Rich in diverse landscapes and famous landmarks, visitors to Chile can experience exceptional architecture and churches, the world-famous Torres del Paine National Park in Patagonia, arid deserts, the statues of Easter Island, the Mirador de Chepu Penguin Colony, and the Elqui Valley in La Serena, which overflows with legends of extraterrestrial activities, all in one trip. 

Located in the central valley of Chile, Santiago is the capital and largest city of the country. Santiago was founded in 1541 and has gone on to become one of the most modern conurbations in Latin America. With a population of over seven million inhabitants occupying 37 municipalities, Santiago de Chile is a sprawling urban metropolis. It is also one of Latin America's most up-and-coming travel hotspots. 

The city now houses many multinational companies and attracts many tourists. Nevertheless, it remains a place of natural beauty and culture. The thought of trying to catch all of the highlights in a city of 37 districts can indeed be daunting. Luckily, most of Santiago's best neighborhoods are centrally located, close to one another making free walking tours in Santiago enjoyable.

 

La Chascona

La Chascona reveals the artist's intimacy since it was in her that his love story with Matilde Urrutia developed / Photo: Source

 

It is in the Bellavista neighborhood is one of the three residences of Pablo Neruda, the most famous Chilean poet. The house has a fascinating, modern architecture and presents the beautiful world of Neruda with its impressive collection of various things from around the world, including art and craft pieces as well as his Nobel Prize. La Moneda was built in 1784 by a famous Italian architect and is the residence of the president of Chile. The majestic, neoclassical building has an impressive courtyard featuring many grand sculptures by Chilean artists. Visitors can also toss a coin into the magical fountain nearby to make a wish.

Travel Tip: Visit the Chilean capital with this City Cultural Tour of Santiago. Discover the city through art and have a great experience in Chile!

 

Santiago Centro

A large part of Chile's history has been written around the Plaza de Armas and its surroundings /Photo: Source

 

This is the heart of Santiago. Here the true hustle and bustle of the city can be seen at all hours of the day. Begin with a hike up Cerro Santa Lucia (Metro Line 1 to Santa Lucia), the site where the Spaniard Pedro de Valdivia founded Santiago in 1541. The summit offers breathtaking views of the city etched out against the massive Andes - a site surely not to be missed.

Travel Tip: Take our Historic Bicycle Tour of Santiago and discover the best of this great nation's recent history.

 

Chilean Museum of Pre-Columbian Art

Its collection consists of more than 5,000 pieces in permanent exhibition / Photo: Source

 

Santiago has a long and colorful history. The area has been populated a lot longer than when Santiago was built, and the Museo Chileno de Arte Precolombino can give you a good idea of what life was like before Columbus came to the Americas. Olmec, Maya, and Inca artifacts are on display, including an Andean mummy that predates the mummies of Egypt.

Travel Tip: Walk the streets of Santiago de Chile and discover with this Classic City Tour all its charms, emblematic places and the magic that unites the classic with the modern.

 

The Parque Metropolitano

Green lung of the city, the Metropolitan Park of Santiago is a must for tourists who want a complete panoramic view of the Chilean metropolis / Photo: Source

 

The Parque Metropolitano, an urban park even larger than Central Park in New York City, has undergone big-budget renovations. They have put in more botanical gardens; expand the zoo inside the park, and to put in a cable car to take visitors to the top of San Cristobal Hill, where you can see a beautiful church and the famous statue of the Virgin Mary, which stands at over 70 feet high. The glimpses of the city from this spot are spectacular. If you are looking for more tranquil parks to relax in, head to the Parque Forestal. Although not quite as big, it's still gorgeous, and it's where you can find the National Museum of Fine Arts and Modern Art Museum.

Travel Tip: A Santiago by Night Bike Tour will be a great experience if you do it pedaling, get on the bike and get to know the Bicentennial Park and the most elegant neighborhoods!

 

Bellavista

Its numerous art galleries and jewelry stores, colorful houses, varied restaurants and active nightlife have made Bellavista one of the must-see places to visit in Santiago / Photo: Source

 

It is located in the center of the city on the banks of the Mapocho River. It is a stylish area in which to experience the city's cultural and social life. The neighborhood has many tree-lined streets with small shops, boutiques, theaters, art houses, clubs and bars. These streets are known for shopping and a thrilling nightlife. The scenic locale also includes the city's largest green area, the National Zoo, two public pools and more. Take fifteen minutes to ascend the lovely hill, Cerro Santa Lucia, which is situated in the middle of the town to have a fantastic view of the city. On top of the mountain are many statues, murals, ponds and a castle to explore. 

Travel Tip: If you have little time to tour the Chilean capital, go ahead and discover the most relevant points of Santiago at 12 stops - secure your place on the Santiago Tourist Bus!

 

Blooming into one of South America's premier cities, Santiago in Chile is a vibrant modern metropolis. As a focal point for fashion, culture, food, city life, and more, this city continues to grow. Its location at the base of the stunning Andes Mountains makes it a sight to behold and more and more people from all over visit Santiago every year. 

 

By: Desa Rome, a traveler albanian that loves to explore everything that inspires her by expressing her experiences through her writings.