Santiago

Your Perfect First Day in Santiago: Landmarks, Tips & Local Life

City Essentials: First Day • 3 hours 5

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Your Perfect First Day in Santiago: Landmarks, Tips & Local Life

Explore Santiago with a flexible, local-led walk. Learn how to move through the city, where to pause, and how to feel confident from day one.

What makes this experience special

This relaxed walk helps you feel grounded in Santiago. Your host shares local context, navigation tips, and cultural insight so you can explore confidently from the start.

Key highlights

Start in Santiago’s historic heart with help from a local who knows the city
Learn how to navigate between districts and spot useful local cues
Get tips on transit, safety, café culture, and respectful daily etiquette
Choose where to pause, from shaded courtyards to creative streets
Explore at your pace, your host adapts based on your energy and interests
Understand how past and present shape Santiago’s central neighborhoods
Leave with local knowledge and confidence to explore on your own

What to know before you go

Here’s everything you need to know before your day unfolds.

At a glance What’s included Things to know

3 hours

Fully tailored to your preferences

English Other languages may be requested

Walking experience may use public transport for long distances

What’s included

Tailored itinerary based on your preferences

A knowledgeable host who knows the hidden gems

Flexible start times to fit your day

What’s not included

Food, drinks and shopping expenses

Transport fares or attraction entry fees

Meeting point

Plaza de Armas de Santiago, Pl. de Armas, 8320341 Santiago, Región Metropolitana, Chile

Cancellation

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience

What to bring

How your day could unfold

A flexible, unscripted experience designed entirely around your interests. Your host will adapt the day based on what excites you most

Here’s what your experience could look like

These are just suggestions from our hosts to inspire your day. Your host will tailor the experience to suit your interests and tastes

Meeting point

Plaza de Armas de Santiago, Pl. de Armas, 8320341 Santiago, Región Metropolitana, Chile

Plaza de Armas & Metropolitan Cathedral

Santiago’s central square and your urban compass

Your Perfect First Day in Santiago: Landmarks, Tips & Local Life

Begin in Plaza de Armas, where colonial architecture, civic life, and local rhythms meet. Your host shares how to navigate from here, pointing out key streets and offering practical tips to help you feel grounded from the start.

Paseo Bandera & Everyday Expression

A playful pedestrian street with a pulse of modern life

Step into Paseo Bandera, where bold street art, cafés, and pop-ups create a lively contrast to the historic center. Your host explains how this creative corridor reflects modern Santiago, from its murals to its daily movement.

Museo Chileno de Arte Precolombino

Choose a quiet pause or explore ancient roots

This nearby museum holds stories of Chile’s earliest cultures. You might enter to explore the galleries, or pause in the shaded courtyard. Your host shares context about Indigenous roots and how this space reflects Chilean identity.

Paris-Londres Passage

Atmosphere, architecture, and echoes of the past

Wander into a quiet pocket of cobbled streets and ivy-covered buildings. This district offers a shift in pace and perspective, with powerful memorials and layered history, your host can gently introduce if the moment feels right.

Cerro Santa Lucía Viewpoint

Panoramic context and what’s next

If you’re up for it, end with a climb to this central hill for leafy paths and sweeping views. From above, your host might point out future spots to explore or suggest a nearby place for lunch, easing you into your next steps.

Real Stories, Real Connections

See our hosts and guests creating memories

City strolls and bright conversations

A colorful embrace against iconic tiles

Relaxing on the water with friends

Balcony views and happy family vibes

Exploring grand architecture together

Tasting local flavors, one bite at a time

Capturing memories inside a stunning landmark

Immersed in Mexico’s Colorful Fiesta Spirit

Laughs on the move

Exploring Mexico City’s Bustling Streets with New Friends

Sun-Soaked Stroll Through Historic Streets

Capturing Moments by the Iconic Talavera Tiles

Toasting to Authentic Cantina Vibes

Santiago

Good Company, Great Tacos, and Cold Cervezas

See what happens when you travel unscripted!

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recommended by 99% of travelers on google

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What travelers think of our City Essentials: First Day experiences in South America

Daniel Aug 2025

Cem was an absolutely wonderful host. His enthusiasm and obvious pride in his home city made for a wonderful day. Highly recommend.

Robert Aug 2025

Jonny was an excellent guide and definitely addressed all our questions and requests.

Angie Aug 2025

Shi Unn was excellent. Knowledgeable and energetic. She catered to my tourist interests. I'm very happy we came together for this tour.

Louise Aug 2025

Alex was a great guide! Very knowledgeable and flexible. 10/10 recommend!

Savina Aug 2025

Richard was very knowledgeable, engaging and easy to work with!

Elena Aug 2025

SEE ALL REVIEWS

FAQs

Your questions, answered

Is this a traditional tour or something different?

This isn’t a traditional tour with a fixed script. It’s a fully personalized day shaped around your interests, whether it’s culture, history, neighborhoods, or hidden local spots. Your host is a knowledgeable local, more like a friend showing you their city. It’s flexible, one-on-one, and tailored entirely to you.

What if I don’t know what I want to explore?

That’s completely fine! Select an experience theme or a flexible discovery experience, and after booking, answer a few questions so your host can design the perfect experience for you.

How does personalization work?

After booking, you’ll receive a short questionnaire where you can share your interests, travel style, and any must-see spots. Based on that, we’ll match you with a local host who’ll reach out to plan your personalized itinerary..

Will I know my itinerary in advance?

Yes, you will have the opportunity to chat with your host directly and agree on a plan for the day. However, there’s always room for spontaneity and local surprises!

Will I see famous landmarks or just hidden gems?

Both! Your host will take you to iconic sights if you want to see them, but they’ll also introduce you to places and stories most travelers miss.

Can I request specific places or types of stops?

Yes! After booking, you will receive a questionnaire where you can highlight must-visit spots and anything else you’d like to include, and your host will craft your experience around them.

How much walking is involved?

This depends on the experience, but your host can adjust the pace to suit your comfort level.

Can I change the meeting place?

Yes, you will be in touch with your host before your experience, and you can agree on a different meeting point with them. Your host can meet you anywhere central that’s convenient.

Can my host meet me at my accommodation?

Hotel meet-ups are available upon request in central areas. If you're staying outside the city, your host will recommend the best meeting spot and guide you with directions.