How to Spend 4 Days in Santiago Chile

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So, what are the best things to see and do in Santiago?

From colonial architecture to modern skyscrapers ringed by beautiful mountains, Santiago has a lot to offer. Add in world class wineries and restaurants and you have a city worth bringing to the top of your bucket list. Click here for a complete list of the top 20 things to see and do in Santiago.

Personally, I could happily spend weeks just in Santiago, but I realize that isn’t always feasible.  I’ve put together an epic 4 day Santiago itinerary covering the absolute best the city has to offer with recomendations if you only have 1, 2 or 3 days to spend in the capital.  

Santiago is a large, sprawling city so it can be overwhelming to know where to start.  Factoring in safety for various neighborhoods and it can feel like a lot to figure out.  If you stick around until the end of the post, I’ll also share the best p base yourself.

Cover all the best sights of Santiago in 4 days with this itinerary

4 days in santiago, Chile – an itinerary

Day 1

Santa Lucia Hill

Spend the morning climbing Santa Lucia Hill and taking in the views from the top.  Enjoy the beautiful fountain and staircase at the entrance.  The best part is that entry is free!

Wonderland Café

Refresh yourself with a tea party and lunch after exploring the hill.  You can walk to Wonderland Café immediately after as it’s located in the Lastarria neighborhood bordering the park.  Make sure you head upstairs before you leave for a mini adventure in Wonderland!  

Consider making a reservation in advance or be prepared to wait for a table inside as this place is popular for good reason.  I really appreciate the attention to detail in the design and use of teapots and cups in this whimsical cafe.

Plaza de Armas

Less than 15 minutes walk from the café and Santa Lucia Hill is Plaza de Armas.  Enjoy watching local life unfold under the palm trees and consider spending some time exploring the nearby cathedral and museums.

Barrio Italia

Later in the day head over to Barrio Italia to do some exploring on foot.  There are tons of cute and colorful restaurants to choose from in the area.  When you’re ready for dinner you’ll have ample  options to choose from!

Chipe Libre – Républica Independiente del Pisco

After dinner head back to the neighborhood where the day started and try a Pisco Sour at Chipe Libre.  The name “Chipe” was born from combining Chile and Peru who both make pisco and argue over who invented it and who makes the best pisco.  The rest of the name translates to “Independent Republic of Pisco”.  

Try some pisco from both countries and decide for yourself who does it better.  This is also a great option for dinner if you don’t find anything you want to try in Barrio Italia.

With 4 days in Santiago, this is the perfect way to kick it off.

If you only have 1 day in Santiago, this is what I recommend for how you spend your time

Day 2

Wine Tasting at a Vineyard

There are so many amazing options for wineries to visit, you really can’t go wrong.  It’s possible to visit them independently, but I don’t recommend driving yourself unless someone you’re traveling with is willing to be sober cab.  Chile has a zero tolerance drinking and driving policy where even a single glass of wine can put you over the legal limit.  To me it’s not worth the risk of a 61 – 301 day prison sentence.

The safer and easier way is to take a day tour.  Book this Casablanca Valley Wine Tour that includes tastings at 3 different wineries as well as a 4th stop at Viña Casas del Bosque.  You could choose to do another tasting there or enjoy lunch at Tanino, one of the best restaurants in Chile.

Read more: 9 Day Trips From Santiago, Chile

Waterfalls at Quebrada de Macúl

If you haven’t completely overindulged in Chilean wine by this point (and I wouldn’t blame you if you do), switch up the pace for a little more active adventure.  Visit Quebrada de Macúl, a gorgeous natural spot most tourists miss just on the outskirts of Santiago.  

Take a hike along the river, and if you go far enough you’ll be rewarded with the opportunity to take a dip in a refreshing natural pool under the waterfalls.  If you get tired you can always opt to relax in the rock pools without much hiking involved.

Starting in the early evening when the sun isn’t directly overhead anymore is perfect so it doesn’t feel as hot.  Research when sunset is and plan your descent accordingly.  I got lucky and caught a gorgeous sunset over the entire city of Santiago and the mountains on the other side of it.

