Santiago, the vibrant capital of Chile, is a city of two faces. One shines under the sun with its history and heritage, and the other lights up at night with its bohemian energy.
Touring its emblematic places is a unique experience. The day tours immerse you in the architecture, museums, and history of the Chilean capital, while the night tours reveal the pulse of its gastronomy and its famous bohemian life. Below, we present two unmissable options for a city tour in the Metropolitan Region.
Day city tour
If you are passionate about history, the day city tour of Santiago should start at the Plaza de Armas, the heart of the city (accessible via Metro). This nerve center is surrounded by icons such as the Metropolitan Cathedral and the National Historical Museum. From there, the pedestrian route continues through the civic Palacio de La Moneda, and then up to the Cerro Santa Lucía to get a first panoramic view of the capital.
In the afternoon, the cultural tour continues in the Barrio Lastarria, an oasis of design, cafes, and art, where the Museum of Visual Arts (MAVI) is located. This tour can be done on your own or through specialized tourist buses (hop-on hop-off) that facilitate the connection between the points of interest.
- Estimated price: Tickets to Cerro Santa Lucía and the Historical Museum are free. Tourist buses from $35,000 CLP.
- Recommendations: Wear comfortable shoes for walking, wear sunscreen, and stay hydrated, especially in summer.
Night city tour
As night falls, the night city tour of Santiago offers a dazzling perspective. The ideal starting point is the Sky Costanera, the highest viewpoint in Latin America, which offers 360° panoramic views of the illuminated city. It is key to plan the ascent before 9:00 p.m., the time of the last entry.
After the experience in the heights, the tour continues in the Barrio Bellavista, the epicenter of Santiago's bohemian life. There you can enjoy a wide range of restaurants before exploring the vibrant scene of bars and clubs, which often extends well into the early morning.
- Estimated price: Entrance to the Sky Costanera from $16,000 CLP (adult).
- Recommendations: Prefer to move through illuminated and busy areas. Use official taxi services to return to your accommodation.
