Santiago, the capital of Chile, is a city filled with diverse landscapes, historical sites, and a vibrant culinary scene. Whether you’re here for the breathtaking views from San Cristóbal Hill, exploring the bohemian streets of Bellavista, or tasting Chilean seafood at Mercado Central, there’s something for everyone. In this guide, we’ll take you through Santiago’s top 20 attractions with everything you need to know, from ticket prices and opening hours to nearby dining recommendations.

1. San Cristóbal Hill (Cerro San Cristóbal)

Description: A hill that offers one of the best panoramic views of Santiago and the Andes.
History: San Cristóbal Hill has been a pilgrimage site for over a century, featuring the iconic statue of the Virgin Mary.
Google Maps Link: San Cristóbal Hill
Tickets: $2 USD for the funicular; hiking is free.
Opening Hours: 5:30 AM to 11:30 PM daily.
Nearby Restaurant: *La Diana*, known for empanadas and Chilean cuisine.
Travel Tips: Arrive early for a quieter experience and bring layers as it can get chilly.

2. Plaza de Armas

Description: The city’s historical main square, surrounded by colonial buildings and the Metropolitan Cathedral.
History: Founded in the 16th century, it remains Santiago’s cultural heart.
Google Maps Link: Plaza de Armas
Nearby Restaurant: *Café Colonia* for Chilean pastries and coffee.
Travel Tips: Free to visit and ideal for people-watching and photos.

3. La Moneda Palace

Description: Chile’s presidential palace, known for the changing of the guard ceremony.
History: Originally a minting house, it became a presidential residence in 1846.
Google Maps Link: La Moneda Palace
Website: La Moneda
Tickets: Free guided tours with advance booking.
Opening Hours: Changing of the guard at 10 AM on select days.
Nearby Restaurant: *Civico*, which offers traditional Chilean flavors.
Travel Tips: Book tours in advance to ensure a spot.

4. Bellavista Neighborhood

Description: Santiago’s colorful, bohemian district filled with murals, cafes, and nightlife.
Google Maps Link: Bellavista
Nearby Restaurant: *Galindo* for cazuela, a Chilean meat and vegetable soup.
Travel Tips: Ideal for a night out; explore during the day to capture the art and murals.

5. Museum of Memory and Human Rights

Description: A museum documenting Chile’s recent history under the Pinochet regime.
History: Opened in 2010, it’s dedicated to remembering Chile’s complex past.
Google Maps Link: Museum of Memory and Human Rights
Website: Museum of Memory
Tickets: Free.
Opening Hours: Tuesday to Sunday from 10 AM to 6 PM.
Nearby Restaurant: *Barrio Lastarria Café* for Chilean fusion cuisine.
Travel Tips: Allocate around two hours to fully experience the exhibits.

6. Santa Lucía Hill (Cerro Santa Lucía)

Description: A lush hill with gardens, fountains, and a castle-like structure at the summit.
History: Established in 1541, Santa Lucía is a historic site and recreational area.
Google Maps Link: Santa Lucía Hill
Nearby Restaurant: *Chipe Libre* for pisco cocktails and fusion dishes.
Travel Tips: Free to enter; bring a camera for panoramic shots of Santiago.

7. Mercado Central

Description: A bustling market renowned for its fresh seafood and Chilean dishes.
Google Maps Link: Mercado Central
Nearby Restaurant: *Donde Augusto* for traditional seafood dishes.
Travel Tips: Visit during lunch hours; many vendors only accept cash.

8. Parque Bicentenario

Description: A spacious park in Vitacura featuring ponds, flamingos, and walking trails.
Google Maps Link: Parque Bicentenario
Nearby Restaurant: *Mestizo* for modern Chilean cuisine.
Travel Tips: No entry fee; bring snacks for a picnic by the ponds.

