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Dreaming of a three-day escape to Santiago? We’ve got just the plan!
Chile’s dynamic capital combines modern city life with historic charm, framed by the Andes and close enough to the coast for easy day trips. It’s a city full of energy, with vibrant markets, leafy parks, colorful streets, and a thriving dining scene. With so much to do, planning the perfect trip here can feel overwhelming. But that’s why we’re here to help!
We’ve explored Santiago countless times and know how to fit the highlights in without feeling rushed. From coffee in creative cafés and cycling markets to funicular views and nights of food and music, this itinerary blends culture, flavor, and fun. Ready for three unforgettable days in Santiago? Let’s get to it!
Don’t Miss Out On Our Top Choice!
This is the tour we loved the most and suggest booking ASAP!
Our personal FAVORITE thing we did was this Valparaiso and Viña del Mar day trip! Visiting these two colorful coastal towns was a breeze with our local guide, and it included a stop in Casablanca Valley for wine tasting, making for the perfect day.
Check out the 3,900+ 5-star reviews and book this tour here!
Itinerary Overview
Santiago is a bustling capital city that’s easy to navigate without a car. The metro and public transport system are efficient and affordable, making it simple to get around, while taxis and Ubers are always available when you need them.
This three-day itinerary keeps things stress-free with walking tours, guided day trips, and local dining. From cycling markets and exploring historic neighborhoods to visiting the colorful coast and sampling vintages, it’s a balanced mix of culture, history, and food at an easy pace.
Here’s a quick look at what to expect on this 3-day Santiago itinerary:
Day 1: Grab coffee at Marciel Art Café before going on a bicycle tour through Santiago’s lively markets. In the afternoon, explore the city’s highlights on a private sightseeing tour, then enjoy traditional Chilean dishes at Galindo in Bellavista.
Day 2: Spend the day visiting colorful Valparaíso, seaside Viña del Mar, and Casablanca Valley for a tasting. Return to Santiago for a refined dinner at Casaluz in Providencia.
Day 3: Start with brunch at Castillo Forestal and a stroll through Parque Forestal, then tour the iconic Viña Concha y Toro estate. End your trip with dinner at El Mesón Nerudiano in Bellavista and live music at Thelonious Jazz Club.
Day 1
Breakfast – Marciel Art Café
Marciel Art Café is a colorful, art-filled spot with a relaxed vibe that’s perfect before a busy day on two wheels. Since your 9:30 am bike tour includes food stops, skip a full breakfast and just grab a rich coffee to go. Opening at 9 am, it’s timed perfectly enough to pop in, caffeinate, and stroll the easy 10 minutes to the meeting point.
It’s the best way to ease into your first day in Santiago: caffeine in hand, ready to ride and snack your way through the city’s colorful markets. Just note the cafe is closed on the weekends, but don’t worry, there’s a Starbucks just a few minutes down the street that’s open every day.
Morning – Experience Santiago’s markets on a bicycle tour
If you love food and a bit of adventure, this bike tour through Santiago’s bustling markets is the perfect way to start your trip. Cycling is a popular way to get around here, and hopping on two wheels lets you explore the city just like the locals do.
Over the course of three hours, you’ll cover about 6.5 kilometers (4 miles) with a friendly local guide leading the way. The route takes you through some of Santiago’s best-known markets, including the lively Central Seafood Market, colorful La Vega Central, and the always-buzzing Tirso Molina Market.
While the tour doesn’t technically include food, your guide knows exactly which stalls to stop at, so you’ll get to sample authentic Chilean dishes and learn the stories behind them. It’s also a huge plus if your Spanish isn’t perfect, since they’ll make sure you get fair prices and can navigate with ease.
Tours run daily from 9:30 am to 12:30 pm, starting and ending near Plaza Mori, which makes it easy to grab your bike and get rolling. Plus, everything is included—your bike, helmet, guide, and even a small snack along the way.
We absolutely loved this tour for its fun mix of cycling, culture, and market tastings, and clearly, we aren’t the only ones—check out the rave five-star reviews here, and see why it’s one of the top-rated experiences in Santiago!
Book this popular small-group bike tour here before spots fill up!
Afternoon – Discover Santiago’s top sights with a local
After pedaling through the markets, continue your day with this private sightseeing tour—a great first-day activity that gives you a personalized introduction to Santiago and helps you decide which areas to revisit later.
Since the morning bike excursion ends at 12:30 pm, we recommend booking this tour for 2 pm, giving you time to grab a quick lunch before meeting your guide. Pickup from your hotel is included, but you can also coordinate to meet in the city after your bike tour if that’s easier.
Your guide will lead you through highlights like the lively Plaza de Armas, the grand Metropolitan Cathedral, and the colorful streets of Bellavista. Because it’s private, the itinerary is flexible, so you can adjust it to your interests, whether that means spending extra time wandering markets or focusing on the city’s architecture.
