10 FUN & EXCITING Things to do in Santiago, Chile

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Looking for the top things to do on your next visit to Santiago, Chile? You’re in luck, I have them right here!

Whether you’re using Santiago as a launch point for further travel or are planning a few days here, Santiago is worth a visit. In fact, it’s one of my favorite cities in South America! You may be wondering why this city is so special and what exactly to do while you’re here. 

To make your planning easy, I picked out the top things to do in Santiago and a few of my favorite day trips. These are all easy to book and fit into a tight timeline, so read on to experience Santiago’s highlights!

Best Things to do in Santiago, Chile

1. Hop-on hop-off city tour of Santiago

• Duration: 2+ hours
• Time: 9:30 am (not available on Mondays)
• Highlights: Explore Santiago at your own pace with hop-on hop-off access, ride the cable car and funicular up Cerro San Cristóbal, visit key parks, malls, and historic landmarks along the route
• Inclusions: Unlimited hop-on, hop-off ticket, Santiago Cable Car ticket, Santiago Funicular ticket, unlimited panoramic buses for a day in Parque Metropolitano
• Rating: 4.9 stars (check 2,200+ reviews here)
• Free cancellation: Yes
• Price: Check price here!

By far the best way to get to know Santiago is just to get out and explore it! That’s why we love this bus, cable car, and funicular tour that takes you all over the city.

Think of this tour as a hop-on, hop-off bus, but it also includes riding the cable car and funicular. For those unfamiliar, a funicular is a funky outdoor elevator that helps locals get around the hilly city. They are actually pretty fun to ride and give fantastic views from up above. 

There are 10 stops along this route, and the buses come every hour. So you can get off the bus and explore to your heart’s content, then catch the next bus. Some of the big-ticket places you’ll explore include Patio Bellavista, Cerro San Cristobal, Plaza de Armas, Cerro Santa Lucía, and even more iconic Santiago sights.

We think this is an excellent way to explore all the corners of Santiago in one easy day. The pass allows you to get on and off as many times as you want, so you can use it all day from 9:30 am to 6 pm. Plus, with over 2,000 5-star reviews (see them here!), we aren’t the only ones who think this is a worthwhile experience.

Book this popular tour here and get FREE cancellation 24 hours before you go!

2. Day trip to Valparaiso

• Duration: 10 hours
• Time: 7:30 am
• Highlights: Explore Viña del Mar’s coastline, walk Valparaíso’s colorful street-art hills, ride a historic ascensor, enjoy a Casablanca Valley wine tasting
• Inclusions: Hotel pickup/drop-off (pick up time will be delivered the night before the tour), drop-off at Valparaiso port (includes one large and one small luggage), wine tasting, one Funicular ride in Valparaiso, small-group tour
• Rating: 4.8 stars (check 5,200+ reviews here)
• Free cancellation: Yes
• Price: Check price here!

Valparaíso is easily one of Latin America’s trendiest cities—a vibrant coastal hub known for its colorful cliff-top homes, buzzing nightlife, and creative spirit. Since it’s about 1.5 hours from Santiago, the easiest way to explore is on this full-day Valparaíso and Viña del Mar tour, which brings you straight into the heart of this artistic, historic port city without the stress of logistics.

Valparaíso (or “Valpo,” as locals call it) is a place where history meets art on every corner. Murals cover entire blocks, musicians fill the streets with rhythm, and local vendors sell handmade pieces that reflect both the city’s heritage and its modern-day creativity. Many works date back generations or were created to tell Valpo’s rich and sometimes turbulent story, making the city feel like a giant open-air museum.

With a local guide leading the way, we learned the meaning behind so many murals and landmarks we would have otherwise walked right past. The tour also includes a ride on one of Valpo’s iconic funiculars—an essential experience given how steep the hills are. You’ll also pop over to nearby Viña del Mar, a coastal contrast known for its beaches and leafy avenues.

One of the highlights came at the end: a relaxing stop in the Casablanca Valley for a wine tasting, the perfect way to wrap up a day filled with art, history, and ocean views. Round-trip transportation, the funicular ride, wine tasting, and guided commentary are all included, giving you a seamless and memorable Valparaíso experience.

Book this tour with 5,200 glowing reviews here, before it sells out!

