging terrain. For an authentic Chilean ski experience with easy to intermediate runs, try El Colorado. And for Chile’s highest and biggest ski resort, you should visit Valle Nevado.

If you want to save yourself the hassle of driving to and from the slopes yourself, you can also book transfers to the slopes, or a tour to visit some of the ski resorts.

9. Go Up South America’s Tallest Building

As it turns out, the tallest building in South America is actually in Santiago. The Gran Torre Santiago (meaning Great Santiago Tower) stands at 300 metres (980 ft) high, towering above all other buildings in sight. Located in the heart of Santiago, this towering skyscraper stands out as a symbol of the city’s modernity and progress.

The Gran Torre is one of Santiago’s must-visit sites, as it offers true 360° views. From the observation decks on the 61st and 62nd floors, you can see the whole of Santiago and the surrounding landscapes. And when you come back down, you can explore the adjoining Costanera Center, which is Chile’s largest shopping mall.

11. Stunning Natural Wonders

The impressive mountain peaks which surround the city aren’t the only natural wonders to enjoy while in Santiago. If you won’t have a chance to visit Chilean Patagonia, luckily you can still see some similarly breathtaking landscapes within a short drive of Santiago.

If you’re willing to venture an hour or two away, you can see everything from dramatic glaciers to turquoise lakes and active volcanoes. And you can even relax in some natural hot springs!

A must-visit destination from Santiago is the stunning Cajón del Maipo. Here you can take in views of gushing waterfalls, towering cliffs, ancient glaciers and bright blue water.

Plus, Cajón del Maipo is the ideal location for outdoor enthusiasts and Adrenaline junkies, with a wide range of thrilling activities to do. From climbing mountains, white water rafting and bungee jumping, to fly fishing, horseback riding and exploring paleontological sites, there is something for every type of adventurer.

To make sure you get to make the most of your visit to Cajón del Maipo, book a small group tour from Santiago.

10. Try Typical Chilean Food And Drinks

If you’re looking to indulge in some typical Chilean cuisine, there is no better place than Santiago! From excellent fine-dining, to delicious street food, hearty stews, fresh fish, you will not run out of delicious things to eat and drink here.

Some must-try street foods include the iconic ‘completo’, a Chilean-style hot dog topped with mashed avocado, chopped tomatoes, sauerkraut, and lots of mayonnaise. Or for a sweet treat, try Mote con Huesillos. This is technically a drink, made with a cold, sweet nectar with pieces of dried peach and husked wheat floating in it. This might sound odd, but it is actually very refreshing and tasty.

And you can’t come to South America without eating an empanada! Chilean empanadas are usually baked and typically come filled with meat olives and raisins. This gives it a unique flavour compared to other empanadas.

For a heartier meal, Santiago is also known for its flavourful cazuela, a traditional stew made with beef or chicken, potatoes, corn, and a medley of vegetables. And for seafood lovers you won’t struggle to find fresh ceviche, Machas a la Parmesana (clams topped with cheese, white wine and butter) and a range of Chilean seafood soups and stews.

Finally, if you drink alcohol, make sure to try a Pisco Sour while in Santiago. This is Chile’s national cocktail, made from pisco, lime, egg white and sugar, and it’s absolutely delicious!

12. Experience Chile’s Best Nightlife

As Chile’s biggest and most populated city, it’s no surprise that Santiago has excellent nightlife! Plus, the nightlife options in the city are really diverse and cater to everyone.

When visiting Santiago, you won’t struggle to find excellent bars, restaurants, live music venues and clubs. The most popular neighbourhood to visit for nightlife is Bellavista, which is also one of Santiago’s hippest districts, full of unique shops, art galleries, bars and clubs. Salsoteca Maestra Vida is a really fun bar for latin dancing. Or if you prefer to dance to world renowned DJs, Bar Constitución and La Feria are both great options.

Although my favourite place to go out in Santiago was actually Barrio Italia (the Italian neighbourhood). I really loved the vibe in this neighbourhood, with a whole street dedicated to quaint bars, pubs and restaurants.

There is no shortage of indoor venues or sidewalk patios to choose from here, as well as food, drinks and music to suit every taste. We loved Galpon Italia – a bar with a laid back atmosphere, a live band and excellent cocktails. And for live Jazz music accompanied by excellent food, you should try The Jazz Corner.

13. It’s An Affordable City to Visit

On top of all the other great reasons to visit Santiago, it’s also quite an affordable city. Although it’s not the cheapest destination in South America, for a city, I found we really didn’t have to spend much money.