I recommend using these for a 2 day itinerary in Santiago if that’s what you’re able to devote to it

Day 3

San Cristóbal Hill

Start the morning exploring San Cristóbal Hill.  Take the funicular up the hill for some great views and check out the large Virgin Mary statue at the top.  My favorite part of the summit was Café Tudor, where you could not only enjoy the views, but also had a live pianist playing.  Those vibes were pure magic! 

Take some time to explore any number of paths and trails.  When you’ve had your fill of the hill, take the cable car (teleférico) down the other side.  Please note that you will be exiting the park here, a different location than where you began.  

Click here to purchase advanced tickets and skip the line for the cable car and funicular.

Explore Providencia

The neighborhood below the hill, Providencia, is one of the safest and most popular in Santiago.  It covers a fairly large area, including the area directly adjacent to San Cristóbal.  When you exit the teleférico and explore on foot.  I came across some lovely architecture and enjoyed the peaceful walk.

Grab some lunch at one of the many restaurants in the area.  I like all of the colorful options surrounding Restaurante Tsukimi Sushi Nikkei & Ramen Resto-bar.  I enjoyed the ceviche there and vibed out there looking at the nearby murals.  The food was good although not particularly noteworthy.

An option after lunch nearby is to check out the Sky Constanera if you just can’t get enough of the views.  Personally, I opted not to do this because of the approximately $20 ticket cost just to get to the observation deck. If you’re interested in going you can purchase your ticket here to skip the line.

A more relaxing option would be to head back to your hotel and catch some rays at the rooftop pool.  Santiago has a number of great options..  Check out the 5 Best Boutique Hotels in Santiago, Chile post if you’re looking for a place to stay, and see which hotel has the best rooftop pool in the city.

Dinner at Mestizo

Located in the upscale Vitacura neighborhood on the edge of the beautiful Región Metropolitana park, go early and take a pre-dinner stroll.  Then enjoy dinner at Mestizo, which feels like dining in an open air museum.  I recommend the Octopus and ordering a bottle of Chilean wine to enjoy while watching the sunset over the hills.

Chileans tend to dine a little later than North Americans which I found to be a benefit.  Going a little earlier in the evening provided the advantage of taking in the unique architecture before becoming completely full later on.  Do make a reservation here so you’re sure to get a table.  This place is popular for a reason!

If you have only 3 days to spend in Santiago, use this as your 3 day itinerary

Day 4

Cajon del Maipo

Take a full day adventure into the mountains and experience the beauty of Cajon del Maipo.  Relax in the hot springs, see a waterfall, and enjoy a Chilean BBQ under the stars.  This is one of the very best things you can do while visiting Santiago and a great way to end your time here before moving on to your next destination in the country, or heading home.

Get the most out of your 4 days in santiago, chile by implementing this itinerary

Taking into account the safest neighborhoods in Santiago, the best things to see and do, and this itinerary either Centro or Providencia are the best places to stay.

Ready to book your hotel?

Click here for The Best Boutique Hotels in Santiago

Centro Historico

The Centro Historico and the surrounding areas are what is covered on day 1 of this itinerary.  I love walking as much as I can when I travel.  The fact that you can walk to most everything on the list for that day is appealing for me.  

Please note that you should use some increased caution in this area, such as keeping your phone out of sight.  This is good advice for all of Santiago really, and was told to me by about every Chilean friend I have plus hotel staff and others I would meet along the way.  The reason you should keep your phone out of sight when not directly in use is because there is a risk for it to be stolen by people on bikes riding past and providing little time to react.  

Providencia

My overall best pick for best neighborhood to base yourself is Providencia.  It’s also very walkable and much of day 3 can be accessed on foot from here.  It’s generally a little safer than Centro.  Either way, you really can’t go wrong between these 2. You will be conveniently located for sightseeing.

Happy exploring, and remember to Be Free and Travel! 🌏✈️

Need more trip inspiration?

Check out my 10 Day Off The Beaten Path Chile Itinerary

Want to save money on your trip to Santiago?

Read my 31 Best Ways To Save Money On Travel post. And if you’re still working on saving up for your trip check out my 37 Creative Ways To Save Money For Travel. You can also grab my FREE money saving trip planning checklist below!