One Day In Santiago, Chile

Most travelers head to Chile to explore the Atacama Desert, also known as the driest place on planet Earth, in the north. Perhaps, they use Chile as a way to migrate south before heading into Antarctica on the Drake Passage. However, when flying into Chile, it’s likely that you’ll have some time in Santiago. What’s commonly overlooked in terms of South American cities, and typically overshadowed by Buenos Aires or Rio de Janeiro, Santiago is a city that’s worth exploring, even if just for a day. Here’s everything I did in one day in Santiago, Chile.

Enjoy Breakfast At a Hotel With Included-Breakfast

One of my favorite filters when searching for a hotel is finding a spot where breakfast is included. I’m not a huge breakfast eater, but having something easily accessible in the hotel so you can quickly get ready for a long day of exploring is extremely convenient. Not to mention, I’m addicted to coffee, so knowing caffeine is essentially at my doorstep as soon as I open my eyes is helpful. I stayed at Hotel Brasilia, and I would really not recommend this neighborhood. The hotel was fine with spacious rooms, but the neighborhood felt a little far removed and a bit too quiet for my liking.

Walk To Plaza De Armas

Plaza de Armas is the center of the city, and has remained that way since 1541, when Santiago was founded. It’s a large square filled with picturesque statues and colonial-style buildings. It feels quite European; it particularly reminded me of the center of Brussels, Belgium. Look up and you’ll see many of the buildings lined with Chilean flags. There are a few museums, plenty of restaurants and cafes, and a STGO sign. The area is allegedly unsafe at night, so go as early as possible. Even then, you’ll be surprised by how crowded Santiago is. Keep a close eye on your belongings and try to not be on your phone.

Eat Lunch at Restaurant Bristol

Inside the stunning Hotel Plaza San Francisco is one of Santiago’s nicest restaurants, Restaurant Bristol. Despite being labeled with $$$$ on Google, the exchange rate makes a fancy meal here quite reasonable. Find a classic Chilean menu, with some slight elevation. Their wine list is not to be missed either. Chilean wine is some of my favorite. I opted for salmon with a bean stew and baby potato dumplings, all adorned in a rich cream sauce. This was as per the waitress’s recommendations, and having spent 3 weeks in South America in total, this was easily one of the best things I ate. This with two glasses of wine was $32.

Walk Around Barro Italia

After lunch, especially if you indulge in a little bit of vino, take a stroll around the area nearby Barro Italia. This neighborhood is beautiful, and as the name suggests, very Italian. There’s a university, the Municipal Theatre of Santiago, and of course, plenty of Italian eateries and shops. Indulge in some gelato and enjoy the scenery.

Take In The Views At Santa Lucia Hill

Out of my entire day in Chile, Santa Lucia Hill was by far my favorite thing I did. Santa Lucia is government-owned and free to enter; you just have to fill out your in-time as well as which country you are from. The city of Santiago is quite chaotic. I was a little disappointed in it overall, to be honest. It just wasn’t what I was expecting, and it was much dirtier and busier than what I had imagined. However, Santa Lucia Hill quickly salvaged my feelings for Santiago, and revived me to give the city a second chance. Santa Lucia Hill is filled with yellow architecture, quite reminiscent to that in Sintra, Portugal. There’s a large fountain in the center, plenty of florals and trees, and staircases that looked like they belonged in Budapest. If you want to just rest and take in the views, there are plenty of benches right by the fountain. For the best panoramic views of the city, climb all the way to the top, and take it all in.

Stroll Through Plaza De La Constitución

Santiago has several parks, and it’s quite the contrast from busy city squares and seemingly chaotic streets. Plaza de la Constitución is named in recognition of the ten Chilean constitutions. It is surrounded by government buildings, such as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Justice, and Banco de Central Chile. My favorite part about this plaza was that it was completely lined with Chilean flags. What can I say, I’m a vexillophile!

Eat Dinner at La Chimenea

About a ten-minute walk from Plaza de la Constitución is the rooftop restaurant La Chimenea. Though there are tables and chairs out front, go inside and walk up about 3 (maybe 4) flights of stairs. I ordered a pisco sour since Peru and Chile make different variations of the drink. It was fine, but not as frothy as the egg-white based ones in Peru, so I definitely prefer the Peruvian version. I asked the server for something traditional, and was given arrollado huaso, a mixture of pork, garlic, cumin, and other spices, rolled around pork skin. It was served alongside boiled potatoes. To be honest, it was not my favorite thing in the world, but with it being my only dinner in Santiago, I wanted to try something traditional.

For Plan B: Skip Santiago, And Book a Day Tour!

If Santiago does not interest you, but you have time to kill there, why not book a tour? Valparaiso is a common day trip, about an hour and a half away from the city. For those who love Chilean wine as much as I do, a day tour to Macul Vineyards is certainly not a bad option. For those who love nature, head out to Cajon del Maipo for some hiking and soaking in thermal hot springs.

Have you ever been to Santiago? Is there anything on this list you’d take away, or anything you’d add? Let me know in the comments below!

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