A Travel Guide to Santiago de Chile: Taste, Explore, and Feel the Pulse of a City Shaped by History

If you love culture, history, politics, food, and wine, Santiago de Chile will captivate you.

As you explore the city, you’ll feel the story of a nation shaped by its fight for justice and change. The political history, including the Pinochet era, comes to life as you see visit the museums and talk to the locals.

But Santiago is much more than its past. The city is full of life and culture. Indigenous communities are proudly sharing their traditions and art.

When it comes to food, Santiago is a dream. Whether you're enjoying a quick snack from a street vendor or dining at one of the city’s top restaurants, the food scene will stay with you long after you leave.

Is Santiago Chile safe for tourists?

Santiago was once considered the safest city in South America, but like many large cities, it faces challenges today. Organized crime, economic inequality, and illegal immigration have created a perception of increased insecurity, particularly in the northern parts of Chile.

As a tourist, you’ll likely stick to safe neighborhoods like Lastarria or Barrio Italia, which are lively and welcoming. However, it’s wise to avoid areas like Patronato or take extra care near Mercado Central and La Vega Food Market.

On our recent visit in late December 2024, we saw a tourist’s phone snatched by someone on a motorbike while he was texting near Lastarria. It was shocking and made us feel uneasy for a while, but it didn’t stop us from exploring Santiago. The city still has so much to offer, and its people are incredibly warm and kind.

IS SANTIAGO CHILE WORTH VISITING

Yes, Santiago is definitely worth visiting! It differs from other South American capitals, with its strong intellectual and activist vibe. While you might get lost in the landscapes and beauty of destinations across Chile, Santiago is all about culture, politics, history, and food. To truly understand Chile, you must visit Santiago.
The city not only offers world-class museums and some of the world's best restaurants or wineries but also features curious local markets, indigenous culture, and unique cemeteries. Santiago is also a great starting point for wine lovers, with nearby wine regions perfect for both short and long trips.
Plus, Santiago is one of the best places to shop in Chile, as prices are more affordable than in other parts of the country. Whether you're interested in history, culture, food, or wine, Santiago offers a diverse and memorable experience.

HOW MANY DAYS IN SANTIAGO

Santiago de Chile is not a big city; however, it offers many museums, historic landmarks, culinary experiences, so you should stay at least 3 days in Santiago. However, I would recommend diving deeper into its culture and adding a short trip to Valparaíso and the Casablanca Valley Wine Region with a 5-day stay in Santiago!

THINGS TO DO IN SANTIAGO DE CHILE

Santiago de Chile is a compact city where most attractions are walkable or easily accessible by public transit. However, to truly understand its complex history—from the Pinochet era to its resilient cultural revival—joining a guided tour is essential.
Guided walking tours through central landmarks like La Moneda Palace or Plaza de Armas offer insights you’d miss exploring alone.
Here are some tour examples I would recommend, very similar to the one we did. Your booking through these links helps support the blog at no extra cost. Thank you for your support! ♥️

Central Landmarks in Santiago de Chile

Plaza de Armas:

Wherever you choose your accomodation, the main square Plaza de Armas will be the first place to see in Santiago, during the day light.
The important buildings surrounding the Plaza de Armas are, the Cathedral, The Museum of National History and the beautiful Central Post Office.

Palacio de La Moneda:

Though you can only view La Moneda Palace from outside, framed by giant Chilean flags, the weight of Augusto Pinochet’s violent 1973 coup is there, in this iconic Santiago landmark. Standing here, you’ll feel Chile’s turbulent history even decades later.

Museo de la Memoria y los Derechos Humanos:

Even if you're not familiar with the details of Chile's past or the Pinochet dictatorship, a visit to the Museum of Memory and Human Rights, or an engaging conversation with locals, will give you a deeper understanding of the country’s resilient spirit. You'll find yourself moved, experiencing a range of emotions—from anger and sorrow to pride—as you connect with their powerful history.

Museum of National History:

Don’t miss the striking statue of Salvador Allende at the entrance, his cracked glasses—preserved from the 1973 military coup—serving as a haunting symbol of Chile’s turbulent past. Inside, the upper floors delve into Chile’s complex colonial history and independence struggles.

National Museum of Fine Arts – Palacio de Bellas Artes (Santiago):

This museum is in a stunning neoclassical building that looks like it’s straight out of Paris! Inside, you’ll find rooms filled with Chilean and international paintings, sculptures, and rotating exhibitions. It’s right next to the peaceful Forestal Park and a short walk from the trendy Lastarria neighborhood—perfect for a relaxed afternoon of art and history in Santiago.