5 best things to do in Santiago
The essentials of Santiago with the booking notes that actually matter — which tickets sell out, which slots are quietest, which formats reward the advance purchase. Every booking happens with the provider you choose.
Browse all Santiago activities
Attractions, tours, day trips and transport passes from major providers — instant mobile tickets.
The Santiago shortlist
- Cerro San Cristóbal funicular — the hilltop Virgin and the Andes-framed skyline.
- La Chascona & Pablo Neruda’s houses — the Bellavista house-museum; the other two are Valparaíso and Isla Negra.
- Central Market & wine-tasting lunch — the iron-framed 1872 market; Chilean carménère with lunch.
- Valparaíso & Viña del Mar day trip — the hillside port’s murals, funiculars and the resort next door.
- Cajón del Maipo canyon day — the Andes gorge and hot springs east of the city.
Flying in, Comodoro Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport (SCL) serves the city — attraction districts sit 30–60 minutes away at typical city speeds.
Compare Santiago activity providers
- Klook — Santiago activities — the widest catalogue, instant QR tickets, strong on transport passes and day trips.
- KKday — Santiago experiences — local-led formats and small-group tours.
- Tiqets — museums and landmarks with instant mobile entry.
Frequently asked questions
What is the number one thing to do in Santiago?
Cerro San Cristóbal funicular — the hilltop Virgin and the Andes-framed skyline. Start there, then build the itinerary around it.
Do I need to book Santiago attractions in advance?
The headline attractions reward advance booking — timed-entry systems and quota tickets mean walk-up availability is worst exactly when you want to visit. Everything on this page links to providers showing live availability.
How many days do you need in Santiago?
Three to four days covers the shortlist above at a humane pace for a first visit; add days for the day-trip formats rather than compressing the city itself.
Is a city pass worth it in Santiago?
Run the arithmetic honestly: a pass wins when you would genuinely visit three-plus ticketed attractions in its window. Our provider links show pass options side by side with single tickets — compare before committing.