3. Visit Viña del Mar

• Duration: 10 hours
• Time: 7:30 am
• Highlights: Explore Viña del Mar’s coastline, walk Valparaíso’s colorful street-art hills, ride a historic ascensor, enjoy a Casablanca Valley wine tasting
• Inclusions: Hotel pickup/drop-off (pick up time will be delivered the night before the tour), drop-off at Valparaiso port (includes one large and one small luggage), wine tasting, one Funicular ride in Valparaiso, small-group tour
• Rating: 4.8 stars (check 5,200+ reviews here)
• Free cancellation: Yes
• Price: Check price here!

Just up the road from Valparaíso sits the calmer, quieter, and beautifully scenic town of Viña del Mar—and the easiest way to visit is on this same full-day Valparaíso and Viña del Mar tour mentioned in the Valparaíso section. Since the tour covers both cities in one seamless day, it’s the most convenient way to experience Chile’s colorful coast without worrying about transportation or planning.

Viña del Mar, whose name means “Vineyard of the Sea,” is often called La Ciudad de Jardín (“the Garden City”), and it truly feels like a seaside oasis. The city comes right up to the water’s edge and is known for having some of the best beaches in Chile.

Its relaxed vibe pairs beautifully with its leafy avenues, charming shops, European-style architecture, and murals that pop up everywhere you turn. It’s also a fantastic place to try a few Chilean empanadas—definitely a must while you’re here.

The tour begins at the Francisco Fonck History Museum, home to impressive archaeological pieces, including artifacts from Easter Island. Next, you’ll stroll along Avenida Perú with its ocean views before stopping at the striking Wulff Castle perched above the waves.

Afterward, the tour continues to Valparaíso, where you’ll wander through its famous mural-filled hills, ride an iconic funicular, and end the day with a relaxing wine tasting in the Casablanca Valley.

Bring cash for lunch and your curiosity—this full-day experience is the perfect way to explore both cities in one go.

Reserve this tour now and access FREE cancellation 24 hours before you go!

4. Private city sightseeing tour

• Duration: 5 hours
• Time: Multiple times available from 8 am to 2:30 pm
• Highlights: Visit Santiago’s top landmarks, walk the historic center, explore local markets, ride the San Cristóbal cable car, see vibrant neighborhoods and parks with a private guide
• Inclusions: Hotel pick-up/drop-off, private transport, bilingual English/Spanish-speaking guide, cable car to San Cristobal Hill (depending on accessibility), photos sent after (optional)
• Rating: 4.9 stars (check 240+ reviews here)
• Free cancellation: No
• Price: Check price here!

If you really want to dive into Santiago’s history and culture, then this private sightseeing tour is the way to go. We personally love taking private tours on our first visit to a city because you truly get to what makes this place special. My tip is to do this on your first day, then you’ll know what areas to return to during the rest of your trip!

This private tour really covers a lot of ground—literally! You’ll be zig-zagging around the city as you explore the iconic Plaza de Armas, the stunning Metropolitan Cathedral, the central market, the Bellavista neighborhood, and beyond. But since this is a private tour, you have more flexibility regarding what you see, so you can tailor it to fit your preferences!

I recommend wearing good walking shoes because you’ll cover anywhere from 1–3 kilometers (0.62–1.86 miles). Don’t worry, they also have spots to drive from, and you’ll take the cable car to San Cristobal Hill—how fun!

With pick up from the airport, the cruise port, or your hotel included, this is one of the highest-rated sightseeing tours in Santiago, so we think it’s a true winner and a fantastic way to dive into the city.

Check availability and book this tour here to access flexible payment and cancellation options!

5. Casablanca Valley wine tasting

• Duration: 10 hours
• Time: 8 am
• Highlights: Taste premium wines at multiple Casablanca Valley vineyards, explore organic and boutique wineries, enjoy optional guided tastings and lunch in a vineyard restaurant 
• Inclusions: Professional local guides, transport, hotel pickup/drop-off, admission to Emiliana Organic Vineyards, Bodegas RE, and Casas del Bosque, lunch stop (own expense)
• Rating: 4.8 stars (check 560+ reviews here)
• Free cancellation: Yes
• Price: Check price here!

Chile is one of the world’s top wine-producing countries, and there’s no better place to experience its vibrant wine culture than on this Casablanca Valley full-day wine tour.

