CHILE, THE LONGEST, THINNEST country in the world, is a land of striking contrasts. In the north lies the Atacama Desert, one of the driest places on Earth. To the south, the country opens toward Patagonia, the lake district and onward to the Antarctic. Between these extremes, the broad valley west of the Andes is one of the world’s most productive agricultural regions. Santiago, the nation’s capital, sits near the center of this diverse landscape.
Reliable water running west from the towering 22,800-foot Andes keeps the valley lush and productive year-round. Santiago exemplifies the best of modern South American cities: a stable democracy, a dynamic economy and a high quality of life. The city’s energy comes from a capable, well-educated population and an optimistic, forward-looking spirit that visitors quickly notice. Locals are welcoming and helpful, making Santiago a comfortable destination for business travelers and families who want to explore the city and experience Chilean culture.
Chile’s national tourism agency, Sernatur, has its headquarters in Santiago and offers valuable visitor assistance in English at local offices open six days a week. These walk-up centers provide maps, brochures and practical information for travelers, a helpful resource for those new to the city.
Driving in Santiago’s busy traffic can be challenging for newcomers, but the Metro system offers a clean, safe and efficient alternative. The subway makes many parts of the city easy to reach for families and solo travelers, and it’s a great option for inexpensive day trips—though it’s best to avoid peak commute hours.
City skyline © TURISMO CHILE / JUAN JAEGER
No trip to Santiago is complete without a day in Chile’s wine country. Several wine regions lie within a few hours’ drive of the city center. The Maipo Valley, noted for its proximity to many luxury hotels, is about an hour away. Casablanca Valley, a full-day outing, benefits from cooling Pacific breezes that lower night temperatures—ideal for many grape varieties. The valley’s climate and soils have led some producers to predict it will become one of Chile’s premier wine regions.
Chile is now one of the world’s top wine exporters. Although categorized as “New World,” Chilean viticulture dates back to the 16th century, when Spanish settlers brought vinifera vines. One notable chapter in Chile’s wine story is the rediscovery of Carmenere. Long mistaken for Merlot, Carmenere was confirmed as a distinct variety by modern ampelography and winemaking techniques and has since become a signature red for Chile. Its rich, smoky, fruity character complements the country’s meat-focused cuisine.
To make the most of the wineries around Santiago, many visitors choose guided food-and-wine tours. These tours let travelers visit multiple estates and taste a variety of wines in a single day—more efficient and informative than attempting to drive and plan visits independently.
For a panoramic introduction to Santiago, visit the Sky Costanera observation tower in the Las Condes district. From decks nearly 1,000 feet above the city, you get sweeping views of Santiago and the Andes—an excellent start to a half-day of sightseeing that can include a walking or bike tour. For green spaces and vantage points, Cerro Santa Lucía, a historic hill that dates back to 1540, offers a central viewpoint, while Cerro San Cristóbal in Parque Metropolitano provides expansive city and mountain vistas. The park also houses the metropolitan zoo, making it a family-friendly destination. Nearby, Emporio La Rosa serves popular homemade gelato—an enjoyable treat after a day outdoors.
Santiago’s rich museum scene includes the Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes (Museo Bellas Artes), founded in 1880. The museum’s permanent and rotating exhibitions number in the thousands and cover a wide range of artistic styles. Its convenient Metro stop, Bellas Artes, makes it easy to include in an art-focused itinerary.
Mercado Central seafood market © ELXENEIZE | DREAMSTIME.COM
For lunch, head to Mercado Central, a lively seafood market featuring more than 200 food stalls and restaurants. The market is both an architectural landmark and a showcase for Chile’s abundant fish and shellfish; you’ll find live music, vivid displays and a bustling atmosphere. Plan to spend a couple of hours exploring, sampling and soaking in the experience—while keeping a close eye on your belongings in busy areas. Families with children might also enjoy KidZania, an educational theme park with immersive role-play exhibits (note that most exhibits are in Spanish).
Although traditional siestas are less common in modern Santiago, many visitors appreciate an afternoon pause—whether a hotel spa treatment or a swim to recharge for the evening ahead.
For an authentic local experience, try the historic bar La Piojera near the city center. Open since 1896, it’s a lively spot to sample a Terremoto (a sweet wine cocktail) or a pisco sour. Nightlife in Santiago tends to start late; dinners often begin around 10 p.m., and many restaurants come alive late in the evening.
Santiago also caters to families with plenty of casual dining options—fast food, pizza stands and neighborhood eateries. Barrio Bellavista is a popular area for dining and nightlife, offering a lively mix of restaurants, bars, street vendors and shops that keep the streets vibrant into the night.
Santiago Info to Go
Comodoro Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport serves direct flights from many global gateways, with non-stop service from destinations in the United States, Europe and Asia. Travelers can connect to other major South American cities as well. Ground transportation options—buses, shuttles and taxis—cover the roughly 9.3-mile trip to the city center.
Where to Stay in Santiago
CASTILLO ROJO BOUTIQUE HOTEL A charming boutique property in the lively Bellavista neighborhood offers a local atmosphere and easy access to nightlife. Constitución 195, Bellavista $$$
HOTEL SANTIAGO The Mandarin Oriental’s Santiago property sets a high standard for luxury, with remodeled rooms, a pool, spa and tranquil gardens in a city oasis. Av. Presidente Kennedy 4601, Las Condes $$$$
W SANTIAGO Contemporary luxury with a rooftop pool and bar, spa facilities and a popular nightclub. Conveniently located near the Metro. Isidora Goyenechea 3000, Las Condes $$$$
Restaurants in Santiago
LATIN GRILL Located in the Santiago Marriott Hotel, this elegant restaurant highlights Chilean seafood and meats and complements dishes with a deep wine list featuring top producers. Santiago Marriott Hotel, Av. Presidente Kennedy 5741, Las Condes $$$
NOSO Innovative cuisine from a French-trained chef with Chilean influences makes this restaurant a fine-dining favorite. Try the Patagonian lamb. W Santiago, Isidora Goyenechea 3000, Las Condes $$$$
OX A top steakhouse showcasing Chilean grass-fed beef and signature cocktails; a classic choice for meat lovers. Av. Nueva Costanera 3960, Vitacura $$$$