If you’re visiting from a country with a stronger currency, your money will go further here. And the prices are generally cheaper than what you would expect to pay for a city break in many other places around the world. Plus, there are so many cheap or free things to see and do in Santiago that it’s easy to tailor your itinerary to suit your budget.

Where To Stay In Santiago

Santiago is a big city, so it can be a bit overwhelming trying to decide where to stay. Luckily, the key neighbourhoods that will interest you are all within close proximity to each other and are easy to reach.

Some of the best areas to stay are:

• Barrio Lastarria or Bellas Artes – For the cultural heart of the city, a high-end European feel, boutique shops and art.
• Providencia – For a more relaxing and residential area, which is a great place to stay for families.
• Barrio Italia – For an artsy and bohemian atmosphere, full of art galleries, antique shops, charming cafés, cool restaurants, and jazz clubs.

These also tend to be the safest areas to stay in Santiago. So I would recommend basing yourself in one of these neighbourhoods.

However, a lot of people also choose to stay in Plaza de Armas, especially as first-time visitors to Santiago. This area is great for its proximity to key points of interests, sightseeing and excellent restaurants and entertainment.

My Top Picks for Where to Stay

✅ Hotel Magnolia Santiago – For a world-class stay in a luxury boutique hotel

✅ Hotel Pasko – For a comfortable stay on a quiet street in a central location

✅ Hotel Sommelier LOFT – For a budget friendly modern and artsy hotel

Santiago FAQs

When is the best time to visit Santiago?

The weather in Santiago is hot and dry in the summer, from September to February. This is the best time to visit for wine country, hiking and trips to the beach. Although if you’re looking to go skiing, then you will want to visit in the winter months from June to August.

How many days do you need in Santiago?

If you’re just looking to spend time in the central district and see Santiago’s key sites then 2 to 3 days would be enough time to get a feel for the city. However, if you want to explore the surrounding natural landscapes, visit wine country, and take day trips from the city then I would recommend allowing yourself at least 5 to 7 days in Santiago.

Is Santiago an expensive city?

Santiago is one of the most expensive city’s in South America. However, compared to many cities around the world, it’s actually very affordable. Especially if you’re visiting from a country with a stronger currency, you can expect your money to go further here.

Plus, there are plenty of things to see and do in the city which are free or don’t cost very much, so it’s easy to keep your budget down when visiting Santiago.

Is Santiago Chile safe to visit?

Generally Santiago is considered a safe city for travellers. The Providencia, Lastarria, Bellas Artes and Barrio Italia neighbourhoods are considered some of the safest areas to stay in the city. But, like in any big city you should always apply common sense and be cautious.

And, as of 2023, petty crime like theft, pick-pocketing, scams and muggings are unfortunately on the rise in Santiago. You should always exercise caution and be aware of your surroundings, book experiences, transport and accommodation through trusted providers, and avoid carrying expensive items with you.

Is Santiago a walkable city?

All the key points of interest and central neighbourhoods are relatively close to each other, making Santiago a walkable city. When I visited Santiago I got around entirely on foot, with the exception of renting a car for a day trip out of the city. The footpaths are generally wide, there are some pedestrian only areas, and I generally felt safe.

Is Santiago or Buenos Aires better?

This really comes down to personal preference. Both Santiago and Buenos Aires are beautiful cities, full or charm, life and culture. If you’re outdoorsy and want easy access to nature, then you will likely prefer Santiago. With the proximity of the Andes mountains, the beach and wine country, it really is hard to beat!

However, if you’re looking for a typical city break with lots of great entertainment and dining options, and more of a European feel, then Buenos Aires might suit you better. (Although I’m not saying Santiago doesn’t have those things as well, because it does! But Buenos Aires is a larger city with a big European influence and food culture).

Having spent time in both cities, there were things I loved about both. But if I had to choose one city to return to, it would be Santiago! There is just such a variety of things to do in Santiago which appeal to me.

Final Thoughts: Is Santiago Chile Worth Visiting?

So, is Santiago Chile worth visiting? Santiago is a beautiful city which literally has everything. From history, culture and art, to outdoor activities, dramatic landscapes and wine country, it truly has something for everyone.

The city is the best place to base yourself if you want to experience as much as possible of the surrounding regions and get to know Chile’s history and culture. Therefore, in my opinion, Santiago is absolutely a city worth visiting!

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