Guide to Santiago, Chile

Santiago is the capital and economic, political and cultural centre of Chile. It’s central location makes it a great base for exploring the country, and continent, as it’s possible to ski in the Andes and be on the beach in the same day!

Top reasons to visit Santiago

Capital of Chile with many museums, events, theatres, restaurants, bars and other entertainment and cultural opportunities.

Explore the best sights in Santiago on a red double decker bus - Turistik Santiago Hop On-Hop Off - which will pass around Plaza de Armas, Bellavista, Central Market and others.

Main areas of Santiago

Santiago is a fast growing city located in the central valley of Chile between the Coastal range to the west and Andes mountain range to the east.

Santiago Centro

La Moneda Palace, Plaza de Armas

La Alameda

San Francisco Church, Centro Cultural Palace de La Moneda

Barrio Bellavista

Plaza Camilo Mori and La Chascona, one of three homes owned by the poet Pablo Neruda

Parque Forestal

Good for museums - Chilean National Museum of Fine Arts, Museo de Arte Contemporaeno, Museo Arquelogico de Santiago

Providencia

Las Condes

Plaza Loreto

Vitacura

Museo de la Moda

When to go to Santiago

Santiago’s climate is chilly and rainy in the winter, with temperatures falling to around 0 degrees C at night, although it rarely snows in the city. Rain is more common, although it tends to snow in the East rising up to the Andes.

Summers are fairly dry and with some humidity, and temperatures can rise past 35 degrees C.

Take note that the weather can change quickly and often, so be prepared - even if it’s warm in the day, you may need a pullover for the evenings.

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Top Attractions in Santiago

• Central Market
• Plaza de Armas
• Bellavista
• Parque Metropolitana
• Andrassy Avenue

Shopping in Santiago

Santiago has a lot of shopping areas, or Malls:-

• Mall Plaza Vespucio
• Mall Plaza Oeste
• Mall Portal La Dehesa
• Mall Alto Las Condes
• Mall Florida Centre
• Mall Plaza Norte
• Mall Costanera Centre

Designer stores and boutiques can be found on Alonso de Cordova Street, and Nueva Costanera Avenue.

Hand crafts and souvenirs are best found in Centro Artesanal Santa Lucia, Bellavista or Pueblo Los Dominicos.

Books - Liberia Antartica

Department Stores - Hites, Paris, Ripley, Galleria Metropolitana

There is also an out of town Designer Outlet village called Arauco Premium Outlet Buenaventura, with brand stores such as Zara, Lacoste and other high-end names.

Eating in Santiago

Recommended restaurants include Cafe Melba, Mercado Central, Wonderful Cafe, Tiramisu, Bocanariz, Mestizo, Da Dino, Rivoli. Emporia La Rosa, Bar Nacional and Kintaro.

Nightlife and Entertainment in Santiago

For and up to date guide to events, bars, and venues, check the listings in EL Mercurio.

• Bars - Baron Rojo, Bar Restaurant de la Union, Les Assassins, Black Rock Pub, La Piojera
• Museums - Maison de la Photographie, Dar Si Said Museum, Tiskiwin Museum
• Jazz clubs - Club de Jazz de Santiago in Nunoa
• Wineries - Cousino Macul, Concha Y Toro
• Art galleries - Chile-Canadan National Gallery, Galleria Gibello
• Theatre and Performance Arts - Armchair Theatre, Baxter Theatre, Richard Supper Stage, Artscape Theatre

Book a hotel today in Santiago, Chile - find your hotel deals here, as we specialise in cheap hotels in Santiago, Chile.