Santiago de Chile

La Moneda is the Presidential palace and with  its white walls and european-style architecture. You can see the guard change-over, an impressive spectacle of military conduct, at 10am on alternate days. La Moneda was witness of the  1973 e bombing of the palace and the suicide of the President, Salvador Allende in the Military cou . Visiting is free, but you run the risk of it being closed for government events. Taking a tour, although informative, can be expensive and requires pre-booking, but may be worth the effort for those particularly interested in the country’s political history.

Address: La Moneda, Moneda S/N, Santiago, Región Metropolitana, Chile

Considered the historical centre of Santiago, the Plaza de Armas is an important square to modern day Chile.Surrounded by many historic buildings, such as the Metropolitan Cathedral, the Central Post Office and the Royal Court Palace and lined palm trees. 

Within the square, is a locals meeting point  and local artists expose their work,  but in general it is a highly multicultural area. You will also find some monuments like the  one dedicated to Pedro de Valdivia, the founder of the city. This is a good place to get a taste of Santiago and its city culture.

Its official name is Parque Metropolitano, Cerro San Cristobal lies in the middle of Santiago. It’s got a 300 meter summit: hike (approx 45 minutes up), cycle or take a funicular which stops at different levels of the hill. Amongst various other activities and attractions, you will find the National Zoo, a Japanese-style garden and two outdoor swimming pools open during the summer. At the summit is an impressive snow white 22 meter statue of the Virgin Mary looking out onto a spectacular panoramic view of the city; this view is a must see in Santiago.

Address: Pio Nono 445, Recoleta Parque Metropolitano de Santiago

In the heart of Santiago is located the Historical Santa Lucía Hill, founded with the city itself by the Conquerors.  Lushfull vegetation, great views of the mountains and the city  and an interesting place to visit: It has access stairs, and in the side, an elevator that facilitates its ascent.

Among the main attractions of the Santa Lucía Hill are the great Monumental Access by the Alameda Avenue, the Terrace and Fountain of Neptune, the Caupolicán Terrace with its statue of this indigenous leader and the Pedro de Valdivia Terrace, as well as the tower-viewpoint of the summit that allows to dominate the whole city from there.

Address:Avenida Libertador Bernardo O’Higgins y Avenida Santa Lucía (Metro Santa Lucía – Línea 1)

From Mon to Sun: 09:00 a 20:00 hrs

The Central Market of Santiago or simply Mercado Central is a market for the sale of food, mainly fish and seafood, located in the Chilean capital. It is located in the commune of Santiago, considered the historical center of the city. 1 The building was started in 1869 and was inaugurated in  1872.  .It was declared a Historic Monument and is part of the “Santiago Patrimonial”. You also enjoy a fresh and delicious  fish and seafood lunch in one of the many restaurants located inside.

Address: Calle San Pablo 967 – Santiago Metro Puente Cal y Canto – Línea 2

Fri: 06:00- 20 hrs 

Sat: 06:-18:00 hrs 

Mon,Tue,Wed,Thu,Sun: 18:00-17:00 hrs

The Vega Central Market is a collage of colors, flavors and smells from the fertile lands of Chile, which changes with each season. The history of this market is long, farmers and merchants have come to La Vega since colonial times and was founded  in 1912 as a formal market, but most of the structures you see today are from later, its not the cleanest, its  chaotic and crowded, but if you want to experience local , its a must!

Dirección Antonia López de Bello 760, Recoleta

From Mon to Sun 08:00 – 18:00 hrs

The Casa Museo La Chascona was one of the three houses that belonged to the poet Pablo Neruda and where he lived until the end of his days. The name of the house is due to Matilde Urrutia, who was Neruda’s  last wife, and who the poet affectionately called “La Chascona” (Chilean expression meaning disheveled) because of her great red hair.

Pablo Neruda was a sea lover, and designed his houses resembling a ship. As well the “La Chascona” is located on the slopes of the San Cristobal hill, so one of the things that stands out is the abundance of stairs. The house itself is a labyrinth of rooms many of which are not connected to each other, a house surrounded by gardens and invites discovery. 

Monday: Closed, Tuesday to Sunday: 10:00 – 18:00 hrs (Jan and Feb until 19:00 hrs)

Address: Fernando Marqués de la Plata 0192, Barrio Bellavista, Providencia.

This museum hosts an invaluable collection of Pre-Columbian art including pottery, sculptures, monuments and other artifacts. The museum represents all the people and cultures from Chilean territory before it was occupied and conquered by the Spanish. This is a truly incredible museum and the ticket price contributes to the museum’s maintenance. However, if you’d rather not pay, it is free every Sunday.

