Essential Santiago: Famous Sights & Local Secrets

Begin in Plaza de Armas, where the grand Metropolitan Cathedral sits amid buskers, benches, and daily bustle. You might step inside to admire baroque interiors or linger outside, people-watching with your host as stories unfold around you.

Just a short walk from the plaza, this once-ordinary street now pulses with color and creativity. You might follow the flow of vivid murals or step aside into a quieter passage nearby. Whether you’re drawn to bold visuals or a more reflective pause, your host responds to the mood.

Step through the red walls of Casa Colorada, where early maps and creaky floors hint at Santiago’s layered origins. You could take time upstairs with exhibits or catch your breath in the shady inner courtyard.

Climb or meander through this iconic hill, once a volcano, now shaped by leafy terraces and quiet corners. Your host might lead you to sweeping views, or pause at a quiet fountain or tucked-away staircase. Each level offers something different, shaped by your pace.

In Lastarria, independent shops, old cinemas, and shaded plazas invite you to slow down. You might follow live music into a side street, browse local crafts, or simply sit and watch the neighborhood flow around you. It’s a space that shifts with your pace and mood.

Hidden in Bellavista’s backstreets, La Chascona reveals Pablo Neruda’s imaginative world. Your host might guide you through its whimsical, ship-like design or you could pause in the garden with his words. Some explore every detail, others keep it light, it’s up to you.

If there’s time and energy left, your host can suggest a fitting finale. You might opt for the buzz of Patio Bellavista or ride the funicular up Cerro San Cristóbal for a quiet city view. Some linger, others wind down. This moment is yours.