5-Day Itinerary of Santiago, Chile

Welcome to Santiago de Chile. After a long-haul flight, particularly when crossing multiple time zones, it is important to spend some time outside, in daylight, to reduce the effects of jet lag.

A great way to get some fresh air and sunshine is to head to the Parque Metropolitano de Santiago and take a ride on the Teleferico Santiago, a cable car that ascends to the top of Cerro San Cristóbal, where you can enjoy stunning views of the city and the surrounding mountains. If you’re feeling energetic, you can also hike to the top.

Either way, once you have reached the top, be sure to visit the undefined Santuario Immaculada Concepción, a beautiful neo-Gothic church. The church is dedicated to the Virgin Mary and is a popular pilgrimage site for Catholics.

Then head down to Barrio Lastarria, a charming neighborhood with cobblestone streets, art galleries, and boutiques. For lunch, grab a bite to eat at one of the many cafes or restaurants in the neighborhood. Or pop into Patio Bellavista, a vibrant shopping center featuring unique shops, restaurants with patios & cocktail bars.

In the afternoon, head to the Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes, Chile's national art museum. The museum houses a collection of Chilean and international art from the 17th century to the present day.

Start your day with a visit to the Museum of Memory and Human Rights, a moving and important museum that documents the human rights abuses that occurred during the Pinochet dictatorship. The majority of the exhibits are in Spanish, but the accompanying app is very good and provides non-Spanish speakers with in-depth explanations. Visiting this museum will provide important background information that will enable you to get more from your Santiago trip.

After visiting the museum, head across the street to Parque Quinta Normal, a large park with beautiful gardens, and several museums. Take a stroll through the park and enjoy the scenery, or visit one of the many museums, such as the Museum of Natural Science or the Museum of Science & Technology. For the younger members of the group, the Railway Museum may be a fun place to visit.

After a bite to eat in one of the cafes in the area, head to Gruta de Lourdes, a replica of the famous grotto in Lourdes, France. The grotto is a popular pilgrimage site for Catholics and is a beautiful place to visit, even if you're not religious, but please note that it can get busy on weekends.

You can spend the rest of the day exploring the city or relaxing in one of its many parks. Be sure to try some of the delicious Chilean food and wine!

Start your day with a visit to the Centro Cultural La Moneda, a cultural center housed in the former presidential palace. The center offers a variety of exhibitions, performances, and events, and is a great place to learn about Chilean culture. For a truly authentic souvenir, check out the Fundación Artesanías de Chile shop inside the center. It’s a fairtrade shop that showcases and sells handmade and beautifully crafted artisanal products that support the local communities and are incredibly good value. (If you miss this, they also have a smaller branch at the airport).

After visiting the Centro Cultural La Moneda, head to Cerro Santa Lucía, a hilltop park with stunning views of the city. The park is home to a variety of gardens, fountains, and sculptures, and is a great place to relax and take in the scenery.

A small but interesting museum to visit is the Museo Chileno de Arte Precolombino, which houses a world-renowned collection of pre-Columbian art from Central and South America. The museum's collection includes ceramics, textiles, metalwork, and other artifacts from a variety of cultures, including the Inca, Maya, and Aztec. I found the exhibit on Quipu - memory devices based on strings and knots that are used for collecting data and keeping records - absolutely fascinating.

After a few days of exploring Santiago and visiting museums, it’s refreshing to leave the city for a few hours. Join a tour or start the day with a drive to Valparaiso, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its colorful street art and bohemian atmosphere.

Take a walk through the city's center and admire the murals, which depict everything from traditional Chilean scenes to abstract designs. Valparaiso was an important stopping point before the Panama Canal was built, and the cosmopolitan influences can be seen throughout the city that reflect that history.

After lunch, visit the Museo de Arqueología Fonck, which houses a collection of artifacts from Easter Island, including one of the two Moai sculptures that were brought to Chile in the 19th century.

Next, head to Viña del Mar, a seaside resort city known for its beautiful beaches and casinos. Take a stroll along the beach promenade. You can also visit one of the many vineyards in the area for a wine tasting. Top tip: try the sparkling rosé wine at Viñamar de Casablanca.

Drive back to Santiago and arrive in time to watch the sunset from Sky Costanera, the tallest building in Latin America. From the observation deck, you'll have stunning views of the city and the Andes Mountains.

On your last day in Santiago, it’s worth visiting Parque Metropolitano Santiago one more time and taking in the views of the city and the Andes Mountains in the background. Then walk over to the Catedral Metropolitana de Santiago, the largest church in Chile. The cathedral is a beautiful example of colonial architecture and is worth a visit for its stunning interior.

After visiting the cathedral, do some shopping for local fashion or souvenirs in the main shopping area of the city, which is located around Plaza de Armas and the pedestrian street Paseo Ahumada.

Finally, enjoy a last piece of cake and coffee, or lunch and a glass of wine in one of the fine eateries in the city. Santiago has a variety of excellent restaurants to choose from, so you're sure to find one that suits your taste and budget.

No matter what you choose to do on your last day in Santiago, make sure to savor every moment. This vibrant city has something to offer everyone, and you're sure to leave with memories that will last a lifetime.

Restaurant recommendations:

For dinner, head to one of Santiago's many excellent steakhouses. My personal favorite is La Cabrera Chile Isidora. The steak and hamburger (yes, I went there twice) were truly exceptional.

For a truly Chilean dining experience, try Boragó, which has been ranked as one of the best restaurants in the world.

Ambrosía for a fine dining experience of traditional Chilean dishes with a modern twist.

Katako Veg serves hearty and delicious vegan food in a relaxed atmosphere. Perfect for when you need something tasty and healthy after traveling for a few days.

Lastarria Café next to the Museo de Artes Visuales serves delicious (and very large pieces!) of cake and coffee. For when a quick pick-me-up is required.