For those backpacking South America, knowing what to do in Santiago, Chile is crucial to enjoy your visit. Sure, there are very little clear days because of the smog that surrounds the city almost 24/7 and street culture is so full of blare that sometimes you have to escape to the mountains just to find a place of rest, but really, why would you want to rest, especially when you’re surrounded by such an energetic and vibrant city?
So, yes, don’t include resting on your things to do in Santiago, Chile list – there’s no time for that. On your visit to Santiago, Chile, you’ll notice that the city has a life of its own, separate from all else. And yes there are so many things to do in Santiago, Chile’s capital, that sometimes its outside borders and mountain tops become afterthoughts.
Here are the top 10 free things to do in Santiago, Chile:
#1 – Take a Santiago, Chile Pictures Walking Tour
Rio Mapocho by Ser.!, on Flickr
Even if you don’t plan to spend a cent in this city (which can be quite difficult to do, especially since it’s a huge shopping and cultural capital), there are still worthwhile things to do in Santiago, Chile. With your camera in tow, follow the flows of the Rio Mapocho. This will take you down to the city center going to the Alameda where most of Chile’s great architectural sights, museums and street side cafes can be found.
When plotting out what to do in Santiago, Chile, don’t miss going to the Plaza de Armas just a few blocks from the river. The Plaza de Armas is where most of Chile’s major parks are found. Influenced by a French landscaper, the parks down in the area are lined with trees and are divided into a series of small squares. There are also plenty of small galleries within walking distance such as the Museo de Bellas Artes. The difficult part about not spending anything is that the Plaza de Armas is also home to a fresh produce market where Santiago’s local specialties are also sold, so do spare a few cents for that, will you?
#2 – Visit Museo Bellas Artes and Parque Forestal
Even if you’re not an artist wondering what do in Santiago, Chile, you should check out Barrio Brasil where every Sunday, a huge flock of Chileans come out to check out all types of things being sold, from used clothes, art objects, records and the like. There are always street performances, from spontaneous dancers, professional jugglers, fortune tellers and all types of Bohemians loving the street life of Chile. You can probably ask them what to do in Santiago, Chile as well. Their answers might surprise you.
#3 – Hang out with Bohemians outside Santiago’s Cafes
For any tourist or traveler, the rustic beauty of the city can be overwhelming. But a list of what to do in Santiago, Chile is never complete without actually getting the chance to hang out in one of Santiago’s street side cafes. You don’t even have to order anything, although most cafes are actually quite affordable. An artist or two is bound to talk to you if you make yourself visible enough. Of course, there’s always Café Con Piernas ( Café with Legs).
#4 – Trek through the Andean Peaks in Spring
- Andes by morrissey, on Flickr
A big part of Santiago tourism centers on the Andean peaks. If you’re a sports enthusiast and are running through your what to do in Santiago, Chile checklist, make sure to include trekking, biking, or camping in the Andean peaks.
#5 – Take in the Views at Cerro San Cristobal
The highest hill in the city is where you can take in the Santiago, Chile weather and the famous sights of the city. If you don’t want to spend anything, the Cerro San Cristobal can be accessed by a long hike. Once you get there though, the view is worth it. Why should this be included in your things to do in Santiago, Chile? Well, from here, you can actually escape the ever-present smog in the city and on a really clear day, the Andes Peaks are so visible that they can almost be touched. There’s also a park, a botanical garden, swimming pools for adults and children as well as a zoo.
#6 – Walk around the La Chascona Neighborhood
outside of La Chascona, Neruda's house in Santiago by marg.ret, on Flickr
For the South America tourist, Chile has already been closely associated with Pablo Neruda and the other way around. La Chascona was a house designed by the Nobel Prize recipient and was used in the movie Il Postino. If you’re a Neruda fan and are wondering what to do in Santiago, Chile related to the poet and political activist without having to spend too much, walk around the neighborhood in Bellavista where La Chascona is. Its elaborate architecture will tell you it isn’t an ordinary house. Built like a ship, La Chascona was built for his then mistress and later third wife, Matilde Urrutia. Pablo Neruda’s personality has never been more visually apparent.
#7 – Go on a Picnic at Cerro Santa Lucia
If you are getting tired of city life, then include in your things to do in Santiago, Chile the Cerro Santa Lucia where some natural gems await you such as ponds, hidden lookouts, a myriad of statues and murals. The place takes 15 to 20 minutes to climb up. Be sure you are physically fit, as the climb can be a bit difficult.
#8 – Merge with Students at the Republica
The Republica is considered as the University belt in Santiago, Chile and should be included as one of your things to do in Santiago, Chile simply because it shows how Santiago has grown in terms of its democratic system ever since Pinochet was ousted. From here, there are several major universities as well as small universities. Apart from the educational system, what’s interesting about the area is the architectural treasures the city has converted into schools. What used to be mansions for the Chilean elite are now public buildings dedicated to higher education. The Salvador Allende Solidarity Museum can also be found here.
#9 – Stroll through the Cementario General
If you don’t mind slight morbidity on your Santiago tourism checklist, then do check out the Cementario General where all but two of the presidents of Chile are buried. Ironically, it was Dictator Pinochet and Liberator O’Higgins who are not buried in these two to three stories high monuments.
#10 – Check out Sculpture Park
Sculpture park by Alastair Rae, on Flickr
Santiago is filled with so many talented artists that public places tend to overflow with artworks as well. Among these places is Sculpture Park where 30 sculptures can be found by a variety of Chilean artists. If you’re lucky enough to go there during the summer and are wondering what to do in Santiago, Chile during that time, marks your calendars for some really inspiring concerts held in this venue.
So there you go, the top 10 free things to do in Santiago, Chile. Don’t be afraid to mix and match, reverse or mark off some things. After all, each place is already special in itself.
