Santiago 7 Day Itinerary

Santiago 7-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival & Explore Downtown Santiago

  • Stay at: Hotel Plaza El Bosque (Convenient location and good value for money)
  • Eat at: La Vega Central Market (Try local empanadas, cazuelas, and chupe de mariscos)
  • Visit: Palacio de la Moneda (Presidential Palace), Plaza de Armas (Main Square), Museo Chileno de Arte Precolombino
  • Tips: Be aware of pickpocketing in crowded areas. Exchange money at a reliable exchange office or withdraw from ATMs inside banks.

Day 2: Explore Bellavista Neighborhood & Patio Bellavista

  • Stay at: Hotel Indigo Santiago (For a more upscale experience)
  • Eat at: La Chascona (Pablo Neruda’s former residence), Bar Liguria, or La Caverna de la Rosa Roja
  • Visit: Museo Casa Ellena de Laresgue (Neruda Museum), Sky Costanera (Tallest building in South America with an observation deck)
  • Activities: Enjoy the nightlife in Bellavista, visit bars and clubs like Maison, Blondie, or El Taller

Day 3: Visit Santa Lucia Hill & Barrio Lastarria

  • Eat at: Borago (One of the best restaurants in Santiago), Central Market, or Mercado Central for seafood
  • Visit: Santa Lucia Hill (Historic landmark with great views of the city), Museo de Arte Contemporáneo (MAC), Parque Forestal
  • Tips: Take a free walking tour to learn more about the city’s history and culture.

Day 4: Day trip to Valparaíso

  • Transportation: Take a bus or train from Estación Central de Santiago (Approx. 1.5 hours)
  • Visit: Cerro Alegre, Paseo Yugoslavo, La Sebastiana (Another Neruda Museum), Concepción Hill for stunning views of the port city
  • Eat at: Panecito de Pobre (Traditional Valparaiso sandwich), Restaurante Cumaraca (Peruvian cuisine)
  • Tips: Spend a night in Valparaíso to experience its vibrant nightlife.

Day 5: Day trip to Viña del Mar

  • Transportation: Take a bus or train from Estación Central de Santiago (Approx. 1 hour)
  • Visit: Quinta Vergara, La Casa Colorada, Reñaca Beach, Casino de Viña del Mar
  • Eat at: El Faro de Reñaca (Seafood), La Rotonda (Peruvian cuisine)
  • Tips: Check out local markets for souvenirs and handicrafts.

Day 6: Explore Providencia & Parque O’Higgins

  • Stay at: Hotel W Santiago (Modern luxury hotel)
  • Eat at: Aubergine (French cuisine), La Piojera (Typical choripan), or Vega Central Market in Providencia
  • Visit: Parque O’Higgins, Costanera Center (Shopping mall with an observation deck), Cementerio General de Santiago (Historic cemetery)
  • Tips: Rent a bike to explore the parks and neighborhoods.

Day 7: Last Day & Departure

  • Eat at: Any favorite restaurant from previous days, or try Puduero Taller de Asados for Argentinean steak
  • Visit: Last-minute shopping at Mall Plaza Vespucio or Almacén Paris
  • Transportation: Head to Comodoro Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport (Approx. 30 minutes from downtown)

Things to Know:

  • Santiago is located in a valley surrounded by the Andes, so it can get very cold during winter (June-August) and hot during summer (December-February).
  • Tap water is safe to drink, but bottled water is readily available.
  • Spanish is the official language, although English is spoken in tourist areas and hotels.
  • Chilean Peso is the local currency. Credit cards are widely accepted, especially in restaurants and shops.