Only got 2 days in Santiago, the lovely capital of Chile? This guide highlights the best things to add to your itinerary.
Santiago is absolutely worth more than a quick stopover. Long considered a convenient jumping-off point for Patagonia in the south or the Atacama in the north, Chile’s capital has quietly come into its own as a genuinely rewarding city break.
Set in a bowl beneath the Andes, it has that rare mix of big-city energy and a beautiful natural backdrop, with leafy neighbourhoods, grand buildings, excellent museums and viewpoints, and a food-and-drink scene that’s far more fun than its “business capital” reputation suggests.
I first got to know Santiago while living in Buenos Aires, when my husband and I would hop across to Chile for a long weekend. What surprised me most was just how much there is to do here in a short amount of time.
So if you’ve only got two days in Santiago, this itinerary will help you make the most of them. It’s designed for first-time visitors and blends the must-sees – from the historic centre to Bellavista and Cerro San Cristóbal – with the best parts of Santiago life: busy markets, long lunches, great wine and a proper pisco sour (or three).
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2 days in Santiago: Itinerary snapshot
Here’s a quick overview of how you’ll spend your two days visiting Santiago.
Day 1
- Watch the Changing of the Guard at Palacio de La Moneda
- Join a free walking tour to tick off Santiago’s central highlights (or follow my self-guided walking route – read on for details)
- Have lunch in Lastarria
- Explore Pablo Neruda’s quirky home, La Chascona
- Head up Cerro San Cristóbal for panoramic city views
- Enjoy dinner in Bellavista
Day 2
- Spend the morning eating your way through Santiago’s best markets on a food tour with A Chef’s Tour
- Visit the Museo de la Memoria y los Derechos Humanos, a sobering but important museum
- Dinner in Lastarria
- Cap off the trip with pisco sours
Everything on this Santiago itinerary is also laid out on the map below.
Top tip! Most museums (and many restaurants) in Santiago are closed on Mondays – so factor this into your plans if you can.
Day 1: Wander the historic centre, then Bellavista and views
Welcome to Santiago! Day 1 is all about getting your bearings in Santiago. Start with the key sites in the city’s historic centre, then slow down over lunch in Lastarria before heading to Bellavista for culture, city views and a delicious dinner.
Changing of the Guard at Palacio de La Moneda
Kick off the day at Palacio de La Moneda for the Changing of the Guard, one of Santiago’s most traditional (and surprisingly lively) ceremonies. It takes place on Plaza de la Constitución, lasts around 30 minutes, and draws a mix of locals and visitors.
There are soldiers on horses, a marching band (who played a rendition of We Are the Champions when I was last there!) and lots of standing to attention.
The Changing of the Guard happens daily at 10am on alternating days. In February, March, June, July, September and October it’s on even days (so, the 2nd, 4th, 6th of the month and so on), and on odd days in January, April, May, August, November and December.
I recommend arriving 10-15 minutes early to get a good spot to watch.
Free walking tour
If it’s your first visit to Santiago, a walking tour is one of the easiest ways to make sense of the historic centre. Sign up for this free walking tour to get useful context that makes everything you’re seeing feel more meaningful.
The walking tour starts at 11am and covers the city’s central highlights in a couple of hours. You can easily reserve a spot online (sometimes even on the morning of).
And remember, even though it says free – you must tip the guide. This is their job! I recommend the equivalent of about US$15 per person.
Self-guided walking route
If guided tours aren’t your thing, this is a straightforward walking route that covers the same core sights in a logical order.
Stop 1: La Moneda Cultural Centre (Centro Cultural La Moneda)
Directly opposite Palacio de La Moneda, Centro Cultural La Moneda is one of Santiago’s main cultural spaces, with rotating exhibitions that make a good first museum stop. Many exhibitions are free, while others are ticketed – but the subterranean building itself is worth a look.
Stop 2: Plaza de la Constitución
This is the square in front of La Moneda where the Changing of the Guard takes place. Even outside ceremony days, it’s worth a quick pause as a key civic space and a good orientation point in the centre.
Stop 3: Museo Chileno de Arte Precolombino
One of the best museums in Santiago, the Museo Chileno de Arte Precolombino gives context for the cultures and civilisations that shaped this part of the world long before Santiago existed.
Stop 4: Museo Histórico Nacional
A good follow-on from the Pre-Columbian Museum (if you have the interest in museums!), the Museo Histórico Nacional focuses more on Chile’s more recent history. It only takes an hour or so to see everything.
Stop 5: Plaza de Armas
From there, continue to Plaza de Armas, the historic heart of Santiago. It’s great for people-watching (and for taking a break).
