Santiago 2 Day Itinerary

Title: 2-Day Itinerary for Exploring Santiago, Chile

Day 1: Discovering the Heart of Santiago

Morning:

  • Breakfast: Start your day at La Vaca en la Panadería, a charming café known for its delicious pastries and sandwiches. (Calle San Ignacio 4685, Providencia)
  • Santiago Metropolitan Cathedral: Visit this iconic cathedral located in the center of Santiago. Admire its Neoclassical architecture and soak in the peaceful atmosphere. (Plaza de Armas, Centro)

Afternoon:

  • Museum of Memory and Human Rights: Learn about Chile’s political history at this museum dedicated to human rights violations during the military dictatorship. (Alameda Bernardo O’Higgins 3801, Providencia)
  • Parque Forestal: Take a leisurely stroll through this urban park, connecting Plaza de Armas and Parque Bicentenario. Don’t miss the beautiful fountains and sculptures.
  • Lunch: Savor a traditional Chilean dish at Mercado Central, a historic seafood market with several food stalls offering ceviche, seafood soup, and more. (Av. Matucana 200, Downtown)

Evening:

  • Barrio Bellavista: Explore this bohemian neighborhood, known for its vibrant street art, bars, and restaurants.
  • Hummus y Tú: Dine at this trendy restaurant offering a fusion of Mediterranean and Chilean cuisine. (Calle Matucana 306, Barrio Bellavista)

Night:

  • Rooftop Bars: End your day with a drink at one of the rooftop bars in Bellavista, such as Terraza Pio Nono or Bascó Bar, for stunning city views.

Day 2: Exploring Santiago’s Natural Beauty

Morning:

  • Breakfast: Visit La Cholita, a popular spot for breakfast burritos and other brunch dishes. (Calle Eliseo del Río Cornejo 134, Las Condes)
  • San Cristobal Hill: Take the funicular up to San Cristobal Hill for panoramic views of Santiago. Visit the Virgin Mary statue at the summit.

Afternoon:

  • Parque OHiggins: Relax in this tranquil park, home to several monuments and a beautiful rose garden.
  • Lunch: Enjoy a meal at Jardin Bocanariz, offering a variety of Chilean wines and dishes made with fresh, local ingredients. (Av. Pedro de Valdivia 4201, Las Condes)
  • Cerro Santa Lucía: Explore this historic hill in the heart of Santiago, featuring gardens, lookout points, and several monuments.

Evening:

  • Dinner: Savor a meal at 999 Bistro de Artesanas, known for its innovative Chilean cuisine using seasonal ingredients. (Calle El Bosque 48, Las Condes)
  • Barrio Patronato: Discover this up-and-coming neighborhood with trendy bars and restaurants. Try a craft beer at Cerveceria Artesanal Alegria.

Things to Know:

  • Santiago’s weather can be unpredictable, so pack layers and consider bringing an umbrella.
  • Chile uses the Chilean peso (CLP) as its currency. Most places accept credit cards, but it’s always good to have some cash on hand.
  • Santiago is located in a valley, so you might experience smog during certain times of the year. Check air quality levels before planning outdoor activities.

Transportation:

  • Santiago has an extensive metro system that covers much of the city. Single tickets cost CLP 800 (as of April 2023).
  • Taxis are readily available, but use reputable companies like Coihue or Santiago Taxi. Make sure to confirm the price before starting your journey.
  • Uber and other ride-sharing apps are also popular in Santiago.

Tips:

  • Chileans are known for being friendly and helpful, so don’t hesitate to ask for directions or recommendations!
  • Embrace the local culture by trying traditional dishes like empanadas, pastel de choclo, and porotos granados.