Since the region sits between the Pacific coastline and the Andes Mountains, it produces a remarkable range of white wines that perfectly complement the bold reds Chile is known for. With dozens of vineyards scattered across the valley, exploring with a tour makes the day effortless—and lets you fully enjoy the tastings without worrying about driving.

Casablanca Valley is home to some of Chile’s most distinctive wineries, and this tour visits four of its best. Each stop feels different—one winery specializing in sparkling wines, offering a refreshing contrast to the richer whites and reds we tried later.

A highlight is Bodegas RE, a boutique vineyard where you’re guided through the entire winemaking process—from soil and fermentation to bottling. Having a knowledgeable guide makes the day even better, giving you insight into the region’s history, techniques, and the enormous effort behind every bottle.

Midday, the tour breaks for lunch at Tanino Restaurant, known for vineyard views and locally sourced dishes. It’s the perfect spot to relax before continuing the tastings.

Casablanca Valley is only about an hour from Santiago, so having round-trip transportation from your hotel is a major perk. The tour includes three tastings, with the option to purchase an additional one at the final stop, plus free time for lunch. It’s truly one of the best ways to dive into Chile’s wine scene!

Check out the 350+ 5-star reviews and book this wine tour here.

Related Read: Wondering where to base yourself for all these adventures? Our guide on where to stay in Santiago breaks down the best areas and hotels!

6. Tour to Cajón del Maipo

• Duration: 10 hours
• Time: 7 am
• Highlights: Explore the Andes at Cajón del Maipo, visit the turquoise Yeso Reservoir, stop for waterfalls and glacier views, enjoy a picnic of local snacks 
• Inclusions: Professional driver and guide, Chilean wine, local empanada, hotel pickup/drop-off from Santiago, transport by air-conditioned vehicle, fee to small waterfall
• Rating: 4.8 stars (check 610+ reviews here)
• Free cancellation: Yes
• Price: Check price here!

For an easy escape into Chile’s rugged mountain scenery, this full-day Cajón del Maipo tour is the best way to experience this breathtaking region just outside Santiago. Often compared to a Chilean version of Lake Tahoe, Cajón del Maipo is known for its brilliant blue lake, dramatic cliffs, and snow-dusted peaks that surround the entire valley.

The area sits only about an hour from Santiago, making it a convenient yet wildly scenic day trip. There are countless hiking spots, panoramic viewpoints, and natural wonders to explore, but visiting with a tour makes the day far more relaxed. We were picked up directly from our hotel in an air-conditioned van, which was a welcome comfort compared to navigating local buses, especially in warmer months.

One of the best parts of the experience was the picnic at El Yeso Dam. With a view of towering mountains and glassy water, we enjoyed Chilean wine and homemade empanadas while our guide shared stories about the region. It added such a memorable touch and made the day feel unhurried and personal.

Having both a guide and a driver allowed us to fully enjoy the landscape without the stress of planning or driving mountain roads. From learning about the region to soaking in the scenery, the tour gave us the perfect mix of adventure and relaxation. It was truly one of the highlights of our time near Santiago.

Book this tour with more than 500 5-star reviews here to see for yourself!

7. Viña Concha y Toro tour from Santiago

• Duration: 5 hours
• Time: 7:45 am, 8:15 am, 1:15 pm, and 1:45 pm
• Highlights: Explore the Don Melchor estate and Casillero del Diablo cellars, visit the Variety Garden, enjoy a premium tasting with a cheeseboard overlooking the Pirque Valley
• Inclusions: Round-trip transfer (exclusive for the group), visit to the Concha y Toro Park, exteriors of Casa Don Melchor, and Devil’s Locker, drinks, wine tasting, Concha y Toro wine glass, winery tour
• Rating: 4.8 stars (check 1,000+ reviews here)
• Free cancellation: Yes
• Price: Check price here!

Chile is ideal for wine lovers like us, and while we adore full-day trips into the country’s major wine regions, we were thrilled to discover that one of Chile’s most famous wineries—Viña Concha y Toro—is just a short drive from Santiago. This half-day Concha y Toro tour made it incredibly easy to visit without worrying about transportation or driving after tastings, so it was an easy yes for our itinerary.

