Top Rated Attractions in Santiago

Free Walking Tour Santiago is a private tour guide agency offering free tours around the city. The tours are conducted by friendly guides wearing red t-shirts, who can be found standing near Catedral Metropolitana. The tours last about an hour, covering the major attractions of the city on foot. There are two time slots for group tours the first at 10a and the other at 3p. Tips are encouraged and accepted.

The Museo de la Memoria was opened in 2010 to give an account of the human rights violations of the Chilean people between 1973–1990. It intends to raise awareness and to promote reflection and discussion on these events. It holds a permanent collection of archives and objects meant to teach the history of the country under Pinochet. There is also space reserved for temporary exhibits to deepen understanding of the magnitude of these events.

Located in the heart of Santiago, Cerro Santa Lucia is a large hillside that has been transformed into a beautiful and alluring park and outdoor space. Tourists visiting the picturesque attraction can immerse themselves in Chilean history as they stroll through the lush gardens adorning the former military lookout point. They can also admire the intricate architecture of the park's buildings and fountains, with the vantage points providing a panoramic view of the city upon reaching the summit of the hill. Ascending the carved stairwells and staircases is an invigorating experience and visitors are exposed to the stories embedded in every nook and cranny of the structure.

A monument emanating resplendent beauty and displaying an awe-inspiring visage, the Catedral de Santiago is a regal structure which is an important landmark of Santiago. The construction of the religious edifice spanned quite a few decades, right from the mid-1500s to the late 19th century. Though the building sustained damage during the numerous earthquakes in Santiago, the cathedral has stood its ground, quite literally! The existing building was refurbished and reconstructed by Joaquín Toesca in the baroque and classical styles, with two elegant towers flanking the central nave. The interior is a splendid blend of towering gilded columns and intricately crafted tiles, with ornate frescoes adorning the vaulted ceilings. Magnificent stone beams were discovered in the confines of the church in recent years and the tomb of the first Chilean Cardinal, José María Caro, is located here.

This spectacular home was the residence of Pablo Neruda, the acclaimed Chilean poet who won the Nobel Prize for Literature. The home has its unique style, in great part designed by the poet himself and can be found at the bottom of San Cristóbal Hill. It was built in 1955 by Pablo and his wife, Matilde. There is a beautiful library filled with a vast collection of books, paintings and other objects belonging to Neruda.

This informative museum was installed in the Real Aduana building, which was built in 1805 and 1807. Now it hosts important traveling exhibitions that bring in a large number of visitors. Permanent exhibits include valuable ceramics, paintings, sculptures and significant pre-Columbian textiles, from Mexico to Chile. Guided tours are available on request.