Put your hands in the air because we’re about to take you to one of the coolest places on the planet—Santiago, Chile. Nestled between the towering Andes and the sprawling metropolis, Santiago offers one of the most breathtaking landscapes you’ll ever witness. It’s a collision of nature and city, and it goes off in every direction. With a population of over 5.5 million, this vibrant city has both modern marvels and awe-inspiring natural beauty. The question is, why wouldn’t you come here?
Some people stop through on their way to Patagonia or Easter Island or the Atacama Desert. Or maybe you want it as base to see Valparaiso, skiing or Chilean wine country. And yes, we are guilty of that too. Click on the links in this paragraph to see some of our other Chilean adventures.
Whether you came for the views, the culture, or the food, Santiago’s got you covered. And while we may only have less than 24 hours here, we’re determined to pack in the absolute best this city has to offer. Let’s dive into what you have to see, eat, and experience if you’re doing a fast-paced Santiago adventure. So buckle up, and let’s get started!
First Stop: The Hotel with a View
We landed in Santiago early, around 11:15 a.m., and the first thing we did was head to our hotel. We booked a room at the Mandarin Oriental, a surprisingly affordable luxury stay in the heart of the city. And wow, let me tell you—the views from our room were something else. You’ve got the modern city skyline framed by snow-capped mountains in the background. Even though we only had a short time in Santiago, starting the day with those views felt like a promise of the awesome day ahead.
After dropping off our bags and taking a moment to admire the city from our room, it was time to hit the streets. There’s no time to waste in Santiago, especially when you’ve got only one day to explore!
San Cristobal Hill and the Funicular Ride
First on our list: get to the top of the city. The absolute best way to do this? Take the funicular up San Cristobal Hill, located in the massive Santiago Metropolitan Park. This hillside train has been running since 1925 and climbs nearly 1,600 feet up, offering a bird’s-eye view of the entire city.
While waiting in line, we learned that even Pope John Paul II took a ride on this funicular during his visit to Chile in 1987. And after experiencing it ourselves, we can understand why. As we ascended, we were treated to panoramic views of Santiago stretching out below us, with the Andes looming in the background. It’s a short ride, but trust me—it’s worth it. You’re surrounded by snow-capped mountains on one side and palm trees on the other, a bizarre but stunning contrast.
The Virgin Mary Statue: A Santiago Icon
Once you get off the funicular, you’re immediately at one of Santiago’s most iconic landmarks: the statue of the Virgin Mary at the top of San Cristobal Hill. This 46-foot-tall statue is a symbol of faith for many in Chile, and it’s surrounded by a small chapel and shrine where people light candles and say prayers for their loved ones.
The views from up here are breathtaking. You can see the entire city sprawling below you, and it’s easy to feel the spiritual significance of this place. In many Latin American capitals, it’s common to find religious monuments on the highest hills, and Santiago is no exception. It feels like the Virgin Mary is watching over the entire city, a peaceful and protective presence.
A Moment of Calm in the Japanese Garden
Next up on our whirlwind tour was a visit to the Japanese Garden, still within Santiago Metropolitan Park. It’s a serene, beautifully maintained garden with traditional Japanese landscaping, right in the heart of a bustling South American city. You’ve got quiet ponds, lovely bridges, and perfectly manicured plants, all set against the backdrop of Santiago’s skyline.
It’s the perfect place to catch your breath. If the chaos of the city starts to get to you, this is your escape. It’s small, free, and doesn’t take long to walk through. It feels a bit like a peaceful oasis amid the excitement of Santiago.
The Santiago Cable Car: A Bird’s-Eye View of the City
Ready for a change in perspective? The Santiago Cable Car, which first opened in 1980, offers an unforgettable overhead view of both the city and Santiago Metropolitan Park. For just around $15 USD, you get a gorgeous, scenic ride that showcases the mountains, skyline, and green spaces all at once.
Whether or not you’re a fan of heights, you can’t miss this. It’s a touristy activity, sure, but some things are popular for a reason. The cable car ride gives you a sweeping, cinematic view of Santiago—something you’ll be thinking about long after you’ve left.