9. Sky Costanera

Description: The tallest building in South America with a 360° observation deck.
Google Maps Link: Sky Costanera
Website: Sky Costanera
Tickets: Around $15 USD.
Opening Hours: 10 AM to 10 PM.
Nearby Restaurant: *Tiramisú* for pizza and casual dining.
Travel Tips: Visit close to sunset for breathtaking views.

10. Lastarria Neighborhood

Description: A cultural and artsy neighborhood with galleries, shops, and eateries.
Google Maps Link: Lastarria
Nearby Restaurant: *Bocanáriz* for Chilean wine and tapas.
Travel Tips: Best visited on weekends for a vibrant atmosphere.

11. National Museum of Fine Arts (Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes)

Description: This museum showcases an impressive collection of Chilean and Latin American art, housed in a neo-classical building that is itself an architectural marvel.
History: Established in 1880, it is one of the oldest art museums in South America and has played a key role in promoting Chilean artists.
Google Maps Link: National Museum of Fine Arts
Website: Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes
Tickets: Around $1.50 USD; free entry on Sundays.
Opening Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 10 AM to 6 PM.
Nearby Restaurant: *Café Lastarria* – Known for its Chilean comfort food and relaxed atmosphere.
Travel Tips: Spend at least an hour here to explore; weekends tend to be busy, so arrive early.

12. Barrio Yungay

Description: This neighborhood is one of Santiago’s oldest, full of colonial-style buildings, street art, and a lively local atmosphere.
History: Founded in the 19th century, Barrio Yungay has recently become a cultural and artistic hub, reflecting Chile’s evolving identity.
Google Maps Link: Barrio Yungay
Nearby Restaurant: *Peluquería Francesa* – A unique restaurant that serves traditional Chilean dishes within a vintage barbershop setting.
Travel Tips: Join a guided walking tour to learn about the area’s history and capture the best street art.

13. Pre-Columbian Art Museum (Museo Chileno de Arte Precolombino)

Description: This museum houses a rich collection of artifacts from ancient Latin American cultures, including textiles, ceramics, and sculptures.
History: Opened in 1981, the museum highlights the diverse cultures that existed in Latin America long before colonization.
Google Maps Link: Pre-Columbian Art Museum
Website: Museo Chileno de Arte Precolombino
Tickets: Approximately $7 USD.
Opening Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 10 AM to 6 PM.
Nearby Restaurant: *La Diana* – Known for creative Chilean fusion dishes in a fun setting.
Travel Tips: Allow around 1-2 hours to fully enjoy the exhibits and consider an audio guide to learn more about each artifact.

14. Fantasilandia

Description: Santiago’s largest amusement park, offering a variety of rides and attractions for all ages, including roller coasters and water rides.
History: Established in 1978, Fantasilandia has been a favorite spot for families and thrill-seekers alike.
Google Maps Link: Fantasilandia
Website: Fantasilandia
Tickets: Around $15 USD.
Opening Hours: Hours vary by season, generally open from 12 PM to 7 PM on weekends.
Nearby Restaurant: Food stalls are available inside the park, or visit *La Picá de Clinton* nearby for local Chilean cuisine.
Travel Tips: Visit during weekdays if possible to avoid long lines, and bring extra cash as not all vendors accept cards.

15. Los Dominicos Village (Pueblito Los Dominicos)

Description: This artisan village is a wonderful spot for finding handmade crafts, jewelry, and artwork created by local artisans.
History: Located within an old colonial-style setting, Los Dominicos Village gives visitors a taste of traditional Chilean culture.
Google Maps Link: Los Dominicos Village
Nearby Restaurant: *La Fuente Chilena* – Offers a taste of Chilean classics, like pastel de choclo (corn pie).
Travel Tips: Bring cash, as many artisans prefer it. Best visited on weekends when most stalls are open.