One of our favorite parts was the ride up Cerro San Cristóbal. You’ll take the cable car to the top of this iconic hill, where panoramic views stretch across the city to the Andes mountains. It’s one of Santiago’s must-see landmarks, and this tour is the ideal way to fit it into your itinerary!
This experience packs a lot into five hours without ever feeling overwhelming. We thought it was an excellent way to see Santiago’s top sights in one go—and with HUNDREDS of five-star reviews to back it up, it’s no wonder this is one of the most popular private tours in the city!
Check availability and book this private sightseeing tour here!
Dinner – Galindo
End your first day in Santiago with dinner at one of the city’s most famous restaurants in the Bellavista neighborhood. Open for more than 50 years, Galindo is a favorite among travelers for its welcoming atmosphere and traditional Chilean dishes. From pastel de choclo (corn pie) and cazuela to fresh seafood served with traditional Chilean pairings, the menu highlights the flavors that make Chile’s cuisine so unique.
Its location in Bellavista adds to the experience—after your meal, you can wander the neighborhood’s colorful streets or stop for a nightcap at one of its lively bars. Just keep in mind that the restaurant is closed on Mondays, so plan accordingly. It’s a perfect way to wrap up a day of cycling, sightseeing, and soaking in Santiago’s culture!
Related Read: Looking for more fun activities? Check out our blog on the BEST things to do in Santiago here – there’s even more to this city!
Day 2
Full day – Visit Valparaiso, Vina del Mar, and Casablanca Wine Valley
Start your second day with an early pick-up around 7:30 am for this full-day adventure to the coast! Just 1.5 hours from Santiago, Valparaíso (or “Valpo,” as the locals call it) is a city unlike any other in Chile. Built across steep hillsides overlooking the Pacific, Valpo bursts with color and creativity.
Every corner reveals a new mural, street performance, or vendor selling handmade art. Walking through feels like exploring an open-air museum, and with the help of a local guide, you’ll uncover the history and symbolism behind the city’s most famous works. The tour also takes you on one of Valparaíso’s famous funiculars, a classic experience that locals use to climb the city’s steep streets.
You’ll explore neighborhoods filled with viewpoints, galleries, and winding alleys before heading to nearby Viña del Mar, a seaside escape with beaches, gardens, and a more laid-back vibe. Here you’ll stop for a delicious seaside lunch (at your own expense), with plenty of fresh seafood options to choose from.
On the way back to Santiago, the day is capped with a stop in Casablanca Valley, one of Chile’s premier wine regions, where you’ll sample local varieties in a picturesque setting. It’s the perfect finish to a day packed with art, history, and coastal views.
This small-group tour includes it all—round-trip transport, a knowledgeable guide, a ride on the funicular, and a tasting. Expect to return to Santiago between 6 and 7 pm, with your camera full of colorful photos and your head buzzing with stories from Chile’s most artistic city.
Book this Valparaíso & Viña del Mar tour here before it sells out!
Why We Book Tours with Viator
Viator is a trusted online booking system for tours around the world! We almost always book our tours using Viator for a couple of reasons:
- Free cancellation on most tours – Most of the tours on Viator allow you to cancel and get a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. This is handy in case plans change, or if booking an outdoor activity, the weather forecast is looking grim.
- Reserve now and pay later – You can secure your spot on some of the most popular tours well in advance and not pay until closer to the day of the tour.
- Lowest price guarantee – If you happen to find the same tour at a lower price elsewhere, Viator will refund you the price difference.
- Pay in your chosen currency – Avoid costly international transaction fees by choosing to pay in your home currency.
- Peace of mind – When booking with tour operators you find in person on the street or in small booking offices, you are often promised one thing and given another. This online platform holds tour operators accountable with a written description of inclusions as well as the opportunity for customers to leave reviews.
Check out the Viator website here! Or, for more info, read our detailed review about Viator here.
Dinner – Casaluz Restaurant
After a full day on the coast, wrap up your evening in the Providencia neighborhood with dinner at Casaluz Restaurant. This elegant yet cozy spot is known for its creative Chilean cuisine, highlighting fresh seafood, seasonal produce, and carefully paired local beverages in beautifully presented dishes.
Casaluz is popular with both locals and travelers, so it’s best to make a reservation here in advance. We loved ending our second day here! It felt like the perfect balance of refined flavors and a warm, inviting atmosphere, all in one of Santiago’s most charming neighborhoods. And don’t skip dessert, their seasonal sweets are just as memorable as the main courses!
Day 3
Morning – Brunch and wander through Parque Forestal
On your final morning in Santiago, take things slow. Since today’s tour doesn’t head out from Plaza de Armas until 12:15 pm, there isn’t much time for a big activity, but that makes it the perfect chance to enjoy a relaxed start to the day.
