Santiago in 5 days

Chile's snow-capped capital, where the Andes loom over wine, markets and rooftop bars. Best time to visit: September-November and March-May (spring and autumn). Average daily budget: $55 to $130 USD.

Day 1, Get oriented

Base: Bellavista, Bohemian district at the foot of San Cristóbal hill, full of street art, bars and restaurants.

Morning: Ride up Cerro San Cristóbal. Take the funicular for panoramic city and Andes views from the hilltop.

Afternoon: Explore Bellavista, Bohemian district at the foot of San Cristóbal hill, full of street art, bars and restaurants.

Evening: Visit the Pre-Columbian Art Museum. Explore one of Latin America's finest collections of indigenous artefacts.

Eat: Fresh ceviche and machas a la parmesana at Mercado Central

Day 2, Iconic sights

Base: Lastarria, Elegant, walkable quarter with museums, cafés, galleries and weekend antique markets.

Morning: Wander Plaza de Armas. Take in the cathedral, historic buildings and street life of the old centre.

Afternoon: Explore Lastarria, Elegant, walkable quarter with museums, cafés, galleries and weekend antique markets.

Evening: Eat at Mercado Central. Sample fresh seafood and Chilean classics in the iron-framed market hall.

Eat: Empanada de pino (beef, onion, egg and olive)

Day 3, Local neighbourhoods

Base: Providencia, Comfortable, green residential area with good hotels, shops and easy metro access.

Morning: Tour a nearby winery. Day-trip to the Maipo or Casablanca valleys for tastings among the vines.

Afternoon: Explore Providencia, Comfortable, green residential area with good hotels, shops and easy metro access.

Evening: Explore Barrio Lastarria. Browse galleries, museums and cafés in the city's most charming quarter.

Eat: Chilean Carmenère and Cabernet from the Maipo Valley

Day 4, Day trip or nature

Base: Centro, The historic heart around Plaza de Armas, La Moneda palace and the central market.

Morning: Sunset from Sky Costanera, the tallest observation deck in South America.. A local favourite most visitors miss, worth the detour.

Afternoon: Explore Centro, The historic heart around Plaza de Armas, La Moneda palace and the central market.

Evening: The colourful house-museum La Chascona, one of Pablo Neruda's homes.. A local favourite most visitors miss, worth the detour.

Eat: Pastel de choclo, the classic corn-and-meat pie

Day 5, Slow finish

Base: Barrio Italia, Trendy enclave of design shops, courtyards, cafés and antique stores.

Morning: Weekend antique and book stalls in Barrio Lastarria.. A local favourite most visitors miss, worth the detour.

Afternoon: Explore Barrio Italia, Trendy enclave of design shops, courtyards, cafés and antique stores.

Evening: A short metro-and-cable-car combo up to Parque Metropolitano's quieter trails.. A local favourite most visitors miss, worth the detour.

Eat: Fresh ceviche and machas a la parmesana at Mercado Central

Hidden gems

Sunset from Sky Costanera, the tallest observation deck in South America.
The colourful house-museum La Chascona, one of Pablo Neruda's homes.
Weekend antique and book stalls in Barrio Lastarria.
A short metro-and-cable-car combo up to Parque Metropolitano's quieter trails.

Getting around

Santiago has the best metro system in South America, clean, fast, extensive and cheap, making it the backbone of getting around. Buy a rechargeable Bip! card for metro and buses. Ride apps like Uber and Cabify are affordable and convenient for areas off the metro and for nights out, and regular taxis are also available. The central neighbourhoods, Lastarria, Bellavista, Providencia and the Centro, are walkable and pleasant. For day trips to wineries, Valparaíso or the Andes, join a tour, hire a driver or use intercity buses from the modern terminals. You won't need a rental car within the city.

Safety

Santiago is among the safer capitals in South America, but petty theft and pickpocketing are common in busy areas, on the metro and around tourist sites, so keep phones, bags and valuables secure and out of sight. Be extra alert in crowded markets, at viewpoints and in the Centro, and avoid displaying expensive items. Use ride apps at night rather than walking through quiet or unfamiliar streets. Occasional protests occur around Plaza Baquedano (Plaza Italia), so check local news and steer clear of demonstrations. Solo travellers, including women, generally feel comfortable with standard urban precautions. Violent crime against tourists is uncommon.

Santiago in 3 days | Santiago in 7 days | Full Santiago guide