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Things to Do in Santiago (2026)
Begin your Santiago journey at Plaza de Armas, the historic heart of the city. Surrounded by landmarks like the Metropolitan Cathedral and the Central Post Office, it's… 🏛️ Start at Plaza de Armas
Begin your Santiago journey at Plaza de Armas, the historic heart of the city. Surrounded by landmarks like the Metropolitan Cathedral and the Central Post Office, it's a great spot to people-watch and join free walking tours. Tours typically depart at 10:00 AM and 3:00 PM daily.
🏔️ Ride the Funicular to San Cristóbal Hill
For panoramic views of the city and Andes, take the funicular up Cerro San Cristóbal in Parque Metropolitano. The ride costs around 3,000 CLP round trip, and at the top you'll find a statue of the Virgin Mary and a small chapel. Go early morning to avoid crowds and catch the best light.
🎨 Explore Bellavista and Lastarria
These two bohemian neighborhoods are packed with street art, boutique shops, and excellent restaurants. In Bellavista, don't miss La Chascona, one of Pablo Neruda's houses (admission 7,000 CLP). Lastarria is quieter, with a lovely plaza and the Museum of Visual Arts (free on Sundays).
🍷 Wine Tasting in the Maipo Valley
Just an hour south of Santiago, the Maipo Valley is Chile's premier wine region. Book a tour at Concha y Toro (the largest vineyard) or the smaller, family-run Viña Santa Rita. Tastings start at 15,000 CLP and often include a guided walk through the vineyards and cellars.
🚇 Getting Around by Metro
Santiago's Metro is clean, safe, and efficient, with seven lines covering most tourist areas. A single ride costs 720 CLP (peak) or 640 CLP (off-peak), and you can buy a rechargeable Bip! card at any station. Avoid rush hours (8-9 AM and 6-7 PM) if possible.
🛍️ Shop at Mercado Central
For a taste of local life, head to Mercado Central, a historic iron-and-glass building filled with seafood stalls and casual eateries. Try a classic paila marina (seafood stew) at Donde Augusto for around 10,000 CLP. The market is open daily from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
🎭 Catch a Show at Barrio Italia
Barrio Italia is a trendy area known for its vintage shops, design stores, and cultural venues. In the evenings, check out Teatro Nescafé de las Artes for live music or theater performances. Tickets range from 10,000 to 30,000 CLP, and the neighborhood is lively until late.
🌮 Eat Like a Local at a Picada
Skip the tourist traps and dine at a picada, a no-frills local eatery serving traditional Chilean food. Try El Hoyo in the city center for a hearty plate of pastel de choclo (corn pie) for about 8,000 CLP. These spots are usually cash-only and close by 4:00 PM.
The walking tours from Plaza de Armas are solid, but I'd add that the free tours usually run on tips, so bring a few thousand pesos per person. The guides often know little shortcuts around the city that aren't in any guidebook.
A detail about Cerro San Cristobal that the guide leaves out is that you can also hike up through the park if the funicular line is long. It takes about 40 minutes from the base near Pio Nono street, and there's a nice shaded path most of the way. The view from the top is just as rewarding when you've earned it on foot.
For anyone visiting La Chascona in Bellavista, book your ticket online a day ahead. Walk-ups often wait an hour or more, especially on weekends. The house itself is small but packed with Neruda's quirky collections, from seashells to ship figureheads.
One thing I'd add about the Mercado Central is that the seafood is freshest in the morning, right when it opens at 7. By noon the place gets packed with tour groups and the energy shifts from local market to tourist hub. The paila marina is still good, just different atmosphere.
If you're in Barrio Italia on a weekend, there's a small flea market on Avenida Italia near the metro stop that locals actually shop at. I found vintage leather jackets and old vinyl records for a fraction of what you'd pay in Bellavista. It runs from
for the barrio italia flea market, it's more like a street fair on saturdays and sundays with artisans and vintage stuff, not a full-on flea market but still worth a wander if you're already in the area. also if you're up for a longer walk from lastarria, head to barrio paris-londres, it's a tiny neighborhood with cobblestone streets and old architecture that feels totally different from the rest of santiago, great for photos and super quiet compared to bellavista
honestly the Maipo Valley tip is spot on but id say skip Concha y Toro if you want a more chill experience. I did a tour at Viña Undurraga instead and it was way less crowded, the guide let us take our time in the cellar and the tasting was super generous for like 12,000 CLP. Feels more authentic than the big tourist buses at Concha y Toro
Cultural Etiquette in Santiago: What Not to Do (2026)
When meeting someone in Santiago, a handshake is standard for business, but friends often greet with a single kiss on the right cheek, even between men and women. Always greet… 👋 Greeting Customs
When meeting someone in Santiago, a handshake is standard for business, but friends often greet with a single kiss on the right cheek, even between men and women. Always greet the eldest or most senior person first, and use titles like 'Señor' or 'Señora' unless invited to use first names. Avoid hugging or back-slapping on first meetings, as Chileans value personal space initially.
