Things to do in 

Santiago

Drenched in sunshine, Santiago is a breathtaking fusion of ancient traditions and modern exuberance. Every corner of the city offers a visual banquet for both the casual visitors and the discerning travelers. From labyrinthine streets lined with artisan shops in Bario Italia to the awe-evoking historical grandeur of Plaza de Armas, exploring this city reveals a spectrum of sensory experiences. As you plan your days, remember this isn't just a list of things to do in Santiago—it's an open invitation to immerse yourself in the rhythms of a city that pulses with life all year round.

Explore Santiago off the beaten path

If you’re hunting for alternative things to do, follow the city’s daily rhythm—simple meals, side‑street art, and quiet overlooks locals favor when they step away.

Cultural experiences: Spend Saturday late morning roaming Matadero Franklin and the Persa Bío‑Bío, snacking on sopaipillas with pebre between crates of vinyl and radios. As afternoon fades, order a terremoto at La Piojera, then head to Matucana 100 for an indie theater or dance performance.

Small museums and galleries: Book a slot at Museo Taller in Yungay to see hand tools and try a short wood‑carving demo. A few blocks away, Museo del Sonido lets you play with antique gramophones and radios in a restored mansion. For contemporary shows, duck into D21 Proyectos de Arte in Providencia, a tiny gallery with sharp, changing exhibitions.

Less crowded scenic viewpoints: Climb Cerro Calán near Las Condes for a relaxed sunset over the skyline and the Andes, with astronomic domes beside the path. At first light, stroll Parque Bicentenario’s lagoon edge and footbridges for clear mountain views before families arrive.

Shop for local products & souvenirs: Go early to La Vega Central to pick up merkén spice, dried ají, and candied papaya; vendors will seal packets for travel. Stop at the Fundación Artesanías de Chile shop under the Centro Cultural La Moneda for fair‑trade Mapuche textiles and basketry. Later in the afternoon, browse Pueblito Los Dominicos for lapis lazuli jewelry and hand‑tooled leather from working ateliers.

Popular neighbourhoods

Unravel the real Santiago by venturing into its eclectic neighbourhoods. Here, contrasting cityscapes present a visual treat, filled with distinct character, pulsating street art, and a gastronomical paradise.

Bellavista: Discover Santiago's bohemian soul in Bellavista, where colourful murals, quirky designer boutiques, and eccentric bars cohabit the cobbled streets.

Lastarria: Admire the eye-candy of Lastarria, where century-old mansions meet chic cafe culture, amid a vibrant scene of theatres, libraries, and museums.

Providencia: Relish the cosmopolitan vibe of Providencia, lined with trendy restaurants offering world-class Chilean wine, delightful pastries and entrancing art galleries.

Santiago Centro: Marvel at the stately architecture in Santiago Centro, a spectacular fusion of neoclassical buildings, bustling plazas, and vibrant pop-up markets.

Vitacura: Embrace the rustic beauty of Vitacura, where lush parks meet high-end fashion boutiques, bestowing an air of elegant serenity.

Things to do in Santiago by season

Spring: With jacarandas in bloom and patios reopening, this is an easy time to settle into neighbourhood life and explore on foot. Join Fiestas Patrias in mid September for cueca dancing and empanadas in the park, a fun scene for families and friends.

Summer: For things to do in Santiago in summer, follow the evening breeze to rooftop bars, outdoor cinemas and the Santiago a Mil performing arts shows that spill into plazas each January. Christmas in Santiago brings light displays and warm nights on the terrace, while day trips reach the Cajón del Maipo for rafting and fresh air.

Fall: Mild days and clear skies make this a best-time-to-visit window for museums, markets and leaf-peeping in Parque Bicentenario. Dip into nearby vendimia harvest fairs for tastings and folk music, a relaxed outing that suits couples and wine-curious travellers.

Winter: Crisp mornings reveal snowy Andes views and easy access to ski resorts like Valle Nevado for quick turns. Settle into cafés, browse galleries and ride the funicular up San Cristóbal after rain clears the air, a comfortable pace for multi-generational groups.

City traditions return year after year: Santiago a Mil enlivens January with theatre and dance, September’s Fiestas Patrias fill the city with ramadas, barbecues and kite flying, and March to April brings harvest festivals across the nearby wine valleys that locals happily make a day of.