Santiago is home to many international corporations and Chile's cultural, political, and financial center. It is the capital and largest city in a valley surrounded by the snow-capped Andes and the Chilean Coast Range. Its museums, bars, cafes, restaurants, events, and theaters make the place worth visiting. You'll also discover the beautiful handicraft market, city streets, original and beautiful art galleries, international festivals, and outstanding cuisine. Make time to visit the local parks and gardens while taking a shore excursion in Santiago.
Santiago has it all, whether it's the breathtaking views from San Cristóbal's hilltop or the snow-covered Andean peaks, impressive skyscrapers, colonial architecture, or soaring peaks. Explore these highlights to get started.
If you're unfamiliar with the city, a walking tour is a great way to get to know it. Tour companies in the area organize well-organized excursions with knowledgeable and friendly guides. Tour guides tend to accept tips for the services they provide, but walking tours are generally free. There are a lot of tours in Santiago that highlight the city's impressive art-deco architecture in other areas.
Santiago's street art attracts both visitors and locals alike. Graffiti artists in Santiago are symbolic of the city's artistic character, which does not limit itself to museums. With growing international flair, the city draws influence from everywhere. Some of Chile's most popular tourist attractions include many well-known and newly created street art pieces. While INTI and Lord K2 are world-famous, dozens of other artists are transforming the city with their murals, stencils, and spray cans. Chile's central neighborhoods, including Lastarria, Brasil, and Bellavista, are full of them. In Downtown Santiago, you can also find them on Paseo Bandera, a pedestrianized street that's been painted.
The Maipo Valley is famous for its aromatic vino and picturesque scenery. Within an hour's drive of central Santiago, a handful of small wineries produce flavorful red wines, especially cabernet sauvignon. Concha y Toro is regarded as one of the most prestigious wineries in the Maipo Valley. The tasting room of Concha y Toro in Pirque, an important wine-producing area about 15 miles southeast of Santiago, offers a variety of wine and small dishes and vineyard tours every day. Chile's Casablanca Valley, located about 50 miles northwest of Santiago, is also home to several venerable and upcoming wineries. Many wineries in this region make top-flight Sauvignon Blancs and Pinot Noirs. The Casablanca Valley Wine Producers Association website makes it easy to plan a trip to the various wineries throughout the valley without reserving a vehicle.
Many faces characterize the capital city of Chile. Still, one thing is sure: Santiago is a destination you should not miss out on while in the country. Santiago, Chile, is a well-known city in South America; travelers have a lot to do there whether they plan to visit for a day or a few hours.
Visit La Casona de Curacaví, which dates back to 1840, an example of a colonial-style house in the Curacaví Valley. Enjoy a stroll along the estate's lush grounds sprinkled with beautiful orange trees and blooming gardens, and then look at the estate's seasonal handicrafts. At the same time, you can indulge in a delicious empanada accompanied by local wine.
The Palacio de la Moneda can be found in Santiago's historic downtown area. As well as serving as the Chilean President's residence, the building was constructed as a coin mint. As you walk through Constitutional Square and look for the National Congress building, you can take in the modernist colonial architecture of the Civic District.
Enjoy panoramic views of Santiago and the Maipo Valley by taking the funicular rail up San Cristóbal Hill or walking it. Santiago Metropolitan Park is the city's largest public park, featuring a 22-meter statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary and an amphitheater. You can also find a zoo and a stunning Japanese garden at the base of the hill.
The upscale neighborhood of Barrio Italia lies southeast of the city center. It boasts charming cafes, hip bars, and beautiful restaurants. In addition, there is an antique district where you can browse bric-a-brac and restored furniture. With the best selection of boutique hotels, and happening hostels, Barrio Italia is the best area to stay in Chile.
