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Santiago and the Andes from Cerro San Cristóbal

No. 88 Top 100 City Destinations 2025

Santiago

Chile

Chile's capital at the foot of the Andes: hilltop views, lively barrios and vineyards on the edge of town.

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Photo: Omnespsx (D•ES), CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Overview

Santiago is No. 88 in Euromonitor International's Top 100 City Destinations Index 2025. Chile's capital lies in a wide central valley, with the snow-capped Andes rising just east of the city.

It is a modern, easy-going city of parks, hills and neighbourhood restaurants, and a base for ski resorts, the Maipo and Casablanca wine valleys and the colourful port of Valparaíso.

The Metropolitan Cathedral on the Plaza de Armas, Santiago
The Metropolitan Cathedral on the Plaza de Armas, Santiago. Photo: Rjcastillo, CC BY-SA 4.0, source

Best time to go

Spring (September to November) and autumn (March to May) are mild and clear, and autumn brings the grape harvest.

Summers are hot and dry. June to August is cool and the best time for skiing in the nearby Andes.

Top sights

  • 1

    Plaza de Armas

    The historic main square, with the Metropolitan Cathedral and the Central Post Office.

  • 2

    Cerro San Cristóbal

    A large hill park reached by funicular and cable car, with views over the city to the Andes.

  • 3

    Cerro Santa Lucía

    A small landscaped hill in the centre, with terraces, fountains and a lookout.

  • 4

    Lastarria and Bellavista

    Neighbourhoods of cafés, bars, street art and La Chascona, Pablo Neruda's house museum.

  • 5

    Chilean Museum of Pre-Columbian Art

    Textiles, ceramics and sculpture from the cultures of Latin America.

  • 6

    Mercado Central

    The iron-roofed central fish market, known for seafood restaurants.

Getting there

Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport (SCL) is about 17 km north-west of the centre; buses, shuttles and taxis take 30 to 45 minutes.

Buses link Santiago with Valparaíso and Viña del Mar in about 1.5 hours.

Getting around

The Santiago Metro is fast and clean, and the Bip! card covers metro and buses. Ride-hailing apps are widely used.

Practical tips

Currency
Chilean peso (CLP). Cards are accepted almost everywhere.
Language
Spanish. English is spoken in hotels and some restaurants.
Safety
Watch for pickpockets in the centre and on public transport. The emergency number is 133 (police).
Visa & entry
Citizens of many countries, including the US, Canada, the UK, Australia and EU countries, can visit Chile visa-free for up to 90 days. Check the rules for your nationality before you travel.
Power
220 V, 50 Hz; plug types C and L.

Official information: Chile Travel (official tourism website). Check opening hours, prices and entry rules there before you go.

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