Check out these great tips of free things to do in Santiago, the capital of Chile. This is a great way to travel on a budget and still see a few sightseeings.
Santiago is the capital of Chile and worth visiting! The country has many incredible places to visit, especially if you love adventure and nature travel. But to get there you’ll probably land in the airport of Santiago, and if you’re already there take some time to explore the city.
The best area to stay in Santiago is Providencia, since this neighborhood has great options of hotels, restaurantes, it’s a safe area and close to a few subway stations. Additionally, other good options of areas to stay in Santiago are: Bella Vista, Lastarria and Las Condes.
- 3 and 4 stars: Almasur Providencia, Hotel Luciano K e The Place
- Luxury Accommodation: Pullman Santiago El Bosque, The Singular Santiago e Solace Hotel
- Cheaper options: Yogi Hostel, La Chimba Hostel e One Nk Apartments
Free things to do in Santiago
1) Historical Center and Plaza de Armas
The main square in Santiago is surrounded by historical buildings, therefore take some moment to walk around the area. Also, in front of Plaza de Armas is the Cathedral of Santiago, an iconic church you need to visit. The entrance of the Cathedral is free.
Walking in the historical downtown area of Santiago is like traveling through time. With it’s colonial and well preserved historial buildings, as its charming squares that shows the city’s rich heritage.
A few of the main touristic places to see in Downtown Santiago:
- La Moneda Palace
- Metropolitan Cathedral of Santiago
- Bario Paris Londres
2) Museums
Most of Santiago’s museum are free, so take some time to visit a few museums to learn more about the country’s history. The most essential one to visit is the Museum of Memory and Human Rights (Museo de la Memoria y los Derechos Humanos), that focus in the time period of the military dictatorship that took over not only Chile but also other countries in South America.
List of museums with free entrance in Santiago:
- The Museum of Memory and Human Rights
- National Museum of Fine Arts
- Centro Cultural Palacio de La Moneda
- The Museum of Visual Arts
- Museo de Arte Contemporaneo
3) Cerro Santa Lucía
Cerro means “hill” in Spanish and you’ll find a few hills in Santiago. One of the most famous is the “Cerro Santa Lucía“. Very famous for its fountain “Fuente Neptuno”, that you’ll find right that the hill’s entrance on Av. Libertador Bernardo O’Higgins.
This is the place where Pedro de Valdivia, the founder of Santiago, chose to estabilish a fort at the 16th century. Today visitors can explore more of the local history by visiting the Hidalgo Castle. You can also go up the hill from an entrance at the Bellas Artes neighborhood.
Furthermore, you can get amazing panoramic views of the city from the top of the Santa Lucía Hill.
4) Bahá’í Temple
The structure of the Bahá’í Temple in Santiago is truly unique and the first in South America. The Bahá’í faith is an independent religion that promotes the unity, peace and equality. Found on the 19th century in Persia.
The Temple’s structure is incredible, composed of nine translucent marble petals. When I visit the place I stayed there for a long time just admiring, seeing the light go through the marble, entering the temple.
It is located in the Peñalolén neighborhood and it’s located a little bit far from the city center. I visited the temple by car with a friend, but you can uber to the location.
As a matter of fact, you can also enjoy the views from up there. It has some amazing panoramic views of the city of Santiago and the Andes mountains. It’s an unique view of the city, where you can see every building and the mountains.
5) Bicentenario Park
The Bicentenario Park of Santiago is a natural treasure in the middle of the city. The park exists since 2011, it was created to celebrate Chile’s 200 years of independence. Located in the neighborhood of Vitacura.
6) Cerro Manquehue
Cerro Manquehue is a mountain that dominates the horizon of Santiago. A natural attraction that gives its visitors an unique adventure experience and amazing views. Therefore, the tracks and trails, provide an incredible journey for those who are willing to take the challenge. Always check with local guides for information.
7) Free Walking Tour
When you’re visiting a new place a great way for you to learn more about the city, the history of the country and its culture is making a walking tour with local guides. And if you’re trying to save some money while traveling, you can find many free walking tours. But remember, it’s always nice to leave a tip to the guide after the tour ends.
CLICK HERE and check out a few options of free walking tours in Santiago.
8) The National Library of Chile
The National Library of Chile is an cultural and intelectual landmark, located close to Cerro Santa Lucía. I has a big collection of books, documents, maps and manuscripts, therefore being of the biggest and most important libraries in Latin America.
9) Changing of the Guard – La Moneda
If you’re lucky you can see the ceremony of changing guard in front of the La Moneda Palace. But unfortunately it doesn’t happen everyday and sometimes it can not occur due to the presidential schedule. Also, if there’s any sort of manifestation going on in Santiago the guard change will be canceled.
10) Basilica de la Merced
Founded in 1566, the Basilica de la Merced has a long and rich history that connects to the beginning of the Spanish colonization. Inside the church is just as impressive as the outside, with incredible altars, paintings and sculptures. It is located in downtown Santiago, close to erro Santa Lucía and Plaza de Armas.
11) Araucano Park
The park Araucano is located in the Las Condes neighborhood. It has an extension of almost 74 acres, with an diverse combination of green areas, lakes and recreational spaces.
How to have internet access in Chile?
I always recommend to use a cellphone chip for international trips. This way you’ll gave internet connection while traveling, and use the maps on your phone, check out your itinerary, have access to your documents, and also use google translator if needed. Therefore, buying a cellphone local chip can make your traveling experience much easier and more pleasant.
On my latest trips I used an eSIM from Airalo and i really recommend this brand . Through Airalo’s eSIMs it’s posssible to download and install the data package in more than 200 countries. It’s easier cause it’s a digital SIM, so you won’t need to keep changing and risking to lose your personal chip.
Use the code: CIAODORA and get a 10% discount when buying your eSIM Airalo.
CLICK HERE and check out Airalo’s website and different plans.
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