Santiago tours

Things to do in Santiago

Santiago, Chile, greets you with a unique rhythm, a city where the Andes stand watch over the lively streets below. Here, modern energy meets age-old traditions, creating a blend of experiences inviting exploration. With a local guide on Santiago tours, you get to peek beneath the surface and feel the city's true essence. Walk through the historic streets and experience neighborhoods like Bellavista, where street art and the aroma of empanadas fill the air. Your guide takes you through Santiago’s cultural maze, from the grandeur of Plaza de Armas to the local markets' intimate charm. Whether you opt for a walking tour or a food and wine experience, your guide ensures you uncover Santiago's secrets, revealing a city as varied as its striking backdrop. If you’re looking for more inspiration, take a look at our curated list of things to do in Santiago. Explore Santiago your way At ToursByLocals, we believe that how you explore is just as important as where you go. That’s why every Santiago tour is private, flexible, and built around you: Move at your own pace, skip the crowds, make connections and follow your curiosity. Find local guides offering private tours in Santiago for every interest, including: Layover tours: Get picked up at Arturo Merino Benítez Airport, stash your luggage in the vehicle, then zip to Plaza de Armas and La Moneda before riding the funicular up Cerro San Cristóbal for city-and-Andes views, with a quick empanada stop at Mercado Central. Your guide times it all and returns you to the airport with plenty of buffer. City highlights tours: See Cerro Santa Lucía, stroll Barrio Lastarria for street art and coffee, and cross the river to Bellavista to visit La Chascona or browse artisan stalls on Pío Nono. Cap it off at Sky Costanera for a 360° lookout, or swap in La Vega Central to taste fresh fruit juices and sopaipillas. History tours: Stand in the courtyards of La Moneda to hear about 1973, explore the Museum of Memory and Human Rights, and step into the Pre-Columbian Art Museum to see Maya and Andean pieces up close. Walk heritage-rich Barrio Yungay or the General Cemetery to trace stories of poets, presidents, and everyday santiaguinos. The metro and Red buses make central areas easy to reach, and many highlights are walkable between Santa Lucía, Lastarria, and Bellavista; for farther places or tight schedules, you can book chauffeured tours or ask your local guide about tours with private transportation. This isn’t a one-size-fits-all itinerary, you can tailor your private tour to match your interests, pace and personality with a local who knows Santiago inside and out. Walking tours & neighbourhoods Take a private walking tour in Santiago and explore its diverse neighborhoods with a local guide, who will help you navigate the city’s vibrant culture and history. - Bellavista: A lively bohemian neighborhood known for its colorful street art and vibrant nightlife. Perfect for younger travelers and those interested in arts and culture, this area is alive with energy and creativity. - Lastarria: This cultural hotspot is filled with historic architecture, theaters, and cafés. It's ideal for cultural tourists and families seeking a leisurely stroll through Santiago’s artistic heart. - Providencia: Known for its parks and upscale shopping, this neighborhood caters to families and groups wanting a mix of relaxation and modern amenities. Enjoy a blend of green spaces and trendy boutiques. Day trip ideas from Santiago Once you’ve explored Santiago’s neighbourhoods, markets, and parks, use the city as a base for day trips to the coast, the Andes, and wine valleys nearby, choosing your tour to match what you like to see and do. Valparaíso and Viña del Mar: Ride the curving roads to a colourful port city known for hillside murals, funiculars, and sea views, then pair it with Viña del Mar’s beaches and gardens for a change of pace. If street art, photography, and easy coastal walks appeal to you, this combo fits, and your tour can focus on distinct cerros, local seafood spots, or quieter viewpoints above the harbour. Maipo Valley wine country: South of Santiago, historic vineyards sit at the foot of the Andes with cabernet and carménère leading the way. You can balance cellar visits with time in the vines and scenic backroads, making it a simple pick if you enjoy wine, rustic food, and learning how climate shapes flavour without rushing between stops. Cajón del Maipo and Embalse El Yeso: Head into a narrow mountain gorge for big scenery, short walks, and photo stops by a turquoise reservoir when road and weather conditions allow. This suits you if fresh air and mountain views matter more than museums, and it can be paced for light hiking, picnic time, or a soak at nearby hot springs in season. Pomaire pottery village: West of the city, this clay town is known for hands-on workshops, traditional kilns, and sturdy cookware you can use at home. If you like crafts, local food, and meeting makers in a small-town setting, it’s an easy day that keeps driving short and leaves time for a relaxed lunch. A private tour with a local guide is the best way to really get to know a place. Skip the crowds, follow your interests, and see a side of Santiago most travellers miss.