First time · Santiago

First time in SantiagoSantiago

Santiago is a metro-and-hills city: do the centre and the two hills in the morning, eat a long lunch, and keep evenings to Lastarria and Bellavista, where you can walk back to a lit street.

Everything here is a short version of the Santiago guide. Prices and hours are estimates: check before you rely on them.

The honest verdict

Santiago's sights are close together along the Metro, with the Andes behind. The trips that go wrong are about timing and air: smog in winter, summer afternoon heat, and the hill funicular closing in high wind. Four clusters cover a first visit; Valparaíso and the wine valleys are day trips from one kept bed.

From the airport

Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport (SCL)

Fastest: Official taxi or pre-booked transfer to the door · about 45 min · about CLP 25,000
Cheapest: Airport bus (Centropuerto or Turbus) to a Metro or terminal stop · about 45 min · about CLP 3,500

Typical ride times and fares, 2026 desk estimates (check). Last services and night options are on the gateway page.

Airport-to-bed timings →

How long to stay

2 days: Centre and Lastarria on the first day, Bellavista and the hill on the second
3 days: Four clusters: the centre, Lastarria and the hill, Bellavista and San Cristóbal, Providencia's tower
5 days: Four clusters + Valparaíso day trip + a wine valley day

Itineraries by length →

Three mistakes to avoid

Do not photograph police or military sites.(Survive · red lines)
Pickpocketing is the main risk in the Metro, at markets and on the funicular: keep your phone and wallet in front pockets.(Survive · safety)
Do not carry your passport in a back pocket: keep a copy and the original in the hotel safe.(Survive · red lines)

Scams and safety →

Money and SIM

Budget day: CLP 30,000–50,000 excl. bed
Cash: Cards work in most restaurants and shops; keep CLP 20,000 in small notes for markets and taxis, and use ATMs inside banks or malls.

Money, SIMs and apps →