Santiago is one of those cities that are the perfect representation of old and new, traditional and modern. We can all agree that this type of places have some special atmosphere that transports you through centuries anywhere you go. Even though for some of us this is a good enough reason to put this city on our bucket list, but if you are still not convinced, keep reading this article, because we are going to provide you with a list of places that will take your breath away.
Most of these tourist attractions you can visit on your own, if you have enough time, of course. However, if you are time restricted and want to get to most of the experience, you go on a Santiago Chile Tour that you can sign up for on Tour HQ
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Plaza de Armas
Source: flickr
We have to start our list with Plaza de Armas because it is the main square of Santiago thus the center of the city. Here, you will see many monuments one of which is dedicated to Pedro de Valdivia, the founder of Santiago. The square was designed by Pedro de Gamboa in 1541. There are also multiple historic buildings surrounding this square such as the Metropolitan Cathedral of Santiago, Palacio de la Real Audiencia de Santiago, Central Post Office Building, and so on.
As you can assume, since this place is the main point of the city but also because of its historic value, it is always packed with tourists and locals. Take a stroll around to see some significant buildings but also to observe street musicians and painters who sell their work. Having a picture of the city painted by a local artist is always a great souvenir, don’t you agree?
Cerro San Cristóbal
Source: duna
This hill is located in the northern area of Santiago and it is the second-highest peak after Cerro Renca. You can hike to the top to see the Mills Observatory that was installed in 1903. There is also a statue of the Virgin Mary that is 22 meters high and that overlooks the city. There are also a chapel and amphitheater that are dedicated to the Immaculate Conception.
On this hill, there is also a National Zoo which is a great activity if you are traveling with young kids and two swimming pools that are open during the summer months. Because of the spectacular view of the entire city of Santiago, this place has to be on your list. Just go and take a walk in the evening and enjoy the mesmerizing atmosphere that is created by lights placed around the statue of the Virgin Mary. They also ensure that it is seen throughout the day and night from different areas of the city.
Museo de la Memoria y de Los Derechos Humanos
Source: museodelamemoria
The Museum of Memory and Human Rights was opened in 2010 on the 200th anniversary of Chilean independence. It is dedicated to the victims of the civic-military regime that started in 1973 and lasted until 1990. It was led by Augusto Pinochet.
Go on a guided Santiago Tour and learn about the Pinochet himself, but also about his politics. There are multiple exhibitions such as “Human Rights, universal challenge”, “Repression and Torture”, “The Pain of the Children”, “Absence and Memory”, “Return to Hope”, and so on.
The entrance to the museum is free, and this is a perfect opportunity for you to learn about the history of the country.
Museo Chileno de Arte Precolombino
Source: inspirock
The Chilean Museum of Pre-Columbian Art is one of those buildings that we have already mentioned that is located in the vicinity of the main square. The museum was established in 1981 by Chilean architect Sergio Larraín García-Moreno.
Here, you will see a collection of items such as sculptures, pottery, monuments, and other artwork from the Pre-Columbian period. These artifacts were collected from Central and South America, and the entire exhibition is divided into four sections.
There is an entrance ticket that you have to pay in order to visit these exhibitions, but if you find yourself in Santiago over the weekend, especially Sunday, you can enter the museum for free.
La Chanscona House
Source: architectontheroad
If you are a poet lover, and Pablo Neruda is one of your favorites, then you cannot go to Santiago and not visit his home. The overall style of the house reflects Neruda’s passions, especially the love of the sea. Inside you will be able to see a painting that Neruda gifted to Matilde Urrutia, which shows her with two faces – one represents her as a signer and a person people loved, and the other profile depicts her as a woman he loved.
The house is located in the Barrio Bellavista and it was renovated by Matilda after it was damaged in 1973 during the military coup. Today, the house is managed by the Pablo Neruda Foundation.
Parque Forestal
Source: pinterest
While visiting all this historical building, you will need a moment to slow down and relax. Our recommendation is to visit this park that is located near the Plaza Baquedano and Estación Mapocho, a former train station. This is a perfect place to take a few moments for yourself and enjoy the greenery around you.
Because it is connected with Balmaceda Park, it is the largest greenery area in the city, along the Mapocho River. As it is to be expected, there are some monuments that you should visit – The German Fountain, the Monument to Writers of Independence, and the Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes (The Chilean National Museum of Fine Arts).
Los Domínicos and Santa Lucía markets
Source: theculturetrip
We believe that visiting markets is the best way to explore the everyday life of the locals. There are numerous street markets in Santiago, but these two are the most popular ones. Not only will you have the opportunity to get familiar with Chilean tradition and folklore but also, here, you will find the souvenirs at the best prices.
Go and try local dishes that, according to many, are the enough reason to plan the trip to Santiago. It comes as no surprise that their cuisine revolves around seafood. Some of the most popular dishes are Completo (a Chilean variation of hot dog), Lomo a lo Pobre, Pastel de Choclo y Humitas, Chilean Empanadas, and so on.
Finally, do not forget about the wine. Many vineyards are in close vicinity of Santiago and you can get there by metro. Go on a short road trip and taste wines that people all around the world adore, and see how they are made firsthand.