Stop 6: Catedral Metropolitana
The Catedral Metropolitana is right on the Plaza de Armas and worth stepping into for a quiet break. Of note, the cathedral is built on the site of an Incan temple, which was torn down for the construction.
Stop 7: Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes + Parque Forestal
Finish the self-guided walk with a gentler pace: Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes and Parque Forestal. Even if art museums aren’t usually a priority, the building is beautiful and it’s a nice final stop before lunch. Parque Forestal is also one of the best places in central Santiago for a short stroll.
Lunch in Lastarria
After a busy morning in the centre, head to Lastarria for lunch. This is one of my favourite neighbourhoods in Santiago and where we always stay. It’s got leafy streets, consistently good restaurants and is conveniently located. I like the relaxed vibe and sandwiches at Fuente Lastarria or the grand interiors of Bar Liguria.
La Chascona: Pablo Neruda’s house museum
In the afternoon, head over to the hip Bellavista neighbourhood to visit La Chascona, one of Pablo Neruda’s house museums. Chilean poet and Nobel laureate Neruda began building it in the 1950s for his mistress Matilde Urrutia, and today it’s set up as a museum filled with personality and quirky design details.
Even if poetry isn’t a personal passion, La Chascona is worth it for the insight into one of Chile’s most famous figures and for the atmosphere of the house itself. This is one of my favourite things to do in Santiago. It’s also in a very convenient location for the next stop on the itinerary.
Cerro San Cristóbal
From La Chascona, it’s a short hop to Cerro San Cristóbal, one of Santiago’s most iconic viewpoints. On a clear day, this is where you can really understand the beauty of the city’s setting, with Santiago spreading out below and the Andes beyond.
From Pio Nono street, you can take the funicular up to the top and wander around. There’s also a cable car that goes across to other parts of the hill. While the park is open from 6am until 7pm (winter months) / 8.30pm (summer months), these transport options do have shorter operational hours, so plan ahead.
Dinner in Bellavista
Stay in Bellavista for dinner. It’s lively and walkable. Pío Nono street is where all the university students hang out – come here for bargain happy hours and loud music. But if you go one street across you’ll find one of my favourite restaurants, Galindo. This long-running Bellavista restaurant is a favourite for hearty Chilean comfort food. I highly recommend their pastel de choclo, a delicious corn pie filled with chicken, olives and hard-boiled eggs. Their ceviche is also tasty, and their pisco sours are strong.
If you can’t get a seat at Galindo, two other strong Bellavista options are Peumayén Ancestral Food, a more modern, higher-end take on Chilean ingredients, or Viva La Vida, a more casual Chilean restaurant with generous portions and reasonable prices.
Day 2: A market-focused food tour, human rights history, then Lastarria and pisco sours
Start day 2 with a guided food tour exploring Santiago’s markets, then spend the afternoon at one of the city’s most important museums. Finish back in Lastarria for an final dinner and a pisco sour (or two).
Food tour with A Chef’s Tour
Santiago’s food markets can be overwhelming – but they’re also the best places to try some of Chile’s most important dishes. A food tour is one of the easiest ways to explore the markets, and I recommend A Chef’s Tour’s Santiago Mercado Meals food tour for a great insight into the city’s food.
The tour runs from 10am to 2pm (every day except Sunday) and includes 12+ tastings across 3-4 markets, including La Vega Central and Mercado Central.
It’s a practical way to try a broad spread of Chilean favourites in one hit, while also learning what you’re eating and why it matters. Our guide Raúl also gave us insights into the history and culture of Chile and Santiago, and was open to answering all of our questions. Expect a mix of market wandering, street-style snacks and sit-down bites, with plenty of food. (This is not the day to plan a big breakfast, trust me!)
You can read my full review of A Chef’s Tour’s Santiago food tour to learn more about how the tour operates and what you’ll eat.
Handy tip: Wear comfortable shoes as you’ll be on your feet for most of the four hours. Also, we had no issues, but your guide will recommend you to keep your stuff close to you in the busy market – it is known for pickpocketers.
Museo de la Memoria y los Derechos Humanos
After a big, delicious morning, shift gears and head to the Museo de la Memoria y los Derechos Humanos (Memory and Human Rights Museum). This is one of Santiago’s most important museums, created to draw attention to human rights violations committed by the Chilean state during the military dictatorship from 1973 to 1990, and to honour the victims and their families.
It’s a powerful visit and it will be a bit of a downer after the morning, it’s true. But it provides essential context for understanding modern Chile.
Because the morning is already full, it helps to keep the rest of the afternoon intentionally light. A coffee afterwards, a short reset at the hotel, or a gentle wander back through Lastarria is a good way to process the visit before heading out again.
