Santiago 4 Day Itinerary

Santiago Travel Itinerary (4 Days)

Day 1: Explore Downtown Santiago

  • Morning: Check into your hotel and start with a hearty breakfast at Café del Mar in the Bellavista neighborhood.

  • Afternoon: Visit Plaza de Armas, the city’s main square featuring historic buildings like the Metropolitan Cathedral and the Municipal Tower. Don’t miss the changing of the guard ceremony!

  • Evening: Explore Bellavista – Santiago’s bohemian quarter filled with colorful street art, bars, and restaurants. Try traditional Chilean cuisine at La Chascona.

  • Things to Know: The city can be quite hilly, so wear comfortable shoes!

  • Transportation: Santiago has an efficient metro system (Metro de Santiago) and numerous bus routes. Download the mobile app MiWay for easy navigation.

Day 2: Museums & Bellavista Nightlife

  • Morning: Visit the Museo de la Memoria y los Derechos Humanos to learn about Chile’s history, particularly the impact of Augusto Pinochet’s regime.

  • Afternoon: Head to the Museo de Arte Contemporáneo (MAC) to explore modern and contemporary art.

  • Evening: Spend another evening in Bellavista for live music at Blue Whale or a craft beer at Cervecería Alemana.

Day 3: Patrimonial Quarter & San Cristobal Hill

  • Morning: Visit the charming, UNESCO World Heritage listed Barrio Universitario (Patrimonial Quarter). Stroll through narrow streets lined with beautiful colonial architecture.

  • Afternoon: Take a funicular up to San Cristóbal Hill for panoramic views of Santiago and its surroundings. Visit the giant statue of the Virgin Mary at the top.

  • Evening: Enjoy dinner at Astorga in the Lastarria neighborhood, known for its exquisite Chilean seafood.

Day 4: Day Trip to Vina del Mar & Valparaiso

  • Morning: Take a day trip to the coastal cities of Vina del Mar and Valparaiso (approximately 1.5 hours by train). Explore the gardens and beaches in Vina del Mar, then head to Valparaiso.

  • Afternoon: Wander the colorful hills of Valparaiso, with its vibrant street art, bohemian neighborhoods, and historic funiculars. Visit Plaza Sotomayor for a beautiful waterfront view.

  • Evening: Return to Santiago and have a farewell dinner at Bocanariz, known for its extensive wine list and traditional Chilean dishes.

Tips & Additional Information:

  • Change some money before arriving, as not all places accept credit cards.
  • Remember to pack layers, as temperatures can vary greatly throughout the day.
  • Always maintain your personal safety, particularly in crowded areas.
  • Learn a few basic Spanish phrases for an enhanced travel experience.
  • Enjoy your trip to Santiago!