by Omnespsx (cropped) / [CC BY-SA 4.0
A Vibrant City in the Foothills of the Andes
Table of Contents
A. About Santiago de Chile
Nickname: The City of the Island HillsFounded by the Spanish in 1541, Santiago de Chile, commonly known as just Santiago, is one of South America's most vibrant and cosmopolitan destinations.
The capital of Chile is a city in which there is much to do and many places to explore such as historic buildings, glittering glass skyscrapers, bustling markets, imposing hills, and impressive parks.
➕ The Good
Santiago de Chile enjoys, first of all, a scenic location with several hills and the Andes Mountains in the background and enjoys on top of that excellent climatic conditions.
Furthermore, the city scores solidly in shopping and transport.
Prices in Santiago de Chile are rather low.
Finally, the nightlife is considerably vibrant.
➖ Negative Aspects
Santiago de Chile is a very polluted city with a poor environmental record. During winter, Chile's capital suffers from smog.
B. Best Things to Do in Santiago de Chile in 2025 (Detailed List with Photos and Information)
In total, we count more than twenty sights in Santiago de Chile. The following sights and attractions contribute to a score of 6.15/10 in this highly important category:
# Cerro San Cristóbal 6
Take a cable car or hike to the top of this spectacular hill to enjoy panoramic views of the city, a statue of the Virgin Mary and Santiago’s biggest park.
by Sfs90 / CC BY-SA 4.0
# Chilean Museum of Pre-Colombian Art 6
This excellent museum covers Pre-Columbian art dating as far back as 10,000 years.
by Tim Adams / CC BY-SA 2.0
# Gran Torre Santiago (Sky Costanera) 5
This iconic modern three hundred meters [984 feet] high skyscraper is the largest skyscraper in Latin America. Enjoy the beautiful panorama from the observation deck (Sky Centre) on the upper floors.
Skyscraper Total Height: 304 m / 984 feet
by Deensel / CC BY-SA 2.0
# Centro Cultural Palacio La Moneda 5
The Palacio de la Moneda is the seat of the President of the Republic of Chile since 1845. Guided tours are the only way to see the interior of the palace.
Palace ⚠️Prebooking always required!
by B1mbo / CC BY-SA 2.0
# Casa Museo La Chascona 4
This ship-shaped former home of Chile’s Nobel Prize winning poet Pablo Neruda is remarkable for its extraordinary architecture and its fairy tale garden.
by Arturo Rinaldi Villegas / CC BY-SA 3.0
# Barrio Bellavista 4
This picturesque, colorful neighborhood is known as Santiago's bohemian quarter, with numerous restaurants, chic boutiques, avant-garde galleries, trendy bars, and clubs.
by Klausiee / CC BY-SA 2.0
# Santiago Metropolitan Cathedral 4
This stone neoclassical cathedral features ornate frescoes on the ceiling, chandeliers, and gilded columns.
by She Paused 4 Thought / CC BY-SA 2.0
# Central Market (Mercado Central) 4
Housed in a charming old wrought-iron building, which was once an exhibition hall, this market is known for fresh, local seafood.
by Almonroth / CC BY-SA 3.0
# Plaza de Armas 4
Surrounded by many important historic buildings, this beautiful palm-lined square is considered the historical center of Santiago de Chile.
by Raul / CC BY-SA 2.0
C. Other Notable Sights in Santiago de Chile
– Cerro Santa Lucia 4
Cerro Santa Lucia is a historic and scenic urban hill in central Santiago, known for its gardens, fountains, and stunning city views.
by Rodrigo Pizarro / CC BY-SA 2.0
D. Best Day Trips and Excursions from Santiago de Chile
HISTORIC QUARTER OF THE SEAPORT CITY OF VALPARAÍSO 6
The Historic Quarter of the Seaport City of Valparaíso, located in Chile, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its unique urban landscape.
This area includes a labyrinth of narrow streets, vibrant murals, and steep staircases, reflecting the city's cultural and historical evolution.
City 🌍 World Heritage Site: since 2003 | Distance from Santiago de Chile: 124 km southeast
by Javier Rubilar / CC BY-SA 2.0
E. Top 10 List of the Best Things to Do in Santiago de Chile (including close-by excursions)
To sum things up, these are the ten best sights we recommend you when visiting Santiago de Chile for at least three entire days: