Ultimate Itinerary For 2 Days In Santiago, Chile 2026

Nestled between snow-capped mountains in the heart of the longest country in the world, you’ll find Chile’s striking capital, Santiago. A city rich in ancient and recent history, a melting pot of indigenous and Latin culture, and home to some of the best empanadas and Pisco sours.

If that sounds pretty good to you too, then this is the blog for you! I’m sharing my tried and tested itinerary for the best two days in Santiago. Including the must-see sights, best places to stay, and tastiest restaurants and coffee shops, plus a few inside tips along the way.

Use the options below to jump to the sections you’re most interested in or read from the top for all the juicy details. Let’s jump in!

1. Is Santiago worth visiting & is two days enough?
2. How to get to & around Santiago safely
3. Best time to visit Santiago
4. Day 1: Learn about the city from the streets & the sky
5. Day 2: Visit the city’s best museums, journey to a temple & sip wine at a vineyard
6. Best places to eat & drink
7. Best places to stay
8. What to pack & know before you go
9. How much a trip to Santiago costs

Santiago at a glance:

• Must-do vineyard tour & Chilean wine tasting
• Best boutique hostel (beds from just £17 per night)
• Best mid-range cosy B&B (from just £42 per night)
• Easiest Chile eSIMs

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Is Santiago worth visiting & is two days enough?

Before we dive into the details, you might be wondering if Santiago is actually worth visiting. If that’s the case, I’m here to reassure you that yes Chile’s capital is well worth a visit!

There’s nowhere else like it in the world. In Santiago rich culture and history meets sleek architecture and modern luxuries, all surrounded by snow-capped mountains. It really is a special place that’s not only super interesting to learn about, but also fun to explore.

While it might not have the buzz of Buenos Aires or the rustic charm of Cusco, Santiago has a magic all of its own, and to soak is up I’d recommend two days in the city.

While there is a lot to see, in two days you can explore the major sights, taste the best food and take it all in. Of course you can always spend longer in a destination but I think two days is optimal – any less and you’d be rushing and much more and you’ll probably be ready for the next stop.

How to get to & around Santiago safely

Now let’s talk transport. As Chile is quite frankly an incredibly long country, travel around it can take a really long time. Which is why to get to Santiago, unless you’re coming from a nearby city like Valparaíso or Argentina’s Mendoza, the easiest option is to fly.

The city’s main airport is Arturo Merino Benítez International (SCL), just west of the city centre. There are buses that run from the airport to the centre of the city but for ease we took an Uber which cost around £15 for the 20 minute journey.

If you’re travelling from Valparaíso or Mendoza, the most cost effective and scenic option is to take the bus. The journey from Mendoza takes about eight hours but drives right through the Andes so the views are incredible. It generally costs about £30 and you can book your tickets in advance online here.

From Valparaíso, the bus only takes two hours and can cost as little as £3. Again, you can book your bus tickets for this journey in advance here.

When it comes to getting around the city, walking is often the easiest option as most of the major sights are pretty close to each other. During the day this is also generally safe, just avoid very quiet areas and keep an eye out for pickpockets as you would in any other city.

For longer journeys around the city, the metro and bus systems are known to be reliable and generally safe, again just keep an eye on your belongings. You can also use Uber which is slightly more expensive but very reliable – we took a couple of Ubers and the drivers were always really friendly and helpful.

Best time to visit Santiago

Now you know why you should visit Santiago and how to get there, let’s look at the best time to go. As you can see from the table below, even in winter the weather in Santiago is far from bad. You could really visit at any time of year and have a brilliant trip.

But for almost zero chance of rain, the warmest weather and the fewest crowds I’d recommend the spring between September to November or the autumn from March to May. The peak season for tourists to visit Santiago is the height of summer in December and January so I’d avoid those months and their higher prices if you can!

Of course, you can also visit in winter from June to August for cooler temperatures. Just note that if you’re travelling further south in Chile than Santiago, you’ll hit much colder snowy weather which is only good for ski trips.

Month	Average High Temperature	Average Low Temperature	Average No. Rainy Days
January	30°C	12°C	0 days
February	30°C	11°C	0 days
March	28°C	9°C	0 days
April	24°C	7°C	1 days
May	19°C	4°C	3 days
June	16°C	3°C	4 days
July	15°C	2°C	5 days
August	17°C	3°C	3 days
September	20°C	5°C	2 days
October	23°C	7°C	1 days
November	26°C	9°C	0 days
December	29°C	11°C	0 days

Day 1: Learn about the city from the streets & the sky

On your first day in the capital, it’s all about getting your bearings and enjoying the best view points in the city. Here’s the plan…

Join a free walking tour

The best way to quickly get to know any new city is on a walking tour. I always recommend joining one because they’re incredible value and will teach you so much in just a couple of hours.

A tour provider I’ve used many times is Strawberry Tours – you can find their range of free Santiago walking tours and book your spot here. During the tour, you’ll get to see many of the main cultural and historic sights often including the changing of the guard – but onto that next!

Just remember, while the tours are free to join, many tour guides will rely on your tips as their main source of income. So don’t forget your cash for tipping and if you’ve had a great experience then tip accordingly.

Watch the perfectly choreographed changing of the guard

As I mentioned above, on many walking tours you’ll also get to see a very interesting sight – the changing of the guard. This ceremony sees the horse-mounted units lead a military band in a handover from the old guard to the new guard at La Moneda Palace.

It takes place every other day at 10am and in January, March, June, July, September and October it’s on even days and during February, April, May, August, November and December it’s on odd days.

If you’re not on a walking tour that takes you via the ceremony (or on the right day), I’d recommend heading there yourself to check it out. It’s an incredibly well synchronised performance with very talented musicians in the military band. It also lasts for about 30 minutes so it’s worth the walk over to sit back and take it all in.

Explore pretty Cerro Santa Lucia

After a dose of history, head to the city’s most loved green oasis. This is Cerro Santa Lucia, a small hill in the heart of Santiago that witnessed the transformation of the Mapocho Valley when Spanish conquerers arrived in 1540.

At first small Spanish monasteries were built on the hill then in the early 1800s the last Spanish governor in Chile turned it into a royal defence. Later on in the 19th century it became an astronomical observatory before being opened back up to the public in 1874 complete with new walking routes and plants.

Today, it’s a beautiful place to stroll in nature, admire the flowers and fountains, and climb to the top of the old royal fort for excellent views of the city. The park is open every day from 8am to 8pm in the summer but will close on rainy days. It’s also free to enter but note you will have to sign a register to say you’ve visited as a tourist.

Ride Cerro San Cristobal’s cable car & funicular for panoramic views

In the afternoon, leave the streets behind and take to the sky to see Santiago from a whole new perspective. To the northeast, you’ll find the wilder haven that is Cerro San Cristobal at 880m high. Perched on the hill you’ll find a small zoo, a couple of botanical gardens, two swimming pools, plenty of leafy walking trails and the crown at the top – the bright white 14m-high statue of the Virgen de la Inmaculada Concepción. It’s from here in 1984 that Pope John Paul II famously gave Mass.

So there’s a lot going on in Cerro San Cristobal and many ways to explore it! To get up to the top, you have three options – to walk the beautiful switchback trail, to take the cable car or to ride the funicular.

Personally, I would recommend either taking the cable car or walking up and then riding the funicular back down the hill for the best views. The walking trails start at the cable car station too (exact location here) so you can always get an Uber or bus there and then make your decision. The cable car is open every day apart from Mondays and single tickets start from £1.60. You can find all the ticket options and buy them in advance online here, or buy a ticket from the office when you arrive.

Either way, you’ll get fabulous views across the city and be able to climb to the very top of the hill. For the way back down, head to the funicular station and buy a £1.75 ticket that drops you at Pío Nono. Again, this is a great way to get another view of the city and frankly, is just really fun! As with the cable car, you can find more information about the funicular and buy tickets online in advance here if you’d prefer.

Just note, while we found this park completely safe to explore during the day, there are reports that incidents can occur after dark and in quieter spots so try to arrive here well before sunset.

Seek out the city’s best street art

As you explore the city, don’t forget to keep an eye out for incredible street art. Tucked around corners, higher up on buildings and on almost every street you’ll find stunning artworks in all different styles.

Some of the best examples can be found on Bandera Street, in Lastarria and Bellas Artes which you can freely wander around yourself.

TOP TIP: For a more in-depth insight into the artists and to see more street art, join a specific walking tour. You can book onto a great one here.

Experience Sky Costanera – the highest viewing platform in Latin America

Round out your first day in Santiago by heading to Sky Costanera at sunset. From their 300m high viewing platform, you’ll not only be standing in the highest manmade building in all of South America but get the most incredible views across the city.

From the sun setting behind the majestic Andes to the glowing heart of the city, this really is a very special view! There’s also a coffee shop and bar at the top so you can really sit back, relax and enjoy.

The viewing platform in Sky Costanera is open every day from 10am to 10pm with the last elevator up to the top at 9pm. Tickets cost around £15 and you can buy them in advance online here or at the ticket office on the fifth floor when you arrive. Just note you will have to go through security to enter the building and like airport security, sharp objects, liquids, gels and aerosols aren’t allowed. So make sure you leave them at your accommodation if you have any!

TOP TIP: Don’t forget to check the weather before you go – you don’t want to pay to just see clouds! You can get an update on the latest weather conditions on the Sky Costanera website here (just scroll down to the weather section).