We were picked up from a convenient meeting point and driven for about an hour to the estate, where the scenery immediately set the tone for the day. The winery grounds are beautiful, with lush gardens, manicured pathways, and the historic mansion where the iconic Casillero del Diablo legend began. According to the story, the devil himself lives in the cellar, but you’ll have to visit to decide whether you believe it!

One of the highlights was the guided tasting. We sampled seven different wines, each introduced by a sommelier who walked us through the flavors, techniques, and history behind every pour. We’ve tried a lot of wines during our travels, but tasting Chilean varietals right at the source felt especially memorable.

The combination of easy transportation, storytelling, incredible scenery, and generous tastings made this tour a standout. It’s an excellent addition to any Santiago trip, especially if you want a wine experience that fits into a half day and still feels rich and immersive.

Check out the 900+ 5-star reviews and book your wine tour here. 

8. Go skiing in the Valle Nevado

• Duration: 8 hours
• Time: 7 am
• Highlights: Drive into the Andes to visit Valle Nevado and Farellones, explore ski villages, choose from optional snow activities or skiing
• Inclusions: Pickup/drop-off from your hotel or address in Santiago, visit to Farellones and Valle Nevado, option to spend the day at Farellones Park, small-group tour
• Rating: 4.3 stars (check 320+ reviews here)
• Free cancellation: Yes
• Price: Check price here!

Santiago is a haven for skiers since it’s surrounded by the Andes! The best way to experience epic skiing in the Andes Mountains is by taking a trip to Valle Nevado, a ski resort in the heart of the mountain range.

The road conditions to get to Valle Nevado can be slippery and are full of sharp turns. I recommend taking this small group tour instead! It’s really just round-trip transportation from Santiago to Valle Nevado, so you don’t have to navigate the roads yourself.

For skiing, you can either purchase a day pass ahead of time online or you can show up and buy a day lift ticket at a ticket office when you arrive. You can expect to pay around $70 USD for the day, along with a $5 USD charge for the electronic card you’ll need for the lift system, and any rentals are extra.

Skiing season here starts in June and goes until September, and sometimes into October if there’s enough snow. The weekends are busy, as well as the “winter break” in mid-July and the Independence Day holiday in September. If you can, try to avoid the busy times so you’ll have more room and less of a wait for the lifts.

If you’re here in the summer, don’t worry, there are still activities to do here once the snow melts. There’s horseback riding, rock climbing, or you can ride the chairlift to enjoy the view! Plus, stay for lunch and a pisco sour at the restaurant here.

Secure your spot now and get FREE cancellation options 24 hours before you depart.

Related Read: For an easy-to-follow guide, our 3-day Santiago itinerary shares our can’t-miss activities, favorite restaurants, and more!

9. Portillo Inca Lagoon

• Duration: 11 hours
• Time: 7 am
• Highlights: Visit a family-owned winery in the Aconcagua Valley, sample local wines, travel the famous Los Caracoles mountain road, and enjoy stunning views of the Inca Lagoon and Portillo ski resort
• Inclusions: Driver-guide, hotel pickup/drop-off from Santiago, transport, wine tasting, interact with llamas, lunch (at your own expense), free time in Inca Lagoon, small-group tour
• Rating: 4.8 stars (check 1,600+ reviews here)
• Free cancellation: Yes
• Price: Check price here!

For one of the most dramatic nature experiences near Santiago, this full-day Portillo Inca Lagoon tour is an incredible way to explore Chile’s high Andes without worrying about transportation or planning. The highlight is the Inca Lagoon, a stunning alpine lake that shifts from emerald green to deep blue depending on the season, but the journey there is just as unforgettable.

The drive follows the famous Los Caracoles (“the Snails”) road, a winding stretch with 29 sharp hairpin curves stacked tightly along the mountainside. Seeing them lined up made my stomach flip, and if you’re sensitive to motion sickness, this is something to consider. Still, the scenery is unmatched. Along the way, you’ll catch views of Aconcagua, the highest mountain in the Americas, and stop at carefully chosen viewpoints your guide points out.

Once you reach Portillo Ski Resort, you’ll have time to explore, enjoy the crisp mountain air, and admire elevated views of the lagoon from one of the best vantage points in the region. There’s also a chance to stop for food at the resort’s restaurant, which looks straight out over the lake and surrounding peaks.