Plaza de Armas: The Heart of Santiago
After descending from the heights of San Cristobal, we made our way downtown to Plaza de Armas. This is the main square of Santiago, a historic hub that dates back to 1775. Surrounded by colonial buildings, museums, and street vendors, the plaza gives you a real taste of Santiago’s local life.
You’ll find everything from street performers to artists putting on impromptu shows, and the people-watching here is top-notch. One moment you’ll see a street preacher spreading the gospel, and the next you might spot someone peddling souvenirs. It’s chaotic, colorful, and a must-see stop in any city tour.
Barrio Lastarria and Barrio Bellavista: Santiago’s Vibrant Neighborhoods
No visit to Santiago would be complete without a trip to the lively Barrio Bellavista. This artsy neighborhood is where you’ll find trendy restaurants, art galleries, and vibrant nightlife. During our short stay, we saw a local street fair with booths selling books, art, and handmade crafts.
Lastarria is the place to be if you want to soak in Santiago’s young, creative energy. It’s also home to some incredible food. We stumbled upon a restaurant that had a line stretching down the block—all for their famous loaded fries. While I was too full to indulge, if you’ve got an appetite and some time to spare, this place is definitely worth checking out.
Gran Torre Santiago: The Tallest Building in South America
Our final stop was one you couldn’t miss—literally. The Gran Torre Santiago is the tallest building in South America, standing at 980 feet tall. But you come here for the the observation deck at the top, Sky Constanera. The views from the top are simply unreal. You can see all of Santiago stretched out below you, and on a clear day, you can even see the Pacific Ocean.
It’s part of a massive complex that includes Latin America’s largest shopping mall, hotels, and office towers. But what really surprised us? There’s even a Chili’s at the top. So if you ever wanted to say you’ve eaten Chili’s in Chile, this is your chance! The best time to go to the top is right before sunset. It will lead to the best views and pictures.
Where to Stay in Santiago
Obviously we mentioned the Mandarin Oriental earlier. It’s in the Las Condes neighborhood. It has sprawling gardens, a lagoon-style outdoor pool, and luxurious rooms. The hotel is well-known for its exceptional service and exquisite restaurants, such as Matsuri for Japanese cuisine. It’s also close to Santiago’s main attractions. We do have some other recommendations as well:
W Santiago
This place is trendy and modern. W Santiago combines luxury with a hip, contemporary vibe. It’s located in the El Golf district, known for its upscale dining and shopping. The hotel boasts a rooftop pool with views of the Andes, chic bars, and stylish rooms.
The Singular Santiago
Nestled in the heart of the artsy Lastarria neighborhood, The Singular Santiago is a chic boutique hotel with stylish interiors and personalized service. It features a rooftop bar with stunning views, a cozy spa, and a restaurant offering gourmet Chilean cuisine.
Luciano K Hotel
A historic boutique hotel housed in a beautiful Art Deco building. The Luciano K Hotel offers stylish rooms, a rooftop terrace with a small pool, and a cozy ambiance. It’s located in the vibrant Lastarria district, known for its restaurants, museums, and galleries.
Hotel Kennedy
This is a great mid-range option located in the upscale Vitacura neighborhood. It offers comfortable rooms, a small outdoor pool, and views of the Andes. The hotel is close to luxury shopping areas and Santiago’s business district.
Hotel Cumbres Lastarria
This modern hotel is located in the vibrant Lastarria neighborhood, known for its cultural attractions and trendy restaurants. Hotel Cumbres Lastarria offers comfortable rooms, a rooftop terrace, and excellent value for money. It’s close to the Fine Arts Museum and Cerro Santa Lucía.
Wrapping It Up
Santiago, Chile, is a city that offers so much more than you can imagine. From its stunning mountain views to its vibrant cultural hubs, there’s truly something for everyone. We may have only had 24 hours to explore, but in that short time, we experienced a city full of life, history, and unforgettable sights.
With more time, we have other recommendations as well. Explore the outdoors at Cajon de Maipo. Check out the changing of the guard at La Moneda Palace. Just go sampling at Mercado Central. Just to name a few spots.
Whether you’re planning a longer trip or just passing through, Santiago is one city that will stick with you. And if we missed any of your favorite spots, let us know! What else should be on the must-do list for Santiago?
