How to spend the perfect day in Santiago, Chile's capital

The Chilean capital is often treated as a springboard to attractions elsewhere in the country, but this energetic city shouldn’t be overlooked.

A hill landscape with a cable car running through and a city skyline in the distance.
The cable-car in Santiago is a great way to reach the crest of San Cristóbal Hill.
Photograph by Viktor Posnov, Getty Images
ByBen Lerwill
Published February 26, 2026
This article was produced by National Geographic Traveller (UK).

Between the snow-dusted Andes and the Chilean Coastal Range, the Chilean capital sits in a great bowl-shaped valley dotted with skyscrapers — some of which are the tallest in South America. With the likes of Patagonia, the Atacama and even Easter Island calling, it can be tempting to see this as nothing more than a gateway city — but there are plenty of reasons to stick around. With art-filled boutiques, mountainous funiculars and completos (hot dogs with all the toppings), here’s how to spend a short break in the city.

8.30am: Enjoy breakfast

South of Avenida Libertador General Bernardo O’Higgins — Santiago’s main artery — brings you to Original Green Roasters, based in an old print factory, with wonky original brickwork. Its menu includes a filling huevos con salmón (scrambled eggs with salmon), best accompanied by site-roasted coffee.

10am: Head for new heights

San Cristóbal Hill looms over central Santiago, granting views across the city and the snow-capped Andes beyond. Ascend in its 100-year-old funicular, then walk up to the 22-metre statue of the Virgin Mary. Among the stalls here, seek out a mote con huesillos, a refreshing cold drink made of husked wheat and dried peaches.

12pm: Find the city’s heart

The main square is Plaza de Armas, shaded by dozens of palm trees. Perch on a bench and soak it all up — the artists, street performers and evangelicals — then pop into the Metropolitan Cathedral to gaze at its frescos. On the square’s south side, the shopping arcade of Portal Fernández Concha is famed for its completo hot dogs, with toppings like sauerkraut and mashed avocado.

A close-up of empanadas on a plate with a spicy herb salsa on the side.
Empanadas de pino with spicy pebre salsa are a must-try street food in Santiago.
Photograph by Larisa Blinova, Getty Images

1pm: Take lunch at El Bajo

The Centro Cultural Gabriela Mistral was once a presidential building, but is now an artwork-dotted cultural centre. Wander between its buildings to admire the works — check out Pez de Mimbre, a handwoven 10-metre-long wicker fish — then head to the basement for ceviche and cocktails on the terrace of Bar El Bajo.

2.30pm: Browse the Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes

Keep walking north through the boutique-lined Lastarria district to reach Santiago’s fine-arts museum, which is set in parkland and showcases a high-quality permanent collection of art through the ages, much of it Chilean.

4.30pm: Shop Barrio Italia

South of the centre, Santiago’s relaxed Barrio Italia district has a long history of artisanship. Head to refined Estación Italia, which houses a collection of independent outlets and designer boutiques selling jewellery, homeware and more.

7.30pm: Reach for the stars

Travel up to the 62nd floor of the 300-metre Gran Torre Costanera, the continent’s tallest tower. Here you’ll find the Sky Bar 300, which pairs Andes-framed sunsets with a lengthy cocktail list. Don’t miss the Passion house cocktail, which mixes Pisco with mango and passionfruit.

9pm: Wine & dine

Chileans tend to eat late — and you can join them with a table at Bocanáriz in the Lastarria district, set in a restored family home with high ceilings. Its all-Chilean wine list has more than 250 labels. The food’s excellent — start with a round of Chilean oysters.

Published in the March 2026 issue of National Geographic Traveller (UK).

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