Things to Do in Santiago, Chile

Quick facts: Built with ashlar stone, the palace houses a collection of murals that narrate key episodes of Chilean history. Its structure has survived significant earthquakes, including the one in 2010 that reached a magnitude of 8.8.

Highlights: Inside, the Press Room where historic events were announced is preserved. Every day at noon, the changing of the guard offers a military spectacle with traditional uniforms and live music.

Quick facts: The central square has been operating for over 400 years as a hub for social and political gatherings. Its surroundings feature iconic buildings such as the Metropolitan Cathedral and the Santiago City Hall.

Highlights: Every Sunday, the square transforms into an artisan market with over 200 stalls where folk music can be heard and local flavors can be enjoyed. A tower with 17 bells marks the hours while tourists and locals mingle in its tree-lined square.

Quick facts: More than 30 murals cover the walls in this area, reflecting the bohemian artistic influence of the neighborhood. Here you will find Cerro San Cristóbal, an urban park that offers panoramic views of the city and the Andes mountain range.

Highlights: The Bellavista courtyard is home to more than 20 bars and restaurants with colorful terraces and live music almost every night, creating a unique atmosphere. Pablo Neruda's former home, La Chascona, located in this neighborhood, invites visitors to discover very personal details about the Chilean poet.

Quick facts: Houses a powerful collection documenting human rights violations during Chile's military dictatorship with over 50,000 archived testimonies. Receives tens of thousands of visitors each year who seek to understand Chile's recent history.

Highlights: Features a haunting audio-visual installation called 'Sala de la Dignidad' where voices of survivors echo through a dimly lit tunnel. The exterior is sculpted with 1,200 aluminum tubes symbolizing the people who disappeared, a striking and solemn tribute visible from the street.

Quick facts: The hill is 69 meters high and is an extinct volcano. From its top you get an impressive panoramic view of Santiago and the Andes mountain range.

Highlights: At the center of the hill is a neoclassical castle called Castillo Hidalgo that looks like it came out of a storybook. Every corner offers murals and fountains dating from the 19th century, showcasing Chilean history at every step.

Quick facts: Parque Forestal follows the course of the Mapocho River, offering more than 30 hectares of green spaces in the heart of the city. It houses sculptures by renowned Chilean artists and connects to several nearby museums and galleries.

Highlights: Among its large oaks and linden trees, an interesting secret is the Museum of Fine Arts, which seems to emerge from the park with its neoclassical facade and its outdoor exhibitions. The park comes alive with art fairs and live music on weekends, creating a unique cultural atmosphere.

Quick facts: More than 200 stalls offer fresh products and handicrafts in a space of 7,000 square meters. It is estimated to receive around 3 million visitors per year, including locals and tourists.

Highlights: The market's roofs are covered with French cast iron, parts imported especially for this place. A curious detail is that here you can find fish and seafood brought directly from the coast of Chile every dawn.

Quick facts: It houses a historic organ with over 4,000 pipes that is still used in special concerts. Its bells weigh up to 3 tons and can be heard for kilometers around, marking the rhythm of the city.

Highlights: A fascinating detail is the main altarpiece with over 200 hand-carved figures in gilded wood, which shines with the natural light coming through the stained glass windows. During Sunday mass, the choir in its traditional costumes fills the cathedral with impressive acoustics, creating a unique spiritual experience.

Quick facts: The skyscraper reaches 300 meters, making it the tallest building in Latin America. It has the largest shopping center in Chile, which has more than 300 stores and an IMAX theater.

Highlights: The views from the platform on the 61st floor offer a breathtaking 360-degree panorama of Santiago and the Andes mountain range. There is an observation deck with glass windows that make you feel like you are walking above the sky, ideal for those who love heights and stunning photos.