3 days in Santiago, Chile: Top 11 Things to Do for an Unforgettable Visit

Are you looking to explore a vibrant city that’s bursting with culture, history, and breathtaking landscapes in 3 days? Look no further than Santiago, Chile! With its stunning mountain backdrop, lively neighborhoods, and delicious cuisine, Santiago is the perfect destination for those seeking a whirlwind adventure in South America.

I recently visited Santiago and spent ample time exploring and crafting the perfect itinerary for you!

In this blog post, we’ll guide you through an action-packed 3-day itinerary that will take you on an unforgettable journey through the heart of this South American gem covering all the best things to do in Santiago Chile. So lace up your walking shoes, pack your camera, and get ready for an adventure of a lifetime in the capital city of Chile! 

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3 days in Santiago, Chile – The Perfect Itinerary

Day 1 – Plaza de Armas

For your first stop in Santiago de Chile, you can start your day with a visit to the iconic Plaza de Armas, the bustling heart of Santiago where you can soak in the sights and sounds of the city. Wander through the historic streets lined with colonial-era historic buildings.

The architecture here is absolutely gorgeous and no matter where you look, you’re sure to be wowed by the beauty. This is the perfect start to your 3 days in Santiago, Chile itinerary.

Day 1 – Metropolitan Cathedral

While you’re at Plaza de Armas, make sure to pop into the impressive Metropolitan Cathedral, aka Catedral Metropolitana, for a glimpse of Santiago’s rich history.

Once you step inside, you might even forget that you’re in Latin America. The artwork adorning the ceiling and walls is reminiscent of the grandiose cathedrals found in Rome.

Day 1 – Bellavista

For lunch, head to the vibrant Bellavista neighborhood, known for its colorful street art, trendy boutiques, and delicious restaurants serving up traditional Chilean dishes like empanadas and chorillana.

Bellavista is also famous for its busy nightlife so make sure to come back for some bar hopping and partying if that’s your vibe.

Day 1 – Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes

After refueling, make your way to the National Museum of Fine Arts aka el Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes which is about a 20-minute walk or an easy bus ride (about 15 min) from Bella vista.

At this museum, you’ll find more than 3,000 pieces of art in different mediums, each of which were either purchased, donated, or given as a prize from official salons.

Day 1 – Santa Lucía Hill

Just a short walk away from the Museum of Fine Arts, don’t miss out on the opportunity to take a stroll through the enchanting Cerro Santa Lucia, a picturesque hilltop park offering panoramic views of the city and the Andes mountains in the distance. The top of the hill is extremely picturesque and makes for some good photo ops! End your day with a traditional Chilean dinner at a local restaurant, where you can sample some of the country’s famous wines and savor the flavors of Chilean cuisine.

Day 2 – San Cristobal Hill

On your second day of you 3 days in Santiago, Chile itenenary, its time to head to Cerro San Cristóbal.

Arguably one of the best places, if not the best place to get a bird’s eye view of the city of Santiago and its surrounding mountains. Trust me, the view from the top is worth the sweat. And don’t forget to stop by the Japanese Garden for some zen vibes to balance out the hustle and bustle of the cosmopolitan city.

At the top of Cerro San Cristobal, you’ll find a giant statue of the Virgin Mary. At the base of this statue is a small, locked prayer room where Pope John Paul II prayed for the blessings of Santiago city.

Day 2 – Ride the Funicular and Cable Cars

To get up San Cristóbal Hill, you can either walk up or take a combination of funicular and cable car to make your way up to the top and back down. Even if you are more active and opt to hike up, I definitely recommend taking the funicular and cable car combo on the way back down just for the experience!

You only have so much time during your 3 days in Santiago, Chile, might as well do as many iconic activities as you can!

Day 2 – Chipe Libre

Both Chile and Peru lay claim to the pisco sour as their national drink. However, rather than fighting about which country makes the better pisco, Chipe Libre which is named for both countries [Chi(le)Pe(ru)] offers piscos from various regions in both countries for you to try!

To wrap up the second day in your in 3 days in Santiago, you can try various flights of pisco or opt for one of their delicious pisco cocktails. They also offer a decent dinner selection for you to choose from.

Day 3 – Barrio Italia

On your final day in Santiago, start it off at Barrio Italia, where you can check out the numerous markets and score yourself some unique handcrafted or vintage souvenirs. For lunch, Barrio Italia is the perfect place to hit up for some tasty, authentic Italian food. Trust me, your taste buds will water just walking through the neighborhood – its full of restaurants and the smell of all the delicious food will immediately hit you as you stroll by.

In the warmer months, you’ll see people eating outdoors as most restaurants have an abundance of outdoor seating. Also, as with most of Santiago, Avenida Italia is filled with impressive street art that you can enjoy.

Day 3 – Parque Quinta Normal

Use a ride-hailing service or take public transit and make your way over to Parque Quinta Normal. It’s a large urban park just outside the city center and it might be a smidge out of the way but the park is SO gorgeous, it’s definitely worth a visit.

Also don’t worry, there’s plenty to do here so you won’t have made the trip for nothing. Here you can spend the afternoon exploring the park’s gardens, cultural attractions, and many museums including the famous Museum of Memory

Day 3 – Museum of Memory and Human Rights

Don’t miss the Museo de la Memoria y los Derechos Humanos (Museum of Memory and Human Rights) while visiting Parque Quinta Normal. It commemorates the victims of human rights violations committed over the course of Augusto Pinochet’s military dictatorship between 1973 and 1990. The museum is a heavy, but eye-opening experience for sure.

After the park, wrap things up with dinner in your choice of the neighborhoods you’ve visited in the last 3 days!

If you have more time on your hands and will be in Santiago for longer than 3 days, consider taking a day trip to Valparaiso from Santiago. Fun fact: Just like Santiago, Valparaiso is home to another one of Pablo Neruda’s houses!

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Wrap-up: The Perfect Guide to Santiago

So there you have it – a jam-packed 3-day guide to conquering Santiago, Chile. Of course, there’s so much more to explore, but this 3 days in Santiago, Chile itinerary will give you a taste of the city’s vibrant culture, breathtaking landscapes, and vibrant street art – and cover all the best things to do in Santiago Chile.