16. Mapocho Cultural Center (Centro Cultural Estación Mapocho)

Description: Housed in a former train station, the Mapocho Cultural Center is a vibrant hub for art exhibitions, theater performances, and cultural events in Santiago.
History: Built in 1913 as a train station, this neoclassical building was repurposed in the 1990s into a cultural center dedicated to Chilean arts and heritage.
Google Maps Link: Mapocho Cultural Center
Website: Centro Cultural Estación Mapocho
Tickets: Free entry, although specific events may have a fee.
Opening Hours: Daily from 10 AM to 8 PM.
Nearby Restaurant: *El Huerto* – A popular spot for organic, vegetarian-friendly Chilean dishes.
Travel Tips: Check the center’s schedule in advance to see what exhibitions or performances are available during your visit.

17. Santiago Metropolitan Park (Parque Metropolitano de Santiago)

Description: One of the largest urban parks in South America, featuring the National Zoo, botanical gardens, and numerous hiking trails with panoramic city views.
History: Established in 1917, the park spans over 1,700 acres and offers a refreshing escape within the city.
Google Maps Link: Santiago Metropolitan Park
Website: Parque Metropolitano de Santiago
Tickets: Free entry to the park; specific attractions like the zoo may have a separate fee.
Opening Hours: Daily from 8:30 AM to 6 PM.
Nearby Restaurant: *Café del Cerro* – Located within the park, offering refreshments with views.
Travel Tips: Plan to spend at least half a day here, especially if you want to explore multiple attractions within the park.

18. Maipo Valley Wine Tours (Tours de Vinos en el Valle del Maipo)

Description: Maipo Valley, located near Santiago, is renowned for its world-class vineyards and wine production. Many wineries here offer guided tours and tastings.
History: With a wine-making tradition dating back to the 16th century, the Maipo Valley is famous for producing some of Chile’s finest wines, particularly Cabernet Sauvignon.
Google Maps Link: Maipo Valley
Popular Vineyard: *Concha y Toro*, one of the most famous wineries, offers tours and tastings with a chance to learn about Chilean wine culture.
Website: Concha y Toro
Tickets: Wine tour packages start at approximately $40 USD.
Travel Tips: Book your tour in advance, as Maipo Valley tours are popular, especially during the harvest season (March–April).

19. La Chascona (Pablo Neruda’s House)

Description: One of Chilean poet Pablo Neruda’s eclectic homes, La Chascona is filled with unique artifacts, art, and insight into his life and works.
History: Built in the 1950s, this home was designed for Neruda’s secret lover (and later wife), Matilde Urrutia, and is named after her nickname, “La Chascona,” meaning “the tangled-haired woman.”
Google Maps Link: La Chascona
Website: La Chascona
Tickets: Around $7 USD, with discounts for students and seniors.
Opening Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 10 AM to 6 PM.
Nearby Restaurant: *Como Agua para Chocolate* – A romantic spot nearby, offering traditional Chilean dishes with a twist.
Travel Tips: Opt for the guided audio tour to fully appreciate Neruda’s fascinating life and the significance of each artifact.

20. Quinta Normal Park (Parque Quinta Normal)

Description: A spacious and beautiful public park featuring several museums, including the National Museum of Natural History and the Museum of Science and Technology.
History: Created in 1841 as an agricultural experimentation site, the park was later transformed into a public space with an emphasis on education and recreation.
Google Maps Link: Quinta Normal Park
Tickets: Free to enter the park; museum entry fees vary.
Opening Hours: Daily from 6 AM to 7 PM.
Nearby Restaurant: *Emporio la Rosa* – Known for its Chilean-style ice cream, perfect for a snack on a warm day.
Travel Tips: Great for families and those interested in museum visits. Bring a picnic or snacks for a relaxing afternoon in the park.

Conclusion

Santiago, Chile, is a city rich with culture, history, and natural beauty. From the tranquil landscapes of Santiago Metropolitan Park to the lively vibes of Bellavista, this guide provides a well-rounded itinerary for exploring the city’s top attractions. Whether you’re interested in history, art, wine, or simply a great view, Santiago has something for everyone. Let this guide be your companion as you discover Santiago, one unforgettable spot at a time.