Head over to Parque Forestal, a leafy green space that has been a central part of the city since 1905. The pathways wind past fountains, sculptures, and historic buildings, making it a lovely place for a peaceful morning walk. It’s also right in the heart of the city, so you can soak up the local atmosphere while easing into your day.
For brunch, stop at Castillo Forestal, an elegant café and restaurant that looks like a little French château tucked inside the park. Opening at 10 am, it’s just the right spot for a slow meal before your afternoon plans. From here, it’s only about a 12-minute walk to Plaza de Armas, so you’ll have plenty of time to enjoy brunch before heading out to meet your tour.
Afternoon – Visit the famous Viña Concha y Toro
No trip to Santiago would be complete without experiencing Chile’s legendary wine culture, and this half-day tour to Viña Concha y Toro is the perfect way to do it. The tour departs from Plaza de Armas at 12:15 pm, making it easy to head over after brunch in Parque Forestal, and returns around 5:15 pm, leaving you enough time to enjoy the evening back in the city.
After a short drive just outside Santiago, you’ll arrive at one of Chile’s most famous estates. The grounds are stunning, with landscaped gardens and the impressive Concha y Toro mansion setting the scene. One of the most memorable moments is learning about the legend of Casillero del Diablo—a story that claims the devil himself lurks in the cellar to guard its best bottles.
Of course, the highlight is the tasting itself! Guided by a knowledgeable sommelier, you’ll sample seven varieties, each paired with insights about the region, grapes, and production methods. It’s a wonderful way to deepen your appreciation of Chilean wine while enjoying it right at the source.
This tour truly feels like a special experience to cap off your Santiago itinerary. We loved the mix of history, atmosphere, and, of course, the generous tastings! It’s easy to see why so many travelers rave about this experience—read the glowing five-star review here to find out why it consistently ranks among the top tours in Santiago.
Check availability and book this Concha y Toro tour here!
Dinner – Restaurant El Meson Nerudiano
Depending on how hungry you are, head back to your hotel to freshen up or go straight to Bellavista for dinner at Restaurant El Mesón Nerudiano after your tour. This top-rated spot is one of the neighborhood’s gems, offering traditional Chilean dishes with a refined touch in a warm, inviting setting. It’s a great way to savor local flavors while enjoying the artistic energy that Bellavista is known for.
Plan to arrive around 7 pm, which gives you plenty of time after your afternoon tour and lines up perfectly with the restaurant’s lively evening atmosphere. Just be sure to secure your table ahead of time here—reservations are recommended, and note that the restaurant is closed on Mondays. Dining here sets the stage for a memorable last night in Santiago, blending great food, culture, and the lively atmosphere of one of the city’s most vibrant neighborhoods.
Evening – Thelonious Jazz Club
Cap off your Santiago adventure with some live music at Thelonious Jazz Club, just a short walk from dinner in Bellavista. This intimate venue is one of the city’s hidden gems, loved by locals for its authentic atmosphere and world-class performances.
The doors open at 8:30 pm every night except Sundays and Mondays when they’re closed, with the music kicking off a little later, so you’ll have plenty of time to settle in with a glass of Chile’s finest before the show begins. The vibe here is cozy and relaxed, making it the perfect way to wind down after three busy days of exploring. Between the talented musicians, the laid-back crowd, and the neighborhood’s lively energy, it’s hard to imagine a better way to spend your final night in Santiago!
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.
Related Read: If you need even more options, see our full Where to Stay in Santiago guide for our favorite areas and hotels!
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance!
If you’re looking to save money on travel insurance, we currently use and recommend SafetyWing. We’ve been using their coverage since 2018 and they’ve had our backs when we needed emergency flights and got sick overseas.
SafetyWing is one of the cheapest providers out there and covers everything from medical costs to lost luggage, travel delays, and emergency flights. A huge difference we’ve found between them and other companies is that they let you take out a policy AFTER leaving your home country. We’ve also found it handy that it’s a monthly payment rather than a lump sum, and you can get a refund for unused time.
SafetyWing has helped us out in some scary situations before and their affordable coverage has given us peace of mind. You can read our honest review of SafetyWing for all the pros and cons.
Thanks for reading!
We loved exploring Santiago and found it to be such a diverse city. Between the amazing food, stunning scenery, and easy day trips, we could have stayed here forever! However, three days is a good intro to Santiago, and if you stick to this itinerary, you’ll love it as much as we did.
Before you go, check out our other Chile blogs! We have plenty of resources to help you plan the rest of your travels, whether you stick to Chile or venture to neighboring countries. Here are a few related blogs to inspire your next adventure – cheers!
12 BEST Day Trips from Santiago, Chile that You Don’t Want to Miss