Address: Bandera 361, Santiago de Chile

The Museum of Fine Arts, also referred to as the Museum of Contemporary Art is located in the Parque Forestal.  Here you can view an extensive collection of Chilean art as well as a broader collection of South American pieces,from the  19th century until today.. first established in 1880 and later moved to its current building, it’s the oldest galley in the continent. Entry was made free in March 2015, opening its gates to allow everyone to enjoy its sample of Chilean culture.

Address:Parque Forestal S/N, Santiago, Región Metropolitana, Chile

Mon: Closed

Tue to Sat: 10:00 – 18:45 hrs

The Bellavista neighborhood features graffiti-lined streets with cafes, art galleries and boutique shops. Here, you’ll find hip cocktail bars and eclectic eateries next to antique homes and colonial mansions. Full of trendy cool artsy crowds,creative energy, with laid-back vibes, Bellavista is a popular hangout spot among travelers and locals alike. Though Bellavista is one of Santiago’s most frequented neighborhoods, thievery is not uncommon at night, so stay alert and avoid exploring the neighborhood alone in the evening.

Valparaíso is an important touristic and historical port  at 116 km from santiago ( 1 hr drive) with a particular geography where the hills mix with the coast, and has got several viewpoints with splendid ocean views. 

Walk along the oldest hills of the city (Cerro Alegre and Concepción) and admire  the colonial English architecture, contemporary museums, gardens and small squares, hidden viewpoints between houses and balconies.  Valparaíso also has “La Sebastiana”, one of the houses of the poet Pablo Neruda with its unique style and charm.

If you are an outdoor activities lover and you have some time in Santiago, this is a popular getaway for locals in search of contact with nature. The Maipo Canyon “Cajón del Maipo” offers a range of activities to enjoy a day out. In winter (June to August), snow falls and covers the mountains, allowing ski sessions.If you want to spend more than a day in these surroundings, there are accommodations and camping places.

There’s a direct shuttle bus leaving from outside the metro stations Bellavista de la Florida, Las Mercedes, and Plaza de Puente Alto. By car, it’s a bit more than 1 hour to the closest hamlet called El Melocotón; You can also book a day tour from a professional agency. Bring sunscreen, a hat, and a wind jacket, as it can be quite hot in the sun and turn very cold in the shade.

What you can do there: 

• hiking, horse riding
• rafting, bungee jumping, canyoning
• skiing and other snow activities (only in winter)
• stargazing
• thermal baths

Wine lovers! Attention: 

The Maipo Valley with small wine producers — renowned for their reds, especially cabernet sauvignon — can be found within an hour’s drive of central Santiago.

The Casablanca Valley (about 50 miles northwest of Santiago). This region teems with wineries that produce top-tier Sauvignon Blancs and Pinot Noirs.

Tour costs and hours vary by winery.

Restaurant & wine bar with an extensive wine list and expert sommeliers. They have been focused on being the Chilean Wine Showcase, with one of the most extensive and awarded wine lists in Chile. 

Jose Victorino Lastarria 276, Lastarria

Phone +56 2 2638 9893

Design menu with organic and small producers and ingredients. very expensive.

Av. San José María Escrivá de Balaguer 5970, Región Metropolitana, Chile.

Phone: +56 2 2953 8893

Chilean fusion with tasting menus and salads, soups, fish and meat, always inspired by the native people.

Constitución 136, Providencia. Metropolitan region

They truly applies hospitality to customer service. Privileged place with bartenders and mixologists who really know what they are doing. They have a super long menu of Chilean and Peruvian Piscos. 

Jose Victorino Lastarria 282. Santiago Metropolitan Region

Phone: +56 2 2664 0584

A cuisine based on the traditional flavors of Chile, with a touch of signature cuisine from the chef Cristián Correa.

José Victorino Lastarria 307, Barrio Lastarria, Región Metropolitana Santiago de Chile

Phone: +56 2 2638 4931

Since 1935, El Galeón offers  seafood restaurant, locos, lobster, spider crab, clams, southern hake, conger eel, crab, cebiche, octopus, sea urchins

Address: San Pablo 943, Mercado Central, Loc 26, 81-82, Región Metropolitana, Chile

Phone:  +56 2 2696 4258

If you feel like having a good steak the Eladio is specialized in beef and grill. 

Address: Pío Nono 251, Providencia

Phone: +54 2 2231 4224

Trendy and artsy atmosphere in this bar restaurant to try some of the delicacies of the pacific seafood. 

Address: Constitución 111, Bellavista

Phone: +56 2 2738 0288

Revolving restaurant with views of the city and international menu, including steaks, seafood and pasta.

Address: Av. Nueva Providencia 2250, P 16, Providencia, Región Metropolitana

Phone: +56 2 2232 1827

Since 1939 starting as a “picada place” today it serves typical Chilean food, famous barbecues while you enjoy a show of Chilean folklore music.

Address: Av. Ricardo Cumming 1031

Phone: +56 2 2566 4660