Downtown Santiago Travel Guide
Santiago
Visit Downtown Santiago
Popular places to visit
Palacio de la Moneda
Visit the courtyards of this magnificent neoclassical palace, watch the changing of the guard ceremony and enjoy contemporary and visual art exhibitions.
Plaza de Armas
This historic central square is home to magnificent works of architecture, museums and a nice blend of city workers, street performers and artisans.
Santa Lucia Hill
Climb the elegant stairs to the top of this central hill to enjoy panoramic views of Santiago and admire the ornate fountains, flower displays and amphitheater.
Lastarria District
During your trip to Santiago, you can do some window-shopping at Lastarria District. While in this trendy area, you can savour the restaurants and bars.
Mercado Central
Step inside this grand 19th-century marketplace to experience the sights and smells of fresh food stands and to sample delicious plates of fish and seafood.
University of Chile
Look around the historical buildings of Chile’s principal university for a glimpse into the lives of the local students and researchers.
Things to do
Santiago: Cajon del Maipo & Embalse El Yeso Trip with Picnic
Santiago: Cajon del Maipo Termas Colina Trip
Cable Car, Funicular and Sightseeing Bus in Santiago one day
Official Tour of the Metropolitan Cathedral of Santiago
Santiago Cathedral's Bell Tower Official Tour
Top hotels in Downtown Santiago
Almacruz Hotel y Centro de Convenciones
The rooms were clean and the staff were very nice and helpful. The buffet breakfast was amazing and coffee was strong! Best of all, the location is central in downtown, walking distance to many landmarks. :)
Reviewed on 22 Dec 2025
Hotel HW Libertad
Look for High Wellness HW name on 2828 Romero Street. Libertad name is not visible at street level. Get on elevator on ground floor go to third floor (Button 3 in elevator needs label indicating Hotel). Hotel check-in lobby is on third floor.
Reviewed on 16 Dec 2025
Hotel Casa Zañartu
A cool, quaint little hotel nestled in a real neighborhood of cafes, bakeries, and shops. It was a few minutes walk to the historic downtown and all it offers. This was a nice change from the faceless sterile hotel chains.
Reviewed on 1 Jan 2026
RQ Santiago
Nice room. With mini kitchen. Breakfast was basic but good. Rooms facing the front get noise from the three elevators going up and down all night. Need ear plugs.
Reviewed on 13 Dec 2025
Mercure Santiago Centro
Clean rooms, handy location. This is a mid range hotel & for that it’s great. Rooms a bit dark (just 1 more lamp per room please!) but good breakfast & staff keen to help. Ray at front desk is a champion.
Reviewed on 21 Nov 2025
Hotel Cumbres Lastarria
This was a lovely hotel. Clean and modern. A great location. Wry walkable to great restaurant choices. Most of the staff were fantastic and went out of their way to make sure we had a wonderful stay.
Reviewed on 1 Jan 2026
Other neighbourhoods around Downtown Santiago
Bellas Artes
Museums, coffee shops and historical sites are just a few things travellers like about Bellas Artes. Sights like Museo Arte de Luz and National Archive are spots to explore, and you can get around the greater Santiago area at Bellas Artes Station.
Lastarria
Travellers come to Lastarria for its abundant dining options, and you can see top attractions like Lastarria District and Gabriela Mistral Cultural Center while you're in town.
Barrio Italia
Barrio Italia is well liked for its restaurants, and you can visit sights like Teatro Universidad de Chile and Plaza Baquedano if you have time to explore the area.
Bellavista
Bellavista is known for its abundant dining options, and you can plan a trip to Patio Bellavista and Santiago Metropolitan Park while you're in town.
Estación Central
While you're strolling through Estación Central, you may want to check out the gardens and live music. If you want to see more of the area, hop on the metro at Ecuador Station or Las Rejas Station.
San Miguel
When in San Miguel and the surrounding area, you'll want to check out sights like Movistar Arena or Fantasilandia and hop on the metro to see more of the city at Lo Vial Station or Departamental Station.