Dinner in Lastarria
For the final night, return to Lastarria. It’s central, walkable and reliably good for dinner. Some of my favourite spots for dinner include:
- Bocanáriz – both a wine bar and restaurant, with food designed specifically for pairing and a huge selection of local bottles. Make sure you book ahead!
- Bar Liguria – a Santiago classic in a beautiful building. It’s a great option for an unfussy night, with plenty of food choices, from Chilean sandwiches to pasta dishes and steak.
- Bar Don Rodrigo – casual, local place with simple meals usually accompanied by some jazz musicians
Pisco sours
I’m a huge fan of pisco sours and no trip to Santiago is complete without a stop at Chipe Libre, a pisco bar and restaurant in Lastarria that calls itself the “República Independiente del Pisco”. It’s been around since 2014 and focuses on pisco cocktails, with both Chilean and Peruvian piscos on offer. (It also has great food, if you want to have dinner here, too.)
It’s an easy final stop because it’s super close to Bocanáriz and Bar Liguria, and it’s also a fun way to wrap up the trip.
And with that, two days in Santiago are done!
If you have more than 2 days in Santiago:
If you’ve got 3 days in Santiago or longer, tack on a few day trips around the area. Some recommended places to visit in Chile include:
- Take a day trip to the Maipo Valley, one of Chile’s wine regions. If you don’t have a car – or want to be a responsible person and not drink and drive! – this full-day tour will pick you up from your hotel in Santiago and transport you to the valley to taste the best drops. Check prices and availability online.
- Catch a bus to Valparaíso or take a day tour to explore this oceanside city known for its street art and steep streets. While you can do a day trip to Valparaíso from Santiago, it’s better to plan for two days to really enjoy your visit. If you like La Chascona in Santiago, make sure to visit Pablo Neruda’s house, La Sebastiana, while you’re there.
- Spend a day in Viña del Mar, a classic beach town with beautiful manicured gardens.
- If you’d like to combine Viña del Mar and Valparaíso in a day, this tour is a great option for a day trip, removing the hassle of figuring out your own transport on local buses. Check availability and prices online.
→ READ NEXT: How to plan a day trip to Maipo Valley from Santiago, Chile
Visiting Santiago: Need to know
Best time to visit Santiago
For most people, the sweet spot is the shoulder seasons: spring (September to November) and autumn (March to May). You’ll usually get mild, comfortable temperatures, and it’s generally less hectic than peak summer.
Summer (December to February) is warm and dry in Santiago, but it’s also the busiest and prices can jump. Winter (June to August) brings cooler days and most of the city’s rain, but it can be a great time if you want fewer crowds in town.
Where to stay in Santiago
Santiago is a big, spread-out city, so where you stay makes a huge difference – especially if it’s your first visit. I recommend:
- Lastarria: My top pick for first-timers on a short trip. It’s walkable, central, and puts you close to museums, parks and great restaurants (and it’s an easy base for exploring the historic centre and nearby neighbourhoods).
- Bellavista: A fun, lively base if you want nightlife, street art and loads of bars and restaurants at your doorstep. It’s also super convenient for sights like La Chascona and it’s an easy trip into the centre. Just be a bit more mindful at night – it can get rowdy, so I’d choose accommodation on a quieter street.
- Centro Histórico: Great if you want to be right amongst Santiago’s classic landmarks and have easy Metro access. The trade-off is that it can feel busier than other areas, and it’s not my favourite spot late at night – but for sightseeing-focused trips (especially if you’ll be out and about all day), it’s a very practical base.
Here are some hotel options in Lastarria to consider:
The Singular Santiago (Lastarria)
On our first-ever trip to Santiago we stayed at The Singular Santiago, a beautiful luxury hotel. We loved the huge, comfortable bed (always a win after long travel days), and the staff genuinely went out of their way to make our stay wonderful. The location is excellent for sightseeing and they have a great rooftop bar. Check rates and availability on Booking.com or Expedia.
Park Plaza Apart Hotel (Lastarria)
Rates at The Singular have now crept up, and I’ll be honest, it’s now a bit out of our budget. So on our most recent trip we stayed at Park Plaza Apart Hotel. What I loved most was having a small kitchen, so we could make breakfast at “home”. The rooms could do with a refresh but overall it was comfy. Location-wise, it was an easy, convenient spot for getting around the city. Check rates and availability on Booking.com or Expedia.
Casa Noble Hotel Boutique
Casa Noble is a lovely boutique option with breakfast included. It’s a convenient base for exploring the main parts of the city, and it’s on a quiet street. Check rates and availability on Booking.com or Expedia.
How to get to Santiago
Santiago’s main airport is Aeropuerto Internacional Arturo Merino Benítez (SCL). There are direct connections from Australia, New Zealand, the UK/Europe, North America, and plenty of other South American cities.