⛪ Religious Site Rules
When visiting the Metropolitan Cathedral on Plaza de Armas, dress modestly: cover shoulders and knees, and remove hats before entering. Silence your phone and avoid loud conversations inside, as Mass may be in progress. Photography is allowed without flash, but never take photos during the consecration or of people praying without permission.
🍽️ Dining Etiquette
At restaurants like Peumayén or Liguria, wait to be seated and never start eating until the host says 'buen provecho'. Use a fork and knife for most foods, including pizza and fruit, and never use your hands except for bread. Tipping is not mandatory but 10% is customary for good service; check if 'servicio incluido' is already on the bill.
🥢 Chopstick Taboos
While chopsticks are rare in Chilean cuisine, you may encounter them at Asian restaurants like Osaka or Sushi Kuni. Never stick chopsticks upright in a bowl of rice, as it resembles funeral incense, and avoid passing food directly from chopsticks to another's chopsticks. Rest them on the provided holder or the edge of your plate when not in use.
👗 Dress Codes
Santiaguinos dress smartly, even casually: avoid shorts and flip-flops in the city, especially in upscale neighborhoods like Las Condes or Vitacura. For fine dining or nightlife, men should wear collared shirts and closed shoes, while women often wear dresses or elegant separates. In summer, lightweight fabrics are fine, but always carry a light jacket for cool evenings.
🤫 Public Behavior
Chileans speak at a moderate volume, so keep your voice low on the Metro and in cafes like Café Colonia. Do not point with your finger; use an open hand instead. When queuing, always wait your turn and avoid cutting in line, as this is a serious social faux pas. Public displays of affection are fine, but loud or disruptive behavior is frowned upon.
📸 Photography Rules
Always ask permission before photographing people, especially in markets like La Vega Central or in indigenous communities. In museums like the Museo de la Memoria, photography is often prohibited; look for signs or ask staff. Drones are heavily regulated in Santiago, so do not fly one without checking local permits.
💬 Language and Politeness
Learn a few Spanish phrases like 'por favor' and 'gracias', as English is not widely spoken outside tourist areas. Use 'usted' instead of 'tú' when addressing strangers or older people, as it shows respect. If you make a mistake, a simple 'disculpe' goes a long way.
the cheek kiss thing can trip people up, if u go for it at a business meeting it's awkward, wait for her to offer first honestly. also the "a la chilena" handshake is fun but don't force it, it'll happen naturally with older dudes. one thing nobody mentioned is that chileans love to talk about the weather, but not in a small talk way, more like complaining about the smog or the heat, join in and u'll fit right in. also, if u're in a cafe and someone says "oye, te invito", they mean they'll pay for ur coffee, don't fight it, just say gracias and return the favor next time. and for the love of god, don't wear a poncho unless ur actually cold, it's a tourist thing and locals will clock u instantly.
solid guide. one thing i'd add is the "a la chilena" handshake thing, where you shake hands but also touch forearms, older guys do it all the time. also don't be surprised if people stand super close in conversation, personal space is way smaller here than in the US. and yeah, the dress code thing is real, even for a casual beer at a bar in bellavista you'll feel underdressed in shorts. for the metro, keep ur bag in front of you, pickpocketing happens but it's not crazy. also, if someone says "ya po" a lot, that's just them agreeing, not being rude.
honestly the "buen provecho" thing is real but it's not just at restaurants, people say it at work lunches or even if you're eating at a friend's house. also if you're invited to someone's home, bring a small dessert or wine, nothing fancy, a box of chocolates from a shop in providencia works. one thing the guide missed is that chileans are super punctual for business but for social stuff it's normal to be 15-20 min late, don't stress it. and the metro at rush hour is brutal, avoid 8-9am and 6-7pm if you can, it's packed but safe, just keep ur phone in ur pocket