The day wraps up with a relaxing wine tasting at San Esteban Vineyard, where you can sip local varietals while surrounded by vineyard and mountain views. Having a knowledgeable guide really enriches the entire experience, offering context and stories you’d miss on your own.

Don’t just take our word for it—this tour has over 1,600 glowing reviews, and it’s easy to see why.

Reserve your spot on this top-rated tour here before it sells out.

10. Bicycle tour through Santiago’s markets

• Duration: 3 hours
• Time: 9:30 am
• Highlights: Bike through Santiago, explore lively markets, discover local flavors and street art, learn about city life with a friendly local guide
• Inclusions: Local bilingual guide, beach cruiser city bike, helmet, bottled water, snacks, traditional Chilean snack, freshly squeezed juices, small-group tour
• Rating: 4.9 stars (check 330+ reviews here)
• Free cancellation: Yes
• Price: Check price here!

If you like eating and cycling, I have the perfect activity for you! This bike tour through Santiago’s markets is the best way to experience the local side of the city. Cycling is actually a popular way to get around the city, so do as the locals do and explore on two wheels!

But I always like a little reward for my cycle adventures, so going through the top markets in Santiago makes for a fun activity. There are quite a few markets in town, so visiting by bicycle makes it easy to see them all.

Your local guide will lead you on a 6.5-kilometer (4-mile) route, stopping at some of the city’s most popular markets, such as Central Seafood Market, La Vega Central, and the Tirso Molina Market. While the tour doesn’t include food, the guide knows the best vendors to take you to, so you can eat some traditional Chilean food in the market. This is also helpful if your Spanish is lacking, and they will make sure you get a fair price!

I love that this tour is only 3 hours, so it’s easy to fit into your busy schedule. Plus, everything is included—your bike, helmet, the guide, and they even throw in a snack! 

Book this tour with hundreds of 5-star reviews here, before spots fill up.

Where to Stay in Santiago, Chile

Santiago is quite a sprawling city, so staying in a central location is essential! We loved the Providencia neighborhood, as it’s well-connected to public transportation, and there’s so much to do in this neighborhood itself. If these hotels are still available, they will be your best options for a luxury, budget, or mid-range stay.

Luxury – $$$

If you want sleek design and zero-fuss convenience, the AC Hotel by Marriott Santiago Cenco Costanera nails it. Being close to the Costanera Center complex means shopping and casual eats are just moments away. Downstairs, the lobby lounge is an easy meet-up spot, while the bar makes one of the best pre-dinner pisco sours I’ve ever had. Fitness fans have a solid gym, and business travelers will appreciate the quiet workspaces and reliable Wi-Fi.

It’s an easy, polished base that lets you focus on the fun parts of Santiago while it takes care of the rest! You’ll find rates here starting around $140 and going up to $450 USD per night, depending on the room. Check availability and book this stay on Booking.com.

Mid-range – $$

Solace Hotel Santiago blends boutique style with practicality in one of Providencia’s best spots. The rooms are warm and modern—think soft woods, clean lines, big windows, and a bed I genuinely looked forward to at the end of the day. The mornings start with a quality breakfast (included in some rates), and the rooftop terrace is a great place to unwind with sunset views over the city.

We loved how close it was to Pedro de Valdivia station, which made it easy to get across town, while the surrounding streets were lined with cafés, bakeries, and wine bars. Rooms here typically range from $95 to $230 USD per night, depending on the dates and room type. Book your stay here on Booking.com!

Budget – $

The Almasur Providencia is a smart choice if you want a clean, comfortable base in Providencia without the higher price points. Rooms are bright and unfussy, with everything you need and nothing you don’t, and the additional facilities like outdoor pool, fitness center, and lounge give you space to regroup between outings.  

But the location is the real perk: close to the metro and surrounded by easy dining, so it’s painless to bounce between neighborhoods during the day and grab something quick at night. Prices range from $195 to $200 USD per night and can be reserved on Booking.com.

Thanks for reading!

While you’re in South America, Santiago is a city that shouldn’t be overlooked. While you don’t need to spend a long time here to enjoy it, there’s plenty to do, including some amazing day trips if you’d like to base yourself in the city for a while!

If you’re planning a larger trip around South America, make sure to check out our site, including the blogs about Chile as you plan your itinerary. We’ve done a lot of traveling in this part of the world, so if you have any questions or need some advice, comment or send us a message!

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