What to do in Santiago, Chile?

1. Cerro San Cristóbal

Category: Free/Cultural/Sports

Description: It was complicated for us to choose which places, or which square, you should visit first. In the end, we thought about it. Before starting to visit museums, cultural sites, or indulging in a few hours of shopping, why not take a good breath of fresh air? What we suggest is that you go to the "Bellavista" neighborhood, towards what is called "Cerro San Cristóbal". Described as the green lung of the island, this 880-meter hill extending over nearly 722 hectares constitutes a delightful outdoor walk for nature lovers and athletes seeking thrills. The landscape? We prefer not to tell you anything, we'll leave you the surprise! Small spoiler (if we can call it a spoiler), the statue of the Virgin Mary that proudly dominates the hill, as if standing on her throne, is a superb place for successful photos!

2. Stroll around Plaza de Armas

Category: €€/Gastronomic/Cultural

Description: After visiting the green lung of the island, go down to one of the most magical places you will have had the chance to experience in your life: the historic heart of the city is there, within reach, "Plaza de Armas". A true vestige of time and part of history, this magnificent square dates back to the time of the mythical Spanish conquistador, "Pedro de Valdivia". One thing is certain: you will love walking on the paths adorned with multicolored flowers and trees whose branches offer you a precious and invigorating shade. If you're traveling with your little family, why not stop for a few moments to taste a delicious sweet treat that the capital has the secret to? But before sitting down with your legs crossed on a terrace, don't miss visiting the cathedral, as well as the various palaces and museums that are the pride of the country.

3. Catedral Metropolitana de Santiago

Category: €€/Cultural

Description: Are you still around Plaza de Armas? Walking along the pedestrian streets, turn your gaze 360°. There, you will come face to face with the Metropolitan Cathedral of Santiago, Chile, more commonly called "Catedral Metropolitana de Santiago". Here is a visit that will remain forever engraved in your memory. Open every day from 10am to 7pm, except weekends from 9am to 1:30pm, the walls of the place contain all the history and culture of the city. Endowed with complex architecture, with its paintings and ornate interior, the cathedral with neoclassical inspirations evokes for many a place of reflection, whose peaceful yet electric atmosphere carries us towards a whirlwind of unforgettable memories. Considered by many as one of the most beautiful pieces of religious architecture in all of South America, let yourself be guided by a quiet visit, where you will discover the archbishop of Santiago.

4. The Palacio de la Moneda

Category: €€/Cultural

Description: We're telling you in advance, the visit to the Palacio de la Moneda must be booked at least three weeks in advance. Needless to say, you have to plan early! But for the curious who would pass in front of this imposing building and dream of being able to set foot there, you will be happy to cast your gaze towards this immense edifice. Welcome to the red, yellow and blue salons! Open Monday to Friday from 10am to 6:30pm, your palace tour will take you to rooms that even your wildest dreams couldn't imagine. Thus, you will understand how this mythical place was once the scene of a violent coup d'état during the 1970s. By exploring the cultural center located in the basement, you will learn more about the country's history, as well as its customs and culture. A key event not to miss? The official changing of the guard, an interesting ceremony that you will be glad to attend.

5. The Chilean Museum of Pre-Columbian Art

Category: €€/Cultural

Description: Closed on Mondays, but open every other day of the week from 10am to 6pm, head to "Bandera 361" street. There are a whole bunch of museums to discover in Santiago, Chile, but if there's one you absolutely must visit, it's the "Chilean Museum of Pre-Columbian Art". When you cross the neoclassical-toned facade, you will enter a place containing complete collections on all pre-Columbian civilizations. After visiting the room dedicated to the native peoples of Chile, come and venture towards the great South American cultural spaces: The Caribbean, Mesoamerica, and even the Andes to the Amazon. Through this journey through time, you will understand the way of life of the Mayans, Aztecs, and even the Incas. Their rituals, their traditions, and their way of life will thus no longer hold any secrets for you.

6. Visit the Barrio de Bellavista neighborhood

Category: €€/Cultural/Gastronomic

Description: To conclude your stay, how about a little night trip to one of the most atypical neighborhoods in South America? Watch out, you might be dazzled! The Bellavista neighborhood is known for its colors, drawings, tags, and frescoes that overlook and dress the walls of the houses. You easily need three good hours to explore it entirely. Not to mention that the place is known for containing delicious restaurants, whose smell escaping from the kitchens easily makes you want to eat. On the program, plenty of shops and small cafes await you in this lively neighborhood that contrasts with the rest of the city. Enter a universe of drawing, phantasmagorical stories, and thrilling encounters.