Day 2: Visit the city’s best museums, journey to a temple & sip wine on a vineyard tour

On your second say in Santiago, dive deeper into Chile’s history and culture before heading out of the city to enjoy an afternoon in nature. Here’s what I’d recommend…

Learn about Chilean history at the Museum of Memory & Human Rights

Start your morning at the best museum in the city. This is the Museum of Memory & Human Rights, designed to give greater visibility to the human rights violations committed by the state during the military dictatorship of Augusto Pinochet from 1973 to 1990.

It sheds light on how Pinochet rose to power and the often brutal methods he used to stay in power. As well as memorials to those who fought for their freedom, helped remove him from power and spoke out in defence of human rights. The exhibits are both fascinating and incredibly moving with the ultimate aim of ensuring nothing like this ever happens again.

The museum is open from 10am – 6pm on Tuesday – Sunday and admission is free.

Museum of Pre-Colombian Art

Another excellent museum is that of Pre-Colombian Art. Here you’ll find lots of incredible exhibits showcasing art and artefacts created by indigenous communities in Chile and across the continent. From masks and costumes to sculptures, paintings and photographs, there’s a lot to see. You’ll also learn a lot more about the cultural heritage of Chile before Spanish conquistadors arrived in the country as well as how indigenous groups have changed since.

The museum is open Tuesday – Sunday from 10am to 6pm and entrance costs about £8 per person. You can buy tickets online in advance here or when you arrive at the museum.

Make a pilgrimage to Templo Bahá’í

After a morning in the city, it’s time to head out and start your pilgrimage to one of the most unique temples in the world. This is Templo Bahá’í which was built in the hills surrounding Santiago in 2016. The stunning curved structure is made from marble and cast glass and like all Bahá’í temples, is open to people of all faiths, backgrounds, ethnicities and genders.

Bahá’í is a religion founded in the early 1900s which promotes seeing the value in all people and religions. Their core focus is unity and tolerance to bring people together for a common good. This temple is their main base in South America and a beautifully tranquil spot to visit.

The temple is open Tuesday – Sunday from 9am to 6pm and entrance is free. Just note that last entry is 5pm so arrive with enough time before closing. To get there, take the 516 bus from the centre of town to Av. Diagonal Las Torres and then walk up the hill from the entrance to the temple. This is an uphill walk for about 1.8km so make sure you’re in comfortable walking clothing and footwear. Alternatively, you could take a taxi or Uber 30 minutes directly from the city to the top of the hill right outside the temple (so no uphill walk required).

Taste local wines at Cousiño Macul vineyard

In the late afternoon, it’s time to sit back and sample some of the best wine Santiago has to offer. This is Cousiño Macul vineyard where the family have been making wine for over 150 years and you can tour some of their vines, learn about the wine-making process and most importantly – taste them!

BOOK HERE: The tour and tasting takes 1.5 hours and you’ll get to try about six Chilean wines in their beautiful surroundings. This tour is well-loved for a reason – it’s brilliant! Get all the details and book your place here.

Plus, from Templo Bahá’í it’s actually less than 15 minutes drive away so you could easily hop in an Uber or taxi there. To get there via public transport, you’d need to head back to the bus stop by the temple on Av. Diagonal Las Torres and catch the D10 bus to Avenida Tobalaba just outside the vineyard.

Best places to eat & drink

To fuel your two days of exploration, here are my top picks of the best places to grab breakfast, lunch and dinner or a quick coffee and snack.

R3 Coffee Miraflores 537 $

For the best freshly brewed speciality coffee in the city, head to R3 Coffee in the heart of pretty Bellas Artes. Here you’ll find their sleek tiled coffee shop serving delicious barista quality coffee and a range of sweet treats. Plus, they do have some seating inside and outdoors to catch the rays on sunny days.

Original Green Roasters $

If you’re hungry for an excellent brunch, look no further than Original Green Roasters. They have a super extensive brunch menu that’s served all day including fluffy pancakes, French toast, omelettes, waffles and more.

As the name suggests, they also roast their own coffee so you can be sure of a great brew here too!

Chipe Libre – Républica Independiente del Pisco $$

For lunch, head into trendy Barrio Lastarria for Chilean treats at Chipe Libre. Here you’ll find an incredibly extensive Pisco menu so you can sample some of the best local cocktails. As well as tasty lunch and dinner dishes from ceviche and empanadas to grilled meats and stews.

Plus, the atmosphere is really fun and the restaurant is very cool inside. We loved dining here with some friends we met in Patagonia and it was brilliant to catch up over a sharing platter of empanadas while we sipped our Pisco Sours. Just be sure to make a reservation in advance, this place books up!

Ootoya – Ramen & Noodle House $$

If you’re craving a palate change from South American flavours, a great option is Ootoya. Their ramen dishes and noodle bowls are some of the best in Santiago and while you might not find that these are exactly like the Japanese originals, they’re still delicious and excellent value!

