Santiago De Chile - Top 6 Places To Visit

Santiago is the largest city and the capital of the country located in the valley and enclosed by the Andes mountainous range. Santiago has numerous attractions that make it a perfect holiday destination especially because of its culture, history, and beauty. 

1. Plaza de Armas

A known square in Santiago is the Plaza de Armas; it is the city’s most central square. The plaza with colonnades of the Santiago Metropolitan Cathedral and the Central Post Office Building was the heart of Chile’s life since the foundation of the city in 1541. Today it is a busy social hub with stalls, musicians, and tourists sunning themselves under the palm trees and clustered around the fountain. Be sure to take a chance to find a good bench to watch people or stroll around and find one of the numerous restaurants or cafes with terraces.

2. Cerro San Cristobal

If you are a fan of breathtaking views of Santiago and the Andes, be sure to go to Cerro San Cristobal. However, the easiest one is through the funicular though you can still trek on the top. On the top of the hill, you have a 22-meter-long statue of the Virgin Mary and there is a possibility to go up to an observation platform with a stunning view of the whole city. On the day if the weather is fine, you may even get glimpses of the Aconcagua Peak and the Pacific Ocean. The wooded trails are also lovely for an amble.

3. La Chascona

Pablo Neruda, the world-famous Chilean poet will be a topic of interest for which you cannot afford to miss La Chascona, one of the greatest art masterpieces and one of the main attractions in the city. This house museum is quite peculiar with its design and interiors, and with hidden doors, colorful glass, shells, and other pirate-themed trinkets and objects that belonged to this poet, this place provides a unique look into the poet’s life. Do not ignore the gardens, especially if they are as calm and lovely as the ones in Othello. Pay attention to the details surrounding the home; everywhere you look, there are hidden references to his poems.

4. Chilean Museum of Pre-Columbian Art

Described by many as Chile’s best museum of pre-Columbian art and pieces, Museo Chileno de Arte Precolombino houses a representative collection of original art from ancient Central and South America. It is important to note that the museum displays mummies, fabrics, ornaments, ceramics, and sculptures of the Inca, Aztec, Maya, and Mapuche natives of Chile. In many cases, the development of these societies has been documented and actual ancient burial chambers, pyramids, etc. under the museum can be accessed by the explorers. There are also English tours that are very common among both local and international visitors.

5. Mercado Central

Constructed in a style that resembles the early twentieth-century open-air market architecture, Mercado Central Santiago is more like a huge wrought iron structure and is the best place to get fresh seafood in town. Markets have been trading in this place since 1872 although the original structure is not visible today. Arrive with an appetite and prepare for dishes you’ll find in the territories, such as ceviche, Chilean sea bass, oysters, and king crab. There are also small restaurants and stalls here and there preparing sandwiches or tasty empanadas for some quick snack. It will also be wise to taste the famous Pisco Sour which is a traditional cocktail of this country.

6. Barrio Lastarria

To buy young and stylish clothes, coffee shops or just walk around the city join beautiful Barrio Lastarria in the historical center of the city. During the daytime, tourists walk along the pavements of the neighborhood where stores, museums, and restaurants are located around Lastarria Square. What about nightlife? The area has an active nightlife with live music performances, bars, and clubs opening at night. Visit of one of the legendary cantinas, with its marvelous buildings including the impressive Santa Lucia Hill with lovely fountains. So much in such a confined area is quite amazing and the charm of Barrio Lastarria is unforgettable.

From stunning landscapes to diverse traditions, and from a pulsating atmosphere to monuments and attractions that refer to the world’s greatest destinations, Santiago has a lot to offer to all kinds of travelers. For culture vultures, gourmands, art lovers, and even adventurers, there is no shortage of activities to engage in within the country’s vibrant capital city. 

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