Santiago-2-day-itinerary

Day 1: Exploring Downtown Santiago

Morning

  • 9:00 AM: Start the day at Plaza de Armas, the heart of downtown Santiago. Admire the beautiful colonial-style buildings and the iconic Catedral Metropolitana.
  • 10:00 AM: Visit the Palacio de la Moneda, the official residence of the President of Chile. Take a guided tour to learn about the country’s history and politics.

Lunch

  • Head to Mercado Central (Av. Pedro de Valdivia 439) for lunch. This historic market offers a variety of traditional Chilean cuisine, including seafood, empanadas, and pastries.
  • Try Café con Piernas, a Santiago institution since 1870, located in the heart of Mercado Central.

Afternoon

  • 1:30 PM: Visit the Museum of Memory and Human Rights (Av. Matucana 1007), a somber but important museum that documents Chile’s history of human rights abuses during the Pinochet regime.
  • 4:00 PM: Take a stroll through the picturesque Parque Forestal, a peaceful oasis in the midst of bustling downtown.

Dinner

  • Enjoy dinner at La Parrilla, a popular restaurant serving traditional Chilean cuisine. Try their famous Pastel de Choclo (corn pie).

Nightlife

  • End the night with a drink at The Last Dinosaur, a trendy bar located in the upscale Bellas Artes neighborhood.

Where to Stay

Consider staying at:

  • Hotel Plaza Santiago (Av. Manuel Montt 435), a 4-star hotel located near Plaza de Armas.
  • Hostal Alcala (Calama 101), a cozy and affordable hostel in the trendy Lastarria neighborhood.

Things to Know

  • Be mindful of your belongings, especially in crowded areas like Mercado Central.
  • Try to learn some basic Spanish phrases, such as “gracias” (thank you) and “¿dónde está…?” (where is…?).
  • Don’t drink tap water; stick to bottled or filtered water.

Transportation

  • Use the efficient metro system ( Linea 1, stop: Plaza de Armas) to get around.
  • You can also use taxis, but make sure to use a reputable company like Taxi Amarillo.

Tips and Other Things of Interest

  • Visit Santiago’s famous wine bars, such as Bacán, for a taste of Chilean wines.
  • Take a day trip to the scenic coastal town of Viña del Mar (approx. 1 hour from downtown Santiago).
  • Explore the trendy neighborhoods of Bellas Artes and Lastarria for shopping and dining.

Day 2: Exploring Coastal Santiago

Morning

  • 9:00 AM: Visit the stunning Palacio de la Moneda, a beautiful government building located on the coast.
  • 10:30 AM: Explore the nearby Parque Forestal, which offers stunning views of the coastline.

Lunch

  • Head to La Marisqueria, a popular seafood restaurant in the coastal town of La Reina (approx. 15 minutes from downtown Santiago).

Afternoon

  • 1:00 PM: Visit the Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes, which features an impressive collection of Chilean and European art.
  • 3:30 PM: Take a stroll along the scenic coast of La Serena Beach (Playa La Serena), located in the upscale neighborhood of La Reina.

Dinner

  • Enjoy dinner at El Olivo, a cozy restaurant serving Mediterranean cuisine. Try their famous Paella Valenciana.

Nightlife

  • End the night with a drink at Barrio Lastarria, a trendy bar district that offers live music and dancing.

Where to Stay

Consider staying at:

  • Hotel Barrio Lastarria (Providencia 175), a 4-star hotel located in the heart of the trendy Lastarria neighborhood.
  • Hostal La Casa Blanca (Calle 141, Providencia 1-3), a cozy and affordable hostel.

Things to Know

  • Be mindful of your belongings, especially in crowded areas like the coastal town of Viña del Mar.
  • Try to learn some basic Spanish phrases, such as “gracias” (thank you) and “¿dónde está…?” (where is…?).
  • Don’t drink tap water; stick to bottled or filtered water.

Transportation

  • Use the efficient metro system (Linea 1, stop: Plaza de Armas) to get around.
  • You can also use taxis, but make sure to use a reputable company like Taxi Amarillo.