→ CHECK FLIGHTS TO SANTIAGO ONLINE HERE ←
Getting from the airport to the city: Use Cabify or Uber to get from the airport to the city, or the official taxis which will give you a set rate (it’s not far off the price of a rideshare).
How to get around Santiago
For most of the key things to do in Santiago, you can easily get around on foot. It’s easy to walk from Lastarria to Bellavista and the historic centre.
Santiago has an extensive metro system. It’s straightforward, with seven colour-coded lines. To use it, you’ll need a Bip! card, which you can buy and top up at Metro stations and other authorised points. The Bip! card also works on the bus system.
Taxis and rideshare are both widely available. If you take a taxi, make sure the driver uses the meter to avoid surprises at the end of the trip. On our most recent trip I had two locals telling us to avoid taxis hailed on the street for safety reasons – but I’ve personally never had an issue getting a taxi in Santiago.
There’s even a hop-on hop-off bus if you want to go exploring further in Santiago.
Santiago itinerary: FAQs
Is 2 days in Santiago Chile enough?
Two days is a relatively short time – but it’s enough to hit the highlights. You’ll be able to see the key city sights without rushing. Stretch it and you can add on a few day trips to places like the Maipo Valley and the port town of Valparaiso.
Do I need a visa to visit Chile?
Citizens of countries including the USA, Japan, Canada, the UK, European Union and South American countries don’t need a visa to enter Chile. As of 22 September 2025, Australians no longer need a visa to visit (hooray!). All other countries need a tourist visa. Check with your local embassy for up-to-date information and requirements.
Do you need cash in Santiago, or are cards widely accepted?
Cards are widely accepted in Santiago — you can usually pay by card in hotels, restaurants, cafés, supermarkets, museums and most mid-range shops. That said, I’d recommend carrying some cash for smaller purchases and for vendors that may not take card (think markets, kiosks, small bakeries, some taxis, and the odd hole-in-the-wall lunch spot).
Is Santiago, Chile safe to visit?
Santiago is generally considered safe for tourists, especially in comparison to other large cities in Latin America. Like any major city, it has areas that are safer and others that are best avoided, especially at night. Take the usual standard safety precautions:
- Stay aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas.
- Keep your belongings secure.
- Use taxis or Ubers at night, rather than public transport.
- Stay in well-lit, populated areas at night.
- Be cautious when withdrawing money from ATMs.
Pickpocketing and petty theft can happen, particularly in busy tourist areas, but most visitors have a safe experience in Santiago.
Did you find this article helpful? Consider buying me a coffee as a way to say thanks!
Are you planning 2 days in Santiago, Chile? Let me know in the comments below if you have any questions before you visit Santiago.
Related posts
Before you go… you might like these South America travel blogs:
- The Best Things to Do in Chile, Santiago: A Guide to an Underrated City
- How to Visit the Maipo Valley on a Day Trip from Santiago
- The Best Dishes to Eat in Chile: A Review of A Chef’s Tour
- How to Spend 3 Days in Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Argentina Itinerary Ideas: Options for 1-4 Weeks in Argentina
- Rio de Janeiro Itinerary: 3 Days in The Marvellous City
CHILE TRIP ESSENTIALS
- Book your flight to Chile online with Skyscanner. I like how Skyscanner allows you to find the cheapest days.
- Find great hotels across Chile. Check prices on Booking.com and Expedia online.
- Check out the huge range of day tours throughout Chile on GetYourGuide or Viator. I love a good food tour in particular!
- Saving money? Check out the range of free walking tours in Chile with GuruWalk (don’t forget to tip!).
- Buying some bottles of delicious Chilean wine? Keep them safe in these wine bags.
- A copy of the Lonely Planet guide to Chile will be handy. Also pick up a Spanish language phrasebook to help you navigate your visit.
- One thing I always purchase is travel insurance! Travel Insurance Master allows you to compare across multiple policy providers, while SafetyWing is great for long-term travellers and digital nomads.
- Grab an e-sim to stay connected.
WHAT TO DO IN SANTIAGO, CHILE: PIN IT FOR LATER
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Santiago sounds like an incredible place to check out. The mountains behind the city are such a neat landscape! The food looks delicious and interesting as well. It would be a great adventure to be able to visit Chile someday.
Thanks – this was just what we needed to make the most of our 2 days in Santiago!
That makes me so happy to hear, Ann! Hope you had a great trip 🙂
Images of Santiago with the Andes in the far background have captivated me since a few years ago. Santiago seems to be overlooked by those who visited Chile, or at least that’s what I noticed. So it’s nice to get a glimpse of the city through this post.
Thanks Bama! I really enjoyed my visit there, and loved the views of the Andes from the city’s vantage points.