Peumayén Ancestral Food $$$

If you’re wanting to experience the best of Chilean cuisine then it has to be Peumayén. Here you can enjoy a six course fine dining experience with carefully layers flavours, textures and aromas that make the most of local ingredients.

You can also try the wine pairing with each course for the ultimate experience. Again, just be sure to book in advance to secure your table.

Best places to stay

Now let’s talk accommodation. These are the top hotels and hostels to suit every budget…

TOP TIP: Find my complete guide to the 10 best hotels in Santiago under £100 per night here.

Budget: Boutique Hostel Merced 88 (dorm beds from £17 per night)

For travellers on a budget, Merced 88 is a great choice. They have clean, fresh and spacious 8-bed mixed dorm rooms as well as 4-bed male or female dorms and a range of private rooms.

The hostel is positioned right in the heart of town and super close to restaurants, coffee shops and attractions in this itinerary. So it’s easy to get around and an area you can feel safe and comfortable in.

Mid-range: Castelletto Bed & Breakfast (from £42 per night including breakfast)

If you’d like a little more luxury and privacy, Castelletto Bed & Breakfast is for you. This beautiful classic building has been lovingly transformed into a cosy B&B by owners Barbara and Francisco.

The location is safe and convenient for great restaurants and access to all the major sights. Plus, you can enjoy a tasty breakfast in their dining room or sunlit garden to fuel your day of adventure.

Luxury: Hotel Magnolia Santiago (from £162 per night including breakfast)

For ultimate luxury, choose Hotel Magnolia. This incredibly modern and stylish spot is just a couple of streets away from beautiful Barrio Lastarria where some of the city’s best restaurants (and many of my recommendations) can be found.

No expense has been spared in ensuring guests have a fantastic experience here. From quality furnishings and bedding to beautiful balconies, an extensive fitness suite and delicious breakfasts.

What to pack & know before you go

As with any new destination, there are also always tips and tricks it’s helpful to know before you travel. Here are a few things I found…

Expect safety warnings: I think the thing that surprised us most about visiting Santiago was the amount of people who told us to be careful. This happened in Argentina and southern Chile when we mentioned to other travellers that we’d be heading to Santiago and also in Santiago itself. Many people will tell you to be very careful with your belongings, to avoid certain areas and in some cases to avoid the city altogether!

This did spook us a little as compared to parts of Bolivia and Peru or even Buenos Aires we thought Santiago would be safer. So we were prepared for the worst but soon found we didn’t need to be. While Santiago (and the whole of Chile) used to be known as the safest place in South America, changes in politics on the continent has increased inequality and caused crime rates to rise. Now that doesn’t mean it has become a super unsafe place. In many cases, it’s still a lot safer than other parts of South America. But for locals living through this change it’s understandably distressing and they just want to look out for tourists and warn them.

So don’t be surprised if someone tells you to be careful with your bag or to not go down a certain road. Most of the time this is locals looking out for you – just don’t let their warnings overtake your experience. We really enjoyed our time in Santiago, didn’t have any issues and generally felt safer than I expected.

Take normal safety precautions: With that in mind, do keep an eye on valuables, don’t stray down deserted roads at night and generally use your common travel sense when out and about. As long as you’re aware of your surroundings and take normal safety precautions you’re unlikely to have a problem.

A little Spanish goes a long way: Another thing that will help you navigate around the city safely and connect with locals is a little Spanish. I always try to learn at least a little of the language when heading to a new place as even being able to say “hello”, “thank you” and “goodbye” is generally always appreciated.

So if your Spanish is a little rusty, take the time to learn a couple of key phrases (and ideally numbers 1-10) or even download Duolingo for a fun refresher.

Pack light layers: Up in the hills it can get a little cooler, so pack a light jacket or jumper you can throw on when the temperatures drop. Likewise, first thing in the morning it can take time to warm up so stay comfortable with easy layers.

Wear comfortable shoes: Santiago is a very large city and you’re likely to be doing quite a lot of walking so ditch the uncomfortable shoes and opt for trainers. You don’t want sore feet distracting you from exploring!

How much a trip to Santiago costs

Now that’s my complete itinerary covered, your final question is probably – okay, how much do I need to budget? The good news is, Santiago is a pretty affordable city so even if you’re on a tight budget you’ll be able to experience a lot of what the capital has to offer!

If you’re on a low budget and staying in dorm beds, expect to spend under £100 on accommodation, food, transport and activities during your two day stay. If you want to treat yourself a little, stay in a private room or hotel and enjoy more meals out, expect to spend £150 or more.

That’s a wrap! That completes my tried and tested itinerary for the best two days in Santiago. I hope you enjoy your time here as much as I did and if you have any other questions about visiting the city, please drop them in the comments box below and I’ll do my best to help. Happy travelling!

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