Best Things to do In Santiago, Chile

If you are looking for the best things to do in Santiago, you’ve come to the right place. We spent five days seeing all the top attractions in Santiago before and after our Exodus Travels you of Chile. Even though we visited the Atacama Desert, Patagonia, and more, we fell in love with Santiago the most. It’s such a fun city filled with energy and excitement.

Santiago, Chile is a huge city in South America with plenty of things to do. Whether you’re looking for culture or great food, there’s something for everyone. We fell in love with the capital city of Chile and even managed to meet President Gabriel Boric during our stay. Read on to see how that happened.

Top Things to do in Santiago

Here are our top picks for things to do in Santiago.

1. Plaza de Armas

If it’s your first time in Santiago, make your way to the main meeting place in the city. Plaza de Armas is the main square in Santiago and a popular place for locals and tourists to gather. The plaza is surrounded by important landmarks, including the Cathedral, Presidential Palace, National Museum, and more.

Plaza de Armas is the perfect place to start your Santiago tour. It’s where all the buses come into town so if you are on an overland trip in Chile, you’ll probably end up here first.

The square itself is beautiful, with fountains, palm trees and green space, outdoor terraces, and street performers. There are also lots of shops and restaurants if you want to grab some food or souvenirs before heading out on your adventure!

2. Santiago Metropolitan Cathedral

One of these landmarks that you should definitely visit when you visit Plaza de Armas is the Santiago Metropolitan Cathedral. The cathedral was built between 1872-1904 based on designs drawn up by French architect Paul Chenavard (who also designed Notre Dame Basilica in Montreal – A little Canadian connection there). Not only does this cathedral have beautiful architecture but it also has amazing stained glass windows which depict scenes from Chilean history.

It is a working cathedral so be respectful when entering, but going inside is a must. It’s also a cool respite from the hot Santiago heat.

3. Cerro Santa Lucia (Santa Lucía Hill)

Cerro Santa Lucia is one of the most popular places in Santiago to go for a walk and enjoy the views. The hill is located right in the center of the city, with museums, shops, and restaurants on its slopes.

It’s best to visit at sunset when you can see all of Santiago…